Walk a mile, take a photo, save the planet!

[tonylong]

Really sorry about your dog!

You're really lucky that you can shots like that not far from your house!
I miss that about Britain!

As everyone can see, I haven't figured out how to include multiple quotes in my posts yet!
How do I do it?

Next to the Quote button is the Multiple Quote button -- press that one for each quotation but the last one, then for the last one press the Quote button. Try it out!

[skygod44]

すごい!
There are so many possiblities in Japan, aren't there? (providing you have the time!)
I love the dragon!
As you say, very shinto!

Glad you liked the dragon B. I don't see many that are that creative, but I'm going to do a Google Maps search for more little out-of-the-way shrines as they seem to offer more photo opps than the big "commercial" ones.

[Cruisn]

Walked a whopping 5km today. it was so nice out, a whopping +5c out. lol the walk took 2.5 hours. ended up bushwaking for about 1.5km through waist deep snow.. LOL. it was all good.
Lets begin:
Walking out of the yard ran into my friend out on a cruise... lol
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/leafy.jpg

Figured I would snap a photo of my welding truck all cleaned up for once. lol
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/truck-1.jpg

Under the bridge where the ice is more clear:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/ice.jpg

The ice is slowly melting:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/ice1.jpg

Small cabin:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/lock.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/house.jpg
interesting inside...
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/cabin-1.jpg

[Cruisn]

Found an old washing machine.... out in the middle of now where..
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/wash1.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/wash.jpg

The sun:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/tree.jpg

Bush waking:
started somewhat easy...
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/trees.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/trees1.jpg

then it got a little spooky.. lol. the trees were creaking it was dark under the thick canopy. the ravens were making a lot of noise and some prarie chickens scared the crap out of me. LOL

and this....
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/dead.jpg

[skygod44]

Cruisn, those are amazing shots....kinda spooky, but amazing all the same.

+5 degrees, huh? That's not Celcius, is it....

Hmmm.....

So, is it ok that I tell you I went out for a walk after lunch and maybe got a bit of sunburn on my cheeks? Yep, at last, the Japanese spring seems to be going, going, gone(!) and I can get the sunblock out.

Gotta do some editing to the pics, as I'm in the office without my laptop, but expect a post from me in the next day or so....
:D

[bmhana]

Next to the Quote button is the Multiple Quote button -- press that one for each quotation but the last one, then for the last one press the Quote button. Try it out!

Cheers!! :)

Glad you liked the dragon B. I don't see many that are that creative, but I'm going to do a Google Maps search for more little out-of-the-way shrines as they seem to offer more photo opps than the big "commercial" ones.

You're right!!
By the way, talking about sunburn, my head hurts like hell as I didn't wear a cap yesterday and I have short hair. My head's all red!!:o

[tonylong]

Well, hey, sorry but at least you can now do multiple quotes!!!

[Cruisn]

Cruisn, those are amazing shots....kinda spooky, but amazing all the same.

+5 degrees, huh? That's not Celcius, is it....

Hmmm.....

So, is it ok that I tell you I went out for a walk after lunch and maybe got a bit of sunburn on my cheeks? Yep, at last, the Japanese spring seems to be going, going, gone(!) and I can get the sunblock out.

Gotta do some editing to the pics, as I'm in the office without my laptop, but expect a post from me in the next day or so....
:D


lol, yuppers 5degrees celcius. its stunning out here. by the first week in may all the ice and snow should be gone and the trees should be going green. its hard to see anything nice out cause its all dead looking...

[bmhana]

lol, yuppers 5degrees celcius. its stunning out here. by the first week in may all the ice and snow should be gone and the trees should be going green. its hard to see anything nice out cause its all dead looking...
Those are cool!
Like something from a horror movie!
The last one is very Blair Witchy!

[kisseer]

This is a really nice juxtaposition of the beautiful new white flower against the dead brown leaves .
Really striking!

Glad you like it. The new life in the spring flower over the old leaves of autumn leaves is what caught my eye.

I had spotted a slightly more interesting bunch of flowers but my 5 year old son stopped through them with his boots as I was framing the shot. :confused:

I need to be quicker with the shutter...

[skygod44]

Another one for you...
Even after 5 years living in the same part of the country, I had no idea this was around the corner from my office! An enormous stone god-statue - Shinto, of course - and there were two small shrines at 90 degrees to him. Just goes to show that walking can reveal things we'd no idea about!

Had to use my new 430EX-II to try to fill-flash as the sun was so bright....so I hope you can see some of the detail in his face, which, without flash came out almost black!

[yogestee]

I got back from a walk a few hours ago.. Walked about 2 kays and caught a bunch of guys playing Kataw.. Like Volleyball but players can only use their head and feet..

[skygod44]

I got back from a walk a few hours ago.. Walked about 2 kays and caught a bunch of guys playing Kataw.. Like Volleyball but players can only use their head and feet..

Great shot there, J. And oddly enough, I was thinking we need more people on this thread as opposed to just places, so I think my next plan will be to get out on my bike to the park and do some candids.......thanks for the inspiration.
:D

[Karl Johnston]

I cheated; :o My tendons are still a bit messed up, but I was actually recommended that the nature of my injury suggest it would be good if I bike; less pressure on the knee or whatever. Anyway, I took this shot last night with a 100 2.8 macro and a 5D mark II:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3422795894_125e88b5f1_b.jpg

Something so simple as a bush of dead leaves makes me want to stare into it for hours and hours, I wonder if I'm the only one like this.

I think the people driving by figured I must've been on drugs.

[yogestee]

Great shot there, J. And oddly enough, I was thinking we need more people on this thread as opposed to just places, so I think my next plan will be to get out on my bike to the park and do some candids.......thanks for the inspiration.
:D

Thanks mate.. I'm a sh#te landscape photographer so I shoot people instead..

[bmhana]

This is a shot from the shishimai performance the other day. There were loads of cables and a crane in the background, so I did my best cloning it all out.
But, goddammit, I really need a wacom pen!!
The other one is a picture I took of a man spinning his thing in the castle park.
There's a group that meet in the park on Sundays!
I asked him why they did it (in Japanese), and he answered (in English) " It is because of exercisement and funniness!".

[skygod44]

This is a shot from the shishimai performance the other day. There were loads of cables and a crane in the background, so I did my best cloning it all out.
But, goddammit, I really need a wacom pen!!
The other one is a picture I took of a man spinning his thing in the castle park.
There's a group that meet in the park on Sundays!
I asked him why they did it (in Japanese), and he answered (in English) " It is because of exercisement and funniness!".

Hey B, love those!!! Well done with the cloning, especially as you don't have a tablet yet. Honestly, it'll change the way you see your screen!

And....here's another from me as we had a BIG eruption of the volcano as I was coming home, so I dashed outside and up a nearby tower to grab these two!
All the grey crap is ash....and Missus Skygod was NOT happy, as her red car looked white. Well, until I washed it for her! How many points did that earn me, I wonder?

[Richtherookie]

Ok me again. Does the quality of the picture count? Or is it just the subject/meaning? I am about to hit a "mile stone" on my bicycle, only problem is the only camera I am going to have with me is my crappy little cell phone (read small and light). So before I hit the mark i thought i'd ask. If we are going for quality i'll do some math and make the mile stone closer to the good camera, or suffer and take it along. (should hit 1,000 miles on tomorrows ride)

[nuffi]

Well I was a bit away from my home... but I did cycle about 1km to get this shot.


Where did you cycle to? What focal length did you use?

[woodsj6]

I love the idea of this thread. I just got back from a 2 mile jog, so I will try to get out tomorrow with the camera and see what I can find. I'll admit I've never explored the area immediately close to my house.

