April 28-Wind

April 28-Flag, originally uploaded by NedraI.

The wind was blowing today! I wanted to get out for a bike ride after my daughter's lacrosse game but I'm not enough of a fan of biking to go out in strong winds. Things don't sound much better for tomorrow. Maybe Friday? I'm getting a little nervous and thinking I won't be ready for 100 miles three weeks from Friday!

Daily Shoot-Legs

Daily Shoot-Legs, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Ansel Adams said "A good photograph is knowing where to stand." Use your feet today to zoom or get a unique perspective.

During hockey season I took pictures of the players skates one game. Today I tried going for the cleats. Not the same effect at all. But it was interesting looking at just shots of feet and legs. This was my favorite shot. I think it shows the strength and energy these girls have.

Daily Shoot-It's Just a Hill

Daily Shoot-It's Just a Hill, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Plastic is everywhere. Make a photograph that illustrates a use of plastic in your life today.

One of my Ride for Missing Children biking buddies gave me this sticker today. I've been feeling a little discouraged and thinking I'm not going to be ready for the ride this year. But this sticker brought a smile to my face and a new determination that I can do it! Next time I wash my car this will be going on my window.

For more information about the Ride for Missing Children or to make a donation click here; www.active.com/donate/RFMCCNY2010/Isenberg

Abstract Tulip

Abstract Tulip, originally uploaded by NedraI.

After taking some "normal" shots I tried a long exposure and zooming the macro lens in and out. The results are little wild but fun for something different.

April 26 Raindrops

April 26 Raindrops, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Just before dark I headed out to take a shot of my favorite tulips. I love their frilly edges. They just started to open today. I'll get back out again when it's lighter and they open up a little more and take some more shots.

April 24- SRU Coffee Shop

April 24- SRU Coffee Shop, originally uploaded by NedraI.

This is a little sitting area by a coffee shop outside the main dining room at Slippery Rock University. This is where our daughter will be going to school next year. Today we attended Freshman Orientation. She came home all set for the fall with her ID, schedule, room and roommate assignment as well as a new pair of sweats sporting the school name. I hope a year from now she'll have a new good friend that she might be sitting with enjoying this cozy spot.

April 23 A'nna and her Horses

April 23 A'nna and her Horses Take 2, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Our son's girlfriend lives on a farm and I've been wanting to take pictures since last summer. Today I finally got out there and I took 175 pictures in a short amount of time! The horse on the right is her horse, Lance. A'nna doesn't like having her picture taken but I love how her smile shows through and how all three of them have shaggy bangs. I hope to get back this summer to make it to the creek to see what I can find to photograph there.

The first shot I posted on flickr had fence lines and a feeder. I'm learning how to Photoshop out those kinds of elements. I still have a lot to learn, but I think I did ok for a beginner.

April 22-Burning Bush

April 22-Burning Bush, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Typically I shoot this plant in the fall when the leaves are bright red. Today I decided to take a shot as I worked on my daily shoot of new life. I like the contrast of colors.

Daily Shoot New Life-Hydrangea

Daily Shoot New Life-Hydrangea, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot-Spring has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere. Make any photo that shows new life!

The branches on this hydrangea look bare and I know last year I cut them back. I do see a few buds down low so I think I'll wait another week or two before i do any trimming and see how it progresses.

April 21-Daily Shoot-Favorite Music

April 21-Daily Shoot-Favorite Music, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot-What's your favorite type of music? Make a photo today that in some way conveys your taste in music.
Over the Christmas holidays I listened to Pandora a little bit on my computer but didn't really appreciate it. This week I've started using the Pandora app on my ipod touch and love it.This week while on vacation I've been listening to a lot of country. I like a wide variety of music and what's my favorite depends on my mood and what I'm doing.

April 20-First Tulip

April 20-First Tulip, originally uploaded by NedraI.

This was the first tulip to bloom and it happened early this morning. It was a beautiful day and I went a little crazy taking pictures of tulips and daffodils and a few other things. It was great to be out! I'm sure this won't be my last tulip for the POD.

