NO MORE POSTS, SEE FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

2005-09-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

This blog was fun while it lasted, but I see no point in moving photos from Flickr: That's the place to post, present and view photos. Please see my Flickr photostream for 10 times more pictures than ever got posted here:

MY FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

ROCK HALL SUNDAY

2005-08-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

ROCK HALL SUNDAY
Originally uploaded by jon fobes.

The Rock Hall and clouds, a nice combination.

ROSE WITH GRID

2005-08-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

ROSE WITH GRID
Originally uploaded by jon fobes.

Just a rose from my back flower garden taken Wednesday, August 17, 2005 before work.

Click image to visit Flickr or see FULL SIZE.

PURE PASSION

2005-08-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

PURE PASSION
Originally uploaded by jon fobes.

Surprise, surprise! Schoepfle Garden has two of the lovely and amazing wild passion flowers, but unless you follow a dead-end path and look carefully, you'll never spot them tucked away in the shadows among the leaves. What an amazingly evolved and complicated flower!

SEE FULL SIZE

NO MONKEY BUSINESS

2005-08-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

NO MONKEY BUSINESS
Originally uploaded by jon fobes.

Past the butterfly house and the rhino pen is the concrete island home of the Colubus monkey, and this face expresses better than any words why I find the zoo a generally depressing place to be. Nothing to do but sit around and grow increasingly bored. No books, no HBO, no D70, no Mac with cinema display, no Photoshop, no beer or tacos or monkey business of any sort: a fate worse than death!

I am going to change my Flickr icon in honor of this poor beast.

NOTE: I am depending more and more in Flickr as my main photo page. That's the place to see my most recent photos.

BUMBLE BEE STUDY 3

2005-08-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

BUMBLE BEE STUDY 3
Originally uploaded by jon fobes.

This guy is serious about his lunch. Didn't pay me any mind as I jammed a macro lens 2 inches from him. But see two much better bumble bee macros on the next page or see one HERE and another one HERE. I only included this one because I like the colors. This was taken at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Thursday, August 4, 2005, about 4 in the afternoon on a 90+ degree day. Best seen BIG.

TRIPOD FLOWER

2005-07-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

TRIPOD FLOWER
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Sunday. Back at Schoepfle Garden. Lugged the tripod around for a while and tried it out on this flower, all for as much DOF as I could muster, of course. Not sure it was worth it, but one has to experiment.

RED ON BLUE

2005-07-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

RED MAPLE LEAVES 2
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Japanese Maple leaves. 60 macro lens, no rings. Friday, July 29, 2005. FULL SIZE

FLOWERS IN FLOWERS

2005-07-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

FLOWERS IN FLOWERS
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Macro lens helps you see that there are flowers in flowers! I had no idea. FULL SIZE

More shots on Flickr.

BACKYARD BABY ROSE 1

2005-07-18T17:21:00.000-07:00

BABY ROSE 1
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

OK, I am off work with a sore back (and knee and foot, all thanks to a deformed disk), and I have been on and off the ice pack about 5 hours and should NOT be shooting pictures. But on a walk around the house I noticed a new baby rose out back, and rushed out to take a picture (actually 6) before the thunderstorm hit.

This rose is about as big as a quarter. Macro lens with all three rings. See related picture on Macro site.

OUTDOOR PACMAN

2005-07-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

OUTDOOR PACMAN
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

I went to the Cleveland Botanical Garden for a couple hours before work Wednesday to shoot some butterflies. If I knew they had outdoor Pacman in the reflecting pool, I would have taken more quarters. FULL SIZE

More pictures on MACRO SITE.

BACK TO THE GARDEN

2005-07-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

BACK TO THE GARDEN
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Returned to Schoepfle Garden today (Saturday, July 9, 2005) with only one purpuse: Get a decent dragonfly picture. Can't say I am disappointed with this shot. My favorite picture of the day. I like it so much I am putting it on all three sites! I will be posting some other shots from today's adventure on the MACRO SITE.