[skygod44]

Ok me again. Does the quality of the picture count? Or is it just the subject/meaning? I am about to hit a "mile stone" on my bicycle, only problem is the only camera I am going to have with me is my crappy little cell phone (read small and light). So before I hit the mark i thought i'd ask. If we are going for quality i'll do some math and make the mile stone closer to the good camera, or suffer and take it along. (should hit 1,000 miles on tomorrows ride)
Hey Rich, well, a complete "pants" image might get some stick, but as long as you're out walking/cycling, and NOT sat in your car, I think all would be happy to see you join the club!
I love the idea of this thread. I just got back from a 2 mile jog, so I will try to get out tomorrow with the camera and see what I can find. I'll admit I've never explored the area immediately close to my house.
Glad you like the idea....looking forward to seeing your efforts - both physically and photographically!

[bmhana]

Hey B, love those!!! Well done with the cloning, especially as you don't have a tablet yet. Honestly, it'll change the way you see your screen!

And....here's another from me as we had a BIG eruption of the volcano as I was coming home, so I dashed outside and up a nearby tower to grab these two!
All the grey crap is ash....and Missus Skygod was NOT happy, as her red car looked white. Well, until I washed it for her! How many points did that earn me, I wonder?
I've heard stories about the gray ash in Kagoshima, but never actually seen it!
These photos really show how bad it can be.
I bet it's a right pain in the arse!

[skygod44]

I've heard stories about the gray ash in Kagoshima, but never actually seen it!
These photos really show how bad it can be.
I bet it's a right pain in the arse!

Yeah, it is a pain....but yesterday was the worst I've ever experienced in 5 years, so I can't complain. Though everywhere smelt of sulphur and even by this morning, there'd been no wind to blow it away.

[bmhana]

In Kumamoto, in February and March, everything turns yellow and everyone gets allergies because of the sand blown over from China!
Our red car turns yellow!!
We don't need umbrellas though, so I think you' ve got it worse when Sakurajima goes off!!

[skygod44]

In Kumamoto, in February and March, everything turns yellow and everyone gets allergies because of the sand blown over from China!
Our red car turns yellow!!
We don't need umbrellas though, so I think you' ve got it worse when Sakurajima goes off!!

Oh, we get the sand too...but we're far enough south that it's just "amusing"...

Anyway, I'm teaching Sunday but have tomorrow to play, so will try to get out on my bicycle for some candids around the city....what about you?

Oh and btw, have you noticed this thread has had over six thoudsand views...but not 6000 posts! Something tells me our (mainly) American cousins are not yet motivated enough to get their lazy butts outta the house (and car!) to take pictures....
Maybe when it warms up a little....
I do hope so, as this being a photography site, this idea should be motivation enough for them to help to save the planet from drowning in it's own car exhaust fumes!
;)
[awaiting the flack from that! :D]

[bmhana]

You're lucky about the sand - it's really nasty!
Working all day tomorrow, but off Sunday.
Sunday's plan is to get out of the city and into the countryside!
It's getting hot now though, so anywhere we go there will be heavy traffic which means we'll probably spend most of the day in the car!
Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading the abuse that's going to be hurled your way when America wakes up!!

[skygod44]

You're lucky about the sand - it's really nasty!
Working all day tomorrow, but off Sunday.
Sunday's plan is to get out of the city and into the countryside!
It's getting hot now though, so anywhere we go there will be heavy traffic which means we'll probably spend most of the day in the car!
Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading the abuse that's going to be hurled your way when America wakes up!!
:lol::lol::lol:

Just trying to get them to join in and STOP driving halfway across the country when there are, no doubts, some wonderful subjects within walking/cycling distance.

Have a good weekend....
:D

[bmhana]

:lol::lol::lol:

Just trying to get them to join in and STOP driving halfway across the country when there are, no doubts, some wonderful subjects within walking/cycling distance.

Have a good weekend....
:D
Yeah - I know.
I'm sure they know you're just pulling their legs!
I'll get the photos from last weekend up when I have some time to do the editing!
Enjoy tomorrow!

[hammer418]

Ok --- I feel sufficiently insulted to jump into this thread ! :lol:
Although physical fitness is tremendously important to me, it's 10 miles (one way) to downtown Indianapolis, so I'm restricted to showing photos of my walks thru the suburban neighborhood where I live. Since this walk encompassed about (3) miles, I figured I saved (3) planets ! :p

1.) when Spring is in the air, we get so exicited that we fly the 'spring flag' just under the American flag.

2.) although I'm not a fan of destructive acts, the bridge graffiti is certainly colorful, and a contrast to the gentle creek that flows under its support structure.


356236

356237

[bmhana]

The spring flag's a nice touch!
It would make me happy walking past that after a cold winter.
I'm a bit simple though - little things make me happy!

Graffiti could be really interesting and make a good subject for a kind of project to give oneself a goal.
Shame there isn't much around here! In Tokyo, there was some some classic stuff in Japanese-English, but this is a smaller town!
Anyway, you've inspired me to get out looking for some interesting urban destruction (not that I condone it)- doubt I'll have much luck though!

[yogestee]

The spring flag's a nice touch!
It would make me happy walking past that after a cold winter.
I'm a bit simple though - little things make me happy!

What's winter ???

[bmhana]

What's winter ???
HAH! Must be nice(?) and hot in Laos!!
I did mean the British winter and not the Japanese winter though!

[hammer418]

The spring flag's a nice touch!
It would make me happy walking past that after a cold winter.
I'm a bit simple though - little things make me happy!

Graffiti could be really interesting and make a good subject for a kind of project to give oneself a goal.
Shame there isn't much around here! In Tokyo, there was some some classic stuff in Japanese-English, but this is a smaller town!
Anyway, you've inspired me to get out looking for some interesting urban destruction (not that I condone it)- doubt I'll have much luck though!


Thanks for your thoughts ! :)

I have been fascinated by the Japanese culture / landscape photos presented by you and skygod. It has been several decades since I lived overseas, in a culture foreign to me. Nonetheless, the (1) year I spent in Turkey will always remain a part of me, as I'm certain your time in Japan will be woven into the fabric of your life history.

[clark.moeller]

Got these two while strolling through the neighborhood.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2620597059_073d0b1b39_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/2764400436_bfc0d563b0_b.jpg

[skygod44]

Ok --- I feel sufficiently insulted to jump into this thread ! ...it's 10 miles (one way) to downtown Indianapolis, so I'm restricted to showing photos of my walks thru the suburban neighborhood where I live.
1.) when Spring is in the air, we get so exicited that we fly the 'spring flag' just under the American flag.
2.) although I'm not a fan of destructive acts, the bridge graffiti is certainly colorful, and a contrast to the gentle creek that flows under its support structure.
Hey there Hammer! Great to see you post some pics from a good walk....though I'd have felt a little guilty if you'd done the whole 20 mile round-trip. And I agree with bmhana....that graffiti somehow "works".
I have been fascinated by the Japanese culture / landscape photos presented by you and skygod......I'm certain your time in Japan will be woven into the fabric of your life history.
Glad you're enjoying our views of Japan. Not living in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima or Osaka gives us, I think, a better chance to see the "real" Japan....whatever that is! Oh and I can't speak for bmhana, but I'm permanent here, unless something major happens....like WW3!!!! Living here is always a challenge (a good one, mostly) and that's how I like to live my life. :D
So expect a lot more as I learn more about using my dSLR better...........
Got these two while strolling through the neighborhood.
Wow! Love the feel of that second one.
What was the set-up? That bokeh is just gorgeous!!!
:D

[yogestee]

HAH! Must be nice(?) and hot in Laos!!
I did mean the British winter and not the Japanese winter though!

It can get bloody cold especially during December and January.. Ummmm like 9-10 degC nights and 22-24 degC days ;)

[skygod44]

It can get bloody cold especially during December and January..Ummmm like 9-10 degC nights and 22-24 degC days ;)

To all those guys 'n' girls in the west, that's just cruel!

Keep it up J!!!
:lol::lol::lol:

[yogestee]

To all those guys 'n' girls in the west, that's just cruel!

Keep it up J!!!
:lol::lol::lol:

Ahhh,,,but today was 32 deg, muggy as hell.. We just had a spectactular thunder and rain storm.. The "Big Muddy" is almost upon us..

