Baby B

ISO 400, ss 1/80 , f/1.8, 50mm

ISO 400, ss 1/200 , f/1.8, 50mm

These were a bit tricky because of inside lighting! I mostly did close-ups and a few with mom and baby. Even thought this isn't my child, it's hard to narrow down pictures to just the very best . I feel like each face a baby makes is precious and worth keeping . . . um, perhaps that's why my computer is filled with pictures :( As always feedback is appreciated.

Sparkly Snow

Here's a close up by Tish.  Way to take a positive outlook on winter by capturing those sparkles, Tish.  Thanks!

Icicle Lights

Night Lights

ISO 400, f/20, shutter 1 sec

ISO 400, f/20, 2 sec shutter

ISO 400, f/20, shutter 1 sec.

Taken in a botanical garden outside of Seattle (Bellevue). Still practicing with night exposures.

Madison Snow Fall

These were taken the morning of December 9th - when we luckily were still able to fly out of Madison!! 18 inches of snow baby!

(taken from our apartment window as we were getting ready to leave - you can see the screen).

Snow Covered Branches

When I woke up this morning, I was stunned by how the trees were covered by, what appeared at the time, to be ice.  Upon closer examination, however, I found that the branches were covered in snow.  The first shot is a close-up of the snow on the branches.  The second shot is a photo of a mass of trees in the distance.  What struck me was the white against the gray sky, instead of the dark contrast that usually appears with a tree in front of a gray sky.  I'm a little nervous posting among such amazing photos--I hope these are up to par!

Madison Monthly

Thanks to those of you who have posted some photos! It's really fun to see your creativity.  It seems most of us would appreciate a little non-structure, so here goes.

Liz made a great suggestion of having us take photos throughout the year around Madison and then turning it into a photobook.  I love this idea! Especially since most (all?) of us will only be here temporarily.

So take those cameras out and take some shots.  Whatever you want!  Macro, wide angle, indoor, outdoor, downtown, at a park, at a lake.  I think it'd be a great goal for each of us to post one nice photo every month.

We can still challenge each other on more technically specific skills- like I know Heather wants to do.  And I think that's a great idea as well.

I hope those of you who haven't yet posted a photo will grace us with your creativity-- I KNOW you have it.

And please remember to make comments on other photos- either positive or suggestive.  I know I would appreciate it!!!

Thanks

My Kid in the Snow

Hmm... Lane wasn't in the best of moods this afternoon, so this is the best "non ticked off" photo I could get of him...I'll keep trying, though! Especially since we may just be in the thirties this coming week!

Not Really A Snow Picture

So you don't really see the snow, but we were outside playing in the snow. Does that count? I just liked her expression and was happy with how the picture turned out.

Caring for SLR in freezing temperature

Just an FYI in case you forgot or were not aware:

Make sure you let your camera adjust from freezing cold temperatures to warm inside temperatures! I personally put my camera in a zip log bag to prevent condensation from forming inside the lens and sensor area. You can stick it in your camera bag as well to help transition from negative degree's to a warm toasty apartment/(home for you lucky folks). Wait until the camera is room temperature before taking it out of the zip lock bag. I've heard that you should also wait until it's fully warmed up (i.e. condensation gone) before using it again outside. The left over condensation could freeze, ruining your camera.

Also, battery life goes quickly when it's cold.

You can google this if you want more info. I read about it in a photography forum and wanted to pass it on since we all have to worry about the cold!

Snow Pictures

I really wanted to take some portraits out in the snow-- but it has been so cold!  Too cold to make anyone sit out there while I take a photo.  So here are a few I've worked on.  I tried so many different settings and functions and I metered.  I got a lot of this first fence shot with a bunch of different hues.  It was quite blue out since the sun had just nearly risen (I burned breakfast taking so long taking so many different photos).  I thought the dried flowers were pretty-- the first is with the sun shining directly on it, but the second I prefer the composition.  And then the last one I thought looked the least blue/grey.  Hmm... lots to think about in the snow.  Good thing we have another four months to practice, eh?  Great challenge, Heather.  This was really hard!  But since you were the one to challenge us on it-- where's your snow shot? :)