MUST SEE FULL SIZE.

NO BELL JARRING | A SHOT IN THE DARK

2005-07-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

NO BELL JARRING
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Here's a tip: If you want to get good coral bell pictures, do it at night when the wind is totally dead.

Here's another tip: If you need a flash, get the Speedlight SB-600. It is smart enough to figure out how to perfectly illuminate a tiny object only 8 inches away, right down to the almost microscopic dew drops.

This picture was taken at 2:20 a.m. July 7, 2005. Check it out at FULL SIZE. This picture is also on the MACRO SITE.

PHOTO ESSAY

2005-07-05T23:28:00.000-07:00

FRESH AIR AT LAST
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

These open windows are letting a little fresh air into the church. Another philosophy essay in photo form.

BERRY BUD | NEW PHOTO SITE

2005-07-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

BERRY BUD
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Not sure if this is a berry or a bud, but I am sure that it's on my new macro photography blog, which you can FIND HERE.

BLACK AND BLUE

2005-07-02T23:47:00.000-07:00

A PATCH OF BLUE
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

The clouds of Friday gave way to a perfect blue on Saturday. I like this picture because how often, when you look around, can you say that you're seeing only three things? An order of three. Clean and simple.

OUR FLAG WAS STILL THERE

2005-07-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FOURTH
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

It was a weirdly colorful evening in Cleveland. You'd think it was the Fourth of July weekend or something.

CLICK HERE for full-size image.

HEAVEN'S GRATE II

2005-07-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

HEAVEN'S GRATE II
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

The Fourth of July weekend started off with a colorful Friday night in downtown Cleveland. Front came through bringing down the temperatures. Finally.

Click image for larger file or CLICK HERE for full-size file. Both are stored on Flickr.

THE NEW CHALLENGE

2005-07-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

THE NEW CHALLENGE
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

... is finding composition in miniature. This was shot with the macro lens and all three extension rings.

What you see at left is a hosta bud, then the tiny leaf below, and other leaves under. The blue leaves 2 feet below went purple on the Photoshop auto-levels command, so I left them that way. FULL SIZE

Here's another macro photo, which I hope you can see at the full upload size: JUMBO DROP

GERANIUM BUD II

2005-06-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

GERANIUM BUD II
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Macro lens with two rings and flash.

CLICK HERE for the full upload size.

DOWNTOWN DRESDEN

2005-06-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

HEAT STROKED
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Cleveland wilts in the June heat like a movie set for "War of the Worlds" ... or a slow-motion recreation of the fire-bombing of Dresden. At least our streets aren't melting ... yet. FULL SIZE

WALKING ON SUNSHINE

2005-06-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

WALKING ON SUNSHINE
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

I have been serious about taking pictures for only two months, but I have learned one thing: You keeping shooting something until you finally hit upon the way it wants to be photographed.

I think I am getting there with these big reds.

SOME CAME LATE

2005-06-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

THE VIEW FROM ON HIGH
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

The volleyball tournament at Lakeview Park attracted lots of onlookers. But some showed up late and missed all the action. See related photo on lomo site.

P.S. This also reminds me of my favorite James Joyce quote:

"When the soul of a man is born in this country there are nets flung at it to hold it back from flight. You talk to me of nationality, language, religion. I shall try to fly by those nets." There are lots of great quotes you can link to from the philosophy site.

BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR

2005-06-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

THE PICTURE IS THE DOOR
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

... you'll find a lot of Daffy Dan shirts. And probably Daffy Dan. And his dog.

One thing nice about having your own blog is that you can be very eccentric with your punctuation. I value that.

MOTHERFLY OR BUTTERMOTH?

2005-06-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

MOTHERFLY
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Not sure if this is a moth or a butterfly. But I know it was having a snack in the lavender patch. And that it wouldn't stay put.

