A Visit To The Mississippi River

Last week DH and I decided that we wanted to "get out of the house" for a while so we headed west.  I love the Mississippi River and have also been in search of Trollbead dealers since there aren't any here in Huntsville.  So we "got out of the house", found a lovely Trollbead shop in Southaven, Ms. and walked along the Mississippi River.  It made for a nice little trip.  

Happy Memorial Day

Thank you to the men and women who serve to protect our country.

Parade Of Flowers 2011

My prayers go out to all of those who have lost loved ones and homes during the past week.
After all of the destruction the state of Alabama has suffered from the tornadoes that struck a wide path through Northern Alabama and Tuscaloosa, I thought it would be fitting to show the beauty of nature instead of the ugliness.  
Most of you know that I love photographing flowers on my morning walks.  I  thought I would share just a few of those photographs. 

Easter

Wishing everyone a blessed Easter ✝

Rose

Rose
Originally uploaded by spinknitandlife

I photographed this lovely rose on my walk this morning. I was really surprised to see roses blooming so soon.
Enjoy,
Phyllis

Gadgets For The Gadget

I love to photograph flowers.  Now that Spring is nearly here we are beginning to have an abundance of flowers popping up everywhere.  I have been thinking lately that I would like to purchase a Macro Lens for my DSLR camera.  Considering how expensive the lenses are I have decided that I am not ready to give up an arm or leg, lol.

A person on the Facebook Pentax group as well some of the photography books that I have been reading have recommended the use of close up filters.  Considering the difference in price I decided to give the filters a try.  I recently purchased  a +1,+2,+4, and +10 Diopter Filters from Amazon.  I am so glad that I chose the filters over the Macro lens.

Below are some photos  taken with the +2 and +1 filter. 

I promise this isn't a monster about to gobble you up even though it looks that way.

It's up close and personal with one of my Phalaenopsis Orchids.

I am very happy with these filters.  I haven't tried the +10 but am anxious to see how the pictures will turn out.

I still need practice on the focusing.

Here is the DeBroth Deluxe 7 pieces filter  kit that includes the filters and case, 5-Piece camera cleaning kit, lens cap strap, lens cleaner brush and extra cleaning cloth.  All of these items are little extras that I think a good photographer will find handy in keeping their camers in tip top shape.  Amazon has the kits to fit various cameras.

This is the +1 filter.

I have also found some books that have been very helpful for this beginner to learn the ins and outs of photography.

Digital SLR Photography All-In-One For Dummies and Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Books, Volumes 1,2, and 3.

Available at Amazon for your Kindle or as regular (kill a tree) books.

                                 












Enjoy life,
Phyllis

Spring Flowers

This is my favorite time of year to photograph flowers.  Beautiful blooms are popping up everywhere.

My neighbor kindly gave me permission to photograph his Blooming Tulip Tree, aka Japanese Magnolia.  I am blessed to have this tree right outside my kitchen window.  I have been watching the buds appear and anxiously awaiting the blooming season.  This is one of the most beautiful trees I have ever seen.  The pink colors are magnificent.  I hope you enjoy my photographs of this beautiful tree as much as I enjoy the daily site of this natural work of art.

Enjoy life,
Phyllis ♡