Shutterbug Adventures

Catching up

2008-02-09T15:46:00.000-08:00

(photo of duck calls from Fishorama at Outdoor expo Perry Ga this weekend)
Wow, it has been some time since I posted here. Ive been busy. I started jogging and working towards my first Half Marathon coming 1 March 08. Ive been taking photos and working on a 365 group (taking a photo of me or parts of me everyday for a year!). Ive enjoyed running some races and keep finding new things and places to take pictures. I keep adding to my flickr site almost daily so keep an eye out there too. With Spring coming, it will mean time to get out and explore!

Using programs on your photos

2007-12-18T06:44:00.000-08:00

This is my original photo.
This is using the HDR technique- ever so lightly HDRed.

This was using -sandstone-though to me, it should be called -grunge-.

This was colored pencil.
The photos above have had various effects done to them using PC3. It is always fun to tinker around with your photo (always use a duplicate not your original). Try out your various effects you can use on your photos and see what you come up with. Some can be really neat.

Holiday Glitter

2007-12-18T06:29:00.001-08:00

This was fun to do- do the blur on purpose! I slowed the shutter speed down and moved in the middle of my photo. It turned out really cool.

He looked so jolly. These ornamental yard decorations are put up every year down from our neighborhood and I went to ask if I could take some of their photos. I want to go back in the daylight. They have a cool old tractor :)

This was a lovely door wreath in Madison Ga. I just loved it. The door and wreath were HUGE!

Whatever holiday you celebrate, make it a loving, fun and memorable one. Be kind all year round, take time to see those around you, get to know your neighbor, volunteer in your community, try something new this year, go see a place youve always wanted to go. Life is too short and there is no excuse not to. Get out there and live.

Action shots

2007-12-18T06:21:00.000-08:00

These were taken in Madison Ga during 5/8K runs there that weekend.

Its always fun getting to practice some of your shootings and settings on your camera- action being one of those. At times, they can be blurry when you dont want them or no focuses where you wanted focused and you growl! Here are some of the ones I recently took a week or so ago, practicing my action shots. Action! ::Snaps the movie snapper thing::

Surpassing my goal

2007-12-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

This is the Macon Tracks gals (some of them) getting ready for the Reindeer run on 1 Dec 2007 in Macon Georgia
This is me in the black hat, turning my iPod on and heading off for my first official race ever of a 5K distance! I set a goal and hoped to make it close to 40 mins to run the length. Before, I had ran it 45 mins, 43 mins and 41 mins 10 sec.

This is me on the way to the finish line. Kerry (already finished earlier) came to run with me, help spur me on!

I made it! I finished the race and here, Im showing Deborah my time. I was so excited I nearly burst into tears... Time- 38 mins 23 seconds!
I had so much fun running the race and hanging out with the Macon Tracks Running club. Thanks to my husband, Richard, for helping get me there, encourage me and help take photos when I was running. I love you!

Thanksgiving Day 2007

2007-11-22T14:26:00.001-08:00

Macon Tracks- can also mean Macon Tracks Running Club. About 15 (give or take a few) people met up at The Loop to do a Thanksgiving morning run. As I was finsihed with my run and waiting others return, I took a photo of these tracks.
The house across the parking area of The Loop was decorated and so cute I had to take a photo of their fence.

This is the O family. Not sure their last names yet but its Kerry, Dave and their two kids. They were on the run today and Dave was so sweet to sacrifice his run and hang with me for the 1.5 miles I went before turning around to finish, making it 3 mile run for me. He went on to catch the others. Thanks for being so sweet Dave.

Sam, Monika (another new runner!) and Mary bringing their run home.

Me huffing and puffing my wayback. I felt tired but I made 3 miles in 42 minutes so I was happy. I saw Richard waiting at the return (or finish line) area and he waved at me. It was so nice seeing him there at my 'goal' stop area. Thanks for coming with me- you're the best honey!

Running sure isnt my ideal thing to do, but it is growing on me. Im proud of me. Go me!

Out with Gary

2007-11-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

a welcoming path in the gardens at Henderson Village

A wonderful knotty tree at Henderson Village

Gary making friends

The cotton picker

A cotton plant

I had such fun with my friend, Gary. Wednesday, we went out looking for news and photos. Well, mostly things we can take photos of. We went to Henderson Village in South Ga and took some photos there. It wasnt as pretty as it usually is in the spring but I still got a good many photos from there.

