Thursday, May 28, 2009

Wild Flowers of the Forest

Wild Flowers of the Forest - While everyone took a nap, Brent and I got up in the afternoon and wandered around looking at the wildflowers. Here was one by the side of the road. I underexposed the ambient and then lit it with two strobes off camera, one camera left (held by Brent) and one camera right, held by me.

Venito Jr. Shooting hoops

Little white flowers in Ana's yard

While we were out at Lincoln for Robert's graduation, we hung out at Ana's place. Sitting in her front yard on Sabbath afternoon, I photographed some of her little white flowers. I in fact saw one of the buds pop open while sitting there!

Friday, May 22, 2009

Robert's Graduation photo

Robert's graduation photo with Dad and Mom

Family group photo at Ana's

At Ana's place for Robert's graduation. We took a group photo. Back Row: Natalie, Lisa, Max (with Olivia on his shoulders), Sam Carl, Becky Jon. Next row starting on right: Carrie (with Jon's arms around her), Brent, Jodi, Robert. Front row starting on left: Frank, Danielle, Grandma Maxine, Mary, Ana.

Robert's Graduation photo

8x10 graduation photo of Robert in his tux. Shot in front of Ana's house with tree's for background. Stobist: 60" shoot through umbrella camera right controlled by voice activated light stands (aka my children) holding SB-900, SB-800, SB-600.

Robert's Graduation photo

8x10 graduation photo of Robert in his gown. Shot in front of Ana's house with tree's for background. Stobist: 60" shoot through umbrella camera right controlled by voice activated light stands (aka my children) holding SB-900, SB-800, SB-600.

Some Flowers from Ana's Front Yard

We were out in Lincoln, Ne for Robert's graduation. In Ana's front yard she had some lovely little pink/purple flowers.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Smiling that the fire alarm is no longer going off

We went to sleep around 10-10:30 pm. Next thing I know, I'm up standing by the door turning on the light. It takes a moment to realize why. It is 11 pm and the fire alarm is going off in our hotel. I look out the peep hole, but do not see any fire or smoke. I get dressed and am getting my laptop and camera packed up. Becky gets up and is all red and bleary eyed. I say to her as clearly as I can muster through my own bleary eyes 'Grab anything you need, we might not be able to come back for awhile'. She looks at me confused and in that moment the fire alarm goes off. False alarm. I was exhausted and fell right back asleep. So in this photo, I can finally muster a smile after a weary night.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

A romantic get away to Key West

Key West proved to have lovely beaches, seas and oceans. And the time together was great as well.

A view of the Casa Marina Resort in Key West, Florida

A view of the Casa Marina Resort in Key West, Florida. I got up early that morning to photograph things without too many people walking around.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Becky in the check in line at the Casa Marina Resort in Key West, Florida

Becky in the check in line at the Casa Marina Resort in Key West, Florida. Check in time was 4. We started checking at 2:30 and it kept being more and more waiting. I think we finally got a room at 5:30.

Becky relaxing in bed after standing forever in the check in line. Casa Marina Resort, Key West, Florida

Becky relaxing in bed after standing forever in the check in line. Casa Marina Resort, Key West, Florida. The first thing I do when we check in is turn the air conditioner down so it feels like Minnesota! :-)

Becky relaxing in bed after standing forever in the check in line. Casa Marina Resort, Key West, Florida

Becky relaxing in bed after standing forever in the check in line. Casa Marina Resort, Key West, Florida. The first thing I do when we check in is turn the air conditioner down so it feels like Minnesota! :-)

Ocean view at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West Florida

Ocean view at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West Florida - Becky and I spent a bit of time there for photography. It was hot and super bright out. I regret not making it out there for a sunset photo though.

Time for Lunch at the El Meson de Pepe - a Cuban and Island Cuisine Resaurant

Time for Lunch at the El Meson de Pepe - a Cuban and Island Cuisine Resaurant - www.elmesondepepe.com/menu/menu.htm

Appetizer - Cherna Seviche

Cherna Seviche - Fresh grouper seviche
marinated with lime, garlic, onions
and parsley, drink - Virgin Mango ice drink. - The grouper was not all that tasty in my opinion. - www.elmesondepepe.com/menu/menu.htm

My main cuban meal - Fried whole yellowtail - yay ...

