Spring 2008 - Trinity County 08

A classic dogwood blossom, captured in Huntsville on our way home, in the shadow of the famous statue just south of town. I include this in the Trinity County set because it was taken on the same trip.

Spring 2008 - Trinity County 07

Taken on the same morning walk...

Spring 2008 - Trinity County 06

Soon after arriving in Trinity County we went on a fishing expedition...this was taken, obviously, on the river bank.

Spring 2008 - Trinity County 05

This was taken on the morning walk. A friend noted that the young leaves provide an interesting juxtaposition of the new and the old. I sure didn't do it on purpose, but it does make sense.

Spring 2008 - Trinity County 04

This was taken in the back porch of the cabin.

Spring 2008 - Trinity County 03

I thought I was taking a picture of a spider, but upon closer inspection discovered it was part of the plant!

This was taken from the porch of the cabin in which we were staying. The reason I like it is because the depth-of-field completely wipes out everything in the background while keeping the plant in sharp focus.

Spring 2008 - Trinity County 02

I got up early one morning and went out to shoot pictures just as it was getting light. Shutter speeds were slow and I had no tripod, but managed to get this one just right. I use the left side to insert lettering for special occasions, and think it would be sharp enough to do poster-size prints.

Really lucked out on this, one of my all-time favorites.

Spring 2008 - Trinity County 01

There is a property in Trinity County that we've gone to a couple of times in the past two years. This and the next few postings will be from that property; they were taken in late March.

Spring 2008 - Bayou Bend 04

This was snapped on our way out. Had to do a lot for lighting effect post-capture: the background was brightened a bit, and the flowers were selected out and brightened some more. I'm fairly pleased with the result, but someone looking at it for the first time might think the flowers were photoshopped in (which they weren't).

It was a fun outing, even though it was hot...I always enjoy going out with my picture-taking buddies.

Every time I visit Bayou Bend a former colleague comes to mind. One of my fellow teachers used to tell the story of how as a child she knew the family that lived in that mansion, and used to go over there to play with one of their daughters. This was way back in the '50's.
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Went to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo today. There was a photography vendor there that was absolutely awesome...all nature stuff out of the Great American West. Said that when he isn't at rodeos selling his work he's out taking pictures, using Nikons. Couldn't help but wonder if he has a family...I rather doubt it. Still, that's a dream life for someone to be able to pursue a passion and become as involved as he obviously does. His work is great, and discouragingly cheap!

Spring 2008 - Bayou Bend 03

This was taken in the back also, along a shady path. We didn't have much choice if we were going to get anything good because it was mid-afternoon and the sun was out strong. I got some decent pictures of the fountains out front, composition-wise, but couldn't use them because it was too contrasty.