Camera Critter Saturday - Always Coca Cola

This is a typical experience in a home that belongs to cats. I take all the soda out of a box and put them in the fridge. I turn back around and the box still is full of something, non-Coke related.

Next all the other animals need to get involved. In this case, Magnus decided that maybe we are playing Whac-A-Cindy, instead of Whac-A-Mole. Wac-A-Mole is an arcade game for those of you not familiar with the concept. You can see it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whac-A-Mole.

Ah, the joys of being a fur momma.

For more Camera Critters, please visit: http://camera-critters.blogspot.com/.

~Jessica~

Sky Watch Friday - Big Clouds

Seeing large, fluffy clouds is not uncommon in my area. With the close distance from us to the Gulf of Mexico, they are actually quite common in the summer.

Even so, these were some of the largest clouds I have seen yet. It is hard to see the perspective I saw them from in a photo. However, look at how minuscule the tree tops are in comparison.

These cumulus clouds were filled to the brim with moisture.

They kept their promise and gave the grass a good drink.

For more sky photos visit Sky Watch Friday: http://skyley.blogspot.com/.

~Jessica~

Wordless Wednesday - Rain Droplets

For more Wordless photos, please visit: http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/.

~Jessica~

Experimental Filters

This is a post late in coming, as usual. Sometimes I think I need to put a "go blog today" in reverse on a post-it note, stuck to my forehead. That way, whenever I go by a mirror I will remember. It's not as if I don't remember my blog, rather I get distracted by shiny moments. Anyhow, back to the mad scientist laboratory, ahem, I mean well thought out experiment.

Xtine over at Blipfoto, mentioned creating interesting effects using household supplies. My curiosity was piqued so I gave it a shot. Her results are far more outstanding than mine but it was a very good learning process.

You can read more on Xtine's methods here: http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/1284688.

I used bags of water with food coloring and the bay leaf trick. My results are below.

Photo with No Flash Filters

Keep in mind, the bags and bay leaf were held over the flash as the photo was taken. Each of the photos are different shots. They do not have any computer filters applied to them.

Colored Water that I Used For Flash Filters

Results

Last try was with the Bay leaf. I think this technique has the most potential. Although I question whether fresh or dried would be better.

The orange filter added this warm glow to the photos I tested it on. For instance, you can see the warmth the orange contributes in this photo of my youngest son. I foresee a lot of good photo applications using this filter as well.

By the way, one of these photos made it onto my Blipfoto entry for that day, complete with witty text. Check it out: http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/1289229.

~Jessica~

Wordless Wednesday - Mushrooms Galore

For more Wordless photos, please visit: http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/.

~Jessica~

Feather Study

As most of my readers should know, I am really into taking nature photos, particularly bird photos. To broaden my knowledge and to make birding easier, I recently read Sibley's Birding Basics (you can find it on Amazon. Here is my store link to it). This is not an identification book but rather a book on how to use clues to make identifications.

A couple of the chapters deal with knowing the various feather groups. Now it is one thing to look at an illustrated and labeled picture and another to recognize them on a living bird. Fortunately, I have a whole flock of chickens who were willing to donate their time to my education.

Below are a few head shots showing supercilium, orbital, auriculars, malar and several other feather groups.

Jasmine, Americaucana

Cadbury, Delaware

Mirage, Andalusian

Belle, Gold-laced Wyandotte

Here a few of the ladies donate photos of tail and wing feathers. You can clearly see the difference between the coverts, primaries and secondaries, even on white Cadbury.

Tail feathers of Cadbury, Delaware.

Wing feathers of Mirage, Andalusian.

Lastly, a full body photo of Majora. She decided at the last minute to be part of the photo session.

Majora, Americaucana

The feather study was fascinating and I think it will really help when faced with a bird I am not familiar with. A big thanks to all my wonderful models!

~Jessica~