400!

From Snow Day

Today's blog post is my 400th since starting on January 1, 2009. I can't believe how this has become part of my daily routine. Thanks to all of my faithful followers and commentators for helping me achieve another milestone. This photo comes from the recent snow fall. A lone gumball sits in the snow at the edge of the street. Hundreds more hang 20 feet overhead. The gumball tree is native to the American south and is officially called the American Sweetgum. Canon 40D, 1/400 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 100.

Split Rail

From Snow Day

This split rail fence casts a clear shadow in yesterday's white snow. Every time I see a split rail fence I think about Abraham Lincoln the world's most famous "rail-splitter". Canon 40D, 1/1600 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 100, 70mm focal length, converted to black and white.

Virginia Beach Snowman

From Snow Day

My neighbor Bob made this snowman first thing this morning. I thought it represented Virginia Beach's style quite well. I took a walk around the block this afternoon with the cameras. Some of my snow pics are linked to this Picasa web album. Check 'em out. Canon 40D, 1/800 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 100.

Snow!

From 2010 Blog

Yes it did snow today about 6 to 8 inches at our house. This picture was taken this morning while it was still snowing. Last Thursday night I told my grandson Robert that it wasn't going to snow and he adamantly disagreed. First thing this morning the phone rang and I heard his voice say "I told you so." Canon G10, 1/400 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400, +1 exposure compensation.

From 2010 Blog

I know this is a photo a day blog but I have another picture to share with you. It's a twofer. This afternoon the backyard feeders were jammed with activity. I had four pairs of cardinals, dozens of goldfinches, a pair of blue jays, a few chickadees and house sparrows, and a lone squirrel. This male cardinal was patiently awaiting his turn at the crowded feeder. Canon 7D, 1/50 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 400mm focal length.

Snow?

From 2010 Blog

Since they are calling for snow tonight, I thought it appropriate to post a picture from December 26, 2004 - the last significant snow fall in Virginia Beach. Yes that's right, 5 years since we have had a major snow storm in coastal Virginia. Oh we've had a few dustings and a few more threats for all of which schools were closed! They are calling for 4 to 8 inches tonight, so let's all keep our fingers crossed for more snow pics tomorrow. Pentax Optio S4 point and shoot, 1/8 sec @ f/2.6, ISO 100, 35mm equivalent focal length.

Restricted Lane

From 2010 Blog

Restricted Lane - Open to All. The is one of the HOV-2 lane gates on Interstate 64 in Norfolk Virginia. As you can see the restricted lane was open to all traffic which it the case most of time here in southeastern Virginia. The HOV-2 restrictions are in effect for just two hours each weekday morning and afternoon. Canon 7D, 1/500 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200, 50mm prime lens.

Powerful Sunset

From 2010 Blog

This sunset was changing by the second. The bright oranges were gone completely with in minutes of taking this shot. One problem with taking sky photos in an urban setting are the power lines and poles, so I tried to make this silhouette of the power pole a part of the composition rather than miss the shot. Canon 7D, 1/1250 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400, 50mm prime lens.