334/365 Playing with Lights

I love Christmas Lights! There is something magical about all the colors against the night sky.

Here is a nice shot of some while using a tripod, with my 18-55mm kit lens... (f/4 ss5" ISO100)

Then, I took the same shot while turning my zoom lens...

And then I tried it again... The only difference between these two shots is how fast or slow I zoomed in. Pretty fun!

333/365 Night Safari

A Night Photo Safari was included in the price of a photography course taught by Barbara of Legacy Studios and DFW Photo Safaris, and featured on Groupon a while back. The evening was chilly when my friend Jeff, and I went on location. Plus, my tripod, which I had not used in at least 10 years, was broken (later I was telling James about the tripod and he said "Yeah, Alex and I had great times playing with that!"). Anyway, I managed to get a few decent shots - these two of the Dallas skyline were taken 15 minutes apart, as you can see on the clock in the far distance, with my white balance set to fluorescent lighting and of course a long exposure time.

A little later we had some photo fun!

326/365 Pilgrims

While in San Antonio earlier this month, Deborah and I happened on this sweet pilgrim couple.
We each bought one to add to our fall mantel decorations.
Every time I pass by them, I am thankful for those first pilgrims who made our great country home for their families and for our own families.