[bmhana]

Glad you're enjoying our views of Japan. Not living in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima or Osaka gives us, I think, a better chance to see the "real" Japan....whatever that is! Oh and I can't speak for bmhana, but I'm permanent here, unless something major happens....like WW3!!!! Living here is always a challenge (a good one, mostly) and that's how I like to live my life.


Yeah - with a wife, baby and business, I'm here for the long haul, too!!:)

[clark.moeller]

Wow! Love the feel of that second one.
What was the set-up? That bokeh is just gorgeous!!!
:D

Thanks mate! I took that one using my 70-200 f/2.8L IS, Shutter: 1/1000, Aperture: f/2.8, Focal Length: 135mm, ISO: 100.

It was really bright out that day so I had set the exposure to -1.5 stops (Av Priority), using normal exposure made it look really 'foggy'.

[bmhana]

Thanks mate! I took that one using my 70-200 f/2.8L IS, Shutter: 1/1000, Aperture: f/2.8, Focal Length: 135mm, ISO: 100.

It was really bright out that day so I had set the exposure to -1.5 stops (Av Priority), using normal exposure made it look really 'foggy'.
Yeah - both are great! But that second one is fantastic!!

[skygod44]

Thanks mate! I took that one using my 70-200 f/2.8L IS, Shutter: 1/1000, Aperture: f/2.8, Focal Length: 135mm, ISO: 100. It was really bright out that day so I had set the exposure to -1.5 stops (Av Priority), using normal exposure made it look really 'foggy'.

Ah-hah! That explains it.
That's a lens I'm kinda lusting after - but have to wait while Mr.Piggy-Bank gets fatter.....
:(

[Richtherookie]

Bad quality. Rode 16 miles took the picture, rode 22 miles total that day, and i had the picture taken because it was my 1,000th mile of 2009. I'll do better for ya, dont black list me! haha

[Colorblinded]

Haven't seen this thread before but I like the idea and there are some nice shots in here! I do this quite often myself but I don't always come home with pictures, sometimes I'm just not in the mood and end up just enjoying the walk itself.

I'm planning to do a walk around the riverfront downtown hopefully this week so I should have something to share then :)

[skygod44]

Bad quality. Rode 16 miles took the picture, rode 22 miles total that day, and i had the picture taken because it was my 1,000th mile of 2009. I'll do better for ya, dont black list me! haha
1000th mile of 2009?! Well done Rich, and keep it up! As to the photo, you'd already told us it would be dodgy, so no worries there mate! Have you not got a small backpack for camera+lens? I'm about to get one (doing the research now) as my Flipside 300 is great for lugging everything from place to place, but I'm trying to limit myself to body + 2 lenses max. in order to force myself to be more creative....
Haven't seen this thread before but I like the idea and there are some nice shots in here! I do this quite often myself but I don't always come home with pictures, sometimes I'm just not in the mood and end up just enjoying the walk itself. I'm planning to do a walk around the riverfront downtown hopefully this week so I should have something to share then :)
Glad to hear you like the idea....the more the merrier! Just remember: walk or cycle; image quality and technical perfection, though desired, are not a "must"....it's about seeing more, and photographing closer to home.

[sally_tomato]

have not lloked in for a while, some very nice shots in previous posts. here is one from Friday, on my way to my favorite cafe.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3455043413_a63d43fb1d.jpg
40d + 35mm f/2: 1/8000 @ f/5 iso 400

[KSG Photography]

Here are a few I took tonight while walking the dogs near our village:
Far too nice a night to stay in the house ;)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v430/mistwalker/Smarty/_MG_2646mail.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v430/mistwalker/Smarty/_MG_2652mail.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v430/mistwalker/Smarty/_MG_2610mail.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v430/mistwalker/Smarty/_MG_2605mail.jpg

[skygod44]

have not lloked in for a while, some very nice shots in previous posts. here is one from Friday, on my way to my favorite cafe.
40d + 35mm f/2: 1/8000 @ f/5 iso 400
Hey Sally, I was momentarily confused by your shot there....I thought, "why is it soooo out of focus?" Then I spotted the bee! WOW! Cracking shot! Love it!
Here are a few I took tonight while walking the dogs near our village: far too nice a night to stay in the house ;)
LOVE THOSE DOGS!
Thanks so much for adding more great images of your local countryside and your gorgeous dogs! Looks like the weather finally turned good for you, too.
Hope to see more from you and Ayrshire as the weather improves more.
[Hmmm, should I mention it was 30°C here yesterday...? Nah...that'd be cruel ;)]

[bmhana]

Some cracking shots from everyone over the weekend!!
I haven't been able to get out much lately, but finally managed to yesterday.
I'll put them up when I've figured out how to edit them with my new wacom pen!

[skygod44]

Some cracking shots from everyone over the weekend!!
I haven't been able to get out much lately, but finally managed to yesterday.
I'll put them up when I've figured out how to edit them with my new wacom pen!

You got one!!!!! Excellent news. After a bit of adapting how your hand moves, you're going to love using it. So much more creative and "natural" than a mouse.

Waiting for the pics.... :D

[bmhana]

Here are a couple of pictures from the weekend.
I went out on my bicycle and came across a place called "Tatsuda Nature Park" not far from my place.
It's a really peaceful place with a forest, ponds and bamboo groves.

[bmhana]

Here are a couple more....
In the middle of the nature park was a cemetary containing the tombs of the Hosokawa clan who ruled this area during the 14th and 15th centuries.
This was the biggest one, so I'm guessing it belongs to one of the most important Hosokawa's.

After the nature park, I jumped back on my bike and rode off towards the coast.
Along an isolated part of the river walk I came across a boat graveyard.:(

I decided to try out my wacom pen on this one!
Selective colour isn't exactly to everyone's taste, I know, but I wanted to give the tablet a test run!:rolleyes:

[skygod44]

Here are a couple of pictures from the weekend.
I went out on my bicycle and came across a place called "Tatsuda Nature Park" not far from my place.
It's a really peaceful place with a forest, ponds and bamboo groves.
Like these, but beware of low contrast...in the 1st pic can you see how the leaves look a little flat? That can happen when the light is diffused by leaves. Might be worth using a CPL, or trying a little tweak of the contrast...maybe even some playing in layers?
Here are a couple more....
In the middle of the nature park was a cemetary containing the tombs of the Hosokawa clan who ruled this area during the 14th and 15th centuries.
This was the biggest one, so I'm guessing it belongs to one of the most important Hosokawa's.After the nature park, I jumped back on my bike and rode off towards the coast.Along an isolated part of the river walk I came across a boat graveyard.:(I decided to try out my wacom pen on this one!
Selective colour isn't exactly to everyone's taste, I know, but I wanted to give the tablet a test run!:rolleyes:
Selective colour? Where? If you did it, I can't tell at all, which would mean the wacom is a success!

EDIT! You must have sneaked that pic of the boat in while I was typing! Love it!
:D

[bmhana]

Haha - I noticed a car which I forgot to clone out in the distance, so I removed it, cloned the car out and put it back up all in the space of a minute or so!
Wonderful things these wacom pens are!!

Why didn't I get one before??!!

You're right, the first one does look a little flat. I've edited so many photos today, I think my eyes are going funny when I look at the photos on the monitor!

[skygod44]

Haha - I noticed a car which I forgot to clone out in the distance, so I removed it, cloned the car out and put it back up all in the space of a minute or so!
Wonderful things these wacom pens are!!

Why didn't I get one before??!!

You're right, the first one does look a little flat. I've edited so many photos today, I think my eyes are going funny when I look at the photos on the monitor!

No worries B....great to hear you're loving that pen. I'm at home at the mo' on Missus Skygod's PC which means using a mouse. YUCK!

