Shot this a few weeks ago off the balcony of our hotel in Dayton Beach, Florida. The balcony was at an angle to the beach, and as I was about to click the shutter, I heard a noise behind me. I turned to see a lady in her nightgown on the balcony behind me trying to get a view with her camera. I snapped mine and retreated into the room.
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Shot with the Canon 1D MkIIN and 24-70 2.8L.
I am often asked what camera I recommend for the serious amateur. I always recommend Canon equipment because I think they’re just better cameras. I still own an old Nikon film camera, and it always did a good job for me. But when I decided to invest in a pro level camera, I looked at Nikon and Canon. The Canons just felt better ergonomically, the viewfinder is better, and the “L” series lenses just cannot be beat. The image quality is also superb.
So, for the serious amateur not wanting to invest $4,000 just in a camera body, I recommend the Canon Digital Rebel XSi body, and the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L zoom lens. This lens is pricey, but it is spectacular.
We celebrated Christmas Day with my side of the family at Dustin and Katie’s home south of Valdosta, GA. It was a rainy day, and I kept being drawn to the window and the landscape across the highway.
I finally went outside and grabbed a quick photo with the Canon 10D and 50mm f1.4 lens. The 10D is the older version of Canon’s new EOS 40D. This rural landscape, with the chilly rain descending upon the pine trees and cattle evokes almost a spiritual response–at least it does for me. Good to be able to go inside and enjoy the warmth of Christmas and a wonderful family!
The scene reminds me of the work of the great landscape painter, George Inness. Born in New York, Inness painted in many parts of the country and Europe, and a number of his paintings were of Georgia and Florida landscapes.
George Inness
Sunrise, 1887
George Inness
Georgia Pines Afternoon, 1886
George Inness
Moonlight Tarpon Springs Florida, 1892
Technorati Tags: Valdosta,Georgia,landscape photo,George Inness,Canon 10D,50mm f1.4 lens
Today is my brother’s birthday. He’s 35, the youngest of 3 children born to Robert and Geraldine Gandy. My sister Joy is next, and I’m the oldest weighing in at almost 49 years young.
This photo was taken by Julie, Jeffry’s wife, at St. Augustine beach while they were photographing Dustin and Katie’s wedding.
Jeffry usually shoots with that honkin’ Canon 70-200 2.8L lens. It’s big and heavy, but it’s one of the sharpest lenses I’ve seen. Plus, the bokeh is beautiful. Bokeh is a term for the aesthetic quality of out-of-focus areas of a photo.
Growing up, Jeffry was very enterprising. He was always fixing up an old bicycle or something to sell. Our dad would get so irritated because Jeffry would "borrow" his wrenches and not put them back in the right spot.
I always knew Jeffry would be successful. He turned out to be a well-rounded young man with a wonderful family of his own.
Happy Birthday!
Attended my nephew’s wedding in St. Augustine, FL. Doctor said travel is OK, but no flying yet. Obviously, Jeaneane did all the driving. The weather was a little chilly on Friday evening – OK is was downright cold – but it warmed up nicely on Saturday to about 70.
The ceremony was at 5:30 on the beach. It was great! I smiled and laughed so much at the reception that my mouth was killing me. I had to cruise back to our condo just before the karaoke started. Bummer. I heard my daughter Jessica and cousin Sherry rocked on I Feel Like a Woman. Not that I particularly like that song or anything. I’m just sayin’. Sorry I missed the karaoke.
Katie is one of the sweetest young ladies I have ever met. It’s official now. Welcome to the family! We’ll have to wait on the wedding photos. My brother and his wife shot the wedding. They’re professional photographers from Valdosta, GA and have been featured in major magazines, such as Grace Ormonde’s Wedding Style and Studio Photographer. They’re always booked months in advance, so it may be a little while before the photos are online. Check out their blog if you like great photography. By the way, I taught them everything they know about photography – well, maybe not everything – well, maybe just a little bit.
