Lashes

- Lashes to die for. My grandson Robert carefully studying the route back to Grammy's house after his first day of preschool. Canon G11, 1/250 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400 in macro mode.

Tonal Range

- When making black and white photos I look to capture images with a wide tonal range, from pure black to pure white with shades of gray in between providing the shape, depth and texture to the image. This unusal white flower provides a nice image for black and white conversion. Canon 7D, 1/400 sec @ f/10, ISO 100mm macro lens.

The Eyes Have It

- It hard to win a starring contest when your adversary has compound eyes. Canon 7D, 1/160 sec @ f/5, ISO 400, 100mm macro.

Bare Bulb

The lowly much maligned incandescent light bulb is scheduled to be phased out in the US by 2014 due to its relatively high energy consumption. Much more efficient compact florescent and LED light bubs are targeted as replacements. There's just something much more attractive and warm about the old incandescent. When placed in clear globes and used in groups they can produce a stunning effect. Image this fixture with compact florescent bulbs - yuk! Canon G11, 1/4 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 800.

1 Down 2 to Go

- One down and two to go on tonight's wine flight at Back Bay Gourmet in Virginia Beach, VA. These are three wines from McLaren Vale in South Australia. Number 1, gone by the time this photo was taken, was Coriole Chenin Blanc. Number 2 wins for the best name Vinaceous Snake Charmer Shiraz and number three the Coriole Redstone Cabernet Sauvignon had the most amazing aroma. Canon G11, 1/40 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 800 in macro mode.

Fear Factor

- I know a lot of people have arachnophobia and fear spiders of any kind. I hope this photo doesn't creep anybody out or cause a panic attack. When I got into macro photography I began to see the beauty in spider webs and appreciate the spiders themselves. Spiders are good subjects for macro work because they generally remain very still as long at the web is not disturbed. This large spider builds its web just outside of our back door. One must remember at night to look for her and the web before taking too many steps outside. Canon40D, 1/15 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400 converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro 2.

Plastic Rainbow

- The rainbow of colors from a plastic Slinky. Canon 40D, 1/1000 @ f/4, ISO 800, 100mm macro.

Your Move

- Canon 40D, 1/8 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 100, 85mm prime lens.

Spoon

- This is actually a really big spoon, about four foot long hung on the wall at the Skinny Dip Frozen Yogurt store on Colley Avenue in Norfolk Virginia's Ghent neighborhood. The sense of scale is completely lost with no visual reference point in the photo. Droid X using the Vignette app.

My 409

- She's real fine my 409
(409, 409)
Well I saved my pennies and I saved my dimes
(Giddy up giddy up 409)
For I knew there would be a time
(Giddy up giddy up 409)
When I would buy a brand new 409
(409, 409)
When I take her to the track she really shines
(Giddy up giddy up 409)
(409, 409)
from 409 by the Beach Boys, Canon 7D, 1/30 sec @ f/9, ISO 800, focal length 27mm.

New Toy

- Here's my new toy. It survived Irene parked safely in the Westin parking garage at Town Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Droid X, Black & White using the Vignette camera app.

Rain Gear

- I put my G10 in his rain gear for the passing of Hurricane Irene over Virginia Beach today. I did not get many good pictures because there was not much to photograph. But the G10 does look mighty fine in his rain gear. Canon 40D, 1/13 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400.

Charlie's Challenge

- My boss, Philip Shucet, dives into the Charlie's Challenge - eat a 12 egg omlete and 8 pankcakes in an hour. Charlie's Cafe is located a block from our office in Norfolk Virginia. Philip tweeted last week that if HRT's opening weekend ridership on the new Tide light rail exceeded 75,000, he would attempt the Charlie's Challenge. He made good on that pledge this morning. After a noble effort of eating all the eggs and 5 and half pancakes he was done, falling just short of finishing. Before this morning 47 others had tried and failed and only 2 had succeeded in completing the challenge. Today's winner was the Foodbank of Southeast Virginia who benefited from donoations. Canon 7D, 1/160 sec @ f/2.5, ISO 800.

B&W Wildlife

- Just finished reading an article on making black and white images of wildlife. I took this picture of the West African Crowned cranes at the Virginia Zoo. I know - not exactly "wild". These birds are so photogenic. Canon 40D, 1/325 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens fully extended at 400mm on a monopod. Converted to black and white using Lightroom 3 with the Silver Efex Pro 2 plug-in.

Crepe Myrtle

- Crepe myrtle trees line countless streets in the City of Norfolk. They kindle found memories of my childhood visits back to Norfolk each August to see my grandparents. Even today as you fly into the Norfolk airport, the streets appear as double pink and red lines from the sky. The crepe mytles were one of Fred Heutte's many contributions to the beautification of Norfolk beginning during the depression and continuing for four decades as superintendent of Norfolk Parks. Canon 40D, 1/13 sec @ f/16, ISO 400, 100mm macro, mounted on a tripod, LED Litepanel.

