photo expedition

Tomorrow I am leaving on a photo expedition. The destination and length of trip will depend upon the weather. However, I will post some photos on my iPhone blog -- check it out. Look for lots of Leica/Canon photos upon my return.

ring light

Today I received a ring light I bought through Amazon. I got it on the recommendation of Kirk Tuck, a photographer whose blog I follow and opinions I trust. Considering that many electronic flash ring lights sell for $100 and much more, I think this LED light is an excellent buy. The ring light gives off constant light and is powered by either 2 AA batteries or AC. Below are two photos I took with it using a Canon 17-85mm zoom.

sunset

I have to brag a little bit. The above photo was taken by my grandson, Alex (11)

waiting

waiting for supper

waiting for mom to finish shopping

I took these two photos yesterday and wanted to share them primarily to show that the iPhone is capable of taking hi quality images. I continue to be amazed by this cell phone's built-in camera.

great nature/bird photographer

Jan van der Greef

great eagle cam

from Decorah, Iowa, here

Sandhill Cranes

I received the following from NebraskaFlyway.com :

The first Sandhill Cranes have arrived!
We are not quite at peak numbers, but that will be occurring within the next week to 10 days. Nearly every species of waterfowl you can think of is arriving in south-central Nebraska as well, making for some spectacular viewing along the Platte River and the Rainwater Basin.  Bald Eagles are plentiful and are keeping the waterfowl on their toes.  Sandhill Crane numbers will continue to build in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

shooting in the streets

Shooting in the streets is a way of life,

not a way of earning money ...

~ Thomas Leuthard

advice [to photographers] from Wayne Gretzke

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take ...

Mama's Bar, Superior, WI

winter swans

I didn't want you to think I had abandoned bird photography. Hence, these photos of Trumpeter Swans I took about two weeks ago at Monticello, Minnesota, by the Mississippi River.