jim_j2

Your shot here interested me because in the early 70's I was stationed at the Oak Knoll Naval Hospital. I recall some views like this from the hills adjacent to the base.

They were also breathtaking at night.

I expect you were fortunate to have a clear days such as this to obtain the shot. You've caught some very nice details of San Francisco.

Cheers & Regards always,

Jim j.

I too find the softness and muted colors of both the Butterfly and the Flower attractive.

I'd be curious how it would look with some cropping of that void space to the left of the frame. It would also make the subject appear larger in the frame. When viewed larger, it certainly has enough excellent details to withstand cropping.

Just my thoughts. . . .

Regards always,

Jim j.

I think Mike has this one figured out!

If it were me though, . . . I'd probably be more interested in what I think is a Piper J-3 to the right! More fun to fly!

Cheers!

Jim j.

A good "moment" for the shutter squeeze!

I think the colored smoke they use reallys sets their performances apart from most of the American Aerobatic Teams. Don't see much use of the different colored smoke over here. At least as of a couple of years ago at the last major Air Show I attended.

Cheers & Regards always,

Jim j.

Looks like you and at least another Photo.netter are taking in the Air Shows on your side of the big pond!

Nice shot of both Aircraft coming into the frame with their smoke on and the diagonal position as well as the Wingwalkers and visible Prop blur.

Cheers & Regards always,

Jim j.

These were pretty good for aerobatics as I expect by the paint job that is what this Citabria is used for.

I like your shot here with the plane in a diagonal position in the frame along with the Pilots head position in the cockpit!

Cheers & Regards always,

Jim j.

I can only imagine the "opportunities" these beautiful birds could provide in the wild.

One of the Zoo's I used to frequent here in the Midwestern U.S. has a very nice Lorikeet exhibit where one could enter and hand feed the birds. As I recall I think there were somewhere around 75 Lorikeets inside the Aviary.

I've often regretted not taking advantage of the opportunity with my camera but, to me, there's just something more attractive about photographing them when they're not in captivity.

Cheers & Regards always,

Jim j.

Some nice details when viewed larger and makes me wish I could view even larger!

Good action with the splash and I like the reflection on the surface.

Very much reminds me of the few opportunities (and shots) I got watching the Bald Eagles fish on this side of the big pond!

Regards always,

Jim j.

Congratulations on such a splendid shot of this rare and beautiful bird!

I am certain that you have spent many hours anticipating a moment such as this!

It is always heartwarming to hear of ones personal efforts to contribute to the re-population of our nearly extinct creatures in all parts of the world.

Many thanks for sharing both your photograph and your rewarding efforts of your garden.

Regards always,

Jim j.

Good light, good color and details with a little glint in the eye!

Very colorful and beautiful species!

Regards always,

Jim j.

Thank You!

Both, for your comments and, . . . your decision and change of heart to continue to be seen here among the pages of PN!

As you probably read in the Presentation that contains this photograph.

Behind that Tree in the center of the frame are Burial Vaults that are awaiting being actually buried, landscaped and the Grave Markers placed upon them. Estimated to be somewhere between 150-200 at best guess.

This National Cemetery is on the grounds of a fairly large Veterans Administration Medical Center and, as well is a large National Cemetery that is quite active as evidenced by the number of Vaults awaiting burial.

Yes, I know of the verse you quote, . . . "dust to dust" as often referred to here.

Thanks again Pnina,

We'll be seeing you and always wishing you safety, peace & goodwill!

Jim j.

Excellent lighting and with the overall shape of the bloom, even the areas in the shadows are a treat to the eyes!

Cheers always,

Jim j.

I like the way you've created the appearance of a room with the walls, floor and all looking like clouds but still mysterious in their own way.

Never been to Heaven but, your image here closely corresponds with my lifelong imagination of what it might appear to look like in many respects. I hope mine is full of wild creatures though from all over the world where I can see them without the ability/necessity  to travel much!

Cheers always,

Jim j.

Mark,

No problem at all, just a heads up! 

Although we do travel different circles on a regular basis within the pages of Photo.net, our paths have crossed a few times over the years with your commenting on a couple of my photographs and vice versa.

For me, it has always given me an "honor badge" when you or, a few others here take notice of any of my work.

I too hope you will/have reconsider(ed) your departure! As Fred G. and others have indicated, . . . the community will certainly suffer!

Although we don't cross paths often, I do frequent and participate in a good portion of the site here. So, believe me, I do understand and recognize your frustrations. And, yes, . . . "things" are certainly different with each change of individuals "at the helm" so to speak.

