2021's Photo Challenge: Day 31 #APicADay

 I have reached the conclusion of this year's challenge. Though I could have said I was done yesterday.

Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 42mm, f/4.0, 1/20 s, and ISO 160

Just a door decorated well that I saw on a walk today.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 55mm, f/4.0, 1/52 s, and ISO 160

These pink flowers are among the longest lasting blooms I see around here. I still don't know what they are, but I think I'd like to add some to our yard.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 55mm, f/4.0, 1/110 s, and ISO 160

The pup saw this, and wanted me to take a picture of it. I had a hard time adjusting for the direct light hitting only a part of the subject. Not my best work, and the post processing required more of me than most of my shots do. I'm sure it helped me to better understand some of the processing that I can do though.

Quote of the Day: 31 October 2021 #QotD

“The Savior’s love for us is unfailing—even when we fail!” -Bonnie H. Cordon

2021's Photo Challenge: Day 30 #APicADay

 Today I took The babydoll on a bit of a walk, but she wanted to pick up every leaf she came across. That made progress slow. And I didn't get to take as many pictures as I'd have liked.

Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/75 s, and ISO 160

These are some attractive flowers outside the door of one of our neighbors. I don't know what they are, but I meant to take a picture of them the last time I was out at this location, but didn't do it then.

Quote of the Day: 30 October 2021 #QotD

“It is important and right that all privileges of the law be ours, but it is vastly more important that we be prepared for the exercises of these privileges.” -Booker T. Washington
[Mr. Washington was referring to those of his same race when he wrote these words, but they apply for anyone.]

2021's Photo Challenge: Day 29 #APicADay

 I took a walk today. It was the driest day we've had in quite a while, and it would have been a shame to waste the light.

Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 141mm, f/4.4, 1/240 s, and ISO 160

You can tell by the ISO numbers that it's quite a bit brighter than the past few days have been. I thought these daisies that have lost nearly all their petals told an interesting, though brief, story.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/17 s, and ISO 160

I think these are rhododendrons, but they could be azaleas.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/14 s, and ISO 160

This one had some nice color.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 148mm, f/4.5, 1/110 s, and ISO 160

This dahlia was sitting directly in the sun, and I thought I'd overexpose the image, but it came out nice.

Quote of the Day: 29 October 2021 #QotD

“[Y]ou can be as sincere as hell and still be wrong.” -Karrin Murphy, Small Favor
[This aligns with a thought I've been pondering for around a decade now, since I heard someone say about a grossly mistaken person that he was the most sincere person that he knew. I couldn't help but think that it really made no difference. This person's sincerity wasn't at question, but their correctness. Ever since, I have been trying to formulate it as well as I could to express it, and the best I have devised so far is that sincerity is no protection from stupidity.]

2021's Photo Challenge: Day 28 #APicADay

 I went off for a short walk today. The weather was OK when I went out, but it worsened as I walked.

Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 190mm, f/4.8, 1/180 s, and ISO 1600

Daisies appear to be far more hardy than I previously thought.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 172mm, f/4.7, 1/240 s, and ISO 1600

Plenty of pretty maple leaves out there.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 128mm, f/4.4, 1/320 s, and ISO 1600

There are some decent, unmarred roses around too.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 141mm, f/4.4, 1/220 s, and ISO 1600

There are quite a variety of oak leaves around.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/240 s, and ISO 1600

There are some cherry leaves around too.

Quote of the Day: 28 October 2021 #QotD

“The value of information is inversely related to its availability and its triviality.” -Kate Murphy
[Information that is freely available or that is about insignificant subjects will not have any impact if revealed. Unless you can glean some insight from it that has not occurred to others. And the likelihood of that happening is quite low.]

2021's Photo Challenge: Day 27 #APicADay

 I bundled The babydoll after breakfast, grabbed the camera, and went on a walk. But The babydoll wanted to pick up all the leaves. All the leaves. So, my walk was a lot slower than I had been anticipating.

Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/85 s, and ISO 1600

For some reason, this dogwood has decided to go into full bloom right now. It should be getting ready to shed its leaves though.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 115mm, f/4.2, 1/320 s, and ISO 1600

This one just captures the feel of the season.

Quote of the Day: 27 October 2021 #QotD

“Digital interaction can be a bit like drone warfare - people are insulated from the harsh reality of what they're actually doing to others by a glass screen. Way easier being a total [jerk] to a name on your phone.” -Noam Blum
[It is always worthwhile to remember that the majority of your interactions online really are with other flesh and blood people with real thoughts and emotions.]

2021's Photo Challenge: Day 26 #APicADay

 I took the camera along with me to get the mail again today. Alright, I went quite a bit further than the mailbox, and my shoes leak a bit. I had forgotten to change the camera battery before heading out, and so I only got one chance at a couple of these before the camera wouldn't operate the shutter any longer.

Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/250 s, and ISO 1600

Not quite as immediately striking as some of the daisies I've seen, but this one is still in bloom.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 115mm, f/4.2, 1/250 s, and ISO 1600

There were some marigolds blooming nearby as well. I saw some more interestingly colored specimens nearby, but they were decidedly past their prime, and not in a convenient location for composing a good shot.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 128mm, f/4.4, 1/150 s, and ISO 1600

I did move this maple leaf, but only off of the sidewalk and onto the parking strip. But I only got one attempt at this particular shot, and I'd have liked a second or third attempt to make the composition exactly what I'd have wanted.

Quote of the Day: 26 October 2021 #QotD

“LITIGATION, n. A machine which you go into as a pig and come out of as a sausage.” -Ambrose Bierce
[A satirical statement that doesn't miss the mark by much. Regardless of whether you nominally win or lose your suit.]

2021's Photo Challenge: Day 25 #APicADay

 Most of today has been very rainy, and dark. But I was able to go for a little walk late this afternoon.

Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/180 s, and ISO 1250

I finally found an oak leaf with a lot of interesting color. But it was on a tree that was all of six inches tall.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 128mm, f/4.4, 1/110 s, and ISO 1250

Water dripping off of things adds some tension to the picture.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 134mm, f/4.4, 1/140 s, and ISO 1250

A dahlia still in defiant bloom.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/50 s, and ISO 1600

I didn't set this up. Sometimes, I am fortunate enough to just stumble upon an interesting composition.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 86mm, f/3.9, 1/170 s, and ISO 1600

A different take on needles dripping water as in above, but this one isn't as good.

Quote of the Day: 25 October 2021 #QotD

“In short, open revolt and exile is the only hope for change?” -Calvin
[Probably not a good idea to leave people thinking that violent reactions are the only recourse left available to them, unless you want to provoke violent reactions.]

2021's Photo Challenge: Day 24 #APicADay

 I got dinner simmering on the stove today, and headed out for a walk. It was quite overcast, and the light was failing. So, I didn't get as many shots as I might otherwise.

Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 110mm, f/4.2, 1/105 s, and ISO 1600

I found some more interesting oak leaves though.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/160 s, and ISO 1600

I don't know the kind of flower this resulted from. But I've seen something similar to it before.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/56 s, and ISO 1600

There were some colorful cherry leaves too.

Quote of the Day: 24 October 2021 #QotD

“When the love of God sets the tone for our own lives, for our relationships to each other and ultimately our feeling for all humankind, then old distinctions, limiting labels, and artificial divisions begin to pass away, and peace increases.” -Jeffrey R. Holland
 

2021's Photo Challenge: Day 23 #APicADay

 I got to go for a walk on my own today.

Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 172mm, f/4.7, 1/400 s, and ISO 1600

I hadn't expected to find these day lilies as I set out, but I shouldn't have been surprised. There are other day lilies still blooming. And the water droplets on them add some visual interest as well.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 121mm, f/4.2, 1/180 s, and ISO 1600

Oak leaves with a bit of color to them.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/320 s, and ISO 1600

There are a few daisies still in bloom as well, but you can see that they are not long for the season.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 164mm, f/4.6, 1/210 s, and ISO 1600

These oak leaves have less color, but the composition is better than the previous image.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/180, and ISO 1600

And maples just give the prettiest colors.

