Scattered Thoughts . . .

I have a down day for my health today... and I know tomorrow will be the same... so, I'm here at my desk trying to find some simple things to keep my mind occupied with something other than my health.   There has been a lot of talk in a few of my astronomy groups about trying to capture a decent photo of the Milky Way and it seems that a lot of beginners have big problems with this. Fortunately, it really is not as difficult as people make it out to be.  Most of these beginners have brand new dSLR's which are more than capable of capturing the Milky Way yet they are having difficulty capturing a decent image so I figured I should write something with some basic info about how to accomplish this type of photography. Any dSLR, technically speaking, is capable of capturing a pretty good image of the night sky so the biggest obstacle is learning how to use your dSLR. Today's mirrorless cameras are just as adept at this type of photography and some mirrorless cameras

I've been trying to get outdoors with my telescopes this summer but there have been a number of obstacles to this seemingly simple endeavor.  Most importantly, the skies on most days and nights have been obscured by clouds or fog. On the rare occasion when the sun is shining (and it has been very rare this summer), it has been incredibly hazy ruining any chance of seeing detail on the sun. The very few clear nights we've had have been incredibly hazy too.  Another big problem we've had this summer is a big Black Bear wandering around our neighborhood at night, getting into things and causing a big stir. I have no desire to have this bear join me out there in the darkness so I've been reluctant to get out there even on the rare hazy, mediocre nights. We've been struggling with some health issues in recent weeks so when Friday came around last week, we were both planning to eat dinner, watch a little television and then head to bed as early as possible. Neither

I was revisiting some photos from last summer at the lake house since that time of year is fast approaching. This is the time of year when I think about what I hope to accomplish with my photography skills while at the lake. Once I know my goals for the summer, I evaluate my gear... then swap gear I don't need for gear I do need. Ultra-wide angle lenses are needed in tight spaces especially when there is an expansive landscape right outside. My gear is weak in two areas... the two extremes... ultra-wide angle and super-telephoto. For now, I am focused on my ultra-wide lens options. Wildlife photography is always a top priority and that is where the super-telephoto lens comes into play. Capturing Sheila and the grandkids is also a priority topping my list and this involves some portrait lenses... I am covered fairly well here. Landscape photography, including the night sky, is also an area I would like to improve and this involves ultra-wide lenses.  Part of this evaluat

Supermoon - 12 July 2014 Last night, our moon was a little closer to our home planet than usual. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as a 'supermoon' because the moon does appear ever so slightly larger in the night sky.  Anyone who has tried to shoot a photo of the full moon realizes that this is a rough task. The moon doesn't really seem all that bright but it really is exceptionally bright especially a full moon. This is why far too many photos of the moon only depict an overexposed, bright white splotch in the sky when they try to capture an image of the moon. You really need to use a camera which allows manual control over your exposure to get this right. Contrary to popular belief, you actually need to set your exposure as though you are shooting on a sunny afternoon... yes... as though you are shooting on a sunny afternoon! Another thing that most people don't understand, or realize, is that the full moon is the worst phase of the moon to try t