Around the Spring yard!

In the shadows and in the trees of a spring morning, there are many photo ops.  Get a telephoto lens and it makes things even more interesting.

Having health challenges for 20 years that keep me close to home,  I search for things to photograph and wildlife gives me an abundance...even those pesky squirrels!

 If you have a window or two with no screens, what's out your window to photograph?  Or take a stroll through the yard or to a nearby green area,

If you are reading this from the office, take a nature break and view the out of doors (you will have to imagine the birdsongs in your mind :)
Go here to find the calls and songs of birds in your area
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Goldfinch/sound

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**PLEASE NOTE** IF you have problems reading white text on black background (like me but the black is better for photography) Highlight the text and that way it is blue with white text***
Same with captions with photos.
Click on each photo to see full sized.

 Goldfinches looking patchy as the males get their glow in the dark summer color!

 This little male Ruby Throated Hummingbird is back, too.

 in the shadows of green, some late blooming bleeding hearts...

 look closely and you can read the print on this piece of nesting paper

 He's coming out while the wife is away looking for more materials

 Guarding. Saw him chase a squirrel OFF HIS roof this morning. :)

"I didn't do anything...honest. "...(yea, right) ...

**All Photographs on this blog are property of SophiaZeePhotography. Please do not use without authorized permission.  Thank you**

My signs that Spring is here!

The appearance of helicopter tree pods, morning sun through the new leaves on the red maple, the goldening of the goldfinches and the first hummingbird of the season !!

DIY Photo Reflectors

Learn to use photo reflectors to bounce light on your subject or to tone down too much light.  Here are some things around the house to use on small subjects.

http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/quick-tip-8-reflectors-you-already-have-in-your-home--photo-12439

Here is a short video that shows you how to make 4 photo reflectors with core board.  Again, these are not giant sized but can work well if held close to your subjects.  You may need an assistant for some of these or if possible, have the photo subject hold the light upwards to their face if not including their hands in the photograph.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ITK0w6Jkpo

Studio lighting and professional photo reflectors can be costly.  Try some DIY versions as you learn.  Just keep shooting. No subject? Use the self timer and use yourself as a  model.

Here I held a large piece of aluminumm reflector under my face and you can see in the sunglass reflection. Those kind you put in your windshield would work, too. Get creative.

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More Flowers

It's been a very gusty couple of days but I had to get more photos of the bleeding hearts while they last! What's in your yard? Stop and take a photo and smell the flowers. Cliche but for a reason.

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Thanks for stopping by.

All photos are copyright SophiaZeePhotography.

Self Portraits Can Be Fun

I don't use a smart phone, and can barely type on tablet touch pad. (if you have tremors in your hands, they can very challenging!) I use a NikonD3300 DSLR.
So my selfies are done the old fashioned way with a camera and tripod.

(I don't smoke it's an old cigarette prop !)

This is the focus pole I used when standing against the wall. I moved it and stood in it's place and I just cut it out later. I also got rid of the spring door stop. you can also see the foil I put on the door to reflect the light in non flash photographs. I hate flash.

I confess, I prefer being behind the lens but one of the best ways to learn is on yourself.  Our house has very few areas to photograph against with too many oddly placed closets, lots of windows, and doorways.  I use a tiny corner entry way but I can't get rid of the slight shadow behind me that makes me look like a cut out at first glance!

 Example of bad shadow ! !

Sunglasses can make self portraits more fun.

Find what's in your/husband/boyfriends/room mate's closet? Bring out the kid in yourself and just play. I had not done this for 20 years. Then play around in photoshop or some other filters.

(One focus point I used, then I tossed the yardstick and  sat on chair)

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POTD

Picture (s) of the Day

Robin Nesting

Saw this robin gathering straw Sunday morning. It was fun to sit there and watch him/her. In between mouthfulls of grass, he lowered his/her head to pick up more. I don't know how they do this without hands or opposable thumbs.

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Do you mind? 

"Are you still here taking pictures? I'm a little busy."

Early Spring

Get outside and enjoy these spring days! And if you can't get outside, sit near a window and enjoy the sun !!!

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Spring is Here!

 Take a look around you. Look for nature arriving in the form of green grass, flowers, tree buds! It's everywhere. Just look up, sit on a chair, a bench, a fire escape and take in the sunshine !!

I love daylillies natural and tweaked a bit in post processing.

A bee came while I was playing with the Nikon.  Then a second bee arrived and well.. .. after a quick photo, I gave them their privacy!!

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~~thanks for stopping by.
    Sophia

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Photographs, Cards and Mugs for Sale!

If you or somebody you know, would like to order greeting cards, coffee mugs, t-shirts or wall prints, check out here. I am just starting my own store ! Stuff I added today, will show up tomorrow. There are all sorts of items I offer on Zazzle!

Please  purchase from  local artists.

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