High Contrast Sconce

- All photography is technically the capture of light. I often photograph light fixtures and the shadows and shapes they produce. This high contrast black and white wall sconce displays a wide tonal range from pure white through shades of gray to pure black. Canon G11, 1/50sec @ f/4.5, ISO 800.

Psychedelic

- Tonight I changed my Facebook profile picture to a photo of me taken in 1973, so I thought it only appropriate to make the photo of the day a reflective of those times. In the 60's and early 70's psychedelic usually referred to drug-induced hallucinations today it is widely used to describe anything with abstract decoration of multiple bright colors. I think that pretty much describes this photo of an LED pinwheel photographed through 3D glasses. Canon G11, 1/15 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 200.

You like tomato . . .

- You like tomato and I like tomahto
Tomato, tomahto, Let's call the whole thing off.
How about a little Louis Armstrong to go with todays photo. Canon 40D, 1/50 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 400, 100mm macro, two LED litepanels one on each side.

Looking Pretty

- Miss Sasha was looking mighty pretty starring out the window so I just had to take a picture of her. She's quite the little diva at our house and wins the hearts of everyone she meets. My wife says I do too many cat pictures for the blog but I just can't resist. I hope you don't mind indulging my pet photography. Canon 40D, 1/160 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400, 100mm.

Ground Level

- The lowly and often despised dandelion is really a beautiful and amazing plant. Earlier I posted a photo of a seed parachute ball which follows the blooming phase. This close-up photo shows the beauty of the flower bloom. It was nice day to lay on the ground in the sun and take macro photos. I always find something new when I take the time to look close enough. Canon 40D, 1/100 sec @ f/16.0, ISO 400, 100mm macro with the lifesize adapter.

Supermoon

- Tonight was the perigee or "supermoon"--the biggest in 18 years. I went to Sandbridge in Virginia Beach to capture the moon rising in the east over the Atlantic Ocean. Canon 7D, 1/30 sec @ f/16, ISO 100, mounted on a tripod.

On the Grid

- The power grid is something most of us rarely give much thought to. Right now it is a major topic in Japan following the 9.0 earthquake. It was the failure of the electric power grid coupled with flooding of backup generators by the devastating tsunami that resulted in loss of cooling for the Fukushima nuclear plant. Once the second failsafe - backup batteries were drained there was no way to power the pumps that deliver cooling to the reactors. The gird powers almost everything and while it has been very reliable this complex creation can fail on a very large scale. Next time you look up at those lines and transformers give some thought to modern world they enable. Canon G11, 1/40 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200 converted to black and white in Silver Efex Pro.

PEZ Patrick's Day

- I got together with some of my Pez pals to celebrate PEZ Patrick's Day. We all got greened up and broke out the Guinness and Harp. These guys really know how to party. Canon 7D, 1/250 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400, zoom at 44mm, on camera flash with two LED litepanels for fill.

Late Bloomer

- This pink camellia is blooming much later than usual because of the cold winter. I normally have blooms beginning in December through February but this year the blooms began opening fully in late February. When its done blooming the bush will require some major pruning as the heavy snow in December and January broke it down badly. But even with all of that abuse, it still manages these beautiful blooms by the dozens. Canon 40D, 1/100 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 400, LED litepanel.

Parachutes

- This dandelion parachute ball has opened into a full sphere. The parachutes will soon carry the seeds on the wind. Those that land on disturbed soil will take hold continuing the cycle. Early European settlers brought the dandelion to the new world as a food plant and its prolific nature has spread the plant throughout North America. Canon 40D, 1/60 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro, LED litepanel and converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro.

East Bound Tracks

- The east bound tracks of the new Norfolk Virginia Light Rail near Curlew Drive and Military Highway. Canon G11, 1/640 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200, converted to black and white.

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

- I wandered lonely as a Cloud
That floats on high o'er Vales and Hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd
A host of dancing Daffodils;
Along the Lake, beneath the trees,
Ten thousand dancing in the breeze.
. . . .
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the Daffodils.
From "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" a poem by William Wordsworth often considered his most famous work.
Canon 40D, 1/160 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro with LED Litepanel for illumination.

High in the Sky

- The contrail from this airliner is illuminated bright orange by the setting sun. Canon 7D, 1/80 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 200, zoom at 400mm mounted on a tripod.

