My summer vacation (long, pix)

I added a couple days to last weekend's 3 and took a mini-vacation to southern California where I hung out by the beach.



In the mornings (before the sun came out) I chased some birds along the shore.



And shot some artsy still subjects too.



As well as the ubiquitous California flora.



Did I mention the beach?



But the very best part was, on Monday, I hung out with a famous Nikon Cafe photographer and family:



And here's her family.   That's Gregory (gho) on the right, fiddling with his infra-red Sony 717. This photo is in IR too!



I'd like you to think I'm being artsy with this portrait of Gregory's wife here, instead of just ignorant of how to use his SB800DX.



Like the previous shot of her, this strongly backlit portrait of Ximina (they pronounced it zy-me-na) was taken with the 28-70mm f/2.8 Gregory had with him. It's a nice lens as you can see, but just a bit on the large side.

 

Thanks Dave - Since I'm back, I'm sportin' the "psycho-killer" avatar now.

 

Hee hee - that 28mm makes for interesting perspective when you tilt the camera down, eh? And don't you think you should check with your daughter before you write "my T7"?   That is a pretty slick camera. I see why you think it's yours! Well thank you for the great company and I'll see you next up in your part of the state!

 

Bryan and Michael, Thanks for looking at these. This wasn't really a photo vacation, so all my shots are snapshots, but I had a great time. I hope to get outa town at least once more this summer, and I aways shoot some pictures.

 

Thanks Joel! It was fun taking them. The bad part of vacations is that they end.

 

Thanks Neil!

I know my inability to expose correctly will pay off one day. I like Panos' 'upwards' shots of cheerleaders as much as the next guy, but my real idol at shooting birds in their natural surroundings is Jonathan. I'm telling you, hot plus drunk is just magic. But I'd prolly still over-expose 'em. :/

As for your comments on my looks, if my avatar doesn't speak for itself, let me reiterate: "Watch it bub, or I'ma gonna 'mess' you up!"

  :shock: :lol:

 

Gale, thanks for your comments. I had so much fun taking these. I usually consider the photo the end product, but in this case, the taking was so much more.

I'm glad I got to spend time with Greg too - and especially his wonderful daughters and lovely wife.

 

Thanks Enn!

Ya mean that photo of my older brother?