Photography Wisdom
last update: 10/21 @ 17:15

A wise man, Bob Martindale, once told me (I don’t know who he heard it from or if it originated from him), the best camera is the one you have with you.

He was, at that time, a TV news photographer (maybe even back in the pre-video days of 16mm film).

The point being, if you don’t have your camera when a great, cool, interesting, momentous scene presents itself, the camera does you no good, no matter how well made it may be.

I was reminded of that recently and unconsciously at a happy hour gathering of former AARP WSO-ians. Yonas pulled out his camera to capture some cool afternoon shadows on the buildings around us.

And I was reminded even more recently, and consciously, this afternoon when I thought this was kind of a cool self portrait. Not as cool as Jake’s from WSO days: his face at the end of a Diet Coke bottle.

So, by way of illustration, the self portrait would be pretty hard for me to get with my “real” camera and its (D)SLR viewfinder. But with my cell phone (or most any cell phone camera), or — admittedly a mirrorless “real” camera, it’s much easier to see the screen as you’re composing an awkward shot.

On the other hand, this bird from our last day in the Galapagos would have been hard or impossible for me to get (I think) with a phone camera — that viewfinder, with a long lens, made all the difference.

In both cases, the technical details of the image or image capture are less important (at least in my mind) than having a camera with the features you need when you need it.

This last example is a not very good scan (sorry about that) of a 4X5 chrome I took years ago along the Potomac River. It required a lens swing to get the pilings in focus from front to back (which knocked much of the rest of the image out of focus — though a bit of the far shore is in the same plain and also in focus). I’ve seen advertisements for tilt/swing lenses for 35mm-like cameras, but don’t have one. That flexibility comes built in to a 4X5 rail camera.

So no way (before AI, at least) to get something like that from a phone camera.

But I’m still happy to have a camera I can and do carry with me almost all the time — that will often be the best camera (even though my 4X5 has cool extra feature and can capture way more detail).

Yellow and Blue
last update: 12/27 @ 14:07

Nice day for a walk around Alexandria.

And I liked the way the Cherry Blossom’s wheel looked framed within the back deck of one of the Potomac Water Taxis.

I guess it was the variety of yellows and oranges that drew my attention.

I happened to bring my “real” camera, so these are not cellphone photos. I wish I’d thought to try to use that as well to compare the two.

On the way back up Cameron Street, I liked the neighborhood’s endorsement of their Scottish heritage.

I stayed in for the Scottish Walk this year, but Sarah was out to represent the SFA. One of this years we’ll catch up with the McNaughton clan.

Fall
last update: 10/30 @ 17:52

A very smart person said something like the best camera is the one you have when you need or want to take a picture.

Sitting on the porch on a beautiful afternoon (perhaps too warm for late October, but I’m not complaining), I thought I’d try to capture some of those fall colors.

And I was too lazy to get out my Pentax. I think my aging Pixel phone did an admirable job. (Even if I really don’t know how to tell it what to focus on.)

It may not be as spectacular as Robert’s views of Mt. Ranier, but it’s not shabby either.

Perseids and Northern Lights?
last update: 08/12 @ 12:56

Perseids?

Check — I saw a few. (You’ll likely need to click for the bigger version of these photos.)

Not as many as we saw in Friendship Maine years ago. And nothing as spectacular as the one we saw break apart in the sky that night.

It was supposed to be a clean night.

But wasn’t really.

And there was a chance to see the Northern Lights even from around here.

I did see this faint reddish glow and it didn’t stay the whole time I was there — so not just more light pollution.

But the clouds are likely playing trick on me here. I’m sure that’s not the amazing Aurora Borealis I hope to see some time. But I did wonder while I was there if that might be a hint…

I would not have felt comfortable heading up to Skyline Drive that late on a Sunday if I had to go to work the next day. So, yes, I’m liking this retirement thing :)

Another blast from the past
last update: 08/07 @ 13:53

From the Legacy Box scans Sarah gave me for Christmas this year: Steve and Helen on the Reventazón River in December 1991! A few more photos in the vacations section.

With the free time I have now, I’ve got one more substantial project to post from those scans.

