Friday night we went to the annual Dana Point Boat Parade Continue reading
The Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade
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Category Archives: Photography
A Christmas Tradition
Attending the Heritage Hills Historical Park annual Victorian Christmas has become a tradition for us. Continue reading
Touring Kolob Canyons-Zion National Park
Even though today was a rainy day, we went for a drive with good friends and toured Kolob Canyons, which is in the more isolated northwestern section of Zion National Park. This section is less crowded than the main canyon, but as you can see in the above photo, there are spectacular views there as well.
I started photographing in color, but quickly changed back to monochrome. I really do like the look.
Later, back in Virgin Utah, where we are staying, I photographed this replica of a mining company. I was fascinated and took the photo below of the water sluice that was part of the display.
This is my third day taking photographs in monochrome and I’m still enjoying it, which surprises me, because generally I love bright colors. Tomorrow we are going to tour Zion National Park, and because of the red rock and blue skies, I will probably switch over to color. I’ll make that decision tomorrow when we reach the park.
Monochrome Photography
I took this monochrome photo today, as we drove back to our camp ground. We are spending a few days in southern Utah, RVing in our 5th Wheel trailer. While studying my digital camera and the manual, I learned how to photograph in monochrome and decided that today I would use this setting for all photos.
The mountains in the far distance are part of Zion National Park. I get goose bumps just looking at this photo. Zion seems even more mystical in monochrome. These photos make me feel like I’m looking at photographs taken in the 1950s.
We made a stop at the local hardware shop, and if it wasn’t for the modern car, again I’d think I was looking at the 50’s
This last photo is of my camera case resting on my lap. My jeans are dark blue and the case is chartreuse. It’s amazing how the monochrome setting works. I have a feeling I’ll stay in this particular setting for at least another day, and then on to Sepia, I think.
Another Digital Camera Lesson
Yesterday I learned about the iA (Intelligent Auto) setting on my digital camera. Earlier today I took this photo of my neighbor’s hibiscus. I noticed the colorful flower as I turned into our driveway. As usual I had my camera with me, and couldn’t resist using it. The camera was in the auto intelligent mode, so I didn’t have to make any adjustments. before taking the picture. One of the advantages of this setting.
Later I decided to try out some of the other settings available on my Lumix digital. I started with the Sports mode. It’s recommended when taking pictures in bright daylight. This mode has a faster shutter speed to freeze action. I also practiced using the zoom lens.
I enjoy taking photos of wild birds and thought that the Sports mode might be a good choice to capture the action of the birds enjoying their late afternoon visits to the fountains in our back yard.
This is a Black Phoebe that visits our yard every afternoon.The zoom lens allowed me to take this photo from across the yard.
Here is one of many finches that regularly drink from our fountains.
I’ll continue to read my manual and try different settings. I still have a lot to learn, but I am looking forward to learning. Today I used the Sports setting and the zoom lens, and I got a little more practiced at photographing wild birds in our yard. Having a camera in my hands certainly does make me take a closer look at the amazing world around me.Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.