I went into NYC yesterday and attended Scott Kelby’s “Light it, shoot it and retouch it” seminar. It was a solid day and many new photo tips and techniques were picked up and have to be tried out.
While walking back to the train station I saw this show of the empire State building in the distance and enjoyed it and the leading lines.
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My youngest daughter accepted an award at her HS Senior Awards Night. Congratulations to her!
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For those waiting for an update on the baby Robin’s, I unfortunately don’t have good news. I checked on them Monday evening and all was OK (Memorial Day). Around lunch time on Tuesday, there was silence and the nest was empty. First I thought they couldn’t have learned to fly *that* fast. Upon looking around a little more I noticed some branches on the bush they were in were broken. It appeared something (small animal?) found them and climbed up into the bush and, well, fill in the blanks. I also found some parts of the nest on the lawn in front of the bush. Interestingly enough the nest is still in tact but the bush did undergo some sort of duress. The parents are no where to be found and not too much other signs of what happened anywhere. Survival of the fittest I suppose.
In other news we are under yet another Tornado watch today. Luckily it doesn’t look like too much is going to happen. So far we didn’t even get a thunderstorm but there was some thunder to the north and a few raindrops.
In photography news I found a download on Canon’s website that has some “Quick Guides.” The one that I found the most useful is a guide to EOS 7D Autofocus Modes. I recently (within the last 6 months) started exploring the different focusing modes on my current camera body and I wish I did so sooner. the online link to the website in general is http://usa.canon.com/dlc. It’s the Canon Digital Learning Center. If you search for “QuickGuide to EOS 7D Autofocus Modes” I’m sure you’ll find it. If not let me know and I’ll see if I can find the entire direct link.
I’ve heard it said time and again from other pro photogs that you need to know your camera and gear like the back of your hand. It’s true. That is what separates us from non-pro photogs. I know regularly change my focus points when doing certain types of photography and I know my work has increased in quality as a result. Far fewer “gee I wish that part of the photograph was sharp.” Now I decide on what I want sharp and focus on that focus point!
Two cars collided on Route 173 and the exit ramp of 78 west exit 3. One plate had New York and the other NJ. Air bags were deployed but there were no injuries. That alone is a testament to air bags and new safety features in cars today.
And the next time I’m having a bad day, I’m going to think of the tow truck operator who climbed underneath the two cars (center), in a the leaking fluids and heat of the day, to hook up the car on the left to the tow.
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It’s that time of year again. no matter what the weather is a week ago, it’s always on the warm side for the Memorial Day parade in town.
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Stewartsville Volunteer Fire Company responding to a call for a structure fire in the township on Sunday night. radio reports of a candle and a tablecloth. The fire was out upon arriving to the scene.
What’s eerie about this call is there seems to always be a call before a parade – whether its in town or on mutual aide. Then the clean trucks have to be cleaned again before the parade 
.
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You have to like a city that has street lights shaped like kisses!
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Severe thunderstorms passed through last night after 9pm. They were not in the forecast too much before dinner time.
I managed to catch a nice picture of a lightening bolt that was about 2.5 miles away from my house to the south.
The severe thunderstorm also managed to drop pea sized hail near the beginning of the storm
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It’s been a while since I posted a photo of the robin eggs. There were four (4) total. And as you can see from today’s photos they hatched! I caught them napping while the parent was away gathering food. I hope they leave soon because that bush needs a trimming!
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I pass by this often but today the weather was great and I wasn’t in a rush so I stopped by for a quick picture. This is the scenic rest area on 78 West just before 287 in New Jersey. This photo is looking SW and taken from my Samsung Focus.
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Dabour Photography 