Sometimes we look at sights in nature but don't really see. While hiking in the woods the other day, it became a realization that we need to open our heart and eyes to see the beauty of the simple things in nature with each season. There is so much order and purpose in His creation. God has given us awesome beauty in this world to see and enjoy... if we would but stop to see and feel it. Join us as this blog is about stopping to see the real beauty around us...to touch and feel it... "Through the Lens".

Our Friends

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

A Photographic Day in the Country

                                                                        DSC_3280We took Tuesday off and headed for the country. Now that sounds a little strange since, for all practical purposes, we are in the country. We originally had planned a short hike on one of the many trails in FDR park but since the weather was hot and humid we decided to take the day and do some casual driving through some nice country property in Harris County.                                                     DSC_3219

I have a Nikon D60 that we purchased as soon as we knew for sure we would be full-timing. As with most things the more you use something and experiment with it the better you get, so we decided to make this trip a photo practice shoot as well as an enjoyable getaway from the campground.                  DSC_3269                                       DSC_3270 There are several horse farms in this area and just a few miles south of Pine Mountain there is a very large equestrian facility that hosts several horse shows during the year. This facility is complete with horse stalls and practice rings. I am sure you can board your horse there as well as learn to ride. Callaway Gardens/Resort hosts a Steeple Chase each year the first weekend in November. So, this area is quite large in horse related activities.                DSC_3260 DSC_3281              Along with the Nikon D60 I also purchased a couple of additional lenses. I have the basic 15-55mm lens and also purchased a 55-200 zoom lens. I purchased one more lens for the camera and it is a 100-500 zoom lens. Obviously, when I use the big zoom lens, a tripod is a must to use for stabilization. I am still learning about the camera and lenses, so each outing is a learning experience for me. Photography is so fun and with digital, you get immediate results. Gerri has a Sony DSC-H1 point and shoot, and she really likes it. It has a 12X zoom lens, and is a very good camera with very good picture colors. When we are just out and about, it is the perfect camera. Gerri does a really good job with that camera and her pics turn out very good.                                                 DSC_3277DSC_3276

So today was picture and country road trip day!  Thanks for stopping by and reading about our day.

18 comments:

  1. Great pictures, Mike! It's so fun to practice our photography while we are out and about. Thanks for sharing your day with us.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great pictures, Mike. Looks like you're really getting the hang of that new camera. Photography is one of the really big benefits I find in blogging. Before writing a blog, I rarely used my camera even though I always like taking pictures. Now, I shoot some pics almost every day and have rediscovered a great hobby!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You've done real well getting acquainted with your camera. The pics today were beautiful as usual. Loved the first one especially with the peeling paint wooden fence. Great.

    Enjoy the rest of your week you two!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love your blog, y'all! Can't wait to read more and view more of your beautiful photos.
    Blessings,
    Kathy and Robert
    http://seashellsandoveralls.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. great photos..thanks for sharing them..so nice and green and I love the country roads..you just never know what you will find!!..always a picture taking opportunity around the next bend!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Awesome job on your photographs. We have the Nikon D90 and absolutely love it.

    The first photograph really speaks to me.

    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  7. Those are some really great pictures. I have a Nikon D50 and I just love it. I really enjoy taking pictures when we travel.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love the horses! The countryside is so green and lush...thanks for sharing your day!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great shots Mike, since I got my Canon I don't miss lugging the camera bags with two Pentaxs and three lenses around, but for a serious photographer that kind of equipment is essential, I have found that the zoom I have now which is optical and then boosted by a digital zoom is adequate for the pictures I am taking , even the train shots.Can't wait to see what pictures present themselves on the upcoming vacation. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Can't wait to see some shots with the 500mm. I'm thinking that would be great for bird shots. :) You are right, the more you use the camera, the better you get!

    ReplyDelete
  11. As a horse lover (and former owner) great shots there.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Practice makes perfect! Those pictures were really beautiful today. I particularly liked the first 3. You should go on photo drives more often.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great Photos...... I particuarly love the horses. Your camera does great!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great pictures, My favorite of these is of the fence. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  15. Mike and Gerri:
    We do not know Don and Gloria, but will keep and eye out for them and say Hi for you if we run across them.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I agree the fence post is amazing! Great job on all of them. Might have to seriously consider an upgrade instead of the point & shoot, LOL!

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  17. When I needed a new camera, I gave a bit of thought to a digital SLR and different lenses, but in the end I settled for high end Canon with one lens.

    Your pictures are reflective of the quality of the camera and the patience of the person pushing the shutter release.

    More, please.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking your time to read our blog and to share with us your thoughts and comments. We really do appreciate hearing from you.