Bokeh

This was actually a "lens test" I did while wandering around our campground at Denali National Park, Alaska. I was testing the macro capability of the Sigma lens I was using on the Nikon D700 camera. In this case, I closed down to F16, and got more good flower detail. But even with some detail, there is a bit of nice bokeh here. Image processed with GIMP.

Taken as we reached the summit of the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. The line runs between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado. The summit is near 10,000 feet. The aspens (and others) were displaying remarkable colors. Some of the blur is the motion of the train, some of the blur is bokeh. For the Sunday Challenge, this is a nice way to enjoy the change of seasons. Winter will be along soon enough. At least the conifers in the background will stay green throughout the seasons. See: swansonphotos.com/cumbres

Taken from our back yard, looking over a wild area. The final sunflowers of the season. Winter will be here soon (!) For the Sunday Challenge, this is the wonderful view we had this summer in our back yard. Snowing now... Image processed with GIMP.

This dog was relaxing near the port of Nanortalik, while we walked around the area. The cruise ship Veendam can be seen in the background. I've added this to the Sunday Challenge for 1 January 2023. Our view ahead into 2023 should include some cruise travel, after nearly 3 years of frustration. Happy New Year to All!! See: swansonphotos.com/greenland

We took a long weekend and flew from Maui to Honolulu. One of the photo opportunities we took was a visit to a bamboo forest at the Wahiawa Botanical Garden on Oah'u. While swatting mosquitoes, we got some good photos. This looks OK in color, but I like it more, after converting to monochrome. Taken in 2007 using the Nikon D50. Image processed with UFRaw and GIMP. For more photos, see: swansonphotos.com/oahu_2007.html

We were on a river cruise that stopped for the day in Cologne (Koln). When we visited the famous cathedral, we found that the day was the "blessing of the motorcycles". The square was filled with bikes and the cathedral was filled with worshipers. This bear was on the back of a parked motorcycle. For the Sunday Challenge, this photo always gives me a smile. See: swansonphotos.com/bears.html

Taken in 2007, when we were on a cruise to Alaska. It was a perfect day to photograph, and as usual, the staff at Butchart had the plantings just right. I especially like the contrast between the yellow tulips and the blue ground-cover behind and below. Looks best when viewed on a black background. Image processed with GIMP.

I put the older Sigma 70-300 macro lens on my Nikon D700, and wandered around downtown Ogden, Utah. They were having a street fair and farmers' market, so there were plenty of subjects. I like the selective focus. View in larger size on black background. (Baskets and Boxes of fruit, for Sunday Challenge) Image processed with GIMP. See: swansonphotos.com/ogden/index.html

A desert view, taken at sunset. Image processed with GIMP.