September 23, 2011 -- Indian Paintbrush

We have only seen this lovely flower at higher altitudes in the mountains, and commonly where it is quite dry. I saw this plant as we were being guided around the fascinating Anasazi or Ancient Pueblo people's ruins around Chimney Rock, Colorado.


I had a hard time taking a good shot of this because the light was so bright and the ground so dry. The dry ground was acting as a reflector back at the camera. I set the ev at -0.33 but I should have set it at -.66 or even maybe -1.0. 

f6.7 | 1/350s ev -.33 | ISO 100 |Nikon D200 138mm

September 22, 2011 -- Continental Divide Trail

Here are two panorama photos from the Continental Divide Trail. Frankly, as lovely as these images are, they cannot compare to the amazing beauty of the landscape we witnessed. These were both taken at close to 12,000 ft. The air was extremely clear, as you might image.


In this first photograph you can see, barely, that Pat is standing on the trail. This was really scary. It was somewhat eroded, very narrow and around the bend further on, with quite a steep precipice. For some reason we both felt that it was easier to navigate on our way back. 

Both images taken on program mode with my D200 set to infinity. 

September 21, 2011 -- Captured My Eye

Usually in photography we think of capturing an object, person or scene. So the title of today's post is a play on both words and idea and reflects what really happened: that is three scenes that captured my eye.


This first photo is an HDR comprised of three photos shot at f4 and organized in Nik HDR Efex Pro. This lovely stump, the setting and the light really captured my eye. This image comes from a train that was a dead-end for us. We were headed for a river trail. The river turns out to have been enlarged from the sudden heavy rains we had experienced and try as we might, we couldn't cross the thing. There were boulders large enough to climb across, but they were slick and we are not as nimble and sure as we were just a couple of years ago <sigh & grin>. But the trail was lovely and we took advantage of it, enjoying our hike.

f4 | ISO 100 | Nikon D200 52mm

This guy/gal just about sat up and posed for me. I caught her/him scurrying across the trail about 20 feet in front of us. This small cob or pine cone was about a third his size. He scampered up on that log and began to eat. I shot off five pictures before he decided to move again.

f5.6 | 1/50s ev -.67 | ISO 100 | Nikon D200 180mm

The final photo was actually taken near our lodging and I shot it as we were leaving to go on this day's hike. Each morning at 8:00 a hot air balloon lifted off very close by us. On this morning I was intrigued by the clouds and the balloon silhouetted against the bright morning sky.

f13 | 1/800s | ISO 100 | Nikon D200 135mm

September 20, 2011 -- Old Homestead and Falls

Three photos today. 
Driving to the trail head I saw this old home. There were lots of cattle surrounding it as I pulled over, but the Alpha mama, moo-ed and pushed everyone away, leaving this young steer to stair me off. 
Once at the trail head, we hiked in about 3.5 miles to get to see these falls -- a moderate hike. Certainly not easy. The last part, to get close to the falls, involves a lot of rock scrambling. I think these two photos tell the story. Just glorious. And the sound, was like a cannon. I was told that in the spring and early summer when the snow and ice run off beings, the falls are immense, but extremely hard to get to because of the heavy snow cover on the trail.

f 5.6 | 1/320s -0.33ev | ISO 100 | Nikon D200 87mm

September 19, 2011 -- Piedra River Trail

I like the first photo because, based on where Pat is standing, you get to see the size, and the majesty of the region, as well as the terrain along which we were hiking. This trail was very easy. We chose it because it was the day after a day off to heal my toe injury. Somewhere along this trail we encountered Williams Creek, a lovely fast running creek that intercepts the Piedra River. We met several people there who told us it was one of the best areas for fly fishing. Will have to learn that sport. That's for when we are in our 80's.

f16 | 1/50s | ISO 125 | Nikon D200 43mm

This second photo shows the harsh beauty of this environment. And silent. Except for the sound of the rushing river (more like a stream here, but larger a mile or two further along where the land levels out), it is absolutely quiet. In this particular place, we knew that there was not another human within a 1/2-1 mile radius). Amazing!!

f3.5 | 1/350s | ISO 125 | Nikon D200 36mm

September 18, 2011 -- Red Mushrooms [Amanita]

These were just rising out of the wet earth caused by the rains that I mentioned in the previous post. They were exactly the deep red color you see here. 

f4.1 | 1/160s | ISO 500 

September 17, 2011 -- Rainbow Trail Weminuche Wilderness

This is one spectacular trail. If you want views of huge bowls, towering cliffs, majestic mountains, birds, animals, streams, creeks, and rivers this is one for you. And if you want to slog through wet, muddy, post snow, post rain trails, this also is the one for you. It is here that I slipped trying to ford a moderately small creek where I caught my foot on a root, slipped on a rock and caused severe sprain and tendinitis of my large toe. LL Bean makes good solid heavy weight hiking boots. They and lots of Ibuprofen and icing, and of course my own doctor helped it heal pretty quickly.
This first photo is a panorama. You can see the haze and rain on the mountain, and if you look closely at the trail, you will see it is quite wet. This was good ground, kind of rocky. But where it is low, wow was it a mire! This was the only hike for which I did not bring my good D200. Am I glad. It may be still floating on the San Juan River.
The second photo was amazing. Pat spotted this doe first. She just watched us and gave me plenty of time to capture the shot. What was interesting was that she was on private land. Perfectly safe from hunters who had just begun their bow hunting. She was perfectly safe (except perhaps from the land owner).

