tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55103727549072722332024-03-13T15:36:36.393-04:00Blogging the ImaginationMusings on photography, science, technology and cultureBanewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.comBlogger525125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-56045093016379234072021-12-15T14:19:00.003-05:002021-12-22T10:47:22.883-05:00Time for us to pauseThe time has come for us to pause<br />
And think of living as it was<br />
Into the future we must cross (must cross)<br />
"Genesis" by Jorma Kaukonen<br />
<div><br /></div><div>After 42 years working in West Virginia higher education, I'm going to pull up my stakes and retire on December 29<sup>st</sup> this year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since I won't be tied to a computer for 7-1/2 hours a day, five days a week, maybe I might have time to update this blog more often than I have in the past.</div>Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-79386745234422330552021-07-29T09:38:00.006-04:002021-07-29T09:53:06.596-04:00Working on the Pipevine<p> A few days ago, the weather was fine and I had decided to play hooky from my job. Don't worry, I requested the time I grabbed by camera gear and set out for nearby <a href="https://wvstateparks.com/park/coopers-rock-state-forest/" target="_blank"> Coopers Rock State Forest</a>. Out near the trout pond, I came across a beautiful butterfly that I managed to shoot with my telephoto lens:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkCTQhl9RdU/YQKk_mBz57I/AAAAAAAAhTQ/8nFcRNU4ql4Gk2c6K9y6GcNOaF5r7YebQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2037/51341631660_e313b9dc2d_k.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2037" data-original-width="2037" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkCTQhl9RdU/YQKk_mBz57I/AAAAAAAAhTQ/8nFcRNU4ql4Gk2c6K9y6GcNOaF5r7YebQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/51341631660_e313b9dc2d_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Meet the <b>Pipevine Swallowtail</b> (<i>Battus philenor</i>). </p><p>The angle of this shot must have been just right, because the blue iridescence isn't always apparent, as noted in the following shot:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07AcPfkF-9I/YQKl6MRnwrI/AAAAAAAAhTY/EQpjMaBN3owyw3pmACu4eg3PJrW1q3gUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51343761865_80c8dc169f_k.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1463" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07AcPfkF-9I/YQKl6MRnwrI/AAAAAAAAhTY/EQpjMaBN3owyw3pmACu4eg3PJrW1q3gUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/51343761865_80c8dc169f_k.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Same butterfly at a different angle.<div><br /></div><div>The name of this butterfly got me curious. Pipevine Swallowtails aren't all that common around here, and what is it with the name "pipevine" you ask?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I'm glad you asked.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a bit of Googling, I came across this site <a href="http://nababutterfly.com/pipevine-pipe-dream-project/" target="_blank">Butterfly Garden and Habitat Program</a>, which gave a bit of background on the history of the pipevine in American horticulture. It explained that the pipevine is the sole food of the Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillar. It turns out, however, that the pipevine genus, <i>Aristolochia</i>, has more than 500 species. But there is only one native American species upon which the Pipevine caterpillar will dine: <i>Aristolochia macrophylla</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>These day, my go-to for natural science is <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/home" target="_blank">iNaturalist</a>. <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/62772-Aristolochia-macrophylla" target="_blank">Here</a> is what they have to say about <i>Aristolochia macrophylla. </i>Now one of the neat things about iNaturalist links is that the page for a specific species has links to a map, which shows the locations where something specific like <i>Aristolochia macrophylla. </i>have been found. Zooming in on the North American continent and down to West Virginia, we find many sightings. Some of the local sightings are at the <a href="https://www.wvbg.org/" target="_blank">West Virginia Botanic Garden</a> along the Access Road Trail. Sadly, there is only one other sighting, and that is along the Mon Chateau Trail from Coopers Rock. My goal is to go back to the trout pond and see if I can spot the wiley <i>Aristolochia macrophylla </i>near where I took my photos.</div><div> </div><div>I found a few more interesting links, among which are</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j410" target="_blank">Missouri Botanical Garden</a></li><li>The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristolochia" target="_blank"><i>Aristolochia</i></a> page in Wikipedia, where *<i>ahem</i>*, you might see a very suggestive picture and link to the <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristolochia_labiata#/media/File:Aristolochia_labiata.jpg" target="_blank">Aristolochia labiata</a></i>. </li></ul></div><div> </div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-92220652167012107442021-05-18T09:46:00.004-04:002021-05-18T10:04:47.940-04:00Fern, Interrupted<p> On my hike around Coopers Rock state park last weekend, I came across some interesting looking ferns. They had typical green fronds, top and bottom, but the middle was taken up by a dark green band of spores.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lm47fVMvTEY/YKO-wkcXzEI/AAAAAAAAhQE/T6h-vjbeSI08uO51_lMgG2VrZ2sa3HHpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51187844329_1e305259c8_k.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interrupted Fern (Claytosmunda claytoniana)" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lm47fVMvTEY/YKO-wkcXzEI/AAAAAAAAhQE/T6h-vjbeSI08uO51_lMgG2VrZ2sa3HHpACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/51187844329_1e305259c8_k.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I've identified it as an <b>Interrupted Fern</b> (<i>Claytosmunda claytoniana</i>). According to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claytosmunda" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>, </p>The Claytosmunda genus has only one species, <i>Claytosmunda claytoniana</i> . The interrupted fern is native to Eastern Asia, Eastern United States, and Eastern Canada.<blockquote>Fragmentary foliage resembling <i>Claytosmunda claytoniana</i> has been found in the fossil record as far back as the Triassic. <i>C. claytoniana</i> is a paramount example of evolutionary stasis. Paleontological evidence indicates it has remained unchanged, even at the level of fossilized nuclei and chromosomes, for at least 180 million years.</blockquote><p>Now I want to talk a little bit about the picture, itself. I had a bear of a time capturing a decent image. I was trying to take a hand-held shot in somewhat low light, and a slight breeze gave the image even more shake.</p><p>I wanted decent depth of field with my macro lens, so I tried to shoot at <i>f</i>/18. This was one of those rare times when I changed the ISO to 3200. I was able to use a shutter speed of 1/100 sec.</p><p>You can well imagine the amount of "noise" in the original picture. This was one of those time that I appreciated the image editing software from <a href="https://www.topazlabs.com/" target="_blank">Topaz Labs</a>. This was definitely a job for <a href="https://www.topazlabs.com/denoise-ai" target="_blank">DeNoise AI</a>. I followed up that process with <a href="https://www.topazlabs.com/sharpen-ai" target="_blank">Sharpen AI</a>. The results up above really speak for themselves.</p><p>Here's what it looked like before the DeNoise and Sharpen:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYWgOpRCl3c/YKPJXBRfnLI/AAAAAAAAhQU/KdfvxbY4nSgFI3ATZBIpagTdGUx2V5GlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYWgOpRCl3c/YKPJXBRfnLI/AAAAAAAAhQU/KdfvxbY4nSgFI3ATZBIpagTdGUx2V5GlQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_4685.