Brit Gal Photography

Fall Foliage

2011-11-20T22:29:00.002-06:00

Sun Worshippers

2011-08-20T17:23:00.001-05:00

Tranquility

2011-06-13T22:41:00.001-05:00

courtesy of Eagles Nest, New Mexico

Bamboo

2011-05-01T13:21:00.003-05:00

Love is

2011-04-25T18:57:00.001-05:00

Skywatch Friday

2011-02-10T14:46:00.001-06:00

'Celebratory Chicago Fireworks'

(taken from the Hancock Tower in 2009)

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Taos Clouds - SWF

2011-02-03T11:40:00.003-06:00

'Just floating on by'

Double click to see more detail

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Medieval Splendour

2011-02-01T21:23:00.002-06:00

Go to Wordless Wednesday to see more great entries.

Teen Queen

2011-01-31T06:43:00.001-06:00

Steel Ablaze

2011-01-27T11:00:00.004-06:00

Steel Ablaze'

Double click to see more detail

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Spot Me?

2011-01-25T13:16:00.004-06:00

Click Wordless Wednesday to see others!

Stars & Stripes

2011-01-23T19:15:00.003-06:00

Skywatch Friday

2011-01-20T10:14:00.003-06:00

'Golden Crescendo'

Double click to see more detail

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

It's in the detail

2011-01-18T18:10:00.005-06:00

Meri asked what gives me great joy and photography is my passion, as it is hers.

But photographing beautiful things, such as this dress, is really what brings me joy.

Mancunian Worship

2011-01-15T23:44:00.001-06:00

A parish church on the outskirts of Manchester in the snow.

Double click picture to get the full effect

To join in too or see the other great contributions, just click through to Scenic Sunday.

Chapter House, Wells Cathedral, England

2011-01-14T13:41:00.001-06:00

Taos Sunset

2011-01-09T12:22:00.001-06:00

Picture Postcard England

2010-12-20T07:15:00.002-06:00

I am currently in England for Christmas and surrounded by beauty!

Fall Fun!

2010-11-10T22:09:00.003-06:00

Preciousness

2010-10-25T21:59:00.003-05:00

Miss FFA

2010-10-18T16:54:00.003-05:00

My Cowboy!

2010-10-16T21:38:00.005-05:00

Pride

2010-10-15T21:53:00.001-05:00

Are you laughing at my ears?

2010-10-15T21:36:00.004-05:00

Skywatch Friday

2010-09-23T13:28:00.005-05:00

'Morning Glory'

Double click to see more detail

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

The look of love

2010-09-20T00:11:00.001-05:00

Skywatch Friday

2010-09-16T13:29:00.003-05:00

'Busy Skies'

Double click to see more detail

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Fun Footwear!

2010-09-13T22:39:00.001-05:00

Taos

2010-09-12T22:38:00.001-05:00

Taos Pueblo Ironwork

Skywatch Friday

2010-09-09T09:39:00.000-05:00

'Sorbet Skies'

Taken on a stormy night in NW Okieland.

Double click to see more details

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

In Ansel Adam's footsteps

2010-09-06T20:47:00.000-05:00

San Francisco De Asis Church, Taos NM

Skywatch Friday

2010-09-02T13:25:00.000-05:00

'Golden Glory'

Double click piccie to enlarge

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Nocturnal Life

2010-08-23T22:04:00.001-05:00

Double click for a close up!

Skywatch Friday

2010-07-08T14:02:00.002-05:00

An amazing formation of Mammatus clouds 2 nights ago!

Double click piccie to enlarge

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2010-07-01T13:51:00.000-05:00

'Golden Contrasts'

Taken earlier this week from the back garden. The Hubster has been 'en vacance' so I also took time off from blogging, but normal service is about to resume!

Double click piccie to enlarge

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2010-06-10T13:24:00.002-05:00

'Golden Lilac'

Our Lilac bush taken at sunset on Tuesday

Double click piccie to enlarge

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Summer Scenes

2010-06-04T14:04:00.000-05:00

f5.6 - 1/100 - ISO 100

Skywatch Friday

2010-06-03T13:21:00.002-05:00

'Big Okieland stormy sky'

The calm after a hail storm last week. I got caught out and had to make an urgent dash to a friends home where I was able to take cover in safety!

