Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I just shoot with my camera, but I know we have lots of photographers on the site. Let's see your work!

Hugs, Devlyn

Heron on the Norfolk Broads

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FtrwKRaG.jpg&hash=d5e85eefe34a2d768990805edc63b7fd1a261e9a) (https://imgur.com/trwKRaG)

How about something electrifying!

Our house in Colorado was on the side of the hill, and we had an awesome view of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. I was able to take several nice photos of lightning while we lived there.

(https://i.imgur.com/MSBUxzJ.jpg)

This White-Marked Tussock Furry Horned Caterpillar (Orgyia leucostigma) was hiding on a rose:

The white-marked tussock is a yellow and black furry caterpillar that turns into a giant brown moth. The spiny caterpillar is identified by its red head and tufts of yellowish hairs on a yellow and black body. You'll also notice long black spines sticking out of the body. This unusual fuzzy caterpillar measures 1.3" (3.5 cm). The white-marked tussock larva is a stinging caterpillar due to its urticating hairs that can cause allergic reactions in humans.

(https://i.imgur.com/ApsHUqJ.jpg)

Great Sand Dunes NP, Colorado.

(https://i.imgur.com/3Lwsgwg.jpg)

An old hammermill in Upper Austria.

(https://i.imgur.com/Zr4eGh8.jpg)

Impressions from the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, MA.

BTW, I love that 6mph speed limit sign on the bridge, knowing that they are all coming down the race course at 12mph...

(https://i.imgur.com/5yefsBp.jpg)

Here is an older one, from 1995. Sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico, seen from the crater rim slightly below the summit of Mt. Citlaltepetl (Spanish name: Pico de Orizaba) in Mexico.

(https://i.imgur.com/8Ea22jS.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7pgN1cF.jpg)

A view from, 12,000 feet of Denali, the highest peak in Northa America.  Based on how cold it always is at Danielle's home I think she lives somewhere on this mountain. FYI, this picture was taken last July.

Ellen

Shifting the topic a bit towards architecture: here is a timeless 20th century classic, the gateway arch in St. Louis. Captured on Ilford HP5 black & white film back in 1998.

(https://i.imgur.com/4BddIF4.jpg)

Some of my nature shots

    Frangipani Flowers on Water in Bangkok: This serene image, captured in Bangkok, Thailand, features two frangipani flowers afloat on the surface of the water, the day before an important personal milestone — my Gender Confirmation Surgery. The flower in the foreground is pure white with a vibrant yellow center, exuding tranquility. Behind it, the second bloom displays a soft transition from pink to white across its petals, contributing a subtle richness to the scene. Reflected on the water's surface is a zigzag pattern of branches, adding a layer of complexity and natural artistry. This peaceful tableau holds special significance, symbolizing a moment of reflection and calm before embracing a transformative new chapter in life.

    Branch of White Blooms: Delicate white flowers cluster along a slender branch, each bloom intricately layered with petals around a green heart. The backdrop is a gentle blur, creating a stark contrast with the flowers' fine details, reminiscent of finely crafted porcelain.

    Mushrooms Emerging from Dark Soil: In this close-to-earth view, a group of pale mushrooms rises from the dark mulch, their broad caps textured and domed. Surrounding natural debris highlights the mushrooms' gentle curves and the organic intricacies of their environment.

    Bee on a Pink Flower: A bumblebee, patterned with black and yellow, is busy at work on a magenta flower, its golden center a hub of activity. The insect's translucent wings are captured in repose against a backdrop of a blurred garden, full of greenery and other floral hints.

    Orange Flower with Insect: A vibrant orange flower with a reddish center stands out against dark soil and soft greenery. A small insect rests on its petal, forming a dark silhouette against the fiery hues of the flower, a moment of interaction in the cycle of nature.

My preferred field is astrophotography.  With moving this year, I had to decommission my observatory, and I wasn't able to get it back online before the cold weather hit.  Here is a nice image from a few months ago.

(https://astrob.in/0vj45m/0/rawthumb/gallery/get.jpg?insecure) (https://astrob.in/0vj45m/0/)

@KathyLauren
Dear Kathy:
I am so very glad to see that you posted your night sky pictures that you have taken.

Is this is one of your posted photos from before the site crash?  What is the name of
what you photographed?  Looks like a Nebula to my untrained eye.

I have always been a big fan of your home observatory photos.  Hopefully you can be
able to get your observatory back up and running in the Spring season...  I want to see
more photos of your work.

Welcome back to the Forum.

HUGS,
Danielle

Hi, Danielle.  I don't remember if I had posted that photo here before.  I took it in October 2022.  It is an emission nebula located in the constellation Cassiopeia.  The official designation is Sharpless 199, but it is more often called the Soul Nebula.  The nebula is too large to fit in the field of view of my telescope, so this is just a small part of it.  Orange colours in the nebula represent hydrogen gas; blue colours represent oxygen.  Stars are their natural colours.

These are all very nice photographs.

Chrissy

Hello!

Happy to see everyone is posting their beautiful images!  This is one of my favs from last fall, probably the most intense sunrise I was lucky enough to capture. 
(https://i.imgur.com/xo3Rl5A.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/s2RJLxb.jpg)

Very nice photographs!


Chrissy

It is COLD out there...
...I am all bundled up and face and head covered.

      minus -45 deg(f)  -43(C)

(https://i.imgur.com/Twn3ebEl.jpg)

So very, very nice these photographs are!

Let's see more pet pictures (although maybe those should be in the pets area, if there is one.)

Also some funny pictures, maybe with something odd or peculiar in the background. 

I really like these pics that have been posted.  Keep bringing them on!


Chrissy

Winter pictures from up North

       (https://i.imgur.com/TBJ8Yr4h.jpg)

Fantastic!  Living the dream.  Nice coat too!

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on January 25, 2024, 04:40:31 PMIt is COLD out there...
...I am all bundled up and face and head covered.

      minus -45 deg(f)  -43(C)

(https://i.imgur.com/Twn3ebEl.jpg)

With the right lighting even a steel mill can look beautiful.

(https://i.imgur.com/ZsodQqW.jpg)

This web was only about three inches across. It love how it looks with the morning dew...

(https://i.imgur.com/MpLjHdl.jpg)

Quote from: Devlyn on January 05, 2024, 09:07:26 AMI just shoot with my camera, but I know we have lots of photographers on the site. Let's see your work!

Hugs, Devlyn

Heron on the Norfolk Broads

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FtrwKRaG.jpg&hash=d5e85eefe34a2d768990805edc63b7fd1a261e9a) (https://imgur.com/trwKRaG)

What I find interesting in this photograph is that the is a bird in the foreground and in the background there is a bird painted on the hull.

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 27, 2024, 07:37:46 AMWhat I find interesting in this photograph is that the is a bird in the foreground and in the background there is a bird painted on the hull.

Chrissy

That's exactly why I took the picture...it made me happy.  :)

BTW, this was taken from inside an awesome pub, the Ferry Inn of Horning.

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on January 06, 2024, 09:43:15 AMHow about something electrifying!

Our house in Colorado was on the side of the hill, and we had an awesome view of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. I was able to take several nice photos of lightning while we lived there.

(https://i.imgur.com/MSBUxzJ.jpg)

Jess,

This picture is interesting as I have seen lightning hit near the ground when I was not far away.

Chrissy

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on January 06, 2024, 10:19:02 AMThis White-Marked Tussock Furry Horned Caterpillar (Orgyia leucostigma) was hiding on a rose:

The white-marked tussock is a yellow and black furry caterpillar that turns into a giant brown moth. The spiny caterpillar is identified by its red head and tufts of yellowish hairs on a yellow and black body. You'll also notice long black spines sticking out of the body. This unusual fuzzy caterpillar measures 1.3" (3.5 cm). The white-marked tussock larva is a stinging caterpillar due to its urticating hairs that can cause allergic reactions in humans.

(https://i.imgur.com/ApsHUqJ.jpg)

I think I will avoid this stinger for sure. 
Sometimes I see green caterpillars on my tomato plants.

Chrissy

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on January 07, 2024, 02:58:14 PMGreat Sand Dunes NP, Colorado.

(https://i.imgur.com/3Lwsgwg.jpg)

Walking on sand dunes can be difficult. 