Quote of the Day: 23 October 2021 #QotD

“But logic is so annoying. And what’s logical thinking ever gotten us anyway except for things like the atomic bomb?” -P. J. O’Rourke

[I mean, right?
Or not.]

2021's Photo Challenge: Day 22 #APicADay

 The pup had a field trip with his preschool today, and family members were invited to come as well. So, the whole family went with him. We went to a farm that does a pumpkin patch, and has a collection of farm animals. My shots with the kids in the barn did not turn out. The kids were too quick, and the barn to dark for me to get good, in focus shots. But they got to meet some goats, sheep, and very young bunnies. Afterward, we went on a hay ride, and we each got to pick a pie pumpkin from the patch at the end of the tractor course.

Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 115mm, f/4.2, 1/1400 s, and ISO 6400

It was a very overcast day, and we got pretty wet. I thought we'd hang out at the farm a bit longer, so this was the only picture I ended up getting today. Oh well, it's alright.

Quote of the Day: 22 October 2021 #QotD

“It is not because men have made laws, that personality, liberty, and property exist. On the contrary, it is because personality, liberty, and property exist beforehand, that men make laws.” -Frédéric Bastiat
[We would be wise to remember the purpose of the law, and how easy it is to pervert it into a means of plunder.]

2021's Photo Challenge: Day 21 #APicADay

 I was able to sneak out for a brief walk as I went to check the mail today.

Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 99mm, f/4.0, 1/80 s, and ISO 800

The day was so overcast, that I had to open up the aperture, and bump up the ISO just to get semireasonable shutter speeds. But I am really happy with this picture.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/10 s, and ISO 400

I'm glad I got the shot I pretty much wanted. Later in the walk I bumped the ISO up further. I might need to get an actual macro lens, or at least the extension tubes.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/4.8, 1/10 s, and ISO 400

I really liked the color contrast that the pine and maple provided for me here.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 60mm, f/4.0, 1/28 s, and ISO 800

I think this is the first time I've featured oak leaves this year. But I like them. They just change to brown so quickly that it's hard to get them with good color.

Quote of the Day: 21 October 2021 #QotD

“Few can foresee whither their road will lead them, till they come to its end.” -Legolas, The Two Towers
[There is a lot you can do to ensure you're headed in the right direction, but there is also a whole bunch that you just cannot control, and that will change the direction of your life, if not your destination.]

2021's Photo Challenge: Day 20 #APicADay

I took a trip that took about two hours this morning, to get some fertilizer, and then The pup took most of the rest of the day to get his lessons done. So, I wasn't able to go out and take a picture on a walk today.

Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 148mm, f/8.0, 1/250 s, and ISO 160

This gala apple was sitting on the counter, and I thought it would make a good subject for a studio shot. This is the result. I'm mostly OK with it.

Quote of the Day: 20 October 2021 #QotD

“[U]pon marriage men get a whole lot of extra senses bolted into their brain, and one is there to tell a man that he’s suddenly neck deep in real trouble.” -Terry Pratchett
[I am pretty sure this isn't actually true. I think he just realizes that he has to live with the woman he has just made go quiet in seething rage.]

2021's Photo Challenge: Day 19 #APicADay

 Today, The pup wanted to ride his bicycle. So, I got him shod, put on The babydoll's jacket and shoes, and grabbed the camera. We went around the same place about three times.

Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/8.0, 1/120 s, and ISO 160 (cropped)

Near the end of our time outside, I heard the tell-tale tapping of a woodpecker, and I was able to locate it.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 148mm, f/8.0, 1/250 s, and ISO 160

I am unsure of the type of tree this leaf grew on.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 148mm, f/8.0, 1/100 s, and ISO 160

But this is a single red maple leaf amongst green ones.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 77mm, f/8.0, 1/280 s, and ISO 160

And these daisies were still in good condition despite the cold temperatures and rain recently.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 134mm, f/8.0, 1/320 s, and ISO 160

This leaf was picked up by The pup, and he said I needed to take a picture of it. So, I did.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 55-200 @ 200mm, f/8.0, 1/120 s, and ISO 160

Another shot of the woodpecker just after the featured image of the day.