Oh no! Not two cat photos in a row!

I really wasn't planning to take this photo today.  We were stuck inside in the rain and I decided to take a photo of an old guitar of mine.  I got out the wide angle lens to experiment with and started shooting.  The problem is that it's almost impossible to get a photo of anything when Hobbes is around.  He is such a ham and keeps coming up and putting his nose on the lens.  So, finally, I just gave in....sorry, I'll try to do better tomorrow!

Another one of Suzy

We've been meeting with builders all day since 8:30 for a potential project we're doing in the mountains, and we only have a few minutes to get ready to go to some friends' house for cocktails....so, no time for much of a photo today.  Suzy was exiled to the porch all day and it's been rainy and cold, so she isn't happy with us.  She wouldn't even look at me for my "fallback" photo for today.  Here's the best I could get.

Nature in B&W II

One thing I like about macro photography is the lesson it gives me in patience and attention to detail.  Macro photography doesn't like to be rushed.  It's all about getting the tripod out, setting the lens just so, waiting for the tiniest of breeze to calm, holding my breath in as I squeeze the shutter and noticing the tiniest bugs, pollen, spots, etc. that I would have never even known was there.  It gets me to slow down and take my time or else it is unforgiving.  The slightest miscue results in a blurred shot.  In this way it's almost meditational, and being in nature just enhances the experience.  Even though I love the colors of the spring flowers, I continue to gravitate to B&W for these images.

What's for dinner?

I was putting up groceries when I got the idea for this photo.  I tinted it a little blue to convey the sense of coldness of the fridge.  It took a few shots to get something I could use, but I didn't want to leave the camera in there too long because I thought it might develop condensation.  I wish I'd pulled my hair out of my eyes, but it's usually hanging in my face, so maybe this is more realistic.  I used my widest angle lens to capture some of the items on the shelf.

Night out with the girls

Had a great night out with some good friends of mine - Sandra, her daughter Lauren and Judi.  It's always nice to be with long-time buddies.  The light was very, very low and I didn't have a tripod, so it's a little blurry, but good smiles nevertherless!

Jason

It's been a very busy day, so not much time for photography today.  Fortunately, we had dinner with our friend (and fellow dancer) Jason tonight and he agreed to be my subject.  Thanks Jason!

Mountain countryside

I imagine there will be lots of these types of images from now until autumn as I start to spend most of my time in Blowing Rock.  Who knows, old barns might become a more common theme than "George with drinks"!  The day was full of glare and this was at 3:00 this afternoon, so not the best light.  I also should have gotten a better angle on the fence, but I was focused on the shadow and forgot to get the right diagonal on the fence.  The old roof and chimney were terribly backlighted, but at least I got the barn with the strong sun to my back.  Maybe I'll get up early sometime soon to get some better light.