Happy December

The weather has certainly turned wintery in Morgan Hill. The houses are beginning to be decorated for Christmas and the shopping malls are full. Dave & I have decorated our Christmas tree and are eagerly awaiting our new coffee maker which should be delivered this week.

Happy Thanksgiving 2009

I have been fortunate to visit the Las Vegas area many times in 2009 as a result of my work. And though many associate Las Vegas with bright lights and casinos, I have had the opportunity to explore the surrounding area.

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is an awe inspiring site 15 miles west of the strip.

Every trip from San Jose, I eagerly look out my Southwest Airlines window as we approach the Las Vegas airport for the view of these red rocks. It was a thrill to bring the camera and tripod and explore this area on foot.

Scenic Loop Road is a must do and affords some grand vistas.

This is a 4 picture HDR composition taken with my Canon 5D. This captures the redness of the rocks and the clarity of the Nevada sky.

Gabrielle

I created this painting using Painter X of my wonderful pomeranian Gabrielle.

Country Car Lot

I took this picture near Los Osos, CA this summer while attending a photo workshop at the Light Institute. Rick Sammon was the workshop leader and sincerely inspired me.

Rick challenged us to "make the picture, not take the picture."

As a result, these very cool antique cars became a 4 picture HDR shot. The sky was amazing this day!

This picture is currently being shown at a Gallery Showing in Morgan Hill, CA.

Monarch Butterflies at Pacific Grove, CA

Went to Pacific Grove, CA (near Monterey, CA) with several members of the Morgan Hill Photography Club to check out the Monarch Butterflies. Every autumn, thousands of these beautiful butterflies flock to Pacific Grove to winter. Beginning in November, the Monarchs begin to arrive and cluster on the trees in thick bunches. Since this is early in the season, I saw about 400 Monarch Butterfies. 1000s are expected to arrive.

I plan to make frequent trips to this area until the Monarchs leave in February.

Macro Presentation at Morgan Hill Photo Club

Listened to a Sharks Shoot Out VICTORY on the road called by Dan R on the radio and then attended the monthly meeting for the Morgan Hill Photography Club. I was the featured speaker. Topic was Macro Photography. I really enjoy this type of photography, and sharing my enthusiasm for "seeing the details" was quite rewarding. I also explained why the Canon 180mm macro lens is the best choice for me.....super sharp and allows a little distance from the subject.

Monday Night Light

Attended the terrific Monday Night Light webinar taught by Hal Schmitt of LIGHT Institute in Los Osos, CA. Topic was Photoshop Patch tool and Clone Stamp. Even though I am proficient in Photoshop, I always learn a new trick from Hal. Oh, and did I say that these weekly webinars are FREE!

http://lightworkshops.blogspot.com/

My first Blog entry

Welcome to Barbi's Blog. I plan to update this regularly with news regarding photography, travel, and San Jose Sharks Hockey.

The Sharks had a convincing road win today, which followed an AWESOME win at home Friday night.

I attended a flash class at Keeble and then took some Macro shots to prepare for my Morgan Hill Photography presentation Wednesday evening.