
This is one of two alligators who hang out by the pool. In the background is our waterfall.
Yesterday, two items arrived adding to my recent interest using a DSLR camera. I bought a tripod plus a remote. That’s because I’ve noticed my photos were often blurry. I have shaky hands and I can’t hold the camera steady — especially when trying to capture hawks or bobcat pics.
The photos posted today are the result of my experimenting with my new photography toys in our backyard. I have to say the photos are crisper than when I hold onto the camera and push the button.
The remote allows me to set up the camera on the tripod, stand a few feet away and press a button on the remote to snap the picture. The hardest thing was to line up the shot while the camera is on the tripod. It’s not as easy as point and shoot. But I took lots of photos and made minor adjustments, nudging the camera this way that that.

Flamingos and cacti in the sun.

Two mourning doves in flight. Funny, I was going for a lone quail on the rock, but captured this!

Our swim up pool bar.
If you enjoy photography, do you use your iphone, a DSLR camera or a tripod?
Any tips?

To heck with the camera… I’m enjoying your beautiful backyard oasis.
❤️
Thanks! 😊
I’m with Rivergirl! Cheers to the photos…but get ready. I’m on my way. Does the casita have a vacancy? 😜
Seriously, tho…your nature pics are the best. I’m no photographer and have no tips, but I’m a fan of your photos. No matter whether you’re using your phone or a DSLR. Thanks, Elizabeth! 🥰
The casita is yours! Except we have guests coming from Santa Barbara this upcoming weekend. Thanks for the kind words about my nature photos. I’m having fun trying new things.
So good! Xo! 🥰
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These shots are amazing and clear. I tried a camera but I bought the wrong lens. So I sold it and am using my phone for pictures
Thank you! I was lucky with this camera. It came with two lenses and a case from Costco. I’m going to get one more lens in a few months. That’s if I find myself continuing using this camera.
You’re welcome. I hope you do use it as it can hone your photography skills
I took photojournalism classes at the University of Washington, but I need to relearn so much after so many years.
I’m sure that you will learn to use the latest technology and take great photos.
I hope so! Thanks 😊
Most welcome my friend
😊
Good for you for your intentional DSLR practice (and your new toys)! That is what I find the hardest to do. Your backyard looks so inviting!
Thank you! I am also watching You Tube videos to try and refresh my memory and learn new things. As for the yard, it’s fun and all credit goes to the prior owners.
Nice shots! I just use my iPhone, but I so wish it had a telephoto lens to truly catch the hawks, orioles, and great blue herons in our area.
I know the newer iphones have better cameras. Mine unfortunately isn’t one of those. Yes, that would be nice to get photos of those beautiful birds.
How can we send you a live one? By UPS, messenger, Amazon…oh ,wait we will as we have a few around!
Live gator, that is.
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Ha! No thanks. I like this guy and the smaller one just fine!
Strictly a phone user now. But I like your new setup. It seems to be working well for you.
Thanks! I still use my phone on walks. I’m not that good with my camera without the tripod. I move around too much and my hands shake. It’s fun to work on though.
How fun, Elizabeth! I’ve been trying to crouch on the beach and hold my camera steady when taking pictures of a bald eagle at Whidbey Island. Totally impossible to get it steady enough. The tripod and remote are brilliant.
Beautiful pictures!
Thank you, Wynne. Yes, I need to steady myself against something without the tripod. But when I press the button, I move the entire camera. The tripod and remote remove that issue.
I can’t get over the wildlife you have in your backyard!! So love it!
Good pics! Have fun with your new tripod. I only use my smartphone, which does a pretty good job. Since we upgraded, we have been more impressed with the photos.
The newer phones have excellent cameras.
Elizabeth, I can’t seem to get past your pool, waterfall, and swim-up bar! Wow!
😁😁
It’s a fun back yard. Add the wildlife and maybe we could sell tickets 😀
😃👍🏻
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