MO 1st State Capitol

I live in St. Charles, MO. This is my home town and I love it. We have a lot of history here. St. Charles was the first state capital in Missouri. This is the building in which the state government held their meetings from 1821 - 1826. They met in the upper rooms of this building. The lower rooms of the building were a general store and home of the owner of the general store. When I was a kid the historical society here in town worked very hard to retain the heritage and history of our town and created a whole historical district that spans our Main Street and beyond.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0031 sec  (10/3200)
Aperture:	f/2.8
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	4.2 mm

Old Hotel

This is the building that housed the hotel in which the members of the state legislature stayed during state government sessions during the time that St. Charles was Missouri's First State Capital in the 1800's.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.004 sec  (10/2500)
Aperture:	f/4.0
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	6.5 mm

Shades of Violet

A different view of the sunset from the other night. This time I was actually facing east and was able to get the reflection of it on the water. Having some clouds in the sky really helps with sunset pictures.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.025 sec  (10/400)
Aperture:	f/3.2
ISO Speed:	800
Focal Length:	6.8 mm

All 'Tude

This goose was all attitude last night because I did not bring food with me, just kept pointing my camera at him and scaring his duck friends.

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Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.125 sec  (10/80)
Aperture:	f/4.5
ISO Speed:	1600
Focal Length:	25.9 mm

Blazing Sky

Ok, so I am just now getting something posted for yesterday. I did go out and shoot photos in my favorite cemetery last night when my daughter was at swim practice, however I felt like crap all day yesterday and by the time I got home last night I just did not have it in me to go through my pictures and decide what to post. So, here's one of the sunset from last night. I will post more from last night's shoot later. Time to head to work.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0083 sec  (10/1200)
Aperture:	f/5.0
ISO Speed:	800
Focal Length:	30.3 mm

#18 Rocked it Today

A pic of my son (#18) in his game today. They played the same team they played last week, only this week it was a home game. My son got a tackle and two carries today. He rocked as did his whole team. Today was win #3! Titans 14 Vikings 0. Their record now is 3 - 0!

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.004 sec  (10/2500)
Aperture:	f/5.0
ISO Speed:	160
Focal Length:	69.1 mm

My Nephew

Ok, so I did my first paid photo shoot today. I took my nephew's senior pictures. I was very nervous about this and still am nervous. I will be until my SIL sees the pictures. But, here is one of pictures from our shoot today

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0059 sec  (10/1700)
Aperture:	f/4.5
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	18.1 mm

Man Vs. Balloon

Camera: Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR Exposure: 0.0063 sec  (10/1600) Aperture: f/4.5 ISO Speed: 125 Focal Length: 23.9 mm

Ok, so my plan for tonight had been to post a picture from my daughter's girl scout outing tonight. They went ice skating. But, in the rush from work, to picking up my son, to getting back to my son's school for PT conferences to getting to my daughter's school for PT conferences.... I left my camera at home when we went to the ice skating rink. So, here's another one of my puppies begging for a treat. Izzy puts her paws up like she's saying her prayers.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.01 sec  (10/1000)
Aperture:	f/4.0
ISO Speed:	400
Focal Length:	12.3 mm

Pretty Livvy

Of course all dogs love treats. Our two are no exception. Livvy amazes me because she can sit like this forever. She's so still when she does it, too. Although, most of the time she will get tired of waiting for her treat and eventually jump for it. ;-)

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0118 sec  (10/850)
Aperture:	f/3.6
ISO Speed:	400
Focal Length:	8.6 mm

Sniffing Bunny

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.004 sec  (10/2500)
Aperture:	f/5.0
ISO Speed:	320
Focal Length:	71.8 mm

Overhead

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0036 sec  (10/2800)
Aperture:	f/3.6
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	9.7 mm

Bunny Peek-a- Boo

We attended the Great Forest Park Balloon race this weekend. I took over 700 pictures total between the Balloon Glow and the race. This is one of my favorites. The Energizer Bunny Balloon is usually the Chaser Balloon, but it could not take off this year due to the windy conditions we were having. However, they did manage to get it blown up and have it on the ground for most of the take offs. I caught this pic while another balloon was being inflated and just love how it turned out.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0033 sec  (10/3000)
Aperture:	f/4.5
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	13.8 mm

Flame of Life

Taken at the balloon glow for The Great Forest Park Balloon Race in St. Louis, MO.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0167 sec  (10/600)
Aperture:	f/5.0
ISO Speed:	400
Focal Length:	4.2 mm

