Unpack Your Bags

I'm getting a kick out of how long mother nature is torturing us with winter weather this spring.

Monday, March 17, 2014: Chance of snow, 30% 80%.

I enjoy cold weather and all the fine accompaniments of the season. Low temps and snow (I love it, so I've been pretty happy this winter you might say), hot steaming beverages, frosty mornings, heavy blankets, holidays.

But I always look forward to spring. Next to daylight savings time, it's my favorite reprieve after an especially cold and snowy winter like we've had.

Then, in late spring, I can't wait for the most beautiful tree in Virginia to bloom - the spectacular flowering dogwood in pinks and white.

So…spring…please unpack your bags and move in, permanently!

Quiet

Interesting things on a quiet morning walk.

Gas 28 Cents a Gallon

Don't we wish!

When I got my full frame camera I knew right away I wanted to try out the Lensbaby Composer on it.  A recent visit to a garage filled with antique vehicles was the perfect time to attach that funky little lens and have a go at it.

The garage was really dark, but had windows high towards the ceiling that let bright light settle along the tops and hoods of the vehicles. The Lensbaby caught that little bit of light and bent every gleam into fascinating fuzzy streaks and orbs, leaving only a tiny bit of the image in focus.

The lens is magic. Opening an image shot with this lens is a little like opening a surprise gift from a tasteful friend - I have no idea what's going to be inside that wrapped package but I know it's going to be unexpected and unique. When I do finally see the image I stare wide-eyed in appreciation of what that lens is capable of.

Not saying I'm an ace at using the Lensbaby because I'm still learning. But I do appreciate the creativity that's achievable with it. It's just plain fun.

I used the f4 aperture ring because that's what was in the lens previously when I shot with my D300. I felt f4 worked better with the cropped frame. But I think with the full frame of the D700 I'd like to try the f2 ring next time. Soon.