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Category Archives: Photos

Photo journey, DSLR

I have used many cameras over the years, but I have never made the jump to interchangeable lens cameras like DSLR or mirrorless.  I decided to change this and try to build up the cheapest, but most entertaining ‘kit’ possible.  My goal is to learn about photography, not spend $4,000 on excessive gear.  That being said, here is what I have amassed so far:

Camera Body:

Canon EOS Rebel XT, DSLR.  Entry level DSLR from 2004.  8 megapixel, APS-C sensor.  Came with kit lens, 18 to 55mm, F3.5ish. EF-S mount.   Around $70, shipped, from eBay.

Zoom Lens:

Tamron 85-210mm, F4.5 to 22.  FD mount, adapted to EF mount, $10, eBay.

Prime Lenses:

JCPenny 28mm, F2.8 to 16, wide angle lens.  MD (Minolta) mount, adapted to EF.  $8.50, eBay.

Minolta, 50mm, F 2.0 to 22, “Normal” or portrait lens.  MD mount, adapted to EF, $15, eBay.  My favorite lens so far.

Other miscellaneous stuff:  CF to SD card adapter, so I can make the leap into the 21st century. $12, Canon IR remote, $7.99, Camera strap, $15, camera bag, wife was able to snag for free, and ball head tripod, $60.

So far, I have kept it right around $200 for everything.  The most fun I have had is with a prime lens, the 50mm.  It makes you compose shots differently, since you have to get closer and it makes a fantastic macro lens.  All of the photos of lenses above were taken with the XT, with the 50mm, except for the photos of the Camera and the prime lens, which was taken with the kit lens or borrowed from online.

Macro capabilities

A shout out to Canon, even with this 15 year old camera, I can still download the Digital Photo professional, latest version, just had to type in my serial number.  The biggest difference I have noticed between shooting with point and shoots and my phone is the color reproduction is spot on and I can control the depth of field.

I have been shooting in RAW and jpeg and learning how this all works.  No masterpieces yet, but I am learning.  I plan to be shooting fall colors this weekend.  Ironically, the photos I posted last year were taken at the forest preserve less than 100 yards from my new house!  I can compare and contrast how the new camera performed and enjoy nature.

 

Posted by on October 25, 2019 in Photos

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Remembering Dad

Today was the day of my Dad’s funeral.  He was laid to rest in Chapel Hill Garden South Cemetery, in Oak Lawn, Illinois.

It was a touching ceremony where we honored my father, Ronald L. Nelson, but to me, he was always Dad.  My two brothers and I spoke of his life, the ups and downs, shared some funny stories, and were able to close this chapter on his life.  He will be remembered by many.  I was truly touched by friends and neighbors who attended the funeral. My Dad was a kind man, he would always help those in need, and never judged you on the color of your skin.  He only cared about the content of your character and that is a lesson I think our nation needs to take to heart.  I truly miss him.  I was fortunate enough that the last words I spoke to him before he had a heart attack was “I love you Dad.”

Enough tears shed for today, now we all get to celebrate and be better people, lead by his example of never ignoring the plight of others.  He was not a saint, but he was a good man, father, and husband.

Below is a gallery of 164 photos we took over the last 17 years.  Some are flattering, some are not.  You can see how his health declined in later years, but when his smile came through, it was always genuine and I keep expecting to get a phone call, “Dave, Dad here…”

 

Posted by on July 3, 2018 in Photos

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Tinley Park Praries

 

Posted by on September 27, 2017 in Photos

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Prairie Preserve

Below are photos of a small prairie preserve in Tinley Park, IL, close to my new job.

 

Posted by on July 2, 2015 in Photos

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Gone Fishing

Gone Fishing

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Yesterday I did something I have not done in ages, went fishing. Through Glenn’s school, they had a Father and Son fishing outing at Marquette park, in Chicago. It was nice, you did not have to bring anything, they supplied the poles, bait, and, group fishing license, and instructions. I had to warn Glenn ahead of time, it is called fishing, not catching for a reason. The lake is an odd one, making a circle around an island, and kind of unexpected in the middle of city.

 

Luckily, the lake is less than four miles from our house, so you could not ask for a quicker lake to get to. We arrived on time and there were a fair amount of kids there, I would say about thirty or so, with dads, so there were over fifty people there fishing. You could tell most of them had never fished or cast a rod and reel before. The poles were simple spin casters, what I learned on as a kid as well.

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As was expected, there was not much to catch out there. With all the direct sun, all that was caught in two hours was just a couple of catfish called bullheads. As you can see, the are kind of an ugly looking bugger. The dad who caught him admitted it was kind of a cheat, he saw the fish in the shallows and lured him out. A lot of the kids, including Glenn were able to get a good look.

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In the end, the kids got a little antsy after almost two hours in the sun. There was a quick raffle at the end, we didn’t win anything, but it was such a nice day to spend outside. No one made money off of the trip, the small amount we paid went to getting the raffle prizes and nothing more. The area was very nice, and I never knew there was a lake and a golf course, right in the middle of an urban, residential neighborhood. I am almost tempted to get a reel for Glenn to practice with, but I can just see the line getting caught in every tree in a 100 foot radius.

 

Posted by on June 8, 2014 in Family, Photos

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