Testing on 200-400mm lens.

 Man of the house.

 I'm wondering what time the Zoo going to close today?

Do you have better thing to do?

These are from the Fort Worth Zoo today.  The only different from these pictures to the last post, is that I change the color mode to Vivid, and the focus system to 3D tracking. 

Camouflage or, hiding in plain site

Still reaching into the old photos for soemthing to post. I came across this one that I took in March of this year while taking a short hike with a photographer who cameto the mountains for a visit.

This was also shot with the Sigma 150-500mm and as usual, hand held. :~)

The Wave.

I'm not sure I have post these photos before or not!  If you have a question about the 2nd. picture, here are the setting on the camera.  ISO 1600, shutter- Buld about 5-7 min.  This is a multiple exposures, first shot the rocks with 9 SB800's, and shoot the sky on Buld shutter speed.  Then merged them together in CS5.  There's a trick to shoot this long exposure on one frame, but I haven't been taught yet!

I've got my eye on you...

I took this shot with the Sigma 10-20mm wide angle one day. Just kidding!! I've accidentally been that close to one of these guys before but never on purpose!

This was shot with the Sigma 150-500mm at 500mm. It has a little cropping to it but just to take some of the empty space on the right hand side out of the shot.

Normal for Canada...

Just not normal for this time of year thankfully! This was my morning commute to work February 28th this year...

Currently we are enjoying a nice "Indian Summer", temp got up to 86° F. this afternoon.

Sorry for not posting much of anything lately, I am so buried in work and haven't had a chance to get out and do any shooting... But I'm not complaining, going to make hay while the sun shines!

CENTENNIAL LONGHORN STEER

The State of Oklahoma celebrated it's 100th Birthday November 16th, 2007. In honor of this occasion cities all over the State chose different themes and projects to participate in the milestone event.

One project that the citizens of Yukon undertook was the Centennial Longhorns. Funds for the purchase of these sculptures came from donations and fundraisers. The Longhorn was a natural choice for us. The Chisholm Trail over which these animals were driven from Texas to Kansas came right thru our town!

This one presented by the Yukon Historical Society sits on Main Street at the Railroad Tracks.

My first photo in the series of 'Centennial Longhorns'.

It's cold outside

I thought I was going to have to put on my fur coat this morning, it was down to 46 last night!

I took this photo last February at the wildlife refuge. This was in my front yard and I was using one of Q's old tricks, throw them food! The deer in the far back is getting ready to woop up on somebody to get her share.

Me, and my Baby!

Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 ED VR.

ISO 400, f/8, and 1/250.    

Well, my birthday going to be in few days, and I know my lovely wife don't mind for me to add more lenses to my collections. Therefore, I want to take advantage of the special sales in this Holiday weekend.  I thought I'm going to come home with one item only, but somehow I found few more lenses in the bag.  I know she loves anyway, so she won't ask me what's in it.  LOL.

Today the outside temp. is in the 80's, and I just want to try out my new toys.  So, I went to the park near by my house this evening to test out my new 200-400mm lens.  The bird in the top picture were standing about 50 yds. away from the camera, and shooting at 400mm zoom.

The bottom picture have been cropped about 60% from the top picture.  Also, I have set the camera setting to original manufacturing default setting.  This is a original picture came from the camera, and no PS editing.  For the result, I like the fast focusing, and the sharpness.  So, what do you think about this lens?

By the way, the weight on this lens is around 7.4 lb, plus the camera= 12 lb.  Yes, Ron no handheld allowed.  LOL.

Please standby for more testing on Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, and 80-200mm f/2.8.

B&W on long shutter speed.

Lens is back!

Got the Sigma 120-400 back from warranty repairs in less than a month this time! Which really surprised me, last time it took 2 months to the day.

Last time they replaced the focus motor and this time they replaced the main sensor unit in the lens... It might be my imagination but I think it operates much better now than when it was new. Time will tell.

Took both pictures with the Sigma. The top photo is from my balcony looking across the street yesterday evening and the bottom photo is from this afternoon.

Sushi!

I just made this one about 15 min. ago. You all are invited.

Pretty cool stuff!

I finally got a chance to watch the youtube video that Q gave us the link to about colorizing one spot in a black and white photo in Nikon Capture NX2. I was amazed at how simple and fast it was, just a matter of seconds and poof, you've got color where you want it an only where you want it. Easy Peazy!!

This is Cheryl sitting in the keiki (kids) pool at the Hyatt Regency on Maui. We finally rebooked our trip and are set to go this coming January for ten days. Just 135 days and I will be in paradise wondering; should I leave the bar to go take photos or just sit and watch the bikinis? LOL

CLIMBER'S

Something about trees and tree stumps that kids can't resist.

This is my last picture in this series, ART IN THE PARK. The only thing I didn't post were the Buffalo sculptures. In my view they didn't even resemble Bison and they were poorly placed in their setting.

This has been an enjoyable project and I feel that I have learned a little more about photography and processing my pics.

So, now that I have got all the kids finally up the tree, my next series will be "CENTENNIAL LONGHORNS".

EARLY BIRTHDAY PRESENT

LEAN MEAN MOWING MACHINE

OK! How many Gals do you know that asks for a New Mower for their Birthday!

