Emu Watching You

- Shelia the emu at the Virginia Zoo was real interested in our visit with the kangaroos yesterday. She followed us around the whole time and keep a close eye on all of the activity. I think she was really interested in my camera. They are know for their keen eyesight and hearing and for their curiosity. Canon 7D, 1/1600 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 200, 200mm focal length.

Roo is Cool

After a little hesitation my grandson Robert got into to feeding the kangaroos at the Virginia Zoo today. This is Beans who took a liking to Robert and his peanuts. Canon 7D, 1/2500 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 200, zoom at 123mm.

Model Railroader

Today we took my grandson shopping for his birthday at one of his favorite stores, Chuckatuck Collectibles in Suffolk, Virginia. He spent a lot of time operating the accessories on the Lionel train layout. Here he is intently watching the coal loader do its thing. Canon 40D, 1/25 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 50mm prime lens.

Zombie Night!

Tonight was the Survive Norfolk Zombie Tag Game in the Ghent neighborhood. It was a social networking viral marketing sensation featured in USA Today and on the front page of the Virginian-Pilot, above the fold! I didn't make it down to take pictures tonight so I thought I'd share a picture from a zombie encounter I had last year at Zoo Boo at the Virginia Zoo. Canon 7D, 1/60 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 1600.

Dare to Stand Out!

- The Ledge is the latest Chicago attraction. Four all glass skyboxes extend out from 103 floor of the Willis Tower, formerly named the Sears Tower into the Chicago sky. You can walk out onto the ledge which is made up of three 1/2 inch glass panels laminated together leaving you standing 1,353 feet up from Wacker Drive directly below. You have to admit it is both scary and cool. This photo was taken from far below on the Chicago River. Canon 7D, 1/320 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Lions

- An image from today's Landscape Photography class at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. I learned about hyperfocal distance and its use in landscape photography. Canon 7D, 1/2 sec @ f/32.0, ISO 100, 100mm focal length.

Liquid Buildings

- The buildings reflected in this picture look almost liquid. From left to right, the Chicago Apparel Center, Riverbend Condos, and Left Bank at K Station all reflected in the great blue-green curve of glass that is the northwest wall of 333 Wacker Drive. The 333 building is one of my favorites in Chicago as it truly embraces the unique site where the Chicago River splits into its Northern and Southern Branches. Canon 7D, 1/100 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Long Shadow

This window cleaner casts a long shadow against the side of a Chicago skyscraper in the late morning sun. Canon 7D, 1/125 sec @ f/11.0, ISO 200, 200mm focal length.

Donald's Glow

- Two Chicago architectural landmarks, the London Guarantee Building, 360 North Michigan and the Mather Tower, 75 East Wacker are dappled in morning sunlight reflected by the new Trump Tower just across the river. The Beaux-Arts 360 North Michigan is topped with a small Greco-Roman temple, while the Neo-Gothic Mather Tower at only 65 feet wide is Chicago's thinest skyscraper. Canon 7D, 1/400 sec @ f/9.0, ISO 100, 28mm focal length.

Coyote Tower

The Northwest Tower, popularly known as the Coyote Building, is a 12-story art deco building in the Bucktown neighborhood in Chicago. It was completed 1929 and is considered the first art deco skyscraper in Chicago. In the 1980's it became home to the Tower Coyote Gallery, reportedly named because artists thought the building resembled a howling coyote. The picture was taken at the Damen stop on the Chicago 'L' Blue Line. Canon G11, 1/500 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Stuffed Pizza

Today we took the Near North Food Tour in Chicago. We visited the Gold Coast, Old Town and Lincoln Park neighborhoods and had a great time. This is Ariana our cultural tour guide from Chicago Food Planet dishing up a spinach and cheese stuffed pizza at out last stop, Bacino's Pizza on North Lincoln Ave. Check out more pictures from our great walking tour. Tomorrow, another food tour at Bucktown and Wicker Park - yum! Canon 7D, 1/60 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400, pop-up flash used for fill.