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-50630570702886783192021-05-17T14:57:00.003-04:002021-05-18T09:47:48.526-04:00Slipper Time<p> This past weekend I took a drive to <a href="https://wvstateparks.com/park/coopers-rock-state-forest/" target="_blank">Coopers Rock</a> state forest in search of the elusive Pink Lady's Slipper orchid. In previous years, I had found the orchids just below the handicap parking sign of off the large parking lot. I was disappointed that there wasn't a single one.</p><p>I drove on to the head of the trail that leads down to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Clay_Furnace" target="_blank">Henry Clay iron furnace</a>. It was here that I had hoped to catch the Rattlesnake Plantain orchid in flower. Go figure, I didn't see a single one this time of the year. What I did see, however, was a lovely stand of Pink Lady's Slippers. I had a field day with my camera there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCx04Y1MfpI/YKK6gtYewVI/AAAAAAAAhPs/fkrPwXGqwMIZGHe0PLVRPpyQREgjlt9nQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51185833905_27e139236b_k.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule)" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCx04Y1MfpI/YKK6gtYewVI/AAAAAAAAhPs/fkrPwXGqwMIZGHe0PLVRPpyQREgjlt9nQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/51185833905_27e139236b_k.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ce9TzBCfxLM/YKPFboDJ52I/AAAAAAAAhQM/5Rb1qQvr3WAeDmfPqEZBwAHJBRQ-0NMoACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51187767564_84c5f378ab_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ce9TzBCfxLM/YKPFboDJ52I/AAAAAAAAhQM/5Rb1qQvr3WAeDmfPqEZBwAHJBRQ-0NMoACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/51187767564_84c5f378ab_k.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I seem to have captured them at their peak.<div><br /></div><div>Another plant that I recognized is the Halberd-leaved Violet (<i>Viola hastata</i>):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbJQOmW5cO4/YKK8Ih-12BI/AAAAAAAAhP0/dqS54HFw9H4lP-RSc-A1fM2UcjiTmI-ugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51182860892_e18aace05e_k.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Halberd-leaved violet (Viola hastata)" border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbJQOmW5cO4/YKK8Ih-12BI/AAAAAAAAhP0/dqS54HFw9H4lP-RSc-A1fM2UcjiTmI-ugCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h286/51182860892_e18aace05e_k.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I also took this shot of a pair of mushroom growing out of some moss:<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yu54oR8Sx08/YKK9MMqzeUI/AAAAAAAAhP8/mrnDmtjA9wUsygZ6sTbK2r7BsO2iMVUZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51183035946_e2cd3b0458_k.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yu54oR8Sx08/YKK9MMqzeUI/AAAAAAAAhP8/mrnDmtjA9wUsygZ6sTbK2r7BsO2iMVUZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/51183035946_e2cd3b0458_k.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-72425851638081195192021-03-24T10:47:00.005-04:002021-03-24T10:47:58.750-04:00Getting Creative<p> I've been exploring a little bit more of the bells and whistles on my Canon 77D. With few exceptions, I've been pretty muck locked into using the camera's Aperture Priority (Av) mode. Recently, I've tried shooting something with the Creative filters.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wx7HQUrM4hc/YFtL4SY8B2I/AAAAAAAAhNM/6keGn9aU04EGCx0Y-DabGWW-OxXjNB1hQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/canon77d-exposure-mode.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wx7HQUrM4hc/YFtL4SY8B2I/AAAAAAAAhNM/6keGn9aU04EGCx0Y-DabGWW-OxXjNB1hQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/canon77d-exposure-mode.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>Here are some of the filter effects that you can use:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Grainy B/W </li><li>Soft focus </li><li>Fish-eye - processed to simulate fish-eye lens shots</li><li>Water painting - for images that look like water paintings</li><li>Toy camera - simulates distinctive colors and vignetting of images from toy cameras</li><li>Miniature - process to resemble miniature scale models, similar to tilt-shifting</li><li> HDR art standard - images resemble paintings with low contrast and flat gradation</li><li> HDR art vivid - images resemble vivid graphic art with flat gradation</li><li>HDR art bold - images resemble oil paintings with vivid color and depth</li><li>HDR art embossed - images resemble old, faded photos</li></ul><div>Yesterday during my lunch break I tried the fish-eye effect on some daffodils. Here's the result:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-EHUh7P2qA/YFtPYH0n0BI/AAAAAAAAhNU/5uxOCh0NMcwxEaLn51-PxIQ7jxwAU9dXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51066705791_516466dd79_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-EHUh7P2qA/YFtPYH0n0BI/AAAAAAAAhNU/5uxOCh0NMcwxEaLn51-PxIQ7jxwAU9dXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/51066705791_516466dd79_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm going to have to try some of the other effects. Since I rarely carry my <a href="https://lensbaby.com/products/composer-pro-ii-no-optic" target="_blank">LensBaby </a> Composer around, I can see where these creative filters will give it some real competition.</div><p></p>Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-22505307027570736772021-03-01T10:24:00.002-05:002021-03-01T10:24:27.830-05:00Repairing the focus on an SX-70<p> First a little background. Back in the summer of 2019, someone gave me a very unusual Polaroid SX-70 that was <a href="https://bloggingtheimagination.blogspot.com/2019/08/yasx-70.html" target="_blank">customized for scientific photography</a>. Later, in September, I removed the customization hardware and gave the camera a <a href="https://bloggingtheimagination.blogspot.com/2019/09/sx-70-alpha-1-model-2.html" target="_blank">new skin</a>. </p><p>I then discovered that there was a problem with focus-to-infinity with this camera. You can see the problem with <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/84547312@N00/48641620952/in/album-72157709555626002/" target="_blank">one of the shots</a> that I posted on my Flickr account. Out to infinity, there has consistently been a bit of lens blur.</p><p>This brings me to a couple of weeks ago, when I searched for some repair solutions. Flickr came to my rescue with <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/11961199@N00/discuss/72157695080432624/72157695804952995" target="_blank">some basic instructions</a>. All I had to do was remove the front housing rectangle around the lens opening. I was able to pry it off quite easily. Then I ran the focus out to infinity, where I could easily see the blur in the split screen focus. I depressed the "idler wheel" as described and with a very slight turn of the gear, I was able to regain the focus-to-infinity.</p><p>Although I have a fresh pack of film, I'm waiting until Spring, when there will be much more to photograph in color. I'm confident that I'll be able to achieve decent focus this time around.</p>Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-7481348037705893582021-02-25T11:20:00.002-05:002021-02-25T11:20:16.377-05:00A Pelican (can hold much more than my belly can)<p> I had no serious intentions when I was browsing on eBay a couple of week ago. Someone was selling a large number of used cases for $50 each. The <a href="https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/protector/1520?sku=1520-000-110" target="_blank">Pelican 1520 Protector</a> is a nice-sized case for my camera equipment. A new one is in the $150 range. In order to add my own equipment to this case, however, I needed to by a new foam insert. For $23, I was able to get Pick and Pluck Foam for a Pelican 1520 case on Amazon.</p><p>This all turned out to be a sweet deal. I have room for a little bit more, but I'm taking my time to decide on the final slot.