Well I have one! Saturday we picked up the Wife's new mower. A 19 inch mower deck to go along with the 22 inch one bought two years ago. Electric start and rear wheel driven. One point adjustment for the blade height. This puppies got it all. Smaller in size for a better turning radius to get around the flower beds and trees, and alot easier to handle when making your lines straight! (Her Words).

Years ago, and I will not say how many, She decided that the mowing duties and the flower beds belonged to Her. I was informed that I could not mow a straight line and the difference between a weed and a flower was unknown to me! I could trim the trees and keep the equipment in good order but that was it. Man, Was My Feelins Hurt!!!

So to help my bruised ego I decided that the best mowers, trimmers, edgers, weedeaters, digging tools, and what ever those other strange tools were, She would have.

To make a long story a little shorter. While she is getting that new machine dusty and dirty, which I will have to clean up, think I will just give the Pickup a bath. Josey Bell said she will help!

TRUE STORY!

READING PRACTICE

B is for BEAR!

The new school year just started last week. Seems as though these kids are doing their homework while sitting in the park. The page before the one she is pointing at read "A is for Auto". Makes a good Trivia Question.

From the files

When we moved back to Kansas this summer I was under the impression I would have more time to spend taking photos but for some reason it hasn't worked out that way.

I've had to dig into the archives and come up with something to post. I'd like to say there isn't anything intersting in Kansas to take photos of as my excuse but I just haven't had the time to get out. It sucks having to work for a living! I think I need to come up with some different lottery numbers! LOL

SECRET BAIT

What better way for a Boy to spend his Saturday morning

than fishing at Mulvey's Pond!

Just last night PaPa and me took the electric rod and battery down to the orchard where we coaxed a cupfull of those big ol nightcrawlers out of the ground. PaPa learned this trick when He was my age living in Montana. My great GranPa taught him.

Grasshoppers and the stinkbait work pretty good and so do the little worms. But when your going for the biggest catfish in the pond only me and papa's secret bait will do! Shoot! That big ol catfish ain't got a prayer of a chance!

MORNING FEEDING

Here we have Robby feeding Her bottle calf . Oklahoma skies are beautiful this morning with the clouds almost starting to make Mares Tails.

After three feeds last night Robby was up at daylight! Her little Bull Calf was already bawling for breakfast. Dressed and out the door she was up to the task. This is Her responsibility. You can have him,Papa said, but you have to take care of him!

Setting on the fence and dreaming of all the Blue Ribbons that this boy would win at the County Fair this year made this chore easy. After all every girl doesn't get a to have Her own calf! And this sure ain't work!

Note;

This is my own story. I never knew Robby but wish I had. Any child that takes on the responsibility of an orphaned calf and completes the job of raising one has character! Robby has a story, and if I ever run into the Newkirk family, an invite will be given to post their account of Her in the Comment section of Shutterbugs!

Reflection!

TAG YOU'RE IT !

These kids seem to be playing a game of tag or starting a race to the pond.

From here it's a downhill run.

What do you guys think about this processed pic? I don't know if I like it or not. All thru this series I have found getting the correct light settings on sculptures has been a challange. Most of the shots have to be overexposed to get the definition I'm looking for. I realize this shot has back lighting and using the flash did not produce an exceptable image, so I just processed the pic while going with the underexposed shot.

PARK SCULPTURES

North or Vandement Entrance

In my last post, in the comment section, Paul inquired as to where the sculptures were located that I have been photographing. As all picture takers say, I just happen to have a picture to answer your question with!

Chisholm Trail Park is our largest park, connecting to Freedom Trail Playground, the Community Center, Ball Diamonds, Tennis Courts, Swimming Pool, more picnic areas and other various activities. Meandering, paved walking trails wander all thru this large acreage. Placed at various points throughout the park is where the sculptures are to be found. I believe they are a nice addition along with being an asset to our park system. Along with the well manicured grounds, wonderful ponds and lighted fountains, this is a most pleasant place to take one's daily walks.

Wonder where the Cowboy that belongs to these Boots is?

I always heard they 'Die with their Boots on'

This is a view from the hill looking South. You can see some of the paved walking trails and a few of the ponds with fountains. In the left lower corner just beyond the trail and park bench is 'Robbie'. Her post is coming.

Just beyond the trees in the background is the Community Center with all the other facilities mentioned earlier in this post. Also the small lake created by the dammed springs which was an early day watering hole along the Chisholm Trail for the men and Longhorns alike on their way to the railheads in Kansas is located there. Some of the yet to be shown sculptures are located in this area.

So, this is the area where the sculptures reside. We also have the 'Centennial Longhorns' which are scattered about town..............But these will be for another series!

SPANISH MUSTANG

Ears pointed forward, still alert for danger. Nostrils flared large and mouth wide open, gasping for all the air He can bring into his lungs . This Lead Stallion has just led His herd of wild ponies on an all out run away from a threat. Covered with sweat and veins still bulging from a swiftly beating heart, He has finally arrived to safety and a cool drink at the Springs here at Chisholm Trail Park in Yukon, Oklahoma.

Indian Pony, Mustang, Spanish Colonial Horse, American Indian Horse.

These are just a few names given to these once Wild and Free Spirits of the Plains. And yes, they at one time did wander this very land and plains that I call Home. The Springs now have a Dam which makes a very nice pond for the Townsfolk to stroll around, but I suspect hardly any give a thought to the Mustangs, or God Dog as the Indians first called the ponies, watering here.