f4.8 | 1/100 | ISO 800 | Lumix

September 16, 2011 -- Wildflowers

We arrived in Pagosa Springs along with huge rains. Got rained on for our first two days, including a significant downpour during a hike. That was really a mess. Slogging in the mountains on narrow paths mixed with suddenly forming streams is no joy. But that's another story. The rains bring out lots of wildflowers, so we benefited after all.

 f3.8 | 1/1250s | ISO 125 | D200 | 43mm

f3.8 | 1/1000s | ISO 125 | D200 | 43mm

September 15, 2011 -- Wolf Creek Pass

I took this, dangerously, immediately as we crossed the summit of Wolf Creek Pass driving over the Continental Divide, just east of Pagosa Springs, Colorado: 10,857 feet altitude according to the GPS. There is a ski run just off to the south and that is the blue rode you see on the left. 

f3.3 | 160s |ISO 320 | Lumix

September 14, 2011 -- Sears Tower Reflection

I was stopped for the light. The bright sun was low in the sky and I noticed first the long shadow of my car, then immediately the lovely reflection on my Explorer's hood. iPhone camera always at the ready, I caught the shot just as the light changed in HDR mode.

f2.8 | 1/270s | ISO 80 | iPhone HDR

September 13, 2011 -- Leaves

I really like macro work. Here is one I particularly like. Certainly the best of the crop that I shot on this day.  And all the better I thought since I took it with my little point and shoot Lumix.

f3.3 | 1/40s | ISO 80 | Lumix | 25mm

September 12, 2011 -- Chatting Friends

This photo was taken in the downtown area of our town. It was a lovely day. We had just detoured on our late afternoon walk to visit the library. As we were leaving I spotted these three having a nice review of the day...or whatever.....

f4.5 | 1/400s | ISO 160 | Lumix

September 11, 2011 -- 9/11

Unfortunately I did not post this on 9/11. However, this post is In honor of my country and of those who lost their lives on 9/11. Our flag outside our home.

f3.5 | 1/160s | ISO 125 | Nikon D200 | 36mm

September 10, 2011 -- Des Plaines River Panorama

There is a portion of the bike route that I often ride that travels along the Des Plaines river in Des Plaines, Illinois. I have seen many migratory birds in this lush section an have seen a blue heron as well as other large wading birds. On this day the sunlight was perfect, getting lower and providing wonderful reflections in this slow portion of the river. I took three shots to make this panorama (Panorama Maker and my Lumix camera which was resting on the bike path railing).

Aperture Priority Multiple f stops | 1/80s | ISO 80 | Panasonic Lumix

September 9, 2011 -- Silos

I have been thinking a lot about our country and our silos.What I wanted in this photo, taken as I was driving Interstate 88 West toward Iowa (don't tell the State Police), was to depict one element of rural America and also how we all  have our silos. In planning the photo, which I have envisioned many time as I have driven this route, was the silos, the cars across the road, car in the mirror to show our separation, our distance from the earth that we grew out of, how we drive so often without seeing. Just zipping by the silos and wondering how we got where we are.

  f3.3 | 1/250s | ISO 200 | Lumix

September 8, 2011 -- Bush roses fading

These sweet small bush roses have been blossoming all summer. Now their time is coming to an end. I find myself wanting to hold their image in my mind, like the shimmering sound of a bell held long after it has passed.

f4.8 | 1/125s | ISO 125 | Nikon D200 | 78mm

September 7, 2011 -- Scott

Neither Scott nor I discussed Pearl Harbor Day, but later I reflected on the fact that we both have been through some interesting and difficult times since that 1941 event that changed the US. But Scott and I don't usually talk about such things. Usually I ask him about his son, to whom he is devoted. And then we talk about his work and mine. Scott is the major domo in the CME office at the UIC College of Medicine. 

f5 | 1/320 | ISO 125 | Nikon D200 | 93mm

September 6, 2011 -- Difficulty

Every day I encounter situations where people with disabilities have extraordinary or even some difficulty coping with what I find easy. On this day, as I was climbing to the street from the Blue Line train, I marveled at this gentleman's effort as he climbed these steep stairs. Yes there is an elevator, but it is at the other end of the platform.

f3.3 | 1/250s | ISO 500 | Lumix

September 5, 2011 -- Chicago Reflections

The Architectural Tour on the Chicago River provides a Galaxy of opportunity for picture taking. So many of the architects chose to use mirrored windows to reflect the glory of Chicago and the river as well as to cast light. We all benefit from this creativity with reflections like this one taken near Wacker Drive as the river turns.

f19 | 1/125s | ISO 400 | Nikon D200 | 57mm

September 4, 2011 -- Window Matrix

This building is across Michigan Avenue from the Chicago Art Institute. I have looked at this building many times, but never quite saw it this way. For some reason, I felt that it looked retro enough that I could do it as B&W and as a '70 Kodak Ektachrome shot.  Here is my version of the latter thanks to AlienSkin Exposure.

f13 | 1/30s | ISO 125 | Nikon D200 | 50mm 1.4

September 3, 2011 -- Hor d'oeurvres

For a wine tasting party our friend made these simple appetizers consisting of sliced boiled small red potatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and some caviar.