Chrissy

Quote from: Iztaccihuatl on January 07, 2024, 07:06:20 PMAn old hammermill in Upper Austria.

(https://i.imgur.com/Zr4eGh8.jpg)

Now this is a place that I would like to visit some day.

Chrissy

Quote from: Iztaccihuatl on January 07, 2024, 07:09:04 PMImpressions from the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, MA.

BTW, I love that 6mph speed limit sign on the bridge, knowing that they are all coming down the race course at 12mph...

(https://i.imgur.com/5yefsBp.jpg)

I have heard that there are many bridges in Europe over rivers and many are quite low to the water.  This means at times there is little or insufficient clearance for river boats to pass under when the river level is high.

Chrissy

Quote from: Iztaccihuatl on January 19, 2024, 10:19:58 AMHere is an older one, from 1995. Sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico, seen from the crater rim slightly below the summit of Mt. Citlaltepetl (Spanish name: Pico de Orizaba) in Mexico.

(https://i.imgur.com/8Ea22jS.jpg)

This photograph is awesome.

Chrissy

Quote from: EllenW on January 19, 2024, 11:43:55 AM(https://i.imgur.com/7pgN1cF.jpg)

A view from, 12,000 feet of Denali, the highest peak in Northa America.  Based on how cold it always is at Danielle's home I think she lives somewhere on this mountain. FYI, this picture was taken last July.

Ellen

Ellen,

Mountains do provide much gorgeous scenery.  Nice photo!


Chrissy

It's that time of the year when I am ready for sunny days and pretty flowers.  Spring is just starting here on the west coast so we do have some things blooming.  The crocus and daffodils are nearing their moments to shine so I guess we are close.  But we are a long ways away from the Dahlia bloom which are favorite subjects.  Here's one from last season that brightens a dark January day. 

(https://i.imgur.com/17BvhgW.jpeg)

Quote from: Brooke Renee on January 28, 2024, 09:38:17 AMIt's that time of the year when I am ready for sunny days and pretty flowers.  Spring is just starting here on the west coast so we do have some things blooming.  The crocus and daffodils are nearing their moments to shine so I guess we are close.  But we are a long ways away from the Dahlia bloom which are favorite subjects.  Here's one from last season that brightens a dark January day. 

(https://i.imgur.com/17BvhgW.jpeg)

Very nice!

Chrissy

I like these "off directly transgender" topics too.  It is not that our directly transgender related topics are not important, as they certainly are. 

It is just that I and likely most of us have a variety of other interests that have nothing to do being transgender.  While we may also go elsewhere for these non-transgender topics it is nice to share out here.

For instance, you ladies who posted images here in this topic sure have a talent for photography.  Thank you all for posting some of your great photographs here.

Hugs,

Chrissy

Thank you Chrissy!

Today's entry is a little bit sad. Don't get me wrong, the pictures are great, it is just the message that they convey that makes me sad. Last year I was in Austria and visited the Hohe Tauern National Park, including the observation platform at Franz-Josefs-Höhe to have a look at the country's highest peak and its longest glacier. It wasn't the first time I was there, I have been there a couple of times, the last time prior to last year's visit was in 1996. I took a picture back then and another one last year from the same vantage point. And what a difference. I really was shocked and wasn't prepared at all for this. While in 1996 the glacier ended well below the observation platform, in 2023 there was a lake and the end of the glacier was much much farther away. I knew that the glacier has been receding, but never imagined the enormous rate until I saw it by myself. If one of the longest glaciers of the Eastern Alps can melt away and recede that much in just 27 years, I don't know what is in store for us in the next 30, 50 or 100 years.

Please see for yourself:

1996:
(https://i.imgur.com/ha2ztBm.jpg)

2023:
(https://i.imgur.com/aQEaIS5.jpg)

After months of rain I found the sun this morning over Puget Sound. 
(https://i.imgur.com/WMbx4fK.jpeg)

Quote from: Brooke Renee on January 29, 2024, 10:44:43 AMAfter months of rain I found the sun this morning over Puget Sound. 
(https://i.imgur.com/WMbx4fK.jpeg)

Wow.

Really beautiful!

Chrissy

I've been doing a lot of B&W Photography these days...

(https://i.imgur.com/3sqGaYh.jpg)

Here is another one...

(https://i.imgur.com/ZLgH1IZ.png)

Nice shots @Zoey Starr!  Beautiful!

Quote from: Brooke Renee on January 29, 2024, 08:37:42 PMNice shots @Zoey Starr!  Beautiful!

Thank you Brooke Renee!

Here is a portrait of my pup, Miss Beulah Mae Knucklebutt, on her first birthday...
(https://i.imgur.com/o2NZd1M.png)

These teo photos are very nice Zoey.

Chrissy

Thank you Chrissy

Quote from: Zoey Starr on January 29, 2024, 08:33:04 PMHere is another one...

(https://i.imgur.com/ZLgH1IZ.png)

Simple.  Lovely!  The construct isn't simple.  Well done.

I take photos of spiders.

(https://i.imgur.com/fzg4ypO.jpeg)

Quote from: Cindy on January 30, 2024, 10:49:54 PMI take photos of spiders.

(https://i.imgur.com/fzg4ypO.jpeg)

To our members, if you're viewing this on a laptop or desktop, please understand that this is a life-size picture of one of Australia's finest eight legged death machines. If you're viewing on your phone, remember that this spider is probably bigger than the device you're holding!  :laugh:

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: Zoey Starr on January 29, 2024, 08:46:20 PMHere is a portrait of my pup, Miss Beulah Mae Knucklebutt, on her first birthday...
(https://i.imgur.com/o2NZd1M.png)

What a cutie!  :)

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: Cindy on January 30, 2024, 10:49:54 PMI take photos of spiders.

(https://i.imgur.com/fzg4ypO.jpeg)

Beautiful shot Cindy!

I love macro photography but it is such a challenge for me to get a handful of keepers from a shoot unless the subject is stationary.  Yes, practice, practice, practice!  I would love to hear about your lens, lighting and settings. 

Cheers,

Brooke 

Quote from: Cindy on January 30, 2024, 10:49:54 PMI take photos of spiders.

(https://i.imgur.com/fzg4ypO.jpeg)

The "eyes have it" on this photograph.

Do I like it?  Aye.


Chrissy

There are some strange people who don't like spiders! This is a Mantis Fly. It isn't a Praying Mantis. It is a type of LaceWing Fly. The arms are an example of convergent evolution. Tiny, about 2 cm BL

(https://i.imgur.com/XT5Oq4d.jpeg)

Quote from: Cindy on January 31, 2024, 10:36:07 PMThere are some strange people who don't like spiders! This is a Mantis Fly. It isn't a Praying Mantis. It is a type of LaceWing Fly. The arms are an example of convergent evolution. Tiny, about 2 cm BL

(https://i.imgur.com/XT5Oq4d.jpeg)

Wow, that's an impressive shot!

Everybody wanted to know where I was going rock climbing when I posted this.

(https://i.imgur.com/wuSSjbM.jpg)

But no, it's just the ocean and weather taking apart the coast in Hingham, Massachusetts.

(https://i.imgur.com/jpRicGl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/x91y4iO.jpg)

I took this photo of a very content seagull at the Elephant Seal Hatchery on the Central California Coast

(https://i.imgur.com/ykmfTuN.jpeg)

Ellen

Very nice pictures! 

Thank you Cindy, Devlyn, and Ellen for posting them!


Chrissy

I thought I'd revive this thread with some spring flowers...

(https://i.imgur.com/mLecMBk.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0P45DTX.jpeg)

Love the flowers! Some I took last summer while traipsing the Black Hills of South Dakota:

(https://i.imgur.com/oQpcygN.jpg)

A Fairy Ring!
(https://i.imgur.com/eWmb4m4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/vTFe9xE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/sC0inMg.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/eriZaag.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Kf1QlFa.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/LSbmHPW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZFSpOza.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/tq0tfeo.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4dktMfp.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/O1kq1RC.jpg)

Lots of other non-flower pics in the album too:

Camping July 2023 (https://imgur.com/a/jFbIv6c)

We have some good photographers here.

Thank you for sharing!

