©2011 Just Shooting Memories (all rights reserved)
Every once in a while I like to go through my archive of photos. This helps me in two ways. First, I get to see all the old photos that I took and relive the moments. I mean, that is what this is all about. “Capturing Memories for a Lifetime”. Second, every time I go through …Continue Reading Here…
This is the back door to the Smithsonian administration building. Also commonly known as the Castle. I had a fun time taking photos in the flower garden just behind the castle. If you ever have the chance to make it here, make sure you explore the sides of the garden. There were lots of cool things to find that were not readily apparent from the central area of the garden. In fact, you can see one from a previous post, Flower Petals for the Lady. …Continue Reading Here…
I love classic cars. I understand completely how America can have a love affair with the automobile. These are fascinating vehicles. I try to make it to several auto shows, but have not been as successful this year. In fact, I have not had as much time for photography as I have wanted this summer. However, I have several things planned, including Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk. I am going to attend the walk in Chattanooga on October 1. If any of you are in the area, I would love to meet.
I was exploring the Museum of American History and made it to the bottom floor where the vehicles were located. The first vehicle seen is this race car. I don’t remember the name and right now I have horrible internet connectivity or I would look it up. It is so much fun to explore museums and see the history that is contained there.
I think museums are some of the most difficult to photograph, but some of the most beautiful buildings. This is another photo from Washington D.C. and what I called The Blue Room. And don’t miss last Sunday’s Daily Photo.
During my high speed visit of the rapidly closing museums in Washington D.C., I came across the Orchid collection in the Museum of Natural History. It amazes me at how difficult it is to grow these flowers. And then to encourage them to grow in the variety that is seen at the show is amazing. This particular one caught my eye. I can’t explain why it stood out against the other amazing flowers, but it did. My first impression of this was of a hawk or some type of bird of prey with it’s beak open. However, once my wife saw it, she pointed out that it looked kinda like a fairy. (Don’t tell her, bu I think she may have been watching too much Barbie and the Fairy Secret. I’m just sayin’.) And then I began looking at it again. And I could see the fairy. (Good grief, now I KNOW I have been watching too much.)
While you are checking out this flower, why don’t you look at The Flower (I know; original name.) And then visit last Friday’s Daily Photo.
As a blogger, I depend on reliable Internet. However, where I live there is only one provider. I have been thinking of satellite Internet, but am worried at the traffic limits. Does anyone have any experience with satellite Internet? Any recommendations?
This is the front of the Smithsonian administration building. I loved the flowers all around the grounds of the museums on the National Mall. I was rather disappointed when I learned that the flowers are constantly being replaced. Well, not really, I don’t know of any way they could get flowers constantly all year long. Not to mention, it would be impossible to make all the cool designs last longer than a few weeks.
What is your favorite place to take photos? I am still up in the air. I always seem o go for the big landscapes or vast distance photos. However, I have begun working on some close-ups. Does anyone have suggestion on a photographic style they would like to see me attempt? I could then write a post outlining my trials and tribulations. Click the “leave comments” link at the top of this post.
This is one of the exhibit halls in the Museum of Asian History in Washington D.C. I just loved the blue along the ceiling. I don’t know if this is a skylight or just a back lit light. But, however it is done, it is cool. The only things lit well were the actual exhibits, the galleries themselves were very dim. This was handheld, 3 exposures. To get the shutter speed where I could hold it, I had to crank up the ISO.
I have not had the time to slow down and think for myself today. Let alone think of something fabulous to write. I don’t know why sometimes, I can’t stop the words and other times, the words wont stop. Is it like that for anyone else?
This was another photo from my sunken gallery expedition. There were many statues and works of art here that I understood and appreciated, but then there were some that just had me scratching my head and thinking “Huh? What were they thinking.” But then, I began taking photos of those odd things and started thinking “Then, What am I thinking for taking photos of these.” The funny thing is, the thoughts still did not stop me from taking the photos. This piece is actually tucked away in a quiet out of the way place in the gallery. Like it was hiding there just for me to find. I think it had something to do with a rabbit, but I don’t remember.
I read a post on Photofocus the other day about becoming a better photographer. In it, Scott Bourne talks about using writing to become a better photographer by making the photographer focus on telling a story. That made me think and go back to some of my work from when I first started writing this blog. What I discovered opened my eyes. Maybe writing really does work to improve photography.
Today’s photo comes from the Asian History Museum in Washington D.C. It amazes me how the architecture is as much a part of the museums as the pieces on display. I was walking around this museum when I rounded the corner and saw these windows lined up and leading to a large metal bared door on the other end of the hallway. (I later learned that is where some of the more valuable pieces are as well as the stairway leading to the administrative offices in this building) I just thought the symmetry was perfect in the architecture.
Well, this is my 100th post. I should have something witty to say, but I am at a loss for words. To be perfectly honest, I was doubtful that I would make it this far. My goal has been one post a day. Some days I don’t know if I will be able to keep it up and maintain a full time job. Anyone else out there in the same boat? (Made a commitment and trying to stand by it?)
This car was way before it’s time. The 1948 Tucker Sedan (on display at the National Museum of American History). Where else could you find a car with a safety chamber in the front passenger floorboard. I am sure the passenger would have time to see another car, recognize the threat it represented, react to the threat and position themselves into the safety chamber. But anyway, this was one cool car. The front middle headlight was attached to the steering so you could see the road better.
I have struggled with posting this photo. I can not explain why I have had so much trouble, but it is still there none the less. Am I the only one who has trouble with posting certain photos?
After a long day in a training seminar, I was able to make it inside the district for a crash through several Smithsonian Museums which were still open past 5 O’Clock. After exhausting all the museums, and being kicked out of the American History Museum, I made it to the Vietnam Memorial. It had been raining, too cold for my southern bones and just plain miserable. I would not have even made it to the Wall if it had not been for the specific request of my brother. After taking this shot and processing it, I still don’t know what to think about it.
I usually release all the photos on this blog under a creative commons license, but not for this one. For licensing information contact daryl (at) justshootingmemories.com
©2011 Just Shooting Memories (all rights reserved)
