B&W Wildlife

- Just finished reading an article on making black and white images of wildlife. I took this picture of the West African Crowned cranes at the Virginia Zoo. I know - not exactly "wild". These birds are so photogenic. Canon 40D, 1/325 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens fully extended at 400mm on a monopod. Converted to black and white using Lightroom 3 with the Silver Efex Pro 2 plug-in.

Crepe Myrtle

- Crepe myrtle trees line countless streets in the City of Norfolk. They kindle found memories of my childhood visits back to Norfolk each August to see my grandparents. Even today as you fly into the Norfolk airport, the streets appear as double pink and red lines from the sky. The crepe mytles were one of Fred Heutte's many contributions to the beautification of Norfolk beginning during the depression and continuing for four decades as superintendent of Norfolk Parks. Canon 40D, 1/13 sec @ f/16, ISO 400, 100mm macro, mounted on a tripod, LED Litepanel.

Young Minds

- Young minds are easily influenced so one must carefully consider what you expose them to so they grow up right. I wish I had been exposed to such a fine German automobile when I was this age, maybe then it wouldn't have taken me almost 57 years to get one. I'm giving my grandson the chance to appreciate and understand the values of being a true car aficionado at an early age. As first he couldn't understand why grandpa would buy a car without a top, after one ride - he totally gets it. Canon 1/20 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Einser

- Got a new "used" car today - a BMW 135i convertible. The new Bimmer is great fun to drive and the trademark orange instrument panel shows its built for speed. I'm sure it's Black Sapphire Metallic exterior will soon be a featured photo on this blog. Canon G11, 1/3 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800 in macro mode.

Abstract

- Sometimes when looking through the viewfinder or at the LCD screen on a camera you see something unexpected. What to do, why press the shutter of course. Droid X using Vignette for Android.

James River Twilight

- Twilight over the James River from the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry. The image is a little soft beacuse of the long exposure and vibrations from the ferry's engines. Canon G11, 15 secs @ f/8.0, ISO 100,

What a Day!

- Today was the first day of service for HRT's the Tide, Norfolk's light rail system. After almost four years of effort and controversy people finally got to ride. We planned for a big turn out, but were blown away by the crowds. The planned peak service of six trains all day gave way to adding two more trains to get to a total of eight by early evening. Lines at stations, standing and "crush" loads on every trip, can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Free service has been extended through next Sunday August 28th, come join me for a ride on the Tide. Canon G11, 1/100 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400.