Friday, August 31, 2018

September 2018: A Splash of Color


Well, after a long period of hot dry weather without any rain whatsoever, we are finally feeling a bit of relief here in west Michigan.  Along with the rain came a very nicely cool morning and a reminder that autumn is just around the corner.  It won't be too much longer and the trees will trade their uniform green coveralls for the gaudy Hawaiian shirts that draw visitors in from all over the country just to witness.
Like a peacock fanning its tail.
Peacock feathers are incredibly interesting, and a lot harder to photograph well than you'd think. The iridescence which gives them their shiny appearance acts as millions of tiny little mirrors, which can play all sorts of havoc with the light and color, as well as the auto-focusing sensors on modern lenses.  Accurately capturing both the colors and the iridescence requires very strict control of the light.

Friday, August 3, 2018

August 2018: The Gardener


Man, we have had a hot summer so far here. And very little rain. It makes for a lot of real challenges if your job is growing things. This gardener is not only very hard working, but smart enough to follow the shade as she works.  She is quite attractive as well, which is nice. :)