Dolphins at Sunset

Dolphins at Sunset

Four dolphins frolic in the surf off Carmel Beach at sunset. Dolphins had been spotted all day off the coast. The sky was clear with optimum conditions for viewing the sunset. Spectators filled the beach awaiting the the sunset. As the sun sunk lower in the sky a hush came over the crowd.

Sunset on the Pacific

As the last sliver of sun disappeared below the horizon, applause broke out among the crowd.

The End

 Photos taken with an EOS 40D on a tripod. ISO 400, aperture priority f 14, shutter speed automatic. 
70-300 zoom lens.

Pink flowers

I would like to tell you the name of the flower, but I have no idea. Thought they were real pretty. I will update as soon as I find out.

Photo take with Canon EOS 40D in Mendocino. Exposure 1/500 s at f/2.8. Focal length 48mm.
ISO 125

On the Eel

Sun-rays gently beating down
grasses swaying in the breeze
cool clear water
darting fish flashing rainbow colors
butterflies fluttering
bees buzzing
lizards doing push-ups on the rocks
all part of the experience of the Eel River









This photo was taken with a Canon EOS 40D north east of Willits, CA in Mendocino County. Exposure 1/200 s at f/10. ISO 100. Focal length 28 mm.

Safety at the Carnival

Ring of Fire, assembled by a master mechanic.

The carnival run by family company Johnston Amusements arrives every year like clockwork the week preceding the rodeo. Like modern day gypsies, the carnies move from town to town six months out of the year, setting up and taking down enormous rides with skill. Gordon Johnston proudly asserts that his company has the safest record in California, eight years without an incident. I believe this, for I have watched and documented his workers for the past two years transform misc. parts into magnificent rides rising above the trees. To watch, you have to have a lot of time and patience. Hurry up and wait sums up the experience. Like a giant transformer emerging from a sleep, each piece is unfolded from its cramped position, workers inspect and grease every joint and movable part. Smaller parts are unpacked, inspected and attached to the ride.

I have never seen people who work as hard as the carnies do. One young man told me, I make a decent paycheck, and I have a job in this economy.

Johnston Amusements will return to Mendocino County in the fall at the Mendocino County Fair in Booneville.

Photo taken with a Canon EOS 40D.

Special Effect

Swirling lights and long exposure. I wanted all of the rides to be going at once. While waiting for a ride to get going, the first one stops to let riders on or off. It is like a juggling act. So, to combat boredom while waiting, I decided to play with the zoom ring during exposure. Emboldened by my first clumsy attempts, I kept playing with the shutter speed and degree in which I turned the zoom ring. It took many attempts. I was happy with this one. I never did get all the rides going at once.

When taking long exposure shots, make sure you have a very steady tripod.
This photo was taken with a Canon EOS 40D on a tripod. Exposure 6.0 s at f/22. ISO 100. Focal length 16mm.

Shasta Daisys, Guerneville

Shasta Daisys
Shastas, shastas everywhere, in gardens of friends, medical providers and family. These daisys grow in my mother's backyard. They grow along the borders of the deck, along the fence and in the front yard. Long legged Shasta Daisys propagate everywhere, deer do not eat them. They take over gardens like weeds, albeit very pretty weeds.


Photo was taken with a Canon EOS 40D with a Tamron 17-50mm lens. ISO 100. Exposure 1/200s at f/3.2. Focal length 28mm

To purchase this photo, contact me: outpost_patton@yahoo.com