Daily Shoot-It isn't There

Daily Shoot-It isn't There, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot-Make a photo of something that isn't there. (@cellodav)

No water in the can yet. We've had enough rain so far that we don't have to worry about watering anything yet.
Last year I left the can out all winter and it filled with water, expanded as it froze and made it so the can no longer sat level. My husband pounded it out enough that it still worked. This year we still didn't put the can away but at least we left it upside down.

April 19-Daily Shoot-Metallic

April 19-Daily Shoot-Metallic, originally uploaded by NedraI.

It's metal Monday! Find a metallic subject today and make an interesting photo.

My husband and I love trying new beers and one way we do this is to take this growler to our local beer store and it get filled up with a beer we haven't tried before. Today's beer is Long Trail Coffee Stout, yum! I would definitely get this one again.

April 18-Night Lights

April 18-Night Lights, originally uploaded by NedraI.

I'm not exactly sure what I was photographing here but I like the lines and colors. I was taking these shots out the car window while my husband was driving.

Daily Shoot-Night Photography

Daily Shoot-Night Photography, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Challenge yourself with night photography today: heavenly bodies, cityscapes, landscapes, or where your muse leads you!
Our son decided we should make a trip to our favorite ice cream place before he heads back to college in the morning. Since I needed a night shot I was willing to go along with his plan. It's only been open about a month but we have made numerous stops already. Tonight we even brought the dog for a little treat. (She's waiting in the car and not pictured here.)

April 17-Daily Shoot-Centered

April 17-Daily Shoot-Centered, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot-Break a rule today! Centered composition is generally considered boring and taboo, but can be interesting. Try it!

I spent the day at a workshop on Photoshop for photographers. Loved it but between the workshop and 5 hours of travel time I didn't have much time in actually taking pictures today. This was it-my son's girlfriend had her birthday last month but I didn't know what to get her so I just waited. This past week we found these boots and thought they'd make a good present. She lives on a farm and has a horse so we figured she could always use an extra pair of workbooks especially since this is such a rainy/muddy area much of the year. Our son is home from college this weekend so she was over for dinner tonight and finally got her belated gift. She seemed pleased and knows her little sister is going to be jealous.

April 13-LAX Motion

April 13-LAX Motion, originally uploaded by NedraI.

At today's game I concentrated on slower shutter speeds to show motion while keeping the background in focus.

I also tried panning with the athlete to keep her in focus and the background blurry. I need some more practice with that technique. :-)

This picture is a little out of order. oops!

Daily Shoot-Newsworthy

Daily Shoot-Newsworthy, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot-Pretend you're a stringer for your local newspaper today. Make a photo that captures something newsworthy to you.
Girl's lacrosse has actually been in the paper recently. It's been popular in the bigger cities like Syracuse for quite awhile but it's in its early stages in the Utica area. My daughter's team is in its third year as a varsity sport. They started JV her freshman year and I think she is the only senior that has played all four years of high school. I hope lacrosse continues to grow and that someday the area teams will be competitive with the Syracuse area schools. One change I wish they'd make to the sport is to have the girls wear helmets and pads and let them play more aggressively. All the whistles and stoppages of play can drive me crazy at times.

This picture is a little out of order-oops!

April 16 Daffodil

April 16 Daffodil, originally uploaded by NedraI.

I took flower pictures for the Daily Shoot assignment today. I like this daffodil for it's unusual color. I have about a dozen and I'm thinking it's time to look for more unusual ones for next year. Now I'm looking forward to seeing my tulips bloom-both the regular kind and the unusual ones. I can't imagine not having a garden and having all this beauty to look forward to and enjoy.

Daily Shoot-Vivid Color

Daily Shoot-Vivid Color, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Bright, vivid colors can draw attention and add "pop" to a photo. Make a photo that has vivid colors today.
I went looking for color in my garden today.

Daily Shoot-Local Landmark

Daily Shoot-Local Landmark, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot:Every town, village, or city has distinguishing icons and landmarks. Make a photo of one wherever you are today.

