Ashley Taylor's Photography

Magnolia

2010-06-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

Sweet Peas

2010-06-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

I love them!

Summer Blooms

2010-06-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos from my recent trip to Huntington Gardens. The Agapanthus are just starting to bloom. I bet they will be in full bloom soon!

Morning Stretch

2010-04-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since my last post. I hope everyone is doing well! I am a little more than half way done with my internship and things have gotten very busy. On a recent trip to Boston, my husband and I went to the New England Aquarium. This octopus was one of the exhibits and I thought he was so cool! There were some other awesome sea animals there as well which I will post later. If you haven't been to this aquarium, I highly recommend it. It gets pretty busy, but it is certainly a fun place to visit. More to come soon!

Huntington Gardens in Fall

2009-12-19T07:50:00.001-08:00

My husband helped to bring out the sky in the shot above. It was overcast, but he used a few different layers, adjusted the levels in photoshop and got surprisingly good results! I really like the contrast between the red flowers and the blue sky.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-06T15:15:00.000-08:00

I know I havent posted in a while, but thought I would check in and say Happy belated Thanksgiving, and Happy Holidays! The signs of fall were few and far between here in Southern CA, but surprisingly some leaves have changed color. It is December, however, and the leaves on a few trees have just started to change. It will never compare to fall in New England, but it is exciting nonetheless! I hope everyone is doing well!

Runyon Canyon Hike

2009-09-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

We went on a hike through Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills a few weeks ago. It is a decent hike, although it was pretty crowded and the trails were a little bit rundown. The views were great, but I would recommend hiking in Griffith Park over Runyon Canyon. It is very dog friendly, however, the loop is pretty quick and easy. Here are some pics I took during the hike. The internship is going well, things have been really busy, and I've missed blogging the past few weeks. I hope everyone is doing well!

Happy Labor Day!

2009-09-07T09:43:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone has a relaxing day!

Thank you!

2009-09-05T09:10:00.001-07:00

I came across these beautiful flowers and thought I would share them today. I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has sent their well-wishes and kind thoughts! The fire seems to be dying down a little bit. Yesterday the air was much clearer, so we are all hoping for the best. Interestingly, and quite sadly, the fire has now been labelled an arson. Because two firefighters were killed trying to fight this fire, it will be investigated as a homicide. The fire has cost $37 million to fight thus far. For more information check out THIS article from the LA times. I hope you are all doing well and that you have a great Labor Day Weekend!!

Awards

2009-09-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you Gayle from Planet M Files for passing along the Lovely Blog Award to me! I truly appreciate it and will be passing along all the awards soon. When you have a second, please head on over to Gayle's blog. It has lovely recipes, great photos and many wonderful stories. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Thanks Gayle!

~Ashley

Los Angeles Wildfires

2009-08-31T20:31:00.000-07:00

I decided to take some pictures of the wildfires that are in the San Gabriel Mountains at the moment. I was hoping to get better pictures, but these will suffice. The wildfires are currently threatening the communication towers as well as a historical observatory on top of Mount Wilson. Hopefully they will soon be under control! The other night my husband and I walked down our street and we could see flames throughout the mountain ridges. I didn't have my camera, but if we go back out tonight perhaps I can capture some images. For more information about the current wildfires in LA check out the LA TIMES. For a map of the area including where the fire is and where it is heading please click HERE. We are in Pasadena, which is close by, but the fire seems to be heading in the other direction towards Acton. It is pretty scary! For a very cool time lapse of the fire done by anosmicovni check out the video below. I only hope to one day be able to capture something like that. It is amazing! He also has some amazing images on his flickr page of the fire. MUCH better than the ones I have here. I will keep trying though!

I also wanted to let everyone know that tomorrow I am starting my internship in psychology so I will have less time to take pictures and post them on my blog. Although I am excited to start my internship I am sad about having less time for photography! I will still do my best to take pictures as well as peruse all the wonderful photography blogs I have come across.

Textures, Colors and Lines

2009-08-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

Awards

2009-08-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

A special thank you to Icy BC at Reach Beyond Limits for the wonderful awards! It was so kind and thoughtful of you to pass them along to me. I love them. Everyone should check out Icy's blog, it has wonderful images, great stories and many helpful tips. Thanks Icy!!