Chrissy

I love sunrises.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

(https://i.imgur.com/kcFO2OV.jpg)

Great shot,Jessica! :)

Hugs, Devlyn

Thanks Devlyn! Here's one from Father's Day.

Love always -- Jess

(https://i.imgur.com/W8Dtkwv.jpg)

The Goodyear Blimp just left the Traveler's Championship in Connecticut to go to the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Michigan.
I've gotten many pictures of the Blimp of the years.  This is one of the better ones in terms of providing some context.

(https://i.imgur.com/6T3EAyJl.jpg)

It's Friday, and I haven't mooned anyone in a while...

I took this photo last night. Canon R7 with a Canon RF800mm f/11 lens and 1.4x extender. Exposure was 1/250s at iso1250.

Love always -- Jess


(https://i.imgur.com/6iCFkNe.jpg)

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on August 16, 2024, 06:20:34 AMIt's Friday, and I haven't mooned anyone in a while...

I took this photo last night. Canon R7 with a Canon RF800mm f/11 lens and 1.4x extender. Exposure was 1/250s at iso1250.

Love always -- Jess

Wowzers! That is spectacular. Great shot, Jess.

My dad has some photos of the moon from when he worked at NASA during the Apollo missions. I think this shot surpasses those and you took yours through atmosphere. Well done.

Great shot, Jess. I love all the details!

Quote from: Lori Dee on August 16, 2024, 09:07:43 AMWowzers! That is spectacular. Great shot, Jess.

My dad has some photos of the moon from when he worked at NASA during the Apollo missions. I think this shot surpasses those and you took yours through atmosphere. Well done.

Thanks Lori and Iztaccihuatl! Although this photo was partially due to skill, a large part of my success is due to technological progress through the years. Cameras are better, lenses are better, the transition from film to digital, and the magic of photo processing with software. Film does still have a place in the world of photography, but going digital in many cases can improve the odds of capturing and creating the image you want to see.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

I enjoy optical illusions. Especially if they are done with photography, intentionally or not.

These three are not mine. They have been floating around the internet for a while. Maybe they will give you some inspiration for a subject.

(https://i.imgur.com/KuLFL3U.jpeg)

There are no people in this photo, just three dogs.
(https://i.imgur.com/sHZbcZ6.jpeg)

And one of my favorites
(https://i.imgur.com/BMKGXs5.jpeg)

One of the locals dropped by for a short visit.

Love always -- Jess

(https://i.imgur.com/LK5nt3M.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/naqXXOH.jpg)

I no longer post a photo, but a short video of the island where I was born and lived as a toddler and child. I took a helicopter. In retrospect, it was a pristine and beautiful place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px45ZBOgEcQ

Cheers,

barbie~~

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on September 02, 2024, 12:56:32 PMOne of the locals dropped by for a short visit.

Love always -- Jess

(https://i.imgur.com/LK5nt3M.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/naqXXOH.jpg)

What kind of bird is that? They are beautiful!

I used to tell people I had a pair of Great Tits.
What Do Great Tits Look Like? (how to identify them) (https://binocularbase.com/bird/great-tit/)  ;D

Quote from: Lori Dee on September 02, 2024, 01:44:59 PMWhat kind of bird is that? They are beautiful!

It's a ruby-throated hummingbird. They're quite common here in late Spring through early Fall. Only adult males have bright red feathers on their necks, so this one is probably a female or a young male. We have four feeders out for them. We clean the feeders every other day. If you leave the sugar water in the feeders too long, mold and fungus will start growing -- both of which are unhealthy for the hummingbirds.

Love always -- Jess

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on September 02, 2024, 12:56:32 PMOne of the locals dropped by for a short visit.

Love always -- Jess

(https://i.imgur.com/LK5nt3M.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/naqXXOH.jpg)

Oh wow Jess!

Christine

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on June 17, 2024, 06:21:09 AMThanks Devlyn! Here's one from Father's Day.

Love always -- Jess

(https://i.imgur.com/W8Dtkwv.jpg)

Another good one.

Christine

This Tersa Sphinx moth visited us last night. It was very polite. It stayed outside and didn't bark at all.

Love always -- Jess

(https://i.imgur.com/48WO2Ft.jpg)

Wow, Jess. Just wow!

So many good photographs!

Chrissy

Thanks for the compliments, Christine and Lori!

This may be the same hummingbird as before, but I like the pose better than the other ones. I took the photo this morning.

Love always -- Jess

(https://i.imgur.com/fBfxaTs.jpg)

Our 'pet' spider Charlotte posed for me a few days ago. I asked her to smile, but she refused. She insists on always looking serious.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

(https://i.imgur.com/YmPTBOW.jpg)

You know, Jess, that there is a market for photos like these. For a while, my brother was traveling doing missionary work. He took a lot of photos of various things and opened an online photo stock store. It isn't making him rich, but he does okay.

The quality and subjects of your photography could be a big seller. You can even charge extra to blow them up and frame them. There are office buildings and waiting rooms that would love to have some of these pics.

We have other members here with a great eye and take wonderful photos too. Some would make great jigsaw puzzles!

I took this sunrise photo near my dad's house last weekend. When I heard the boat approaching from the west (behind me), my first thought was that the wake would be a distracting component. However, I also knew there was a chance that the boat would add an element of interest if it stopped in the right place. Luckily, the angler stopped to fish near the bridge I was standing on.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

(https://i.imgur.com/rzUYSW1.jpg)

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on September 22, 2024, 07:35:32 AMI took this sunrise photo near my dad's house last weekend. When I heard the boat approaching from the west (behind me), my first thought was that the wake would be a distracting component. However, I also knew there was a chance that the boat would add an element of interest if it stopped in the right place. Luckily, the angler stopped to fish near the bridge I was standing on.

Love always -- Jessica Rose
(https://i.imgur.com/rzUYSW1.jpg)

Nice.

If only slightly brighter I could see the fisherman and the boat better.  Good shot.


Chrissy

One of my dad's Magnolia trees.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

(https://i.imgur.com/hdeT9kD.jpg)

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on September 24, 2024, 07:46:59 AMOne of my dad's Magnolia trees.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

(https://i.imgur.com/hdeT9kD.jpg)

Very pretty!

Spooky Moon

(https://i.imgur.com/IADu54S.jpeg)

Quote from: Lori Dee on September 25, 2024, 04:36:55 PMSpooky Moon

(https://i.imgur.com/IADu54S.jpeg)

Nice!

It looks like a ladybug, but it's an Asian lady beetle sitting on our window screen.

Love always -- Jess

(https://i.imgur.com/bDg8Lm2.jpg)

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on September 26, 2024, 06:40:38 PMIt looks like a ladybug, but it's an Asian lady beetle sitting on our window screen.

Love always -- Jess

(https://i.imgur.com/bDg8Lm2.jpg)

That photo does not bug me Jess.  I like it.

Christine

Some core memory from an IBM 360 mainframe computer. The 'donuts' are ferrite cores, each one represents one 'bit' of memory.

Love always -- Jess

(https://i.imgur.com/OEimZmc.jpg)

That's a great pic!

I remember the IBM 360. As big as a refrigerator.

@Jessica_Rose  @Lori Dee
Here is an link/article describing the IBM360 with a lot of
very interesting photos and descriptions.
HUGS, Danielle

  https://www.righto.com/2019/04/a-look-at-ibm-s360-core-memory-in-1960s.html

That's a great article.

Back in the day, the computer at NORAD in Cheyenne Mountain, CO filled an entire room. It used vacuum tube technology, and there was a technician there whose job was to drive around in a golf cart replacing burned-out vacuum tubes.

Ah, the times they are a-changing.  ;D

One of the plants we 'rescued' from my dad's house is blooming. It's a Bird of Paradise, and it has some of the most unique, colorful flowers I've ever seen.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

(https://i.imgur.com/h9byxUg.jpg)

Simple beauty.  Amazing when you look at the historical significance of the journey from jungles to our humble homes.

I decided to try some astrophotography last night. We're still unpacking things, and I haven't found my tripods yet. I used a Canon R5-II and a Canon 85mm f1.2 lens to try capturing a photo of the Milky Way. Exposure: f1.2, 1/5sec, iso 32000 (handheld, no tripod).

Love always -- Jessica Rose

(https://i.imgur.com/yF8tDsO.jpeg)

Wow. Beautiful, Jessica!

