Full Moon

When Moon came closest to earth in 15 years

Early Morning Flower Photographs

Last Saturday I took advice of few photographers on the forums. It was really hard to follow but I am right now bitten by photography bug so I woke up at 6:30 AM (On a SATURDAY) and went to nearest lot of flowers-Found one just outside a gas station. My wife got ready too for she had a sinister idea. She was going to make me to do some brisk walking once I am done with taking pictures.
Here are few shots. None of my pictures are post processed as I am yet to learn that.

All were taken with 70-300mm (first shots and I will blog on it later this week)

Birthday

Friday missed a Haloween Part+ another dinner @7 because of being late from work... Not much relief from work load but decided to make better of time on my wifes B'day. A very small party but with food was good.

As Christmas is coming we decided to buy few lights.

Baloons hanging from ceiling fan

Fish Baked as we were scared of smell that it may cause if we fry them. They didnt come out crispy but tasted good. Luckily we got Indian Mackarael( Aylaa). Because we have never bought any Fish before we actually took Saradines (Challa I guess) but luckily found what it was when the wighing guy called out loud "How much does saradines cost".

Patio BBQ- Checken in Desi style (Tandoori Masala). Mayur always does a good job on BBQ

My Wife first try at "Thair Vada" or Curd Vada. One of the main attractions.

Last Week

Dallas Arboretum- Reached 4:45 PM- Closing Time 5:00 PM. Took few shots outside. Missed pumpking Show.

Near Ray Hubbard lake

Marina at Ray Hubbard
Las Colinas Clock at Night ( think around 8:30PM)

First (Real)Tripod- Bogen 3021 Professional

Finally I got my tripod delivered. It came by yesterday’s mail. I looked at the package and said to myself “this looks bigger than I expected”. My wife came around to open it up. Out came the Tripod. My first real tripod , savior . No more blurred images. So much of Night shots…..

It was not easy way. Weeks of research, advise online “better not buying rather than buying a cheap (Wal-Mart) stuff” . As others have found before me I realized that cheap+ stable +not heavy does not exist. I had not more than $100 to spend. This is when I was directed to e-bay to search for used ones. After another week of trying to find the right stuff for me and the availability in e-bay I zeroed in onto Bogen 3021 Professional.

The tripod is very sturdy and at 2.6kg not a very heavy one. Just by holding it I was sure that it will take weight of my Canon 40D and any zoom lens that I may buy in future. I would have loved to buy a ball head but cash crunched , I accepted the one that came with it. The oldest head was attached to it (Bogen 3029).

The tripod extended to almost 6 feet’s with all sections extended and still felt stable. I guess center column can be extended another 6 inches. The head though looked a bit bulky was still in a very good condition except for some worn out paint. I am sure I won’t be changing the head any soon. By spec it can take up to 13 pounds (almost 5kg).

I was happy with my buy and hoping soon to start using it for every shot.

One step forward to capturing professional quality pictures…

Dallas State Fair

The State Fair of Texas at Dallas is an annual event. After postponing to go there for about three weeks we finally went there on 17th. This was our first trip to the fair. I was more enthusisatic for this event provided a nice venue to try some night photographyon my Canon DSLR.

The fair is supposed to be largest in United States and has been held since 1886 and from web sources has always been held near to Cotton Bowl stadium.

There are lots of cool rides but more than that I am sur e people are there for the food. From regular sandwiches to stuffs like corny dogs, fried ice cream, fried coke and bana split fried. I guess you name the stuff they will fry it for you... oh I forgot to mention Turkey Legs

Still didnt have a tripod so lot of pics came out shaky.. some better ones



Background of "Wind Surf" ride. Texas Star , 212 ft Ferris wheel,One of the biggest in US
this one was exposed for .5 seconds
Jessica Simpson "Local Super Star"

A nice Ice Cream Store. I had the camera on my friends shoulder but then I couldn't make people inside stand still.
Parade Float
Food Court
our own "Columbus" is called "Pirate" here

Another ride

Camping at Sulphur Springs (E.Texas)

This is second time we went to Sulphur Springs State Park for camping. The Area is very peaceful. This time around we had it all planned.


Sulphur River ???(Delta County)

Sunflower on the road to Cooper Lake (Sulphur Unit)
Sunset from near Cooper Lake
Cooper Lake(at sunset)
sunrise