~Ashley

A Lazy Summer Stroll

2009-08-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hibiscus Flower

2009-08-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Hike to Griffith Observatory

2009-08-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my husband and I decided to check out a new area of Los Angeles. We went on a hike up to Griffith Observatory. It was very hot so we decided to do a short loop of only 1.5 miles total. It is straight up one way, and straight down on the way back, but the hike boasts beautiful views of downtown LA as well as the Hollywood sign. There are a variety of trails around that area and we hope to go back soon for a longer hike. I think you can even hike up to the Hollywood sign itself, which would be fun! For more information on the observatory check out THEIR OFFICIAL SITE. For more information on hikes around there check out MODERN HIKER If you don't feel like hiking, however, you can also drive up to the observatory to get the same views.

Sleeping puppy

2009-08-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Sunset Over Tucson

2009-08-17T08:26:00.001-07:00

Hummingbird

2009-08-15T12:41:00.001-07:00

While in AZ my family and I did some bird watching. We put some food in the hummingbird feeders and I don't think I have ever seen so many hummingbirds in my life! They are beautiful. My dad actually took this picture with my camera. It is the best one out of all the pictures that we took! I think it is an amazing picture. Their wings move so fast, that in most of the pictures we took you couldn't even see them. Don't you think my dad should start his own photo blog?!

Cardinal

2009-08-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

The Prince and the Pea

2009-08-14T07:32:00.001-07:00

This is my dog Rex, and this picture reminded me of the story The Princess and the Pea! I also love the reflection in the windows behind him.

Miss Marzipan

2009-08-11T23:03:00.001-07:00

Night Sky

2009-08-11T22:27:00.001-07:00

I finally got a tripod and have been experimenting with night-time photography. This shot was taken in AZ. I used the bulb setting and the exposure was 3 minutes long. Pretty fun!! By the way, that's the big dipper behind those clouds!

Baby Bella

2009-08-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

I am in Arizona visiting my family and I got to visit my aunt and uncle's new baby horse named Bella. She is about two months old. Isn't she beautiful?!

Vintage Flower

2009-08-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

I was playing around with textures and other techniques in photoshop and come up with this. It is pretty fun!

Sun Bathing

2009-08-06T09:21:00.001-07:00

I tired to get a good picture of this little dragonfly the other day, but it was somewhat difficult. This one came out pretty well though! Hope everyone has a great Thursday!

Synchronized Swimming

2009-08-05T13:12:00.001-07:00

I took four pictures of this little baby turtle swimming in a pond and then decided to work on them within photoshop. With the help of my husband, I compiled all four pictures into one document and then used the auto-blend technique to blend the pictures together and make it look like one. I think it worked pretty well! This little guy was so cute, and he almost made it to the edge of the pond while we were there. I'm sure he will just keep on trying! Make sure to click on the picture to get a better view!

A New Day

2009-08-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

DIY Macro Studio

2009-07-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend my husband and I attempted to make a home-made macro studio. It was fun, but actually harder than I was expecting. We did it all for under $10 though, which is the best part. I think the biggest problem was that we didn't have the right kind of lights to use, so we just used flash lights! It worked alright, but it was not ideal. First, we cut holes in three sides of a cardboard box, we covered each side with white tissue paper and put black poster board on the inside to use as a back drop. Check out strobist.com for more detailed information on how to make one.

I took some pictures of my great grandmother's purple glass bowl. She lived in Phoenix, AZ and would turn clear glass purple by leaving it outside in the sun. I don't think they make glass like that anymore! I think the hardest part of using this light box was not getting reflections from the surrounding environment. This one turned out alright though, let me know what you think!

Rain Drops on Roses

2009-07-23T12:13:00.001-07:00

Recently posted this on the World in Black and White. It's a nice blog, you should check it out!

Macro Studio

2009-07-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

The other day I tried to make my own little macro photography studio using a black table. I don't think it worked out so well, but it was fun trying. Afterwards, my husband had the idea to make a DIY light box or macro studio. I thought that was a great idea, so at some point this week we are going to try it out. I will let you know how it goes!

Wildlife Photography

2009-07-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Wildlife photography seems fun and interesting so I thought I'd read up about it and see what helpful hints I could find. I found a few and thought I would share them with you! Check out this article for more information. It suggests going to places where animals have become accustomed to humans in order to get closer to them, especially if you don't have a zoom lens. The other day, I stumbled upon these ducks in a pond, that were obviously accustomed to humans feeding them. I, unfortunately, didn't have any food for them, but that didn't stop them from trying!

Secondly, the article suggests getting low to the ground, or even laying on your stomach to get artistic photos. I tried to get as low as I could without laying down.