Can you do longer exposures with the tripod. I know hand-held would blur it. But this turned out great!

Thanks, @Lori Dee !

Handheld at low shutter speeds is just asking for blur. It also forced me to use a very high iso, which adds a lot of graininess. A tripod would let me use a much longer exposure, but if it's too long you will see star trails caused by the earths rotation. A good rule of thumb for lenses under 200mm is the 'rule of 500':

SS = 500 / (CF x FL)

Shutter speed = 500 / (sensor crop factor x focal length)

For my 85mm lens on a Canon R5 II, which uses a 'full-frame' sensor:

SS = 500 / (1 x 85) = 5.9 seconds

Like many 'rules of thumb', it's just a quick estimate to get you close. I always take several photos using slightly different exposures, then I pick the one I like best.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

I never knew the math behind it, thanks.

When Haley's Comet came through our solar system last, I was determined to capture it on film. There were no digital cameras then. I had a tripod, and did the same thing: snapped several pics from 1 - 10 second exposures. Getting the film developed was interesting. The clerk kept telling me there was nothing on the film. When I explained they were stars, he made some adjustments and got them visible.

You can't see the comet the way NASA photos show it. I had to take two sets of pictures. One was about a month earlier as a "control" when the comet was not close enough. Both sets were focused on Taurus (the constellation, not the Ford). Then, comparing the control with the other set, you can barely make out an extra star in the photo.

I brought my daughter with me. She was four years old at the time. She may live long enough for Haley's Comet to appear twice in her lifetime. I doubt she will remember freezing on a mountaintop in the middle of the night, but she was there!

I haven't set up an account at a different image hosting site yet, so I realize not everyone will be able to see this photo. We were able to see auroras at our house tonight, near Pueblo, Colorado.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

(https://i.imgur.com/gpuRBmr.jpeg)

That looks a lot better on my big screen TV.
Thanks for sharing!

That is spectacular, Jess. We're well north of you, so it might have been great here if not for the solid cloud cover. Thank you for sharing!

This was in my archives, and I just stumbled upon it. In the summer of 2023, I was homeless camping while between apartments. I was napping under a tree in the shade near a beautiful lake. Not a cloud in the sky. When I opened my eyes, there was a dragonfly perched on the end of a tree branch. I just thought that was so cool the way she was just hanging out with me in the shade.

This site has everything! Didn't know there was a photography club!

I'll have to work out how to upload images so I can put some of mine up.

Testing testing. Hopefully you can see a Robin?

(https://www.flickr.com/photos/204175952@N04/shares/n2r2D174mP)

Or not........

@Stottie Girl:

It's a bit tricky. Take a look at these two posts:

https://www.susans.org/index.php?topic=253020.0

https://www.susans.org/index.php?topic=239999.0

Quote from: Stottie Girl on January 30, 2026, 04:52:41 PMThis site has everything! Didn't know there was a photography club!

I'll have to work out how to upload images so I can put some of mine up.

Check out this post:
https://www.susans.org/index.php?topic=253020.msg2323795#msg2323795

@Stottie Girl
Here is a picture of a British Robin:

          (https://i.ibb.co/8L6X5qHk/images.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Quote from: Stottie Girl on January 30, 2026, 05:11:18 PMTesting testing. Hopefully you can see a Robin?

Quote from: Stottie Girl on January 30, 2026, 05:11:38 PMOr not........

(https://www.flickr.com/photos/204175952@N04/shares/n2r2D174mP)

     

Ha ha, dont rub it in Danielle! I'll work out how to do it!

I tried imgbb but they won't send me the activation email so I can't open an account. I've tried using flikr but that didn't seem to work either.

@Stottie Girl
You DO NOT need to open an account to use the FREE version. 
No activation Link is needed.
HUGS, Danielle

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 02, 2026, 02:14:45 PMHa ha, dont rub it in Danielle! I'll work out how to do it!

I tried imgbb but they won't send me the activation email so I can't open an account. I've tried using flikr but that didn't seem to work either.

Oh, If I try to set up an account with my email it does, but just realised I can log in through google instead! thanks for the heads up!

(https://i.ibb.co/Xwz1y8v/Hauxley-061025-Oct-2025-0289.jpg)

Wohoo! it works! not sure if it's too big file size wise or not though. been fiddling with pixel sizes but got some strange results!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 02, 2026, 02:14:45 PMHa ha, dont rub it in Danielle! I'll work out how to do it!

I tried imgbb but they won't send me the activation email so I can't open an account. I've tried using flikr but that didn't seem to work either.

I was using Flickr, but they stopped providing share links (BBC code).

As a workaround, I select Preview instead of Post, and where your text is shown, there's an option to attach a file. Select your photo, and it will appear at the bottom of your post. The downside is you can't post a pic inline with the text the way you can with BBC code. That makes it awkward if you want to discuss one of several photos, but it works.

Quote from: Lori Dee on February 02, 2026, 03:04:12 PMI was using Flickr, but they stopped providing share links (BBC code).

As a workaround, I select Preview instead of Post, and where your text is shown, there's an option to attach a file. Select your photo, and it will appear at the bottom of your post. The downside is you can't post a pic inline with the text the way you can with BBC code. That makes it awkward if you want to discuss one of several photos, but it works.

No problemo, the imgbb thing works (I think). I only created a flikr account to share the pics so it's no loss.

Hey @Stottie Girl

I use Flickr and have no issues but... I have never been able to get the BBC code from an Apple/IOS device... (when I hit on the share tab, it just isn't offered) When I post a pic, I always need to access Flickr with one of my laptops (I run Linux on those but Windows would work too I imagine)

Onward!

A 💕

PS... Nice Birdie! 💕🦜💕

Quote from: tgirlamg on February 02, 2026, 04:42:02 PMHey @Stottie Girl

I use Flickr and have no issues but... I have never been able to get the BBC code from an Apple/IOS device... (when I hit on the share tab, it just isn't offered) When I post a pic, I always need to access Flickr with one of my laptops (I run Linux on those but Windows would work too I imagine)

Onward!

A 💕

PS... Nice Birdie! 💕🦜💕

He was a cheeky little chappie that's for sure. UK Robins are fearless!

I use a macbook at home so can't comment on the iphone issues. With Flikr, I got the link via the share option, pasted it into the message and all I got was the text, no image. Not sure what went wrong.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 03, 2026, 03:15:03 AMWith Flikr, I got the link via the share option, pasted it into the message and all I got was the text, no image. Not sure what went wrong.

In the toolbar above your post text window, there's a YouTube icon. To the right of it is the Add Image icon. Enter the BBC code URL there. Hit enter, then Preview to see how it looks. Sometimes there is an extra img tag that you need to remove, and then it should work.

OK, Flikr test 2.....
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/204175952@N04/shares/569bW3gcY9)

Nope, same result, no pic. The code it's trying to use is as follows:-

img at the front
and /img at the end then the url in the middle (obviously img with brackets but it doesn't show up if i type them)

am I supposed to remove one of the img's?

I looked at the code you posted, and it is correct for an image link.
I tried playing with it, and it refuses to cooperate.

Hence, the reason I stopped using Flickr.

I have not checked out imagBB that Danielle uses, so I don't know what the difference might be.


@Stottie Girl

No wories Lori, appreciate you trying. As I said imgbb links work fine so I'm happy to use that.

@Stottie Girl, this is your image from flickr:

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F55068530792_d8bbf621ae_m.jpg&hash=96621ce481e4c0e7bd7f8caa2a3449ecbf27572a)

I ran into this when I tried to post images hosted on imgur. The problem is that the url you used was for the webpage that displays the image, and a page is not simply an image, so the img tags don't handle it well.

To get it to work, I had to go into the page source (I used right-click, "Inspect" on my browser) and locate the actual url of the image, which is this:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55068530792_d8bbf621ae_m.jpg (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55068530792_d8bbf621ae_m.jpg)

That's probably more effort than most people want to put into it - and definitely more than we should have to. I suspect the image-hosts wouldn't love it, either.

By the way, did you all know that the American "robin" is only called a robin because some European colonist came to North America, saw this bird:

(https://allbirdspecies.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/american-robin-bird_11zon-2048x1537.jpg)

and - not having seen a robin in months or years and probably delirious from malnutrition - said, "Look! A robin!" It's actually a species of thrush.