Double click piccie to enlarge

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Early summer around town

2010-06-02T21:36:00.002-05:00

f/22 - 1/15s - ISO 100 - 20mm

f/22 - 1/15s - ISO 100 - 12mm

f22 - 1/15s - ISO 100 - 20mm

f/16 - 1/20s - ISO 100 - 20mm

Taken with Canon T2i & Canon EFS IS 10-22mm lens

Assignment #6 - Light

2010-04-23T21:28:00.002-05:00

F/11 - 1/125s - ISO100 - 39mm taken @ noon

F/11 - 1/30s - ISO100 - 39mm taken @ sunset

F/16 - 1/100s - ISO100 - 55mm 'Sunny 16 rule'

This weeks lesson was on light, the assignment was to take two shots with the same composition at noon and then sunrise or sunset, to see the difference the light really makes to a shoot. We were also taught the 'Sunny 16 rule' and asked to take a picture to demonstrate the settings you must use to get perfect exposure everytime.

Skywatch Friday

2010-04-22T13:24:00.003-05:00

'Golden Wonder'

A truly breathtaking golden sunset on an evening with a very low cloud base - a stunning combination!

Double click piccie to enlarge

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2010-04-15T13:28:00.001-05:00

'Rose tinted cloud bank'

Another shot of our local lake and my favourite posts in the whole wide world! This time I was there as a very large cloud bank was heading west at sunset.

Double click picture to see full effect

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Assignment #4 - Abstract Art

2010-04-11T17:54:00.001-05:00

F/13 - 1/60s - ISO100 - 65mm

F/5 - 1/2s - ISO100 - 22mm

F/5.6 - 5s - ISO100 - 22mm

This week the lesson was on making art with photography by moving the camera as you shoot, so these are all exactly as they should be! The telephone box used the 'zoom' whilst shooting on a long shutter speed method. The Tiffany lamp Monet effect, was made by 'spinning' the camera slowly as I released the shutter.

My favourite though is the 'backlit rain' effect, where a shutter speed of 1/60s streaks the rain and the sun highlights the ensuing streaks. Totally awesome and a technique I will be using many times.

Skywatch Friday

2010-04-08T13:20:00.000-05:00

'Spring Sunrise'

Double click photo to see the full effect

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Assignment #4 - Panning & freezing action

2010-04-03T21:39:00.001-05:00

F/14 - 1/60s - ISO100 - 50mm length

F/18 - 1/60s - ISO100 - 50mm length

F/5.6 - 1/500s - ISO100 - 55mm length

F/18 - 1/30s - ISO100 - 40mm length

F/18 - 1/30s - ISO100 - 40mm

I absolutely loved this weeks lesson and it will be invaluable!

Assignment #3 - 'Who cares' apertures

2010-03-30T21:43:00.001-05:00

Silhouette @ F/11 - 1/125s - ISO100 - 50mm length

Still Life @ F/8 - 1/4s - ISO100 - 50mm length

What do you always use when the aperture doesn't matter and it isn't a creative shot? = F/8 or F/11

Skywatch Friday

2010-03-25T13:16:00.001-05:00

'Sunset Posts'

Double click photo to see the detail

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Assignment #2

2010-03-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

Submit a Singular theme shot in isolation

Submit Storytelling shots taken at f/22 for sharpness front to back

Signage

2010-03-19T10:29:00.001-05:00

Skywatch Friday

2010-03-18T13:14:00.001-05:00

'Sky Drama'

Double click photo to get the full effect!

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Structures in monochrome

2010-03-14T21:15:00.001-05:00

Mrs. Squirrel

2010-03-12T20:20:00.000-06:00

My first two assignments for the 'Understanding Exposure' course I am taking with Bryan Peterson for the next 8 weeks. My task was to take a portrait with depth of field and a picture showing movement.

Skywatch Friday

2010-03-11T12:52:00.003-06:00

'Storm cloud leads the way'

Taken during the first tornado watch in Okieland of 2010, earlier this week.

Double click to enlarge

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Endless Horizon

2010-02-27T11:39:00.001-06:00

Skywatch Friday - Guest Host!

