Katydid

- I noticed this tiny katydid on one of my Stargazer lily blooms this evening. It was very small, about a 1/4 inch in length. The 100mm macro did a nice job of capturing the image. Canon 40D, 1/200 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro focused at 1:1, handheld with image stabilization on. A little extra light provided by an LED Litepanel.

Think Pink

- Think Pink and support finding a cure for breast cancer. Canon 7D, 1/160 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200, 55mm focal length.

National Mall Sunset

- Looking west from the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington DC towards the Lincoln Memorial shortly after sunset. The 30 minutes after sunset there is a very special time called "Civil Twilight" when there is still some light in the sky. The sky starts to turn a deep blue or purple in color. This special time is very short lived but cherished by photographers for city scenes. Canon 7D, 5 seconds @ f/22, ISO 100, 70mm focal length and mounted on a tripod.

For the People

- "government of the people, by the people, for the people" is Abraham Lincoln's famous phase from the Gettysburg Address. Here the Lincoln Memorial floats in darkness as hundreds still visit at 11:00 PM on a beautiful summer night. Canon 7D, 2 seconds @ f/8.0, ISO 100 mounted on a tripod. The epitaph above Abraham Lincoln's statue reads:

IN THIS TEMPLE
AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE
FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION
THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN
IS ENSHRINED FOREVER

360 View

- The Donald D. Engen Tower at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is an observation tower providing a 360 degree bird's eye view of Washington Dulles International Airport and the surrounding area. As you can see view is impressive but so is the tower room itself. Canon 7D, 1/125 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 100, 8mm fish eye lens.

Meet Crew

- This is "Crew" he is a four month old golden retriever destined to be a guide dog for the blind. We spent yesterday in historic Leesburg Virginia with Crew and his puppy raiser Irene Esch. Crew was wearing his guide dog in training vest while visiting many shops with us and even joined us for lunch in a small restaurant with live music. I was amazed at how focused he was and how good he behaved the entire day. Navigating in tight crowed antique shops and resisting the attention everyone was wanting to give him. He won't begin his official guide dog training until he is at least one year old, but we could tell he's going to make someone a great guide dog. Canon G11, 1/640 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400.

Starburst

- My water glass at lunch today produced this really cool star burst pattern of light on a great old butcher's block table. Canon G11, 1/10 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, in macro mode.

Three Alone

- The bronze sculpture entitled the "Three Servicemen" stands a short distance from the Wall as part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. The three statues stand alone looking towards the Wall and the names of their 58,272 lost comrades. Canon 7D, 5 secs @ f/8.0, ISO 400 converted to black and white.

Blackbird Fly

- Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
By Lennon and McCartney from the Beatles White Album

SR-71 at the Smithsonian Air & Space Center at Dulles Airport. Canon 7D, 1/15 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 800.

1937

- A 1937 vintage Pontiac automobile in basic black calls for a blank and white photo. Canon G11, 1/125sec @ f/5.6, ISO 200 converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro.

Structure

- I guess this is "plant week" looking at the photos from the last few days. This black and white of hosta leaves is backlit by an LED Litepanel. It really shows the leaf structure. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 800, 100mm macro.

Droplet

- Water dripping off the hosta buds. Canon 7D, 1/100 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 800, 100mm macro.

Pretty Invader

- The mimosa tree is often classified as an invasive plant. Outdoor cultivation has lead to prolific and unchecked expansion of the plant in many areas. This is one of several located along a ditch bank near my house in Virginia Beach Virginia. Invader or not, the delicate flowers are quite exotic, beautiful and photogenic. Canon 7d, 1/100 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 400, 100mm macro lens.

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.

Bold Look

Today's project, install a new bathroom faucet. I ordered this new Kohler Alteo in brushed nickel a few weeks ago from FaucetDirect.com and installed it today in the master bath. I like "the bold look of Kohler" products. They are well engineered and the installation was very straight forward. Looks nice with our retro 1960 turquoise ceramic tile don't you think? Canon G11, 1/50 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400 in macro mode.

Amacoco

- This is inside of Amacoco on display this weekend at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show. Located on the beach at 24th Street. It is a giant maze of interconnected inflated plastic rooms. The translucent colors illuminate brightly as the sun hits the outside. Amacoco was designed by Architects of Air and is called a luminarium. As you can tell, its a photographer's delight. Canon G11, 1/50 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 400.

Trademark

- Jazz vocal legend Billie Holiday often wore a gardenia bloom in her hair. It was part of her trademark look to go with her trademark voice. Just look at this image and see if you can imagine the wonderful fragrance of the gardenia. This one is on a massive bush in my back yard that has hundreds of blooms on it. As soon as I step outside I'm greeted by this great scent of summer. Canon 40D, 1/640 sec @ f/10.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens.

