197 - 7-5-7

From 365 Project

7-5-7 is our area code here in Southeastern Virginia. As area codes go, it's a pretty good one. Much better than our old area code of 804 which Central Virginia (the "old" money) got to keep and even better than the less original 703 which once covered all of Virginia and is now relegated to Northern Virginia (the "new" money). The picture was taken at Fire & Vine in Virginia Beach. The wine is a 2007 Tait "The Ball Buster" Shiraz-Cabernet-Merlot from the Barossa Valley. Of course with a name like "The Ball Buster" you know the wine is Aussie. BTW - It was excellent! Canon G10, 1/4 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400, in macro mode.

196 - Sunroof

From 365 Project

While driving home from work today I was sitting at a stoplight when I happened to glance up through the sunroof. The low afternoon sun was breaking through this tree and casting an interesting color aura. Lucky for me, the camera was right there on the passenger seat, got off three frames before the light turned green. The picture I planned for today will have to wait for another day. Canon 40D, 1/125 sec @ f/14.0, ISO 100, 55mm focal length.

195 - Funkia

From 365 Project

Funkia is the rejected generic name for the plant we call Hosta today. I like Funkia better or even the Japanese name Giboshi, but alas we have Hosta to honor Austrian botanist and personal physician of Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, Nicholas Thomas Host. Whatever you call them, they are popular shade garden plants. This leaf was back lit with an off-camera flash which highlights the elegant curving vein structure. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/16.0, ISO 200, 50mm macro lens.

194 - Katydid - it

From 365 Project

This Katydid nymph was caught in the act of munching on one of my last Jersey Spider daylily blooms. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/22.0, ISO 400, 70mm macro, off-camera flash at 1/32 power.

193 - Stargazer

From 365 Project

We always loved the Stargazer lilies that came in the cut flower arrangements. So last year I ordered four plants, and now we have 16 beautiful blooms in our backyard garden. This photo was taken in the evening after a rain with back-lighting provided my Micro Litepanel. Canon G10, 1/30 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400, in macro mode.

192 - Pinstripe Suit

From 365 Project

Got a new pinstripe suit today. The pinstripe suit is always appropriate executive attire. This suit is for my trusty sharpie marker. Sherpa is making stylish skins for the ever popular sharpie permanent markers. Now your sharpie can head to the boardroom or just be super cool. Today I visited one of my favorite local stores and Internet pen retailer A Pen Lovers Paradise. Check them out and get a cool skin for your sharpie. Canon 40D, 6 secs @ f/8.0, 85mm with Canon macro life-size adapter and a tripod.

191 - Chess Anyone?

From 365 Project

This glass chess set is lit by three tea light candles. I am reading "Macro Photography Photo Workshop" by Haje Jan Kamps and he suggested practicing macro photography with candlelight. He features a similar photo in the book. I took numerous shots, moving the candles around, changing the aperture slightly, and adjusting the exposure compensation to remove blown highlights. I liked this shot the best. Canon 40D, 1/8 sec @f/2.8, ISO 100, 85mm prime lens with Canon life size adapter. I used a tripod and shutter release cord.