Emerald Boa

Emerald Boa

ATLA12D-143

March 18, 2012

Yes, during Aquarium Week, this is a land critter.  I debated posting him to finish off the week, but he was at the Georgia Aquarium, so technically he fits the theme, and emerald boas are such pretty animals that who can resist taking a picture and posting it?  So for today we have a non-aquatic aquarium dweller, a beautiful snake that would love to give you a hug.  Enjoy.
Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 50 mm f/1.4

Focal length:  50 mm

Exposure: 1/40 @ f/3.2  ISO 640

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

Sarah's Photography

Sarah's Photography

ATLA12D-XXX

March 18, 2012

Today is a special posting.  It has been six months since a wonderful young lady decided to take a chance on a nerdy graduate student who lived an hour plus away and go to dinner with him.  In that seemingly short time, we've shared a good number of adventures together, and being engaged are looking at the prospect of many more to come.  She is endlessly curious, inquisitive, delighted at experiencing new things, going new places, enriching her (and anyone with her) life.  She is a wondrous person, generous, sharp ... too many adjectives to fit on this page.  At the aquarium she was a photography fiend, snapping at everything that caught her creative eye, and produced the wonderful images that you see here today, along with many more.  I love her dearly, and every day consider myself the luckiest man alive.  Enjoy.


 

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 50 mm f/1.4

Focal length:  50 mm

Exposure: var.  ISO 640

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

A Whale of a Fish

A Whale of a Fish

ATLA12D-96_pan

March 18, 2012

The grandest fish of them all.  The whale shark is one of the largest fish in the ocean, quite possibly the biggest, and the Georgia Aquarium, to my knowledge, is the only place in the world where these gentle giants are found in captivity.  They can grow up to 45', and weigh in at several (up to 20) tons.  That being said, they are gentle giants; eating plankton rather that most of their sharky cousins who devour license plates, seals, and surfers.  And there are reports of divers holding onto the dorsal or pectoral fins of these guys and just floating along with them through the ocean, without a care in the world.  At the aquarium, these sharks seemed more like playful puppies, following the small dinghies that were pumping out the plankton during mealtime.  Apparently they also knew exactly which boat 'belonged' to them, which makes me think these sharks are pretty smart.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 50 mm f/1.4

Focal length:  50 mm

Exposure: 1/30 @ f/2.8   ISO 640

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

Dangling Tentacles

Dangling Tentacles

ATLA12D-27

March 18, 2012

Aquarium Week continues, with this lovely jellyfish again from the Georgia Aquarium.  They float so serenely, just cruising up and down in the tank or the ocean, yet they are filled with powerful toxic punches.  I liked seeing the little flecks in the water, probably food for the hungry jelly.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 50 mm f/1.4

Focal length:  50 mm

Exposure: 1/40 @ f/3.2   ISO 640

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

King of the Aquatic Jungle

King of the Aquatic Jungle

ATLA12D-212

March 18, 2012

I do like themed weeks; it gives some structure to the week, helps introduce topics, and allows me to sort through the 9000+ images held here.  So, with a look back to my recent visit to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta with my fiancée Sarah, this is Aquarium Week 2012!  This lionfish was strutting his stuff across the tank (obviously, all of this week's images will be of captive animals.  Please keep that in mind, I didn't dive to get these images... yet), and apparently is quite the invasive species in the southeastern United States.  Despite finding him in a tank, they are quite incredible creatures to watch; I don't think I've seen so many fins on an fish.  And knowing that each of the spines on his dorsal fin and anal fins is basically a hypodermic needle with a powerful neurotoxin makes him seem a bit less cuddly.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 50 mm f/1.4

Focal length:  50 mm

Exposure: 1/60 @ f/4   ISO 640

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

Taste of Spring

Taste of Spring

NCAR10D-172

March 27, 2010

With yesterday's image marking the final bit of winter here at Wandering Lens, today we usher spring in full force!  The blossoms are ripe among the trees all through North Carolina, fragrant and wonderful.  It is a delight to have warm(er) weather once more, and sunlight sticking around till the evening hours.  Welcome spring, and enjoy on this Friday.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 80-200 mm f/2.8

Focal length:  200 mm

Exposure: 1/4000 @ f/2.8   ISO 100

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

Frozen Cascade

Frozen Cascade

COLO09D-132

December 31, 2009

Though this was a very mild winter by any standards (even the lax ones of North Carolina), this week winter officially ended, and we heralded in spring post-equinox.  So, to send winter off for another term, this image commemorates some really cold weather.  In Colorado, at the end of 2009 we were hiking along the Horsetooth Falls trail, and found the eponymous waterfall there, but it was frozen over for the season.  It was graceful and beautiful, suspended animation waiting for the spring thaw to let the water carry on its tumultuous course, splashing down to the canyon below.  And now, spring has come.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6