Gary and I also stopped at a farm and took some photos of them getting the cotton in from the fields. They said they can clear 80-90 acres on a good day. Thats a lot of cotton.

It was a good day all around- taking pics and hanging out with my friend. Thanks Gary.

Out and about

2007-11-15T10:28:00.001-08:00

Today was cold and extremely windy so I wanted to take some photos that didn't have to deal with the wind moving things. I set my Bee Movie toy from a Happy Meal, into one of my potted plants. He is happy looking and it made me smile.
I recently started jogging. Ugh, I must be nuts! I was taking some photos of my gear and will keep some jogging photos (Of myself, those that are jogging in races and practices with me and so on) on my flickr site. I made a set just for them. I had fun taking pictures of my shoes and I will work on getting more gear photos and actual race day stuff too. Maybe I will take my backpack on my first run (Reindeer Run 5K 1 Dec 2007!) and when I walk parts of it, take photos!

I took Buster with me and we went to the Air Museum today. I wanted to get some photos of the jets and their components. I used Photomatix a tish tash on this one and it came out really nice.

This just made me think of some bug eyed bug or something, made me giggle. I liked the colors in it too.

My wide angle is my favorite lens. It is such fun working the camera for funky angles and effects. The exhausts on this jet looked like huge eyes or some alien being. I used photomatix just a tish on this one as well. The tones and detail really came out nice.

Visiting friends

2007-11-15T09:21:00.000-08:00

We just recently went to No. West Arkansas to visit some of our best friends- Robin and Linda. We hadn't seen them in about a year and it was nice to spend time with them again. Pictured here is Robin, Richard (my hubby in the middle) and Linda up front. We were at the Tulsa zoo.
Me jumping on the hotel bed- this was a fun photo!

Sandy playing with her brother, Sponge Bob, in the plastic Coke container. Too funny!

We played a domino game called Mexican Train. Richard cheats!

Robin and Linda while we watched some folks in the Scotty Nguyen poker contest at Cherokee Casino in Tulsa Ok.

I loved this shot. I hate low lighting but I was glad this turned out nice.

Me with Scotty Nguyen! He was such a nice man - thanks for the picture!

I loved the DoF on this shot. Richard enjoying one of his several favorite things- rum.

We had such a great visit and I look forward to the next time we get together! Thanks Robin and Linda, for a good time and lots of fun memories!

Warner Robins Haunted House

2007-11-01T06:21:00.001-07:00

This ghoulish gal really looked cool

Sparked with electricity

They really got her- she was screaming!

Ghostly cell phone?

I had such fun at the Haunted House put on by the Fire Dept, AF and Police here in Warner Robins. They had a good turn out every night.

My challenge- more night photography with my little Canon Rebel XTi. I can see that I may need to work on getting an external new flash that can be worked for no red eye. Mine says -no red eye- but it does it anyway. I will have to dig into my manual to see if I can work the low light setting moreso as well, but I did have fun and practicing a hobby I love is always fun.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

Today I went to a cemetery in Perry Ga. I wanted to take some photos in a cemetery on Halloween Day. I was hoping some spirits may show themselves but no such luck. I did enjoy walking the grounds with my friend, Gary, and taking photos. It was perfect weather for it too.
These are in the very back of the grounds, resting eternally amoungst themselves.

I love the draping of the spagnum moss on all these trees

When Gary and I were about to head back to my truck, we spotted this little angel and went to take some photos of her. She was covered with touches of moss, mold and all types of age from nature.

I hope everyone has a good Halloween evening. Check the candy, walk with your kids and have fun!

Buster festive for fall

2007-10-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

Buster voguing
The wind was rustling the plants and he thought he heard something

He was chilling in the shade while I took pictures

I love this one! Taking photos of your pets can be hard. Buster always wants to come to me when I kneel down or move to get the right shot of him. I adore him and was so glad he -stayed- this time. I wanted to get a nice Fall photo of him and perhaps later use it for a Christmas card.

I enjoyed taking pictures of him, and other things, in our backyard yesterday. Kisses to my little man! Thanks for being so handsome!

