We have hummingbirds - LOTS of hummingbirds! Conservatively, we estimate that we are feeding about 100 different birds.
Sometimes, it's like a fierce air-to-air battle with a dozen or more hummingbirds buzzing around fighting for a space at the "trough". Although, since we put out 2 feeders, each with 8 feeding holes, I would think there is plenty of room. But I guess, sometimes, two quarts just doesn't seem like enough for one of those tiny little guys! :-) … (20 comments)
I still love my Nikon. I've shot about 4,000 images and never been disappointed with the camera. The only failures have been mine. Apparently, my respect for Nikon cameras is also shared by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In December, they orderd eleven Nikon D3S digital SLR cameras and seven NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses. These new additions will join a growing array of Nikon equipment being used by NASA aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS). Since 1971, NASA has used Nikon cameras to take more than 700,000 images. (Information courtesy Nikon Press Release) I don't plan … (14 comments)
photography: The Brain - behind the Eye - behind the Viewfinder
- 01/11/10 08:27 AM
We all talk about which camera is the best or which lens is the fastest or sharpest, always looking for that perfect combination that might help us take awesome photos. However, the absolute most important part of any photography shoot is the brain. A great photographer can capture excellent images with almost any camera. That's because they not only have a very high level of knowledge of photographic technique and highly tuned technical skills, but they think . . . they think about what they want that final image to show. Then they consider what they must do to accomplish that goal. Just a … (14 comments)
photography: Perfect End - Perfect Beginning - Once in a Blue Moon
- 01/01/10 12:46 PM
Last night, the "blue moon" heralded what for me was a near perfect end to 2009 - delicious food, terrific wines, and the wonderful company of close friends. Today, revealed a beginning to 2010 that was just as good - more great food and time spent with family and friends - all in the context of a truly beautiful day. It really doesn't get any better! Resolutions? For me - not really. Just the determination to make the coming year better as I hope we all strive to make each new day a little bit better than the last one. … (14 comments)
It was founded by Andy Beal who picks the images for the site from those put in his group on Flickr, "Photogler". It's only been going for a couple of months now, but every couple of days, Andy adds an image with descriptions of techniques used by the photographer. It's a great place to go to learn new techniques and also to get ideas for your next photo shoot! Who knows - you just might see something there from someone you know. :-) … (21 comments)
photography: Adobe Lightroom Discount - Time is Running Out!
- 12/19/09 12:48 AM
I've written several posts that mention Adobe Lightroom, the most recent was just a few days ago entitled "Adobe Lightroom Magic." It was a mini-tutorial about a photo that I tweaked using Lightroom. The response to that post indicated that several of you may be interested in Lightroom. As a Lightroom user, I can get you a 15% discount on the software. Lightroom is expensive at $299, but the discount would save you about $45! The only caveat is that this expires at 11:59 (pacific time) on Dec. 25, 2009. So, if any of you would like to take advantage … (10 comments)
The ActiveRainPhotoBlogger Group is pleased to announce that it's group featured posts will be awarded "Award of Merit " ribbons to display right in the members post that is being recognized in the group for it's excellence in content and presentation. Along with the group featuring the new award ribbons, we have a contest set to begin the first of the year and the award ribbons are designed and ready for all … (2 comments)
I've written about Zenfolio before (Zenfolio Photo Website Discount), so I won't go into all that it offers - just my new discovery! One of the resources they offer is the ability to easily create an "Embeddable Slideshow". You get many options including:
Size and aspect ratio Background color Amount of time to display each image Kind of transition Plus several more After you've made your selections, you just click on the "Create Slideshow" button and it automatically generates the html code to copy and paste into your website - - or here at Activerain in a blog … (8 comments)
photography: Bracketing for HDR - Part 2
- 10/30/09 12:33 AM
Okay, I know that some of you are now pretty enthusiastic about High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging - and you should be! HDR is another great tool that expands your photographic capabilities. But first, there are a few things you need to do with your camera to give you a better chance of getting the images you need to make this work. Important: Put your camera on a tripod. The software can help correct for slight misalignments in the photo series, but you'll increase your chances of a nice sharp image if you'll use that tripod. However, if you don't have … (7 comments)
Shortly after that guy first invented the camera, some other guy (or girl) noticed that their exposure was not always perfect. So, they came up with the idea of bracketing photos, which is nothing more than taking your photo, and then underexposing one and overexposing another one. Then, just in case the first try wasn't perfect, one of the other images would probably be closer to what the photographer was looking for. Of course, for years that was all done manually, one at a time. However, with most modern digital cameras, that ability is built right in. My camera, for … (18 comments)
photography: Copper Canisters - Fun with Software "Toys"
- 10/28/09 12:47 AM
This morning, while waiting for my first cup of coffee to brew, I noticed these copper canisters sitting on the counter. So, I grabbed my Nikon D700 with the 14-24 mm lens, set it on the countertop and fired off 5 bracketed shots.Then I played with several of my software "toys" : First, I exported the 5 images into Photomatix Pro to merge them into a single High Dynamic Range (HDR) image. Next, I exported the HDR file into Nik Color Efex Pro and used their "Glamour Glow" filter to soften the image. Finally, in Lightroom, I just tweaked the … (9 comments)
New York City is such a vibrant, exciting city and there is so much to do and see. It's really easy to run yourself ragged in a short time just trying to see the main attractions like The Statue of Liberty, Time Square, and the Empire State Building - - oh, and don't forget to take in a Broadway play while you're there. But be sure and make time to slow things down for a while and take a stroll through Central Park. I was lucky enough to be there on this cool autumn afternoon when the colors … (21 comments)
photography: Promoted on Wordpress.com! Yay!
- 09/19/09 02:26 PM
I apologize for "tootin' my own horn" - - - but I just couldn't help it. :-) I recently moved my photo blog http://thrumikesviewfinder.com to Wordpress.com to be hosted there. Within a couple of days, my most recent post about "Canyonlands Nat'l Park", got promoted to the Wordpress.com home page. Man, you talk about a BUMP in hits - from almost nothing to over 700 the first day. Yeah, yeah, I know - for many of you that's not that many, but for me, it's BIG! :-)
Anyway, I knew that you folks, of all the people I know, would appreciate … (12 comments)
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