[Cougardizz]

I'm in the National Guard, so every day I go for a run at a local park "Laurel Run". I never bring the camera, but today i decided to bring it and get a few quick shots. The beautiful Smokey Mountains are to thank. I only got a few tho.

http://i594.photobucket.com/albums/tt28/cougardizz/IMG_0811.jpg
http://i594.photobucket.com/albums/tt28/cougardizz/IMG_0829.jpg
http://i594.photobucket.com/albums/tt28/cougardizz/IMG_0838.jpg

[bmhana]

Nice!
I really like #2!

[skygod44]

I'm in the Nation Guard, so every day I go for a run at a local park "Laurel Run". I never bring the camera, but today i decided to bring it and get a few quick shots. The beautiful Smokey Mountains are to thank. I only got a few tho.

Nice!
I really like #2!

Me too! Cracking shot that middle one! And thanks for adding to the concept of taking pictures on foot - even though I think your feet will be more sore than most of the guys 'n' girls who've added.
;)

[skygod44]

Not been exercising enough recently, and remembered my own efforts to motivate you guys 'n' girls into getting out and about, taking pictures while leaving your cars at home - ie, this thread.

So here are a couple from today. It's really heating up here now (30°C in the shade!) so I had to skirt the edges of the roads, in shadow, so as not to get burned.....and I only managed about 5km....but still, the first shot is part of Kagoshima castle (from the time of the samurai!) now plonked quite randomly, away from anyone or anywhere easily accessible....and pic #2 is around the corner - the oddly shaped Prefectural Offices. All concrete and glass, compared to the hand-hewn stone of days gone by.....

EDIT: Just realised, the sky looks completely different in these shots, and the simple reason is that the castle stone is 90° rotated a location, compared to the Prefectural building. Amazing what the sky does in a 1/4 turn, isn't it.

[hammer418]

I don't have fancy architecture within walking distance, like our thread-host skygod44.
Please accept these. They were taken on a Mother's Day walk-a-bout, before the required BBQ dinner for my family.

#1 - The Pink Rock - the High School students paint the rock different colors for different events, or seasons. It has currently been painted pink, to recognize breast cancer fundraising.

#2 - Progress ? - harrump....... I have my doubts. One of many large trees that were cut-down, to make room for apartments. sigh....... sad to me. :(
But the beat-goes-on, and I'm not the bandleader.


364169

364170

[skygod44]

I don't have fancy architecture within walking distance, like our thread-host skygod44.
Please accept these. They were taken on a Mother's Day walk-a-bout, before the required BBQ dinner for my family.

#1 - The Pink Rock - the High School students paint the rock different colors for different events, or seasons. It has currently been painted pink, to recognize breast cancer fundraising.

#2 - Progress ? - harrump....... I have my doubts. One of many large trees that were cut-down, to make room for apartments. sigh....... sad to me. :(
But the beat-goes-on, and I'm not the bandleader.


Hey Hammer! Thanks for joining in the fun of exercise, photography and reducing (maybe) our use of cars....or anything else with an engine.

Love the pink rock.....and please feel free to keep on getting out and about without your car but with your camera!
:D

[Dinoman]

I just read through this whole thread and there are some great pictures in here! :D I love the idea too because this is something I've been doing for a while. So many people just hop in their cars and go somewhere and don't slow down and look at the tons of great photographing opportunities they've zoomed so carelessly by for years.

I don't have any recent pictures but I can't wait to post a picture to this thread so I'll post an old one. This shot was taken on the 1,200 acre ranch me and my family worked on for 22 years, this would have been about mile from my old house. It was a beautiful place, unfortunately we've had to recently move (not willingly as you can imagine!) and have been too busy the past few weeks getting things unpacked at our new house to get out with the camera. This thread has gotten me excited though and can't wait to get out with the camera to see what I can find! Spring is just starting here (it was snowing the other day) things are starting to green up and flowers are starting to bloom!

http://www.snowymountainphoto.com/RCpics/World19.jpg

[skygod44]

I just read through this whole thread and there are some great pictures in here! :D I love the idea too because this is something I've been doing for a while. So many people just hop in their cars and go somewhere and don't slow down and look at the tons of great photographing opportunities they've zoomed so carelessly by for years. I don't have any recent pictures but I can't wait to post a picture to this thread so I'll post an old one. This shot was taken on the 1,200 acre ranch me and my family worked on for 22 years, this would have been about mile from my old house. It was a beautiful place, unfortunately we've had to recently move (not willingly as you can imagine!) and have been too busy the past few weeks getting things unpacked at our new house to get out with the camera. This thread has gotten me excited though and can't wait to get out with the camera to see what I can find! Spring is just starting here (it was snowing the other day) things are starting to green up and flowers are starting to bloom!


Dinoman, welcome!!!! And thanks for the vote of support for the concept I'm trying to encourage. As you said, it's all too easy to jump in the car (or on the train/bus/etc.) to far and distant places, when we POTN guys 'n' girls could be (should be?) looking around us ALL the time for photo opportunities....not just when we go somewhere new or "impressive".

Oh and your sig. quote nearly got me crying.....I've had the priviledge of sharing some of my life with two dogs, but now in Japan, it's pretty-much impossible to have the dog I want.
:cry:

Hope to see plenty more pics from you....and love the one you posted.
:D

[barefooter14]

i posted this one yesterday but i thought i would contribute to this thread since
i think its a great idea i will have many more to come when i upload more pictures
to my mac.
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee293/barefooter14/IMG_1368.jpg

[skygod44]

i posted this one yesterday but i thought i would contribute to this thread since
i think its a great idea i will have many more to come when i upload more pictures
to my mac.


Love the shot.....care to share some info' about it?
:D

[barefooter14]

thanks man!

this building is along the fox river in Appleton WI near the first hydro electric plant in the world.

[skygod44]

thanks man!

this building is along the fox river in Appleton WI near the first hydro electric plant in the world.

Cool. Is it linked to the hydro-plant?

[barefooter14]

not any more i dont think it has been used for a long time haha.
the river has a ton of paper mills and new dams on it now. i live
in a old paper mill turned into apartments they are the original
brick and wood beams its a pretty cool area by me. lots of
cool old structures. there is endless shooting in a 10 mile
radius i will have some pictures of what im explaining soon.

[skygod44]

not any more i dont think it has been used for a long time haha.
the river has a ton of paper mills and new dams on it now. i live
in a old paper mill turned into apartments they are the original
brick and wood beams its a pretty cool area by me. lots of
cool old structures. there is endless shooting in a 10 mile
radius i will have some pictures of what im explaining soon.

Sounds absolutely stunning! And a prime area for walking and snapping!

Look forward to seeing more from you and the place where you live.
:D

[barefooter14]

went for another walk only this time i had a beautiful girl with me. it
was hard to take good pics i tried to get her in some but she is camera
shy. here is one that turned out ok not my best but i figured i would post
up from today before i post my other ones. C&C welcome as always.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee293/barefooter14/IMG_1552.jpg

[skygod44]

went for another walk only this time i had a beautiful girl with me. it
was hard to take good pics i tried to get her in some but she is camera
shy. here is one that turned out ok not my best but i figured i would post
up from today before i post my other ones. C&C welcome as always.


Great addition! Love the "feel" in the metal - mind you, I love trains anyway!

And here's a couple from my cycle-trip today.

First, my little-one - fingers-crossed, a tog-in-the-making! Just look at that concentration!

Second is a little froggy we found on the site of the old castle of the city. Of course, after seeing that, my daughter didn't really want to carry on with the cycle ride.....ho hum!

[yogestee]

First, my little-one - fingers-crossed, a tog-in-the-making! Just look at that concentration!

She obviously takes after her mother.. Too pretty to take after you ;)

[skygod44]

She obviously takes after her mother.. Too pretty to take after you ;)

I wish I could argue, but you see my Avatar? I ain't pulling a face - that's me!
;)

[Cruisn]

nice shots! love the frog.

[Dinoman]

Alright, I have to fess up - I didn't walk a mile to take a picture. I walked about half a mile to this point. However on the total course of my wander I probably walked 2-3 miles. :)

I'm still learning with night time photography, never done a terrible lot of it.
http://www.snowymountainphoto.com/RCpics/Bridge.jpg

[bmhana]

Dinoman - That's a really interesting capture!
I really like that!

[skygod44]

Alright, I have to fess up - I didn't walk a mile to take a picture. I walked about half a mile to this point. However on the total course of my wander I probably walked 2-3 miles. I'm still learning with night time photography, never done a terrible lot of it.

Dude! You're joining in with the concept! That's what counts :D
And I also love the effect.....
Keep at it, keep getting out there on foot (or bicycle!) and hope to see more from you soon.

[bmhana]

Dude! You're joining in with the concept! That's what counts :D
And I also love the effect.....
Keep at it, keep getting out there on foot (or bicycle!) and hope to see more from you soon.

Aarrgh, I really need to get out more before the big wet one starts in a couple of weeks!
The rainy season's a right pain in the arse!!

[skygod44]

Aarrgh, I really need to get out more before the big wet one starts in a couple of weeks!
The rainy season's a right pain in the arse!!

Know what you mean....but I was thinking about that and have bought an ENORMOUS umbrella so that I can try out some "rainy-season" shots with my non-water-proof 30D.
:D

[bmhana]

Know what you mean....but I was thinking about that and have bought an ENORMOUS umbrella so that I can try out some "rainy-season" shots with my non-water-proof 30D.
:D

It should be almost upon you now, right? I think Kumamoto's a little later than
kagoshima. I might have to pick up an umbrella! and a pair of wellies, too.:cool:

[butugly]

"Coming from the UK, I don't know how these people don't think" "car thief" before doing it, but I've yet to hear of ANYONE having a car stolen QUOTE,thats a bit to far for me to cycle???.
what a great idea will be walking into town to take pics by the river and see if i can work out how to post them.this thread could go on for a long spell knowing that people from all over the globe come on here.

[Cruisn]

amazing photos by all!!! seriously!! I guess I should get out a little more.. I have been slacking. my motorsport hobby ate up a lot of time here. but i will get out this weekend for sure

[skygod44]

"Coming from the UK, I don't know how these people don't think" "car thief" before doing it, but I've yet to hear of ANYONE having a car stolen QUOTE,thats a bit to far for me to cycle???.
what a great idea will be walking into town to take pics by the river and see if i can work out how to post them.this thread could go on for a long spell knowing that people from all over the globe come on here.
Look forward to seeing some pics from you....and how is ol' Essex these days?
I went to school in Maldon (1978 ~ 1981). Ahhh, great memories of the mud!
amazing photos by all!!! seriously!! I guess I should get out a little more.. I have been slacking.....
Me too, but I'm heavily into using one lens per week right now (currently the 50mm f1.4) which is helping my shooting, I'm sure....so expect some from me, as long as it doesn't rain this weekend.
Hope to see more from you too, Cruisn!
:D

[butugly]

hi skygod44 yes maldon still has its mud race every year, i'm local to maldon as you can see from my sig,i might pop over there and grab a shot, do you have a request for any particular area,or i could get a shot and you could guess where it is ?.

[Cruisn]

Look forward to seeing some pics from you....and how is ol' Essex these days?
I went to school in Maldon (1978 ~ 1981). Ahhh, great memories of the mud!

Me too, but I'm heavily into using one lens per week right now (currently the 50mm f1.4) which is helping my shooting, I'm sure....so expect some from me, as long as it doesn't rain this weekend.
Hope to see more from you too, Cruisn!
:D

I cant wait to out. lol. everything is almsot 100% green here now. a few trees are still lagging but we are getting there

[skygod44]

hi skygod44 yes maldon still has its mud race every year, i'm local to maldon as you can see from my sig,i might pop over there and grab a shot, do you have a request for any particular area,or i could get a shot and you could guess where it is ?.
Well, my dad was a curate at All Saints' church way back when...so something around there would be amazing. In fact, from memory, the vicar's house (behind the church) is a listed building - built in 1449! And I went to Wentworth Primary School and, for one year only, The Plume School....so anything around those would be amazing, or the pubs on the coastline, or, well, anything to be honest would be incredible to see after all these years.
I cant wait to out. lol. everything is almsot 100% green here now. a few trees are still lagging but we are getting there
I still find it amazing hearing from you guys all around the world....here, it's almost too hot to go outside between 10:30am and 5pm! And after the rainy-season (due in about 2 weeks), the humidity will skyrocket, and we'll all be hiding indoors next to the aircon all day! Sweaty-sweaty-yuck!

[bmhana]

I still find it amazing hearing from you guys all around the world....here, it's almost too hot to go outside between 10:30am and 5pm! And after the rainy-season (due in about 2 weeks), the humidity will skyrocket, and we'll all be hiding indoors next to the aircon all day! Sweaty-sweaty-yuck!

It's not quite as bad as that here yet, but after the rainy season it will be.
Actually, I don't mind it that much, it's good for helping me to lose weight!!:rolleyes:

[yogestee]

I still find it amazing hearing from you guys all around the world....here, it's almost too hot to go outside between 10:30am and 5pm! And after the rainy-season (due in about 2 weeks), the humidity will skyrocket, and we'll all be hiding indoors next to the aircon all day! Sweaty-sweaty-yuck!


I know how you feel.. The wet season (The Big Muddy) starts officially next week,,1st June,,but the humidity and temperature has been rising gradually since mid March.. I hate April here in Laos,,it's the hottest month..Daily temperatures of 38 deg are common..

It's been raining on and off for 4 weeks even before the Rocket Festival began.. They shoot rockets (home made) into the heavens to encourage the rains to begin the rice planting..

After the Pathet Lao (Lao communists) took over in December 1975 they banned the Rocket Festival the following May,which has been going on for hundreds of years.. Their concern was too much gun powder being used.. And you wouldn't believe it,,the rains didn't come that year.. Crop failures and famine that year.. The moral of the story,,don't f%*k with the skygods ;)

[Dinoman]

I still find it amazing hearing from you guys all around the world....here, it's almost too hot to go outside between 10:30am and 5pm! And after the rainy-season (due in about 2 weeks), the humidity will skyrocket, and we'll all be hiding indoors next to the aircon all day! Sweaty-sweaty-yuck!

It just stopped snowing here a few weeks ago. But then again - snow and frost is nothing unusual here clear into July. :) Our average highs I think are still in the 60's for this part of the year (That's 15 degrees for you metric folks).

[skygod44]

It's not quite as bad as that here yet, but after the rainy season it will be. Actually, I don't mind it that much, it's good for helping me to lose weight!!:rolleyes:
I'm a lot better at dealing with the heat/humidity now than when I arrived, but still, when I think back to summer in the UK it seems like a different planet.
As to it being cooler "up" there. I suppose Kumamoto's altitude must give you a natural advantage to us at sea level.
I know how you feel.. The wet season (The Big Muddy) starts officially next week,,1st June,,but the humidity and temperature has been rising gradually since mid March.. I hate April here in Laos,,it's the hottest month..Daily temperatures of 38 deg are common.. It's been raining on and off for 4 weeks even before the Rocket Festival began.. They shoot rockets (home made) into the heavens to encourage the rains to begin the rice planting.. After the Pathet Lao (Lao communists) took over in December 1975 they banned the Rocket Festival the following May,which has been going on for hundreds of years.. Their concern was too much gun powder being used.. And you wouldn't believe it,,the rains didn't come that year.. Crop failures and famine that year.. The moral of the story,,don't f%*k with the skygods ;)
That last remark made me laugh!!! But thinking about Loas makes me feel very lucky. The humidity still sucks my will to live a bit....so down there, I think I'd want to live inside a 'fridge!
It just stopped snowing here a few weeks ago. This year, it didn't snow at all here. But four years ago we had almost an inch of snow!!!! It lasted a whole 3 hours and caused all sorts of panic in the locals.
:lol::lol::lol:
Oh and Dinoman, in summer here, at midnight (with 65~70% humidity) the temperature doesn't drop below 32 ~ 34°C....that's about 90 ~ 93° in that Olde-Worlde measurement-type scale.
"Sticky undies, sir?"
You can say that again!!!!
;)

[bmhana]

Sticky undies indeed!!
Kumamoto is in a valley, so the rainy season and summer are really humid.
Regarding Skygod's midnight comment, I actually sleep with ice cubes in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel. I use it as a pillow!
Our cold water tank is outside on the roof, so in the summer the cold water is actually hotter than the hot water. If you want a cold shower, you use the hot water!!
At times like that I dream about snow!

[Cruisn]

wow, thats intense. LOL. we hit 24c yesterday and that was cooking out

[skygod44]

Sticky undies indeed!!
Kumamoto is in a valley, so the rainy season and summer are really humid.
Regarding Skygod's midnight comment, I actually sleep with ice cubes in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel. I use it as a pillow!
Our cold water tank is outside on the roof, so in the summer the cold water is actually hotter than the hot water. If you want a cold shower, you use the hot water!! At times like that I dream about snow!
:lol::lol::lol: That's toooooo funny B! But I 100% understand.
Luckily for us, in our "condo", the cold water stays vaguely cool in summer...though it all gets filtered and put in the 'fridge.
wow, thats intense. LOL. we hit 24c yesterday and that was cooking out
Only 24°C? Did you need thermal underwear?
;)
[Seriously though, Missus Skygod would!!!]

[skygod44]

Time for another update pic from me, I think.

Went out for a lovely 10k bike ride this morning at about 7am (so it wasn't too hot) and found these ol' boys having a scrappy argument down by the river.

Don't know if they were just grumpy, or maybe an, err, "couple". So I took a snap, de-saturated the background in Lightroom in about 5 seconds flat, and hope you like it!
:D

Also, I've been heavily into Kenji's "A week with..." thread recently (highly recommended to all!) so will be swapping this week's 50mm f/1.4 to my 100mm macro for the next 7 days. So, expect more candid street shots from me over the coming week, as the 50mm is a bit tough if you're not in the mood for asking approval, or want to catch a genuine shot without being spotted.

[yogestee]

One from this morning..Storms clouds over Thailand..This is a view over looking the Muddy Mekong across to Thailand..

[bmhana]

Awesome!
The rivers around here will all get muddy and smelly soon, too.
Hopefully it will offer some good photo opportunities, though!

[bmhana]

Last weekend, although the weather was really overcast, I went to Honmyoji Temple in Kumamoto. I only live down the road, but this was actually the first time I'd been there.

Anyway, at the temple, people buy fortune cookies, and then tie the fortune paper to a tree on sacred ground, hoping for their fortunes to come true. I believe this is common in temples all over Japan.
The other shot is off a small arch in the wall with a mausoleum inside. I though it was really pretty, although the smell of incense was pretty intense!

[bmhana]

This Temple garden was really pretty. I'll get back there in the summer when the weather is better.

In the other shot is the sacred water fountain. Drinking this water means you'll have a nice, long life.
Once again, shame about all the cables and crap in the background.:cry:

[sally_tomato]

wow such great places and photos!

here is a contribution from Berkeley, CA, USA... I took a trip with my 4-yr old in tow on his trailer bike to Tilden Park Steam Trains--which I hope does not disqualify us from posting here! I took only my 40d with 35mm f/2, to keep it light.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3658/3584888037_7a1b8c26e4.jpg

a well-deserved snack after the effort of 7.5 mile ride with 1000+ft vert gain!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3584889995_15dc53772f.jpg

and a well-deserved hot cocoa after freezing descent back home through a typical cold, foggy northern California afternoon.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/3584891075_18582e0081.jpg

thanks for looking!

[yogestee]

A couple more from yesterday's walk.. The first image of a guy selling steamed corn on the side of the road.. The second one is of a girl's hard toil at washing up at a Mekong side resturant..

BTW,,,it's 10.30pm as I post this..There is a most fantastic thunder and lighting storm happening.. It's not raining yet but I'd say it's going to p#%s down tonight.. The Big Muddy has started!!

[skygod44]

Last weekend, although the weather was really overcast, I went to Honmyoji Temple in Kumamoto.....people buy fortune cookies, and then tie the fortune paper to a tree on sacred ground
LOVE that shot B.
That shallow DoF really works, doesn't it.
wow such great places and photos!
here is a contribution from Berkeley, CA, USA... I took a trip with my 4-yr old in tow on his trailer bike to Tilden Park Steam Trains - which I hope does not disqualify us from posting here!...
Great pics Sally, and what a goargeous son you have!
:D
As to taking just one lens, have you seen Kanji's "A week with..." thread?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=695919
Worth looking at and getting into, especially from page 2 onwards.
....The second one is of a girl's hard toil at washing up at a Mekong side resturant...
That is excellent Jurgen. I love how you've captured an emotion....simply excellent!
:D

[sloonz]

The second one is of a girl's hard toil at washing up at a Mekong side resturant.

Great capture. It communicates not only the emotion but also the hard work and struggle to make a living. Fantastic!

[bmhana]

I agree.
A single photo that expresses so much!
Fantastic.

[skygod44]

I agree.
A single photo that expresses so much!
Fantastic.
Of course, Jurgen could have fooled us all.
Maybe she's just sneezed!
;)

[TMCCaptured]

mate what a stupid idea!!!!

I thought it was a great idea at first, I drove to the start of a very long hike on the west coast of New Zealands North Island.

Basically I grabbed the camera bag and off...2 hours later i arrived at my destination and realised I grabbed my old camera back pack!!! I upgraded to a new LowPro two days before. LOL

So overall an awsome Idea and even tho I took my sons day care bag and Teddys for a 4 1/2 round trip. I managed to get away from the hospital and take some time out bymyself.

Thanks for the opportunity to get out and back to nature...you bloody legend

[bmhana]

At least the teddies got to see some sights!:lol:
Did you all have a picnic?:p

[skygod44]

mate what a stupid idea!!!!
I thought it was a great idea at first, I drove to the start of a very long hike on the west coast of New Zealands North Island.
Basically I grabbed the camera bag and off...2 hours later i arrived at my destination and realised I grabbed my old camera back pack!!! I upgraded to a new LowPro two days before. LOL
So overall an awsome Idea and even tho I took my sons day care bag and Teddys for a 4 1/2 round trip. I managed to get away from the hospital and take some time out bymyself.
Thanks for the opportunity to get out and back to nature...you bloody legend

TMC, you're a total numpty-numb-skull, but I luv ya!

Your story got me a huge grin on my face....especially as I've friends near you so I've seen all their great photos.
So I know exactly the kinda pics you couldn't take!

Classic balls-up, though I'm glad you got out with the kiddies!

BUT!!!!! Read the rules matey!
[Post #1]
NO ENGINE VEHICLES ALLOWED!

The idea is to look around where you live....look under things, behind things, up things, through things. Well, you get the idea.

Hope to see some pics from you soon....
:D

[yogestee]

Great capture. It communicates not only the emotion but also the hard work and struggle to make a living. Fantastic!

Thanks guys.. I didn't even realise I had that shot and the emotion.. I didn't take a close look after I exposed the image and only realised what I had after I brought it up on my 'puter screen..

[yogestee]

mate what a stupid idea!!!!

I thought it was a great idea at first, I drove to the start of a very long hike on the west coast of New Zealands North Island.

Basically I grabbed the camera bag and off...2 hours later i arrived at my destination and realised I grabbed my old camera back pack!!! I upgraded to a new LowPro two days before. LOL

So overall an awsome Idea and even tho I took my sons day care bag and Teddys for a 4 1/2 round trip. I managed to get away from the hospital and take some time out bymyself.

Thanks for the opportunity to get out and back to nature...you bloody legend

Reminds me of the time when I worked for the photographic unit in a large iron and steel plant many years ago.. We got a phone call saying there was a fire in one of the mills.. I grabbed my camera bag and shot out the door not realising I'd used my last roll of film on the last job a few hours before.. Luckily I manged to break all traffic regulations driving back to the office,,,grabbed a brick of Tri-X and Fujichrome and got the shots..