Yeah that sounds like far too much faff Pema but I'm impressed you researched it that far! At least I know why it didn't work. I'm happy to use imgbb in future.

I did wonder why the American Robin looked nothing like ours! Fountain of knowledge you are! It's still a striking bird mind. Is that your pic? it's a cracking shot

Australian Robins look fantastic compared to our European ones but they do still have the same basic characteristics. I would love to go birding in OZ or US for that matter (maybe in better political climate though!)

I completely agree that it's far too much effort, SG. This is the kind of thing I used to do for a living, so there's a part of me that "needed" to know what was going on.

American robins are one of the most common birds in the US. They're kind of big and not very bright, but they're not super-annoying like Stellar's jays or grackles. They do gather around and watch me in the garden so that they can fetch every worm I unearth the moment I walk away. And they are my primary competitor for our figs and raspberries and blueberries.

Ohhh. I hadn't known about Australian robins. Wow, they're gorgeous, but I think the British ones are awfully sweet, too.

Quote from: Pema on February 03, 2026, 03:59:21 PM@Stottie Girl, this is your image from flickr:

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F55068530792_d8bbf621ae_m.jpg&hash=96621ce481e4c0e7bd7f8caa2a3449ecbf27572a)

I ran into this when I tried to post images hosted on imgur. The problem is that the url you used was for the webpage that displays the image, and a page is not simply an image, so the img tags don't handle it well.

To get it to work, I had to go into the page source (I used right-click, "Inspect" on my browser) and locate the actual url of the image, which is this:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55068530792_d8bbf621ae_m.jpg (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55068530792_d8bbf621ae_m.jpg)

That's probably more effort than most people want to put into it - and definitely more than we should have to. I suspect the image-hosts wouldn't love it, either.

By the way, did you all know that the American "robin" is only called a robin because some European colonist came to North America, saw this bird:

(https://allbirdspecies.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/american-robin-bird_11zon-2048x1537.jpg)

and - not having seen a robin in months or years and probably delirious from malnutrition - said, "Look! A robin!" It's actually a species of thrush.

Good job, Pema!

I was looking at the URL and didn't think to check the image URL and compare it. Great detective work. Thanks!

Dreaming of the summer months!
(https://i.ibb.co/xQqWMD9/Passport-2.jpg)

I only really shoot on my mobile phone as its less a hobby and more just like to capture something if I think it looks nice. Occasionally get a good shot.

(https://i.postimg.cc/HsT5X9t3/20250509-202652-2.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/W40b5QNs/20241201-153159.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Xv97sTjC/20250410-130238-2.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Lsj6xr9d/20250503-193508-2.jpg)

That bottom one is a belta Charlotte. I would never have thought of making dandelions the main subject but it really works. Like the framing on the gate one too.

Beautiful, Charlotte. I love these!

A few from Arran in Scotland. A place I love.

(https://i.ibb.co/Ngfjmww0/2JN0344.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/4w6FmdfR/2JN7368.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/gLZg79dP/2JN7372.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/wNpCW86R/untitled-Aug-2022-0006.jpg)

Here is a few more of my nicer pics. Most taken on the phone with a little processing to make them nicer!

One of these is from Stottie's region!

(https://i.postimg.cc/HxJDv70M/IMG-20180827-152402-3.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/qvQPkGj1/20150725-121904.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/RZGkMTXL/image.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/x1gw0PtR/image.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Vk4xYFD4/IMG-20160730-174303.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/t4X0Qctd/IMG-20170103-151137.jpg)

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 08, 2026, 08:31:47 AMA few from Arran in Scotland. A place I love.

I agree Arran is very pretty for sure. Very beautiful pictures you got too. I remember a load of deer over there  very tame!

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on February 08, 2026, 08:36:05 AMI agree Arran is very pretty for sure. Very beautiful pictures you got too. I remember a load of deer over there  very tame!

Yeah they come into the village of Lochranza at night. It's weird to be walking back from the pub being followed by a herd of deer!

Spotted Cragside there I think! a magical place! nice pics all round. Is that your kitty? she looks a bit like my Lucy.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 08, 2026, 09:08:12 AMSpotted Cragside there I think! a magical place! nice pics all round. Is that your kitty? she looks a bit like my Lucy.

That's deffo Cragside...one of the first places to be fully electrofied. I did enjoy my few days around Northumberland for sure.

Yeah that kitty is LuLu...one of my three. So cool you got a kitty too 😻😺

Beautiful, Ladies!

Many of the photos you shared were magical and all of them were beautiful. thanks!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 08, 2026, 08:31:47 AMA few from Arran in Scotland. A place I love.

(https://i.ibb.co/Ngfjmww0/2JN0344.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/4w6FmdfR/2JN7368.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/gLZg79dP/2JN7372.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/wNpCW86R/untitled-Aug-2022-0006.jpg)

W😀W!!! Gorgeous Shots Stottie Girl! 💕🤗💕

Hugs!

A💕

It's hard not to get good shots there mind Ashley! but I appreciate the comment!

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on February 08, 2026, 08:32:40 AMHere is a few more of my nicer pics. Most taken on the phone with a little processing to make them nicer!

One of these is from Stottie's region!

(https://i.postimg.cc/HxJDv70M/IMG-20180827-152402-3.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/qvQPkGj1/20150725-121904.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/RZGkMTXL/image.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/x1gw0PtR/image.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Vk4xYFD4/IMG-20160730-174303.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/t4X0Qctd/IMG-20170103-151137.jpg)

Charlotte!

Gorgeousness and Kitty to top it off!!! Life is Good!!!

💕😺💕

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on February 08, 2026, 10:36:26 AMThat's deffo Cragside...one of the first places to be fully electrofied. I did enjoy my few days around Northumberland for sure.

Yeah that kitty is LuLu...one of my three. So cool you got a kitty too 😻😺

Here's my Lucy, in the way as usual

(https://i.ibb.co/JjkFdtpB/untitled-Jan-2024-0001-2.jpg)

Awww Lucy is just beautiful. She looks very happy and comfortable there!!

A few from the local mini Zoo. Who doesn't love a meerkat!
(https://i.ibb.co/1fNqX4Sr/Kirkley-Zoo-250524-May-2024-0196.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/yFYgvLY8/Kirkley-Zoo-250524-May-2024-0310-Enhanced-NR.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/23FJXPgy/Kirkley-Zoo-250524-May-2024-0338.jpg)

Should I be posting smaller pics? or are these ok?

They're the perfect size for my laptop screen, Stottie Girl. And the meerkat seems to agree! Thanks

More from the zoo.

Isn't she a cutie! Kirks Dik Dik (unfortunate name🤣). Her snout moves about like a mini elephants trunk it was weird but in a good way.

(https://i.ibb.co/fBhXh2r/Kirkley-Zoo-250524-May-2024-0107.jpg)

I've been called worse. If it's okay with you, I'll change her name to Stottie Girl's Bambi. But a rose by any other name...

works for me!

I would pay to have eyelashes like those!

Wouldn't we all! I have the worst kind, short and perfectly straight. Can't ever seem to get them to stay curled for more than a few minutes. Have you ever tried falsies?

Photo of the day from me. A little Egret at my local reserve.

(https://i.ibb.co/bZTj3CB/Gosforth-290925-Sep-2025-0232.jpg)

A couple of moody winter shots from a nearby nature reserve.

(https://i.ibb.co/rGyZTgmc/Arcot-lake-mist-291122-Nov-2022-0020.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/PvDVms1d/Arcot-lake-mist-291122-Nov-2022-0021.jpg)

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 15, 2026, 02:27:14 PMA couple of moody winter shots from a nearby nature reserve.

(https://i.ibb.co/rGyZTgmc/Arcot-lake-mist-291122-Nov-2022-0020.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/PvDVms1d/Arcot-lake-mist-291122-Nov-2022-0021.jpg)

These made me think of the tragic end of Artax in The Neverending Story. Not the most positive first impression I know but that's where my mind went and I haven't seen that film in decades.

Made me think of Krul when they're going throught the swamp so I know what you mean!

Something a bit different this time. These things fly over my house regularly. Quite impressive aircraft.