Football photos

2007-10-27T10:52:00.001-07:00

I got to go to the Perry/Southwest game this Friday night, with a friend of mine, Gary. He was on assignment and I went along for some side line fun and photos. This was of the team praying before the game started. I really liked the powerfulness this photo felt when I took it.
The cheerleaders were working hard to keep the small amount of people that were there, riled up for their team. Its rather sad. When I was in High School, even our away games had nearly full bleachers. These poor teams had a small showing. Even Perry's side had less than half the bleachers filled. Its a shame more people weren't there to support their kids.

Perry going for an extra point.

I wanted to get some of the band as they were up in the stands, but after their half time performance, they got to take a break. So, instead of getting them, I got some of the tubas.

I really like how the lights and my flash played off them and this turned out.

This is a close up of the tuba as well. I had a fun evening, thanks Gary for letting me go along with you and test out my little camera that could.

Cross country event

2007-10-22T20:28:00.001-07:00

I got to go to Elko Ga to take photos of a cross country meet. I went with Gary and it was raining at first then man oh man was it muggy! This is the first race, junior girls, and their start.
I saw these shoes and wondered if they were magic or something- they sure are red.

One of the many young ladies running in the races today

This guy was on his last (of two) laps for the varsity mens race. He was pushing through some pain from somewhere.

There were four schools there and four races were ran. Congrats to each child that ran today. It takes a lot to run, let alone to enjoy what you do. Keep up the good work.

Thanks Gary for a fun day.

Amazing Clouds

2007-10-21T06:44:00.001-07:00

I thought this looked like a cat or Cheetah or some creature in running motion

The clouds this morning were just ..wow. I came in and got my camera and snapped a few of them. The texture and motion of the clouds were too cool not to.

Brasstown Bald Beauty

2007-10-21T06:30:00.001-07:00

We headed out early Saturday 20 Oct to Brasstown Bald. We had never been there and it was suppose to be a lovely day temp wise and I had hoped some color would be out. When we go further up Hwy 129, my hopes were more than I could have wanted. This was taken standing down in the parking lot looking up to the top of the mountain. This is suppose to be the tallest spot in Ga.
Wonderful colors bathed the trees and shrubs

The winding roads were fun. There were a lot of cars as well as motorcycles going up and down the road. It was a perfect day for it.

It is nice finding paths to follow when they look like this

This was a small creek we paused at on the side of the road. We ate a snack and just enjoyed the sights, sounds and watching the people drive by us. Get out and see the world around you. There are many parks and hiking places to take your family and pets. Make memories and live.

Atlanta Botanical Garden- Scarecrows

2007-10-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

Fall is such a wonderful time of the year; cooler temps, lovely fall colors and the natural scenery is remarkable. Christy and I went to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for their Scarecrow displays. We had fun taking photos of the scarecrows as well as the flowers and scenery.
This is a cool scarecrow that was welded together wonderfully. He has a lot of pumpkins surrounding him.

I always love the frog pong. They are HUGE and usually sit well for photos. We got to take a few here and this was one that turned out rather well. Thanks Froggie!

This was one of the glass sculptures that were on display. This one happen to be in one of the huge outer fountains that werent working with water in it. We took several of these. This is just a snippet of the section. The sculpture itself is rather large and very cool.

This was in the orchid house. It is part of a pitcher plant. I loved the curl of the leaves/petals and the contrasting color of red against the green. I didnt want the entire plant blossom, just a section and I really liked how it turned out.

This was one of the scarecrows in the orchid house. I immediately thought of Grateful Dead. Wonder why! They did a good job on this and the others throughout the gardens. Some really took a good deal of thought to produce. Various corporations and organizations made the scarecrows and had them on display throughout the garden area. While we were there, they were also in the middle of changing over some of the planter's floral arrangments, making them more fall plantings. Take the time to go by there either soon or next Spring. Its a lovely place to walk through, see the fountains, the flowers and enjoy the kids area as well.

Texas Trip

2007-10-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

I'm back! Man did I have an amazing time in Texas. First though- I wish to thank my wonderful host Doug (Xalyth) for showing me around and being such a super friend and companion on my trip there.