I decided on this photo for today since it shows two things Utica is known for. First it's the brewery home of Utica Club and now the Saranac beers. Besides brewing great beer they have a party featuring a local band every Thursday throughout the summer. Money made from Saranac Thursdays goes to United Way, at least some of it does-I don't know the details. They also offer tours so if you ever drive by the area be sure to stop by for a tour and a tasting at the end.
The Boilermaker is a 9.3 mile race held on the second Sunday in July. People come from all over the country and world to race in it. It's a great race because not only do elite runners participate but thousands of locals do as well. The race ends here at the brewery and then there's a huge party with bands, food and free beer held in the back parking lots.

April 15 Wolf Howl

April 15 Wolf Howl, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Today my plans for going to Syracuse for the day were put on hold since we ended up with two cars in the shop. I had wanted to go to Syracuse to ride my bike and go to the zoo. My daughter pointed out I could go to the Utica Zoo. I decided she was right and I hadn't been there in years. I checked out their web site and found they had a wish list so I stopped at BJs on my way and picked up paper towels and garbage bags for them. I had about an hour to wander before I had to pick my daughter up from school. The wolves were my favorite. They put on quite a concert with their howling-all four of them! I did get a video of it and will post that soon. I still hope to get to the Syracuse zoo-it has more open displays for easier photo taking. Trying to shoot through the fence can be a challenge!

April 14-Daily Shoot-First Mow

April 14-Daily Shoot-First Mow, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Can a picture suggest smell? Make a photograph of something that we can almost sniff and smell. (@melhutch)

Lots of ideas for today but only photographed one. I wasn't quick enough or I would have tried to capture the gas being poured into the mower. The first mowing of the year always seems special.

April 12 Lacrosse

April 12 Lacrosse, originally uploaded by NedraI.

My husband works on Monday nights so tonight I was in charge of taking the game pictures. I used his big lens and enjoyed the shoot. I can tell that my sport photo skills are slowly improving. Fewer blurry pictures and fewer that just show the backs of everyone. He posts pictures after each game on Facebook for the girls. It's something they really enjoy.

Daily Shoot-Complementary Colors

Daily Shoot-Complementary Colors, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Look for colors that complement each other and make a photo using complementary colors to full effect today.

Since this was the only time I had to take pictures today i lucked out that the teams were wearing complementary colors. I can't say that their behaviors towards each other were very complementary though!

April 11-Forsythia

April 11-Forsthia, originally uploaded by NedraI.

The forsythias are blooming and bring a wonderful splash of yellow to the neighborhood. Ours is blooming on the top and a few along the sides. Nothing like most of the other ones we see. I'm not sure if that's due to the fact that we trim ours several times a year because it's so close to the deck. But, the lack of blossoms didn't keep me from photographing it. I tried it with my phone camera the other day but I wasn't happy with those at all. But I think this shot today captures their beauty very nicely.

Daily Shoot-Chickadee

Daily Shoot-Chickadee, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Birds are beautiful and rewarding to photograph. Challenge yourself by making a photo of a bird today! (@theskane)

This is probably the most common bird in our yard. I was hoping for a blue jay or cardinal but they weren't stopping by while I was out today. This was my favorite shot because of the way he's looking right at me. The feeder is near this forsythia bush and the like sitting in here to eat the seeds. As soon as it leafs out it gives them even better protection.

April 2 Peregrine Falcon

April 2 Peregrine Falcon, originally uploaded by NedraI.

After taking pictures at the Utica marsh my husband and I headed downtown to have breakfast at the Triangle diner. Last week my husband had noticed this falcon sitting on this bank and sure enough it was there again today. I used his camera to take a few shots. While we were doing this a gentleman came up and asked if we wanted to go to the top of his office building to get some shots. Of course we did so we went across the street and he unlocked some doors and took us to the top of his building. It meant climbing some old dark staircases but it was worth it. The pictures from there didn't turn out great because our lens is not that strong but being able to see her nesting box and listen to the man talk about her was great. She's been there 3 years and the DEC put the box in last year. She has laid an egg twice but neither of them hatched. The man is concerned because he hasn't see the male in over a month.