Young Minds

- Young minds are easily influenced so one must carefully consider what you expose them to so they grow up right. I wish I had been exposed to such a fine German automobile when I was this age, maybe then it wouldn't have taken me almost 57 years to get one. I'm giving my grandson the chance to appreciate and understand the values of being a true car aficionado at an early age. As first he couldn't understand why grandpa would buy a car without a top, after one ride - he totally gets it. Canon 1/20 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Einser

- Got a new "used" car today - a BMW 135i convertible. The new Bimmer is great fun to drive and the trademark orange instrument panel shows its built for speed. I'm sure it's Black Sapphire Metallic exterior will soon be a featured photo on this blog. Canon G11, 1/3 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800 in macro mode.

Abstract

- Sometimes when looking through the viewfinder or at the LCD screen on a camera you see something unexpected. What to do, why press the shutter of course. Droid X using Vignette for Android.

James River Twilight

- Twilight over the James River from the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry. The image is a little soft beacuse of the long exposure and vibrations from the ferry's engines. Canon G11, 15 secs @ f/8.0, ISO 100,

What a Day!

- Today was the first day of service for HRT's the Tide, Norfolk's light rail system. After almost four years of effort and controversy people finally got to ride. We planned for a big turn out, but were blown away by the crowds. The planned peak service of six trains all day gave way to adding two more trains to get to a total of eight by early evening. Lines at stations, standing and "crush" loads on every trip, can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Free service has been extended through next Sunday August 28th, come join me for a ride on the Tide. Canon G11, 1/100 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400.

Standing Load

- The Norfolk Tide leaves the MacArthur Station with a "standing load" for its first official trip following this afternoon's ribbon cutting. Come out starting tomorrow at 6:00am and ride free with us as we celebrate all weekend. Canon 7D, 1/125 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400.

Dirt Shirt

- My grandson Robert in his "DIRT" shirt. Droid X using Vignette for Android.

Reflected Power

- Yep, its a power pole reflected in the back window of van stopped in front of me. Not much else to say about this one. Canon G11, 1/100 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Inspired

- I was inspired by fellow photographer Cait Wade's doggy portraits from her blog. So not having a dog, I enlisted the help of my good buddy Sherlock. He's always willing to get a little attention even if it means modeling for a few minutes. He has pretty dramatic blue eyes so those are the focus of this portrait. Canon 40D, 1/30 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 800, 100mm lens.

Out of This World

- The Death Star? Well not exactly but Keegan Bradley would recognize the pattern. Canon 40D, 1/1000 sec @ f/9.0, ISO 800, 50mm macro lens.

Flip Flops

- Who knew you could get a string of flip flops lights? Flip Flops Grill & Chill that's who. Flip Flops is one of our favorite Virginia Beach causal dining spots. Canon G11, 1/3 sec, F/8.0, ISO 400, camera supported on the table with a pack of Splenda used to get the right elevation.

The Big Easy

- Yes I'm a sucker for neon signs and I always take pictures of them. This one is at the Big Easy Oyster Bar in Norfolk Virginia. The oysters were great! Canon G11, 1/160 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 400.

Katydid

- Up close and personal with the katydid munching on my roses. Canon 40D, 1/100 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens.

The Tube

- Entering the Downtown Tunnel westbound from Norfolk to Portsmouth Virginia during rush hour. One of the area's legendary traffic tie-ups. This section of I264 appeared as #17 on a list of most congested highways in America. Canon G11, 1/25 sec @ F/4.5, ISO 400.

Catenary

- This catenary is a system of overhead wires used to supply electricity to the Tide light rail vehicle in Norfolk Virginia. The first such system was demonstrated by Werner von Siemens in 1881. The company that still carries his name, Siemens Mobility, built the new modern S70 light rail vehicles for Virginia's first light rail system in Norfolk. The onset of worldwide use of electric traction power for trains began in 1889 with the Richmond Union Passenger Railway in Richmond, Virginia. Canon G11, 1/2000 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400, converted to solarized black and white using Silver Efex Pro 2 in Lightroom.

Twilight Tide

- The Tide light rail vehicle (LRV) #407 at the Newtown Road station in Norfolk Virginia. Got my first ride with Rail Operator Bill Foss tonight. This project that has almost completely consumed Hampton Roads Transit over the past four years. The Tide opens to the public with three free days beginning August 19th. Canon G11, 1/6 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Curves

- Today's photo is of some smooth stainless steel curves on on lamp in our house. Post processed with Silver Efex Pro 2 to have a Holga like effect. Canon 40D, 1/320 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800.

Mum

- Had a wonderful dinner at our friends Susan and Duane's house tonight. Susan always has a variety of amazing cut flowers around. This mum was on the kitchen table. Thanks for a great dinner guys and letting me always take pictures around your cool house and yard. Canon 40D. 1/100 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro, LED Litepanel.

