Peek-a-boo.
Private entry.
Welcome in.
The WOW factor. If anyone out there knows of a good web domain for cheap (or free!) I would really appreciate it. I have no skill with this, but would really like to have a place to display my photography, and I am fed up with this site. I have lots of photographs, but no where to put them. [Now, now...no complaining on my blog :)]
(Images in both volumes from Shelby Farms and Harbor Town, Memphis, TN).
There it goes...
Who would have ever though mud would look so nice?
A lily pad, close up. 
Almost looks like blueberries, huh?
Houser, one of the best behaved dog's I've ever seen.
Houser goes fetch.
Beauty in detail.
From Left to Right: Della (Katie's other G-mama), Cousin Katie, Me, Aunt Sandy and Grammy
P.S. This week was the anniversary of Elvis's death so all of the crazy Elvis fans come out in full force. Happy Elvis Hunting!
This past Friday Jacob and I went on a date and it was so wonderful. We go out to eat and hang out all of the time but we have not gone on a planned "date" in some time. I came home from work and received a beautiful bouquet of mixed flowers. He then had reservations at a VERY nice restaurant called Flemings Prime Steakhouse. It was probably the most expensive meal we have ever eaten together. It is an incredible steakhouse but certainly a once in a blue moon type place for us. Jacob and I do not drink wine so our bill only included our entrees and salads and it was over $100!! We enjoyed the luxury since it was our special date night. So...if you were thinking about trying out the new Flemings Prime Steakhouse on Poplar, you might want to save up your piggy bank.
As you can see, it is considerably hazy due to water vapor in the atmosphere. Granted, it was about 80% humidity when this picture was taken, and it is a long distance away; maybe I should just move to the southwest and become a photographer- no humidity to contend with! (By the way, it was also 102 degrees when I was shooting these photographs).
Subjects closer up fared more pleasingly, such as this photograph of a pedestrian bridge over Riverside Drive in South End.
Even still, the pedestrian bridge is not crystal clear, which just further enhances the joy I get out of nature photography, placing it far more satisfying when compared to urban landscapes. I think it's time to hit the woods- it has only been a week and I miss it already!
This photograph was taken looking through our bug-ridden windshield while going 80mph down I-20 in Alabama. I cannot believe how well it turned out:
On the long drive back home this weekend, I was able to read the entire owner's manual for my camera, and learned a lot about its operation. I am normally not a "follow the directions" kinda guy, but reading it was very advantageous. I plan to start the manual on my lenses and filters soon.
Me, Jacob, Lauren and Chad
Brad's Cute New House
That second building is the Toyota Center, as seen from the rooftop of the Peabody Hotel, and is where Trish spends about 60 hours a week (well, at least some weeks) . If she didn't work so much she would certainly be a greater erudite renaissance scholar such as myself. If you look real closely, you can see her working on the 4th window from the left on the 5 floor. Ok, not really. Well, that was it, back to work, or so I thought. On the way back though, I was able to hang my head out the window just long enough to snag Elvis sitting on a bench outside his record label company, Sun Studios.
And lastly, this one is not mine, but it is for my mother. Trish sent it to me with the question: "Are you sure we are ready to have kids?" Sure, kids are easily replaced...uh, I mean a HD TV, leather couch, and hardwood floors are easily replaced. :/
That's our dog Siler in the first photograph by the way; Trish wanted to make sure everyone knew that. Following him are Mia (Jack Russel) and Samson (Great Dane puppy). When compared to my other photographs with the point-and-shoot, a noticeable difference is realized. It's only been several days, but I just can't keep from taking pictures. Yesterday I tried my hand at some still life, Back-Eyed Susans in our front yard.
Despite the desparate need for a tripod (possible near future purchase), I faired relatively well using the simple handheld technique, and the noticeable blurriness is expected in the above pictures. I also attempted some indoor action photography, but was not very successful. Most photographs were fluorescent yellow and blurry.
I was not too upset though, since I knew from the get-go that this camera lags a little behind the more pricey competition in the low-light action photography arena. Since I will be mainly using it for outdoor landscape photography, however, I decided the trade-off in price was well worth it. Working with it to optimize my indoor settings will help though. Heck, I haven't even read the manual yet, thus exponentially decreasing my capability of producing quality results; but, I've been too excited to sit down and concentrate on that very important step. Quite the opposite case of low-light will be my typical experience; my outing today to Butler and Tom Lee Parks solidified my desparate need for a a UV haze remover and circular polarizer lens (don't worry Trish, I didn't pay that much), both of which have been ordered and are in the mail. I also ordered a UV lens multi-coated protector for lens protection. With our track record, we will need it.
As you can see, the images would be much better had the haziness been removed and the overexposure been avoided. Darker, more vibrant blue skies providing a backdrop to sharper bridge suspension or flags, for example, are desired. Not to mention the Pyramid is glowing; that thing is like a giant mirror. It probably blinds pilots.
As a side note, let me just add that it sure is hot in July and August in Memphis. If it were not for my new found obsession, taking those photographs during my lunch break today would have been miserable. I seem to dread 2 months of the year here in Memphis; from my many past outdoor experiences, I have really grown accustomed to enjoying all types of weather, but when you sweat just because you walked to your car after work, you know it's hot. 105 in the shade is not fun. I think Al Gore is right (did I just say that?).
Anyways, back on track, I have really enjoyed my new toy and look forward to lowering its learning curve to achieve quality photography. Until next time, happy hiking (or whatever it is you do).