This one is a little out of order. I took it with my husband's camera so it didn't get downloaded with my pictures.

April 10 Daily Shoot

April 10 Daily Shoot, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot-Pretend words don’t exist, only images. Make a photo today that conveys a story to those who see your work.

April 10 Habitat for Humanity

April 10 Habitat for Humanity , originally uploaded by NedraI.

Late last fall a friend asked if I'd be interested in taking pictures for a local Habitat for Humanity project. Of course I said yes. Today I finally went to take some pictures. A group of local college kids were volunteering to help build a shed at Lowe's. They would be working from 9-1 both Saturday and Sunday. I went out about 11, yes I was waiting for it to warm up a bit. I don't take many pictures of people so this was a bit of a challenge for me. I tried hard to stay out of the way.
I think it's a great experience for the students. Not only were they working on a worthwhile project they were learning a new skill from the supervisors. I received news late this afternoon that the shed is done so I won't have to go back tomorrow. Now I'm wishing I had gone back later this afternoon to get some pictures of it further along under construction. Nice job to all that participated.

April 8 Basic Shot

April 8 Basic Shot, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Today’s Daily Shoot assignment is:
Put down your big, fancy camera today. Fully engage your artistic side by making a photo with minimal gear.

This is not easy for me to do! My only other camera is my phone. I've taken a couple decent shots with it but mainly I use it to take pictures to set as wallpaper on my phone. But I tried today, first with the forsythia before I left for work. It wasn't sunny but it was still too bright to really see how the photos were turning out. So, I tried again at my daughter's lacrosse game. There's a lot going on in this shot but considering it's from my phone I like it.

April 6 Daily Shoot-Speed

Daily Shoot-Speed, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot: Speed or the sense of speed can add excitement to a photo. Make a photo of something going fast or that can go fast.

I hadn't planned on taking pictures at today's lacrosse game but then decided to try some slow shutter speeds to see if I could come up with sometime to convey speed. This was my best attempt. I think I'll try it again someday but next time use a tripod so hopefully the background will stay in focus. #6 is probably our smallest but fastest player on our team. I love to watch her fly down the field when she gets a chance.

April 5 A Drop of Rain

April 5 A Drop of Rain, originally uploaded by NedraI.

I happened to notice this drop of rain on a new plant that is emerging in the garden. I tried bracketing some pictures and merging them together but didn't care for the result. So, I'll go with this cropped shot for today. The warm weather and rain has the grass and plants growing like crazy!

Daily Shoot Blue

Daily Shoot Blue, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot: Blue is the color of sky and water. Many call it the color of hope. Make a photo with blue and what it represents to you.
To me blue is the color of comfort and feeling good. When I walk out the door and see blue sky, no matter the temps, I feel good. I'm sure that has something to do with the fact that we have more than our share of cloudy days in central NY. My favorite clothes are blue jeans and that means comfort.

Daily Shoot Happy

Daily Shoot Happy, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot: Sunday challenge: Create a photograph that makes you feel happy looking at it. Don't stop at good. Go for full on happy.

This is not a photo other people will look at and think happy but it does for me. Springtime, gardening, blooming flowers, sunshine and a camera-does it get any better? Anytime I've got a camera in my hand I'm happy especially with the beautiful weather we had this weekend.

I had fun using the timer and taking the self portrait today.

Purple Flowers

Purple Flowers, originally uploaded by NedraI.

When I clean out the garden workbench I'll have to keep my eye out for the packaging these bulbs came in a few years ago. I have forgotten their name but they are pretty and petite. I tried some merging of 3 photos for an HDR effect on these.

April 3 A'nna's Tulips

April 3 A'nna's Tulips, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Yesterday A'nna, our son's girlfriend, came to Kira's lacrosse game. After the game she said she had an Easter present for me and brought me these tulips. I love them and I love the idea that I can plant the bulbs in my garden and enjoy them for many more years. She's such a sweetie.

Daily Shoot Paper

Daily Shoot Paper, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot: Paper is versatile and malleable. From napkins to origami, it's all around. Make a photo of something made of paper.