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRi6-6WRpGk/YDfIJ2qJNaI/AAAAAAAAhMY/y0dso5UbK6UBtMQwQPLvMidWGzERhdUDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Pelican_1961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pelican 1520 case with camera equipment" border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRi6-6WRpGk/YDfIJ2qJNaI/AAAAAAAAhMY/y0dso5UbK6UBtMQwQPLvMidWGzERhdUDACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h286/Pelican_1961.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>From the top, circling clockwise:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>50mm f/1.4 primary</li><li>EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro </li><li>70-200f/4 L telephoto</li><li>EF-S 18-55 IS </li><li>Canon D77 camera with EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM "pancake"</li><li>Canon Speedlite 580EX flash</li></ul><div>I'm thinking of cutting a hole out for my LensBaby, but I'm going to let that thought marinate. On the plus side, it would give me something with tilt-shift and fisheye capability. On the other hand, I'd like to be able to store a few specialty filters, too.</div><p></p>Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-86826090093940897872021-02-08T14:09:00.003-05:002021-02-08T14:20:43.443-05:00A new year and a new lens<p> I got an early birthday present of a Canon <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/lenses/ef/wide-angle/ef-s-24mm-f-2-8-stm" target="_blank">EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM</a> "pancake" lens. A co-worker had gotten one a few years back and I've admired it since. It's small, lightweight and has a low profile, making it easy to carry around.</p><p>A <a href="https://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/24mm-f28-stm.htm" target="_blank">Ken Rockwell</a> review of this lens gives it good marks. He summarizes that </p><blockquote>The optics of this lens are superb, and its size make it a complete winner. For $150, you can't go wrong.</blockquote>He's right. <div><br /></div><div>As a side benefit, the lens is classified as a Macro, but I haven't really taken much advantage of that at this point. I ought to work dandy with a lens extension tube.<p></p><div>So, here's the moment of truth. One of my first shots with this lens:</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KnDir4MyXM/YCGJsfuuNuI/AAAAAAAAhLk/eU3zsXwlZfsKdZ-Bv-spxIhOkcTOtpcsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/50921718498_4fab053144_6k.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Back of WVU's Woodburn Hall" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KnDir4MyXM/YCGJsfuuNuI/AAAAAAAAhLk/eU3zsXwlZfsKdZ-Bv-spxIhOkcTOtpcsQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/50921718498_4fab053144_6k.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>It's the back of Woodburn Hall on WVU's main campus. This is an uncropped hand-held shot, but I did apply lens correction in PhotoShop. I also ran it through Topaz Labs' DeNoise AI. For the B&W, I ran this through one of Tim Shields' <a href="https://www.timsphotos.com/presets" target="_blank">Lightroom Presets</a> (Cold Tone). </div></div>Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-50984087121915849612020-09-22T14:57:00.004-04:002020-09-22T14:58:32.410-04:00Life in Macro<p> Even thought I'm not very good at it, I love macro photography. I've written recently about my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/5510372754907272233/5925093061721728918?hl=en" target="_blank">experience with a new flash</a> unit, and I've tried to make more use of it.</p><p>One of the problems I've had for a long time is wrestling over depth-of-field. My trusty Canon <a href="https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/ef-s-60mm-f-28-macro-usm" target="_blank">EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM</a> lens has served me well over the years, but because of natural light, I was prone to shooting it wide open at<i> f/</i>2.8. Thus the shallow depth of field.</p><p>It's possible to teach an old photographer new tricks, though. With a ring flash, there's no reason why I couldn't stop down. My macro lens can stop down to <i>f</i>/32, so I gave that a try. The first problem I ran into at <i>f/</i>32 was that my shots were dark. I compensated to this in Lightroom, where I was able to recover amazing detail. I do need to learn how to goose up the strength of the flash, if it's possible.</p><p>But the low <i>f</i>-stop really made a difference. Here are two recent shots:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WifR56j6scM/X2pGW9U0r5I/AAAAAAAAhAk/8IIrwGlQSP0YPhFc8c5lRJvOlQlE6jCUACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/50356947932_ae8acf0fff_k.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WifR56j6scM/X2pGW9U0r5I/AAAAAAAAhAk/8IIrwGlQSP0YPhFc8c5lRJvOlQlE6jCUACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/50356947932_ae8acf0fff_k.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a Red-headed bush cricket (<i>Phyllopalpus pulchellus</i>) sitting rather boldly on the leaf of a miniature rose at my house. A here's a real beauty:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47k_UZ_ziGw/X2pGaKi49oI/AAAAAAAAhAo/HCLlTzRNscch0XnER1BrMIfpo0mOQE4FgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/50361808592_ac53c50588_k.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47k_UZ_ziGw/X2pGaKi49oI/AAAAAAAAhAo/HCLlTzRNscch0XnER1BrMIfpo0mOQE4FgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/50361808592_ac53c50588_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>It's a tiny little sweat bee belonging to the genus <i>Augochlorine</i>. I would normally have to create a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focus_stacking" target="_blank">focus stack</a> to get this kind of DOF, but shooting at <i>f/</i>32 did a darn good job for a lot less work.</p><p>Now, this shot wasn't quite this sharp to begin with. I ran it through a couple of plug-in filters that I had bought from <a href="https://topazlabs.com/shop/" target="_blank">Topaz Labs</a>: Sharpen AI and DeNoise AI. I'll have to tell you more about those later!</p>Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-11111863449272574062020-09-01T11:08:00.003-04:002020-09-01T11:16:07.100-04:00A New Old Lens<p> I while back, I managed to score a <a href="https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-50mm-f-1.4-USM-Lens-Review.aspx" target="_blank">Canon EF 50mm <i>f/</i>1.4 USM </a>lens on <a href="http://ShopGoodwill.com" target="_blank">ShopGoodwill.com</a>. As always, a Goodwill auction purchase is "as is." Turned out that both automatic and manual focus on the lens would not go below four meters. There has apparently been a long-standing problem of this sort with that lens. It has a part with a design flaw that makes it very easy to damage. A <a href="https://perfectimagecamera.com/repair/" target="_blank">repair company</a> was able to replace the flawed part with a redesigned one that isn't as easy to damage. It wasn't a cheap repair, but it's not a cheap lens, either. Of course, the lens also got a thorough cleaning as part of the repair.</p><p>Although I already own a couple of 50mm <i>f</i>/1.4 lenses, they are both vintage, manual focus lenses. Perhaps because of that, I hadn't been as attuned to their superior light gathering properties. Since this new one is made to work on a Canon digital SLR, I can more easily appreciate the superior optics. Foremost is that the lens can work really well in low light and natural situations.</p><p>Another great feature of the 50 is the focal range. It's great for portraiture because it give a nice blur to the background.</p><p>Here's one of the best shots I've taken with this newly repaired lens:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3Z4WvYw_Sc/X05iln0M3HI/AAAAAAAAg_E/Sefbj5r-tsYjTHxJPTuOQTieLjWSt-XmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/50287440843_7ae4fe0888_k.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3Z4WvYw_Sc/X05iln0M3HI/AAAAAAAAg_E/Sefbj5r-tsYjTHxJPTuOQTieLjWSt-XmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/50287440843_7ae4fe0888_k.