Milky Way - Niagara

This past summer Ralph and I were in Niagara and decided to try to take some Milky Way shots. This was a big challenge as we were surrounded by "light pollution".  When we got home we had a look at our pictures and were pretty disappointed with the results. I tucked them away in Lightroom and promptly forgot about them.

While cleaning up some of my camera cards this afternoon I came across these pictures again and decided to try to improve the picture in Lightroom.  I watched a few video's to get some ideas and set about trying to draw the Milky Way out in the sky.  Below is my first attempt at cleaning it up.

 It really is amazing because to the naked eye - we couldn't see the Milky Way.  We were fully dependant on an APP that we had on our phone pointing us to the direction to take the picture.  With so much light pollution (city lights) , it's just not possible to clearly see it.  

Winter Storm

It's been snowing alot this past week.  On and off leaving lots of fine snow around us.  I'm feeling a little housebound not able to get outside to practice what I've been learning on my course.  I am really enjoying the "A year with my Camera" course.  Emma Davies takes each concept and explains them very clearly.  It's really been beneficial for me.  Sadly though, the weather doesn't make it much fun to go outside and practice.  As a result, I put off some of my homework because my preference is to take "Landscape" pictures.  This week I pushed myself to get out (on Saturday) in the middle of a snowstorm.  I thought I might try to get another one of my pictures for my "Make 30 photos" assignment.  I had passed a grouping of tree's that I thought would work so I bundled myself up.  I had mitts, gloves, scarf, hat, vest and a coat on to keep me warm.  It was snowing so hard that I thought I should take my rain cover for the camera but after fiddling with it, I decided not to take me. I know I have to practice more on my patience, but this time, I figured I'd just cover the camera with my scarf.

So off I went and drove to Thistletown Collegiate where I had seen the 3 tree's.  I double parked (oops) and stuffed my camera into my jacket and then walked around trying to find the best picture.  I really should have taken my wide angle lens with me, but thought I wouldn't need it.  Mistake #1 - always be prepared.  So I made due with the lens I had and set up my tripod.  Of course the first thing I noticed was that there were tree's behind the 3 sets of tree's that I was planning on photographing.  It was so dark because of all the snow that I wasn't able to blur out the background tree's.  I'll have to figure out how to do that the next time I go out and the weather is nicer.  I thought if shooting from the opposite side, but there was a Bell Canada truck parked right behind me so that wouldn't work either.  I took a few shots and decided to head back in.

In the end, I decided to crop in the picture and only keep it to one tree.  It was a great opportunity practicing with my Histogram.  It's amazing how much of a difference that makes when taking a picture.  I had learned though, that practice is the key.  You can't expect to get a great shot without practicing as much as you can.  I still have lots of time to practice before we go away, so I'll plan to try to get out at least 3 days each week.

The family that plays together.....stays together

One of my favourite pictures.  I only wish my Dad was in it as well.  If I remember correctly, he had just purchased his first SLR camera and set us up for this photograph.

This always reminds me of the special bond our family has with each other. I am so thankful for the time we spend together. most weeks at my Mom's.    This currently hangs on a wall in her apartment.  I smile every time I see it.