A New Small Gadget

As I was seeing hubby off to work early this morning, I looked up in the sky and saw the moon.  I saw a photo opportunity.

The moon at 8:30am EST (200mm, f5.6, 1/1000, ISO 100)

I ran inside to get my camera, tripod, and my new gadget...a corded remote.  I've had this remote for about 3 months, but never got around to trying it out until this morning.  It was pretty simple to use.  I plugged it into the left side of the D7k and turned the camera on and just started clicking away.

Nikon corded remote control (50mm, f1.4, 1/125, ISO 720)

I bought this nifty gadget right after taking pictures of fireworks on the 4th of July.  No more wiggly fireworks pictures for me.

50mm and Natural Daylight

On the spur of the moment (actually...after taking a late afternoon nap), I ventured out into our gardens to see what was blooming.  Surprisingly, a few lonely souls were on display:  

Single hybrid rose scented the front garden (50mm, f6.3, 1/160, ISO 100)

A lonely geranium...perennial (50mm, f5.6, 1/125, ISO 100)

I really enjoy the results that I get from my 50mm lens.  Many times, nice artistic surprises:

Lily of the Nile (50mm, f2.8, 1/125, ISO 100)

To Flash or Not to Flash?

If I look at my stats I tend to use my external flash about 20% of the time.  When I have it on hand, I seldom use it unless I'm inside with limited lighting.  There are times when I do need it to bring out the fine details or capture the brilliant colors:

50mm, f4, 1/125, ISO 400

50mm, f4, 1/125, ISO 400

50mm, f16, 1/125, ISO 1800

Playing with the 50

That is taking pictures with my 50mm lens.  A friend of mine wanted to see the two little wildlife friends I brought back from AK.  Here's the little critters that followed me home:

Lil' B (Little Bear) and Lil' M (Little Moose) (50mm, f11, 1/25, ISO 3200)

Lil' B wanted his own portrait (50mm, f11, 1/25, ISO 3200)

Darling hubby had brought me flowers when he came to pick me up at the airport.  It was a rainbow of colors and textures:

50mm, f8, 1/25, ISO 3200

50mm, f8, 1/15, ISO 3200

50mm, f4, 1/80, ISO 3200

Okay, this one was a total "ooooops" picture.  The more I look at it, the more I like it.  A bit artsy.

50mm, f1.4, 1/125, ISO 900

The colors remind me that Fall is here.  Hard to believe as it has been 80 degrees and I'm still wearing my flip-flops.

In and Around Anchorage

Here are more pictures from my trip.

Sometimes I just need to look down....

Chocolate Fountain

Along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Lil' M watching TV

Swans at the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge

Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge

View of Kenai mountains

5th Avenue Mall-downtown (S90)

View from the Air

It was a clear morning to be flying out of Seattle.   I was in awe at the mountains beneath us.

The further away we flew, the less snow we saw:

This view reminded me of a quilt pattern.  Beautiful!

Some of the Meals

During my trip, I tried to stick to a vegetarian (with fish) diet.

Ahi Tuna (Spenard Grill) (S90)

Cup of guacamole (Bear Tooth Grill) (S90)

Rockfish tacos and cilantro fries (Bear Tooth Grill) (S90)

Authentic Chinese menu (Charlies Bakery & Chinese Food) (S90)

Veggie omelet (ES) (S90)

A big thanks to Ryan and Eddie for providing a fantastic Friday lunch:

Halibut and Red Salmon (before)

Grilled halibut and red salmon (after)

Grilled halibut & red salmon, grilled veggies, and rice pilaf...it was yummy!

(More food pictures to come)