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>This is a great spangled fritillary butterfly on an iron weed. I shot it with the lens wide open at <i>f/</i>1.4, where it is said to be "soft." Note the dreamy background, which is the woods behind the flower. If I want sharper pictures, I'll need to stop it down to at least <i>f</i>/2.0.</p><p>Despite this newer, easy-to-use lens, I'm going to find it difficult to part with my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/5510372754907272233/425878759656903393?hl=en" target="_blank">Konica 50mm manual</a> lens. I'd love to compare the image quality side-by-side with these two lenses. Perhaps another day.</p>Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-59250930617217289182020-08-19T12:48:00.006-04:002020-08-19T12:55:56.198-04:00Getting the Bugs Out<p> Ever since I got a replacement for my old Sigma EM-140 ring flash (it's an older model and it doesn't flash on my EOS D77), I've been back to shooting macros out of doors. The cheap replacement for the Sigma ring is a "<a href="https://www.kentfaith.com/KF22.005_kf150-ttl-flash-macro-ring-lite-with-led-for-canon-eos-rebel" target="_blank">KF150 TTL Marco (Sic) Ring Flash</a>," which seems to be doing a decent job.</p><p>But what I really want to write about is a site that I recently stumbled across. It's called <a href="https://www.kentfaith.com/KF22.005_kf150-ttl-flash-macro-ring-lite-with-led-for-canon-eos-rebel" target="_blank">iNaturalist</a>. According to a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INaturalist" target="_blank">Wikipedia description</a>, </p><blockquote>iNaturalist is a citizen science project and online social network of naturalists, citizen scientists, and biologists built on the concept of mapping and sharing observations of biodiversity across the globe.</blockquote><p></p><p>I've joined iNaturalist and have posted a number of my recent shot to the site, along with my tentative classifications. Boy, what a humbling experience. My identifications have been largely challenged by the experts, and I have little to doubt their authority as to the correct species.</p><p>I had labelled this a a Dog Day Cicada (<i>Neotibicen canicularis</i>):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmtd6JxJpYs/Xz1UFXRvUTI/AAAAAAAAg9I/ToZHQWT5-yM3QAB_eX889DOqPhaSM_ptQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Dog%2BDay%2BCicada_3271.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmtd6JxJpYs/Xz1UFXRvUTI/AAAAAAAAg9I/ToZHQWT5-yM3QAB_eX889DOqPhaSM_ptQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h286/Dog%2BDay%2BCicada_3271.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>However, it turns out that it's really a Common Swamp Cicada (<i>Neotibicen tibicen</i>). To my delight, this photo has been flagged as a "research grade."</p><p>One other earned that classification. I'd originally identified this as a Modest Masked Bee (<i>Hylaeus modestus</i>), but that has been corrected to be an Eastern Masked Bee (<i>Hylaeus affinis</i>). At least I've been getting the genus right.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMIfjubHMbo/Xz1WCRoDxvI/AAAAAAAAg9c/lw6VF-8-TAgh0W72-j2nRqZGNi1YWJO2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s967/Black-yellow_3241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="967" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMIfjubHMbo/Xz1WCRoDxvI/AAAAAAAAg9c/lw6VF-8-TAgh0W72-j2nRqZGNi1YWJO2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h286/Black-yellow_3241.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my defense, if you look at a picture of a Modest Masked Bee, it looks identical to this. The telltale distinction, according the the expert, is the presence of a yellow spot on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tegula_(insect_anatomy)#:~:text=A%20tegula%20is%20a%20small,lateral%20portion%20of%20the%20mesonotum." target="_blank">tegulae</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just for grins, here's one that I took with my Canon EF70-200 telephoto:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDPI3Mleeio/Xz1Y95HFLqI/AAAAAAAAg9o/5-GMoS3ZgIoafwygzNbpIB7Xlsb2hG1pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Robber%2Bfly_3303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="2048" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDPI3Mleeio/Xz1Y95HFLqI/AAAAAAAAg9o/5-GMoS3ZgIoafwygzNbpIB7Xlsb2hG1pQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h286/Robber%2Bfly_3303.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's tentatively identified as a Robber Fly (<i>Efferia aestuans</i>). Let's hope that I got this one right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To date, I've submitted six insects and one plant to iNaturalist. I'm hoping that I can contribute many more.</div>Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-40600868191756096182020-08-12T11:49:00.002-04:002020-08-12T11:50:34.804-04:00Bee-Grade Photography<p> I stepped outside yesterday on my lunch break to photograph some insects near the side of the house. A mint plant was blooming, and I caught a couple of bees that gave me a real challenge at identification. I got a lot of help from <a href="https://www.sharpeatmanguides.com/picture-index" target="_blank">Sharp-Eatman Nature Photography's web site</a>. If you visit this site, do click on the Gallery, which contains some fantastic nature shots.</p><p>The first bee that I photographed is called a Masked Bee. It's a tiny creature, only about 5 mm:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xUHYgvluXQ/XzQLjqirlsI/AAAAAAAAg8I/5SzAZ8fFtrcQm9izT4VeoJV-Iyp3a3kRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s967/50215098912_c5646bdf28_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="967" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xUHYgvluXQ/XzQLjqirlsI/AAAAAAAAg8I/5SzAZ8fFtrcQm9izT4VeoJV-Iyp3a3kRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/50215098912_c5646bdf28_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It belongs to the genus <i>Hylaeus</i>. An interesting thing about this genus is that they don't carry pollen in the usual pollen basket. Instead, they carry pollen in their crop and then regurgitate it into the cell where it will be used as food for the larva.</p><div>This second bee was much harder for me to identify.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-ca337c2IU/XzQNGQCcUWI/AAAAAAAAg8U/55zWZrO_5kYjyuWwc-73t6hUJ3nAHMusgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/50217387313_d3464b9b4e_k.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-ca337c2IU/XzQNGQCcUWI/AAAAAAAAg8U/55zWZrO_5kYjyuWwc-73t6hUJ3nAHMusgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/50217387313_d3464b9b4e_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Best guess is that this belongs to the genus <i>Nomada</i>. They are kleptoparasitic or "cuckoo bees." which enter the nests of hosts and lay eggs there. The larvae steal the resources that the host has already collected.</div>Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-39270511533983353142020-08-05T09:41:00.000-04:002020-08-05T09:41:00.452-04:00Socially DistantIt's ironic that I've waited this long to post anything this year. Here it is, already August 5th.<div><br /></div><div>Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, I've been working from home since the middle of March, maintaining my social distancing from my coworkers and the rest of society. Being an introvert by nature, I can't say that this has been a hardship for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is all being described as The New Normal.<sup>TM </sup>"Normal" for me is working in relative solitude, saving money on gasoline, and having my "therapy cat" visiting me every day in my "office."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jUaIw1-_no/Xyq2wNqMeVI/AAAAAAAAg7g/Wz_1GLbnwLEBCINqKI8OHa6i-QDBJMzoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_1863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jUaIw1-_no/Xyq2wNqMeVI/AAAAAAAAg7g/Wz_1GLbnwLEBCINqKI8OHa6i-QDBJMzoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1863.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p>For the record, West Virginia has not been hard hit by the pandemic, but it has not remained untouched. Morgantown has seen a modest increase in the number of cases in the past month. With <a href="https://www.wvu.edu/return-to-campus" target="_blank">University classes about to start</a>, the number of cases will likely grow. However, incoming students as well as faculty are being tested. The number of positive cases has hovered at 1.5% or below <a href="https://www.wvu.edu/return-to-campus/daily-test-results/morgantown" target="_blank">up to this point</a>. </p><p><br /></p></div>Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-59706667208905494842019-11-15T08:15:00.000-05:002019-11-20T10:33:37.184-05:00Ruby SunsetIt's often said that "the best camera is the one that you have on you."<br />
