on to the Greek Isles

In order to keep going what appears to be a theme in European travels, due in large part to my recent inability to get out and take photographs, I present photos from the Greek isles of Santorini and Naxos.

Santorini, Greece :: Greek Orthodox Church :: Canon A-1, FD 50mm f/1.4, Fuji Provia 100F

One of the most interesting parts of our 10-week trip in 2004 occurred while we were on Naxos. All of Europe was engrossed in the EuroCup. Greece had never advanced in international competition, having previously only made the field in two - the Euro in 1980, and the World Cup in 1994. On July 4 (as it turns out, nobody else cares about American Independence Day), Greece defeated Portugal in the Finals. As the match wound down and it was apparent that Greece would win, my companions and I went to the town square. Our efforts were gratified, when Greece won and who island erupted into bodies painted white and blue, fireworks, and people hanging out of car windows and flooding the streets. It was easily the most exciting event I've ever witnessed. 

Naxos, Greece :: Ruins :: Canon A-1, FD 50mm f/1.4, Fuji Provia 100F

Naxos, Greece :: Star Trails on the Beach :: Canon A-1, FD 20mm f/2.8, Fuji Provia 100F

Each of these photos can also be found at my website: Europe.

And Now for the City of Lights

Since I posted about London the other day, I thought I ought, perhaps, to post photographs from the other European city which I have visited an equal number of times, Paris, France. Most of these will be equally touristy, and revolve largely around that city's more infamous landmarks.

Above: Arc de Triomphe
Below Left: Eiffel Tower in Fog         Below Right: Eiffel Tower across the Seine River

Above: Moulin Rouge
Below Left: Arc de Triomphe                            Below Right: Mona Lisa

 

Palace of Versailles, Hall of Mirrors

These and other photos from my trips to Europe can be found at my main site, here. All of the above photos were taken with a Canon A-1 and either of these lenses: FD 50mm f/1.4 or FD 20mm f/2.8.

Dreaming of London

For whatever reason that people dream dreams, I dreamt last night that I was on a little vacation in London. I have been a couple of times, but it's been a while. So I thought I would post some photos that I took on visits there.

   

All of the above photos were shot on a Canon A-1 with either an FD 20mm f/2.8 or FD 50mm f/1.4.

The Manfrotto 460MG

A short while back I posted about my bulky, overweight Bogen 3047 Pan/Tilt tripod head. I wanted to replace the handles with the smaller knobs found on the Manfrotto 460MG. To find more information I posted my question as to that possibility on Photo.net, only to discover that switch was not possible. However, someone from that site did offer to trade his Manfrotto 460MG for my Bogen 3047, and I leaped at the opportunity.

So having received the Manfrotto 460MG, here are my observations. The differences in weight and bulk were immediately discernible. The 3047 weighs in at 3.4lbs, while the 460MG is a petite 15.5 ounces; that's a difference of 2.5 pounds. Even the quick-release plates on the 460MG are smaller and lighter. In the 3047's defense, it is designed to carry 16lbs (versus 6.6lbs for the 460MG), and I just don't need that sort of heft. Additionally, the 460MG has knobs rather than long handles, and its design allows it to be more compactable. 

After using it yesterday for a bit, I think the 460MG is not as smooth as the 3047, but that's a sacrifice I can live with, with the improvement in portability. (Unfortunately, the outing didn't yield any post-worthy results.) Another thing I'll miss about the 3047 is its 2-way level; the 460MG has only a bubble level, which is serviceable but not nearly as nice. That could always be remedied by purchasing a hot-shoe 3-way level.

Overall, I'm pleased and expect this tripod head to yield years of support as have its other siblings that I have owned. If you're looking to purchase this head, you can purchase it at Amazon, and accomplish two things: support me and get it at its best price.

Please feel free to leave any comments or questions you might have. I strive to make this as informative as possible.

Last of the Tomatoes

There have been many posts since April about my tomato plants and the fruit they've yielded. But those plants have finally succumbed to the elements. There is only one tomato left, so until next Spring...

Winter is a Harsh Mistress

Comes now Winter, a harsh mistress, bleeding the life and color out of all who dare withstand her.

Canon Rebel T2i, EF 50mm f/1.8 II, 1/250s

I liberated this post's title from a similarly titled Robert Heinlein novel; dissimilarly, I suppose, this blog isn't likely to win any Hugo Awards

Noccalula Falls

In honor of the recent notoriety Noccalula Falls is receiving as a result of a trio of kayakers paddling over the waterfall on Monday (link), I have decided to post my only photo of the falls. Noccalula Falls is near Fort Payne, Alabama.

Noccalula Falls, Alabama (c.2003) :: Mamiya M645, Sekor C 45mm f/2.8