Armed and Dangerous

- Making an exception today and posting a photo that I didn't take. This picture was captured by my brother-in-law Larry Garrett of my grandson Robert in the hot tub today. We were having a Father's Day water gun battle between my son Brian, Robert and I when Robert decided to turn the gun on photographer Uncle "Warry". Larry is pretty darn good with a camera and is responsible for getting me back into photography and onto to shooting digital when he gave me his used Canon Digital Rebel in 2006. I hope you agree that this is a pretty fabulous picture. It is tack sharp, has great action and expression, perfect light and composition, and cool depth of field. Canon 7D, 1/320 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 640, 115mm focal length on a 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom.

Crazy Sprinkler

- The crazy sprinkler creates a twisting and ever changing spray of water and mist. It's a kid's delight, that I can testify to from first hand experience. Canon 7D, 1/800 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400, zoom at 200mm focal length.

New Pez!

- As regular followers of my blog know, I collect PEZ dispensers. Since I have several hundred it is a rare treat to get a new one, especially when its a gift. My grandson Robert brought me this new style Disney Dalmatian dispenser last week. So this picture and blog post is a big thank to Robert for expanding grandpa's wall of PEZ. He and I have a good arrangement, I get the PEZ dispensers he gets the PEZ candy.

This photo is a good example of shallow depth of field and bokeh. You will notice that his nose and right eye are in sharp focus at f/4.0 but the left eye which is just a few millimeters farther away is beginning to fall out of the shallow field of sharp focus. The background is completely out of focus with the soft highlights known as bokeh. Canon 40D, 1/50 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens, room light.

Get to the Point

The classic wooden pencil and the old school house mechanical pencil sharpener get to point while carrying a modern day marketing message. I know, shameless self promotion of the company I work for; well somebody's got to do it. Canon 40D, 1/160 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 100mm macro lens. This picture certainly shows the use of shallow depth of field.

Take Time . . .

- to smell the flowers. One of life's best lessons was reinforced to me today by our new kitten Sherlock. Watching him investigate and explore melts my stress away. Everything is just so interesting again and thanks to Susan for the great cut flowers! Canon 40D, 1/640 sec @ f/2.0, ISO 1600, 50mm prime lens.

Daisy, Daisy

From 2010 Blog

Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer, do,
I'm half crazy all for the love of you.
It won't be a stylish marriage -
I can't afford a carriage,
But you'd look sweet upon the seat
Of a bicycle built for two.

From the chorus of "Daisy Bell" composed by Harry Dacre in 1892.
Canon G11, 1/200 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400 in macro mode.

259 - Knock Out!

From 365 Project

This is a rosebud on a red Knock Out® rose. Introduced just 10 years ago these hybrid rose bushes are seen everywhere. Disease and drought resistant and loaded with blooms they have become a favorite of both commercial landscapers and home gardeners. The bright fire engine red of this bud caught my eye. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/2.5, ISO 100, 50mm compact macro lens.