Larry at Larry's Images.com: 9/18/11

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Buzzards are getting ready to migrate

Turkey Vulture

It is not a pretty bird but than neither is the much discussed California Condor. I have seen more buzzards this season than in past seasons. I do not know why. I do know that they migrate south in the winter and then return on March 17th to Hinckley. I have seen several down by the covered bridge lately. They seem to enjoy siting with their wings spread in the sun.

Turkey Vulture in flight

They remain closer to the ground. Maybe it is warmer there. I does provide an opportunity to photograph them closer up.

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Friday, September 23, 2011

Cherry Tree near Observation Tower

I noticed this tree quite a few times because it is leaning at an acute angle. I thought that could make an interesting image but did not know what to do about it until recently. I noticed how its angle was parallel to the steps of the observation tower. With that idea, I had something with which I could work. I incorporated two techniques to make this capture. I use Deep DOF, depth of field, and HDR, high dynamic range capture. In other words I focused on the tower and shot six captures. I set my aperture to f/11 and varied the shutter speed. I shot the first at six stops under the meter recommended setting, than four, two and right on the setting. I then proceed to shot at two stops over and four over. I would later combine these in HDR software called Photomatix. I then focused on the tree and repeated the above captures. I would later run them through Photomatix also. Then I used HDR software, Helicon Focus, to combine those two resultant images into what you see above. It sounds complicated but works well. Of course, you must use a tripod and be careful not to bump it during the capture sequence. A shutter release cable is also necessary.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Large Milkweed Bugs

These bugs are found on the Milkweed plant during much of the season. They are still numerous as fall approaches. My first thought was that "mom" and "dad" had babies. When I got home to the computer with this image, I noticed a white "insect" next to the adults. I went through my guides and could not find it. I happened across it as I looked up the scientific name on Wikipedia. It is the exoskeleton of the light colored adult next to it. That light colored adult molted before I arrived to photograph them. This molting, crawling out of their skin, occurs several times during the season. The last time it happens, as in this case, an adult emerges.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Setting Moon 9-18-11

I recently finished reading the October issue of Outdoor Photographer Magazine. Todd Sali's article, "Making Time-Lapse", kind of stuck in my mind. I decided, on a whim to try it the other morning. The moon was setting and presented a subject. The information that Todd presented had been mixing around in my mind for several days. I do not own a intervalometer, so I had to make the exposures manually. I more or less arbitrarily decided on a 30 second interval. The vision I had was of the moon descending from the top to the bottom of the frame. It took about 10 minutes for that to happen. I made 21 captures during that time. I had not thought through the way this would affect my workflow. It sort of overwhelmed me on the computer. I have since thought of ways to automate the process. I also have decided to save only the raw files and the finished "video" to conserve storage space. I used my video editing software into which I can put still images and set the duration of each. I used .042 second for the duration because that is what I calculated for 24 frames/second, a standard frame rate. It was a lot of work but will be less the next time I do it. You can see the result. Don't blink because it lasts less than a second.

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Landscapes

Fog Landscape

I made this image because of the fog's aerial effect. The sun was just starting to burn through. The tallest tree in the mid-ground was starting to get light on it. My tripod legs were extended all the way. That height was ideal to show the goldenrod tops and create a field leading my eye back to that tree and beyond.

Meadow from the Forest Edge

I made this image because I liked the way the light was playing on the tops of the trees in the distance. It, the light, was changing fast and I missed the view that motivated this one. I tried to recreate what I saw in Photoshop but failed. The pine trees in the mid distance were dark and coolly lit in shade. The light on the trees in the distance was very interesting. I decided that this one was still worth viewing even though it did not reach my ideal.


GNC Sunrise with Fog

I like to photograph clouds and fog. This image incorporates both, obviously. It is a great time of day. I am enjoying the sunrise being a little later in the day! I can get up at 6:00 AM, have breakfast, and be there in time.

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Monday, September 19, 2011

Purple Flowers

Purple Foxglove

My wife Carol, tells me that people like purple things. The foxglove is blooming right now. I have seen hummingbirds there and also lots of bumble bees (not so many this year). They are an oasis of purple in an otherwise yellow and green meadow. There is, however; another purple flower to see this time of year.

Tall Ironweed

These plants can be quite tall. It not often that I see one whose top view I can capture. You know, I think that I like purple, too. I love seeing these as I walk.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

The Forest

Forest Trail

I seldom enter the forest. I think that it is because I want to learn about the light in the meadow. It is another world or should I say habitat? I wonder if this trail with the line of large trees is a line along which a fence once stood. I liked it as an element in an image. This is the image showing it that I like best so far.

American Elm

This tree captured my attention years ago. I have photographed it numerous times. To date this is the shot I like best. I need to check the bark more closely but I am 90% sure of the ID.

American Elm Limb

This is the same tree. That crocked limb is captivating! I think that the gentle morning light on it really makes this shot.

Pine Forest

I really like parts of this one. I don't like the bright "marks" in the background. I do like the parts that are dark brown a green. I like their soft transitions. Live and learn!