[skygod44]

Reminds me of the time when I worked for the photographic unit in a large iron and steel plant many years ago.. We got a phone call saying there was a fire in one of the mills.. I grabbed my camera bag and shot out the door not realising I'd used my last roll of film on the last job a few hours before.. Luckily I manged to break all traffic regulations driving back to the office,,,grabbed a brick of Tri-X and Fujichrome and got the shots..
:lol::lol::lol:

I doubt there's anyone here who's not done something similar....
Only Monday this week, I left my data-transfer cable in one bag (at home) while I took my camera to school in another bag....to download pics onto the school computer using....the download cable.....!
Ooops!

3 hour return trip for that....? No chance - I don't get paid enough!!! So pleased Google Images exists!!!
:D

[bmhana]

I've forgotten my battery couple of times. I sometimes forget to put it back in after charging, but luckily I always remember before I get too far, and so can easily go back for it.
However, I'm waiting for the day.....

[skygod44]

I've forgotten my battery couple of times. I sometimes forget to put it back in after charging, but luckily I always remember before I get too far, and so can easily go back for it.
However, I'm waiting for the day.....
It'll happen! And then you'll need to come on here a 'fess up!
;)

[bmhana]

Let's hope it doesn't happen this weekend cos I'm going to the seaside!!

[skygod44]

Let's hope it doesn't happen this weekend cos I'm going to the seaside!!

Saturday? Sunday looks like cloud - great for my model shoot, if it comes off, but not so for the beach....oh and love the new Avatar!
:D

[bmhana]

Damn, I'm working Saturday, so we're going on Sunday.
Still, I always hold out hope for the weather.
Will be a shame if it rains though, as it did last time, too!
The avatar is a shot of an enormous centaur made out of wood ( I think) which I found in Yabe, Kumamoto. Beautiful place with loads of old bridges and waterfalls - if you ever have the chance!

[TMCCaptured]

At least the teddies got to see some sights!:lol:
Did you all have a picnic?:p


lol:o yes

[bmhana]

Glad to hear it!:D

[sally_tomato]

more from berkeley, ca, evening stroll with the kids...

spiderweb climbing structure
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3596275456_7003760539.jpg

dandelion
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/3595470141_eb42f7b511.jpg
we went searching for interesting insects, but you know they are not so easy to find in a concrete jungle...

he found one! no, wait...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3307/3595471853_875753015f.jpg


thanks for looking!

[bmhana]

I love the last one!

[skygod44]

more from berkeley, ca, evening stroll with the kids...
spiderweb climbing structure
dandelion
we went searching for interesting insects, but you know they are not so easy to find in a concrete jungle...
he found one! no, wait...
thanks for looking!
Hey Sally....great pics, and I can see that I've some catching up to do.
Been way too busy recently with our new school/business project, but finally did the contract last night on a place, which means a bit less worry and a bit more time for walking a mile, taking a photo (or two) and saving the planet - I wish!!!
;)

[bmhana]

You think you're gonna have more time??:p:lol::lol:

[skygod44]

You think you're gonna have more time??:p:lol::lol:

This is my maths:

Current working week
- 3 hours per day commute
-----------------------------------
More time for photography
.
..
...
....
.....(I really hope!)

[bmhana]

I guess...
unless the wife finds other things for you to do!!:rolleyes:
Anyway, great news!!
Congratulations!

[skygod44]

I guess...
unless the wife finds other things for you to do!!:rolleyes:
Anyway, great news!!
Congratulations!

Well....it's a plan!

Thanks for the congrats.
But after we hit 50 students you can send me a real congrats......
:D

[mitsu13gman]

Here are a few contributions from the right coast:

I had already planned this walking trip before I found this thread yesterday, but it just gave me incentive to post up. The nearest of these are roughly a mile from my apartment, the furthest nearly two.

First off is the view from the dinner table. When I sat down, the tunnel, plus the reflection from the window looked like it would work well, and I thought the fisheye would add some interest:
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/8934/variousportland0013.jpg

I actually planned this picture on my way to dinner, but a U-Haul (do-it-yourself moving van) had just pulled onto this little terrace so I decided to come back after dinner. I used the fisheye again to add some flavor. I like how the 16mm fisheye and the 1.3x crop play off of eachother - not rectilinear, but not super-fishy either:
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/410/variousportland0015.jpg

The condos on the left and the working pier on the right are right out on the water here in Casco bay, right in the heart of the Old Port. I've walked near this well over 100 times, but I never went exploring in this particular area. I was actually sitting on a concrete barrier to keep it out of the shot. I desaturated this a bit to make it feel colder and more moody. This and the rest were shot with the Sigma 24-60:
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/3879/variousportland0024.jpg

This breakwater of sorts was where I was sitting when I took the previous shot. The concrete barrier was perpendicular to the line of crushed stone you see in this shot. For contrast, I actually bumped up the saturation on this one, as it warmed up the rocks and helped accentuate their texture:
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3500/variousportland0031.jpg

Finally, I just happened to catch this on a crosswalk lightpost as I was working my way home. Because the pole was black and the tar grey, most of the shot was already black-and white, with some splotches of color along the top that just took away from the whole thing, so I went selective color, then desaturated the yellows on the sticker to make it blend in better:
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8638/variousportland0048.jpg

There was a small street circus that I came across on my way back, but it was well within the 1-mile radius for this thread, so I'll probably post some of those up later. I also really need a flash to freeze motion (they played with fire quite a bit,) so I'll probably get them later in the summer once I get the flash.


Great idea for a thread, by the way, skygod44!

[Cruisn]

ITS A DUCK1!!! ZOMG!!

and he was looking at me!!! I ran away after... probably saved my life

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/ducky.jpg

[bmhana]

Wow - the ablve shots are great!
And Cruisn, you was lucky, mate!;)
He had you in his sights!:twisted:

So I went on a bike ride yesterday afternoon, and it was really, really hot!
Here's a couple:
The first one is a little old woman hard at work on a Sunday afternoon (:cry:)and second is one of those balloon things that Japanese stores always fly in the sky. It's actually back to front, but I'm sure that won't bother anyone who can't read it!

[bmhana]

And one more!
I came across an old, dried up paddy field that I thought could be quite interesting:

[skygod44]

Here are a few contributions from the right coast: .... Great idea for a thread, by the way, skygod44!
Welcome to the wonderful world of not taking your car/a bus/train/plane before taking great shots of where you live.
Mitsu13gman....serioulsy.....THANKS for adding. Love the stories you've written to go with the pics!
And thanks for the kind last comment!
Keep on getting out there on foot, or by bike seeing local places!
ITS A DUCK1!!! ZOMG!! and he was looking at me!!! I ran away after... probably saved my life
Great capture, man!!! And I'm kinda proud to say I've never posted a duck on POTN!
And one more!
I came across an old, dried up paddy field that I thought could be quite interesting:
Love all three of those B!
And I know what you mean about oldies working in intense heat. Maybe that (and the daily natto) are why they're all so skinny!

[bmhana]

Uh oh, the rainy season started here today!
Any tips for taking pictures in the rain??!!

[mitsu13gman]

...So I went on a bike ride yesterday afternoon, and it was really, really hot!
Here's a couple:
The first one is a little old woman hard at work on a Sunday afternoon (:cry:)and second is one of those balloon things that Japanese stores always fly in the sky...

There's something compelling about the shot of the woman - it works on a lot of different psychological levels.

Also, the shot of the dried paddy - was this a B&W conversion, or is that their natural color?

[skygod44]

There's something compelling about the shot of the woman - it works on a lot of different psychological levels....

Hey B.....I think mitsu13gman's comments needed to be emphasized. Again!

I think your shot of the old lady is - as far as I can recall - one of, if not the best shot you've taken to date. It's a cracking picture, which mitsu13gman rightly says works on different levels.