Favrile Glass

This is a close up of the Favrile glass tiles in the ceiling of the old Marshall Fields department store, now Macy's, on State Street in Chicago. The store opened in September 1907, and included a Tiffany Ceiling that is both the first and largest ceiling ever built in favrile glass, containing over 1.6 million pieces. Favrile glass is a type of iridescent art glass designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The color is ingrained in the glass itself with distinctive coloring. Favrile glass was used in Tiffany's stained-glass windows. Here's another picture showing the whole ceiling six stories up. Canon G11, 1/20 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 400.

Unity Skylight

We visited Frank Lloyd Wright's modern masterpiece the Unity Temple in Oak Park Illinois today. This is the view looking up at the Wright designed ceiling light screens. This is unlike any church I've ever seen and it was designed in 1905. It was simply awe inspiring. Canon G11, 1/1250 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400.

Arches

The arched and curved colonnade at the Ferguson Center on the campus of Christopher Newport University in Newport News Virginia. The center was designed by world renown architect I. M. Pei and his firm Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. Canon 40D, 1/2000 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 160.

Bored

- This is what happens when I arrive for conference session and it starts 20 minutes late, I end up taking strange pictures of hotel ballroom lighting fixtures. Canon G11, 1/125 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400.

202 Days

The 21 story, 500-room Hilton Palacio del Rio hotel was designed, completed and occupied in an unprecedented period of 202 working days. Built in 1968 for the Texas World's Exposition, HemisFair on San Antonio's River Walk, the modular construction techniques allowed the pre-built rooms to placed by crane in just 46 days. This view at night shows the River Walk, hotel to the left and lightsabers to right. Canon G11, 1 second @ f/4.5, ISO 200 on a tripod.

Oktoberfest

- The beautiful golden glow of the Schneider Wiesen Edel-Weisse, a certified organic wheat beer. G. Schneider & Sohn is a Bavarian brewery company founded in 1872 by Georg Schneider I and his son. The owners to this day are descendants of Georg Schneider I, and operate their brewing operations in Kelheim, Germany. Canon G11, 1/13 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 200 in macro mode.

Take ORF!

- I'm a bit of a sucker for architectural symmetry in photos so I just had to make this picture. The Norfolk International Airport, call letters ORF, has a long pedestrian bridge from the terminal building to baggage pickup and the parking decks. I've made the walk down these moving sidewalks time and time a again, so last week I decided to take a few minutes to photograph it. Our local airport is very nice and this walkway can be spectacular in the Spring when the azaleas are in bloom just outside. Canon G11, 1/10 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400.

Wary Eyes

- This juvenile yellow-crowned night heron was keeping a close eye on me as I was taking his picture along the River Walk in San Antonio. The immature birds still have the same coloring all over. They will gain the distinctive yellow crown and other head markings as they mature. Canon G11, 1/8 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 800.

Paseo del Rio

- San Antonio River Walk is quite beautiful and colorful. Originally envisioned as a flood control project following a disastrous 1921 flood, the project was a controversial design of San Antonio native and architect Robert Hugman. Work began in 1939 under the WPA and today it is the economic engine of historic downtown San Antonio. This is the Casa Rio restaurant's outdoor cafe. The Casa Rio opened in 1949 and was the Walk's first restaurant. Canon G11, 1/60 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 100.

Do you want to play . . .

- do you, do you? My new little buddy Sherlock always wants to play. Last Friday night I was building Legos with Robert when Sherlock brought his fuzzy red ball and wanted to play. He has totally forgotten that he's a cat. His older sister Sasha thinks he's shameless. Canon G11, 1/160 sec @ f./2.8, ISO 800, additional lighting from the Litepanel Micro LED.

Alamo

- I took this photo of the Alamo on may way to a 7:00 AM meeting this morning. I figured the early morning was my only chance to get a picture without the crowds and the night lighting made for a much more dramatic picture. In fact the battle actually took place in the early morning darkness contrary to many Hollywood film versions. The Alamo was pretty cool. I wouldn't suggest a trip to San Antonio just to see it, but if you're in the city it is certainly worth a visit. Canon G11, 1 second @ f/7.1, ISO 100.