Recently in the Site Help Forum in one of the threads, someone was asking, or pointing out a problem that they were having. After a few days someone simply posted "Auto-Pilot" and that has stuck with me since and, I've had that feeling that that is how the site is run now.

In the years that I've been around and although only encountered a very few minor problems I had always gotten assistance or a response. For me, not so since February of this year but, I am persistant in one way or another.

I too have thought about leaving but stay around because I haven't found another site yet. Although I get frustrated with a few things in this community I still try to do my part to keep it as a "community" by participating in as many areas as I can from the different Forums I frequent to the Ratings & Critique or at least Comments.

(I don't feel qualified for much in the way of critiques but at least I continue to try!)

Pnina, I see alot of very familiar names above mine here that I have observed over the years providing support and encouragement continuously for many which makes me want to stick around awhile longer. I sincerely hope that you do too!

I'm "with you" too on the troubles that your part of the world is going through. I hope freedom and peace are in the very near future there.

Truely hoping "our paths" here will continue to cross often in the future!

Jim j.

Looks like more "used Tire Fenders" on the rear! Those look like very well worn military type tires or possibly even some sort rubber piping!

What I really like here is the "License Plate" holder!

Cheers always,

Jim j.

No doubt this one is "Classed" a "Rat Rod!" And, as you indicate in your comment!

Not "boderline" like the 50's Ford PU with the Red stripe that I commented on earlier.

What's always facinated me is the "dollar amount" some of these creations can bring at auctions! And, I've noticed they're showing up more and more at stuff like the Barrett Jackson events.

And, I've had the priviledge of not only riding in a couple but also driving them a few years ago. One that I remember was a 1946 Chevy pickup body on an aftermarket running gear. Although still a Rat in appearance, it drove as well as any 2014 year car would!

Cheers some more!

Jim j.

Having been away from the shows now for a couple of years, I'm sure the distinction of the "Rat Rod" has blurred some dependent upon the definition and the Classes by the shows sponsors and organizers.

So, I'm not sure where this one would fall but, I could certainly enjoy being the "Driver" of this one on any Friday or Saturday night!

Looks like it has "aged" better than I for a mid 50's vintage and certainly has more horsepower these days!

Cheers always,

Jim j.

Very nice!

And, . . . with the insect in its beak to boot!

Wonderful details and color with an exceptional moment of flight caught with just enough blur in that distant wing tip to show movement. That nice creamy background couldn't be better to make the Bird pop in the frame.

We don't have these on this side of the big pond, . . . at least in the Midwest, wish we did!

What I really like most in the details in the pattern & coloration of its tail feathers with the two darker feathers in the center without the white tips in coloration. Stands out like the Rudder of an Airplane!

One of the best Bird shots I've seen here in awhile.

Cheers & Regards,

Jim j.

I like this composition with the three of them on the log and, it appears that it could have been a challenging lighting situation that you handled well.

I see very few Wood Duck here in the Midwest and, when I do see them it's usually their back ends as they're leaving! I've always longed for the opportunity to photograph them!

I'm also partial to that lens you're using!

Cheers & Regards always,

Jim j.

I agree alot with the points Mike (MLM) above mentions.

I like the B&W and the somewhat "Old Photo" look your shot here has about it.

For me, not having the Horses four feet in the frame sort of spoils the shot.

Well worth a "re-do" should the opportunity present itself again.

Welcome to PN and, we hope to see your Gallery grow over time.

Cheers & Regards always,

Jim j.

When first viewing the Thumbnails I thought this was a crop from your other image of the Swallowtail. Now, I see that it's a different POV!

Personally, I'm partial to the other shot but I do like the details here and again the backlighting through the wings and here the fine hair along the Butterflies bottom is enhanced with the lighting.

Still, nice presentation and very fitting for this shot.

Cheers!
Jim j.

I find the composition here to be very attractive with good color and details.

What I like most is the way the light is giving the Swallowtail's wings that transparent look where it filters through.

I like your presentation too!

Cheers & Regards always,

Jim j.

I know the feeling of ending up doing the hand held stuff over the Gimbal at Air Shows.

That was indeed quite a show! I'm envious!

Trust me, I've already read Bob's review on the Tamron! But, your Sigma did very well in your images.

Cheers again,

Jim j.

Many thanks for the response.

Shows what I know, . . . I was most certain you had additional lighting here! Go figure!

Thanks again,

Jim j.