Waiting for the sunset ... that never happened

[Tenzin'sMom]

I'm guessing that there are many of you who will say "been there, done that" when I tell you that I've been a little discouraged trying to learn to use manual mode. My rate of "keepers" has gone from 8-10 out of 100 photos to about 6 out of 300! But I did discover aperture priority and A-dep -- now those are helpful!

So yesterday late afternoon I hung out at a Sedona viewpoint in the cold for a couple of hours, waiting for the sunset. And of course the sun did set, but it was a little too cloudy and not photogenic. But my time wasn't wasted -- there was that wonderful late afternoon light.





And I was delighted when this hiker walked across my photo! (In the background is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a local landmark built into the red rocks.)




While I was hanging out waiting for that sunset, I noticed that the birds became very active. My first ever bird photo is this western bluebird. I wish he were sharper, but I guess it's not bad for handheld. Don't you love the way his rusty breast matches the manzanita branches?




And close by was his mate, perched on a dead juniper tree. Her colors are much duller, so I think the silhouette works okay.




And a PS to Patrick -- thanks for your little comment at 4000 posts that 9 months ago you didn't know what an F-stop was. I sort of know what they are; just don't know how to use them well yet! What a great place this is for learning -- thanks in advance to all of you for your comments. And suggestions are always welcome.

[Fred flyfisher]

Beautiful work Helen, I just love the red rocks around Sedona, so picturesque. Your little bluebird friend is a nice touch. Thanks for sharing these.

[vimalkv]

Hi Helen..Beautiful set of shots...Its like this in the begining when we venture into the manual modes...Slowly we begin to understand and by practice and experience, we will feel very much comfortable and our shots get better day by day. Anyway, thank you for sharing these nice shots.. Like the 1st and last shots more...

[sparda79]

I really like this set Helen, especially the one with the hiker and the chapel. It was nicely composed and tells a story.


Sparda
http://digital-photography-school.co...er-closer.html

[cshine]

Very nice Helen, I love that first shot - I kind of get drawn into it's depth. I'm with you on the Manual setting, I think that there's a time and place for getting to grips with it and "out in the field" is not always it, especially when there is too much going on and I can't concentrate on figuring out all the variables.

I wish I lived somewhere with that kind of scenery and topography, but I guess we need to work with what we've got!

[Hayward Taylor]

Hi Helen - at least it was not a total loss... you did get some beautiful images .. very nice

[jennie]

Hi Helen! certainly not a wasted walk..the red mountain is a sight i dont see everyday..the mountaineer is an added bonus..the blue bird is lovely too..a splash of color in that bush..the silhouette of the bird and branches in the last one is equally great..tnx for sharing..

[dvetter]

Helen, you are doing beautiful work here. Your first shot is amazing with the late afternoon sun, my gosh! Your Western Bluebird shot is just as amazing. I am very happy for you Helen, good work!

[pjflan7]

Beautiful work Helen.....I really like that 1st shot.....keep shooting and shooting until things start to make sense......You are doing great!

[kgb224]

Outstanding series captured by byou.