Category Archives: Family

Animals, Family, Portraits

A few from the weekend

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With the weekend about over and the rest of the family in bed, I’m sitting in my lounge chair and going over some of the pictures from the weekend.  There weren’t many to go through, as I have been trying to be very selective about what pictures I take and even more selective about which ones are actually kept.  It’s not about quantity, but quality.  Some have asked how I get the shots and that I must be very lucky or very good.  I normally respond with I’d rather be lucky than good and I don’t think I’m either.

A different thought came to mind though, it’s really about being ready.  The 3 shots below are all pure candid photography while either walking, visiting or playing in the backyard.  None of them were set up or the subjects coerced into the pose.  These are the result of two important things, having a camera on hand and being aware of what is going on to capture the moment.  Now that my daughter has found out the wonders of being outside (gotta love the abnormally warm March weather here), we have been venturing outside and walking all around town.  Normally, I try to sling a camera, just in case.

This first shot was taken in a neighbors house that a family member was dog and cat sitting for.  Since Brooke loves dogs and cats, we took her in to visit.  This was the result.

Brooke walked over to the chair, pointed excitedly at the cat and yelled to lift her up.  So we sat her down next to the cat.  Suddenly, she got that twinkle in her eye and a mischievous grin on her face, so I knew what was about to happen.  Up came the camera and this was the result.  The cats face is priceless and contrasts greatly with the peaceful face of Brooke.  The cat took it well and was not harmed in the making of this picture…

On the way home, there were some dogs in a yard barking and chasing each other and Brooke just had to stop and watch.  The sun was behind some clouds, so the light was beautifully diffused and I could shoot wide open for the blurred background.

The last picture was right when we got home and were playing in the driveway.  Looking up, our cat was apparently feeling left out and was trying to get our attention.  Even though she’s scared of being outside, I think she wanted out.

We didn’t let her out.

So there are my 3 favorite pictures from the weekend, none of them possible if I wouldn’t have had a camera slung over a shoulder while on a walk.  The kicker is that these all happened within a short time of each other.  Once again, it’s not about having the best camera, but having a camera with you.

 

Family, Gear, Urban

Winter is over!

Ok, so I may be jumping the gun a bit.  I can only hope winter is over and the warm weather we are supposed to get this week stays.  Today was a perfect day to get out outside and stay there.  After Church, I packed up the bike and went for a quick 12 mile ride.  It was the first ride on my new cyclocross bike and I wanted to make sure everything was set up right before I went much further.

Since my phone has a gps and I downloaded the MyTracks app for free, I put a mount on the stem to hold the phone.  The mount came from RAM-Mounts and is top notch in quality and fit.  It’s made in the USA and works great.

Bringing up the rear of the bike is the trusty Domke F-5XB bag bungee wrapped to the rear rack.  The trail was a bit muddy today, so the bag got a bit dirty.

This setup is great for long rides that combine any photography.  I can’t wait to get out on a longer ride earlier in the day.  After a quick 5.5 miles, I turned it around and headed home so when Brooke woke up, we could take her to the park.  We’ve taken her outside as much as possible in the past week since the weather has been warmer and she just loves it.  Bringing her back inside is quite a challenge, but with the promise of dinner, it does get easier.

 

 

 

 

Family, Nature

The snow is finally falling!

All day the snow has been falling off and on.  I’ve had to shovel the walk 3 times, but it felt good to get out and do it.  The morning was spent with Brooke and Dayna, but once Brooke went down for a nap, I drove the short way to Laurelville to do some light hiking and picture taking in the snow.

I packed my Benro Travel Angel tripod and put an ND filter on the front of the 14-42mm.  This exposure was 1/10 second and f/11.

The hike was great, if a bit chilly.  There was no one around and was great to clear my head.  Shortly after I got home, Brooke stirred from her nap and as we were playing in the living room, she snatched up my Canon underwater camera.  Thankfully, it’s shock and drool proof.  I wonder how long until she starts taking better pictures than me?

G3 + Oly 45mm

Family, Street

A great start to the new year

Most people when they think of a way to start the new year do not think of jumping into a river of near freezing water.  This is where my wife has a different opinion than most.  Every year, her and some members of her family jumped into the Yough river in Connellsville on New Years Day.  I asked the only logical question when I first learned of this activity, why?  Needless to say, the first New Years we spent together had me jumping into the river right next to her.  It was quite the rush really and something I’ve done numerous times now.  This year (and last year) had me playing pack mule and carrying not only their towells and changes of clothes, but our daughter was well.

So in the backpack went Brooke and off we went to walk around and watch everyone take the plunge.  A good number of people showed up again this year.

This was the group picture they take every year.  Every year is seems to get bigger and bigger.

One of these years, when Brooke is older or if we have a sitter, I’ll take the plunge once again.  Until then, I have a good excuse to simply play photographer.