On the Look Out

Izzy making sure no trespassing squirrels or bunnies cross her yard... oh yeah, and making sure all pedestrians know they should just keep walking... ;-)

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0091 sec  (10/1100)
Aperture:	f/3.6
ISO Speed:	400
Focal Length:	8 mm

Bumble Bee

Purple Passion

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0024 sec  (10/4200)
Aperture:	f/2.8
ISO Speed:	400
Focal Length:	4.2 mm

Flower Carcus

The cycle of life amazes me. I am so grateful for having grown up and lived all my life in a part of the world where I get to watch things grow and mature. I love every season and what it brings. There is beauty in all stages of life and I was so excited to be able to fine these shells of flowers next to our neighbor's mailbox.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0011 sec  (10/9500)
Aperture:	f/5.6
ISO Speed:	200
Focal Length:	5.8 mm

Cicada Skin

Found this hanging on our oak tree that hangs over our driveway. Thought it was really cool.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0024 sec  (10/4200)
Aperture:	f/2.8
ISO Speed:	400
Focal Length:	4.2 mm

Izzy's First Grooming

Today both our little girls got their first spa day at the groomers. It went very well and the groomers are very enthralled with both my girls. Here is Izzy when she got home. She is a brindle Scottie and after grooming her brindle markings are really showing now.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0333 sec  (10/300)
Aperture:	f/2.8
ISO Speed:	800
Focal Length:	4.2 mm

RIP by Crickle · 365 Project

RIP by Crickle · 365 Project

A is for Angle

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0031 sec  (10/3200)
Aperture:	f/5.0
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	10.1 mm

Noelwd (Old in New)

Ok, so trying to be clever with the title got a little confusing, so well... there it is. The amazing thing about cities like St. Louis is all the different architectural styles mixed together. I loved how the old building was reflected in the newer building.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0011 sec  (10/9000)
Aperture:	f/5.0
ISO Speed:	400
Focal Length:	34 mm

Pathway to the Sky

Another view of the Arch, from the ground

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.002 sec  (10/5000)
Aperture:	f/5.0
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	4.8 mm

Arch Silhouette

Taken while waiting in line to get into the Arch

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0011 sec  (10/9500)
Aperture:	f/8.0
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	4.2 mm

A View From the Arch

This was taken from up inside the Gateway Arch, looking down at the base of it where people were lined up waiting to enter. You can also see St. Louis Cathedral in the upper left corner and highway 70 across the top of the picture.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0036 sec  (10/2800)
Aperture:	f/3.2
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	4.2 mm

Luna SOOC

Ok, so the camera I have now is considered a "bridge" camera.  It is not a full fledged DSLR, but it still takes some amazing pictures.  This is one example of what I can do with it even though I cannot change lenses, but can still manipulate settings more than a point and shoot.  I am pretty proud of the fact that I can take pictures like this with my non-DSLR camera!

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0167 sec  (10/600)
Aperture:	f/5.6
ISO Speed:	800
Focal Length:	126 mm

Sunset Flower

I really love how this turned out with the late afternoon/early evening sun shining on the petals

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0071 sec  (10/1400)
Aperture:	f/3.2
ISO Speed:	400
Focal Length:	6.3 mm

Fifteen Weeks

This is my Countess Olivia who is Fifteen Weeks old. She is our lover puppy and I love her so much. She and our Isobel are the best thing to happen to our family is a long time.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0118 sec  (10/850)
Aperture:	f/4.0
ISO Speed:	800
Focal Length:	14.3 mm

Sixteen Weeks

This is Princess Isobel at 16 weeks old. She's getting so big so fast. She's so much fun and I just love her so much!

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0167 sec  (10/600)
Aperture:	f/4.5
ISO Speed:	800
Focal Length:	19.6 mm

Thistle Quote

I think the things we love and have a passion for are essential to how we define ourselves.  Photography is one of my passions (obviously) and the older I get the more obsessed I am about it.  I love everything about it.  The creative process, the thought processes that go into it in order to compose a good shot, the ability to alter images with software, etc.  I also am passionate about our outdoor natural spaces.  I love being outside and around nature.  Animals and plants are amazing to me.  When I have my camera in hand, God's creations inspire me in a very special way.  I love to watch Hockey.  The St. Louis Blues are my team.  And, I am obsessed with purple.  So, this shot has a lot of meaning for me.  It has a lot of who I am all wrapped up into one picture.

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
Exposure:	0.0063 sec  (10/1600)
Aperture:	f/2.8
ISO Speed:	400
Focal Length:	4.2 mm