Dolphin ~ Barcelona Zoo, April 2009

While recently visiting Barcelona Zoo, coming face to face with this chap was a bit of a surprise. I found out there was a dolphin show on but was too late to gain admittance so I entered the auditorium foyer to see when the next show would be. At first I thought the windows to my left were small screens showing footage of dolphins but when I stepped closer I was surprised and delighted to find myself nose to nose with a real dolphin. The screens were in fact windows into the dolphins tank and the dolphins were as interested in watching me as I was in them. They came right up to the glass and I was overwhelmed by the intelligence in their eyes. I reeled off a few shots and I swear this dolphin posed for me. I had to up the ISO a bit in the darkened foyer but was pleased with how this shot came out.

Colour and Taste

Barcelona Market ~ April 2008

I recently visited Barcelona and loved it. I walked for miles and miles every day seeing the sights and exploring. I walked down Las Ramblas and every now and then I would see a side street that would pull me towards it. When I walked down one such street it opened up into a wonderful food market. Stalls covered in fresh fuit and vegetables, spicy sausages, fresh fish, egss and baked goods were stacked high everywhere I turned and looked. It was an explosion of colours and smells and I couldn't resist taking a few photos.

Going Green

Green Car ~ Science Museum, August 2008

I spotted this green car on a trip to the science museum recently. It was on display as it is 'green' in every way being specially build to help reduce carbon emissions. The colour is what caught my eye though and so I had to get a snap. The background was quite cluttered with banners and such and people were gathering round the car so I had to wait for gap in the crowd. I decided to frame my image around one side of the car. This made a stronger impact and also got rid of some of the distracting clutter. I then softened the image a little in post production. If you take a close look you will notice that I also took a self portrait.

Snow

Snow ~ February 2009

It doesn't usually snow in the south-west of the UK. Well, not much anyway. Just a brief flurry which melts the same day. This last week, it really snowed. Lots. Over several days. Lots of big fat fluffy flakes that lay inches thick and stayed for days. I loved it. It settled over everything and made it white. Even on the ledge in my wooden fence. Of course I had to go out and take photos and this is one of the pictures I took. Of course I did take shots of the whole garden too but I like the ones that show the little details. The ones that show that snow will collect on any surfae it can find.

The Eye(s) Have It

Dessie ~ Feb 2009

My bearded dragon, Dessie, is quite easy to photograph as I have ample easy access to her and she sits quite still. However, she is only tolerant f the camera for a short time before fixing it with a steely gaze and puffing out her throat to show she has had enough (which is where they get their 'bearded' moniker). I took the hint and left her alone. I guess she was a little camera shy. She soon calmed down when she realised it was me and came out to sit on my shoulder.

Another Camera Critter

Lizard ~ Bristol Zoo (Dec 2008)

Scaly can be just as beautiful as fluffy and cute. Just look at the beautiful green shading of this lizard. The markings of its scales and it's slender form.

I love the reptile house at the zoo. In the winter it's warm and in the summer it offers shade from the sun. Best of all it's full of living jewels like this little fellow above. They make excellent models as well as they seem happy to pose for ages, unless they are already hiding somewhere and then they cna be quite camera shy. The only draw back is that I have to use quite a high ISO setting with a hand held camera as a tripod can be tricky to set up when the zoo is busy. I'm still quite pleased with this shot though.

You can check out more camera critters *here*.

Camera Critters

Meerkat ~ Bristol Zoo (Dec 2008)

Whenever I go to the zoo I always visit the meerkats. Their continual industriousness, chittering to each other, grooming, bickering, playing, chasing each other, digging and scavenging for food is always entertaining. And then of course there is the guard meerkat. The one that is perched on the highest point in the enclosure and alert for potential danger. Of course, the meerkats in the zoo have long learned to ignore humans and so there is no alarm call to warn the others when I approach the enclosure, though the clicking of my camera does get a brief look.

You can check out more Camera Critters *here*.

Iced

Frost and Fog
Sugarloaf Mountain ~ Abergavenny, Wales (New Years Day, 2009)

I always have some kind of camera on me, even if it's just the little 2MB on my mobile phone. This came in handy recently on a hike up the Sugarloaf in South Wales. It was a cold day but as we climbed up to start our walk the frost appeared and so did the freezing fog. The trees and grasses looked like they had been iced (which in fact they had!). It was so beautiful, I risked cold fingers to take a few shots. This one is my favourite.

I won't be around for a few days as I am going into hospital, but will be back in a couple of days. Thanks for visiting :)

Camera Critters

Prairie Dogs ~ Bristol Zoo (Dec 2008)

The prairie dogs are always fun to watch as they scamper around their pen, popping up from their dens, squabbling, nibbling on their food and chittering to each other. I caught this pair, mid snack, on camera during a recent visit to the zoo. I thought they would be perfect for Camera Critters.

You can visit more Camera Critters participants *here*