The New Wall Took A Hit

Last night we were hit with some more heavy downpours. Lebanon Airport received 3.9 inches of rain. As you can see from the photos our new retaining wall took a little bit of damage.

Stupid Picture of the Day

I took these two pictures yesterday and did not know what to do with them. I then saw 6 feet and 6 shoes…

Boiler Room

A few photos from a job site I visited today of a vintage 1950’s boiler room. The first two shots are from 5 images at 1/3 exposure increments. The last shot was from a single image. The room was very dark, so I am surprised these shots came out. Exposure time was around 30 sec.

First Day Out with the Nikon D7100

Took a drive with my father through Quechee and Woodstock stopping at the Antique Mall, Taftsville, and downtown Woodstock, VT. I got familiar with the camera and used the exposure bracketing feature for the HDR photos.

I would like some feedback on ISP providers. Unfortunately, we have been having problems with our Fairpont internet connection lately (dropped connections and slow speeds). It actually took all night to upload these photos (and then some). I was thinking of switching to Comcast-any feedback?

The Nikon D7100-My First Impression

When I got back into taking pictures three years ago, my last "nice" camera camera was a Nikon N6006 film camera. On our anniversary three years ago my wife got me a Nikon 3100. I started taking pictures again I became "hooked". Recently I decided to upgrade my camera. I really wanted to upgrade to a full sensor camera, but after reading the dirty sensor problems with the D600 I began looking at the D7100 which had great reviews but was still an APS-C size sensor. After looking at many You Tube videos and websites I decided to go with the D7100. The D7100 came very close in performance with the D600 and in some ways better. The D7100 sensor does not have a low pass filter which gives you a sharper image. The full size sensor cameras offer better performance in low light situations, but I am hoping to counteract that with higher quality; lower f-stop lenses.

Taking the camera out of the box for the first time the first thing I noticed was the larger size (and more buttons) compared to the D3100. Build quality looks good except I do not like the quality of the card reader door. The camera came with a free backpack, 16g card, and extra battery. I also purchased the Vello battery grip which stores an extra battery. The camera feels good in your hands and all of the buttons make sense, especially if you are a Nikon user. I mounted my old film camera 28-200 lens and it worked! The camera has a built in focus motor, so older lenses will also work.

Taking pictures for the first time, the first thing I noticed was the larger view screen, the unbelievable 51 point focusing, and a very fast shutter speed. I do a lot of HDR photography and I quickly tried the auto bracketing feature on the camera. You simply hold down the bracket button and dial in 3 or 5 pictures and set your exposure compensation. Set the camera to timer and push the shutter. Ten seconds later snap, snap, snap, your five pictures are taken without you touching the camera. There are many more features that I will be learning over the days and months ahead.

Below is my first outside image with the camera. Look at how sharp the flag is.

Balch Hill Nature Area-Hanover, NH

Another simple, relaxing hike available in the Upper Valley. Only 0.2 miles to the top and once you get there you do not want to leave. I wonder if the deer know about the deer exclusion project?

 

Saint-Gaudens

An afternoon visit to Saint-Gaudens National Historic site in Cornish, NH. A great place to visit. Can anyone tell me what the moth looking nectar collecting insect is? It looks like a shrimp with wings.