Focal length:  31 mm

Exposure: 1/400 @ f/8   ISO 400

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

Storm Clearing

Storm Clearing
NCAR10D0332

August 10, 2010

My apologies for missing yesterday; some unfortunate automobile trouble kept me away for most of the day and the post didn't get up.  And tonight, it stormed, one of those glorious spring storms that crackles with energy, the rain pulsing down in torrents.  I love those sorts of storms, they're my favorite.  I do miss seeing the sky turn green, as it did in Illinois, the sign of major storm-age to come.  This image is after the storm, as the clouds broke before sunset and the skies parted.  It is a refreshing, relaxing image to my way of thinking, just the thing after a long ragin' storm.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6

Focal length:  31 mm

Exposure: 1/400 @ f/8   ISO 400

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

Spring Cascade

Spring Cascade
NCAR10D-199

April 3, 2010

Starting off the week still in North Carolina, during my first backpacking excursion in the state.  I had found this gorgeous little camp spot next to the river, under the shade of rhododendron trees, and the next morning I got up, filtering water while sitting on a boulder and watching the spring water cascade past boulders.  It was such a peaceful way to wake up and start the day, utterly quiet save the murmur of the water.  If only that could happen every day :).  Enjoy, and have a good weekend.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6

Focal length:  135 mm

Exposure: 4/5 @ f/25   ISO 100

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

The Ominous Storm

The Ominous Storm
NCAR11D-321_pan

November 27, 2011

This was the scene while hiking with my girlfriend (now fiancée) Sarah last November.  We were at Morrow Mountain State Park, and had summited the main peak of the area, when we stopped to look around and survey the land.  Fall was dying off, the trees were losing leaves, and a late autumn storm was coming in from the south.  The mood, the ominous feeling of the clouds behind the silhouetted trees made it a great photograph, despite being slightly warped from the wide-angle aspect of the lens.   This is an HDR composite of 3 images, blended first in Photomatix and then finished in CS4.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6

Focal length:  20 mm

Exposure: 1/30 @ f/8   ISO 400

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

Photographer of Note: Jason Travis

 

  

Jason Travis
"Persona"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasontravis/sets/72157603258446753/with/6982038281/

I stumbled on Jason's series "Persona" over a year ago, and I have been regularly subscribing to his feed to keep up with new entries of this personal project.  The concept is simple enough: looking in our purses, backpacks, satchels (and matchels) to see what we carry around on a daily basis.  It is both intimate (and a little voyeuristic) and very revealing, displaying those essential items to our life: from electronics (phones, ipods) to personal details (make-up, medications, books, accessories).  The series also captures on the "What's in my ____" trend of internet photography posting.  I have been known to indulge in this from time to time as well.  It's a reflection on what we bring with us everyday or on special occasions, and how those objects define who we are.

The images are set up as diptychs, which is a good juxtaposition, having the person in a relaxed, casual pose, and underneath is a neatly organized collection of their belongings.  They are unique, intimate portraits of each person and can be really revealing, whimsical, and fun.  What is in your purse?  What do you consider essential to your day?Enjoy. 

A Rhododendron Jungle

A Rhododendron Jungle
NCAR11D-121

May 29, 2011

Hiking through Nantahala National Forest, you go through some pretty incredible and diverse landscapes.  This was Memorial Day Weekend last year, and I was in the middle of a 3-day trek around the headwaters of the Nantahala River.  As I leveled out on the trail, I spent part of the afternoon hiking through these dense rhododendron thickets.  The tangle of trunks, and the lush canopy overhead, was amazing, and it dampened the sounds from the nearby river so that everything was hushed.  I saw less than 10 people along the trail that day, as it was far from day-hiking trails and pretty much only backpackers or AT through-hikers were present.  I like how the panoramic merge helped convey the jumble of the rhododendron thicket, adding to the chaos of the trail.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6

Focal length:  18 mm

Exposure: 1/20 @ f/4   ISO 400

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

Morning Forest Light

Morning Forest Light
NCAR10D-208

April 4, 2010

Today's image is a bit different from others, in several ways.  First, it was shot on the fly and through the fly.  Waking up in my tent, I decided I liked the angle and just grabbed my camera and snapped away.  Reviewing it in the LCD, I didn't think much of it but left it on the card.  Since then I've grown to like its spontaneous atmosphere, the texture that shooting through the screen gave the image, and the silhouettes of the rhododendrons that surrounded my camp that night.  It is not a technically gifted image, but one that has a lot of elements going for it.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6

Focal length:  18 mm

Exposure: 1/125 @ f/3.5   ISO 100

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

To Plan Worldwide Wanderings

To Plan Worldwide Wanderings
WASH10D-26_pan

August 10, 2010

Taking a break from the nature photography today, to highlight one of my favorite stores ever.  No, this is not REI (though good guess to those who know me, REI is up amid the top of the list).  This is Metsker Maps of Seattle.  This store, which is among a dwindling population of map stores, has such a diversity and abundance of travel-oriented products that you can't help but be impressed.  Travel guides?  Yup.  Map pins?  You betcha.  Topo maps for the Pacific NW?  Why not.  Flags, globes, rare and antique maps, journals, essays... you name it, this place has it.  While this post might seem like a Yelp-ish endorsement, I love the photo, for it shows off the jumbled, dense allocation of things in the store.  The panorama, i discovered this morning, is slightly mis-aligned, and will fix that soon.  But until then, dream of further wanderings, and enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6