I forgot to take my paper shot yesterday although I thought of several different ideas. Today I'm making whole wheat rolls for dinner. I like how flour and sugar still come in paper bags so it's easy to roll the bags down to fit them in the cupboard.

Daily Shoot Paper

Daily Shoot Paper, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot: Paper is versatile and malleable. From napkins to origami, it's all around. Make a photo of something made of paper.

I forgot to take my paper shot yesterday although I thought of several different ideas. Today I'm making whole wheat rolls for dinner. I like how flour and sugar still come in paper bags so it's easy to roll the bags down to fit them in the cupboard.

April 2 Setting Up a Shot

April 2 Setting Up a Shot, originally uploaded by NedraI.

We got up early this morning and headed down to the Utica Marsh to join some other photographers from the camera club. It was nice to wander around and take pictures with people that don't think I'm nuts, like many of my coworkers! This picture was taken from the top of the observation tower. There were lots of geese to photograph today.

Daily Shoot: Fashion

Daily Shoot: Fashion, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a fashion photo today: a person modeling clothing, the clothes in your closet, an accessory that defines you, etc.
I was going to have my daughter and her friends strike a model pose after their Pink and White game today. But they lost so bad I didn't have the heart to ask them to do it. So, I'll settle for this shot of some JV players cheering on the varsity team. We started the Pink and White game last year with a local rival team. The money raised goes towards the Susan B Komen Foundation. This was only the 2nd game of the season so the rival team didn't have much time to organize the game but they did a fine job. Not only were the girls in pink but most of the fans were as well. It was a beautiful day for a game, well for the players it was a little too hot!

March 31 Natural Light

March 31 Natural Light, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot: Look for the opportunity to photograph a subject or scene in natural light today. Pay careful attention to the exposure.
Tonight was my daughter's first lacrosse game of the season. I got a few shots in before the lights came on for the evening game. The girl in blue is one of our strongest players. Tonight she came off with a gash across her knuckle. She was smiling and laughing while the trainer fixed her up. Later in the game she tore up her knee. The poor thing wasn't laughing that time. We're still awaiting word on the diagnosis but I don't think it will be good news. Unfortunately knee problems are common among young girls playing sports.

Uploaded by NedraI on 3 Apr 10, 10.21PM EDT.

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March 30 Green

March 30 Green, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot: Today's theme is the color green. Make a photograph dominated by green and post it.

I didn't think I was going to get a picture done today but just before I went to bed I noticed the green in the closet so I grouped them together and took a quick shot.

March 29 Asiago Cheese Bread

March 29 Asiago Cheese Bread, originally uploaded by NedraI.

It seems that Monday nights have become bread making night. Tonight I tried a new recipe. I love it! My husband likes it but says it's not a breakfast bread and my daughter doesn't like the smell. Oh well, I'll be making it again soon! Here's where I found the recipe: www.recipezaar.com/Asiago-Cheese-Bread-Excellent-261935

Owl Sounds

Owl Sounds, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot:
Make a photograph today of something that produces a unique sound. Try to communicate that sound to the viewer.

I am enjoying the live cam of Molly the Barn Owl. She definitely has unique sounds for when it's feeding time for the owlets and for when she's calling to her mate to bring the dinner. Here her calls paid off and she has her first treat of the evening to share with her babies.

Shoes

Shoes, originally uploaded by NedraI.

dailyshoot: Sunday Challenge: Backlighting in a scene can create drama. Make a photo with interesting placement of backlit subjects.

On this very dreary day I took quite a few photos but it was hard to get anything backlit. This was the only thing close. This was across the road in a small town up in the Adirondacks. We wondering what the story is behind these shoes.....

March 28 Icy Bridge

March 28 Icy Bridge, originally uploaded by NedraI.

I went for a ride up north with my husband today. It was a gloomy day but my husband wanted to get out of the house. I decided I could edit pictures and work on plans while in the car. We made a couple of stops to take some pictures. Along one creek there were some very interesting ice formations.