Another shot at producing usable images at high ISO. This one was shot at ISO12800 85mm F1.8 @1/30sec and then converted to B&W HDR.

Black and white conversion of a very low light shot.

After thirteen years of hanging out with the tree roots, the cicadas have come out of the ground by the millions. The noise is incredible. It’s almost painful on the ears to stand outside. They make quite a mess with their discarded larva shells, too.

Ups and Downs of the Week

New Lens – I picked up a used Canon 85mm f1.8 lens at B&H Photo in NYC last week. I’ve wanted one of these for a while. They make excellent portrait lenses and are pretty good for mid-range shots as well. Some examples below.

Political Games – Our esteemed state legislature voted overwhelmingly to extend our current health care contracts and dispense with the wildly unpopular plan that was just adopted by the state with very little oversight or thought of consequences. The legislature had a veto-proof majority, but in a not-so-subtle move, they passed the bill and sent it to the governor’s desk, where it is sure to be vetoed, on the last day of the current session. So now when the governor vetoes it, they can claim they tried to do something about and wash their hands of the whole affair. Any group with an ounce of integrity and a gram of courage would have pushed this bill through weeks ago while there was still time to override the inevitable veto. Do they really think we’re all so stupid?

Right place, right time – I was driving home today and was just passing a large corn field as a crop duster started to spray it. I just happened to have my camera gear with me.

Red Sox – They beat Oakland tonight, barely, but they got swept by the Pale Hose earlier this week and are reverting back to their early season sub-par play.

The carousel in Central Park moves really fast.

Ok, so I’m a little late this week. We’ve been in NYC and I didn’t get around to posting Friday or Saturday. So here goes…

Red Sox – Finally playing up to expectations. They’re at the top of the AL East and if they keep playing this way, they’ll be well out in front by the All Star break.

CNN – Used to be the premier news organization in the world. Now they peddle celebrity gossip and misery voyeurism. Sad that they’ve lowered themselves so, all the more so because it seems that’s all people want these days.

Bruins – Heading to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in decades.

NYC – As I say every year, it’s a great place to visit for a few days. But after those few days, I usually can’t wait to get back home. I took loads of pics which I’ll post up soon.

Park Central Hotel – Between the faulty air conditioning and half the elevators being out of service, it was not the best stay we’ve had in NYC. The location was great, but the hotel itself is poorly run.

Church Flood

Road to Redemption