Another article mentions that you have to be fast in setting up and framing your shots. It is a good idea to practice taking pictures of moving objects before going out in the field. I thought this pond was a safe place to practice! And it is hard to get good shots of moving objects! Keep the sun at your back and keep your camera ready for unexpected encounters. This article also suggests having a telephoto lens so that you can get good shots, without getting too close to your subjects.

I don't have one yet, but perhaps once I learn more and get better I will consider looking into one. I think my next photography related purchase needs to be a tripod! What I've learned is that photographing wildlife is hard! It's always on the move and you have to be patient, or take a million shots before getting one good one. Being patient and being lucky seem to be pretty important with this type of photography. It is fun and exciting to try though and hopefully I can keep getting better at it!

Lily Pond

2009-07-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

Summer Dreams

2009-07-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

Huntington Gardens

2009-07-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

The cactus gardens make you forget you're in the middle of Pasadena, CA!

Above you can see that the agapanthus are in full bloom!

Huntington Gardens in Pasadena, CA is a beautiful place! I highly recommend checking it out. It is a little pricey....but well worth it. There are acres and acres of different gardens from botanical to cactus and japanese to chinese. There is a wonderful little tea room in the rose garden, but make reservations because it can get super crowded! The chinese garden is new, and growing! There is a new, affordable and adorable dim sum restaurant which I cant wait to try! The agapanthus flowers are in full bloom right now and they are beautiful. You can keep checking back on their website to see what is blooming, so each time you go it will be a completely different experience. If anything, Huntington Gardens is a great place to spend the day and photograph anything and everything you see. I loved it and will definitely be going back. For more information, click here! During the summer they provide a space to have lovely evening picnics with live music. You can either bring your own picnic or buy food that they provide, which is different every time they do it. We are going to check it out this weekend and will let you know how it goes!

A Sunny Afternoon

2009-07-13T10:19:00.001-07:00

Morning Showers

2009-07-12T10:21:00.001-07:00

Fun with Black and White

2009-07-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

Showdown

2009-07-08T10:44:00.001-07:00

Lunch Time

2009-07-08T10:18:00.001-07:00

These little guys were actually kind of hard to photograph because they were, surprisingly, moving pretty fast to get those Cherrios...

How to Photograph Flowers

2009-07-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

The flowers in southern California are so beautiful right now that I thought I would post another "how to" today. I wanted to share some tips that I found helpful when photographing my flowers. Check out some inspirational flower photos here, some of them are absolutely amazing! I hope to be able to get some shots like that someday. Flowers are so delicate and colorful, they are the perfect subject for any aspiring photographer. Plus, they are super easy to find! You can just walk out your door, explore your neighborhood and photograph flowers along the way! Here is a great article that describes the best way to photograph flowers!

Some specific tips include to, first and foremost, plan your picture. Whether it's a macro (close-up) of a flower, or a field of wild flowers spanning across acres. For close-ups you will need to have a macro setting on your camera, or have macro lenses. I have a macro setting, which I used, but I also tried to get up very close to the flower since I have no special lenses yet. (If anyone has any suggestions on affordable macro lenses and filters that would be great!)

Secondly, the focus of the picture is very important. Decide on your focal point, or the part of the flower that you want to be in sharp focus. It could be a petal, stem, stamen or anything you want! Because this is a close-up, the focal point is very important!

Next, many sites recommend using a tripod for perfect pictures, but of course it is possible to do it without one.

In addition, trust your light meter, try for the best light and try to avoid distractions in the background....unless thats what you're going for. All in all, have fun experimenting and maybe you will get some good shots. That's what I tried to do, but after seeing all the amazing pictures of flowers in the link above....I think I have some more work to do :)

Pasadena's Finest Flowers: My first attempt at a design board

2009-07-04T15:17:00.000-07:00

Completed this with a little help from my husband's photoshop skills and a little inspiration from Snippet & Ink's beautiful boards that they do!

Orange Delight

2009-07-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

My first flower design board to come soon! Thought I would give you a taste of the shots I took today.

How to Photograph Fireworks

2009-07-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July weekend everyone!! I'm hoping to get out there tomorrow and try out some new techniques while photographing fireworks and thought I would post some tips that I have found helpful. For two great sites with helpful hints, click on the links below. They have great suggestions depending on what kind of camera you are going to use, whether you have a dSLR or an iPhone!

