Missing the Lake Life

Lately, I've been so busy that I've had to miss out on the lake.  As I was loading pictures from my phone, I realized I had completely forgotten about two quick but intentional shots I had taken.

One of the few boat rides I've been able to fit in this summer came as spur of the moment and, again, caught me without my camera in hand.  The sun was dipping beautifully behind the bridge.  iPhone it is!

The other photo found me walking the dog somewhere around 5-5:30am...  I think...  I've mentioned before that early morning hours do not necessarily host my highest levels of cognition, but even my mental fogginess couldn't miss the vivid blue sky and bright pink clouds.  Again, iPhone!  (Because I don't trust myself to handle the nicer gear before my first cup of coffee... Also, because these early morning displays can be fleeting, much like my rendezvous with sunrise since my pillow was still calling my name!)

Now, to catch some sleep!  Tomorrow is a new day, and I have renewed motivation to finish the tasks that call me away from the lake.

The Clarity of Rokinon

As a hobbyist, I suppose I am still in the infancy of my prime lens collection, but the more I use them, the more I strive to commit to shooting only those lenses. The clarity simply cannot be touched by lenses with moving parts (within the same price range). 

Last night, we had a pretty magnificent lightning show on the lake, and I decided it was the perfect time to use my 8mm Rokinon lens. I wanted something that would cover the most possible sky so I could set up my tripod and catch the bolts anywhere they might occur. I set my ISO to 400, aperture to 11, focus to infinity, and exposure to 30 seconds. The only drawback--we are building and in serious need of sod. Not gonna hide that with the fisheye! Also, I was unwilling to stand in a gushy mud puddle during a lightning storm to avoid the curvature of the columns holding my porch. I love Jesus, but I ain't ready to meet him just yet! (One of the many acceptable uses of "ain't" in the South...)

Looking back upon some of my other long exposure images made me realize, once again, the remarkable clarity of the glass. I had taken a long exposure just the other day with my Canon zoom lens, and regardless of auto or manual focus, the definition can't touch the prime. I still love my other lenses, but I truly appreciate the Rokinon.  

Additionally, I needed some promotional shots for our wireless internet service last week. I knew I would sometimes be in close quarters with a bucket truck extended up to 60ft in the air, and I wanted to be sure I could capture the entire picture. I took my trusty Rokinon with me, and as a result, I have some super clear photos with vibrant color. Regarding the vibrant color, these shots were taken midday, and I experienced no wash out effect in my skies. Swoon...

The Dancers

Congratulations on a great show to all the dancers from this afternoon's recital!

Black and White

Sometimes a black and white image says it all. Its simplicity leaves room to explore the fine details. These are a few of my favorites.

Sunsets on the Lake

I've said it before, and I'll say it again... Sunset boat rides are my favorite! I know-- How do I know that sunRISE boat rides aren't my favorite? All I can tell you is that I lack the personal willpower and persuasive devices to hitch this early of a boat ride. Until such a time occurs, I am perfectly happy with evening outings.

Holding an excited dog (who, by the way, also loves boat rides) and maintaining upright posture on a moving vessel do not present optimal conditions for photography. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.

Taking one for the team...

The Belle of the Lake

Sometimes, I need pinching to remind myself that I actually get to live here! I love our home and our small town. It gets a bit hectic living under construction, but the end will be worth the wait. Just look at the view I get every day--The Alabama Belle

Sunset Boating

Every once in a great while, I have a good idea. We're not talking mad-scientist/genius level brain function, just... clever? Maybe even dial it down a notch from there to "neat." (You have to deduct points for someone, whose favorite hobby is photography, that totally misses the opportunity to bring her camera along for the first sunset boat ride of the season, which holds major photographic potential...)

Regardless of my carelessness, I did manage to snap a picture of my husband tending to the boats with my iPhone, using my sunglasses, which have a slight pink tint, as a filter. Desperate times call for desperate measures!