Continued Christmas fun
last update: 05/04 @ 15:51

Sarah’s Christmas present, a Legacy Box, has been a great, fun distraction lately.

I’ve updated my page here with a film I made at Evergreeen and the news stories I put together when I was trying to get a job with KGW in Portland. The dub from professional Beta to VHS to digital file shows, but it’s been a really fun stroll down memory lane.

We also have home movies in a format we can watch now (our VHS player is no more). And, when I work out the few images that did not scan well with LegacyBox, I hope to add my slideshow from the fantastic, private permit Grand Canyon trip in 1993 or 1994.

Seattle Mariners
last update: 08/30 @ 20:12

Typical Seattle weather, according to Robert.

Sarah and I were less convinced as it was cool and rainy when we go here.

But today has been pretty splendid.

And Robert got us tickets in a great spot.

Seattle was in the lead in the league, then in a three-way tie.

Their win today helped…

Sarah got this fantastic shot of the action.

And then I got lucky: I thought I needed a shot to post here.

And wanted to show off the sunny field — it did shift a lot between cloudy and sunny, but the roof stayed open the whole time.

Look closely: the Mariners are stealing second and third.

I’ll have to post the full size image too (later)…

Winner
last update: 01/28 @ 17:54

The new camera bag seems like a winner.

The hip strap and rain cover showed up this week and I tried out the clip on a walk down to the river.

For me, on the shoulder strap is more comfortable than on the hip belt. And while it’s very convenient, it’s not where I’d keep my camera all the time. Good for getter around places you want to take pictures while the bag stays on your back.

But still a bit off feeling. Maybe it would be a bit better without the faux-motor-drive-battery-pack; but I like never having to think about changing the battery.

Mt. Vernon
last update: 01/22 @ 15:56

We had a free weekend.

And I just got a new bag for my camera.

So we headed to Mt. Vernon as it’s been a while since we were there. It provided three tests: a bit of walking around, tighter quarters (with the other folks and the roped off portions of the house) and access to the camera.

I’m not yet ready to call the new bag perfection. But it is a worthy successor.

I have a couple more optional additions on order from Peak Design to finish my set up.

First impression: the side access while still on one shoulder works OK. I’m still figuring out how my camera (with faux motor-drive-extra-battery) wants to sit in the bag. And I worry I’m going to lose the lens cap more easily now. (I’ve had them disappear for bit in the other bag so that not completely unexpected.

And, when we were inside the heated museum and I took my jacket off, I realized I had the clip set way to high on the shoulder strap and it was rubbing on my collar bone.

I moved that down but I’ve yet to actually use it.

That will be the next acid test.

I bought this after getting a small award from PTO that was burning a hole in my pocket. And as I looked around at options I got sucked in by the clip and how it seemed like a good idea.

I’ll find out next time I’m wandering around with my camera if it’s as much a winner as I thought watching the video.

More news later (as they say).

Flown the coop!!!
last update: 08/13 @ 18:35

Sarah and Robert drove down to Huntsville yesterday. Unfortunately they missed seeing Jess and Brown because Brown has Covid.

(I would be remiss to not point out that Robert found Audible has The Incredible Adventures of Jack Flanders available; now he and Sarah have heard more about Jack Flanders than I have. Something I will clearly have to correct!)

But they did get to meet up with Aaron in Huntsville for what looks like a cool cave hike.

And they are getting to have dinner with him tonight.

Robert checks into Space Camp Elite tomorrow and then Sarah will wind her relaxed way back to Alexandria.

As Space Camp ends, we’re flying out to Seattle to meet Robert.

We’ll be bringing his college stuff; he’ll be bringing dirty clothes :)

He’s starting his early fall start program at UW!

He is incredibly psyched to have gotten into the Engineering program there and is really looking forward to it.

It should be an excellent fit for his interests both academic and environmental: no more swampy, humid summer weather. Having family in Seattle makes the move less scary and more fun, I’m sure.

Before all the traveling, Sarah arranged for another round of “Porch Portraits” from Joseph. Not our porch this time, Jones Point and the old light house there.

Joseph does a Great job!

Sarah has been getting ready for this for some time. I think all the help she has offered getting Robert thinking about and actually packing has helped set her mind on the fact that we are launching him on his next great adventure.

