Parcel Post

- I like getting snail mail. There's something about the letter carrier bringing a package to your door that began its journey halfway around the world. The Internet has certainly helped make the world smaller and even facilitated the transaction that brought these cool stamps from Hong Kong to my house. Look closely at these stamps with their beautiful artwork and I really like the dots that surround the denomination amounts on bottom row of stamps. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 100mm macro.

Forsythia

- Time for another early sign of Spring from a walk around the neighborhood. The Forsythia is a shrub that blooms out in early spring with yellow flowers which soon become the green leave. The long flowing branches of bright yellow are a beacon for Spring. This bud has yet to open and the last few days have seen a return to winter-like temperatures. Canon 40D, 1/200 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 100mm macro LED Litepanel.

Night Landing

- Had an a unique opportunity tonight to photograph U.S. Navy F18 fighter jets practicing night carrier landings at Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Fentress in Chesapeake Virginia. While the pictures of streaking jets at night are cool, it was the experience that was amazing. Standing just yards away you could really feel the power of these jets. The roar of the engines, rushing air, and the smell of jet fuel and burnt rubber from the landing gear making contact with the runway can never be captured by a still photograph. Thanks to Matt for taking me out there and to Amber for hooking me up with Matt. I'm still pumped. Canon 7D, 4 seconds @ f/2.8, ISO 1600, 50mm focal length mounted on a tripod. Check out a few more pictures on my Picasa web album.

Night Crocus

- Yesterday I posted a picture of these violet crocuses opened up late in the day. I went back tonight to capture this image of these early spring beauties all closed up for night. I think they are pretty special in both the daylight and at night. Canon 40D, 1 sec @ f/11, ISO 200, mounted on a tripod with two LED Litepanels for illumination.

Winter Walk Off

- I accepted a challenge from Les and his A Tidewater Gardner blog to walk around the neighborhood and photograph the signs that winter is almost over. Besides the fact that today's high temperature was 78ºF (26ºC), I didn't have to go far to find a beautiful sign of the season. These violet crocuses are in my next door neighbor's yard. She has dozens of them and every year they are one of the first signs that spring will soon be here. Check out Les's blog and accept the challenge. He has prizes! Canon 40D, 1/200 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 100mm macro lens, handheld LED light for illumination.

The Red Carpet

- Walked the "red carpet" tonight at an Oscar party as my cousin's house in Norfolk. It was great to see everyone dressed up like a star. Canon G11, 1/6 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Slinky Colors

- A rainbow plastic Slinky illuminated from behind. Canon 40D, 1250 sec @ f/40.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro.