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

[skygod44]

I had an idea yesterday to aid in creativity, my/your health, and to reduce our dependence on our motor vehicles, aircraft and trains while still enjoying photography.

Here's the plan.

1) Walk (or cycle) a mile from where you live - more if you like.
2) Take a photo (or several).
3) Post one up that shows something interesting about where you live.
4) Write a line or two to teach us all something of interest.

The aim is for everyone to see more of this beautiful planet without whizzing all over the place, in "Planes, Trains & Automobiles"....

I'll start off with the shot that got me thinking:

It's Mount Sakurajima at sunrise, in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan.
One of the world's most active volcanoes, she typically erupts 250+ times a year!
I live 7km (as a cooked crow would fly) across the bay from the south summit, which unfortunately, is the active one!

[WkDave]

Nice composition, colors look a little hazy.

I like the idea...one question though...would bicycling be ok?

[Gab1707]

I would do it but im afraid of getting rob... :(

[seaside]

Good idea. I took this while bicycling down to one of the harbors near me. It's an anchor after hurricane Ophelia went thru here in 2005. The shank is pretty twisted up. Someone displayed it to act as a reminder of the power of wind and water. Not sure what thier boat looked like after the storm :(

Used a point and shoot but it tells the story ok.

[skygod44]

Nice composition, colors look a little hazy.

I like the idea...one question though...would bicycling be ok?

Thanks for the comment...the colours were hazy because Sakurajima's eruption level has gone up and she'd blown her top about an hour earlier. The ash is a real problem here - my dark green car looked white later that day!
As to cycling...absolutely 100% ok.
I'm a huge cycling fan, so I'll add it to the first post!
:D

[skygod44]

Good idea. I took this while bicycling down to one of the harbors near me. It's an anchor after hurricane Ophelia went thru here in 2005. The shank is pretty twisted up. Someone displayed it to act as a reminder of the power of wind and water. Not sure what thier boat looked like after the storm :(

Used a point and shoot but it tells the story ok.

Wow! That's excellent. And exactly what I'm hoping to encourage. We don't need award-winning photos. The idea is for everyone to see a bit more, learn a bit more and exercise a bit more.
:D

[shaner123]

kinda a psychogeography idea.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychogeography

loooove it.. ill make sure to do it and ill post soon!!!

[skygod44]

kinda a psychogeography idea.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychogeography

loooove it.. ill make sure to do it and ill post soon!!!

Hey there Shaner. Despite graduating in psychology (Child & Educational) I've not come across psychogeography before. Thanks for the link - very interesting and along the right lines. Can't wait to see your input :D

Meanwhile, I have to add, the concept is also to encourage multiple entries of new places members go to, by foot or pedal-power. The more the better...so here's another of mine to keep it rolling around the world:

This is an "aged" shot of Kamoike (鴨池) which interestingly translates as "Duck Pond" - appropriate as I've never posted a "duck" image on POTN! - and is a very old part of Kagoshima, dating back to the Edo era when Saigo Takamori the infamous samurai challenger to the Shogun lived here.

Narrow and not ultra-modern, I think you'd agree...

[seaside]

Brings to mind the movie, "The Last Samurai" with Tom Cruise. But I think the Samurai portrayed in that movie was fictional. Wasn't Saigo Takamori the REAL last Samurai...

Your image is interesting and it would be neat to see an old 1800's image of the same street for comparision. No telephone wires or meters.... A lot of history here! Great picture!

[skygod44]

Brings to mind the movie, "The Last Samurai" with Tom Cruise. But I think the Samurai portrayed in that movie was fictional. Wasn't Saigo Takamori the REAL last Samurai...

Your image is interesting and it would be neat to see an old 1800's image of the same street for comparision. No telephone wires or meters.... A lot of history here! Great picture!

Actually, "The Last Samurai" was loosly based on Saigo Takamori, so you hit the nail on the head. As to my photo minus wires/meters etc, I did consider cloning, but that wasn't the point - and Missus Skygod wanted me to help make Miso soup for our dinner!!!!;)

[LowriderS10]

Great idea and nice shots so far!

As soon as there will still be daylight when I get off work I'll join the thread with a pic! (sadly, after dark there's a good chance someone with a baseball bat and/or a butcher knife will offer to relieve me of such frivolous possessions as my wallet, cellphone and camera).

[skygod44]

Great idea and nice shots so far!

As soon as there will still be daylight when I get off work I'll join the thread with a pic! (sadly, after dark there's a good chance someone with a baseball bat and/or a butcher knife will offer to relieve me of such frivolous possessions as my wallet, cellphone and camera).

Really? You're serious aren't you. That's terrible.
Here in summer, people pop out to convenience stores in their cars - too hot to walk! - go into the store leaving their car outside, keys in the ignition, engine running (to keep the aircon on, and the car cool - of course!) and then, up to 45 minutes later (from my observations) they emerge and get back into their cars...which haven't moved an inch!

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

[LowriderS10]

Sounds wonderful ;) and sadly...I'm totally serious.

This all happened in ONE night within roughly 10 blocks of my house (and I live in a supposedly good neighbourhood)

Six men in their late teens and early 20s have been charged after a rash of robberies over the weekend.
The first incident occurred on Saturday around 10:30 p.m. when a man walking near 111 Street and 83 Avenue was approached by a man carrying a bat. The aspiring thief demanded the man's wallet.
When the victim refused, he was struck by the bat. The perp fled without the wallet.
About 20 minutes later, a man sitting in a car near 109 Street and 86 Avenue was approached by the same crook, who demanded his wallet.
A few minutes later, a man and woman walking near 110 Street and 88 Avenue were approached by a crook who demanded money and threatened them. The two men began fighting, while the woman called police.
Not long after, another man was approached near 85 Avenue and 111 Street and assaulted and had his wallet stolen. Some of the victims received minor injuries.
Christopher Thomas Vickers, 20, has been charged with several counts of robbery, two breaches and mischief in connection with the incidents.
Less than six hours later, several men approached a man walking near 109 Street and 70 Avenue, assaulted him and fled with his cellphone. He received minor injuries.
Then, around 7:30 a.m., the group allegedly used the victim's cellphone to order pizza, but the group had more than food on their minds.
When the delivery man arrived at the home in the Knottwood Road area, he was robbed of his food and his money by the group who fled in a vehicle.
The vehicle was later found parked outside a house near 61 Street and 35 Avenue.
Cops have arrested five men - including 21-year-old Jeil Simon, 19-year-old Michael Joseph Motiuk and three 17-year-old males - and laid robbery-related charges.

To add insult to injury...I had to write that one ;) hahaha

[Cruisn]

this is a great idea, im gonna go for a walk tomorrow and see what I find. thanks.

[skygod44]

Sounds wonderful ;) and sadly...I'm totally serious.
This all happened in ONE night within roughly 10 blocks of my house (and I live in a supposedly good neighbourhood)
Six men in their late teens and early 20s have been charged after a rash of robberies over the weekend.
That's terrible. I'm really sorry for you guys if that's the kind of people in your area. Disgusting. Well, don't get injured....but do add a photo when you can.
this is a great idea, im gonna go for a walk tomorrow and see what I find. thanks.
Thanks for the support....I'm waiting to see what you can show me/everyone.
:D

[vmlopes]

Hey great idea..............this place is more like an hour bicycle ride from home, but I have done it on a number of occasions, its a leisurely ride along the river.......

Bit of History if you dont already know it:
Fairmile asylum was designed by C H Howell the same architect who designed the infamous Cane Hill. Building started in 1867 and the asylum was opened in 1870. Originally built to take 500 patients but just 8 years after opening it was heavily overcrowded and further additions were made again by C H Howell.

Yet more overcrowding around the turn of the century meant that another architect had to be brought in to plan more extensions, this architect was G T Hine the other infamous Asylum builder, this is the only asylum where Howell and Hine "meet".

He added new male and female wards and also an isolation hospital. This made the hospital closely resemble the American ideal hospital plan, the Kirkbride, which is said to resemble a bat with its wings spread. Further additions were made to Fairmile which included a new admissions hospital where patients would be assessed to determine the severity of their condition, and what treatment and ward they would need if they were not to be released.

By the 1940's there were over 1400 patients locked in Fairmile, but due to medical breakthroughs and a change in the way mental illness was treated these numbers dropped to only 220 in 2002 and final closure was in April 2003.

Couple of my favourites

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/vmlopes/IMG_0880.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/vmlopes/IMG_0772.jpg

You can see a full set here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=646892) and here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=646892)

[skygod44]

Hey great idea..............this place is more like an hour bicycle ride from home, but I have done it on a number of occasions....

Scary place, but fantastic pictures. And the "his 'n' her's baths" idea has potential ;)
Just promise me you didn't drive when you took these photos!
Oh and you're really close to my parents! Ahh...brings back memories!
Of course, if you go out again, post more....the "fitness" part is at least 25% of the "deal"!
:D

[Cruisn]

just editing photos now. lol. it was rather nice, only -15c

[Cruisn]

enjoy:
cattail:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/cattailfinal.jpg

I have a thing for fence posts today... LOL
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/fencepostfinal.jpg

my favorite of the day:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/fencepost2final.jpg

Farm plow:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/farmfinal.jpg

random tree:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/treesnowfinal.jpg

[Stealthy Ninja]

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

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3287254316_c71c55a444_b.jpg

[kaypony]

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

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3287254316_c71c55a444_b.jpg
Wow, outstanding. I spent 8 days in HK in August 08 for the Olympics and never saw light anything like this. Very cool.

[skygod44]

enjoy:
cattail:
I have a thing for fence posts today... LOL
random tree:

Beautiful pictures! Love the textures! Can you give us a little bit of commentary?
Well I was a bit away from my home... but I did cycle about 1km to get this shot.

Stunning shot matey! As said by Kaypony, the light you've caught is fantastic!
Where was that taken from?

[Cruisn]

Beautiful pictures! Love the textures! Can you give us a little bit of commentary?

Stunning shot matey! As said by Kaypony, the light you've caught is fantastic!
Where was that taken from?

sure, lol. I left my house and started walking down the river wiht about 15 minutes till sunset. the first shot of the cat tail was right along my place, shot directly into the light.. well a little off to the side I guess, I love siloutte shots.

the second shot was done along the quarter section divider about 1/2 mile away. did I mention it was -15c out.. lol.

3rd shot, random forgotten fence pole left to rot. saw beautiful colours with it. had to shoot it.

4th picture
can you tell I am a fast walker. lol. about 1 mile from home now. sun has set. found this in a farmers field, looked cool. took a few shots jsut to see waht I could get out of it.

last shot, I noticed this one the way home sitting on the edge of a hill as the pink along the horizon faded away.

by the time i got home it was dark and I was cold and wet form laying in the snow taking pictures. lol it was nice to go explore. I haven't been down the river for a few years so it was a nice trip back in my memory.

[skygod44]

...#1 cat tail was right along my place, shot directly into the light...I love silhouette shots....did I mention it was -15c out.. lol.
#3... random forgotten fence pole left to rot....
#4...found this in a farmers field...
#5...I noticed this one the way home sitting on the edge of a hill as the pink along the horizon faded away.
...it was nice to go explore. I haven't been down the river for a few years so it was a nice trip back in my memory.
Thanks for the update. I think your style is excellent. Really inspiring. And considering I was sweating in a T-shirt and light top today in Japan, your dedication while it being -15C outside deserves a medal!
If you get the chance, post more, as these are superb, and I'm happy my idea got you out and about!
:D

[Stealthy Ninja]

Thanks for the compliments dudes.

When I saw the light coming down like that I just had to whip out the trusty ol' camera and take a few rolls (rolls?)... I used a 5Dmkii

[Cruisn]

Thanks for the update. I think your style is excellent. Really inspiring. And considering I was sweating in a T-shirt and light top today in Japan, your dedication while it being -15C outside deserves a medal!
If you get the chance, post more, as these are superb, and I'm happy my idea got you out and about!
:D


ya, it was great motivation, I will be making a trip out tomorrow to. there is place about 1 mile down the road that is a swamp in the summer but has a neat look to it right now. time to go walking again.

and ninja: great photo, i love the look to it.

[Stealthy Ninja]

Thanks Cruisn...

BTW your "random tree" photo is nice with a capital "A"*.


* The "A" is for "awesome".

[skygod44]

that photo was my first bit of major photo editing with the clone tool, there were excess branches on the right side of the horizon. I am happy with the results

Really? Well in that case, Double A!!! You've done a really good job there!
Looking forward to seeing more.
:D

[LowriderS10]

Cruisn: excellent photos! Northern/Central Alberta is about to dig itself out of this frozen hell we're in, I hope!!! :)

[Cruisn]

this weekend if we are lucky.

[skygod44]

this weekend if we are lucky.

Looking forward to it!
:D

[Robbierob]

okay Simon,
here are three of mainstreet USA! This is a retro area close to where I live (walking distance). It is in the center of modern suburbia, so I like the dichotomy of it all. I will present more images that are worthy. These are close to snaps (very little PP here just some WB, saturation, and cropping)

Welcome to Yorba Linda, Ca....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3293204103_54cfa8dd45_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3293203973_9c3d8040e8_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3294028008_2362c67c7b_b.jpg

sorry for the harsh lighting..1st real day of sunshine and i went out around 2'ish

[Robbierob]

image two is blurry...i will reshoot this weekend...how embarrassing :oops:

[skygod44]

image two is blurry...i will reshoot this weekend...how embarrassing :oops:

Hey there RR!
Thanks for posting, and what a "quaint" area you live in - is that word still accepted in modern English?
Anyway, after you reshoot (in focus ;)) do post again, and if you resize to 750 on the longest side, it might help some see the whole picture (especially when some terrible people are peeking at POTN at the office!)
:D
Later matey!

[bmhana]

Well, you motivated me to get out after work and see what I could find around here!
There's a small hill not far from my house and on top is a memorial chapel and some stone torii. It took me about 40 minutes to climb to the top ( it's quite steep!), so I only managed to get a couple of shots before the wife called and told me to get home sharpish !!

This is the first time I've posted, so I apologize if the file sizes are a bit off!!

[Cruisn]

tahts cool man. nice weather it looks like to. lol

[skygod44]

Well, you motivated me to get out after work and see what I could find around here! There's a small hill not far from my house and on top is a memorial chapel and some stone torii. It took me about 40 minutes to climb to the top ( it's quite steep!), so I only managed to get a couple of shots before the wife called and told me to get home sharpish !! This is the first time I've posted, so I apologize if the file sizes are a bit off!!

Hey there matey! Good to see some shots from you, and they're cracking! I like the "feel" of the torii. It actually looks old, and not recently re-concreted!
:D

Meanwhile, here's two shots from my bike ride yesterday!
Went up to a local beauty-spot called "Yoshino Park" and liked the reflected trees in the Japanese garden (which I suppose, they just call a "garden" here!) - took it using the 10-22mm. Then, VERY happily I realised I was being overflown by some SUPER-CUTE birdies, so I very slowly and quietly changed to my 100mm macro (wasn't carrying the 100-400!) and look at the result!
Who says the 100 macro focus speed is slow?!?!?
Catch you later!
:D

[bmhana]

Beautiful mate!
You have some beautiful places where you are!
Have you been to Suizenji park up here?