Playmobil Penguins

- My grandson Robert knows that I like penguins so when he went to Toysrus today with Cindy he didn't just think of himself, he had her buy this Playmobil Penguin set just for me. So I thought I'd set it up with some crushed ice and take a picture of the penguin family just for Robert. Hey little Buddy, thanks for thinking of me today. Canon 40D, 1/80 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 400, 100mm macro with two LED light panels.

A Penny For Your Thoughts

- My grandson Robert is deep in thought as he enjoys his iced tea and the great view at Bubba's Seafood Restaurant in Virginia Beach, Virgina. It was his first trip with us to Bubba's and he thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. Canon G11, 1/10 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, handheld with no flash.

Scarcity and Demand

- This is the detail of a green depression glass bowl that beloged to Cindy's grandmother. We have several interesting pieces of collectible depression glass. Originally these items were given away or sold very inexpensively during the Great Depression by manufacturers promoting other products. Interesting that this once almost worthless product is now a prized collectible. Ah, the wonder of scarcity and demand to create value. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/11, ISO 200, 100mm macro lens. Back lit with an off camera flash at 1/16th power.

Inside the "Double D"

- The Do-Nut Dinette on Colley Avenue in Norfolk Virginia is one of those local landmark establishments dating to 1947. The interior with bright red chairs and counter stools definitely brings back the old diner car feel. Canon G11, 1/400 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 400, exposed at -2/3.

The Birds

- I still remember seeing Alfred Hitchcock's classic horror film The Birds at a drive-in theater in El Paso Texas when I was kid. It was the stuff of nightmares. I often think of that movie when I see the thousands of black birds that converge on the area near the Newtown Road exit on I-264 to roost each night. The birds fill the tops of all the trees, and line the power lines, traffic signals and rooftops all around. Hoepefully this pictures brings back your memories of that movie and if you haven't seen it, put in your Netflix queue and of course sleep well. ;) Canon G11, 1/15 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 400.

Quince

- The flowers of a white quince shrub in today's light rain. Canon G11, 1/500 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400 in macro mode.

New Sheriff in Town

- There's a new Sheriff in town and is name is Sebastian. He's my cousin's new blue mink Tonkinese kitten and he is so cute! He joins his sister Sophia and cousins Sasha and Sherlock to be a part of our family Tonk mob. He was born on December 5th and while small, he arrived at Lin's house and made himself right at home. Welcome to the family little bud. Canon 7D, 1/10 sec @ f/2.0, ISO 1600, 50mm prime lens.

Parcel Post

- I like getting snail mail. There's something about the letter carrier bringing a package to your door that began its journey halfway around the world. The Internet has certainly helped make the world smaller and even facilitated the transaction that brought these cool stamps from Hong Kong to my house. Look closely at these stamps with their beautiful artwork and I really like the dots that surround the denomination amounts on bottom row of stamps. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 100mm macro.

Forsythia

- Time for another early sign of Spring from a walk around the neighborhood. The Forsythia is a shrub that blooms out in early spring with yellow flowers which soon become the green leave. The long flowing branches of bright yellow are a beacon for Spring. This bud has yet to open and the last few days have seen a return to winter-like temperatures. Canon 40D, 1/200 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 100mm macro LED Litepanel.

Night Landing

- Had an a unique opportunity tonight to photograph U.S. Navy F18 fighter jets practicing night carrier landings at Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Fentress in Chesapeake Virginia. While the pictures of streaking jets at night are cool, it was the experience that was amazing. Standing just yards away you could really feel the power of these jets. The roar of the engines, rushing air, and the smell of jet fuel and burnt rubber from the landing gear making contact with the runway can never be captured by a still photograph. Thanks to Matt for taking me out there and to Amber for hooking me up with Matt. I'm still pumped. Canon 7D, 4 seconds @ f/2.8, ISO 1600, 50mm focal length mounted on a tripod. Check out a few more pictures on my Picasa web album.

Night Crocus

- Yesterday I posted a picture of these violet crocuses opened up late in the day. I went back tonight to capture this image of these early spring beauties all closed up for night. I think they are pretty special in both the daylight and at night. Canon 40D, 1 sec @ f/11, ISO 200, mounted on a tripod with two LED Litepanels for illumination.

