Waterfront Gazebo in Gardendale, Alabama

Waterfront Gazebo in Gardendale, Alabama

The Darby Shakedown at Turkey Creek

As with taking photographs, so it is with shooting video - you can do a whole lot of it, but that doesn't mean most of it's going to be worth viewing. After a morning hiking at and playing in Turkey Creek at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson, here is all I have to offer from the video from that outing.

This and other photos and videos of Darby can be found here.

Arterial Mapping of the Veiny underside of a Zucchini Leaf

I have determined that fruits and vegetable gathering aside, the next best thing about growing a garden are the numerous photographic opportunities that would otherwise never have been available. Over the past three summers, numerous posts of insects, spiders, caterpillars, and various plants have surfaced on this blog, mostly as a result of my enjoyment of tomatoes and peppers and squash. Seen here is the veinous underside of a zucchini leaf, backlit by a bright afternoon sun.

Photographing with the Fuji GS645S

Several months ago, I decided to sell the Mamiya M645 that I had owned and only intermittently used (with ever decreasing frequency) for more than ten years. And I had only half-heartedly been looking for a Medium Format replacement; as much as I dislike carrying around an extra camera, I do enjoy the size of a medium format negative. And that's when I came upon the Fuji GS645S, a smallish, affordable rangefinder with a fixed 60mm lens. 

The camera appealed to me on several fronts: I've always liked the idea of a rangefinder but had not owned a good one; it's a medium format camera that fits into a jacket pocket or small bag; it holds a reputable Fujinon lens that is the equivalent of a 35mm focal length lens in 135 format; and it carried an agreeable price tag.

But the camera does have its detractors. Apparently, the lens, which protrudes from the front of the camera and is protected to some degree by a roll bar of sorts, is prone to being sheered off if treated too roughly. So I'll try not to drop it from too high a precipice or use it as a hammer.

After running through the first roll of film, I'm fond of the camera. My only "complaints" are the setting controls, all of which are on or at the base of the lens and require some getting accustomed to, and that the  focus assist in the viewfinder is a bit dim and can be less assist-ful than I would have hoped for. But I find myself otherwise content with my selection.

Really Up Close and Personal with the Carpenter Bee

Really Up Close and Personal with the Carpenter Bee, with Dimples and All

Up Close and Personal with a Carpenter Bee

Macro photograph of a Carpenter Bee who had recently been grounded with a wing problem. This and other photos of the local bee population can be found here.

Honey Bee Pollinating a Squash Blossom

Found here is one of the many honey bees who stop by each morning to pollinate the 

Squash and Zucchini blossoms in my humble garden in Fultondale, Alabama.

This and other photos of the local bee population can be found here.

Portrait of a Dandelion, Part 4 of 4

Portrait of a Dandelion, Part 3 of 4

Portrait of a Dandelion, Part 2 of 4

Portrait of a Dandelion

Portrait of a Dandelion, Part 1 of 4

Portrait of a Dandelion

Blooming Oak Leaf Hydrangea at Black Creek Park

Blooming Oak Leaf Hydrangea at Black Creek Park, Fultondale, Alabama

Rushing Reflections at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Reflections at Turkey Creek at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson, Alabama