Saturday, September 20, 2008

To the Adelaide Zoo with Claire


This is a test of Windows Live Writer to my Blog site. I'm not sure what it adds in value but considering the price it's worth a try.

Today while Alex is with his Youth Group friends, Claire and I decided to go to the Zoo to get out of the house at least for just for a little.

Although the day was cool, a bit windy and often overcast I did manage to have a go with the D200 and the 70-200 (love that lens). There is one "problem" with this camera. It is that the shots always look ok on the LCD on the back of the cam however they sometimes disappoint when looking at the shots on my monitor when I get home. The disappointment comes when the shots are really too shallow in depth of field or there has been some cam movement. Today was a classic at this. Because of the often overcast conditions I had the cam wide open and with too slow shutter resulting in images less than ideal. I should have taken the tripod I suppose. One learns which is the whole idea of these excursions for me.

For many of the shots I was surprised at the shallowness of the DOF. A bit of a bugger actually.

However I did manage to scrounge a few that are not too bad... I've uploaded them to my Flickr site so I'll have go with Live Writer to see if I can insert a couple here... nup. They don't link back to flickr or size too well so these two have been added while in Flickr. Bit of a pity.



Friday, September 05, 2008

Locks Well storm


Locks Well storm
Originally uploaded by Ngarkat
This shot will be shown on the Adelaide ABC news (weather segment) at 7:25pm Saturday 4th October.

Blanchtown Lock


Blanchtown Lock
Originally uploaded by Ngarkat
This shot will be shown on the Adelaide ABC news (weather segment) at 7:25 pm Wednesday 29th October.

Claire in her usual mood ... happy!

I know this is probably one of the greatest clichés that can only come from a parent. However I am truly one the luckiest Dad's in the world! Claire has an extraordinary sense of humour (with great timing) for her age (10). I must write down some of the lines she comes out with, things I would not have even dreamt of saying at that age.

She is very happy 99% of the time. Always active, always friendly. Arguably too grown up for her age.

To see her playing away, usually singing quietly to herself is one of life's greatest pleasures for me.

Claire trying hard ....


Claire trying hard ....
Originally uploaded by Ngarkat
Almost a great shot. If I keep on shooting I'll get "that" shot eventually.

Claire's team has been "promoted" up two divisions as they have been walloping their peers. They now play in a division with year five's which is proving to be a real challenge. They lost this match by just three goals. Not bad considering the age difference. The "Rose Park Ravens" really do have some great little players and the games are actually very good to watch.

Yaaaahooooo....


Yaaaahooooo....
Originally uploaded by Ngarkat
Yaaaahooooo....
Pic taken with my favorite lens, the 70-200 2.8 Nikkor. Cam on +1 over and still Alex is a tad dark.