"Natural" Hibiscus Leaves

There's something about the leaf and flower buds of a hibiscus that intrigues me. Look closely at this photo, especially the large version, and I think you'll see why. I almost deleted this photo in the camera, thinking it was out of focus. But, when I looked at it on my computer monitor, I found that the soft edges were from the almost white shadow cast by water droplets. Not bragging, but it is a very cool effect, in my opinion.


This is a shameless plug -- when you look at my photos, keep this in mind: I don't use PhotoShop. I sometimes tweak contrast, brightness and hue or light saturation using Paint Shop Pro 6. However, most of the photos on Blog/o/Foto are as they were shot in the camera. Effects are not "man made".

Green Leaf Spider Macro

The drive to work each day takes approx- imately 45 minutes. Along the way, I see many sights that are common to rural North Carolina. One thing I enjoy is that each Summer, starting in late June, a bunch of hibiscus flowers comes into bloom along a ditch bank on my route to work. Last year and this year, I stopped a few times to photograph the flowers. Recently, I decided to "focus" on macro shots of the leaves, insects and the flowers themselves.

Over the next few days, I'll post a few of the best captures from those morning stops along the road. Today, see if you can find the little green spider...

The large version of this image is well worth the download time.

Ohio Lily

A few months ago, the Blog/o/Foto featured what is still my favorite photograph (of the ones I have taken). Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to photograph either the same lily or a like one -- in the same fish pond. The cool thing about this is the fish pond is in Ohio and I live in North Carolina. It was great to go back to the same spot and capture another image. Truthfully, I was hoping I could photograph the same (or another) lily -- and possibly get the same astounding result as the first image.

While not nearly as good as the initial capture, I really like this flower photo, too. Leave a comment and let me know what YOU think!

Say HI to AJ Everyone!

I just noticed that I've mentioned but not featured my oldest daughter, AJ. So, today is AJ's day on the Blog/o/Foto. While this is not the most technically excellent or appealing shot, I hope it gives you an idea for a different perspective when shooting pictures.

Truthfully, here's how this shot took place... We were on a trip recently. AJ was in the front passenger seat and I was sitting in the middle row, right behind her. While playing with the settings on the little P&S Canon A530 I keep with me at all times, I decided to pick on AJ a bit. I took the camera, held it over her head and then said, "AJ, quick, look up!" When she did, I hit the shutter button. Voila!

Try something different the next time you shoot. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And remember, if you're shooting digital, you can ALWAYS delete what you don't like. THANKS for the cool POV shot AJ. I love you!

Rocks?

It's odd what you will see when your eyes are opened to the world around you? After watching a bird "fuss" and fidget every time anyone or anything ventured near the rocks at Lake Tabor, I started looking to see what all the fuss was actually about. Lo and behold, what did I find? Rocks! Lots of them. Hidden right out in the open, among the black, white & gray granite rocks were three... no, four beautifully round rocks. Rocks, which weren't rocks at all -- but bird eggs.

How awesome our Creator to provide cover, protection and beauty among the ordinary sights of the day.

Lucky Tobie

If you look at the time in this post, you'll see I altered it -- just for fun. I don't believe in luck, but do believe in God's use of the number 7 as a sign on completeness. So, why not be completely, complete and have a Blog/o/Foto post on 07/07/08 and 7:07PM?!? LOL!

Actually, this photo was taken a little earlier this afternoon. My wife just received her lap dog, a Yorkie-Poo. She has always wanted one -- since she was a little girl. Our son requested that I take a picture of him, holding the pup (whose name is Tobie), as a "portrait". Aren't they BOTH adorable?

Shared Hobbies Are More Fun

I absolutely love it when my children develop an interest in hobbies we can enjoy together. Lyssi, my youngest daughter (we have two daughters and a son), has found that she likes photography, too. So today, I salute her for being interested in truly learning how to take good pictures, make good decisions on care of her camera and for not setting the blasted thing on P&S auto and snapping away. Here's to you Lyssi! Daddy is proud of you!