Cobra Jet 428

- The 1968 Shelby Cobra GT 500-KR, the KR stood for King of the Road, was powered by a 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet engine with a horsepower rating of 335hp. The Cobra Jet emblem looks really cool on this beautifully restored black Shelby Mustang. I have a soft spot for classic Mustangs. My first new car was a 1973 Mustang Mach I powered by the 351 cubic inch "Cleveland" engine. Unfortunately it had an automatic transmission beacuse at 19 years old I couldn't afford the insurance on the 4 speed manual. I got a great deal on that Mustang during the 1973 oil crisis because everyone was wanting the just introduced 1974 Mustang II - what a wimp car that was. Canon G11, 1/640 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 200.

Lotus Bees

- A lotus flower always attracts my camera's attention. This one was being worked hard by two busy bees. Canon 7D, 1/30 sec @ f/32.0, ISO 400, 100mm macro lens.

Train

- Went to see Train in concert tonight at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater. They are one of Cindy's favorite bands. It was a great show and they really rocked the house. As a bonus we got to see Gavin Degraw and Maroon 5. All in all, great music and performances by everyone. Canon G11, 1/60 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 800.

Fixtures

- Another picture in my series of cool plumbing fixtures. This is a great shower - bold colored subway style ceramic tile, a glass block window and an awesome shower head. Canon G11, 1/640 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 400.

Abstract

- We picked up a new piece of art glass by Jeff Price recently. This image is a macro photo that is slightly out of focus and yes that was intentional on my part. By illuminating with an LED Litepanel and blurring the image slightly, the patterns and colors really jump out. Canon 40D, 1/500 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 200, 100mm macro lens.

Exmore

- Stopped in Exmore on the way back down the Eastern Shore of Virginia today. Exmore was named after the number of railroad stops left until reaching the Delaware state line, there were 10 more stops, thus "X-More." The tracks are now part of the Bay Coast Railroad but were originally built by New York, Pennsylvania and Norfolk Railroad (NYP&N) aka the "Nip 'n N". Canon G11, 1/800 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200, converted to black and white with Silver Efex Pro 2.

Table & Chairs

- This table and chairs where silhouetted against a backlit glass panel at the Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe in New Brunswick New Jersey. Canon G11, 1/8 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 800, underexposed by 2 stops.

Red Delicious

- Some hotel room still life for today's photo of the day. The Red Delicious sure is a pretty apple although its not my favorite for eating. Canon G11, 1/3 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400 in macro mode. Use a drink bottle for camera support along with the 2 second delayed shutter release.

Free Beer

- Got your attention with that title, didn't I. Sitting outside on the deck at the Market Street Inn in historic downtown Salisbury Maryland. Very cool old downtown and the dinner was outstanding. Droid X camera phone, using the Vignette app.

Classics in the Stacks

- Took a tour of the library at the new Portsmouth Campus of Tidewater Community College this evening. Great new building and the library has 96 computers but I was happy to see that there are still old fashion books and stacks. These are in the "PA" section using the Library of Congress Classification System - Greek and Latin Literature. I'm sure my son Mike the classicist would be happy to know the community collge still has these in its collection. Canon G11, 1/125 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400, converted to B&W using Silver Efex Pro 2.

Cooking With Gas

- I had an opportunity recently to photograph a house that is coming to market soon. I tried to capture some interesting details to go along with the interior views. This Thermador Professional gas range was one of those shots. This is some high end cooking! Canon 40D, 1/13 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens converted to B&W in Silver Efex Pro 2.

High Fly'n

- One of my eleven foot wing span delta kites. Seems whenever I'm at the beach I forget to bring the kite so I end up with a new one. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 200, zoom at 170mm focal length.

Sand Crab

- This is picture from a few years ago of a tiny sand crab on Hatteras Island North Carolina that never made it to the CIOPhoto blog. Canon 40D, 1/1250 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200, zoom at 400mm (the big gun).

Floaters

- The recent hot and dry weather is taking its toll on the trees. These brown leaves were floating in the fountain at Town Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Canon G11, 1/320 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400.

Crazy Angel

- The "Crazy Angel" roll at Nara Sushi in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Seared tuna & asparagus with tuna, salmon, whitefish, eel and tobiko on top - a spicy wonder. We also had a ginger and scallion soft shell crab as an appetizer. Yummy! Canon G11, 1/10 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800 in macro mode.

QWERTY

- Got a cool new backlit keyboard for my PC from Deck. It's really a gaming keyboard but has the old style tactile feedback keys that I like. Each key is backlit by an individual LED and has a switch that produces the famous "IBM" keyboard feel and click. The key switches are rated for about 50 million key strokes - it should last me for a few years. Best of all, it comes with a skull key cap to place as you want. Canon 40D, 1/30 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 800, converted to black and white in Silver Efex Pro 2.

Brave Little Guy

- This little guy was not happy to have his picture made. He's only about an eighth of inch long and was sitting on a daylily leaf. He actually jumped on the LED Litepanel right after I took this picture. I managed to get him back on the leaf and about his way. Portrait photographers always want to get the "catch light" in the subject's eyes, I managed to get catch light in all four forward facing eyes. Canon 40D, 1/125 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro.