Picture My World

Beams

Originally uploaded by JZip.

A photo from a recent trip to Florida.

Racoon-1

Originally uploaded by JZip.

One early morning last week, I was getting ready to go to work and spotted two racoons across the street. They both headed into our front yard and I noticed that they brought along some friends — a murder of crows who harassed them at every opportunity.

I lost sight of the racoons, but the crows gave away their location in the back yard. I grabbed the camera and got a few shots. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a good shot of the crows dive bombing the poor racoons…

Here’s one shot after I took some liberties in Photoshop.

CloudsOverRoof

Originally uploaded by JZip.

Here’s another picture from California. I’m starting to get the hang of Photoshop and the secret is to relax and have fun. When I first started manipulating photos, I was too worried that I wasn’t processing them “properly”. Now, I’m throwing caution to the wind and trying stuff until I get an effect I like. There are some general rules to follow, such as sharpen as the last step, but otherwise the possibilities are endless.

In this case, the sky wasn’t exactly that color and the roofs weren’t quite so muted (and my camera wasn’t so level… ), but I like this edit.

LA

Originally uploaded by JZip.

I had the pleasure of visiting the [Getty Center](http://www.getty.edu/) while I was in California. It is a small campus of modern buildings nestled in the hills overlooking LA. A storm had blown through the area the previous night and morning leaving the air crystal clear. This is a photo looking south from the Getty. I’ve put the full-sized version on flickr if you want to take a closer look. The view is incredible. You can see the 405 freeway off to the left and the ocean on the right and the hills just west of Long Beach on the horizon.

Flower

Originally uploaded by JZip.

Isn’t it pretty? These flowers were everywhere in Irvine, California. Not sure what they are called, but they have these cool leopard-like spots at the base of the 3 main petals (you’ll have to click on the photo and get a larger version to see them).

Moon_Crop

Originally uploaded by JZip.

Got my new camera and am having fun learning how to use it. The jump to a DSLR is definitely a big one and it’ll take time to figure it all out. For now, here’s a crop of the moon taken in the late afternoon (only slightly sharpened in post-processing).

Earlier, I wrote that I ordered a Nikon D70. Unfortunately, the camera is a little scarce as Nikon prepares to announce a new model (the D70s). So, being the impatient guy I am and wanting a new camera in time for my upcoming vacation, I broke down and just ordered a Canon Digital Rebel XT. This is the next generation Digital Rebel and it’s got good reviews. The only significant downside mentioned is the kit lens, so I bought the body along with a 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM lens which should be great for general purpose photography. Once I’m comfortable with the camera, I can think about another lens.

Shula Digs Birds

Originally uploaded by JZip.

Shula and I went to Granville Island today (some quality aba and daughter time) and she couldn’t get enough of the pigeons and seagulls. We chased them with the stroller.

Teeth

Originally uploaded by JZip.

Two teeth!

FaceDrops
Originally uploaded by JZip.

When I look at this face, I wonder why we waited so long to have her.

Hey, I have my first ever photo event shoot. An acquaintance asked if I would shoot a charity gala she’s organizing and after some thought I agreed. It’s for charity, so I won’t be earning any cash (instead, I get a tax receipt), but it’s an excellent learning opportunity.

Unfortunately, there will need to be cash spent from my end to get a much-needed flash and extra memory card.

My foot.

Not a lot of time to write, but here’s a picture of a very hot cat.

Leaf

Siwash Rock at Stanely Park.

I couldn’t get an invititation inside, but I could take the “classic” White House shot. Too bad it was overcast.

This is really how close you can get.

I was also able to get to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum today. That was pretty cool, but I didn’t have time to see it all or see it very thoroughly. Afterwards, I walked down the Mall. I saw the new WWII memorial fountain and I wasn’t impressed. Charles Krauthammer wrote an opinion piece slamming it and points out many of its underwhelming features.

After passing the reflecting pool and checking our Mr. Lincoln, I turned to the Vietnam Memorial. Unfortunately, it was under renovation and only a very short section was visible. The humidity had returned today and by this time I was a sweaty wreck, so I taxied it back to the hotel. That concludes my Washington tour.

Picture My Commute Home

With my blog title as it is, there are not enough photos here. So, here’s another one. Picture My World at First Beach on English Bay looking towards Stanley Park.