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Opinions differ somewhat as to the meaning of this. For some, it means that any old camera that you have with you is better than none. For others, myself included, it means that should a potentially good image present itself, you shouldn't be afraid to use what you have on you. Be it a phone or a point 'n shoot, don't pass up a great shot because you don't have your big fancy camera on you. <br />
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Wednesday evening was such an occasion. I had just gotten out from an appointment, and I was struck by the most awesome sky. "Red sky at night, sailor's delight." What made this more delightful was the way that the setting sun illuminated a gap between two buildings -- Ruby Memorial Hospital and the WVU Health Sciences building. The light reflected off of the windows on Ruby, creating an impressive arrangement of leading lines.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7V5_KzP4J-U/Xc6etLcVeaI/AAAAAAAAgwQ/-pkFo2zcGyQ-ZCy7dA5PfFoAcAHz91CNACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Ruby%2BSunset_1792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7V5_KzP4J-U/Xc6etLcVeaI/AAAAAAAAgwQ/-pkFo2zcGyQ-ZCy7dA5PfFoAcAHz91CNACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Ruby%2BSunset_1792.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Could this shot have been better? Certainly, if I'd had my Cannon 77D and one of my better lenses, I could have improved on the exposure. But all I had was my iPhone Xs, and that's what I used. And as for composition, I couldn't do anything about the white picket fence, which leads the eye away from the other lines. It's a feature we'll all have to live with.<br />
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On a positive note, there was very little lens distortion in this shot, as you can see from the relatively straight vertical lines. The electric lights are somewhat overexposed but not glaringly so (no pun intended).<br />
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Given the technical deficiencies of an iPhone picture, another school of thought would have me concentrate on the artistic nature of the shot. Yes, I dare to say there is some of that. So, not to leave well enough alone, I tried simplifying the photo using the BuzzSim filter from Topaz Studio. I saw this mainly as an attempt to smooth over the JPEG "noise" of the original.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLlB8yVvAW0/Xc6kMOLAxFI/AAAAAAAAgwo/Zs2zsCGfC-cm2nGvLtAeIJa7AGPa0Z8oACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Ruby%2BSunset%2BBuzzed_1792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLlB8yVvAW0/Xc6kMOLAxFI/AAAAAAAAgwo/Zs2zsCGfC-cm2nGvLtAeIJa7AGPa0Z8oACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Ruby%2BSunset%2BBuzzed_1792.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each shot has its merits. I'll let you be the judge as to which you like better.Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-63229189690728931712019-10-25T15:43:00.001-04:002019-10-25T15:43:44.840-04:00Up, Up and AwayIt's been a busy week for me and my camera. Last Saturday, it was Bridge Day and last night it was "night glow" for the <a href="http://balloonsovermorgantown.com/event-schedule.html" target="_blank">Balloon Festival</a>. Night glow is what they call it when a bunch of hot air balloons fill up at night and light up on the ground.<br />
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This year it was at the Morgantown Mall. I arrived early to catch a decent parking place and some dinner. The night glow area was roped off between the old Sears (now, temporarily a Halloween store) and Lowes,<br />
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Some people started filling up while it was still daylight. Here's one of them -- a very cool cat.<br />
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Once it got dark, they turned off the lights in the parking lot and let the visitors mill around amongst the balloons. I really like to photograph the red balloon. Here's a nice view of a number of balloons lined up and lit. It was a lot like trying to photograph fireflies. They all lit up and blinked independent of one another. I had a few lucky shot where I caught several lighting up at a time.<br />
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Saving my favorite for last. The flames on these are overexposed, but it's still a nice shot. I touched it up a little bit with <a href="https://topazlabs.com/free-topaz-studio/" target="_blank">Topaz Studio</a>.</div>
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<br />Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-8305079588052924442019-10-22T14:09:00.001-04:002019-10-22T15:59:22.404-04:00Bridge Day 2019On Saturday, October 19, I drove down to the Bridge Day festival near Fayetteville, W.Va. The festival is one time of the year when the New River Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic, allowing an assortment of base jumpers and rappellers to do their thing, while a massive throng of spectators crowd themselves along the bridge. Vendors hawk their wares on either end of the bridge.<br />
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The sky quickly clouded over by the time I arrived late in the morning. Still, the view from the bridge is quite spectacular. The New River gorge, below the bridge is part of a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm" target="_blank">national park</a>.</div>
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It was a struggle to work my way through the mass of people to get myself close enough to get pictures of some of the jumpers. I had to practically hang from the bridge railing to get some of these shots:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mF0RHLINBQ/Xa9E3e3fgfI/AAAAAAAAgtI/kjfyX71rkg4KUmWE3G7iJQ-cLyN7drYIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Base%2BJumper_2372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mF0RHLINBQ/Xa9E3e3fgfI/AAAAAAAAgtI/kjfyX71rkg4KUmWE3G7iJQ-cLyN7drYIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Base%2BJumper_2372.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There is a visitors center on the north side of the bridge, which gives a different view of the activities. Check out all of the rappelling lines. There are four rappellers in this shot, along with one base jumper who is just starting to deploy their parachute.</div>
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<br />Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-26198561341701024432019-09-06T11:30:00.000-04:002019-09-06T11:30:43.783-04:00Downy Rattlesnake PlantainOn Friday before Labor Day and again on Labor Day, I took a hike down the trail to the Henry Clay iron furnace at Coopers Rock.<br />
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These days, it's pretty rare for me to come across a new plant. And this one is doubly notable, because it's also an orchid. Meet the <b>Downy Rattlesnake Plantain</b> (<i>Goodyera pubescens</i>):<br />
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This shot composed of two different shots that were combined in PhotoShop is not very good, but I wanted to be able to show the entire plant.<br />
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Most of my shots showing the leaves were blurry. I need to stop farting around and <b>use my tripod</b>! This is the best of the lot:<br />
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I wanted to show the leaves because of their reticulated pattern. Oddly, when I tried to find the origin of the orchid's name, the emphasis is on their <a href="https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/goodyera_pubescens.shtml" target="_blank">resemblance to the plantain</a>.<br />
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Sadly, I missed catching this orchid in bloom. Here's the inflorescence as I found it:<br />
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I was surprised to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodyera_pubescens" target="_blank">read </a>that Goodyera pubescens is considered to be the most common orchids native to eastern North America. How is it that I've only now stumbled across it?Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-47286896768453233122019-09-05T10:06:00.003-04:002019-09-05T11:28:55.549-04:00SX-70 Alpha 1, Model 2In an <a href="https://bloggingtheimagination.blogspot.com/2019/08/yasx-70.html" target="_blank">earlier posting</a>, I described the Polaroid SX-70 that I recently acquired. I ordered a laser-cut leather skin from Etsy, and over the Labor Day holiday I started on removing the old skin.<br />
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I watched some YouTube videos about removing old skin, so I did not go into this unprepared. However, I'm not particularly proud of my results.<br />
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I got some <a href="https://googone.com/pro-power-spray-gel" target="_blank">Pro Power Goo and Adhesive Remover</a>, which was recommended in one of the how-to videos. This helped some, but the old glue was incredibly stubborn. I used a straight-edge razor scraping tool and I tried to be as careful as I could in removing the skin and adhesive, all the while being careful to not get any of the Power Goo into the camera. The glue was like a rock. I managed to slip a bit along some edges where I left some scars. I used a dremel tool to smooth out those scars, but the end results were still far from perfect.<br />
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Here's the finished product.<br />
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I'm showing the side with the worst scarring. Note the left side of the triangle above the bellows.<br />
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Did I ruin this camera's resale value? Maybe. Probably. It's still one hell of a nice camera, though.Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-91846806130333499332019-09-04T07:49:00.001-04:002019-09-04T09:09:58.434-04:00Morning WoodsOn Friday, August 30, I was hiking back up from the Iron Furnace at Cooper's Rock State Park. Off the side of the trail, my eye did see something a bit unusual.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9etzPFRR49Q/XW-i8pGglsI/AAAAAAAAfDY/VR8Rsg-ShEgLy1LkmI03cWTh7_vhA0L0ACLcBGAs/s1600/Woody_1356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="1002" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9etzPFRR49Q/XW-i8pGglsI/AAAAAAAAfDY/VR8Rsg-ShEgLy1LkmI03cWTh7_vhA0L0ACLcBGAs/s400/Woody_1356.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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It appears that a branch or another tree altogether was growing out from a crack in the main trunk and reentering about a foot or two up above.<br />
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If you believe in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareidolia" target="_blank">pareidolia</a> and your mind is in the gutter, you may see something of a different nature.<br />
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<br />Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-67467014732071967892019-08-26T09:51:00.001-04:002019-09-05T10:07:22.573-04:00Y.A. SX-70Yet another SX-70.<br />
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I acquired this in the nicest of ways. A co-worker, who knows I am into old cameras, asked me if I could give this unusual looking Polaroid a good home. It came from an old nearby industrial facility that is being torn down. As you can see, this isn't your mother's SX-70. It has been customized for scientific photography or perhaps quality control. The entire addition is of a sturdy metal construction.<br />
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The addition on the front says it's from Technical Enterprises of Gainesvill, Florida. There must have been a bunch of these produced at some point, because it features a model and serial number. The lens assembly on the front looks like it's configured to attach to another tube, such as a microscope. There's a remote shutter control attached.<br />
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I didn't know if this camera was any good. It was frozen into an open position, and I could not collapse it down. Looking through the view finder, all I could see was blackness. I carefully removed all the Technical Enterprises hardware and discovered an Alpha 1, Model 2. </div>
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Lo and behold, I can now see through the viewfinder, and I can close down the camera. This one has lugs for a carrying strap and a socket for a tripod mount -- something my older model is lacking. I looked up the serial number and I found that this one is three years younger than my <a href="https://bloggingtheimagination.blogspot.com/2019/07/polaroid-sx-70.html" target="_blank">first SX-70</a>.</div>
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<table id="tbl_serial_number" style="background-color: #ebebeb; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><tbody style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
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<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; min-width: 125px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Serial Number :</td><td style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; min-width: 125px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">5J825789173</td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; min-width: 125px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Config :</td><td style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; min-width: 125px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alpha 2 Electronics & Alpha 'K' Focus Wheel</td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; min-width: 125px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Model :</td><td style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; min-width: 125px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Model 2, SE, Sears or Alpha 2</td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; min-width: 125px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Birthday :</td><td style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; min-width: 125px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sep 25, 1978</td></tr>
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Cosmetically, the leather trim is cracked in places, and it's considerably worn around the tripod mount area. I'm thinking of plopping down $20 for laser cut <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/491576954/polaroid-sx-70-replacement-skin-cover" target="_blank">replacement skin that I found on Etsy.</a></div>
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I'm now running a pack of Polaroid Originals color SX-70 film through it and the results so far are quite good. Better, I dare say, than my Model 1. I shot this Polaroid of the nearby Marriott:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZqgoVPFc4A/XWe77aXPz7I/AAAAAAAAfDM/tgNFlagovNEtkbm15NOSGRs5QJzF_DHIACLcBGAs/s1600/Marriott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="674" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZqgoVPFc4A/XWe77aXPz7I/AAAAAAAAfDM/tgNFlagovNEtkbm15NOSGRs5QJzF_DHIACLcBGAs/s320/Marriott.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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The one problem that I've found so far is that the focus stops a bit short of infinity. Until/unless I can fix this, there won't be many landscape shots in its future.<br />
