San Diego Zoo

Well, my trip to the San Diego Zoo was quit interesting. Rudy and Jimmy joined me and we ventured off early last Thursday morning. And then, about half way into our travels, I realized that I forgot one of my lenses that really would have helped with getting better pictures. This was the first time in which I felt completely lense challenged because those darn animals are just so far away. I just don't see why I can climb in and take a close up:)) Anyways, we spent about 4 hours at the zoo walking around looking at all we could, and even took a little trip on Skyfari - never been on that thing before, and because I already hate elevators, it was quit an adventure for me to be that high up in the air. Yes everyone, as cool as I would like to think I am, I am completely put off by elevators. In fact, I can't stand them and would rather walk up 10 flights of stairs than have to take an elevator. Crazy huh!!!! Didn't always use to be like that, all it took was Rudy and I getting stuck in one in a parking garage. Yes, stuck, and ever since, I avoid elevators at all cost. But the skyfari turned out to be pretty interesting and was able to get off a few shots when I wasn't having a brief panic attic and now I can't wait to return and take more pics - that is of course - with all necessary lenses!!!

HDR Images

Hey everyone, it has been a while since updating what's been going on. Well, I discovered a few weeks back this new technique called HDR photography. Unfortunately I haven't had time to test it out until now. It is quit an interesting process. To begin with, you have to take several pictures at different exposures. Therefore, as suggested, I mounted my camera on a tripod, I then chose Aperture priority as suggested as well and then set up my camera for bracketing and continuous shooting. This allowed me to take three pictures of the same shot at different exposures without messing with the aperture. I also had my ISO set on the lowest setting of 100. It is suggested however that if need be, to take more shots of different exposures. It's just based upon the tutorial I was following, the bracketing on my camera allows for I believe only 3 shots, that is, without going back and double checking. I then downloaded this trial version of this software called Photomatix Pro. Photoshop CS3 is able to to HDR, but the tutorial I was following used this other software, and if I so choose, the cost is only 99.00 to purchase full version. I really wanted to try and keep things simple and I really think the HDR Photos that I have seen online are way cool and I can't wait to experiment more with this amazing technique that many others have seem to have mastered!!!!