108/257 + 1

With the thermometer peaking out at 92, it was the record high for us. After spending some time this morning cooling off in the ocean waters, B and I decided to take the girls back this evening. Since the official summer season has not started here, other than the surf fishermen, we had the beach to ownselves. Great fun for both man and beast!

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For several months now, while blog hopping, I have read many moms post about just how difficult it is to photograph their young children. I read about how they swarm around, they don’t stand where you want them to, and they wouldn’t smile nicely. Pretty much they are unwilling to take part in the photo session.

Last evening B and I were out and about, the sunset was breathtaking and I’ve been playing with silhouettes and starbursts. This was the perfect set up.
Me ~ “ B please pull the car over, no there, right there, no over there.”
Me again ~ “I know it’s freezing but I really need you to get out and stand still for me.”
Me yet again ~ “Ok now hold your hand up, a little higher, now over a bit, no my right, and lower your hand a little more.”
Me one more time ~ “Now stop moving, ok let me check it, oh darn, no starburst.” “Let me check my settings and try again.” “Hon, why did you move?” “oh come on, just a few more.” “I know you told me it was freezing.” “Now stand there, no, come on I said there.” “ Yes put your hand back up, no a little lower.” “ See if you didn’t move this would be easier.”

And you young ladies talk about your children! Good thing this man loves me. ♥

~ view other beautiful skies over at SkyWatch Friday ~

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In hopes of taking a winning photograph for a winery's monthly photo contest, Phriend and I spent a little over 3 hours setting up and clicking. We walked among the vineyard, rearranged their wine bottle displays, and played with corks. We waited for the sun to hit the window at the best angle to create a silhouette and we strung Christmas lights to enable us to get some awesome custom bokeh. Between the two of us, we have won the last four consecutive months. We're trying to “click it up a notch" as the pressure is on to make it 5.  (that's the vineyard reflecting in the glass)

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Last year when I purchase my DSLR, it came with 2 kit lens, a 18-55mm and a 55-200mm. While these lens have functioned well and fit many of my photography needs, I found I was forever changing between the two. Jokingly, I call B my “camera boy”. He, ungrudgingly, would carry and hand the lenses off to me as needed. Phriend even made me a fabulous lens bag to carry them so they were both at the ready. During my 50 + years and as a general rule, I don’t find I envy others.

Recently, after Phriend purchased a 28-300mm, I got a major case of the “I wants, I need to haves”. This lens covers most of the range I shot in and as an added bonus it ups to 300mm!

After pining for sometime and doing much investigating, Phriend and I went to our favorite camera shop. There sitting in the show case was this “must have“. I touched it, played with it, took several photos with it and drooled all over it. I treated myself to it! In celebration, Phriend and I just had to get out. Luckly for me I found this roller blader out practicing his skill too.