FULL SIZE

FROM THE DELICATE ...

2005-06-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

FROM THE DELICATE ...
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

My wide variety of hostas go from the delicate to the demonic ...

... TO THE DEMONIC

2005-06-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

... TO THE DEMONIC
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

... all in the space of a few feet in the same flower bed.

FEEDING TIME

2005-06-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

FEEDING TIME
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

It was feeding time at the Fobes lavender patch Thursday afternoon.

See FULL SIZE file.

PD MIDGE RESTS ON FLOWER

2005-06-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

PD MIDGE RESTS ON FLOWER
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Yes, Mary Ann, there are midges every place you look ... and some places you don't.

ST. PETERMELT

2005-06-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

STRAINED GLASS WINDOW
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

St. Peter Church looks a bit unstable and distorted in the east side of Heaven's Grate.

HEAVEN'S GRATE

2005-06-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

HEAVEN'S GRATE
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Went out to move my car and found a picture.

NOT GOING THROUGH A PHASE

2005-06-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

NOT GOING THROUGH A PHASE
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Rooflines from Phase I. Back to front. Works for me.

HOSTA IN BLUE NOTE

2005-06-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

HOSTA IN BLUE
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

More hosta buds, this one with some welcome blue in the background.

MORE HOSTAGRAPHY

2005-06-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

MORE HOSTAGRAPHY
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Wish I had a little more DOF on this one. Maybe I will go out and try again ... with tripod.

BIG RED BURSTING

2005-06-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

BIG RED
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

The big red flowers by the garage are bursting. Dozens!

THE RAIN IN LORAIN

2005-06-17T23:15:00.000-07:00

THE RAIN IN LORAIN
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Backlit Japanese Maple leaf in June ... with drops.

GOING THROUGH A PHASE

2005-06-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

ROOFLINES
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Here's where Phase I and Phase II of our new building come together with the sky on a cool Friday evening in June as I wait for stories to come over from the city desk.

ROSEBUD II (NOT A SLED)

2005-06-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

ROSEBUD II (NOT A SLED)
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

More roses popping out. They just keep coming. I never feed them or care for them in any way, but they keep giving me pictures.

A PARTING SHOT

2005-06-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

ONE MORE TIME
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

One last photo of the lovely geranium buds before they explode into the ridiculous riot of pitiful petals called "the geranium." Is there an uglier flower?

HANGING OUT IN BARS

2005-06-12T23:04:00.000-07:00

YEARNING TO BE FREE
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Plain Dealer plants press past their iron border Sunday June 12.

TAGGING ALONG

2005-06-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

TAGGING ALONG
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Some tubing near the Lorain Lighthouse on a rather overcast Saturday afternoon in June.

HER ROYAL REDNESS*

2005-06-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

HER ROYAL REDNESS
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Behold, the lowly geranium, left over from the May flower run to Pennsylvania and currently planted in the front flower bed.

*Very red but only as big as a pencil eraser.

PRIVATE CONVERSATION ... ALMOST

2005-06-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

PRIVATE CONVERSATION ... ALMOST
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

It's not always easy to find a place for a private cell-phone conversation on a public beach ... there's always at least one nosey gull wanting to listen in.

ROSE IN LAVENDER

2005-06-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

THIS ROSE AROSE IN LAVENDER
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

More sideyard photography because I don't have time to go anyplace else before work.

READY TO TAKE THE PLUNGE

2005-06-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

READY TO TAKE THE PLUNGE
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

This little bug is about to head into the void in search of a pink rose treat.

WHEN GULLS ATTACK

2005-06-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

WHEN GULLS ATTACK
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Just a little Photoshop fun for the Nightsider sight ... but since I like the background shot -- a deserted Superior Avenue -- I will include it on this site. See Nightsiders for other version. Link to your right.

