Here are a couple more pictures from my hour with the birds early this week. In the first picture you can see how the Depth of Field from the 70-200mm f2/8 really separates from the bird from the foreground and background. In the second picture there is not much technical stuff to share. I basically wanted to show you how much it sucks to be a worm 
Nikon D5000 > Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 > ISO200 > 1/750
I went to my local park to shoot waterfowl and ended up finding a few birds that were hamming it up for the camera! They seemed to just love the camera and showed no fear of me getting close to them. Or maybe I was just lucky. Either way, they let me shoot ‘em for about an hour and it was fun!
Nikon D5000 > Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 > ISO200 > 1/1500
In two weeks Apple is most likely announcing a new iPhone. Up til now, the iPhone has only been available for use on AT&T (in the US). Much speculation has been made about the new iPhone being available for use on Verizon Wireless. I am curious as to what all of you think. Cast your vote below. I will post the results the morning of June 7 prior to Steve Jobs’ keynote.
When I first found out that I was traveling to Scotland for work, the first thing that popped into my head was that I would get the chance to photograph amazing scenery! My expectations were exceeded. Scotland is a beautiful place. There are flowing meadows, massive mountains, and beautiful skies. It was basically a photographer’s field day. Below you will find 4 of my favorites. There aren’t many stories to go with the pics here. I just basically drove around and took pictures of landscapes that caught my eye. I hope you enjoy them as well 
Shot just outside the city walls of Pitlochry
Taken just outside the Dalmahoy Marriott hotel
Grabbed this shot from the car while making the drive to St. Andrews.
This was taken close to Pitlochry as well. Got cows?
For those of you that know me well, you know that outside of photography my favorite passion is golf. From the days of my grandfather chipping with me in my backyard, to playing for my high school team, I have always been passionate about golf. Being able to have a chance to visit the home of golf is truly an honor for me.
The Old Course at St. Andrews is legendary. St Andrews is so legendary that those who don’t follow golf would still know what it is. It’s so legendary that visiting the course is on my “Bucket List.” Well, during my visit to Scotland I was blessed with the opportunity to visit this amazing place.
Upon arrival to the course you cant help but take notice of the grand Old Course Hotel. The building is impressive. I did not get to take a wonder through the inside of the hotel. From the outside it was simply impressive. It borders the 17th hole and overlooks the 1st and 18th holes. Oh yeah, it also overlooks the sea.
After passing the hotel, you drive along the 18th hole and come up upon the village of St. Andrews. The shops look as if they have been there 1000′s of years, yet they still look modern and relevant. We eventually made our way to the end of the course where the 1st tee and 18th green are located. You couldn’t help but stop and just take in the view of the course and smell the salt air of the sea.
Those who follow golf know the history behind the Swilcan Bridge. From my research, the small bridge was originally part of the road to get across the now water hazard. It now serves as the infamous photo spot for professionals making there final appearance at St Andrews. The greats like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus have come to that bridge, paused for a few pics, said there thank yous, and then said goodbye to St Andrews. It was the ONE landmark that I wanted a picture of. Not only did I get a picture of the bridge, but I had my picture taken ON the bridge. I got to partake in that same special moment that Palmer and Nicklaus got to. It was simply amazing!
Lastly, as we made our way off the course, I stopped somewhere between 1 and 18 to take this HDR pic. After I got back in the car and began making my way back to the hotel, I couldn’t help but count my blessings as to how thankful I am to have been able to visit the home of golf.
Hey everyone. The Scotland Story and pics will continue later this week. However, I thought I had to share today’s pic with you ASAP. We went away this past weekend for a getaway at the Poconos in Pennsylvania. We stayed at the Shawnee Inn Golf Resort. The stay was quiet and we got much needed rest and relaxation.
While bringing our bags in from the car, we took notice of a bird on the ground. Normally when I approach a bird it takes off. This one did not. The closer I got to it, the more frightened it got and louder it made noise. It then hit me that the bird was protecting it’s eggs. Once I saw that I took a few steps back. I wanted the bird to know that I wasnt there to harm it. I pulled out my camera and took a few pics. I made sure not to inch closer to get a better shot. Again, I didnt want to disturb the bird. Most of the shots I got were of the bird sitting, but the one above is the only one where you can actually see the eggs beneath it. Mother Nature in it’s rarest form!
While in Edinburgh, Scotland I stayed at the Dalmahoy Marriott. However, this was not your regular Marriott. It was both old an beautiful. The architecture of the hotel was marvelous. Looking at the front of the hotel was like looking at a castle. Not a giant royal castle, but more like a castle you would see on level 3 of Super Mario Bros.
When stepping inside the hotel you could breathe in the history. It seemed as if the decor had never changed. The lobby was filled with nice lounge areas consisting of chairs that were too small for me to fit in. Yet I could imagine great scholars sitting there enjoying a cup of tea and talking of wonderful things. The decor may not have been MY cup of tea, but I had to appreciate the history.
While wondering the premises I made my way to the backside of the hotel. It overlooked a wonderful golf course. Sadly I didn’t bring my clubs so I did not get to play. The rear of the hotel lent itself to some wonderful pictures. Again the architecture was splendid.
As mentioned before, this isnt usually my style. I am more of a modern fellow that appreciates modern ammenities. However, I couldn’t help but be swept away by the beauty and allure of this hotel. It was so grand and majestic. While walking around in its presence, I carried myself in a distinguished manor. I found myself using big vostrious words that contained many syllables. My oh my, this was a beautiful place!!!
Then the power went out……for 7 hours! Did I mention that I like modern amenities
I knew that travelling to Scotland would mean dealing with some “less than up-to-date” amenities. Surely I never thought I would have to “rough it” like the Dark Ages!
You see, the hotel I am staying at lost all power last night. The backup generator failed to work. We also had no emergency lights, water, heat or AC. Amazingly the only thing that did work was the key card lock that lets me into my room. So from 9:30pm -4:30am we were living in the Dark Ages. Luckily my iPod was fully charged. I was able to listen to my music in total darkness.
I made my way to the hotel registration. When ask for a status update they replied, “We’re working on it.” HA, I think we all know what that means. They wasn’t going to be power for quite a while. So back to the room I went. I was literally using my non-working VZW phone as a flashlight. I knew my friends were wrong when they told me I couldn’t use it over here I just laid there in my room slowly falling asleep listening to the soothing sounds of Metallica’s DYERS EVE.
The power was restored by the morning and all was well. Although I was a bit skeptical about eating the eggs and juice in the morning. How did they keep all of those item refrigerated while the power was out for 7hrs? I ate them anyway. Oh well, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger I guess.
I will chalk up this entire experience as one that makes me a stronger person in the end. Plus I can now tell my family that I truly did “Time-Travel” :)
Hey Everyone. I am out of the country this week with very little access to internet. So I am not going to be able to post to the blog. Hopefully I should come home with a lot of pictures to share. So enjoy the week and I’ll be back mid-week next week. :)
