It’s been a couple weeks since I talked photography, and I’ve had an exciting time!

For example, the other day I was out trolling for subjects to shoot when I crossed paths with a photographer friend.  We pulled to the side of the road and chatted for a few minutes, comparing notes on where we had been that morning.  As we chatted, my friend looked at the mountainside and began talking about his desire to get a picture of a Mountain Lion.  We talked about a mutual photographer friend who had gotten an image of a Badger, and how we would both like to get a Badger picture, too.

We parted, and I went on to make some good images that day.  As I continued my trolling (maintaining a vigilant watch on my surroundings and approaching vehicles, for my mother and concerned friends who remind me to be safe), I thought about the conversation and realized that I had never thought about specific images I desired to make – a photographic ‘bucket list,’ so to speak.  I have been focused (no pun intended) on learning the technical aspects of photography (remember that I’m just a simple country engineer masquerading as a photographer) and not looking for specific shots.

I decided that I should continue working on making better images, and not get caught up in creating a list of shots I want to make – at least for now.  That doesn’t mean that I don’t covet making that image of a Puma, Bobcat, or Badger.  If I find one, I’m happy to take the shot, and I’ll go to places where it’s likely to happen.  Watch for the images here.  I’ll just take what I can get – like this Coyote I found crossing an irrigation ditch.

I first saw him on the bank, and grabbed the shot when he crossed the ditch.

Meanwhile, I’ve been out learning and trying new things.  A couple weeks ago, I journeyed to Virginia City to participate in a ‘photo walk-about’ sponsored by Gordon’s Photo Service and Tamron lenses.  Gordon’s provided the expertise and Tamron provided lenses to try.  I enjoyed the day, learning new techniques and getting information on my lenses.  A big THANKS to the crew at Gordon’s and to Lew from Tamron lenses for a great day! A few of my images from the day:

The local railroad museum houses this beautiful locomotive.

A view of St Mary’s Cathedral from Main Street.

As I pulled into Virginia City on SR 342, the truck route, this view of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad yard caught my eye, and my camera recorded appropriately.

I’ve been playing ‘hide and seek’ with the Wild Horses and Eagles, and they’ve been winning.  I haven’t given up, though.  The Hawks were plentiful (see the Birds page for images).  I also found an interesting scene with a Coyote, Crane, and Cows.

As I drove by, I saw the Crane. When I found the Coyote, I stopped and got a few pictures of him. When he noticed I was paying attention to him, he walked away. I made this image as he crossed paths with the other occupants of the pasture.

I spent some time this week preparing for the Annual Art Show at Emeritus of Gardnerville (formerly Merrill Gardens, 1565 Virginia Ranch Road, Gardnerville NV) this Saturday, November 22, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  I’m showing and will have prints for sale.  It’s supposed to be wet and cold, a perfect day to come see an art show indoors!

Back to the subject of the day – even though I am not making a ‘bucket list,’ I’m open to ideas for subjects.  If you have something you want to see, please comment or send me an email.  Thanks to everyone following my blog.  To those who just signed on – welcome!  Enjoy!

PHOTOROGR