Texas Sunrise

The sunrises over San Antonio Texas. The Grand Hyatt Hotel is on the right and the Marriott Convention Center Hotel on the left. Canon G11, 1/500 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Alamo Lightsabers

- If Davy Crockett and the gang had a few of these lightsabers maybe they could have turned the tide on ol' Santa Anna. These were for sale along San Antonio's Riverwalk tonight and it looked like he was doing a brisk business from the number of kids I saw practicing their Jedi maneuvers. Canon G11, 1 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 200, table top tripod and two second delay timer.

Lego Stock

- Made another investment in Legos tonight. My grandson and I had a great time building these construction vehicles. After raising two sons, and now with a grandson my net worth can be measured in bins of Legos. Canon G11, 1/13 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, additional light from the Litepanel Micro LED.

Basket Case

- We came home the other day and couldn't find our new kitten Sherlock anywhere. After searching the whole house and calling his name, we finally spotted him in asleep in this basket on the top of our barrister bookcase. Don't you just love those eyes? He had a rough day today so I thought I'd feature him on the blog to boost his spirits. Canon G11, 1/30 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 800.

Flamenco in Sand

- Another nighttime sand sculpture picture from last weekend's Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This one is entitled Flamenco by Thomas Koet and Jill Harris. Check out some other great daytime pictures of the sand masterpieces at Les's blog The Tidewater Gardener. Canon G11, 1/10 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 800.

New Wheels

- "How do you like my new wheels?" It's not very often you get to see an old brick house up on wheels ready for a move. This house in the Kempsville section of Virginia Beach, Virginia is being moved because of a road widening project. Ironically it is old but not really old like the dozen or so other colonial era homes that were located nearby and lost to development over the past 50 years. In the early 20th Century, Kempsville was sometimes compared to Williamsburg. Like Williamsburg it had numerous colonial buildings that time had passed by. Unfortunately it had no John D. Rockefeller, Jr. to save it. Canon G11, 1/320 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Builder Bob?

- No it's not Bob the Builder, it my grandson Robert doing some serious reconstruction last week at Sandbridge Beach. Canon 7D, 1/1600 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, zoom at 135mm focal length.

Face in the Sand

- A face in the sand at the North American Sandsculpting Championship in Virginia Beach, Virginia USA. Check out some more photos of the amazing sand sculptures at night. Canon G11. 1/13 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 800, handheld thanks to the miracle of image stabilization.

Night Castles

- The North American Sandsculpting Championship was heald this week at Virginia Beach's 2010 Neptune Festival. For the first time the sand castles were lit at night. The night lighting produced a great new way to take pictures of these creations which are part of the Master's Division. Canon G11, 1/40 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 800.

Bachelor Button

- Gomphrena globosa, commonly known as Globe Amaranth or Bachelor Button, is an annual plant that grows up to 24 inches in height. This cultivar is white but the most familiar variety is the true species with magenta bracts. Canon 7D, 1/50 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 400, 100mm macro.

Monarch

The monarch reigns supreme at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens Butterfly House. This Saturday morning is the annual Monarch tagging and release by the Butterfly Society of Virginia. Canon 7D, 1/400 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro.

Zebra Swallowtail

- A beautiful Zebra Swallowtail photographed at the Butterfly House in Norfolk's Botanical Gardens. Canon 7D, 1/250 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 400, 100mm macro.

A First

- This is a first for my daily photo blog - a picture I didn't take! After 630 straight days of posting my pictures, I took the day off - well kind of. You see today was my birthday and we went to Sandbridge Beach in the late afternoon with my grandson Robert. I did take a bunch of pictures but then I asked a young lady sitting next to us on the beach if she would mind taking a picture of the three of us. She was a bit intimidated by the Canon 7D and confessed she didn't take very good pictures. I told her not to worry, just point and shoot. She took four pictures while we were trying to convince Robert to look up at the pretty girl when a big wave hit us from behind. Lucky for me, she got the money shot. We were pretty soaked but it was great fun as you can tell from this picture. Canon 7D (The Intimidator), 1/1000 sec at f/10.0, ISO 400, 45mm focal length.