Rubber Duckie

- Rubber Duckie, you're the one,
You make hot tubbing lots of fun,
Rubber Duckie, I'm awfully fond of you;
Canon G11, 1/80 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400 in macro mode.

Stainless

- This stainless steel panel is located on the front of the Dog 'n' Burger on Manteo Avenue in Norfolk Virginia. Today's sunshine and blue sky help to make this reflective photo interesting. I bet most people just walk by the little architectural detail without a second glance. Canon G11, 1/400 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 100.

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.

Big Splash

- Robert had a great time playing in the water today. Two hot tub sessions and one with the crazy squiggly sprinkler. I bet he sleeps good tonight, I know I will. Canon 40D, 1/2000 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 100mm lens.

Rinse Cycle

- Another cash wash photo, this time its the spot free rinse and clear coat. I don't what it is but I always take pictures when I'm going though the car wash. Canon G11, 1/2000 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400.

Knock - Knock

- Knock if you dare. This door knocker is at the Norfolk Historical Society offices at the corner of W. Freemason Street and Duke Street in Norfolk Virginia. It's big bold and intimidating. Symbolically, the lion's head acted as guardian, representing protection as well as pride. Canon 7D, 1/80 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200, 200mm focal length, converted to B&W in Silver Efex Pro.

The Narrows

The sun goes down at the Narrows in First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach Virginia. The Narrows is a thin connecting waterway between Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay. It is part of the Lynnhaven River system. We enjoyed sitting in our beach chairs, feet in the water, watching the boats go by and sun go down. Canon G11, 1/500 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 100.

Jubilee

- Meet my Alabama Jubilee daylily. This is the first bloom of the year for the jubilees. They should bloom just about everyday between now and July 1st. The six inch blooms are big and spectacular. I've divided mine several times and have divisions living as far away as Cedar Rapids Iowa. Canon G11, 1/60sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400 in macro mode backlit with a handheld LED Litepanel.

Brick Red

- These cool glass blocks pick up the red brick wall behind. Look at the differing patterns in each block. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens.

Imagine

- Just close your eyes and imagine the beautiful Lotus blossom that will soon emerge from this bud. The Lotus is often photographed in full bloom but even the unopened bud has beautiful color and texture that just hits at what is to come. Canon G11, 1/400 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 100 in macro mode. I'm digging the cool bokeh from a point and shoot camera, admittedly, it's probably one of the best point and shoot cameras.

- A purple iris iris from the Japanese Garden at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Canon G11, 1/400 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 100 in macro mode.

Ornamentation

- This great art deco locomotive style hood ornament was just one of many cool details in a display of old cars at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market today. A hood ornament symbolized a car company like a badge. Located on the front center portion of the hood they have been used as an adornment since almost the inception of automobiles. Canon G11, 1/160 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 200, in macro mode.

Descending

- Descending - not much to say about this picture so I'll just let it speak for itself. Canon G11, 1/200 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 200 converted to black and white.

Lock-in-a-box

- Sherlock loves a box. Anytime you open one or leave one sitting around he'll be in it. This morning he decided this filing box was the perfect spot from which to keep an eye on his domain. Canon 40D, 1/30 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 100mm lens.

Street Preacher PPE

- Saw this street preacher at the corner of Virginia Beach Boulevard and Park Avenue in Norfolk Virginia on the way home from work today. While street preachers are pretty common around here, he is the first one I've seen wearing a safety vest, a piece of ANSI complaint personal safety equipment, better know as PPE. No hard hat however and I couldn't tell if those are steel toe safety shoes, but I was impressed that even with his faith, he would take the wise precaution of a day-glow yellow and orange vest. Canon G11, 1/800 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 200.

Orchids

- White orchids illuminated by indirect window light and a small lamp which adds the gold highlights. Canon G11, 1/10 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 400.

Decoration Day

- Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, which was first observed by Freedmen in Charleston, South Carolina in 1865 to remember the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. Today Memorial Day is a time for us to remember and honor all of those who have fallen in the service of our freedom. Hampton National Cemetery was created in 1862 by the Union Army to bury Civil War dead. While most were Union casualties there are several hundred Confederate dead buried there as well. Today almost 30,000 veterans rest here from all conflicts of the past 150 years. The cemetery also holds the graves of 29 German sailors killed during the sinking of the U-85 just off Oregon Inlet North Carolina in April 1942. Canon 40D, 1/1600 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200, 200mm focal length.

Glass Block

- Glass blocks have returned as an architectural detail. This block is picking up red from the brick wall opposite with green from trees located off to the right. The colors change as the light and your angle of view changes. The shapes and colors create a wonderful and always different view. Canon 40D, 1/1600 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 800, 100mm macro.