PINK ROSE II

2005-06-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

PINK ROSE II
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

This rose is growing in my backyard flower bed. Taken June 8, 2005. Used the P setting instead of the flower setting. Last night I also changed to the D70's Adobe RGB setting and I activated the "vivid" command to saturate the colors a little bit more.

PURPLE RAIN

2005-06-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

PURPLE RAIN
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Watering the front flower beds on a Sunday night provided a picture-taking opportunity because I was too lazy to go back up to the lake.

WAITING FOR THE LIGHT

2005-06-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

rumbleframed
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

This is something of a lomography shot, but I'll give it a home here ... because the ear plug elevates it almost to the level of real photograph. And it gives me a chance to use another one my Photoshop-constructed frames.

CUTEST KID ON THE BEACH

2005-06-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

SHE'S BACK!
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

So cute, in fact, that she merits two pictures. See lomo blog for more beach shots. Link right.

CORAL BELLS AFTER WATERING

2005-06-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

CORAL BELLS AFTER WATERING
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

A slight breeze presented some problems with focus. Other than that, an OK picture. I suppose.

NO WAY!

2005-06-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

NO WAY
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Summer has returned, but not everyone is happy about it. See related pictures on the lomo blog. Link at right.

LAVENDER

2005-06-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

LAVENDER
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

A sprig of lavender with a rose in the background from my side-yard flower bed.

ROCK AND ROBIN

2005-05-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

ROCK AND ROBIN
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

A baby robin came to visit. As I was shooting him a hummer came for lunch ... but was too fast to capture.

A DUCK AND A HARD PLACE

2005-05-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

A DUCK AND A HARD PLACE
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

This guy just wanted to stand on his rock and wash his feet.

PS. These animal pictures -- in fact, all my offerings lately -- are toned and sharpened to look best at the biggest view, which you get by clicking the photo and then clicking the "all sizes" icon over the photo in Flickr.

KING OF THE SHORE PATROL

2005-05-29T16:49:00.000-07:00

SHARING THE SHORE
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

The geese had to share their landing zone with a friendly duck and a very grumpy heron, who acted like he owned the place.

ALL ASHORE FOR A LITTLE GRASS

2005-05-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

COMING ASHORE
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Two Canada Geese bring their young to shore for a snack Sunday at the marina.

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP

2005-05-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Just a river view from the Kingsville area.

THE FOUNTAIN IS WORKING

2005-05-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

THE FOUNTAIN IS WORKING
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

And then there were these guys: Parks Department worker Jose Vazquez and his friend Ed Maldonado get the fountain working for Memorial Day. Workers painted the fountain yesterday, and Jose filled it with water today and was adjusting the flow. This was taken Thursday, May 26, 2005.

FLYING LOW

2005-05-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

FLYING LOW
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

I forgot about this guy. So the beach wasn't totally deserted.

DESERTED BEACH 1

2005-05-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

DESERTED BEACH 1
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Not much activity at Lakeview Park in Lorain 3 days before Memorial Day. But that will change.

You could call this shot my version of the "Lorain Lighthouse" photo, which anyone with a camera around here is obligated to take.

CROSSTOWN TRAFFIC / YOU NEVER KNOW

2005-05-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

CROSSTOWN TRAFFIC
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

You never know what's going to draw attention. I thought this was a total lomography shot, but it has 10 views and 2 comments on Flickr, so maybe it's a photo after all.

So I am posting it on the photo blog. Whatever!

PATIO FERNS COMING UP

2005-05-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

PATIO FERNS COMING UP
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Patio fern caught with a bit of blind shooting from way down low while sprawled on the patio on break between mowing the lawn and cleaning the car.

JAPANESE RED MAPLE SPINNERS

2005-05-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

MAPLE SPINNERS
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

These were tucked up under some leaves in the red Japanese maple tree in my front yard. I thought it made a nice picture with the evening sun slanting through the branches and backlighting them somewhat. A bit of breeze threw off the focus a little.

GONE FISHING!