With a digital SLR they suggest to use a slow shutter speed which means you will also need a tripod (I still dont have one, but hopefully soon!). Get a shutter release cable (I don't have this either....) to reduce any camera shake. Reduce the ISO (film speed) to the lowest level to reduce graininess, turn off auto focus and use an f/stop between f/8 and f/16. Sounds tricky to me, but hopefully I can still try to get some good shots without the tripod and the shutter release cable. Interestingly, for those of us without tripods, here is another hint: Use a faster shutter speed and a higher ISO. You will need to re-adjust your f/stop so that the images wont be too dark. These pictures will be a bit different in that you wont have light trails from your fireworks, but there will be a higher level of detail.

For more tips on using different kinds of cameras like the point and shoot and iPhone, click on the links below! Also, check out this book that has a few pages on how to photograph fireworks

as well as other really great tips. Have a happy 4th!

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/145428

http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Photograph_Fireworks

Blog Review: The Menu

2009-07-02T17:58:00.001-07:00

Heres another awesome new little blog called The Menu. It's not directly related to photography, but there are some great pics on there as well as very helpful food related information. Check it out here

http://thetaylormenu.blogspot.com/

There is also a really cool photo of a purple sunset in Tucson, AZ. Check that out here! I'm wondering if the purple hues are related to the volcano that erupted in Russia. The article about purple sunsets that were seen throughout the US can be found here. Was anyone else lucky enough to photograph this amazing phenomenon?

Photo Blog: Photography Bay

2009-07-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

I love this picture that I found on Photography Bay's blog. It is beautiful and I hope to be able to take pics like this one day! It is a great site with helpful tips and information about photography. Check out their latest post on how to photograph fireworks:

http://www.photographybay.com/2009/07/01/how-to-shoot-fireworks/

Another post I really liked was how to shoot big cities at night

http://www.photographybay.com/2009/06/30/shooting-big-cities-at-night-while-traveling-light/

I hope to get a chance to try out their tips soon! I think my next photography related purchase needs to be a tripod though.... Does anyone have suggestions on affordable, yet functional tripods? Check back after this weekend and maybe I will have some semi-decent fireworks pictures of my own.

Sunset Traffic

2009-06-29T13:42:00.001-07:00

Summertime

2009-06-27T12:43:00.001-07:00

Dusk

2009-06-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

Pearl Harbor: A Journey to the Past

2009-06-20T20:34:00.001-07:00

USS Missouri

Arizona Memorial

Pearl Harbor Air Control Tower

Peaceful Evening

2009-06-17T10:57:00.001-07:00

Hawaiian Sunsets

2009-06-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Oahu Hawaii is beautiful. I highly recommend visiting. It has a bit of everything from the very manageable city of Honolulu to the quieter, less developed North Shore. There are wonderful beaches and coves with amazing snorkeling. Here are some sunset pictures, taken off the coast of Honolulu as well as from Sunset Beach, which is on the North Shore.

A little family

2009-06-13T23:21:00.000-07:00

Morning Glory

2009-06-13T23:08:00.000-07:00

Churchill Downs

2009-06-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

While in Kentucky, we stopped by Churchill Downs in Louisville to bet on some races. We didn't win anything, but it was so much fun!

Married!

2009-06-02T18:22:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, my fiance and I got married at Spindletop Hall in Lexington, KY and it was wonderful! I included a few pictures of my rings on my great grandmother's handkerchief, which my mom surprised me with on my wedding day. There was also a beautiful sunrise that day! Be sure to check back for pictures from our honeymoon in Oahu, Hawaii!!!

Sturtevant Falls

2009-05-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

We went on a hike into a canyon the other day and came upon Sturtevant Falls. It was beautiful and it is a great hike. I highly recommend it. It's only about a ten minute drive from downtown Pasadena. The trail itself was a little under 4 miles roundtrip. There are longer trails as well. Click on the link below for more information.
http://www.modernhiker.com/2008/02/17/hiking-santa-anita-canyon/

My First Model

2009-05-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

The other day, I looked outside and saw this squirrel who wanted to model for me. It was the perfect opportunity to practice my photography again! It was also pretty funny how long he stayed. These pictures are the best of the bunch. Let me know what you think!

Boston Reviews

2009-03-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

Mike's Pastry is a delicious italian bakery in the North End of Boston. One of my favorite spots to visit. I highly recommend the chocolate chip cannoli. It is the best I have ever had. The marzipan is also excellent. The last picture is of a building in Faneuil Hall Market Place, also known as Quincy Market. It is located in downtown Boston and has lots of fun shops, restaurants and bars. If you are in the mood for chinese food at a restaurant that then turns into a bar with dancing and scorpion bowls to share then I recommend the Hong Kong.