Winter Walk Off

- I accepted a challenge from Les and his A Tidewater Gardner blog to walk around the neighborhood and photograph the signs that winter is almost over. Besides the fact that today's high temperature was 78ºF (26ºC), I didn't have to go far to find a beautiful sign of the season. These violet crocuses are in my next door neighbor's yard. She has dozens of them and every year they are one of the first signs that spring will soon be here. Check out Les's blog and accept the challenge. He has prizes! Canon 40D, 1/200 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 100mm macro lens, handheld LED light for illumination.

The Red Carpet

- Walked the "red carpet" tonight at an Oscar party as my cousin's house in Norfolk. It was great to see everyone dressed up like a star. Canon G11, 1/6 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Slinky Colors

- A rainbow plastic Slinky illuminated from behind. Canon 40D, 1250 sec @ f/40.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro.

Lego Time

- My grandson Robert was spending the night with us so he and I built a skyscraper from Lego Duplo blocks that was taller than him. He was pretty happy with the creation. Maybe there's budding young architect in there. Only time will tell. Canon 40D, 1/100 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro.

PCBA

The PCBA or printed circuit board assembly is in every product made today that has some sort of electronics. Cheap and reliable these mass produced boards have evolved to contain entire computers. This one is embedded in acrylic in a pen that my brother Mark made for me recently. It's the perfect fashion accessory for the geek turned manager. Canon 40D, 1/30 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400, 100mm macro with Canon Lifesize Adapter. The lighting comes from two LED light panels.

Wireless

- Wireless infrastructure is critical to making all of our treasured mobile devices work. Some say it's not very pretty to look at and while I agree it doesn't contribute much to most landscapes, most of us couldn't live without it. I see beauty in the technology. This tower is laden with 24 cellar antennas, 4 microwave relays dishes, a few plain old radio antennas and most importantly one osprey nest. A cable runs to each antenna from the ground, some inside the monopole other strapped along the outside. Each of these cables are about one inch in diameter and heavy as lead. Pay close attention the next time you're near one of these towers in our area and I bet you will see that a bird of prey has made it a home. This one was on I64 near Mason Creek in Norfolk, Virginia. I was stopped for almost two hours today on I64 while the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel was shutdown which afforded me and my camera some quality time together. Canon G11, 1/2000 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 200.

A Ray of Sunshine

- Caught this ray of sunshine cutting through a fountain spay. Water and sunlight are always a great combination in a photo. Canon 7D, 1/250 sec @ f/2.5, ISO 800, 50mm prime lens.

Waning Winter

- The past week of spring-like temperatures has caused the trees to begin budding out. I hope the that winter is truly behind us because if we have an extended cold spell now it will be hard on the trees and other plants that are starting to wakeup. Canon G11, 1/125 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 100.

Just Sayin'

- This ominous sign greeted us as we entered the Virginia Beach Convention Center this afternoon to attend the Greenberg's Train & Toy Show with my grandson Robert. The Convention Center was packed due to a most odd collection of events - the train show, a gun show, a bridal show, a gymnastics event and a coin show. Little boys in train engineer hats and little girls in leotards along with sidearm wearing gun enthusiasts; it was all so surreal. Only in Virginia where they take the "right to keep and bear arms" pretty darn literally could one see such sites. BTW - the sign and policy is probably not within Virginia law which allows you to take a loaded firearm into most public buildings, libraries and parks. Canon 7D, 1/8000 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Waning Gibbous

- The moon has been pretty spectacular the last few nights. This is the Waning Gibbous phase, one day past a full moon at 96% full. Converted to B&W. Canon 7D, 1/20 sec @ f/13.0, ISO 100, 400mm.

Signs of Spring

- It was 74°F today and the signs that Spring is coming were everywhere. Robins looking for worms, trees full of new buds and this hyacinth which began to emerge a few weeks ago will soon be in bloom. Canon 7D, 1/125 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 100, 100mm macro lens.

Back Off!