2005-05-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

MORE FISH FUN
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Having some fun with wooden fish that I shot today in my photo studio made from mat board.

What else can one do on an overcast vacation day?

PS. It was fun making the colors pop.

SAME BARN

2005-05-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

SAME BARN
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

... but without the heavenly glow.

NEAR DEATH

2005-05-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

READY TO GO
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

This South Amherst barn is just about ready to fall down dead. It's just waiting for the rapture. I swear I could hear a heavenly choir.

OTTO'S HEAVENLY LIGHT

2005-05-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

SOME COLOR FROM OTTO
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Here's another shot from Saturday's trip to Birmingham and Schoepfle Gardens. I am posting it for a little color as we seem to have an excess of blue on the photo blog.

ROCK TEST 1

2005-05-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

ROCK TEST
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Let's go back to the first version. Looks better big.

ROCK TEST RUINED

2005-05-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

rocktest
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Calibrated my monitor and made some Photoshop adjustments then ran a test on this photo.

Bit better. Still needs some tweaking. And in redoing it, I oversharpened. Does not look good big.

PINES

2005-05-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

PINES
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Taken at Schoepfle Garden on May 21, 2005.

Just a reminder: The best way to see a bigger file of any photo on this site is to click the picture and go to Flickr, then hit the "all sizes" button over the photo. That brings up the original download size, which in the more recent offerings will be 12 inches wide at 72 dpi. The image should just about fill the screen.

I shoot jpeg high and fine, which means I can get about 144 pictures on my 512 meg card. And I am working out of Photoshop CS2 with a Wacom tablet on the way.

THE WATER SHOT

2005-05-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

THE WATER SHOT
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Just think, they used to call Cleveland, "The mistake on the lake." Not any more.

Click on the picture for a bigger file then hit the "all sizes" button over the picture for an even bigger file.

SUNSET NEAR ROCK HALL

2005-05-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

SUNSET NEAR ROCK HALL
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Then I decided to turn the camera around. And then I went back to work.

ROCK HALL FRIDAY NIGHT

2005-05-20T22:10:00.000-07:00

rockhall5
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Ducked out of work for 20 minutes to move my car to the executive parking lot tonight and took a couple pictures of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame while I had the chance.

Maybe some day I'll go inside.

PS. I know that I have this picture on two blogs; it seemed to be the right thing to do at the time.

STILL WAITING

2005-05-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

coralbell4
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

No hummers yet. Dinner is not quite ready.

WANTED: 1 HUMMINGBIRD

2005-05-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

coralbells1
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

It won't be long before the hummingbirds will find the coral bells, and then we'll see what happens.

Pictures, I hope.

RED LEAVES

2005-05-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

redleaves1
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

I thought I would tip the camera up for a change, a shift from green to red, a nice change of pace.

If ever the sun stays out for more than 3 seconds, I will go off the property for some new subject matter.

Until then, practice continues. Click on this photo and go to Flickr for some other shots of Casa Fobes.

MY CHIVES

2005-05-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

chives3
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Now all I need is a baked potato.

MORE PRACTICE

2005-05-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

leavesupright4
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

More composition practice in my own front yard, dashing out between chores to see what I can see.

This was shot with the 300.

MORE HOSTAGRAPHY

2005-05-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

leaves
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

... on a cool, overcast day in May with a new lens. Still in the testing phase.

HOSTAGRAPHY

2005-05-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

hostagraphy
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

More plantlife submitted by your humble hostagrapher. Or is that lomographer?

New lomography blog.

LEAF STUDY 1

2005-05-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

LEAF STUDY 1
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Too cold at the beach. Came home to shoot.

A DAY AT THE BEACH

2005-05-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

gulls3
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Not many people swimming on May 5. Just a couple of gulls to shoot, hanging in the air "exactly the way bricks don't."

LITTLE HOSTAS

2005-05-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

LITTLE HOSTAS
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

While some of the hostas are up almost 6 inches, others are just breaking through.