"Make Way For Ducklings"

2009-03-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post book reviews, but I just love this one! It is a children's book called "Make Way For Ducklings" by Robert McCloskey. This book was first published in 1941 and describes how a family of Mallard ducks grows up in Boston's Public Gardens. It has actually become Massachusetts State Children's Book. Growing up in MA I always loved going to the Public Gardens and visiting the ducklings. While I was in Boston last week, I visited them again! For more information, check out this link:

http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/massachusetts/book.html

Photos from Boston

2009-03-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

I know that I have not posted new photographs for a long time, but it has been a very busy month! I moved to a new city and also went on a vacation to one of my favorite cities (if not my number one favorite) in this county. Boston is beautiful, and now that the Big Dig is over, it is even more beautiful. Check out my pictures!

A Curious Turtle

2009-02-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

Stowe Lake

2009-02-04T09:32:00.001-08:00

I took these pictures up by Stowe Lake on a sunny day.

Macro Photography

2009-02-03T10:17:00.001-08:00

I am just starting to learn about macro photography and thought I would try to take some close-ups of my Beverly K engagement ring. I am getting married in May!! I also thought I would post some information about macro photography that I found to be helpful. Who would have thought that close-ups would be called "macro"?...it is kind of confusing. I want to get some macro lenses or filters that may help get a better shot. Does anyone have any suggestions about what to get? See the link below for a good macro site.

http://photo.net/learn/macro

A Walk in the Park

2009-02-02T10:21:00.001-08:00

My sister and I went for a walk in the Golden Gate Park yesterday and found some beautiful flowers. Although it is only the beginning of February, I would say spring is on the way! Check out my attempt at macro photography (close-up) shots of flowers. I actually think some of them came out pretty well!

Conservatory of flowers

2009-02-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

Shutter: 1/400

Aperture: f/ 29

Focal Length: 32mm

ISO: 800
Shutter: 1/640

Aperture: f/22

Focal Length: 18mm

ISO: 800

Shutter: 1/200

Aperture: f/ 22

Focal Length: 18mm

ISO: 800

I went for a walk in the park today and was able to take some pretty nice pictures of the Conservatory of Flowers. I included the EXIF information. The last one is a bit overexposed, but thought I would put it on there for reference. I think my favorite is the top one. Let me know which one you like the best and why.

Battery Bluffs

2009-01-25T22:23:00.000-08:00

I took these pictures on a recent hike around the Battery Bluffs. It was a great hike, I definitely recommend it.

Night Windmill: Before and After

2009-01-14T08:48:00.000-08:00

This windmill is located where the GGP meets Ocean Beach. I tried to take a night shot of it, but as you can see the original came out a bit dark. I lightened it up in Photoshop and it looks a little bit better. It is still somewhat grainy. I need to get back out there and try it with a lower film speed.

Malibu

2009-01-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

We went to Malibu to check out the beaches, and they were beautiful! I have posted some photos of our trip. I was experimenting with taking shots of the sun. I think the sky around the sun looks pretty cool, but am not sure if they look too dark otherwise.

Beach Shots

2009-01-03T09:39:00.001-08:00

I took these shots at Ocean Beach the other night and feel like they came out pretty well. I included the EXIF information for those of you who are interested. The colors have been adjusted a bit in PhotoShop. Just as an update to the previously posted photos: I figured out that the grainy shots may have occurred because the ISO speed was set at 1600, which was way too fast!

Top Shot:

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel XS

Shutter: 1/60

Aperture: f/5.0

Focal Length: 39mm

ISO: 400

Bottom Shot:

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel XS

Shutter: 1/60

Aperture: f/5.0

Focal Length: 18mm

ISO: 400

I am still in the process of learning what all of that means, and how to change them to get the desired shot. It is a lot of fun though, and although confusing at times, I am very excited to get back out there and try again.

Photoshop

2009-01-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

This was my first attempt at photoshop. I wanted to bring out the colors a little bit more and lighten up the photo. I think it still looks a little bit grainy, but it is getting better. I also added the picture of San Xavier, which I tried to adjust in Photoshop. I changed it to black and white and adjusted the contrast. Compare it to the originals which I posted previously and let me know which one you like better.