- Yikes! Back off man! This isn't what you want to see in your rearview mirror during a traffic jam on the interstate highway. Canon G11, 1/640 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Fiber Sunrise

- Nice sunrise this morning, This photo shilouttes the fiber optic, legacy copper phone, and power lines that serve my house. My Internet comes in from the pole in the photograph on a hybrid fiber-coax network provided by Cox Communications. As you can tell, I can't resist sunrise and sunset photos and I appreciate your allowing me to subject you to a pretty steady stream of them on this blog. Canon 40D, 1/160 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

A Slice of Sunshine

- A little slice of sunshine for your winter day. An orange contains 45 mg of Vitamin C or about 75% of the recommended daily amount. This a "Navel Orange" a mutation that dates back almost 200 years. Because these oranges have no seeds and are therefore sterile they must be propagated through grafting. Thus all navel oranges are genetically identical clones and can be considered as the fruit the original tree from 200 years ago. Thanks to my wife Cindy for photo idea for tonight - it takes a village. Canon 7D, 1/160 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 400, 100mm macro with two LED lights, one front and one back light.

Valentine Rose

- Roses are incredible flowers and I always photograph them when we have them in the house or in the garden. This white rose was close to a pink rose which cast its color into the picture. Certainly red roses are the Valentine's Day tradition, but the white and pink together were extra special for my Valentine. Canon 7D, 1/500 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 400, 100mm macro, LED light source.

Conversation Hearts

- I liked it better when Conversation Hearts actually had conversation on them. These are the Brach's version of the classic candy. A few years ago they decided to go with non-romantic text style messages, yuk. I had a box of the more traditional version made by the New England Confectionery Co. aka Necco, but I ate them before I could make this picture. The Necco sweetheart candies originated from the same formula used in Necco Wafers, a product that has been made continuously since 1847 by Necco and it's predecessor companies. Canon 7d, 1/160 sec @ f/4.0, 100mm macro.

Frosty Beamer

- Awoke to a heavy frost this morning. Went out to get the paper and decided it was worth a picture of the frosty emblem on Cindy's BMW. While it was cold this morning with snow still on the ground, today's high of 55ºF and tomorrow's forecast for lows 60's will make it seem as if Spring is here. Canon G11, 1/100 @ f/3.2, ISO 200, in macro mode.

Did you see it?

- Did you see the incredible sunset tonight? A front came through just in time to open the skies for the setting sun in the west to illuminate the clouds retreating to the east. Five minutes after I took this photo at 5:43 the sky was completely gray. Canon G11, 1/640 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400, taken looking through my windshield.

More Snow

- So tell me again about this global warming thing? More snow today but it was a good snow, pretty in the morning and gone by afternoon. Canon G11, 1/640 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400.

Southgate Terminal

- These waterfront condominiums were created from the old Southgate Forwarding and Storage Company Warehouse adjacent to Norfolk Virginia's historic Freemason neighborhood. The pier-warehouse was served by the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. The shipping business in this area declined rapidly after World War II and the piers and warehouses were largely abandoned by the 1960's. Today most have been converted into residential condominiums. Canon G11, 1/250 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 200.

Rain Tree

- A pine tree photographed through my rain splattered windshield. Converted to B&W in Silver Efex Pro using negative profile. Canon G11, 1/20 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

The Red, Pink & Blue

- A bright blue sky and a red and pink Valentine's Day flag make for a cheery seasonal morning. Don't forget your Valentine next Monday! This year let's all try to do something original from the heart for your love rather than just contributing to the greeting card, candy and flower concessionaires. Write a love letter, yes with pen & paper - no emails or Facebook posts, make a card or fix a special homemade meal or desert. Just break the mold and be your romantic self. Canon G11, 1/1600 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 100.

Ceiling Geometry

- One should alway look up. In this I was rewarded with some interesting geometric shapes in the ceiling of the MacArthur Mall in Norfolk, Virginia. Canon G11, 1/2000 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 200.

Damage at the Pump

- Had to fill 'er up today - damage $41.00. Canon G11, 1/100 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 200, in macro mode.

Slinky

- The Slinky photo that I was trying to get last night when the cats were helping. It's old hat now so I can photograph it without curious kitties getting in the photos. The colorful plastic spring offers many photographic opportunities. You might just see it again soon. Canon 40D, 1/2500sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Slinky Sasha

- I was trying to make some cool Slinky photos tonight but I had a lot of help from my two assistants who were fascinated with the new colorful plastic spring toy. Being cats they naturally assumed something new to the house was there only for their amusement. So I went with the flow and captured this really nice image of Sasha checking out the Slinky. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 100mm macro, LED light source under the spring.