Focal length:  18 mm

Exposure: 1/13 @ f/3.5   ISO 400

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

The Skittish Giraffe

The Skittish Giraffe

KENY10D-57

March 14, 2010

Keeping with the animal theme for one more day, this time we depart the scary predators of last week's submissions and instead take a gander at the gentle giants I was able to witness in Kenya, when I was there 2 years ago. On the outskirts of Nairobi, this guy was munching along, oblivious to most of what was going on around him. However, the sound of our transport really perked him up, and he was terrified as we slowed down to get a better look. This giraffe was very skittish, not too enthralled at the prospect of being watched or being near people. But he held still long enough to get a couple shots. As I didn't have a very long lens with me, I preferred to shoot the giraffe against the backdrop of acacia trees, I thought it added a nice context to the photo. Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: NIkon D80

Lens: Nikon 80-200 mm f/2.8

Focal length: 185 mm

Exposure: 1/1250   f/4.5   ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

Lazy Cat

Lazy Cat
NCAR10D-194

February 26, 2012

Ah, Fridays spent in the sun, paws in the air,  without a care in the world.  If only life could be as easy as that.  This cat is loving the afternoon, on a secluded high-rise platform at Conservator's Center in Burlington NC.  Our final submission for this edition of Beast Week, heading into the weekend.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: NIkon D80

Lens: Nikon 80-200 mm f/2.8

Focal length: 185 mm

Exposure: 1/1250   f/4.5   ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

Thirsty Cat

Thirsty Cat
NCAR10D-171

February 26, 2012

Beast Week continues, and we're still with our big cat friend, the lion.  This adult male lion from the Conservator's Center was roaming around, looking mighty thirsty on a warm day, tongue hanging out from his big maw.  Luckily he just looked thirsty and not hungry!  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: NIkon D80

Lens: Nikon 80-200 mm f/2.8

Focal length: 200 mm

Exposure: 1/800   f/2.8   ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

Quiet Lion Queen

Quiet Lion Queen

NCAR10D-161

February 26, 2012

Beast Week hits the mid week, and not only is this picture of a particularly cool cat from the Conservator's Center, but it also sums up how I feel this morning... a bit droopy, a lazy cat.  This hunting queen was taking in the afternoon sun, unconcerned about the people staring and gawking at her.  Enjoy.

 

Technical notes:

Camera: NIkon D80

Lens: Nikon 80-200 mm f/2.8

Focal length: 200 mm

Exposure: 1/2000   f/2.8   ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

The King

The King

NCAR12D-156

February 26, 2012

Another image for Beast Week today on Wandering Lens.  Returning to the Conservator's Center,  this regal lion male was making a loud howling, chuffing noise.  It reverberated throughout the whole center, and was described as a way for the pride to keep track of each other and coordinate movements.  While it was not a full-on roar, the noise was very loud, intimidating, and awe-inspiring.  It showed why these guys are labeled 'kings of the jungle.'  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: NIkon D80

Lens: Nikon 80-200 mm f/2.8

Focal length: 200 mm

Exposure: 1/1250   f/2.8   ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

The Alpha Female

The Alpha Female

NCAR10D-148

February 26, 2012

This week is a sort of Beast Week.  A week ago, I got a chance to visit the Conservator's Center with my awesome fiancee Sarah.  This site helps rehabilitate and care for abandoned animals, mostly predators of the canine and feline nature.  And for a small modest fee you can walk around with a guide who will show you the magnificent animals that call the center home.

To kick things off, we have one of the 4 wolves that the center houses, this one being the alpha female of the pack.  She looks very vicious, a true wolf.  And she kept a firm grip on the pack, taking care of the younger two wolves.  And she is beautiful.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: NIkon D80

Lens: Nikon 80-200 mm f/2.8

Focal length: 185 mm

Exposure: 1/500   f/2.8   ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

Moss Carpeting

Moss Carpeting

BHUT10D-198

November 19, 2010

Another photo from Bhutan to wrap up the week.  This comes to us from the National Botanical Garden, which is a bit of a misnomer because it was more akin to a National Park than a regular botanical garden.  It had hiking trails, camping spots, and picnic areas.  And the plants were not cultivated or arranged in any manner throughout the park, they were wild.  This area was beautiful; a cloud forest, the whole park was draped in ferns and moss and mushrooms.  And the cloudy day that we visited dampened the sound, so the place was ghostly quiet, and we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.  This stump of a long-forgotten tree was a microcosm of the entire forest, covered in the yellowish lichens and ferns surrounding, feeding off the constant moisture of the air.  Happy Friday, and enjoy.

 

Technical notes:

Camera: NIkon D80

Lens: Nikon 105 mm f/2.8

Focal length: 105 mm

Exposure: 1/40   f/11   ISO 400

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4