Nigh-time photography trials

2009-01-01T19:12:00.001-08:00

After years of using a "Point and Shoot", I finally got a dSLR! I decided on a Canon EOS Rebel XS and love it so far. I went out tonight for my first attempt at night-time photography. It was a lot of fun, but definitely a lot of experimentation. These three shots are of a statue that is located between the De Young Museum and the newly re-opened Academy of Sciences in the Golden Gate Park. In the second picture you can see the moon and a star or planet in the back ground. They all came out a little bit blurry, or grainy. I think it may have been easier if I used a tripod. Let me know what you think!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T20:21:00.001-08:00

Here is a photo I took with my old 35 mm camera. I think I took this about 2 years ago.

A Look Back Continued

2008-12-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

I found a few more photographs that I thought I would share. The first one is of a flower that I thought looked particularly beautiful against the green and brown of the leaves and roots. That one was also taken at Muir Woods, north of San Francisco. The second picture was taken when my dog Rex was a puppy. He looked so quiet and peaceful sleeping there, and also the light looked so nice, that I thought I would take this picture. Lastly, the photo at the bottom was taken overlooking the Pacific Ocean from the Marin Headlands. You can see people gazing out at the ocean on the right. I thought it was a nice shot, what do you think?

A Look Back Over the Year

2008-12-20T14:45:00.000-08:00

I was going through old photographs that I took over the year and thought it might be fun to post a few that I found. This one is from Muir Woods, north of San Francisco. We went hiking here in April of 2008. I love this twisted tree. I do wish that I used the light a bit better and took a better shot. I guess I will just have to go back! Check back for more photos that I have taken throughout this year.

Shots of Fall Continued

2008-12-15T08:19:00.001-08:00

Here are some more shots that I took a few years ago during October. The one below is from the Arboretum in Boston. The one above is from a road in northern Vermont. I'm not sure how I feel about either of them. They could have come out a bit better. I think I would like the top one if it were brighter and the bottom if it were a bit more in focus. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Shots of Fall

2008-12-14T18:39:00.001-08:00

I love the fall in the North East. This first picture was taken in the Boston Arboretum during one October. More fall pictures to come!

New Camera

2008-12-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

So I want to get a new camera, and I was thinking about getting a digital SLR. I am not sure which one would be the best for a beginner and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions? I was looking into the Nikon D40.

www.reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-d40-w-18mm/4505-6501_7-32156779.html

This site has a lot of good information and good reviews. Does anyone have a d40 and like/dislike it?

Great beginner tips

2008-12-12T14:15:00.000-08:00

This site has a lot of good beginner tip and suggestions about how to use a digital camera. Check it out!

www.digital-photography-school.com/blog/digital-photography-tips-for-beginners/

San Xavier

2008-12-12T10:10:00.001-08:00

I have added a few more photographs from my trip to San Xavier. I'm not sure if I like the inside pictures as much. They were a bit difficult to take, plus the pictures came out a little bit too dark.

San Xavier Mission is located in the Sonoran Desert of Tucson, Arizona. This picture was taken in the heat of August, which is also Monsoon season. You can see a storm forming behind the Mission. I love the cloud formation in this picture. This Mission is being restored, and you can see that it is about half way done. For more information on San Xavier visit www.sanxaviermission.org.

New Hampshire 10/2008

2008-12-12T08:20:00.001-08:00

My fiance and I went to a wedding in New Hampshire and it was beautiful. Before the wedding we went on a hike and found some great views of the area. I miss the fall so much, and as you can see the leaves are just starting to change here.

Golden Gate Bridge

2008-12-11T21:51:00.000-08:00

Thought I would add yet another view of the GGB. This one (above) was taken from a ferry which I took from Tiburon to Angel Island before the fire.

I love taking pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is fun to capture it from many different angles. This one is from hiking around in the Marin Headlands. The first two are from the other side of the bridge at Baker Beach when the Blue Angels were in town.

Lake Champlain

2008-12-11T21:38:00.001-08:00

Boston 4th of July

2008-12-11T21:26:00.002-08:00

Boston Sunset

2008-12-11T21:26:00.001-08:00

This is a picture from the window of my old apartment in the North End of Boston. You can see the Zakim Bridge and the Old North Church! I miss Boston!

Chilean Sunset

2008-12-11T21:24:00.001-08:00

Salar de Atacama

2008-12-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

Volcano overlooking San Pedro de Atacama

2008-12-11T21:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome!

2008-12-11T21:09:00.001-08:00

Welcome to my blog! I am new to the world of photography and know nothing about it! I have taken one class on dark room photography, but thats about it. I have always loved capturing the beauty that exists in the world and this blog is my attempt at learning more about photography and developing my skills. Any tips or comments are greatly appreciated!