2010-02-25T13:26:00.006-06:00

'Blue Moon'

Double click to enlarge

This week I am very proud to be the guest host for Skywatch Friday, my header photo at my main blog Brit Gal USA was selected for this honour. I took the picture of the huge storm cloud last July whilst we were under a tornado warning, this was the very clearly defined back edge of the storm as it headed east at sunset. I happened to look out of a window and spot this photo opportunity and knew I had no time to lose.

So I grabbed the Hubster as my chauffeur, snatched up my camera and ran out the door, still in my pink furry cowboy boot slippers! We drove to the highest point in town, our cemetery which just happens to be the fave locals spot for watching storms, and so there I was visible to all in pink furry slippers snapping this picture. In September last year it won 2nd prize in a local museums photo contest, so I did at least get some major payback for my embarressment!

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Calf cuties!

2010-02-24T20:16:00.000-06:00

Future Farmer

2010-02-22T19:46:00.001-06:00

Macro magic

2010-02-18T19:36:00.001-06:00

All taken with the Canon 50mm f1.4 and various Hoya magnifying add on lenses

Skywatch Friday

2010-02-18T11:02:00.004-06:00

'Into Icy Infinity'

(Double click to enlarge)

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2010-02-11T13:43:00.002-06:00

'Sorbet Sky'

(Double click to enlarge)

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2010-02-05T14:47:00.008-06:00

'The firey Wolf Moon'
This stunning moon quite literally took our breath away last Friday night. It was so huge and orange as it rose in the sky, a picture opportunity I could not miss. I kept the street lights in the shot, to give a sense of proportion.

Double-click to see the full effect

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Frozen Beauty

2010-01-30T13:39:00.002-06:00

Skywatch Friday

2010-01-21T13:27:00.000-06:00

'Contrasts'

I spotted this lone tree, with a great shape, washed out colour and wonderful deep blue sky setting it off, on the OK/KS border on Saturday. We were out combining geocaching and photography for the day. The Hubster got a geocache here and I got one of my fave tree pictures ever - a result!

Double-click to see the full effect

To see other fabulous skies or join the best weekly meme on the web, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2010-01-07T13:28:00.002-06:00

Another picturesque shot from our local lake at sunset, a great source of photographic inspiration for me.

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Into the Wild

2010-01-01T18:42:00.000-06:00

Skywatch Friday - NYE 2009

2009-12-31T14:53:00.001-06:00

Taken on the New Years Eve 'Eve' out at our town lake, a beautiful end to the year. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year, I just can't believe it's 2010 already, it seems like the new millenium wasn't all of ten years ago!!

Double-click to enlarge for the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2009-11-05T23:34:00.000-06:00

These were taken the same August evening as my blog header picture, and show other sections of the amazing cloud formations on show. It was hard to know where to look and photograph next, the stunning changes in shape and light were happening so fast! It was quite a show and free to boot.

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Sky Gazing

2009-10-04T17:11:00.006-05:00

Double-click to see all the details up close & personal!

Skywatch Friday

2009-10-02T17:49:00.000-05:00

'Endless Horizons'

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2009-09-24T16:00:00.002-05:00

"Lookout! Low flying clouds above! "

This is pretty much what our skies have looked like all week as Fall arrives in Okieland. These are some of my favourite skies seen here; with our endless horizons and flat landscape, clouds like this are truly spectacular.

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2009-09-03T13:26:00.000-05:00

'Endless Cloudscape'

One of the things I love best about the huge skies in Okieland, days when huge cotton ball clouds sail in a deep blue sky.

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2009-08-27T13:28:00.000-05:00

'Golden Delicious!'

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Sukie!

2009-08-24T22:07:00.005-05:00

I will be entering this in the animal category of a local museums photography competition this week. It was a lucky capture as she 'talked' to me!

Double-click to get the full effect

Skywatch Friday - BIG Storm!

2009-08-20T13:26:00.003-05:00

'Backside of possibly tornadic storm'

This was taken at sunset last night, 1/2 a mile up the road from home. We were under a tornado watch, and this was the backside of a huge storm heading East to scare others! A spectacular sight but impossible to capture the full scale, even with my 10-22mm wide angle lense. We could also clearly observe the rotation within the storm, in addition to some wicked lightening.