(https://i.ibb.co/tpHZ4cw5/2JN6843.jpg)

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 17, 2026, 07:32:45 AMSomething a bit different this time. These things fly over my house regularly. Quite impressive aircraft.

(https://i.ibb.co/tpHZ4cw5/2JN6843.jpg)

That's very impressive to get such a clear picture. Those with propellers like that are awesome.

Well, it's only about 900 ft above the house! Taken from my back door! Fast shutter stops the props, They really do have that many blades.

I took this photo on 29 Jan 2026. Canon R7, Canon RF 200-800 lens plus a 1.4x extender, 1/400s, iso 1250.

JRM_4228 - Moon small.jpg

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on February 17, 2026, 02:28:27 PMI took this photo on 29 Jan 2026. Canon R7, Canon RF 200-800 lens plus a 1.4x extender, 1/400s, iso 1250.

JRM_4228 - Moon small.jpg

Absolutely beautiful. Always so intriguing that the moon is just out there and then seeing such detail takes you there.

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on February 17, 2026, 02:39:34 PMAbsolutely beautiful. Always so intriguing that the moon is just out there and then seeing such detail takes you there.

Thanks, Charlotte. Here is one of the mule deer who hang around our area.

JRM_3481 - Doe head shot small.jpg

Love the detail on the moon pic. Keep meanining to give that a go.

I've never heard of a Mule Deer but those ears are awesome!!

Beautiful, Jessica Rose! The mule deer is so cute!

@Stottie Girl
Terrific photo and an awesome propeller aircraft.
  Thank you for sharing and posting.
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
   
                    Atlas C.1 (A400M)
More information and photos here:
https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/current-aircraft/atlas-c1-a400m/

CAPABILITY
Atlas has the ability to carry a 30-tonne payload over 2,400nm to both established and remote civilian and military airfields, or by landing on short, unprepared or semi-prepared strips. The aircraft is capable of operating at high-level altitudes up to 40,000ft. Atlas can carry 116 passengers, or 9 aircraft pallets and 54 passengers, or 66 stretchers, with a maximum payload of 37 tonnes.

Loads can also be delivered by parachute, gravity extraction from the aircraft's rear ramp (influenced by the cargo's own weight).

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 17, 2026, 07:32:45 AM
              (//i.ibb.co/tpHZ4cw5/2JN6843.jpg)

Something a bit different this time. These things fly over my house regularly. Quite impressive aircraft.

Whitetail deer are common East of the Rocky Mountains, while Mule Deer are common along and West or the Rockies. Mule Deer have very large ears and weigh anywhere from 150lbs (females) to 200lbs (males). Whitetail deer typically weigh 100lbs (female) to 150lbs (males). We've seen as many as five bucks and eight does in our yard. They like to browse on our juniper trees. This is one of the larger bucks.

JRM_3507 - Big Buck small.jpg

Ha Danielle you are correct, fountain of all knowledge! They have replaced our old Hercules fleet and work alongside our C17's

One from up the road on the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne (cradle of Christianity in England). It can only be reached by a causeway road that is submerged under the North Sea twice a day. Lot's of cars get stuck in the middle and have to be rescued as their cars disapear under the waves! Nice place though. That's Lindisfarne Castle in the background. The fishermans sheds in the foreground are made out of old upside down boat hulls.(https://i.ibb.co/C3GH0pkx/2-JN7105-2.jpg)

This one I took a few years back in Sheringham, North Norfolk UK. Incidently I'm originally from the county of Norfolk. A huge amount of people in the UK don't even know where it is!

(https://i.postimg.cc/15RbM8pQ/IMG-20221024-172455836-PANO.jpg)

Wow. That's a great shot!

We have some very talented photographers here.

Thanks to all for sharing!

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on February 18, 2026, 01:45:09 PMThis one I took a few years back in Sheringham, North Norfolk UK. Incidently I'm originally from the county of Norfolk. A huge amount of people in the UK don't even know where it is!

(https://i.postimg.cc/15RbM8pQ/IMG-20221024-172455836-PANO.jpg)

Nice pano that Charlotte. Norfolk is Norwich way South of the Wash. I know where it is but I've never been. looks peaceful. Stephen Fry is a norfolk boy isn't he?

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 18, 2026, 03:33:30 PMNice pano that Charlotte. Norfolk is Norwich way South of the Wash. I know where it is but I've never been. looks peaceful. Stephen Fry is a norfolk boy isn't he?

I think he grew up in Norfolk yeah. It's very peaceful in places for sure. I was raised in small villages around the Norfolk broads, so lots of boating and hanging around in the woods and marshes! I was born in Great Yarmouth though lol

This one still amuses me! From Scotland.

(https://i.ibb.co/JW2pp16z/untitled-Sep-2023-0103.jpg)

Do you think that digital photography is better than 35mm film photography?

Did you ever do darkroom work?

I had the opportunity to see the process at primary school. A few of us were invited to watch a photographer at work in the darkroom. Personally though no experience, when I was shooting film and had my SLR there were lots of places you could get the film developed and I never got into dodging and burning and the like.

Personally I prefer digital photography as it's more forgiving, I like to know I've got the shot rather than finding out weeks or months down the line when the film gets developed. But I can see how using film can slow the process down which does have it's appeal. I'm mainly shooting wildlife these days so film isn't very practical for me but I do yearn after my old Olympus sometimes.

I've only worked with black and white 35mm film. I had an introductory module when I studied at art college. Did some photography then developed our work in the dark room. It was magical seeing the image just appear as the paper was placed into the developer.

Better is always subjective. Modern digital photography is without a doubt technically better in terms of clarity,   accuracy and dynamic range. However it's the imperfection of the film process that gives a unique charm that's difficult to replicate. Given the right creative requirement, then 35mm could be a better choice.

It's interesting that Stottie mentions using film slows the process. This in itself can cause the photographer to think more about each shot. See each shot as having a higher value. This itself affects the work. However digital allows us to take hundreds of shots to get one or two good ones.

I've mentioned I shoot on my phone. You can do great work with low end equipment in some cases. Often times photography is being in the right places at the right times. For landscapes being out very early or late gives the types of light that give the most impact. Or the right weather conditions. Great photography is also seeing beauty in the mundane. Focusing attention on something you've never focused on.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on February 22, 2026, 02:12:36 PMI've mentioned I shoot on my phone. You can do great work with low end equipment in some cases. Often times photography is being in the right places at the right times. For landscapes being out very early or late gives the types of light that give the most impact. Or the right weather conditions. Great photography is also seeing beauty in the mundane. Focusing attention on something you've never focused on.

This is so true. One of my favorite shots was early one morning, as I prepared to start mining. The hills on either side of the creek are steep, so it takes a while for the sun to get high enough to warm me up. Just as the sun was getting into place, I looked upstream, and the Fall leaf colors and the sky and the water reflection just hit me. So I snapped a pic. I have this framed on my living room wall.

You're right about landscape photography Charlotte. You'll notice most of my pictures are either taken in the day or in inclement weather (or are black and white). This is because I am a big girls blouse and am scared of the dark!

Landscape photos often require a fair hike to get to the location which means setting off or coming back in pitch darkness. Not happening! Those I have taken at dusk and dawn though have far better lighting.

One day I might squeesze into my big girls pants and get out there when it counts!

Also living so far north (same lattitude as Moscow) means winter sun never gets high in the sky so is always low side lighting. I can get away with it for a bit.

Lori, your photo was enchanting!
Definitely great art on this site. Thanks, everyone.

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on February 22, 2026, 01:00:32 PMDo you think that digital photography is better than 35mm film photography?

Did you ever do darkroom work?

Digital is certainly more convenient, but I do miss the craft of developing film and working in a darkroom on the best prints possible. And the excitement when opening the development tank or receiving the developed film from the lab to see if the shots turned out as planned.

Yes, due to cost and the processing effort, film work is much slower and you do think twice before pressing the trigger.

I am really sad that they don't produce some of the great materials for analog photography anymore, like Kodachrome film or Cibachrome (later renamed to Ilfochrome) paper. Those Cibachrome prints were simply superb!

Is anyone who uses imgbb having any dificulties?  I can't access my account except for the upgrade options. Wondering if it's down or if they've locked me out for hitting my image limit? not willing to subscribe in case its the site thats busted. hope its not a UK block again!

I don't use it myself, but the status is showing as UP and reachable.

I haven't found a suitable alternative for myself. They all want my email address or a Google account. I say nope to that.

I hope you can get it resolved.

I just use this one..seems ok.

https://postimages.org/

Thanks Lori. Looks like something is up with the site I guess. I've tried a couple of other hosting sites but none are able to import the image here. Might be the end of me sharing pics unless I can find an alternative.

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on February 23, 2026, 03:27:01 PMI just use this one..seems ok.

https://postimages.org/

I'll take a butchers Charlotte, thanks

Right, I'm baffled that one doesn't work either. It won't even display the image I uploaded in their own website never mind working on here!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55113049345_ac42441fb3_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rY9MsH)_1JN2460 (https://flic.kr/p/2rY9MsH) by John Noble (https://www.flickr.com/photos/204175952@N04/), on Flickr

Ooh is flikr now working? Can people see the image?

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 23, 2026, 03:43:34 PM(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55113049345_ac42441fb3_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rY9MsH)_1JN2460 (https://flic.kr/p/2rY9MsH) by John Noble (https://www.flickr.com/photos/204175952@N04/), on Flickr

Ooh is flikr now working? Can people see the image?

Yep...can see that! Looks really good. Nice work x

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on February 23, 2026, 03:52:17 PMYep...can see that! Looks really good. Nice work x

Get in!

Cheers, this pic illustrates what you were saying about early morning and evening light. the early morning light transformed the image. There was also a weird colour to the sky as there was a clearing fret.

I didn't stop using Flickr because they stopped working. I stopped because they got hacked. Not them directly but a third-party contractor that they use. Lots of data stolen.

At the moment, I don't seem to have a choice. Hopefully imgbb will be back working before long.

RE:  postimages.org

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 23, 2026, 03:10:18 PMIs anyone who uses imgbb having any dificulties?  I can't acce my account except for the upgrade options. Wondering if it's down or if they've locked me out for hitting my image limit? not willing to subscribe in case its the site thats busted. hope its not a UK block again!

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on February 23, 2026, 03:27:01 PMI just use this one..seems ok.

https://postimages.org/

@Charlotte_Ringwood  @Stottie Girl  @Devlyn  @Lori Dee
It appears that ImgBB.com is not working right now for me either, but, I just posted
this photo below using  https://postimages.org/

Can you see this photo in the UK and Spain ?
                    Deer on the road heading out of town yesterday.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZRjgQkhZ/DEER-on-ROAD.jpg)

That's a beautiful pic, Danielle.

Quote from: Northern Star GirlCan you see this photo in the UK and Spain ?
                   

I can see in the UK. Wonderful picture too. X

imgbb is back working again, panic over!

Fantastic picture Danielle!

One from my favourite spot in the lake district Blea Tarn.

(https://i.ibb.co/PZSQgYCq/Blea-Tarn-230523-May-2023-0009.jpg)

Lovely photographs, Danielle and Stottie Girl! Thanks.

Mushroom, because why not!

(https://i.ibb.co/B0brtYf/untitled-Sep-2022-0045-2.jpg)

Spring is not "springing" yet ....
   
          (https://i.ibb.co/rRH1FxmZ/ALASKA-bank-15-deg-F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/B5BScytg)

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on February 26, 2026, 11:37:00 AMSpring is not "springing" yet ....
   
          (https://i.ibb.co/rRH1FxmZ/ALASKA-bank-15-deg-F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/B5BScytg)

Holy crapola! -15?

Hang on I thought you guys used fahrenheit?

My pic isn't recent. It's been a barmy 11 degrees today though, quite nice for a change

@Stottie Girl

Yes, the USA  (in non-scientific circles)  uses Fahrenheit.

  -15 deg F  =  -26 deg C

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 26, 2026, 12:25:08 PMHoly crapola! -15?

Hang on I thought you guys used fahrenheit?

My pic isn't recent. It's been a barmy 11 degrees today though, quite nice for a change

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on February 26, 2026, 01:24:32 PM@Stottie Girl

Yes, the USA  (in non-scientific circles)  uses Fahrenheit.

  -15 deg F  =  -26 deg C

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Yikes! The lowest I've ever seen where I live was -14 celcius and my nostril hairs started to freeze! I am on the same lattitude as Southern Alaska too, Thank god for the Gulfstream!

Redshank
(https://i.ibb.co/pHPpJxN/Hauxley-161225-Dec-2025-0229.jpg)

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 27, 2026, 11:32:32 AMRedshank
(https://i.ibb.co/pHPpJxN/Hauxley-161225-Dec-2025-0229.jpg)

That's extremely beautiful. The colour and light is brilliantly captured

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on February 27, 2026, 12:25:01 PMThat's extremely beautiful. The colour and light is brilliantly captured

Thanks Charlotte. I was the only one in the hide and he just flew right up in front of me and posed on the rock for a good 10 minutes. He must be a diva! I love the pastel water effect.

  @Stottie Girl
That gives all of us a good reason to bring our phone and/or a good camera whenever we are out and about.  The photo opportunities like this one you posted of the Redshank bird usually unexpectedly arrive in a moment's notice and disappear in the very next moment.

          Beautiful photo.... thank you for posting and sharing.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Quote from: Stottie Girl on February 27, 2026, 01:56:52 PMThanks Charlotte. I was the only one in the hide and he just flew right up in front of me and posed on the rock for a good 10 minutes. He must be a diva! I love the pastel water effect.

At a Northern Latitude near the Arctic Circle the Aurora Borealis is fairly high over the horizon and is a stunning and bright display seen on many evenings on a clear night.
I really like the photo taken through the windows inside my living room.

(https://i.ibb.co/d4Tn4pRf/house-aurora.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PGLBGWdr)

                 (https://i.ibb.co/VpxMf4jP/Winter-boreali.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qFCmTQyP)

That's such a pretty view to have @Northern Star Girl

Very nice photos too

Wow, you're so lucky Danielle!

We sometimes get auroras, in fact there has been a lot of them over the last year or so but they are normally quite faint and reddish. It's only if you switch to very long exposure that you can see them like that. Yours look like you open the curtain and there they are! Amazing.

Colors:  The color of the Aurora light depends on which gases the
particles collide with and the altitude:
              Green (most common) and Red come from oxygen.
            Blue and Purple come from nitrogen.

HUGS, Danielle[Northern Star Girl] 

Sunset over the Mull of Kintye from Arran with the ruins of Lochranza Castle to the left.

(https://i.ibb.co/mC3HWTxQ/2JN0397.jpg)

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 01, 2026, 08:37:52 AMSunset over the Mull of Kintye from Arran with the ruins of Lochranza Castle to the left.

(https://i.ibb.co/mC3HWTxQ/2JN0397.jpg)

So pretty. Perfect colours and moody looking clouds. That's a really lovely picture x

Yeah the sky got even better but I don't think the foreground worked as well. Funniest part was when I turned around three red deer stags had crept up to within about 20 feet of me being nosey! I tried to get a pic of them but I got such a fright I messed up my camera settings!

Stottie, you have some amazing photos. You must live near some very scenic places.

We had a nice sunset this evening.

Winter Sun is starting to set at 2:00pm local time

  (https://i.ibb.co/Cp8zZHNz/WINTER-SUNSET.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vCqHGjgH)

@ Jessica Rose! that's a belta of a sky there!

@ Danielle, 2pm? How far north are you? I'm at 55 degrees but the sun is setting around 6pm now. You must be in the land of the midnight sun up there!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 02, 2026, 11:01:33 AM@ Danielle, 2pm? How far north are you? I'm at 55 degrees but the sun is setting around 6pm now. You must be in the land of the midnight sun up there!

I think she is far enough north that every direction from her house is south.

She gives new meaning to the phrase, "on top of the world."

😆

Pic of Langley Viaduct near me. It's an old dissused railway line. You can walk over it now as part of an epic walk that goes over the viaduct, through an old WW2 POW camp and round featherstone castle (we used to have an annual office cricket tournament there in one of my past jobs as the business owner lived in the castle) before ending up at a cracking country pub. It's one of my favourite walks.(https://i.ibb.co/3mJSfRFT/1JN2332.jpg)

@Stottie Girl
My little town is at North 65 degrees Latitude  .... 
....70 miles south of the Arctic Circle at North 66 degrees.
HUGS, Danielle

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 02, 2026, 11:01:33 AM@ Danielle, 2pm? How far north are you? I'm at 55 degrees but the sun is setting around 6pm now. You must be in the land of the midnight sun up there!