Tea Geeks

- Our son Michael is home this week and since he's a tea geek we visited the new Teavana store at MacArthur Center in Norfolk Virginia. This is a 50/50 blend of Jasmine Pearls & Strawberry Lemonade basically green tea and herbal tea. It makes a great summer iced tea which I'm enjoying while I do this blog post. Canon 40D, 1/160 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens with LED litepanel.

Mixed Messages

Mixed messages on the doorway of this flower shop in Virginia Beach Virginia. Open - closed, Roses 12.99/doz - no soliciting. Droid X camera phone, 1/520 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400, no flash.

Distortion

-
This image is looking out a window through a piece of hand blown art glass. I like the way the glass distorts the colors and lines. Canon G11, 1/250 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

The Tide 406

The Tide 406 awaits service in the new Rail Operations Faculty near I-264 and Brambleton Avenue in Norfolk, Virginia. This service track contains a pit for under car access and a mezzanine for accessing the top of the light rail car where most of the systems are located. The Tide has nine Siemens S70 rail cars similar to those in use in Charlotte NC and Houston TX. Canon G11, 1/160 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800.

Simple Flower

- This pretty little flower was in a planter adjacent to the sidewalk in the Freemason neighborhood in Norfolk Virginia. Using the macro lens I was able to just bring the flower into focus and the shadows allowed the background to fade away. I was happy for the effect even with the mid-day sun. Canon 7D, 1/1000 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 200, 100mm macro lens.

Lights

- Photography is the art and science of capturing light. As such I can never resist taking a picture of a cool light fixture and many end up in black and white. If you like cool lights click on the "Cool Lights" label at the bottom of this post to see other posts from the past two and half years. Canon G11, 1/100 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, under exposed 1 -1/2 stops and converted to black and white.

Daisy Prism

- Caught a picture of these daisies with the point and shoot camera using a prism adapter I got last year on a visit to New York. It's a pretty simple devise with a multi prism plastic lens mounted on a piece of cardboard cut out and printed to look like a Leica M range-finder. It's a close as I'll every get to a Leica. Canon G11, 1/2000 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 400.

Festival Time

- Went to the Spring Stockley Gardens Arts Festival in Norfolk Virginia today. I love this time of year when there are festivals and outdoor activities every weekend. Canon G11, 1/1250 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400 with a point and shoot prism adapter held in front of the lens.

Birthday Boy

- Sherlock is one year old today. He had his favorite breakfast of "Mack & Jack" to celebrate. Happy Birthday big guy! Canon 7D, 1/25 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800, 100mm lens. LED Litepanel.

Paper Lantern

- I captured a picture of this great paper lantern at Nana Sushi in Norfolk Virginia. High wattage Paper lanterns are prized by photographers for the soft edgeless light they produce and are often used in film making. In photography they are called "China Balls". Canon G11, 1/400 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400.

Son of a Carpenter

- This was my one of my father's many folding rulers. He could unfold and measure with one hand while holding something with the other. I still use this ruler all of the time and each time I think of my dad. He was a proud son of a carpenter and so am I. Canon 7D, 1/50 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens.

From Here - Go Anywhere

- The new Student Center at the Norfolk Campus of Tidewater Community College opens next week. I started my college studies as a 17 year old at the Virginia Beach Campus of the then new Tidewater Community College. It wasn't much when I started classes in a temporary campus in WWII wooden army barracks. TCC set me on a path to complete an associates degree then on to ODU for my bachelor's degree. Just as I have grown and been successful, so has TCC now with 47,000 students and four major campuses in Southeastern Virginia. I'm proud to be an alumni and was honored when asked to be a founding member of the TCC Alumni Association Board. From here, you truly can go anywhere. Canon 7D, 1/125 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200, 50mm focal length.

Garden Walk

- We did the Full Moon Garden Walk tonight at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens with our friend Margaret. The cloud cover obscured the moon but it was still a nice evening for a stroll through the amazing gardens. As always I learned a lot from Perry Mathewes our guide. I managed to capture a few photos in spite of the low light and steady breeze like this columbine. Canon G11, 1/100 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 800, in macro mode.

HRVA Photowalk

- Today I attended the second Hampton Roads Virginia Photowalk. We began at the Pagoda Garden in the Freemason neighborhood near downtown Norfolk where I photographed this yellow iris at the edge of the Koi pond. We had 33 photographers along for the mile and half walk through Freemason and along Granby Street ending up at Town Point Park on the Elizabeth River. Canon 7D, 1/30 sec @ f/16.0, ISO 100, 100mm macro lens.

Mums the Word

- A bight green spider mum is part of a flower bouquet that has been in our den for about two weeks. I am amazed at long they have lasted. Canon 40D, 1/25 0sec @ F/4.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens.