Category: photography

Salt Fork State Park

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After setting up the camper and deploying the Chameleon MPAS 2.0 antenna, I paused to make this image. Shot with my iPhone 13 Pro Max.

More than a year ago I was on the road from Springfield, Missouri to York, Pennsylvania to see Daughter and Grandsons. As I recall, it was still winter. So, of course, I ran into a spate of winter weather on the way. I had a reservation at Salt Fork River SP for the night, but the worsening weather and short winter days resulting in my arriving near dark.

It took me a couple of passes through the camping area to find my spot, then a couple of attempts to get the camper backing into my assigned space and set up for the night. I did not unhook and did not deploy the stabilizers because I would be leaving first thing in the morning. The light rocking of the camper when I move about does not bother me anyway.

I got The Girl out for a short time (the snow was heavy enough that she eliminated and then asked to go back inside). That task completed, I quickly deployed the Chameleon MPAS 2.0 for a little radio play (to activate the park) before I called it a night.

I don’t recall the mode of operation for that activation, but I know I was experimenting with FT8 for POTA (Parks on the Air) activations at the time. I do recall making some supper, feeding The Girl (of course), and playing a little radio before crashing for the night.

When I woke the next morning, early, I was treated to some lovely sunshine on the snow. The Girl and I had a short walk, fed, and then we recovered all of the equipment, buttoned up the camper, and we were off on the last leg of our journey to see my family.

I need to make this trip again, soon. Work will keep me busy until the fall. But then, God Willing, I will make the trip east to see my loved ones and friends.

Life is good.

While it was beautiful, I did not relish thinking about dragging the camper on snowy roads. Shot with my iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Sera On Overwatch

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Captured on walkies out at Silver Saddle Ranch with the Fujifilm X100V 23mm f/2 at f/8 using Reggie’s Portra film simulation.

I made this capture of Sera hunting last summer. There was something moving about in the weeds/irrigation ditch that caught her attention. I do not recall what it was, but it was probably some California Quail, which frequent the area.

Sleepy Sera

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The is the second of the two shots with the Sony A7S and Industar 55mm f/2.8 Zeiss copy. I bumped the ISO to 6400 on this frame.

This capture was made a few minutes ago [end sarcasm]. I actually made the capture about a year ago. I was playing with a Russian lens, my copy of the Industar 55mm f/2.8, which is a copy of a Zeiss lens.

There are a number of these inexpensive Russian lenses that produce very nice/interesting images. Therefore, I have a few in my inventory.

Memorial

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This memorial by someone who lost a beloved furry friend here still stands, years after the incident.

I am going through my image archive (my weblog image library) and am posting some images made, uploaded, but never posted.

This capture is of the memorial to Squirrel, a little dog lost in an attack by two larger dogs at the Station 51 Park where I used to take Ki, a lot. It was first constructed years ago, long before Sera came to live with me. It is still there, although I do not know who maintains it. But it does get some love now and again as others, sensitive to the loss, contribute a bit of something or pull weeds.

I did not record what camera I used to make the image.

Desert Peach

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The Desert Peach is in full bloom. Shot with Fuji X100vi using the in camera Velvia film simulation. I did some light post-processing using PhotoLab 7.

After a full day of work, yesterday, The Girl and I finally headed out for a hike at Silver Saddle Ranch about 1715h. This is late for us, but the Sun was really warm yesterday and I did not want The Girl to overheat. I noticed some heavy clouds to the south and paused at the rig to check the weather before we left. Light rain was forecast for the next hour.

“I guess we’ll get wet,” I said to The Girl.

Sure enough, as we drove to the upper staging area, the sprinkles started. I made her contain her excitement while I retrieved a packable puffy I keep in the back of the rig. It was not particularly cold, but I knew the light jacket would shed most of the rain.

Prepared, I got her out, grabbed my camera, and we headed out. We had the place to ourselves. No one else wanted to hike in the rain.

The Girl chuffed and sniffed (on lead, of course) as we walked south. I did not really expect any critters, but I simply do not trust her to stay out of trouble.

The rain came a little harder for a bit. She paused to shake now and again, but did not ask to return to the rig. Neither of us minded a little rain to close out the week. The jacket kept me mostly dry.

The Fuji X100vi is waterproof with a filter affixed to the lens. I have had a filter affixed to the lens since I got the camera. I often use a light diffusion filter at night or indoors, but use a UV filter during daylight hours. A diffusion filter can really drop contrast if the sun shines on the glass.

As we neared the end of the hike, the shower passed off to the north and a bit of Sun peeked through the clouds. That lit up the vegetation wonderfully. So, I took advantage of the serendipity (the moment, not The Girl) and paused for a few images. I think some of them are decent.

We then hiked the couple-hundred feet back to the rig and mounted up. I decided to go by DQ for a bite of supper (cheeseburger, fries, and small Blizzard), all of which were shared with The Girl. She was a little grabby with the fries, so I had to correct her.

We then headed back toward the house, with a stop at Costco to refuel the rig. It was a good day. I am grateful.

Life is good.

Purple

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While working my way over to the Re-Signed site, these purple flowers jumped out at me. Captured with the Fujifilm X100vi and the in-camera Velvia film simulation, with minor adjustments in post.

It was a very cloudy morning here in Carson City, Nevada. But, The Girl and I had to get out for morning walkies and I had a short break between morning meetings. So, we walked one of our local circuits so she (and me) could get a little exercise.

Along the path I came across this flowering tree. With the overcast, the colors really pop. The Velvia film simulation just increases the pop.

So, I paused and made the capture.

We then finished our walk and I made my next meeting. There is another new project for me to work on this year.

I am grateful. Life is so very good.

Daily Image: Stacked

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Captured on walkies with The Girl. Shot with Fuji X-T5 and Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 at f/4, in-camera Velvia film simulation (factory) with light post.

I had The Girl out Sunday morning (as usual) for exercise. She is recovering and seems to be more like herself every day. I still give her a dose of Carprofen at night because she sometimes seems sore.

This stack of pallets caught my eye (hat tip to Wife) and so I paused to make an image. It being Sunday, there was no traffic at the business nor on the street in this industrial area.

Life is good.

Daily Image: Cherry Blossoms

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Spring is sprung… Shot with Fuji X-T5 and the Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 at about f/5.6 using an in-camera Kodachome 64 film simulation, SOOC.

Just a couple of days ago I noticed the cherry tree at the corner of the block had blossomed. The Girl and I were out on a beautiful Spring morning. I had the Fujifilm X-T5 with the 60mm f/2.4 macro affixed to the camera, just in case. Although the blossoms were bobbing in the breeze, I still managed a couple of nice captures. I like this one the most.

The 60mm lens is something interesting. Although it is a macro lens, it is also good for general photography. It also has character.

Image SOOC using the in-camera Kodachrome 64 film simulation with no post processing.

Daily Image for Tuesday 18 March 2025

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They were building a new pond at Mason Valley WMA. Shot with Sony A7iii and Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 at about f/8. Light processing with PhotoLab 7.

A couple-three weeks ago The Girl and I were out at Mason Valley WMA for an outing and to play some radio. I am using my weekends to get away from the house when possible. I work from my home office so I spend a lot of time there. It is a mental-health necessity to get away from that environment periodically.

After activating the park, I walked Sera again. For the moment, she is on two walks per day of about ten minutes each but on lead for control.

After our walk, we loaded up and headed for the park exit. Along the way, I noticed some equipment where they (staff or contractor) were excavating another pond. I decided to stop and get out my camera for this trip, a Sony A7iii with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 adapted to the E-Mount. It was far too bright for the fast aperture, but the lens also works well stopped down and I find the f/4–f/8 range to be adequately sharp.

So I walked the area for a few minutes and made a few captures. The Sun felt good and the air was clean. It was a good day.

The Girl was waiting for me when I returned.

Life is good.

She wanted to be let out to hunt. She is not ready to be off-lead and running around. So, I got the look. Shot with Sony A7iii and Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 at about f/4. Light processing with PhotoLab 7.

Slide Mountain

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While walking The Girl up at Washoe Lake SP, I paused to make this capture of the afternoon light on Slide Mountain. There is snow, but not enough for spring flows. We need more. Capture with Fuji X100vi and the standard film simulation, mostly SOOC (slight contrast adjustment).

I had The Girl up at Washoe Lake State Park yesterday for an outing. We walked after arriving about noon, then I setup the Yaesu FT-897D station to play radio for an hour or so. The bands were not very cooperative, but I still made about 30 contacts — more than enough for a POTA activation.

Then I got her out for a second walk. We are rebuilding the tissue around her knee to reinforce it. Her gait is better already and the trick will be to avoid damaging the repair until it is strong enough to handle the stress she puts on herself.

She is an all-in dog. That is my girl!

I made the capture on our second circuit of the field, after I put away the station. I am learning the new Fujifilm X100vi and it is a substantial upgrade from the X100V. I am enjoying it.

Life is good.