I submitted this to our KOCO channel 5 TV station and apparently it was featured during their morning news show, I'm hoping it may appear tonight so I get to see it. UPDATE: Yay it was on again!

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2009-08-13T13:28:00.001-05:00

'Sunday Sunset'

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2009-08-06T13:28:00.000-05:00

'Tree Huggers Sunset!'

Taken into the west on macro through our Maple tree

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Scenic Sunday

2009-08-02T01:33:00.000-05:00

Taken at sunset, as we headed home after a day at the lake in November, hence the lack of green anywhere in sight!

Double click picture to get the full effect

To join in too or see the other great contributions, just click through to Scenic Sunday.

Skywatch Friday

2009-07-30T20:42:00.001-05:00

'Sun Kissed Storm Cloud'

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Scenic Sunday

2009-07-25T22:03:00.004-05:00

Spotted near Navy Pier in Chicago, they just seemed so relaxed in each others company soaking up the sun!

Double click picture to get the full effect

To join in too or see the other great contributions, just click through to Scenic Sunday.

Skywatch Friday

2009-07-23T13:29:00.005-05:00

'Curvaceous Reflections'

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Scenic Sunday

2009-07-19T00:29:00.002-05:00

'Languid Lake Vincent'

Taken yesterday whilst out geocaching. So tranquil, utterly peaceful with just the sounds of nature surrounding us, and not another soul around - pure heaven and just 80 degrees!

Double click picture to get the full effect

To join in too or see the other great contributions, just click through to Scenic Sunday.

Skywatch Friday

2009-07-16T14:12:00.001-05:00

'Into the blue'

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Scenic Sunday

2009-07-12T01:20:00.003-05:00

'All paths lead to calm waters'

I have joined a new weekly blog event called 'Scenic Sunday', as it fits perfectly with my passion for landscape photography.

Double click picture to get the full effect

To join in too or see the other great contributions, just click through to Scenic Sunday.

Skywatch Friday

2009-07-09T21:03:00.002-05:00

'Low flying country clouds!'

Taken this past weekend, whilst geocaching 20 miles north.

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Hazy Reflections on Chicago

2009-07-08T00:50:00.005-05:00

Double click to get the full effect

Skywatch Friday - Chicago

2009-07-02T13:29:00.001-05:00

'The spectacular Trump Tower on the Chicago River'

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Floral Delights

2009-06-08T11:04:00.004-05:00

Taken with Canon Powershot SD780 IS on Macro, double click to enlarge.

What do I use?

2009-05-27T22:22:00.001-05:00

Today I am responding to a question I have had from a few readers recently, "what kind of camera do you use"?

Well since last month I have two very different options, the latest is a tiny fully automatic digital I can stick in a pocket and the other is my less portable DSLR with all it's add-ons.

I like to always carry a camera so as not to miss a great picture and that's why a month ago I bought a Canon Powershot SD780 IS Digital Elph. This camera is tiny as can be seen from the picture and so I have it on me at all times now.

It has 12.1 megapixels, a 3x image stabilized zoom, face detection and numerous auto or manual settings, including a new feature i-contrast. This is my favourite feature, as a chip inside corrects the contrast automatically whatever the light conditions and I have yet to find fault with this excellent feature. I am having alot of fun with this little gem, good pictures are guaranteed from it and it enables me to capture anything quickly. Here are a couple of examples of pictures I have taken with it, it's definitely a camera I can recommend.

My main camera is a Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR , which I have had for almost 3 years. It has re-energised my interest in the art of photography and led me to take alot more interest in the technical aspects. As with most DSLR's they require more investment if you're serious and I have over time purchased additional lenses that expand my horizons. This is the beauty of an SLR, it enables you to pick the lens to suit your photography interests.

The camera came with a stock 18-55mm lens which is fine for everyday shots and is a perfectly acceptable general lens. But in addition I have bought three other higher quality lenses for specific requirements.