I just came back from the grocery store and realized I was very blue: for the last 18 years there has always been something to get at the store for Robert, but not today.

For me, his next great move is just now becoming real. And I’m looking forward to hearing about all his new adventures!

Unexpected visitor
last update: 12/05 @ 15:57

Clearly a hawk, what kind? I’ll need to do some research…

I’m not a birder but I think maybe a red-tailed hawk?

Sarah did better research and we agree it’s a cooper’s hawk.

Porch Portraits
last update: 07/05 @ 11:14

Sarah saw that Joseph Edwards, Single Eye, was doing Porch Portraits as a way to document these crazy, coronavirus times.

He came by Friday evening and we had fun posing for the camera.

But we really enjoyed visiting after the pictures were in can.

Joseph was Robert’s sixth grade teacher so there was a lot of catching up to do.

We got the scoop on how Burgundy is doing with remote education and what their plans are for the coming school year.

And, as Joseph has kids younger and older than Robert, his parental percpective was also fun to plug into.

In these socially distant times it really was a treat to sit and talk with someone outside our “pod” about how the world looks from a different perspective.

I don’t think we realized (I know I didn’t realize) how visitor starved we were. It was great fun to have Joseph stop by. I know we will enjoy the photos for years (expect to see some of his work in next year’s tax day letter), but the immediate time spent chatting was an excellent break from our lock-in norm.

Not total lock-in…

Robert enjoyed a birthday party yesterday (Khaleel has the best birthday for a party). And then he joined his friend Will on their family’s boat to watch the fireworks last night.

He said it was a great day!

Sarah and I enjoyed a dinner outside of Theisman’s, which seems to be getting better after the change in ownership a year or so ago.

Passport time..
last update: 02/17 @ 20:21

Time to renew Robert’s passport means it’s time to get out the lights again.

I did ask if he wanted to brush his hair.

Obviously, he declined.

It will be a more accurate passport photo that way anyway.

And no, you’re not supposed to smile for your passport.

Since the lights were set up, I called Sarah over for a shot with Robert.

And then Robert was kind enough to take this photo of me.

After this, the foam core that’s been a background for years went out. It’s age was clearly showing.

Our basement is not overly kind to long term storage.

And yes; the next post is the kitties. At least as long as they would stand still.

Kitty portraits…
last update: 02/17 @ 20:08

Now they are well established cats.

And less interested in sitting for a portrait.

The lights and attention seemed to worry them; which I’m OK with.

Panzer above; Pinker to the right.

Official school photo
last update: 09/28 @ 18:03

Looking very sporty and studious — but I think those are fake books used as props…

… They are even in the same casual order as last year.

10th Grader
last update: 09/03 @ 17:41

Robert started 10th grade today.

As always, he’s looking forward to the school year (and Volleyball is starting up again too, that’s the string bag).

Same backpack because the first day of school is a red day and the new backpack is for blue days. If you need to know more, you need to ask Robert.

• 2018
• 2017
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008

Wedding Finery
last update: 05/08 @ 20:00

Including these of us. I think this is when Carolee got her shot of us rocking our hats.

And this one of Robert and me is excellent.

Steve and I coordinated which worked well as MacNaughton became the dress code for parking assistance. He and I had directions on where cars could park — Loren and Susan don’t really have parking at their house for 100 guests.

But by being on a small island, getting the word out that parking was tight, and having a church around the corner and one othe beach house down the street rented, there was plenty of space.

The MacNaugton parking team’s job was easy.

School Photo
last update: 10/21 @ 21:36

The fake text books are a classic touch for our first High School photo :)

Art Festival
last update: 04/10 @ 22:19

This was the first time the festival has been in the new building; it’s a lovely space.

That Feeling…
last update: 11/11 @ 07:15

No one is really sure why Robert was laughing so hard. But it was fun to watch :)

(And a nice picture under difficult light for my new Pixel 2 phone.)

School Photo
last update: 10/23 @ 21:09

Gotta love the red fedora :)

School Photo
last update: 10/08 @ 13:23

He’s already settled into Seventh Grade life and contemplating this year’s Model UN trip. Interestingly, this year the Model UN is in Williamsburg.

Add new entry (owner only)