[skygod44]

Beautiful mate!
You have some beautiful places where you are!
Have you been to Suizenji park up here?

Nope. Only made it "into" Kumamoto twice. First time we got lost (no map!) and the second time was for a planned hotel stay/onsen/basashi fest/volcano trip/-->home!

Tell me about it....
:D

[bmhana]

It's a park where the grass and lakes have been sculpted into small versions of the views that travellers would see walking along the old Tokaido road from Kyoto to Edo, (Mt Fuji, Biwa-ko)etc. Beautiful if you get there early morning, but gets too crowded around midday! I'm planning on going there sometime in the next few weeks when spring has really kicked in, so I'll take some photos!

[skygod44]

It's a park where the grass and lakes have been sculpted into small versions of the views that travellers would see walking along the old Tokaido road from Kyoto to Edo, (Mt Fuji, Biwa-ko)etc. Beautiful if you get there early morning, but gets too crowded around midday! I'm planning on going there sometime in the next few weeks when spring has really kicked in, so I'll take some photos!

Oh man! That sounds incredible. I can imagine it'll get crowded, but if it's too far to walk/cycle, start your own thread as I'm sure plenty of POTN members would love to see.
:D

[Cruisn]

fresh 3 inches of snow today... mayeb some early morning shots.. we will see.

[skygod44]

fresh 3 inches of snow today... mayeb some early morning shots.. we will see.

Snow? Wow! Don't like the sound of that....but it should produce some great images! So, get out there, snap away (artistically, of course!) and post 'em up.
:D

[Cruisn]

lol, I hate it.. I was looking at my summer tires yesterday... and well not gonan happen now... *cries*

[skygod44]

lol, I hate it.. I was looking at my summer tires yesterday... and well not gonan happen now... *cries*

That's ok......still waiting.....
:D

[Cruisn]

That's ok......still waiting.....
:D

lol, your gonna be waiting a while...

[bmhana]

Cruisn - your pictures earlier in the thread were amazing!
I loved random tree!! I haven't seen snow for a while......
Looking forward to seeing more!

[kisseer]

Northwestern Ohio has been a tough place for me to get a good photo when I had time to walk a mile. I am submitting two for your consideration, though I am not sure I like either of them.

1) Share the Road

2) Forwarding Address Not Provided

[skygod44]

Northwestern Ohio has been a tough place for me to get a good photo when I had time to walk a mile. I am submitting two for your consideration, though I am not sure I like either of them.

1) Share the Road

2) Forwarding Address Not Provided

Wow! Love them both.
#2 is the winner for me!

Ok, I think you're "getting the point" of my thread! Which makes me so pleased.

This is NOT about C&C. If anyone wants to make a small comment, that's great, but it's about taking your camera out, on foot/on a bicycle, and seeing what's close to where you live that you might miss while whizzing past at 80mph!

For C&C on your two, all I'd say is that the sky has lost all detail and colour. Just watch that, next time you're shooting! But PLEASE, keep on shooting!

Skygod
:D

[kisseer]

Actually, that is what the sky looked like. I told you Northwestern Ohio was a tough place to photograph this evening.

Tomorrow I will walk the other way if I have time. The river should be rising near flood stage, so there might be something interesting. Maybe the sun will come out.

[skygod44]

Actually, that is what the sky looked like. I told you Northwestern Ohio was a tough place to photograph this evening.

Tomorrow I will walk the other way if I have time. The river should be rising near flood stage, so there might be something interesting. Maybe the sun will come out.

Really? White? That's tough to photograph.....but, I still loved your pics.
Looking forward to seeing the river, if you get the chance to take a pic of it.....
:D

[mid_gen]

Well, these were taken a few hundreds yards from my flat in West London.

1. The unlit towpath I frequently scare people on by lurking with my camera and tripod at night, with Chiswick Mall, one of the plushest terraces in the city on the opposite bank.

http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/mid_gen/IMG_1926.jpg

2. The moon at the back of St Paul's school. Just on the right there is inexplicably a small plastic chair sat on top of a shipping container that I really need to go back and shoot some day :)

http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/mid_gen/IMG_1929_30.jpg

[skygod44]

Well, these were taken a few hundreds yards from my flat in West London.

1. The unlit towpath I frequently scare people on by lurking with my camera and tripod at night, with Chiswick Mall, one of the plushest terraces in the city on the opposite bank.

http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/mid_gen/IMG_1926.jpg

2. The moon at the back of St Paul's school. Just on the right there is inexplicably a small plastic chair sat on top of a shipping container that I really need to go back and shoot some day :)

http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/mid_gen/IMG_1929_30.jpg

"Fan-bloody-tastic!!!!!"
I love these shots. Thanks so much for posting them...but do take care out at night with a camera! You might get more interest than you're wanting from either someone dodgy, or the police - " 'Ello, 'ello,'ello....what's all this then? Taking pictures through people's bedroom windows are we, sir???"
;)

[bmhana]

Here's a couple from Suizenji Park in Kumamoto.
I woke up really early last Sunday and cycled about 20 mins to get there before the masses arrived. Even so, there was already a coach load of tourists and then it started to rain.
Anyway, I realize that HDR isn't for everyone- this is the first time I've done it and I just wanted to try it out!
Apologies to all the HDR haters out there, and I hope that HDR images are ok in this thread!!(?).
The first one shows a small wooden bridge leading to a temple (out of the shot), and the second is the gate to an old, old teahouse.

[skygod44]

Here's a couple from Suizenji Park in Kumamoto.
I woke up really early last Sunday and cycled about 20 mins to get there before the masses arrived. Even so, there was already a coach load of tourists and then it started to rain.
Anyway, I realize that HDR isn't for everyone- this is the first time I've done it and I just wanted to try it out!
Apologies to all the HDR haters out there, and I hope that HDR images are ok in this thread!!(?).
The first one shows a small wooden bridge leading to a temple (out of the shot), and the second is the gate to an old, old teahouse.

Nicely posted B....and all images are welcome.

The idea is simply to encourage less driving and more walking/cycling PLUS photography.
:D

[sally_tomato]

what a great thread, thanks for the inspiration, skygod! i walk and bike around town often, I will make sure to bring the camera with me.

in the mean time, here is one from 2008...

Sky, Feb 7, 2008
Berkeley is in the middle of a very busy urban area, lots of airports around us. I recall 9/11/2001 when all air traffic stopped for three days--it changed the air, the sky, everything. I wonder why...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3554/3348421666_3b23366f03.jpg
1/500 f/10, iso400, EF 28-135mm at 135.

[skygod44]

what a great thread, thanks for the inspiration, skygod! i walk and bike around town often, I will make sure to bring the camera with me.

in the mean time, here is one from 2008...

Sky, Feb 7, 2008
Berkeley is in the middle of a very busy urban area, lots of airports around us. I recall 9/11/2001 when all air traffic stopped for three days--it changed the air, the sky, everything. I wonder why...
Hi there Sally! Thanks for the reaction...glad you "get" the point of the thread. As to your image - wow! Although you need to do some cloning to get rid of those dark spots, which I expect are dust on your sensor...

Please keep getting out there, walking and/or cycling, taking your camera with you and adding to the thread! Let's get those guys 'n' girls outta their cars, while still taking great pictures!
:D

[Kevan_G9]

Pocantico Hills, New York

Would you believe this pasture is within a half-hour's drive from Manhattan? I'm a cycling enthusiast and here's one of my bikes I like to refer to as a "country bike". Designed for country lanes and dirt roads, it isn't fast, but is a hoot to ride and has gearing that allows it to practically climb a tree. This is the bike I most commonly take when a camera is coming along for the ride.

[skygod44]

Pocantico Hills, New York

Would you believe this pasture is within a half-hour's drive from Manhattan? I'm a cycling enthusiast and here's one of my bikes I like to refer to as a "country bike". Designed for country lanes and dirt roads, it isn't fast, but is a hoot to ride and has gearing that allows it to practically climb a tree. This is the bike I most commonly take when a camera is coming along for the ride.

That picture is amazing! It looks like it was taken in the 1960s and, just out of shot is a "all-smiles" family, sat together on a checkerboard cloth, having a picnic, consisting of white-bread sandwiches, bags of tomatoes and lashings of root-beer (whatever that is?!)

Absolutely brilliant and a really heart-warming addition to the thread!
:D

If you go on any more cycle-trips, be sure to post the results!!!

[bmhana]

I second the above! Takes me back to Sunday afternoon picnics in the countryside when I was a kid.
Wish there were more greenery within cycling distance of here!

[skygod44]

I second the above! Takes me back to Sunday afternoon picnics in the countryside when I was a kid.
Wish there were more greenery within cycling distance of here!

Know what you mean B.

Down here, the "green" is either paddy-fields or a very crispy form of grass that tries to cut your skin to "smitherines" (oooo, not used that word for years!) if you walk on it barefoot!

[bmhana]

Out wanderin' yesterday and came across these scary little people watching me from up a tree......

[skygod44]

Out wanderin' yesterday and came across these scary little people watching me from up a tree......

You what!!!! Ya kidding me?! Those are Haniwa figures, and look like those at the Peace Park in Miyazaki!!!! Bet they were pinched!

[bmhana]

Well, maybe they're on vacation!!
I walk down that road every day and I've never seen them before!

[Richtherookie]

Love this forum. I had the day off yesterday. I hiked about 5 miles looking to get a good nature shot to post. Well, I never took the camera out of the bag. I did get very cold and wondered what i was doing outside in that weather. I'll keep looking, some day i'll i have a picture to post.

[skygod44]

Well, maybe they're on vacation!!
I walk down that road every day and I've never seen them before!
Uh-huh...
You don't have any ALTs near-by, do you?

Love this forum. I had the day off yesterday. I hiked about 5 miles looking to get a good nature shot to post. Well, I never took the camera out of the bag. I did get very cold and wondered what i was doing outside in that weather. I'll keep looking, some day i'll i have a picture to post.
Looking forward to seeing the pictures Rich! And remember, next time you walk/cycle somewhere while carrying your camera, take it out of the bag!!!
;)

[gator1970]

what a great thread, thanks for the inspiration, skygod! i walk and bike around town often, I will make sure to bring the camera with me.

in the mean time, here is one from 2008...

Sky, Feb 7, 2008
Berkeley is in the middle of a very busy urban area, lots of airports around us. I recall 9/11/2001 when all air traffic stopped for three days--it changed the air, the sky, everything. I wonder why...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3554/3348421666_3b23366f03.jpg
1/500 f/10, iso400, EF 28-135mm at 135.


I don't know why, but this photo really does it for me...nice work!

[skygod44]

I don't know why, but this photo really does it for me...nice work!

Yep. It's a cracking shot isn't it. I'd suggest that the "thing" about it is that the sky is so dark while the vapour-trails are so white. Probably due to the time the shot was taken and the relative position of the sun....but it ain't my pic :(, so I'm guessing...

[kisseer]

Here are a couple from today's walk around the neighborhood West of my house.

1) Jellyfish Clouds

2) An Old Barn

[skygod44]

Here are a couple from today's walk around the neighborhood West of my house.

1) Jellyfish Clouds

2) An Old Barn

Hey Eric. Thanks for adding to the theme, and encouraging others to walk and photo, and not drive and photo!

I love those clouds. In the 2nd image, they're even more "jellyfish" like. Really impressive how the land around you is so flat too. Reminds me of Lincolnshire in the UK. Over here, it's tough to spot anywhere that's flat...and if it is, it's usually covered in paddy-fields - or, horrid, new plastic-sided houses :confused:

[kisseer]

Glad you like them. We have a lot of old barns in all states of repair around here.

If you want flat, we have flat. The highest point in the entire county is 978 feet and the lowest 671 feet, so only 337 feet total from one corner of the county to the lowest point of the river.

I still need to find something interesting to shoot down by the river. Maybe I will get lucky and catch a bald eagle or a heron or something one of these days.

I will post here if I catch anything on a future walk or bicycle ride.

[skygod44]

Glad you like them. We have a lot of old barns in all states of repair around here.

If you want flat, we have flat. The highest point in the entire county is 978 feet and the lowest 671 feet, so only 337 feet total from one corner of the county to the lowest point of the river.

I still need to find something interesting to shoot down by the river. Maybe I will get lucky and catch a bald eagle or a heron or something one of these days.

I will post here if I catch anything on a future walk or bicycle ride.

Only 337 feet differential? Oh dear...
So maybe you shouldn't say "down by the river"....maybe "horizontally over there, by the river" is more accurate?
:lol:

[bmhana]

Uh-huh...
You don't have any ALTs near-by, do you?


No ALTs, but there is a crazy guy who rides up and down the road every morning on his bicycle flapping his arms up and down and squawking like a chicken.
Do you think he could have had something to do with it?

[skygod44]

...No ALTs, but there is a crazy guy who rides up and down the road every morning on his bicycle flapping his arms up and down and squawking like a chicken.
Do you think he could have had something to do with it?

Hmmm, maybe ;)

We've got a guy here who walks up and down the road near his house yelling and clapping at cars that go by. But get this.....only if the cars are white!

It really is a crazy place this! But I love it... :D

[Karl Johnston]

I would do it but im afraid of getting rob... :(

Fear is the mind killer, friend, beat the fear.

[skygod44]

Fear is the mind killer, friend, beat the fear.

Honestly, I don't want anyone to risk getting beat, for the sake of a photo!

Mind you, the days are getting longer....so maybe it is time for Gab1707 to get out there (walking or cycling) and take a snap or two!
:D

[Erich in Az]

This was at a local mountain biking area. I had to hike a mile or so each way to get these, so it should count ;)

http://www.gilaphotos.com/galleries/v2/landscape/photos/A_IMG_8726.jpg

http://www.gilaphotos.com/galleries/v2/landscape/photos/S_IMG_9527.jpg

[Stealthy Ninja]

I had to walk down a mountain to get this shot. Was it worth it?

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=350916&stc=1&d=1237524114

[tonylong]

I had to walk down a mountain to get this shot. Was it worth it?

Heh! That was a pretty stealthy hike to catch that dog off-guard like that! Was it worth it? I mean to get a shot of a dogs butt? Of course! How can you ask that:)?!

[sally_tomato]

Yep. It's a cracking shot isn't it. I'd suggest that the "thing" about it is that the sky is so dark while the vapour-trails are so white. Probably due to the time the shot was taken and the relative position of the sun....but it ain't my pic :(, so I'm guessing...

thanks Gator & Skygod!! the sky was a perfect, limpid blue. pretty much high noon. the original was very flat, with contrails almost transparent. i had to seriously tweak the curves & contrast in PS to get it to look like that.

[sally_tomato]

St. Barak, March 13, 2009
There are SO many images of President Obama everywhere in San Francisco and Berkeley, but this one, in a storefront in Noe Valley, sort of sums it up, current headlines notwithstanding.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3371436048_71e863df07.jpg
1/250 at f/4 ISO 100, with nifty fifty.

Special Order, March 13, 2009
The card on top of the pillar candle reads: "Barak Obama, Giant Pillar Candle, $395 dollars, Special Order, 3-Day Delivery." I wonder if that's tax free...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3371435884_db85718a90.jpg
1/1250 at f/2 ISO 100, with nifty fifty.

full disclosure: although i did walk quite a ways to get there, I also used the train...public transit...I hope that's OK!

[JhnRX7]

Took a walk into the city today. Got a couple of shots in Rittenhouse Square Park with my new 135L

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3432/3371671988_09f5354883.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28796593@N05/3371671988/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/3371696668_e44a9a2ce0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28796593@N05/3371696668/)

[bmhana]

Cool! The only squirrels over here are in zoos, and that doesn't seem quite right somehow!

Here are a couple of shots from a small wood just up the road from my house.
The wood is mainly bamboo, and as it's on a hill, the wind gets quite strong.
When the wind blows, the bamboo creaks and groans, and at night it's really creepy.
(I should make it clear that I don't generally hang around in the woods at night - it's a shortcut to the track where I usually go jogging!!)

[Cruisn]

I like those photos, very nice

[Cruisn]

Well, last week I got a chance to go out and get a few shots. lol. I always pick the cold days, -20c with windchill. lol.

there is this valley by nisku. very steep walk down. lol. more like slide on your ass and hope you dont wreck the camera.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/pinetreeclosemark.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/lookinupmarked.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/cruisn/holeytreemarked.jpg

[monty28428]

I do this every weekend (weather permitting!) -- 5 miles up and down the beach.

Here's one from Fort Fisher - these were put in place during the civil war to protect the fort (which is now nothing but mounds)

[monty28428]

This is the Basin Trail which is also part of the Fort Fisher recreational area

[skygod44]

Blimmey! What an awesome run of posts! Better get into "thanks mode!"
This was at a local mountain biking area. I had to hike a mile or so each way to get these, so it should count ;)

Hi Erich and welcome to the fun of using man-power to get somewhere worthy of a photo! And thanks for posting great shots. I really love the sun coming through the first cactus. Keep 'em coming!
I had to walk down a mountain to get this shot. Was it worth it?
Ninj' mate! ANYTHING from you is worth it! Please keep getting out there on foot or bicycle and adding to the concept :D
St. Barak, March 13, 2009....full disclosure: although i did walk quite a ways to get there, I also used the train...public transit...I hope that's OK!
Sally....Sally...........Sally. What can I say? Great pics, but you're gonna get your bottom spanked for breaking the rules. NO ENGINES ALLOWED!
;)
Took a walk into the city today. Got a couple of shots in Rittenhouse Square Park with my new 135L

Oh man! That lens is soooooo on my wishlist. But it's been that way for about 8 months now :( Thanks for adding, and feeding my lust for that lens. Everything I see taken with it makes me want to lick my screen!
[Eeeuuuugh!!! <-- thought I'd do that before anyone else gets the chance!]
Well, last week I got a chance to go out and get a few shots. lol. I always pick the cold days, -20c with windchill. there is this valley by nisku. very steep walk down. lol. more like slide on your ass and hope you dont wreck the camera.
Yippeeee! Cruisn....you made it! :D
I must say, the effort was SO worth it! Stunning shots. Even though I was sweating in a T-shirt here in Japan today, your pics are putting me back in the deep-freeze! Excellent stuff!
....Here's one from Fort Fisher - these were put in place during the civil war to protect the fort (which is now nothing but mounds)
Wow! Love that effect with the sea. Quite superb! Thanks for adding, and thanks for walking!
This is the Basin Trail which is also part of the Fort Fisher recreational area
Hi Monty and thanks for adding. I love your use of perspective in that shot. And the colours are, IMO, spot on! Please keep walking, snapping, and adding!

[skygod44]

Cool! The only squirrels over here are in zoos, and that doesn't seem quite right somehow! Here are a couple of shots from a small wood just up the road from my house. The wood is mainly bamboo, and as it's on a hill, the wind gets quite strong. When the wind blows, the bamboo creaks and groans, and at night it's really creepy. (I should make it clear that I don't generally hang around in the woods at night - it's a shortcut to the track where I usually go jogging!!)

Ooops! Nearly forgot (as I got a message to reply to) to give a special thanks to you B, for your latest. Slightly worried that you're not actually well enough to be going out much at the moment, but thanks for adding a beautiful shot.
:D

[bmhana]

Ooops! Nearly forgot (as I got a message to reply to) to give a special thanks to you B, for your latest. Slightly worried that you're not actually well enough to be going out much at the moment, but thanks for adding a beautiful shot.
:D
Cheers!
Still a bit rough, but hopefully on the mend!

[skygod44]

Cheers!
Still a bit rough, but hopefully on the mend!

No worries B. At least we've got cherry-blossoms coming up to full bloom now...that'll help you get back to health.
Oh, and guess who has tomorrow and Wednesday off work??!?!
:D:D:D

[Cruisn]

No worries B. At least we've got cherry-blossoms coming up to full bloom now...that'll help you get back to health.
Oh, and guess who has tomorrow and Wednesday off work??!?!
:D:D:D

you must take pictures of the blossums for sure!!!

just waiting for the sun to set right now. might luck out. LOL

[skygod44]

you must take pictures of the blossums for sure!!!
just waiting for the sun to set right now. might luck out. LOL

That's a guarantee! And I'm off work tomorrow and Wednesday so fully intend getting out, especially along the rivers in the city which have cherry trees all along their banks!

Will post up in the next few days :D

[sally_tomato]

This is the Basin Trail which is also part of the Fort Fisher recreational area

love the image of the boardwalk! thanks for sharing


skygod, as for "no engines" -- public transit deserves encouragement, right??

[randerson07]

Lots of good stuff here, and a wonderful thread.

Had to walk at least a mile from my car to get this one
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3432/3367409083_9bb15f95ac.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/randerson07/3367409083/)
Its a Forest preserve which I sort of got lost in while walking my dogs...Fun Times.

This is almost exactly 1 mile from my door step. Its on the site of where an old farm house used to be, well at least I assume it was a farm house since its in the middle of a corn field.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3365702050_d7737bfd74.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/randerson07/3365702050/)

[skygod44]

love the image of the boardwalk! thanks for sharing
skygod, as for "no engines" -- public transit deserves encouragement, right??
Oh, you are so looking to get in trouble! That's it! Detention after school for you ;)
Seriously though, of course, public transport needs encouragement. I fully agree with you there. But the point of walking/cycling a "mile" is that I truly believe too many guys 'n' girls on POTN are missing out on stuff that's "just around the corner" and yet when viewed with a more trained eye, will result in some fantastic photos.
Lots of good stuff here, and a wonderful thread.
Had to walk at least a mile from my car to get this one
Its a Forest preserve which I sort of got lost in while walking my dogs...Fun Times.
This is almost exactly 1 mile from my door step. Its on the site of where an old farm house used to be, well at least I assume it was a farm house since its in the middle of a corn field.

Hi Randerson07! Pic #2 I love! It's simple and yet tells a story....
BUT pic #1 is a no no!!! Why? Because you drove to get there. I'm trying to encourage peeps to NOT use their cars, while looking with a photographer's eye at the things they might pass every day on the street, without realising what a great photo opportunity we all have on our doorsteps....

Now, go to it my good man, and get me some LOCAL shots, where you've had to leave your car-keys at home!
:D

[Josue DG]

Great idea! But Im thinking I would most likely do this with my point-and-shoot.

[TristanCardew]

I came up with an idea to shoot near my place yesterday, but didn't. Finding this thread has promoted me to go do it.

But first I have to wait for the sun to go down a little more (it's 2:30pm in Sydney at the moment)...i'll shoot it at 5 or so.

And then i'll edit this post and include the photo...:D

[bmhana]

That's a guarantee! And I'm off work tomorrow and Wednesday so fully intend getting out, especially along the rivers in the city which have cherry trees all along their banks!

