NEW BOOK DAY! (and something funky on a branch)

Look at this little thing. How does something so teeny tiny cost 160 smackers? How? I dunno. I will say though, totally worth the cabbage. So much so that I'll likely get one for my other camera. 

Not today though. 

This is enough money for today.

Plus, I'm saving for a new macro lens. All manual features. Old school style. Cannot wait to play. 

In other news, due to classes, writing the book and exploring the world of flash photography, I'm behind on reading blogs. Sometimes I feel funny about posting a new blog when I've not given time to reading others. That said, I must press on with the learning and also, the once a week post here. 

I have a horrible habit of missing a week of posting and then before I know it, six months have gone by. I don't want to do that this year. I want to keep with at the least one post a week here and one post a week on my class feed.

The goal: Consistency. 

Now onto New Book Day! 

When my teacher said the word composition I didn't know that word. Composition. As a macro photographer, I shoot to explore. As a food photographer, I just shoot what looks pretty to me. When she mentioned composition, I didn't understand. Sometimes I don't know words. That's okay. Because now, I with this book, I get to learn things like weight and other photography wonderfulness.

Speaking of photography wonderfulness, SmoochieFace bought me a used copy of Mastering Composition by Richard Garvey-Williams from Abebooks, based on my teacher's recommendations. 

We love Abebooks. It's a fun little world of bookworm deals. Or, it has been for us. It's our go-to online hunting ground for out-of-print, used and sometimes new, goodies.

And that my lovely Boogerbutts is almost all that's fit to print. Last night was date night but after writing about food, shooting food, taking classes and exploring the outside macro world, I didn't want to actually make any food. So we ordered in and now there's leftovers with my name on them. 

Get in my belly. 

PS: Something funky on a branch. Sooooo fun! 

Macro Mothman + Friday Question

Home from work. Was a good day. Got spuds in the pressure cooker. I'm off artificial/frozen potato anything. So no potato puffs (they're like tater tots), from Aldi. Instead, making warm potato salad. 

Ever eat potato salad warm? Oh my gosh, I love it. 

In other news, here's a shot Mothman. Not a true miniature, unless compared to the real Mothman, then this is teeny. Tim got him this week and anytime Tim gets a new thing like this, I gotta break out the camera and play. 

In other, other news, we looked at the outside of a house this past weekend. Just too much wrong with it. Still nice to look. 

Lastly, Friday Question. Anyone of correctly guesses what the last image is wins two broken horse shoes and a used ear plug. 

You're welcome. 

And that my Boogerbutts and Shutterbugs, is all that's fit to print. Hope you're having a yummy week. Did I mention potato salad? So good. 

Chat again soon. 

Huggs & Bugs, 

Me

Friday Question

What am I? 

Greetings Earthlings

We're at the best place on Earth, Barnes. Been here all morning writing and reading. Smoochie Face is working on his stuff too. We're about to order our second round of drinks. I'm addicted to Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai. Street name, GOCH.

Too good I say, too good. 

In other news, I'm off from work for four days. Count'em. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Delightful. 

In other, other news, Tim got me a new lens for Christmas and because it was hot outside this past Christmas weekend, I jetted straight out to take one billion photos.

Also delightful. 

Dig the black walnut from the back deck. I love this shot. It's got a bit of rot, texture, blurred back, movement on the left. I've wanted this lens for years. Beyond worth it. I can't stop taking pictures. 

In other, other, other news,  I'm saying a sad goodbye to Aldi/store bought potato puffs/tater tots, fries/chips, chips/crisps, crinkle-cuts and shoe strings.  

Out with the extra fat, salt and cost. Going back to homemade potato goodness. 

First though, time for another round of cafe' drinks. Though as I wrap this post up, some yutz has his phone blasting a video. Why? Why Yutz, why? 

Oh goody. Mrs. Yutz just arrived and is taking Mr. Yutz out of the cafe' with her. Good job, Mrs. Yutz. Good job. The Universe thanks you. 

And now I'm finally headed to get another round of holiday drinks then I'm gonna kick back and catch up on blog reading. 

Wishing you all a Happy Healthy Fun 2024! I see big changes for us here at The Manor and I'm excited to take you along the ride with us. Until next year, this is Ivy, reporting live from the Barnes Cafe' also known as, the best place on Earth. 

Ivy, out.

 

MACRO MONDAY (drumroll please ....)

Today's subject. Drumroll please .... ORANGES! 

This shot was taken with the camera attached to a C-Stand directly over the oranges, with the camera tethered to a computer. What's nice about this way is there's less of a chance of a blurry photo. And, since the computer screen shows us the image (in all its glory), there's no need to rely on that teeny tiny LCD screen or the even smaller, viewfinder. 

Being tethered is a win, win on many levels.

What tethering lacks is that rawness and adventure of holding the camera in-hand, headed outside on a hunt for fun close-ups of things like bumbles bees, flowers, inch worms and snow flakes.

There is a lot to love about both free-hand and tethered shooting.  As the weeks go on we'll talk more about both. For today though, it's all about the oranges. 

Dig those specular highlights! 

In other news, I scored two educational photography magazines from the UK, sold at Barnes. More on those in another post.

In other, other news I might have a mild addiction to Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai. Have you tried that drink? Cold or hot. I love them both. 

And that my Boogerbutts, is all that's fit to print. 

Huggs & Bugs,

-Me

MACRO MONDAY (little purple snowflake)

Welcome to Macro Monday! I'm not sure how many of these I'll do per month - or if I'll move to a different day. Either way, I LOVE shooting macro and close-up photography so for now, let's go with, Macro Monday!

There's something fun about a macro lens at a single focal point. I can't adjust a prime lens with my hands. I have to get in there close to take the shot. For me, a prime lens is a more personal experience. I like that I have to zoom with my feet to get a detailed shot. 

That's what I did here with the little white snowflake. I see this little snowflake hanging from the tree each day and I just love it. So after work, before getting to chores and meals, I broke out the macro lens and played.

So fun. 

In other news, we're still loving the new couch. I'm writing from the snug now. It's just soooooo peaceful here to read, write, draw, game and watch movies. When we do move, we're for sure gonna have a space like this. All snuggly and fun.

And that my Boogerbutts is a wrap. I'll catch you on the flipside.

Huggs & Buggs, Me.