Others are still hiding out.

I find this to be the case: The bigger the leaves, the longer they wait to come up.

And they always push up more leaves than they did the year before. First plant out of the ground? Chives.

LOOKING UP IN OBERLIN

2005-05-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

STONEWORK
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Some things really are carved in stone.

These medallions decorate the stone ceiling of the Oberlin gate.

I THINK IT'S TIME TO UPGRADE MY ACCOUNT

2005-05-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

wenger1
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Nothing like a macro lens to help you see your wristwatch. Time to quit playing around with pictures and upgrade to a flickr pro account (only $24.95 per year) and then do some chores before "Deadwood" comes on, at which time I will start on my weekly six pack of Coors light.

And I better set the date on this watch!

HOLY MACRO

2005-05-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

plantstwo
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

The sun came back out, so I put on the macro lens, which Nikon calls a micro lens, and walked around the house looking for a victim.

I am not sure what these plants are -- I bought them last year but have forgotten already -- but they get very tall.

Look at this in flickr. (Double click photo.)

AS THEY SAY ... "EXPERIMENT IN PUBLIC!"

2005-05-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

NIKON D70
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

On the first day of shooting with a new camera, I took 60 pictures and blogged only three, and I can't even say they were worth blogging, but I wanted something to show for my efforts. I think I know, in my head, what makes a good picture. Now I just need to get it in the camera and on the Web site.

I think Shooting Stone is the closest thing to a real picture, but not that close, really. It looks a little better if you call it up in flickr. Oh well, as the postmodernists say: "Experiment in public!"

CAMERA GEAR: Nikon D70 with AF-S NIKKOR 18-70mm lens. Also AF MICRO NIKKOR 60mm 1:2.8 lens; AF NIKKOR 28mm 1:2.8 lens. Other cameras: Nikon Coolpix885; Nikon 8008s with SB-24 Speedlight.

NOTE 1: Perhaps you already know this, but Blogspot doesn't charge anything for a blog; and flickr doesn't charge anything for a photo account (or you can get a pro account with more storage and added features). So there's no excuse not to set up your own site ... for whatever purpose.

NOTE 2: Click the picture and go to flickr to see a larger file.

SHOOTING STONE

2005-05-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

stone5
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Taken on my first day of shooting with the Nikon D70 on the campus of Oberlin College, about 10 minutes from my home.

If you like shooting stone, head for Oberlin.

OBERLIN CURVE

2005-05-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

curve1
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Taken on my first day of shooting with the Nikon D70 on the campus of Oberlin College, where trees grow tall and stone curves.

VISIONS OF AN ORDER

2005-05-01T00:47:00.000-07:00

beer
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

There are visions of order and visions of an order; and this is the typical Navy Pier Beer Garden order:

"Hey, gargoyle, two more drafts!"

WINDOWS ON THE WATER

2005-05-01T00:45:00.000-07:00

windows3
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

There are a lot of buildings on Chicago's Navy Pier. And people. And food. And beer. And brothers from Ohio staggering from one jazz joint to another.

PIZZA PIE IN THE SKY

2005-05-01T00:21:00.000-07:00

PIZZA
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Another vacation shot, this one from Chicago in 2004. It's the Nikon Coolpix again. It does a nice job most of the time.

I shot this from the sidewalk where I collapsed after more beers than I can count and the biggest pizza I ever saw.

FERNS

2005-05-01T00:11:00.000-07:00

FERNS
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Somebody said they liked this picture of ferns near my patio. This also was shot with the Nikon Coolpix.

HIGH IN THE SKY

2005-05-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

HIGH IN THE SKY
Originally uploaded by jonfobes.

Here's one I took from the CN tower in Toronto with my Nikon Coolpix in 2002.

Since brother Jeff and I are heading back there this year, I'll have a chance to make a better picture with my Nikon D70 ... if I put down my beer long enough to take a picture.