Christmas Card Photo 2014

This was our card:

The new Blanco County Courthouse, in Johnson City Texas.


I say new because this is the old one, in Blanco Texas:

At some point in the distant past, the county seat was moved to the larger city, and the larger courthouse was built.

Looks are deceiving, because we went with a side-view.
Here's a 3/4:

And the long side:

I've been trying to schedule a shot like these for many years, and it finally came together a few weeks ago.
Managed to confuse some people into thinking it's our house, but they really should know better.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to my remaining 3 readers.
Much love.

Night Critter Macros

Back when the Sony F717 still worked, my favorite and most unique photos came when I would shoot bugs and toads almost touching the lens with an automatic Sony flash unit handheld a couple inches above them. With a few square inches of light that close it was similar to the look of a huge softbox or umbrella on a person = flattering and smooth light.  

It was a very "hands-on" system requiring double manual dexterity and I wouldn't recommend it to most people, but oh man the pictures were good!  

 

My current version of this setup is a Samsung Galaxy S3 phone with an LED penlight in my left hand. Sometimes I add the phone's own light next to the lens. 

Not nearly as "softbox" in size, but new products in this area are hot right now and I'm even more likely to re-purpose and modify something currently available for cheap $$. 

Bottom line is that shots like this are what I call fun, and I missed shooting them for a few years. 

Can't wait for the Galaxy S5 next May when our cell plan is due. It's got a seriously better camera both for stills and 4K video.