struck by Lightnin'

Target shooting has always been a fascination of mine. Some of you may remember stories I've told about archery. But there has also been darts (tungsten) and throwing knives... basically, if you need to aim it, I want to practice it. They say "practice makes perfect," but I have been struck with the reality from an entirely different experience... that practice makes me frustrated, because I have never been made perfect in any of these disciplines. In fact, my nickname at the archery range was Lightnin'. Sounds cool, right? But do you know why they called me that? It's because "lightnin' don't strike the same spot twice."

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Fortunately, I don't have the same problem with photography. My unsteady hands took this, somewhat long exposure (1/3 sec) without a tripod by laying down and using the dock as a brace. I expect that I hold my breath for just about all of my pics. Anti-shake technology is a big help, too. When I do not like the position, cropping and straightening is a simple (post-editing) fix.

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Aim... focus... steady... click... Meh, that'll do.

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Check out: 11 Surefire Landscape Photography Tips from Digital-Photography-School.com

moonscape

The camera provides more fun than any other toy I've ever had! Sometimes I try to take pictures as a purist, for realism, and sometimes I look for a way to be creative. Despite the unusual hues, this shot is SOOC (Straight Out Of the Camera). It is absolutely untouched by post-editing.

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The big, outside property lights at church were close enough to this tree to give strong light, and they give off an interesting color. I took the pic at 9PM. If I remember correctly, the sun had just gone down. That is taking place faster and faster these days, eh?

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The pic was taken, using the camera's twilight setting and a tripod. It was only a little cool but very breezy. Soon, the days (and nights) will be most ideal for casual strolls, taking the scenic route, and then coming home to something warm to drink. When I take those walks, you can be sure I'll have the camera slung over my shoulder!!

were you there?

Sometimes it causes me to tremble.

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This photo was taken in low light without flash. Good Friday's program included a study of the different people we find at the cross of Christ. These gents represented the soldiers who gambled for Jesus' clothes. The actors did not speak, but acted their parts out while a narrator read from Scripture. Then the actors froze in place while the house lights were dimmed and with spotlights on the scene, a pastor gave a brief devotional thought before moving to the next scene. I set the white balance to a light gray (almost white) canvas to make the colors stand out just a little more, and used a tripod on account of the veerrrrry long exposures.

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There was a hush and stillness in us that was finally answered with the entire congregation reverently singing "Were You There" a capella.

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Coincidentally, my Pennsylvania friend, "Lime" posted overlapping thoughts in her Good Friday poem.

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Unrelated: I am a fan of Susan Boyle!

complimentary colors

One streetlight overwhelms the otherwise dark corner, leaving an enigmatic yellow tint to everything it touches. Not so for the rest of the lights. They were instead, quite blue... almost opposite.

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This shot taken while standing in the middle of the street, using a tripod and a long exposure. It was cold that night. Very cold. I wonder what the neighbors thought when they saw this fool standing out there, looking at a tree. I'm sure they could hear my teeth chattering from inside their houses.

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I was happy with the shot. I was also happy with the mug of hot cocoa I drank as soon as we returned home.