My Buddy

- We went to have dinner at Brian and Kristal's yesterday and I got to spend some time with my grandson Robert. While it was a disappointing day for us Redskin fans, seeing him in his Chris Cooley jersey and hearing his "go Skins" cheer made the day a winner. BTW - the tangerine chicken from the Bobby Flay Grilling book was outstanding. Canon 7D, 1/250 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 800, 190mm focal length.

Blue Diamond

- The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team flew right over me in their classic diamond formation. They were performing as a part of the 2010 NAS Oceana Air Show in Virginia Beach, Virginia this weekend. Canon 7D, 1/2000 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 200mm focal length.

Jackson

- Andrew Jackson, 17th President of the United States, was one of the country's more colorful presidents. He took the oath of office in 1829 with a saber slash scar on his forehead and two bullets embedded in his body. One bullet lodged near his heart and came from a duel with Charles Dickinson whom Jackson killed in the duel. This picture was taken at President's Park near Williamsburg Virginia. The park is a collection of giant 18 foot tall busts of the first 43 presidents. The park is reported to be closing at the end of the month so we paid a visit today. It was pretty surreal. Canon 7D, 1/1600 sec @ f/4.p0, ISO 100, 80mm focal length, converted to Black & with with Silver Efex Pro.

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.

Town Hall

The historic Town Hall Theater on West 43rd Street in New York City was a great venue for Joe Bonamassa's Black Rock Tour last April. I can't wait to see Joe play his blues again at the Sandler Theater in Virginia Beach on November 19th. Canon 7D, 1/250 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 400.

The Big Button

The Big Button marks the the location of the Fashion Center Information Kiosk at the corner of 7th Avenue and 39th Street in New York City. The Fashion District also known as the Garment District, has a long and colorful history and has jumped into the mainstream media spotlight with the popular "Project Runway" reality show. Canon G11, 1/60 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Feline Gmail

- My cat Sasha checking her gmail. Canon 7D, 1/320 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400, 100mm focal length.

Renaissance Court

- Renaissance Court at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens is magnificent in its design and beauty. Its classic design was inspired by the Italian Renaissance of the late 16th century. Canon 7D, 1/1000 sec @ f/8.0. ISO 400, 100mm focal length. Converted to Black & White using Silver Efex Pro.

Light Rain

- We had nice light rain all day today and we needed it. The knockout roses seem to really enjoy it. Canon 7D, 1/13 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 1600, 100mm macro, micro Litepanel.

How's This Man?

- One of the meerkat trio who make their home at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. They can almost always be counted on to strike a pose for the camera. Canon 40D, 1/125 sec @ f/11.0, ISO 400, 200mm focal length.

Laser Bubbles

- I was feeling experimental tonight, so this photograph was made using a green laser pointer illuminating a roll of bubble wrap. I got a lot of cool pictures using the laser and wrap, just hope I didn't burn too many holes in my retinas from the random reflections. The green laser pointer was once a sign of true geekness, but they are getting pretty commonplace today. So it might be time to upgrade to a blue or yellow laser to maintain one's status in the world of geeks. Canon G11, 1/15 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Piano Man

- Neil Giraldo on the piano at the American Music Festival in Virginia Beach last Sunday. Canon Rebel XTi, 1/200 sec @ f/2.0, ISO 800, 85mm focal length.

Welcome Garden

- Looking towards the Welcome Garden from behind the fountain in the Sarah Lee Baker Perennial Garden. This area of Norfolk's Botanical Gardens is absolutely spectacular in the early morning light. This picture was made intentionally with a slower shutter speed so the water would appear as stream rather than mid-air frozen droplets. The small aperture at f/32 creates a long depth of field bring both the fountain in the foreground and the gladiolus in the background into focus. Canon 7D, 1/50 sec @ f/32, ISO 400.

Heartbreaker

Neil Giraldo and Pat Benatar rock out on "Heartbreaker" during the encore of their show in Virginia Beach this past Sunday night. Canon Rebel XTi, 1/250 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 85mm lens.