P52 25/52 Fly

Copyright ©2015 Deborah M. Zajac. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

I’ve been spending some more time with my Bridge Camera the Panasonic DMZ-Fz200 trying to get better IQ shooting birds in the backyard, but that hasn’t worked out so well since when I’m out back #1 Grandson, and Diva Dog want to be out there too. Unfortunately, the birds don’t want to be out there sipping nectar or eating delicious seeds when nearly the whole family is out back.
But, as luck would have it #1 Grandson isn’t too keen on bugs right now so, he calls them out where ever and when ever he sees them…even flies! He quit playing in the mud puddle brought about by a broken sprinkler, and ran to me clinging to my leg for dear life proclaiming that there was a BUG!, and he very helpfully pointed it out to me. With camera in hand I assured him I’d take care of it. With #1 Grandson still clinging to my leg I cautiously approached the trespassing fly. When I got within the closest focal range to make an image I began pressing the shutter.   I managed to get several images thanks to being in Burst Mode. A few were decent.  The Fz200 can shoot 12 fps in Burst Mode! It’s one reason I bought the camera.

P52 25 of 52 Fly

#1 Grandson now emboldened by my bravery thought he get a little closer himself , let go of my leg, and took a big step forward, then Poof! The fly got scared and flew away. 🙂  #1 Grandson looked up at me with eyes full of surprise and question…and said, ” Fly flew away!”  I replied, “Yes, love it did. We have be very quiet, and can’t get too close or we’ll scare them. Stay by Gran and it might stay.”

The lessons of photographing, and loving wildlife are in full swing at my house!

Another reason I bought this camera was for the Leica f/2.8 fixed Aperture lens, and it’s 108mm lens which has a field of view equivalent of  600mm in 35mm format. I’ve seen some fantastic images taken of birds and wildlife with this little Bridge camera and I am hoping I can get similar results. Especially when traveling.  I’m thinking about taking this camera with me on a cruise I have coming up in late Aug/Sept. There will be some opportunities to see some birds and wildlife I don’t have near me and I don’t really want to pack and carry my heavy 300mm lens.  I’ll be testing this lens/camera out quite a bit in the next couple months.

Are you curious about how muddy #1 Grandson got this morning? I titled this image: A Broken Sprinkler, a Mud Puddle, and a Toddler= A Bunch of Fun this Summer Morning.

P 52 25 of 52 A broken Sprinkler, Mud Puddle, and a Toddler = A

I stripped him and ran like mad to the bathtub when he was ready to go in the house. I wonder if I’ll get the mud and sand out of his clothes?

Jaxon in Mud Hole

Broken Sprinkler brings about a huge opportunity to play in the mud!
He was just this close to drinking some of this muddy water when I caught him! If I drop my gaze for just one second I know he’ll drink some! It’s inevitable I know, but I have to try to stop it! 🙂

I’ve got a couple of more photos of him over on Instagram too. If you’d like to see those click here!

Panasonic DMC-Fz200|Lexar Professional Digital Film| Hand-held| CS6

More to come…

Monchrome Madness 2 14/52 Monterey Bay

Copyright ©2015 Deborah M. Zajac. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

For this week’s Monochrome Madness2 I reached for a recent image to use. I’ve been struggling to get over this sinus infection so didn’t get out last week.  This image is from Point Lobos  Carmel-by-the-Sea. The twisted stumps and trunks of the Cypress Trees made an interesting foreground.

Monochrome Madness 2 14/52  Monterey Bay

If you have time take a look at the other entries for this week’s Monochrome Madness 2 here.

I had to call my Doctor and she prescribed a course of anti-biotics which I started taking Monday evening. Today is the first day in over a week I’ve been able to sit up without a face ache. YEAH!  I’m looking forward to getting out to do some photography.

Nikon Df| AF-S 24-70 @ 24mm, f/16, 1/250s, ISO 320, Manual Priority,  Tripod| Hoodman STEEL Ultra High Speed Digital Film

More to come…

P52 23/52: Lizard

Copyright © 2015 Deborah M. Zajac. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

I’ve been down for the count all week with a cold/sinus infection. Today is the first day I’ve felt like I’m going to get over it, even with the case of Laryngitis I woke up with this morning.

I spent a little while getting some sun out back today, and found I wasn’t alone. This little guy was on the deck soaking up the rays too.

P52 23 of 52 Lizard

I hope you’re all well, and have a great week-end!

Nikon D300s| AF-S Nikkor 300mm| Hand held| Hoodman STEEL High Speed Digital Film

More to come…

Monochrome Madness 2/10: Sea Otter

Copyright ©2015 Deborah M. Zajac. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MM2-10 Sea Otter

Taken in Moss Landing, CA last Saturday while out birding.  He was alone  in the lagoon, just floating, grooming, and occasionally diving for food.

To see all the other Monochrome Madness2 posts for this week (wk10) click here!

Nikon D300s| AF-S Nikkor 300mm f4| Hoodman STEEL Ultra High Speed Digital Film| Tripod| CS6 & Silver Efex Pro2|

More to come…

Agapantha Abstract Watercolor

c2015 Deborah M. Zajac All Rights Reserved

I’ve always wished that I could paint. I’ve taken lessons, and classes several times throughout my life trying to learn how. I never feel like I’ve made huge amounts of progress, but  I  keep trying…I broke out my watercolor paints over the last week in my on going attempt to get better.


I definitely need to get better at mixing colors!

IPhone5 image

More to come…

Tres Leches Cake Challenge

Copyright ©2015 Deborah M. Zajac. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Tres Leches Cake Challenge

In April Lili of Lili’s Cakes blog challenged her readers to make a Tres Leches Cake and since I had never made one I decided to participate. The deadline to have my cake made was approaching fast so, on Mother’s Day I made my cake.

I used a Martha Stewart recipe I found online since I couldn’t get to the box with my Mexican Cookbook. 90% of my books are packed and stacked in boxes in the garage while we’re working on the house.
Anyway, the recipe was pretty easy, and I think the cake is delicious. Unfortunately, aside from #1 Grandson, and me no one else in my family likes milk so it didn’t get rave reviews here. 😦

So, I gave most of it to friends, and the work crew working on my house. What are friends and work crews for right? 🙂 I did save myself one piece though, and it was even better the next day!

Tres Leches Cake Challenge

To see all the other Tres Leches cakes that were made and get recipes click here.

Nikon Df| AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G| Hoodman STEEL Ultra High Speed Digital Film| SB910 camera left slightly above hero at 1/8pwr bounced off ceiling, triggered with SU800| CS6

More to come…