Civil War Reenactment in Webster

Rodeo Action

The Orlando Camera Club had a field trip to the Silver Spurs Rodeo. I didn't expect to get many shots from the stands. But, I was excited to find out we had permission to be on the ground level just beyond the fences. We could roam back and forth as long as we stepped out of the way of the horses moving back and forth behind us. The lighting is difficult in the indoor arena so the only way to get any shot is to up the ISO as high as possible. My camera doesn't work well beyond 800 but to get the shots I pushed it all the way to 3200. The grain is evident but it was great practice shooting the action. Maybe soon I will have a camera that can shoot at the higher ISO ranges.

Ducks

Wood duck pair

Hooded Mergansers in a small pond at Mead Gardens

Ducks at Mead Gardens

Trying to catch a Sunset

Last Friday evening I saw the most incredible sunset I had seen in a long time. The clouds were perfectly separating to get the rays to come through and light the clouds on fire. Unfortunately I was in the car driving on the highway and not enough time to get to a spot to take a photo. Later in the week the clouds looked like they may be in a repeat position for an incredible sunset. I was able to get down to Lake Eola in time to wait for the sky to light up. There was only a small section of clouds left by the time the sun dipped below the Orlando skyline. The pre sunset photos were not great so I waited until the skyline was lit with lights and took a few shots.

Testing My New Point & Shoot

Here is a pano done all in camera by setting the direction of the pan and then sweeping the camera across the subject. I've seen them done with Smart Phones and now I have a point and shoot that can do the same thing.

Scrub Jays At Last!

Second trip out to Lyonia Preserve in Deltona to see scrub jays was successful. The first time there it was 30 degrees and I was the only one there early in the morning. I was told that the jays are sociable birds so maybe they didn't notice me the first time. I heard about a group hike at the preserve and thought this might be a better opportunity to see the birds. I was near the back of the hikers and we were lucky to have the scrub jays visit us. They landed on hands and hats and I could get some up close photos.
The Lyonia Preserve is a nice facility with the Deltona Library, a small museum, snack bar and of course, the hiking trails through the Florida scrub habitat.

Reenactment of the Dade Battle

I have always wanted to attend a historical reenactment and take photos. Everyone is in period dress and they take their roles very seriously.  The reenactors have authentic camps set up and there are sutlers selling their merchandise as they would to the soldiers. The Dade Battle reenactment was held at the Dade Battlefield State Park. Seminoles won again this year.