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I <u>will</u> be giving this camera a good home.<br />
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Edit: <a href="https://bloggingtheimagination.blogspot.com/2019/09/sx-70-alpha-1-model-2.html" target="_blank">see the update here</a>.</div>
Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-82304500051984878082019-08-23T10:46:00.001-04:002019-08-23T10:46:21.743-04:00In to thy hands, oh LordI'm boggled and perplexed. Millions of <a href="https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/01/27/millions-of-americans-believe-god-made-trump-president-216537" target="_blank">Americans believe</a> that the election of Donald is the fulfillment of God's will.<br />
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God wants Vladimir Putin to be <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/vladimir-putin-says-he-has-never-made-a-mistake-because-god-wanted-him-to-be-perfect-10309628.html" target="_blank">perfect</a>.<br />
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People pray that God will <a href="https://connectusfund.org/21-short-powerful-prayers-for-surgery-to-go-well" target="_blank">guide a surgeon's hands</a>.<br />
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Is there any line of demarcation? <a href="https://chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com/2010/08/27/if-not-a-sparrow-falls-without-god-knowing-how-he-must-care-for-us/" target="_blank">Perhaps not</a>.<br />
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Let me go back to the Great Orange One (Trump, not God). Is God putting <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trumps-last-24-hours-have-been-particularly-stupid-and-offensive_n_5d5d711de4b0701d280c9d48" target="_blank">stupid words</a> into Trump's mouth? Was this, too, prophesied? <br />
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Was it God's plan to have <a href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-paper-shoe/" target="_blank">toilet paper</a> stick to Trump's shoe as he boarded Air Force One? It must have been.<br />
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Et tu, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2016/01/20/politics/donald-trump-tony-perkins-sarah-palin/index.html" target="_blank">Corinthians</a>?<br />
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Truly, these are strange and mysterious ways.Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-9625452314420049442019-07-10T08:11:00.002-04:002019-07-10T13:40:17.092-04:00Polaroid SX-70 Shots<a href="https://bloggingtheimagination.blogspot.com/2019/07/polaroid-sx-70.html" target="_blank">Previously</a>, I mentioned that I got an old circa '75 vintage Polaroid SX-70. I've taken a few shot with it, and I wish I could be more impressed. I was hoping for more bright colors, but as you can see, this isn't Kodachrome. This is what you get with Polaroids.<br />
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This is the first shot that I took, which I had posted previously via iPhone capture. The car is silver and the siding of the house should be like a light chocolate milk color. You can notice one good thing, however, there is very little lens distortionin the front and back lines of the house in the background. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XI3QktgD94Y/XSXQjkDEzjI/AAAAAAAAe9M/g2VUKKluN9MCq4h7ayzOAGZvj_sfVg9-QCLcBGAs/s1600/Morgantown_2019_07_09_21_02_230002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1322" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XI3QktgD94Y/XSXQjkDEzjI/AAAAAAAAe9M/g2VUKKluN9MCq4h7ayzOAGZvj_sfVg9-QCLcBGAs/s400/Morgantown_2019_07_09_21_02_230002.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
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This is Morgantown shot from the sixth floor of One Waterfront Place. Despite the cloud cover, I thought that it should have been an adequately bright day for this landscape shot.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9X6yUC-Ewg/XSXQlpYFCrI/AAAAAAAAe9Q/r0xtlg2o3b4EnI6ZJXVmxW91WJAQ2NW1QCLcBGAs/s1600/Lilies_2019_07_09_21_02_230001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1327" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9X6yUC-Ewg/XSXQlpYFCrI/AAAAAAAAe9Q/r0xtlg2o3b4EnI6ZJXVmxW91WJAQ2NW1QCLcBGAs/s400/Lilies_2019_07_09_21_02_230001.jpg" width="331" /></a></div>
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I'd held out the most hope for this last picture of some yellow lilies growing in a flower bed alongside of One Waterfront Place. This was taken in very bright sunlight. So bright, that the flower petals are almost over exposed. Orange day lilies in the background are orange, and the green foliage lacks saturation.</div>
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I'm not deterred. On the positive side, the pictures definitely have a vintage quality to them. </div>
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I can think of a couple of things that might be done differently. First of all, these shots were ejected from the camera in very bright conditions. I tried to put the undeveloped film into a dark box as quickly as I could, but there could have been enough exposure to mess up the saturation. The solution might be to get a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075N9HNLR/?coliid=I1DJKX2LT2FLKJ&colid=YZ2Y9Q4MEJQV&" target="_blank">film shield</a>.</div>
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Another factor that I can think of would be the film itself. With a little bit of modification, I could use a newer <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-Originals-Color-Film-600/dp/B075H5LPBF" target="_blank">Color 600 Film</a>. It has a much higher ISO value, which consequently captures much more light.</div>
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<br />Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-63833248085029754412019-07-08T07:58:00.000-04:002019-07-10T13:42:59.495-04:00Polaroid SX-70I scored another great buy on ShopGoodwill.com last week. Meet the latest addition to my camera family, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polaroid_SX-70" target="_blank">Polaroid SX-70</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v12xB51Re8c/XSMqVFpPUdI/AAAAAAAAe8U/n5Hm4YwVL4wj9EuoEV-S5D4R-ngmRJECACLcBGAs/s1600/sx70_0569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v12xB51Re8c/XSMqVFpPUdI/AAAAAAAAe8U/n5Hm4YwVL4wj9EuoEV-S5D4R-ngmRJECACLcBGAs/s320/sx70_0569.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As you can see from the picture, it's in good cosmetic shape. Even more importantly, though -- and this is the risk you take with Goodwill auctions -- it seems to function perfectly. And something that you probably didn't know: this SLR camera had a 4-element 116mm F/8 lens.<br />
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According to a <a href="https://mint-camera.com/en/polaroid-sx70/serial_number_calculator/?serial_number=0J501905064" target="_blank">serial number calculator</a> that I found online, my model came from about the third year of production.<br />
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<tr><td>Serial Number :</td><td>0J501905064</td></tr>
<tr><td>Config :</td><td>Hybrid Shutter</td></tr>
<tr><td>Model :</td><td>Model 1 or Alpha 1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Birthday :</td><td>Sep 22, 1975</td></tr>
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The lack of a tripod mount and strap connectors means that this is a Model 1. It has the old split-lens viewfinder that I really love.<br />
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The shot below is not exactly a faithful scan -- it's just an iPhone picture:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3D2mlVzIl3k/XSMryRou59I/AAAAAAAAe8g/RjnkZQbEo3cJ0Cr7CrIFtHYuioh89MzPACLcBGAs/s1600/polaroid_1709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3D2mlVzIl3k/XSMryRou59I/AAAAAAAAe8g/RjnkZQbEo3cJ0Cr7CrIFtHYuioh89MzPACLcBGAs/s320/polaroid_1709.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also on display is the package of SX-70 color film that I bought from Amazon. It's 160 ASA film and I've read that you really should use it out of doors in bright sunlight. It does have a mount for now-obsolete flash bars, but I don't even want to go there right now.<br />