Will post up in the next few days :D
Well, I didn't have time to get to all the "popular" cherry blossom viewing sites which would probably have been nicer, but I did get a couple of shots from near here, although I'm sure they won't match yours!!
Anyway I've done very little PP here due to lack of time today, but I thought I'd post them up anyway.

[bmhana]

Um.. should probably have gotten rid of those pesky signs!
Oh well, no time now....

[Stealthy Ninja]

Heh! That was a pretty stealthy hike to catch that dog off-guard like that! Was it worth it? I mean to get a shot of a dogs butt? Of course! How can you ask that:)?!

Not sure... ask Slowblink ;)

Thing is just as soon as I took the shot, the dog turned around and chased me back up the mountain. Finally getting to the top, I knew it had me cornered. Terrified I stood to take my fated punishment. The dog came up to me, bearing its terrible teeth, it nudged me aggressively with his nose. "Tag! You're it" it barked as it raced off down the mountain.

It was then I noticed this dog is a real bitch*.




* female dog that is.

[skygod44]

Great idea! But Im thinking I would most likely do this with my point-and-shoot.
I have no problems with that Josue DG!
Walk a mile(+) and "point-and-shoot" all you like! :D

[skygod44]

I came up with an idea to shoot near my place yesterday, but didn't. Finding this thread has promoted me to go do it. But first I have to wait for the sun to go down a little more (it's 2:30pm in Sydney at the moment)...i'll shoot it at 5 or so. And then i'll edit this post and include the photo...:D
Fab! Can't wait, matey!!!
....I did get a couple of shots from near here [of cherry blossoms]...done very little PP...due to lack of time today....Um.. should probably have gotten rid of those pesky signs! Oh well, no time now....
Hey there B, great shots! Love 'em. Those signs are, I think, indicative of how our wonderful hosts don't really "see" what they're putting signs in-front of....which simply adds to the hilarity of living here. And I'm off out tomorrow with a tog friend of mine, so fingers-crossed the weather holds like today, and I'll post tomorrow.
Not sure... ask Slowblink ;)
Thing is just as soon as I took the shot, the dog turned around and chased me back up the mountain. Finally getting to the top, I knew it had me cornered. Terrified I stood to take my fated punishment. The dog came up to me, bearing its terrible teeth, it nudged me aggressively with his nose. "Tag! You're it" it barked as it raced off down the mountain. It was then I noticed this dog is a real bitch*.
* female dog that is.
Ninj'-mate. I'm wondering if I shouldn't come over there and "Section" you? Are you sure you're ok? I mean, everybody knows dogs prefer hide 'n' seek, to "tag".

[tonylong]

Skygod, a few days ago I actually walked away from my place with some semblance of walking somewhere in the vicinity of, well, some kind of mile, but then I started taking pictures with my 5D and 100 Macro lens. Then, my tripod lept out and pinched me and my finger began bleeding, which made my camera, lens, and tripod not very attractive, not to mention the ground, so I wrapped it up and limped back home, so no pictures from a mile away.

Here's a little spring growth, though, basking in the sunshine, that was less than a mile away:

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/110432787/original.jpg

[skygod44]

Skygod, a few days ago I actually walked away from my place with some semblance of walking somewhere in the vicinity of, well, some kind of mile....Then, my tripod lept out and...my finger began bleeding, which made my camera, lens, and tripod not very attractive, not to mention the ground, so I wrapped it up and limped back home, so no pictures from a mile away. Here's a little spring growth, though, basking in the sunshine, that was less than a mile away:


Tony.
Dear Tony....
I can't tell you the depths of the guilt I now feel for being indirectly responsible for you losing blood from your wound.
The stuff of life....gone....
And all for the sake of not managing to get a photo from "around" a mile away. Not even an accidental snapshot, as you bravely hung on to your beloved 5D while crimson rivulets cascaded from your quivering hand onto the dusty earth below you.......

I am undone.
:(

Or......

Maybe I should just say, "What are you? A big girlie wuss, or something?!?!?!"
Pull yer-self together! Are you a man or a mouse?!??! Now, bind that paper-cut, strap your tripod properly to your backpack, and get out there again!

btw, LOVE the shot you did post.....
Can't wait to see something more.
Skygod
;)

[Stealthy Ninja]

Ninj'-mate. I'm wondering if I shouldn't come over there and "Section" you? Are you sure you're ok? I mean, everybody knows dogs prefer hide 'n' seek, to "tag".

I hear they like to play "hide the bone" but I'm not sure what that means... :shock:

[Cruisn]

I didnt walk far.. but I spent a lot fo time outside...
star trails, this was about 200 photos combined.
18mm
3.5 f stop
30 second aperature
iso 400

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

[bmhana]

That's cool!

[skygod44]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I agree! Very cool!


I hear they like to play "hide the bone" but I'm not sure what that means... :shock:
Yeah...that term is a little confusing, isn't it?
I mean, "bone" does sound a lot like how someone would say, if they had a really bad cold, the word "phone"...and what a fun game that would be - "Hide the Phone!"
;)
I didnt walk far.. but I spent a lot fo time outside...
star trails, this was about 200 photos combined.
18mm
3.5 f stop
30 second aperature
iso 400


As I said above, agreeing with BMHANA, that's a cool photo and utterly worthy as an addition, even if you didn't walk that far!

Keep 'em coming.
:D

[skygod44]

Time for another entry from me!

Went out for a bike-ride around the edge of the city with a Japanese friend and caught these.
The first one is along the river (complete with concrete riverbanks!) and shows how the cherry blossoms are not out yet, dammit!
The second one was in a greenhouse. Yes, they have those here, but I'd NEVER venture inside in summer as I'd be dead in about 30 seconds flat!
For technical-types, first shot was with 50mm f/1.4, second one the 100mm macro.

[Cruisn]

Stunning!!! we got snow like 2 days ago.. lol. gonna be a while for me yet...

[skygod44]

Stunning!!! we got snow like 2 days ago.. lol. gonna be a while for me yet...

SNOW!?!??!? Wow! I'm in a T-shirt right now.
Glad you like the pics though. Gimme a few more days until the blossoms are fully out and I'll get out again for a bike-ride :D
Probably in shorts this time!!!
;)

[Cruisn]

SNOW!?!??!? Wow! I'm in a T-shirt right now.
Glad you like the pics though. Gimme a few more days until the blossoms are fully out and I'll get out again for a bike-ride :D
Probably in shorts this time!!!
;)

oh its only -2c here. lol. thin long sleeves to work in outside. lol. actually I was going outsdie to work cause it was colder than inside so I didnt overheat

[skygod44]

oh its only -2c here. lol. thin long sleeves to work in outside. lol. actually I was going outsdie to work cause it was colder than inside so I didnt overheat
:lol::lol::lol:
Well, I wasn't gonna post this up as it's crammed full of horrid cloning (due the Japanese inability to keep vending machines out of sight, random blocks of concrete off the streets, and the depressed look on the bride's face!).
But since you're obviously not missing warmth, I won't feel guilty posting it!
:D

[bmhana]

:lol::lol::lol:
Well, I wasn't gonna post this up as it's crammed full of horrid cloning (due the Japanese inability to keep vending machines out of sight, random blocks of concrete off the streets, and the depressed look on the bride's face!).
But since you're obviously not missing warmth, I won't feel guilty posting it!
:D
Yup - I seem to be having the same problem.
I got yelled at earlier for moving a traffic cone which seemed to be randomly sitting at the bottom of a cherry blossom tree.
I thought it had just been left there, but a little workman with those funny wide trousers on came out of nowhere and had a go at me!
Oh well....
I'll try again this weekend!

[JusCallmeLOLA]

wow these are really great pictures and what a great idea! i'm pretty new at photography (mostly went shooting with a friend taking pics around the city or took pictures with my reg digi cam) I can only hope to be as good as you guys some day.

[skygod44]

Yup - I seem to be having the same problem.
I got yelled at earlier for moving a traffic cone which seemed to be randomly sitting at the bottom of a cherry blossom tree.
I thought it had just been left there, but a little workman with those funny wide trousers on came out of nowhere and had a go at me!
Oh well....
I'll try again this weekend!
:lol::lol::lol: Actually, I wonder where they get those trousers from? Maybe, if I get a pair, I could look more "Japanesey" and take pics without being noticed so much.
wow these are really great pictures and what a great idea! i'm pretty new at photography (mostly went shooting with a friend taking pics around the city or took pictures with my reg digi cam) I can only hope to be as good as you guys some day.
Glad you like the idea....I hope to see some of your pics soon as you can get out again for a walk/cycle! But, no engine-powered trips allowed!!!
:D

[danmix]

I walk about a mile to work every day, and usually have my camera. Also spend most of the weekend walking somewhere

[bmhana]

I walk about a mile to work every day, and usually have my camera. Also spend most of the weekend walking somewhere
I'd walk everywhere, too, if I had sky like that!
Awesome!

[bmhana]

Time for another entry from me!

Went out for a bike-ride around the edge of the city with a Japanese friend and caught these.
The first one is along the river (complete with concrete riverbanks!) and shows how the cherry blossoms are not out yet, dammit!
The second one was in a greenhouse. Yes, they have those here, but I'd NEVER venture inside in summer as I'd be dead in about 30 seconds flat!
For technical-types, first shot was with 50mm f/1.4, second one the 100mm macro.
Forgot to compliment you on these!!
Makes me want to go out and get a macro, but alas, I'm still waiting for a 10-22mm!!

[skygod44]

I walk about a mile to work every day, and usually have my camera. Also spend most of the weekend walking somewhere
You know, the moment I scrolled down and saw that building in pic #1, I knew you had to be in Sydney! Isn't it some kind of special "Sydney" sandstone? Or something like that....simply beautiful! I just hope they can dig up some more to repair the damage I read about.
Forgot to compliment you on these!!
Makes me want to go out and get a macro, but alas, I'm still waiting for a 10-22mm!!
Thanks for the compliment B. And don't worry about the macro.
"It'll come when you are ready to use it, young padawan..."
;)

[danmix]

Sydney it is! That building is the Museum of Contemporary Art down by the harbour. built in 1952. It was an old Govt building. Sandstone is a fantastic building material the best insulator around - and takes great pictures... Lucked out with the sky though it was just as a front was coming through and only had the time for a couple of shots.

Dan

[skygod44]

Sydney it is! That building is the Museum of Contemporary Art down by the harbour. built in 1952. It was an old Govt building. Sandstone is a fantastic building material the best insulator around - and takes great pictures... Lucked out with the sky though it was just as a front was coming through and only had the time for a couple of shots.
Dan

Hey Dan, great to read that you'd snapped at just the right moment to get that sky! Beautiful!

And here's another from me of a shrine about 2km from my office.
Enjoy......(as it took me a flippin' age to do all the cloning of the cables that my beloved host nation still don't realise are damn ugly!!!)

[danmix]

great shot - I don't have the patience for cloning.

THis one is about 600m from home on the way out from the train station. A quick shot before a storm, the house is one of my favorites and the clouds are amazing. Shame I only had a kit lens with me....

[bmhana]

Hey Dan, great to read that you'd snapped at just the right moment to get that sky! Beautiful!

And here's another from me of a shrine about 2km from my office.
Enjoy......(as it took me a flippin' age to do all the cloning of the cables that my beloved host nation still don't realise are damn ugly!!!)
Great!
I really like shots like this where the sakura extend all the way back along the road!
I took a couple of similar shots yesterday near Kumamoto castle, but haven't had time to do the cloning yet. There were so many people around having hanami parties that it was really difficult to find anywhere decent. I got there at 8am, and they were there with these great big picnic blankets even before I turned up. Wonder if they camped all night??!!

[skygod44]

great shot - I don't have the patience for cloning.
THis one is about 600m from home on the way out from the train station. A quick shot before a storm, the house is one of my favorites and the clouds are amazing. Shame I only had a kit lens with me....
Thanks for the compliment, and I have to say, I love those clouds! As to cloning, I use a tablet and pen. In fact, I've not even owned a mouse for my computer for about 2 years. That started out due to pain in my wrist and arm, probably due to the crap position a mouse puts your hand into, but with a pen and tablet, that all went away in about 2 weeks! But then, the joy of having a "free hand" came back, wherein I can literally write, paint, sketch, whatever. So with cloning, using the pen and tablet is incredibly fast compared to using a mouse. I highly recommend looking into it, for your wrist's longterm health, if nothing else.
Great!
I really like shots like this where the sakura extend all the way back along the road! I took a couple of similar shots yesterday near Kumamoto castle, but haven't had time to do the cloning yet. There were so many people around having hanami parties that it was really difficult to find anywhere decent. I got there at 8am, and they were there with these great big picnic blankets even before I turned up. Wonder if they camped all night??!!
Glad you like the shot B. I know what you mean about the "picnic people" on their giant blue sheets. A real eyesore. But in fact, in my shot, the cloning was due to cables, road signs and concrete telegraph poles. I soooo wish these guys would think before putting up anything.
:confused:

[bmhana]

Thanks for the compliment, and I have to say, I love those clouds! As to cloning, I use a tablet and pen. In fact, I've not even owned a mouse for my computer for about 2 years. That started out due to pain in my wrist and arm, probably due to the crap position a mouse puts your hand into, but with a pen and tablet, that all went away in about 2 weeks! But then, the joy of having a "free hand" came back, wherein I can literally write, paint, sketch, whatever. So with cloning, using the pen and tablet is incredibly fast compared to using a mouse. I highly recommend looking into it, for your wrist's longterm health, if nothing else.

Glad you like the shot B. I know what you mean about the "picnic people" on their giant blue sheets. A real eyesore. But in fact, in my shot, the cloning was due to cables, road signs and concrete telegraph poles. I soooo wish these guys would think before putting up anything.
:confused:
Especially pachinko parlors!
Those things are horrible looking places!!

[pantherphotos]

Really? You're serious aren't you. That's terrible.
Here in summer, people pop out to convenience stores in their cars - too hot to walk! - go into the store leaving their car outside, keys in the ignition, engine running (to keep the aircon on, and the car cool - of course!) and then, up to 45 minutes later (from my observations) they emerge and get back into their cars...which haven't moved an inch!

I just started reading this thread.

This is exactly how it was when I lived in Misawa, in Aomori Prefecture. They would run into a store, come out an hour or more later and had left their car running to keep the heat/AC on.

It simply amazed me, especially being from the Metro Detroit area. No one would ever think of doing that where I grew up. I don't think many Japanese lock the doors on their houses either. I had never lived in a place where I felt so safe and welcome.

Oh, how I miss Japan. Oh well, small-town Montana is a pretty awesome place to live also!

[pantherphotos]

Nope. Only made it "into" Kumamoto twice. First time we got lost (no map!) and the second time was for a planned hotel stay/onsen/basashi fest/volcano trip/-->home!

Ok, now y'all are really making me miss Japan! UUGGGGHHHH!

[pantherphotos]

I took a walk last week and here are some pics I took.

#1 - An old lumberyard on the edge of town. There are a ton of old buildings and homesteads out of town and in the mountains

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3401164217_b7cfc2a684_b.jpg

#2 - An abandoned piece of farm equipment. I like how the red color stood out against all the brown in the background and around it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3398315079_30ed5df1ee_b.jpg

#3 - A local resident

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3419/3398299183_9c8d27b09c_b.jpg

#4

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3294388047_5e1a700e2f.jpg

#5 - I can't wait for spring, when everything greens up!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3539/3398325849_d83ff4187c_b.jpg

[bmhana]

I just started reading this thread.

This is exactly how it was when I lived in Misawa, in Aomori Prefecture. They would run into a store, come out an hour or more later and had left their car running to keep the heat/AC on.

It simply amazed me, especially being from the Metro Detroit area. No one would ever think of doing that where I grew up. I don't think many Japanese lock the doors on their houses either. I had never lived in a place where I felt so safe and welcome.

Oh, how I miss Japan. Oh well, small-town Montana is a pretty awesome place to live also!
You're right, of course.
Japan does have its faults, but name me a place that doesn't!!
Overall, it is very safe and welcoming, not to mention beautiful.
Montana looks awesome, too, and judging from your shots, it must look incredible when it turns green!!

[skygod44]

I took a walk last week and here are some pics I took

Hey there PantherPhotos - thanks for adding some really interesting pics from Montana, and for getting "into the spirit" of the thread idea.
And thanks for the comments about Japan, too. Yep, it's quite a place, and as you can see from various posts from me and others (including bmhana, of course) it's not changed regarding the "safe as houses" feel to the place.
You're right, of course.
Japan does have its faults, but name me a place that doesn't!!
Overall, it is very safe and welcoming, not to mention beautiful.
Montana looks awesome, too, and judging from your shots, it must look incredible when it turns green!!
Hey B....good to see you joining in the conversations!!!
Clearly, as you said, Japan is still incredibly safe. Did you read the comment from a POTN member in Detroit? They said they shouldn't add to the thread, because if they walked from their home carrying photo gear, they'd not make it back with anything left but a camera strap!
Oh how I don't miss living somewhere even remotely like that! Just wish the people responsible for that kind of fear would get a proper job and some respect for those around them - as well as themselves, of course!
[Here ends the 7th lesson on life, from the Skygod ;)]

[bmhana]

Yeah - I read that, It's such a shame!
Although I don't think that some places in London are that far off it!
The amazingly secure feeling I have living here is one of the reasons we came back to Japan.
There is crime, but it tends to be of a rather bizarre nature that somehow doesn't seem to be so close to home.
Unless you count the pachinko parlors that is.....

[joayne]

A walk from my house to a neighboring wash to look at the wildflower bloom here in the desert. Most of these little flowers are the size of a penny or less. Some you just walk right over unless you know what you are looking for:


354102



354103

[Smad728]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3405402882_73bf12f91a.jpg?v=0

[skygod44]

Yeah - I read that, It's such a shame!
Although I don't think that some places in London are that far off it!
The amazingly secure feeling I have living here is one of the reasons we came back to Japan.
There is crime, but it tends to be of a rather bizarre nature that somehow doesn't seem to be so close to home.
Unless you count the pachinko parlors that is.....
You know something? I actually think Pachinko Parlours are proof that crime does pay!
A walk from my house to a neighboring wash to look at the wildflower bloom here in the desert. Most of these little flowers are the size of a penny or less. Some you just walk right over unless you know what you are looking for:
Wow! Those are simply beautiful! Thanks for posting and not walking all over them!
[pic of a door]
Hey there Smad! Need some info'!!!! That's far too interesting a shot to keep us all wondering what/where/why/etc.
:D

[Smad728]

Hey there Smad! Need some info'!!!! That's far too interesting a shot to keep us all wondering what/where/why/etc.
:D

Aha Okay sure. Well it's in my town. It was a small prison during the Revolutionary War..where they kept/held the captured American Soldiers there. Enoch Crosby had escaped from the prison during the war. very pretty/old feeling and look inside. I'll have to take some inside shots sometime. :cool:

It's in the town of Fishkill, New York. About an hour and 15 minutes outside of the City.

[skygod44]

Aha Okay sure. Well it's in my town. It was a small prison during the Revolutionary War..where they kept/held the captured American Soldiers there. Enoch Crosby had escaped from the prison during the war. very pretty/old feeling and look inside. I'll have to take some inside shots sometime. :cool:

It's in the town of Fishkill, New York. About an hour and 15 minutes outside of the City.

Excellent update! Thanks for that. I really like it how we can share places around the world that are, in fact, easily accessible from where we all live.

Thanks for the info'
:D

[Smad728]

Anytimee.

[Cruisn]

I will be heading out for a walk tomorrow. will be a beautiful +3 or so

[skygod44]

I will be heading out for a walk tomorrow. will be a beautiful +3 or so

YAY!

I'll check out what you take later in the week, especially as the rainy-season seems to have come early here!
:(

[bmhana]

YAY!

I'll check out what you take later in the week, especially as the rainy-season seems to have come early here!
:(
Ahh!!
I thought so, too, but it turned out to be a beautiful day here today!!

[skygod44]

Ahh!!
I thought so, too, but it turned out to be a beautiful day here today!!

Yep, but you reminded me I found a small shrine on Thursday near my office which might be worth adding...

どう思う？

[Cruisn]

love the dragon. its looks so beautiful there

[KSG Photography]

What a great idea! Here are a couple I took last year about 1 1/2 miles from where I live. I walk this area very morning with my dogs for 1 1/2 - 2hrs and the first shot (taken on my G9 when out for a walk) is taken about 500yds from where I scattered my old dogs ashes a couple of weeks ago.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v430/mistwalker/IMG_2982.jpg

The second shot was taken a few weeks later after seeing three Roe deer in the same area . I saw them and after a long stalk (keeping the dogs under control - a bit of a challenge as they are lurchers - greyhound type hunting dogs) I put the dogs into a down (lying) position and finished the last 50 or 60 yds on my hands and knees alone to capture this shot as they bolted for the woods. 30D with 70-200 2.8.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v430/mistwalker/_MG_96112-1.jpg

However, now I've seen this thread I guess I'll have to broaden my horizons a bit.

[kisseer]

I took my children for a walk in our woods today.

We found signs of Spring.

[skygod44]

love the dragon. its looks so beautiful there
Glad you liked it - that's where people wash their hands and mouth before going up to the shrine itself - all very Shinto.
What a great idea! Here are a couple I took last year... about 500yds from where I scattered my old dogs ashes....
That got me welling up....I miss my dogs so much. :(
The second shot was taken a few weeks later after seeing three Roe deer in the same area...However, now I've seen this thread I guess I'll have to broaden my horizons a bit.
Excellent bit of tracking there! Love the story to go along with the picture, and please do add more - we need to encourage our American cousins to get out of their cars and on foot, photographing all the way!!!
I took my children for a walk in our woods today.
We found signs of Spring.
Beautiful! What a lovely pic. I think you've done really well considering the possible issue with contrast.
:D

[bmhana]

Yep, but you reminded me I found a small shrine on Thursday near my office which might be worth adding...

どう思う？
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!

[bmhana]

I took my children for a walk in our woods today.

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

[bmhana]

What a great idea! Here are a couple I took last year about 1 1/2 miles from where I live. I walk this area very morning with my dogs for 1 1/2 - 2hrs and the first shot (taken on my G9 when out for a walk) is taken about 500yds from where I scattered my old dogs ashes a couple of weeks ago.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v430/mistwalker/IMG_2982.jpg

The second shot was taken a few weeks later after seeing three Roe deer in the same area . I saw them and after a long stalk (keeping the dogs under control - a bit of a challenge as they are lurchers - greyhound type hunting dogs) I put the dogs into a down (lying) position and finished the last 50 or 60 yds on my hands and knees alone to capture this shot as they bolted for the woods. 30D with 70-200 2.8.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v430/mistwalker/_MG_96112-1.jpg

However, now I've seen this thread I guess I'll have to broaden my horizons a bit.
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?