My first addition was a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom to enable me to get in tighter on subjects. My two best shots to date with this lens have been the following ones of a submerged car, and a totally unplanned moon shot. I would say having Image Stabilisation is an essential with a Telephoto Zoom.

My next addition was the Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Standard Medium Telephoto, a superb lens for individual close-up subjects due to it's outstanding 'bokeh' (background blurring). This is the lens I love to use for portraits, as the f1.4 also delivers outstanding sharpness, here are a couple of examples courtesy of Cal-Jo and my mum.

More than a year down the road, it was becoming clear that my real passion was landscape photography and so after some serious saving, I paid more for a lens than the actual camera! But the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Ultra Wide Angle was worth every penny and has without doubt improved my photographs. This amazing lens was an absolute must for me, living in the wide open expanses and under huge skies.

I also invested in a multi-coated Hoya UV Filter that stays on the lens permanently for protection and a Hoya Polarizing filter that I use to really make clouds 'pop' as can be seen below. I LOVE this lens, it was a major investment in fact it's gone up $300 since I bought it, but to me it was worth every penny and repays me all the time with results like these.

I then have an assortment of protective or working filters for my lenses and also a nice set of Hoya magnifying lenses for really capturing details. I also have a nice portable, fully adjustable tripod and two batteries for each camera, essential when I often shoot 200 pictures in one day.

I have invested in three really good books I would recommend to anyone and they have all helped me develop my skills.

Finally when I bought my camera I also got a great Canon photographers backpack, which is where I keep it all safely stored. It's also quick to grab and sling in a vehicle or the storm cellar as neccessary!

And yes I am a Canon woman through and through. My first ever 'proper' camera was a Canon T70 SLR for my 21st birthday and I only sold it after moving here. I am used to Canon software, have all the cables and chargers I ever need and think their products are first rate.

So what out of all this am I hauling to Chicago on vacation? Well after alot of thought I have decided the tiny Canon Powershot will do fine for all the general snapshots and is easy to carry with guaranteed results. But I will also be taking my Rebel XTi and it's Telephoto Zoom lens for the view from the Sears Tower, and of course the Ultra Wide Angle with the Polarizing filter for all those skyscraper vistas.

And there you were thinking blogging was my passion!

Skywatch Friday

2009-05-21T21:03:00.000-05:00

'Sunwarmed Tracks'

Double click to get the full effect

Taken this evening, to see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2009-05-07T18:56:00.006-05:00

'A Celestial Angle!'

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2009-04-30T18:47:00.006-05:00

'Windmill viewed through Waterwheel'

Double click to get the full effect

Taken with my newly delivered Canon Powershot SD780IS, which is smaller than my cell phone!

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2009-04-24T01:36:00.000-05:00

'Gilded Clouds'

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Looking for My World?

2009-04-20T21:47:00.001-05:00

My World is on my main blog - Click here

Skywatch Friday

2009-04-17T01:11:00.000-05:00

'Texan Storm Clouds'

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2009-04-10T13:28:00.003-05:00

'Lower Manhattan Sunset'

Taken on holiday in NYC in 2004, from the Staten Island Ferry.

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Looking for My World

2009-04-07T08:43:00.001-05:00

My World is on my main blog - Click here

Skywatch Friday

2009-04-03T00:49:00.004-05:00

'Snow Crossing'

Last Friday through Saturday we had 25 inches of snow in just 24 hours drop on us, a record for Okieland this late in the year. Once the roads were accessible again it was a photographers dream and I made the most of it taking hundreds of pictures for posterity. We still have a little snow on the hills and in the ditches, otherwise we are once again snow free, despite a little more falling today.

Double click to get the full effect

To see more wonderful skies from around the world or to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2009-03-26T13:28:00.001-05:00

Posting early as it now seems certain we are about to be hit hard by a snow blizzard and high winds, so we have been warned of power outages here tomorrow!

'Endless Sunset'

Double click to get the full effect

If you'd like to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2009-03-20T00:02:00.000-05:00

"Oklahoma Skies Afire"

If you'd like to join in, go to the Skywatch site.

Skywatch Friday

2009-03-13T00:04:00.001-05:00

"Guardian Angel perhaps?"

Double-click to get full effect

If you'd like to join in, go to the Skywatch site.