That makes me shiver just thinking about it!

Heather blooming in Glen Sannox.
(https://i.ibb.co/DP1prd5R/untitled-Sep-2022-0017.jpg)

Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake district. The stones aren't as impressive as Stonehenge but it's older and the location has it beat.

(https://i.ibb.co/ycQGGVCK/Castlerigg-May-2024-0024.jpg)

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 05, 2026, 01:20:16 PMCastlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake district. The stones aren't as impressive as Stonehenge but it's older and the location has it beat.

(https://i.ibb.co/ycQGGVCK/Castlerigg-May-2024-0024.jpg)

They knew Stonehenge would be around for a while, and it needed to be built correctly. This is where they practiced first.

😆

Beautiful pic!

Thanks Lori, it's a beautiful place and it's normally teaming with people so I got lucky with the shot. It had just finished torrential rain and I was staying in nearby Keswick so I thought I would nip out a grab a pic.

Magical!
Thanks, Sarah!
I can almost hear the laughter of the fauns and fairies, sylphs and sprites, hiding behind the stones.

Quote from: Dances With Trees on March 06, 2026, 11:32:33 AMMagical!
Thanks, Sarah!
I can almost hear the laughter of the fauns and fairies, sylphs and sprites, hiding behind the stones.

There is something about stone circles. They do have an aura. You can't help wondering what went on in them over the millenia. This one is as old if not older than the pyramids of Egypt which is mind blowing. Clearly they were better builders than we were!

Mr and Mrs Wigeon out for a flutter

(https://i.ibb.co/N2QgDtJQ/Big-Waters-040123-Jan-2024-0034-Enhanced-NR.jpg)

@Stottie Girl
          Very nice photo...  flying "hand in hand"
              Looks romantic to me.
HUGS, Danielle

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 06, 2026, 12:11:42 PMMr and Mrs Wigeon out for a flutter

(https://i.ibb.co/N2QgDtJQ/Big-Waters-040123-Jan-2024-0034-Enhanced-NR.jpg)

On the road to Fairbanks...

  (https://i.ibb.co/cKTXbHBG/ALASKA-ROAD-morning.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Cp0sJZck)

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 05, 2026, 01:20:16 PMCastlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake district. The stones aren't as impressive as Stonehenge but it's older and the location has it beat.

(https://i.ibb.co/ycQGGVCK/Castlerigg-May-2024-0024.jpg)

I don't know... Stonehenge is cool and all, but this is absolutely stunning.

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on March 06, 2026, 12:50:31 PMOn the road to Fairbanks...

  (https://i.ibb.co/cKTXbHBG/ALASKA-ROAD-morning.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Cp0sJZck)

I love those mountains!

Ours only has a little snow. Here in Pueblo, we have recorded the warmest winter in history. I am not complaining.

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on March 06, 2026, 12:50:31 PMOn the road to Fairbanks...

  (https://i.ibb.co/cKTXbHBG/ALASKA-ROAD-morning.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Cp0sJZck)

WOW! Those mountains Danielle!❤️❤️ I would love to see that one day! Sounds like it's your morning commute!

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on March 06, 2026, 12:48:45 PM@Stottie Girl
          Very nice photo...  flying "hand in hand"
              Looks romantic to me.
HUGS, Danielle

Romantic is exactly what I thought when I saw it on the back of the camera. Couple of softies us eh!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 06, 2026, 02:11:46 PMRomantic is exactly what I thought when I saw it on the back of the camera. Couple of softies us eh!

When my in-laws passed away, Mom first, we spread her ashes at a bridge near a church cemetery where she grew up. Lots of family members are buried there, but the cemetery was full.

Many months later, when Dad passed, we did the same thing. It was a cold winter morning. We gathered on the bridge freezing our butts off, had a shot of bourbon in his honor, and spread his ashes on the creek, too.

As the ashes hit the water, it spooked a couple of birds that had been under the bridge. Two sparrows flew out and away together. Everyone just watched. No one said a word. We all felt the same thing.

I will never forget that day.

Ooh that's a beautiful memory to have at a very sad time. I bet that brought a tear to the eye.

My aunty Pat wasn't so lucky she took my uncles ashes to the coast and scattered them at the top of a cliff where they used to walk and the classic comedy moment happened and the wind blew and everyone got covered in ash, just like the Big Lebowski. I'm glad I wasn't able to be there for that one!

Wastwater in the Lake District. Off the beaten track so dead quiet compared to the bustle of the rest of the lakes. Drove over the best road in britain (imo), Hardknott Pass to get there. That was an adventure! Definitely not somewhere to go if you have dodgy brakes!

(https://i.ibb.co/tSz4QvW/Hardknott-Wastwater-150524-May-2024-0098.jpg)

This isn't very scenic, but it may bring back a few memories...

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on March 09, 2026, 06:04:47 PMThis isn't very scenic, but it may bring back a few memories...

Is that the IBM 360 memory core?

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 09, 2026, 06:07:53 PMIs that the IBM 360 memory core?

We already have a winner! I have some CDC core memory around here somewhere...

Love always -- Jessica Rose

One from the Isle of Arran (Scotland). In Glen Rosa looking toward Cir Mhor. The Witches Step can be seen on the ridge of Caisteal Abhail in the background.

(https://i.ibb.co/8LM1nJR3/untitled-Sep-2023-0022-2.jpg)

OK, time for a bit of Puffin porn.

(https://i.ibb.co/NgJVPVPZ/Farne-islands-210725-Jul-2025-0266.jpg)

There have been so many amazing photographs posted.

You are very talented, (and/or lucky!) to have got these shots.

Thank you for sharing.


Chrissy

 
       (https://i.ibb.co/B2WdpLtr/TRAIN.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gZqH2y3P)

That's a beast Danielle! I like the colour contrast against the snow too. I love the horns on US freight trains, they're haunting.

The last time I was on the Farne Islands (a bird reserve near me) I was experimenting with "high key" images. I was wondering what you think of this style? I'm undecided and keep flip flopping about it. Honest opinions welcome.

(https://i.ibb.co/8nP4TzrW/Farne-islands-210725-Jul-2025-0683.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/tTQmCTby/Farne-islands-210725-Jul-2025-1195.jpg)

@Stottie Girl
I honestly did not know what "high key" images were, so I looked it up" I would say that you did it perfectly.

QuoteHigh-key photography is a bright, airy, and optimistic style characterized by minimal shadows, low contrast, and a predominantly light, often overexposed, color palette. It reduces dark tones to create a soft, ethereal atmosphere, commonly used in portraiture, and studio work. The technique aims to push the histogram to the right, often featuring white backgrounds and subjects.

Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on Today at 07:31:17 PM@Stottie Girl
I honestly did not know what "high key" images were, so I looked it up" I would say that you did it perfectly.   Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Thanks Danielle, it's a departure from what I normally do, a bit more arty but I think I like it.

I like it, Sarah. It has an otherworldly feel to it. The second one especially. It could almost be sci-fi. It's extremely artistic.

Quote from: Sephirah on Today at 07:43:25 PMI like it, Sarah. It has an otherworldly feel to it. The second one especially. It could almost be sci-fi. It's extremely artistic.

Thanks Lauren. I'm thinking of getting that one printed large and getting it on the wall. The bird is an arctic tern and what you can't see is that just below it was a bald man, the bird was divebombing and pecking his head. Top tip, wear a hat if you ever go there!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on Today at 07:51:32 PMThanks Lauren. I'm thinking of getting that one printed large and getting it on the wall. The bird is an arctic tern and what you can't see is that just below it was a bald man, the bird was divebombing and pecking his head. Top tip, wear a hat if you ever go there!

Or use lots of wax and hope the sun glare from your shiny head will blind your assailant! Our old headmaster was like that, in secondary school. He got the rather unfortunate nickname "Sunbeam" because in the right light, he could guide in ships just from the sunlight bouncing off his head.

Those pics are great, Sarah.

I like them both.