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I've had (much) less than stellar results with previous Polaroid films. I have a couple of Polaroid Spectras, and I ran a couple of packages of Spectra film made by the <a href="http://impossible.supersense.com/" target="_blank">Impossible Project</a>. Most of the shots were crappy. I suspect that it had a lot to do with the age of the film, however.<br />
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The Impossible Project has recently given way to <a href="https://us.polaroidoriginals.com/" target="_blank">Polaroid Originals</a>, and the improvement in production quality appears to be substantial. Of course, I'm basing all of this on my one test shot. Really, though, my opinion is shared by many <a href="https://www.thatvintagelens.com/blog/2018/7/9/the-polaroid-sx-70-a-review-of-the-instant-and-timeless-classic" target="_blank">other people</a> on the net.<br />
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The future brings more experimentation with this camera. I've <a href="http://www.landlist.ch/landlist/landfaq.htm#4.7" target="_blank">read </a>that with a minor adjustment and the addition of a neutral density filter you can run the faster and more easily available Polaroid 600 film through it. Now that I know this camera works, I feel safe in trying that out.<br />
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Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-4258787596569033932019-07-02T09:54:00.000-04:002019-07-08T07:31:44.773-04:00More from the "new" old lensBack on <a href="https://bloggingtheimagination.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-new-old-lens.html" target="_blank">March 29</a>, I raved about the Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.4 lens that I won on a ShopGoodwill.com auction. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4zQxIgUwZQ/XSMpaoD02FI/AAAAAAAAe8I/cqQ4EV2TB9MXIw6fwWO7D4ASdaQyw6uNACLcBGAs/s1600/Hexanon_0572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4zQxIgUwZQ/XSMpaoD02FI/AAAAAAAAe8I/cqQ4EV2TB9MXIw6fwWO7D4ASdaQyw6uNACLcBGAs/s320/Hexanon_0572.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've been using this lens a lot more than I thought I would, getting better at snapping pictures by manually adjusting the ISO, aperture and film speed.<br />
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Here's a little gallery of some of my favorite shots:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIjA1W8SD6M/XRtfoTDHI0I/AAAAAAAAe60/PpoS4dZhvVUDe812OGt1B-PdHpRflTk5wCLcBGAs/s1600/Tickseed%2Bfull_0713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIjA1W8SD6M/XRtfoTDHI0I/AAAAAAAAe60/PpoS4dZhvVUDe812OGt1B-PdHpRflTk5wCLcBGAs/s320/Tickseed%2Bfull_0713.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6SKYb1odaUI/XRtf7bTr6wI/AAAAAAAAe68/TX95Gru4RSgcD3T0vd9C9yp8zZMloVPUACLcBGAs/s1600/Yellow%2BSalsify%2Bfull_0776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6SKYb1odaUI/XRtf7bTr6wI/AAAAAAAAe68/TX95Gru4RSgcD3T0vd9C9yp8zZMloVPUACLcBGAs/s320/Yellow%2BSalsify%2Bfull_0776.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43Opzl_IAjc/XRtf_a07AlI/AAAAAAAAe7A/Mbi7Vw6J9PQONAmSTpWJEZH88ZjwP_k4gCLcBGAs/s1600/QAL_0767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43Opzl_IAjc/XRtf_a07AlI/AAAAAAAAe7A/Mbi7Vw6J9PQONAmSTpWJEZH88ZjwP_k4gCLcBGAs/s320/QAL_0767.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3ftdQ-JO-k/XRthaRV28ZI/AAAAAAAAe7c/z4MecV51mig5f4n-yzUf6UR2QkwIc3KdwCLcBGAs/s1600/Monarch_0870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3ftdQ-JO-k/XRthaRV28ZI/AAAAAAAAe7c/z4MecV51mig5f4n-yzUf6UR2QkwIc3KdwCLcBGAs/s320/Monarch_0870.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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As you can see, this lens has been performing quite well with close-ups, rendering some pleasing bokeh.<br />
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My next challenge is to get better at shooting this lens wide open at <i>f</i>/1.4.Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510372754907272233.post-36107302223299620312019-05-23T10:21:00.000-04:002019-05-23T10:21:13.853-04:00Gardener's BaneFor the past six years, I have given up on my vegetable garden. I've been entertaining the notion once again this year, but constant rains have robbed me of the opportunity of roto-tilling. But that's another story. The real story here is the weed that has discouraged me from planting.<br />
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This weed has been like a mythological pestilence. When I roto-till, I chop up the roots of this noxious weed and a new plant arises from each piece. Too many to pull -- not that the roots come up with the plant. Too resistant to mulching. And too resistant even to herbicides -- not that I want to use those in my vegetable garden.<br />
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I've identified this bane of my existence, and its name is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mugwort" target="_blank">Mugwort</a>.<br />
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Here's an encouraging little piece on its <a href="http://nyis.info/invasive_species/mugwort-draft/#Control" target="_blank">prevention, control and management</a> that I found:<br />
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The dense root system of mugwort can make it difficult to control. Pulling is ineffective, and may even promote growth by leaving residual rhizome fragments in the soil. Mugwort tolerates mowing, and even sustained mowing over two years will not fully eradicate mugwort stands. The relatively shallow roots make mugwort vulnerable to repeated cultivation in agricultural systems, though this practice risks spreading root propagules.</blockquote>
Ironically, mugwort was used in the Middle Ages as a magical protective herb. Mugwort was used to repel insects – especially moths – from gardens. This was before roto-tillers.<br />
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Interestingly, mugwort has a long history as an herb. <a href="https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-123/mugwort" target="_blank">WebMD </a>has this to say:<br />
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People take mugwort root as a “tonic” and to boost energy.</blockquote>
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People take the rest of the plant for stomach and intestinal conditions including colic, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, weak digestion, worm infestations, and persistent vomiting. Mugwort is also used to stimulate gastric juice and bile secretion. It is also used as a liver tonic; to promote circulation; and as a sedative. Other uses include treatment of hysteria, epilepsy, and convulsions in children.
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Women take mugwort for irregular periods and other menstrual problems.
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In combination with other ingredients, mugwort root is used for mental problems (psychoneuroses), ongoing fatigue and depression (neurasthenia), depression, preoccupation with illness (hypochondria), general irritability, restlessness, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and anxiety.
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Some people apply mugwort lotion directly to the skin to relieve itchiness caused by burn scars.</blockquote>
Also interesting is the fact that mugwort was a common ingredient in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gruit" target="_blank">gruit</a>. This was before the "discovery" of hops. Maybe I should return to making beer again. At least my garden would have <i>some </i>use.Banewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10505522715810989827noreply@blogger.com0