Since you're a foreigner here - like me - maybe you should be using your "foreign-ness" to take more candid/street shots that Japanese wouldn't, because I think our host nation's population make for excellent subjects.....at many different levels!

[Oh, and yep - rainy season looks like it's setting in....so, get yourself a BIG umbrella is my advice....and some anti-mosquito spray, if, like me, your blood is high on their shopping list!!!!]

[bmhana]

Thanks guys.
Pity you can't see the old lady's face though!
With the shot of the paddy field, I made an HDR to bring out a little extra detail, and then desaturated it.

And now I need to go get a giant brolly!:eyes

[bmhana]

Actually, I'm usually ok with mosquitos! They don't seem to like me very much.
They prefer my wife, so she usually has loads of big red bumps all over her by the end of the rainy season!!

[skygod44]

Actually, I'm usually ok with mosquitos! They don't seem to like me very much.
They prefer my wife, so she usually has loads of big red bumps all over her by the end of the rainy season!!

Wow! Tell me your secret as we're completely the opposite....to the point where my wife says I (and our daughter too) must have "weak skin" as it's only us two in our family who're bitten, and I'm fed up with it!!!

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_19_5.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSfox000)

[Kidmat]

Got these two while strolling through the neighborhood.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2620597059_073d0b1b39_b.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/2764400436_bfc0d563b0_b.jpg
I took that one using my 70-200 f/2.8L IS, Shutter: 1/1000, Aperture: f/2.8, Focal Length: 135mm, ISO: 100.

It was really bright out that day so I had set the exposure to -1.5 stops (Av Priority)


Just scrolling through the thread to check all your photos, stories and anecdotes, and let me tell you I love all those oriental shrines - bamboo forest photos. Many bravos to you all. The old barns were nice as well, cant remember which page - everythings so cool to learn, im tired! hehe

Im quoting those 2 photos by Clark Moeller to simply ask how one can achieve this render. I really like those 2 photos, the grain etc make the colours still present but a bit sad...dont know if anyone is catching my drift.

So, the question is, how do you do this with for example photoshop, or is it with a particular film? Or just Av priority with -1,5exp? Too many questions? hehe

Also, I went out last weekend for a walk, brought my camera with me. There was a nice light and the poppy fields looked awesome-had to shoot it. I just took a few pictures of some trees in the garden before going and as soon as my foot touched to road..."Please reload battery" on the screen. Damn. :cry:

edit: the "resize" function when one quotes a pictures and replies in a thread isnt working? Im sorry for the huge pictures quote, I hate it!

[mitsu13gman]

Thanks guys.
Pity you can't see the old lady's face though!
With the shot of the paddy field, I made an HDR to bring out a little extra detail, and then desaturated it.

And now I need to go get a giant brolly!:eyes

Regarding the woman, not seeing her face is what makes it so moving. I didn't want to say too much to avoid offending sensibilities, but here it goes:

On one level, it looks like it could have been a human interest shot from the Vietnam conflict. I know this was taken in Japan, but we're just not that worldly over here, and so it brings some really dark emotion with it. Then you go to mention that it was a very hot day, and here's someone's grandmother doing physical labor with a manual farm implement, which also has tremendous power. Then there's the serenity of working with your hands when it's something you truly enjoy that can be very peaceful. And then for those of us with minimal experience of Asia, it has the flavor of a foreign culture that we continue to lose here in the US. And those are just a few.

In short, it contains many emotions. By obscuring the woman's face, you allow the viewer to project their own emotion into the scene. Had you shown her face, it would resolve to a single emotion, and lose the ambiguity that makes it so powerful. Have this printed big and hang it somewhere prominent - it's a keeper!


As to the paddy - I thought it looked like an HDR, but I didn't want to insult you in case it was a normal capture and I just wasn't seeing it right. If you had this printed and framed and hung it with the woman's picture, I think it would really add some depth as an image pairing.

Regardless, congrats on some great shots. If this is just your walk-around work, then you're definitely getting it right!

[bmhana]

Thanks again!
With the paddy field, I took loads of shots with different DOF. I chose this one because you can follow the cracks off into the distance. The shots with a shallower DOF bring your attention to the big main cracks in the foreground, but don't really lead your eye off.

Regarding the elderly lady working, I was trying to show people a different side of Japan.
Most people imagine the bright lights and skyscrapers of Tokyo, but have no idea of what life is like in the rural areas. I went past that lady in the late-ish afternoon, and when I was coming back at 8pm she was still at it!!
Under the hat, she was wrapped up in towels and clothes like a mummy, so I couldn't see anything of her face. That's why I went for this shot. This was actually her full height, too. When standing up, she was totally hunched over - literally bent 90 degrees at the waist. I think the photo shows why!!
I'm glad it shows a different side of Japan!

When I saw Yogestee's shot of the tired girl in Laos a few pages back, I realized that capturing emotion in shots is vital, so I wanted to try and get somewhat close to that.
If you haven't seen it, please have a look!!
Anyway, cheers again for the comments!

[bmhana]

Here's one I took when I went searching for fireflies last night.
I've never seen one before! They're really beautiful!

[skygod44]

Here's one I took when I went searching for fireflies last night.
I've never seen one before! They're really beautiful!

Nice one B!!!

Aren't they just one of the most amazing little insects you've ever seen?
And that's great shot! So interesting, their flight path...

[hammer418]

..looks like that firefly was drinking Saki ! :)

[Evilfooker]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3618678550_e067903dfe_b.jpg
Exposure: 30.0 Sec at f/4.5
Focal Length: 28mm
ISO Speed Rating: ISO 100
Flash: Did not fire
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS Rebel XSi
Lens: EF28-90mm f/4-5.6

(Taken on June 11th)
Walked a mile while it was foggy here an went to the beach to snap some night shots of one of the Light houses here on island ( I was creeping myself out while I was walking out there too, lol)

[Cruisn]

Nice one B!!!

Aren't they just one of the most amazing little insects you've ever seen?
And that's great shot! So interesting, their flight path...

you guys must have a different type of lightning bug.. or ours are lazy.. we jsut get little green flashes everywhere. I live by a lake so there are 100 or so in a tree sometimes. looks pretty cool. I will get a shot when they coem back...

[Evilfooker]

Lightning Bug shots from around the world would be awesome. .

[les_au]

I normally go for a walk most weekends, i came across this thread yestereday and though i'd add to it. not the most super photo going around but i am trying to be more creative with my shots. to that end i put on the nifty 50. BTW it and an XS make a real compact setup. not sure if this photo could use a sepia or B&W conversion.

[les_au]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3618678550_e067903dfe_b.jpg
Exposure: 30.0 Sec at f/4.5
Focal Length: 28mm
ISO Speed Rating: ISO 100
Flash: Did not fire
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS Rebel XSi
Lens: EF28-90mm f/4-5.6

(Taken on June 11th)
Walked a mile while it was foggy here an went to the beach to snap some night shots of one of the Light houses here on island ( I was creeping myself out while I was walking out there too, lol)

man i realy like this shot, would be great as a wallpaper. hell frame it, has a creepy aspect to it

[bmhana]

I agree with the above!!
Evilfooker - that shot's awesome!!

I went to the botanical gardens which is in Kumamoto Zoo today.
I haven't finished going through them yet, but here are a couple of the quick ones:

[bmhana]

And a couple more:
(There was supposed to be a big storm today, but no. Seems I was lucky today, the rainy season hasn't really kicked in yet!!)

[Mocean]

Greetings folks, been following and enjoying this thread for a while. Lots of great shots. Got my 50D last week so looking forward to posting some snaps soon (By the way Im another 外人 in Japan!)

@Evilfooker - awesome photo. Great job.

@les_au - not Lock 11 in Mildura is it!?

Excellent pics all round and a top idea for a thread.

[skygod44]

Welcome to all new "a-walking-and-a-shootin'-pics" adders to the thread!

Great to see some wonderful shots from you again, B! And yeah....the rainy-season seems to be having a holiday. Lucky us!

And @Mocean....where are you in J-Land?