We all were attracted to the way these hors d'oeuvres and the tray interacted. It was very difficult getting a good focus as I was using available light and the camera hand held. 

f1.4 | 1/160s | ISO 400 | Nikon D200 | 50mm lens

September 2, 2011 -- Viewing at the Art Institute of Chicago (Holga image)

I don't have a Holga, but that doesn't stop me from mimicking what the pictures look like from that nice toy camera. This shot was taken at the Art Institute of Chicago. I have no idea who the subject is and I cannot remember what the picture he was viewing was. If you have not been to the Art Institute's modern wing, it is a must. 
As an aside, I am amazed at the clarity of the image given the slow shutter speed. I did use a non-vibration setting" but still, with this little $250 camera, the quality is amazing. 

f3.3 | 1/10s | ISO 400 | Lumix

September 1, 2011 -- Wine connoisseur

This photo speaks for itself. If you like good wines, as Chuck does, there is nothing better than a great Cotes du Rhone.

f2.8 | 1/15s | ISO 100 | iPhone |  HDR with ProHDR app

August 31, 2011 -- Forest Sunlight

I take my Lumix almost everywhere, and when I don't I know I have my iPhone. In this case I was doing a forest preserve ride. It was late afternoon and the sun was spilling in its low way through the trees. It appeared to be one of those perfect moments. I wish I had had a tripod and my D200....

But I did have my Lumix. So I stopped, wiped the sweat and managed to capture a few shots on auto mode. This was the best. I did a bit of neutral density filter adjustment using Phototools 2.6 to cut the glare at the top and allow the brightness come through below.

f2.8 | 1/15s | ISO 200 | Lumix

August 30, 2011 -- Counting Sheep

There is not one day when I pass through Garibaldi park that there is not at least one homeless person sleeping or organizing their belongings. On this day, the weather was lovely. This fellow likely needs to catch as much strong sleep as he can. The warmth and the sweet breeze probably aided that.

f2.8 | 1/1600 | ISO 80 | iPhone

August 29, 2011 -- Pasteur

Every day that I travel by the Blue Line train to the university I pass this statue. It sits in a park named, according to Google, Garibaldi Square. But the importance of the statue is that it stands across from the old Cook County Hospital.
[I took this photo with my iPhone using a new app: HDRpro. Amazing quality. I wish I could find an app that allowed me to set the aperture (impossible on the iPhone) and the shutter speed.]

f2.8 | 1/1800 | ISO 80

September 11, 2011 -- "September 11, 2011"

My flag outside our home, commemorating this day, ten years ago.  For all who died I say a prayer for peace and understanding in this increasingly small world. 

f3.5 | 1/160s | ISO 125 | Nikon D200

August 28, 2011 -- Pepper

Nature's colors are so vibrant. Here are four different kinds of chili peppers. Nature even told us which were hottest by the color. Wonderful. Backdrop is a paper towel. No Flash, no special lighting. Just a prime 50mm 1.4 Nikkor Lens.

f1.4 | 1/80s | ISO 400 | Nikon D200 | 50mm

August 27, 2011 -- "Infrared" Hydrangia

Here is another of the hydrangia shots, also taken with my iPhone. But I played with it, trying for a color infrared effect using Nik Color Efex Pro 3. Not sure it worked as I wished, but I'll stay with it.

f 2.8 | 1/15s | ISO 100 | iPhone HDR Pro

August 26, 2011 -- Pat and Pat A 15 Year Celebration

Pat Ahern has been CEO of Rainbow Hospice for 15 years. Quite an achievement. She has done great work in that position. On the 26th there was a gathering to celebrate her beginning of the next 15 year cycle. With her is my wife Pat, who is a physician at Rainbow Hospice. 

f4 | 1/60s | ISO 400 | Nikon D200

August 25, 2011 -- Hydrangea by iPhone HDR

I will be posting several of this same Hydrangea taken on different days and with different approaches. I just love this flower (actually, each blossom is many florets).

f2.8 | 1/15s | ISO 100 | iPhone | iPhone HDR 

August 24, 2011 -- Backpack

My friends and I did a photo tour along the Chicago River using a water taxi. We left Ping Tom park and alighted at Wacker and Michigan, by the Wrigley Building. On the return we were joined by a couple from Venezuela. I caught this image of their backpack against the vivid yellow of the taxi.

f9.5 | 1/400s | ISO 200 | Nikon D200 | Tamron 18-270 lens