Rabirubia Frita Entera - Fried whole yellowtail,
marinated w/fresh key lime, garlic and onions. This was actually fantastically good. While the head might have appeared un appetizing, it was seasoned great. I figured, I could get a burger back home, I tried to order very 'cuban esque dishes' - www.elmesondepepe.com/menu/menu.htm

Becky and I on the walk to the beach from our resort, the Casa Marina, in Key West Florida

Becky and I on the walk to the beach from our resort, the Casa Marina, in Key West Florida. The sea was a vibrant teal green. Strobist info: SB-800 on camera as master, SB-900 and SB-600 on lightstand above as slaves for extra fill. This was brighter on my home computer and looks a bit darker from work.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Carl and Becky at the beach in Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park - Key West, Florida

Before we flew out, we stopped at the park for one last photo. I setup up my shot on a tripod with 2 flashes off camera controlled by flash on camera acting as master flash.

larger version here - farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3484167123_2abce12db3_b.jpg

Strobist: SB-800 on camera as master. SB-900 on lightstand a bit to left and SB-600 clamped to tree a bit to the right.

View from the Casa Marina Hotel in Key West, Florida

I got up early before my conference and before there were any people out walking around. Lovely morning.

By the historic 7 mile bridge

We stopped for a photo op by the old deserted bridge

Friday, April 10, 2009

Tomato Plants in the Window Sill

Planted on 3/9/09. Photographed on 4/9/09. At one month from planting the seed, the tomatoes are really shooting up. This particularly variety always has a sort of wilty droopy look to it. It is very delicate. Another variety is exactly the opposite and has a very sturdy look to it.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Maple Syrup - a highly appreciated gift

One of my friends at work, Toni, gave me this great gift. Her and husband collected fresh maple sap and made some Class A Maple syrup. Looks wonderful doesn't it?

Taken with a Nikon D80.

* Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200) [+]
* Aperture: f/4.5 [+]
* Focal Length: 85 mm [+]
* ISO Speed: 100 [+]

Strobist info: SB-600 positioned underneath. SB-900 into shoot through 60" Impact umbrella camera right. SB-800 into Impact 45" reflected umbrella camera left.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Through the trees


Through the trees, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

It had been cloudy most of the day. The sun was casting an orange glow as it came out from behind the clouds towards sunset. 6 exposure HDR. It was a bit windy too as you can see in some of the fine detail in the trees.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Our House lit by the rising sun

The orange glow of the rising sun illuminates the North side of our house.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Sunrise at the River


Sunrise at the River, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

The Sun was rising behind me but not quite over the horizon. 3 shot exposure down by the Zumbro River by Zumbro Falls.

Taken with a Nikon D80.


* Aperture: f/13.0 [+]
* Focal Length: 10 mm [+]
* ISO Speed: 100 [+]

Monday, March 23, 2009

Tomato on the Rise


Tomato on the Rise, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

German Red Strawberry Tomato plant - age 17 days - planted 3-8-09. These were my favorite tomatoes from the 2008 season. See the large red tomato in this photo - www.flickr.com/photos/christensen_carl/2785098751/in/set-...

Taken with a Nikon D80.

* Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200) [+]
* Aperture: f/11.0 [+]
* Focal Length: 85 mm [+]
* ISO Speed: 200 [+]

Strobist: SB-900 into reflected 60" Impact umbrella camera right. SB-800 into 45" reflected Impact umbrella camera left. SB-600 bare aimed at backdrop and to the left. On board flash providing on axis fill light.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Walking on Sabbath afternoon

Jon and Carrie came over for lunch. We then went for a walk through the fields. Brent is just out of the photo on the right (although you can see his john deere green sweatshirt). Pictured is Danielle with duke by her. Then comes Natalie walking Angel. In the distance you see Carrie and Becky with Jon behind.

Danielle reading her book

I bought a socket that converts a plugin to a screw electrical bulb socket. I put one of my 100W equivalent CFL flood lights into it to use as a modeling light. I then called Danielle up to my photography room and let her read her book while I played around. I needed to shoot a close head shot because I neglected to have her brush her hair prior to coming up. Hopefully Becky won't have a fit when she gets home and see the photo!

Strobist: SB-900 into 60" Impact reflected umbrella camera right and above. CFL bulb in socket used for modeling light.