ActiveRainPhotoBloggerContest ..... Shoot For The Moon!

ActiveRainPhotoBloggerContest ..... Shoot For The Moon!

It was the night, after the eclipse back in December ,... I stayed up until after four in the morning capturing the phenomenon. Since the wind chill was down in the teens.... I guess one might say I was a bit obsessed with this celestial body.

The following evening, on the way to a party, I again took some photos of the Moon Over Baltimore  but it was this one photo that was so intriguing...one that was  obviously taken before my friend  William Johnson made a suggestion. 

This heart moon was taken while riding, as a passenger, in a car at about 60 MPH...and no matter how many times I tried, I could not repeat or come close to reproducing this shot. But I still continue to Shoot For The Moon.

                        

Since this contest is about photography, please take time to  read the 5th comment on this post wirtten in March. 

Just look how much caring went into that comment. This is how we connect with others. On ActiveRain, there is so much learning and sharing and love just like this unique photo of the moon.

Not sure but maybe I played a small part in the idea for this contest... because of a phone conversation with William and his words... '' I love your idea that we discussed and you make me so proud to be associated  with you. Your gracious and giving heart guarantees you a place in his safe keeping. .."

When the contest was officially announced, my thought was to take a picture of my new  TrekTech Pod II and then some before and after photos. Tough to do when we are allowed only one!

Because of members like William Johnson, I will continue to Shoot For The Moon!

Photography | All Is A Flutter In Butterfly Jungle !

This featured blog, done by my friend and mentor, is spectacular..maybe one of my favorite photography posts on ActiveRain.    Thank you William Johnson!

This is the comment I left on his post:  

'I sincerely enjoyed this bit of heaven you have discovered. I would love to have a camera and YOU by my side touring this piece of heaven!  I am in love with your butterflies!!!Please share more...cannot wait.'
..and he did...take a look at William's comment #55 on the original blog. It that not fabulous?!!
Via San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-Pro CDPE (RE/MAX Associates):

All Is A Flutter In Butterfly Jungle !

Yours truly turned into a kid. Butterfly Jungle opened in San Diego Wild Animal Safari park April 9th. When I received my invitation, it came with a reminder that I needed to register  for a time slot since there were going to be crowds and the assigned time passes would  be in 15 minute intervals.

When I arrived at the park the parking lot was full up and on a weekday no less. Fearing I wouldn't be able to get as many photos in that limited time, I knew I needed to be ready and I was. I had all my equipment ready.

I was weighed down with extra lenes, my monopod the speedflash and I had one destination. At least in my mind that is. When I received my assigned time, it was for about 30 minutes later and I had time to wander around Safari Park. I went over to the Lagoon as particular bird, the Shoebill Stork had alluded me on my last visit and I wanted to see if he was around. He was and not only was he available , he gave me quite a nice collection of up close and personal shots.

My time was coming up for entrance into Butterfly Jungle and I was ready and actually one of the first ones in line. I was surrounded with about 10 little kids and their parents and behind me, the line was already out of sight. WOW, I was taller and felt assured that I would be able to see and get close to the action.

I have never seen anything quite like this before. If Butterflies represented Heaven, then I had arrived!

There were so many butterflies , I couldn't snap the shutter fast enough. One of my favorite photos was of youngster taking photos with an iPhone and my image is a full on shot of a butterfly and right along side it was her iPhone with the same image. 

There is way to much information to share in one post so I will hold some of the images back and perhaps post more about this experience. I read up on how caterpillars metamorphosed into butterflies so I would informed when I presented these photos. Maybe no one cares because the excitement of the day for me at least is the real story. As I told you, I turned into a kid again and was totally fascinated by what I took in.

Listing and Selling real estate in San Diego is such a joy for me . And it has become even more so since I re-discovered photography. Being able to excite people who want to live here with some of the many pleasures and treasures presented throughout our entire region has helped me to be the most excited I have even been in real estate. Yes, we could talk about business for a very long time but my clients also seem to enjoy my passion for our wonderful communities and the quality of life that exists here. From estates to entry level homes, we all share something in common that is priceless, our home here in San Diego and the many experiences and pleasures it affords us.

Here are some of the many captures from our Butterfly Jungle. Hopefully this will remind you that is it Spring.

Enjoy!

I sincerely hope you enjoyed these photos. 

If you are Buying, Selling or Relocating to San Diego and  need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my San Diego Real Estate website and sign up for Listing alerts for your favorite San Diego
Home and Condominium Property Searches.

I specialize in Single Family Homes and Condominiums
throughout the coast and inland areas of San Diego.

William Johnson, Certified Residential Specialist 

 
Need Help and Guidelines for Buying or Selling a Home ? Search for Homes and Condominiums in San Diego County. " Voice of San Diego Real Estate Blog "

Thank you William Johnson, I took your advice!

Thank you William Johnson for your suggestion. I took your advice! I love being able to see the squirrel's eye, the light through his/her ear, the individual hairs of the furry tail and the buds on the tree. All because I took your advice.


                         


This was a comment made by William Johnson about my Spring Robins in Baltimore.

''I am going to recommend you use a tripod. It is not always convenient so here is a better compromise. Buy a monopod. I have a really neat one ( light as feather with magnetic ball head for fast release of camera) that would be great for a point and shoot camera. I use it when I don't carry my tripod or in a crowd of people at some of our events here in San Diego. It doubles over as a walking stick so it is very cool looking as well. It helps hold the camera from shaking ( even a tiny bit of movement can make the photos less sharp).  Once you have it, keep it handy and the difference in the quality of the shot you simply will not believe until you see for yourself...''

My TrekTech Pod II arrived this week and I have had very limited time to play with it. The photo above was taken using the tripod..a first for me.

The next time I see those robins, I will have better photos for sure!
Thank you William Johnson for your suggestion. I took your advice!