Thursday my flights went well and I made it to the airport. We went to Galveston to the sea wall and saw some folks fishing, surfing and just having fun in the ocean. We went to Cherry Hill and saw some dude catch a huge huge fish! We then went to Moody Gardens and visited their Aquarium area and Atrium area. I took heaps more photos don't ya know! We ate at my new favorite Mexican restaurant-Tortugas! Then we went to visit Joe (Mikal/Serge) and his wife Tiffany and their son Joshua.

Friday we ate breakfast then headed off to San Jacinto Battlegrounds, saw Flat Stanley and then the battleship USS Texas. The Flat Stanley thing is an older couple was there with this hand drawn shape of a little boy/male drawing. It was decorated by someone else and sent to them through their grandson to have his picture taken in Texas. Then the grandparents are to make their own "Flat Stanley" but in true Texas fashion and then send it on to another state for the same thing. It was rather cute an idea. After the battleship tour, we ate at Chic-fil-a , we stopped at Kemah Boardwalk to walk around the coastline park there. Next we headed back towards Galveston to ride the Ferry. THAT was fun! This was also when my friend and host, Doug, shown his Knightly manners and took a bullet for me. Some people below had come prepared to feed the seagulls with a bag of bread. So they worked up the feeding frenzy. Well you know you put something in and something has to come out. He shown his quickness of mind and hand and saved me from the fatal blow! Thanks Doug! You're the best! We worked up an appetite and made our way towards our DDO Dinner meeting spot- Texas Roadhouse Steakhouse. We met up with Jason and his wife Andrea as well as Chris and his wife Cindy. After a yummy meal (I had catfish mmm!), we headed back to see Chris and Cindy's mass of girls (they have four between them) and visited there for a bit. I fell asleep in the car on the 45 min drive back- I was tired!

Saturday was great! We ate breakfast and made the 1.5 hour drive one way (Poor Doug's butt and all that driving) towards Magnolia Texas for the Renaissance Fair there. Oh that was so much fun! Chris, Cindy and Julie were in garb and I had to buy myself a hat (Jester one ya know!). We watched a pirate show, some pre jousting fun and a comedy skit (Sounds of Fury I think. They were a PG-13 rated funny show) and this man that plays the bells- Cast and Bronze. Its a huge thing similar to a piano type deal but its bells cast and different shapes from tiny to huge. It was so cool. I took a lot more pictures too! Awesome costumes, good food and lots of fun. The trip back towards Kemah was easy enough and once we got there, we walked the boardwalk some and picked out a place to go eat- Cadillac Grill. While eating there (Man was all those places busy!), we watched the many boats 'cruising' the harbor area. We hung out there eating, yammering and watching the boats until dark then we went on our photo quest- low shutter speed testing with colorful amusement park rides!

Sunday I had to do some packing and get myself ready. We ate breakfast and headed to the airport. My flights back were pretty easy and it was a long day. I was in the bed by 10:30 pm! It was a wonderful adventure with great friends in a lovely place on this earth. I thank everyone for such a splendid time. My photos will be in flickr once I finally get through all 685 of them and select which ones to put there! hehe

I will work on adding photos soon- Im still working through all 685 pics!

More Ga State Fair

2007-10-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

Carousel horses are always so colorful and fun
One of the several mules there demonstrating how to plow/till with mule teams

This was too cute. This little filly was playing with the lady's number on her back

This is a Grand Champion Paso Fino demonstrating the gates of the horse. He is beautiful and only 4 yrs old!

I will be taking some tonight in the dark with the lights of the fair so if any good ones turn out, I will add them here. Wish me luck!

Georgia State Fair- Perry Ga

2007-10-08T06:01:00.000-07:00

Lovely Saddlebred

I love the close up detail on the equipment. Thought this made a cool picture.

This little cowboy was too adorable. He was in the walk lead line 4-5 yr old Saddlebred show.

I loved these cute whistles

These yummy slushy machines were irresistable with their color and perfect lines for DoF photo.

I loved the colors and shapes for this honey taste/display area in one of the buildings.

Jorge and Cicero were working the Super Himalayas ride- nice guys go say hello to them! Tell them you saw them on Donna's site hehe

The photos included are some of my favorite ones thus far from the fair.

