fstopandsee

A friend asked me to check out his 8-16mm lens and see what I could do with it, claiming I was some type of “wide-angle expert.” I decided to try shooting Sacramento’s Tower Bridge. In a perfect world, there would be a safe place in the middle to stand, but there is not, so I settled for the sidewalk. I learned a couple things. First, 8mm versus 10mm isn’t as much of a difference as I thought. Second, I shouldn’t be so lazy and need to bring my tripod next time.

In addition to experimenting with 8mm, I took the opportunity to try out DNG files. I’m not sure I’m sold on the benefits yet, but the space saving is going to come in handy pretty soon!

If you have been nice or even if you have been a little bit naughty, I wish you all the best in the New Year!

I was in the backyard taking photos of the very last rose left at the end of summer. I thought the photos would be OK but typical. I was so intent on keeping the shot in focus I didn’t realize I wasn’t the only one enjoying that very flower!

I saw a massive moon rising over the highway on my way home recently. Of course, I didn’t have my camera with me. By the time I got back to this spot, the moon had risen further and become smaller in the sky. The sun continued to set behind me, so the sky did become more colorful. Overall I like the lights of the traffic, the sky, and of course the way the moon turned out!

A beautiful purple orchid, as seen at the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco.

Normally the weather in Northern California this time of year is quite boring for photography. Sunshine, warm days and zero clouds. This year has not been normal. I took advantage of the crazy weather and shot these trees. The lighting was constantly changing and the shadows in the trees and on the ground were all over the place from the shifting clouds above.

You got it, they’ll buy it. At least they would have, when the pawn’ing business was good.

A pleasant row of tulips, leading to, well, a not so pleasant house. That old house must have a story all its own.

I’m a big fan of the sycamore. So much so that I’ve planted a few around my home. What I was not expecting to see this morning was this contrast of a small, new, yellow leaf among the larger deep green leaves. The combination together did make for quite the contrast!

I got this shot on the ferry ride back from Cozumel after a day of diving. Sure, I took some OK shots underwater, but this one is my favorite. Seeing the sun bursting through the clouds with the ships on the horizon was a great way to end the day.