I am loving the fair being here. It gives lots of chances to try new things, different settings and your hard to do photographs. I have a time in low lighting and motion, so with this cloudy weather hanging around the fair, it gives me the time to practice in a fun way. Ive been taking many photos: food, vendors, game area, and the shows (Horses and other livestock). I have gone to the fair several times already to take different things and Tuesday night, I get to try my hand and the lights at night. I want to thank Michelle Treptow for giving me 3-1 day passes to come in more than once to take photos. And thanks to Gary Harmon for letting me tag along with him tomorrow night.

Perry Fair-before the fuss

2007-09-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

This was one of my favorites. The ticket booths and the clouds sure made for a cool shot.

I love the neon colors

Hamburgers mmm

Cool machine on one of the rides

I got a chance to hang out with Gary Harmon during the day while the Perry State Fair was being set up. It was getting warm and we plan to go again when more rides and things will be set up but here are some of the fun ones I got while there on the 26th of Sept.

Thanks again Gary for letting me tag along!

Golden Games 2007

2007-09-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

The events ran from Wednesday through Saturday in various places in Perry and Warner Robins area mostly. They had running, horseshoes, swimming, biking, and many other events. The contestants ranged from 50 years of age and over. I met some wonderful people (and a lovely Boston Terrier named Izzie) shooting the events and had such fun! I look forward to next year!

Here are some of my favorites I took this week. My most favorite one is Backstroke. The young man doing the backstroke with such emotion and determination on his face. You could -feel- the drive to finish the race, in his face.

St Joseph Catholic Church Macon Ga

2007-09-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

Christy and I went to the church on Tuesday, 18 Sept 2007. We had gone there before but it was packed with peo0ple and this time, empty. We had the whole place to ourselves, minus two or so people coming in to make a quick prayer. The weather was lovely and the sky a perfect deep shade of blue. I took some HDR photos and some regular ones and here are a few of those.

Wonderful temps

2007-09-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

The past few days, man- has it been lovely! Its nice being able to have the house opened to the fresh air and cooler temps. The past two weekends, we have taken off for photo spots and fun filled days. We visited Six Flags, a local Classic Car show and then last Sunday- The Atlanta Zoo. The weather on both weekends were perfect and our outing was great. Here are just some of my favorites from the past weekends.

Perry Georgia

2007-09-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

Today was a little cloudy and I took off to Perry Ga. I had such fun at Perry Country Club. They were so nice- let me drive around in a golf cart! There were four kind, young gents to let me follow them and take photos. One such man was Andy Snyder. He is 88 years old and goes golfing 4 times a week! He was a charming man and they were so kind to me. I had such fun there today- thanks to all - golfers and staff- at Perry Country club.

Six flags

2007-09-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

We went to Six Flags Sunday, Sept 9th, and it couldn't have been a better day to go. The crowd was small, the weather was nice and we had a blast. It gave Christy and I a lot of photo opts and we enjoyed them all. You can see the rest of them on my flickr page under the Six Flags set.

Sweetner

2007-09-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was out doing some errands and I stopped at Marcus Walker's house. I go by there often since he lives close to me. He and his wife make syrup, jams and he has lots of machines there, a sweet Classic chevy and lots of plants/things to take photos of there. He has this old glass topped gas pump. Id love to get a full length of that one! He has a large plastic container to protect the glass but its amazing.

I spent a good bit of time walking through his property talking about making syrup, different fruits growing on his property and many machines. It was a pleasant visit and I got some really nice photos.

Its always fun stopping at various places both public and ones you find while just driving around. Sometimes, you walk away with more than photos, you walk away with knowledge, history, plants cuttings, and new friendships made. Photography is a good reason to smile at those you just met, get outside your comfort zone, talk about things you have learned or know and give others that rarely get visitors a chance to tell you valueable things from their past.

Take time to say hello to people as you pass them by, lend a hand where able, and remember, it only takes one step to begin a journey to anywhere. Take that step.

Photography

2007-09-05T05:10:00.000-07:00

Photography has been such fun learning. I've already met some wonderful people and added to my array of photos. I will try to keep some up on this blogger for the tales of my adventures and some of the photos from them.

I also post to Flickr nearly every day. You are welcome to check that out too. Flickr: Photos from vlandyra