Victress2007

My husband uses binoculars while we cruise.  Many, many times he has pointed out sights that I then find with my camera.  He's a great scout for me!

Vic

The weather in Texas in 2024 didn't cooperate as thoroughly as it did in Oregon in 2017.  But the clouds parted at the right time and it was a great experience. 

At times the clouds were thin enough to act as a filter and help us see what was going on.

Vic

21 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

My point is, there is a lot in this story that is not exactly correct, and there are a lot of dynamics in place that make something that seems simple, like waiting, very difficult and costly.  But before judging anyone, it's imperative that all dynamics are understood and the entire story is known. 

Thank you. People have no idea on the procedures and laws vessels need to comply with and the dangers and costs associated therein.  I've been waiting for a statement like this!

Maybe the last thing on the daily at ports should be:

"Time and Tide wait for no one! This means YOU!"

Vic

In 2017 we lived in Oregon when the eclipse happened there.  Now we live in Texas and will once again be able to get to the path of totality and watch the event. Last time it was pancakes and prosecco at a local winery.  This time I think it will be pulled pork at a local combined winery and brewery.  Either way I'm checking out my old photos and hoping for a clear day!

Vic

This was taken with my Samsung S22 taken with the night mode, handheld.  I also had my 6600 with a wide lens.  I forgot my tripod (really) and took most of them with the camera on the ground with a long exposure.

Vic

You might want to check out the cruises from Portsmouth.

Vic

Just back from a cruise, Iceland to Southampton. 

Thanks for the review!  How expensive was the taxi to the port and how far in advance did you book it?  Was the hotel any help with that?

Thanks,

Vic

I love iced tea.  I have a brewer, like a coffee pot but with no heating element under the pot to keep it hot.  This morning I took the top off the pitcher and put it down on the counter to pour the tea into the pitcher I keep in the fridge.  This is the design that was left on the counter... 

Keeping with the theme, a big smile to those who post this week!

Vic

Everyone uses Photoshop because of advertising IMHO.  I use PaintShop Pro because I can own it instead of renting it. I recently downloaded Fotor and have played with it a little.  We'll see if I keep it.

Vic

Cayo Icacos, PR

Cayo Lobos

Vic

Take a waterproof case for the camera(s) while on the zodiac, then take them out and use them on land!

V

I usually have to brace against something to get a half way decent dark photo, that's what I'm hoping the tripod would help with.  There isn't much to brace against on a cruise ship balcony.

Vic

We'll be going on a 10 day cruise from Reykjavik - Southampton in mid September. I realize there will be ship movement so a tripod won't really help still photos but would it stabilize the camera for video enough to help?   We'll be sailing the far northern seas for 5 of the 10 days of the cruise.  Keeping my fingers crossed to see them and maybe even get a half way decent photo.  We will be in Reykjavik for 3 nights pre-cruise so we will have a shot at a completely still shot.  We have a photo tour scheduled the 2nd night.

Any advice appreciated. Thanks,

Vic 

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the POA, so much so that we took the family for his mother's 80th birthday!
The biggest difference to us was the American crew.  If you're into being treated like royalty this crew probably won't meet your expectations. They have much more liberty on their off time and you're likely to see them enjoying the restaurants and bars in their off time.  We had no problems with the crew at any time and it was somewhat refreshing to see these (mostly) young people working hard and enjoying their time on the ship.

Vic

I shoot a Sony Alpha 6600 with a 18-135 lens most frequently.  It has a great auto feature and separate scene options, plus all the manual settings as you get more used to it.  It is a perfect travel camera to me.

Vic

Juvenile frigate bird.  Humacoa Nature Preserve, Puerto Rico.

Vic

We did this cruise in May of 2018.  The weather ended up being really nice, it surprised us.  We were comfortable in jeans and t-shirts with a light jacket or sweater.  It is very windy once you get up north.

It was a great cruise!

Vic

One of our last stops in Venice was Basilica San Marco.  It's really difficult to pick out one picture out of all those beautiful mosaics.  Just incredible!  

Vic

Recently went to Venice and Florence on a land trip.  I took over 2000  photos!  So much beauty, talent, art, architecture, imagination, history, culture, stained glass, blown glass, wine, food, it's hard to take it all in in just a few days.  This clock made an impact on me as something I hadn't seen before.  A 24 hour, counter-clockwise, upside down clock.

Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence.

Vic

Took our granddaughter to the Houston zoo on the 20th. The meerkats are local favorites and I think we've all had moments like the gorilla is having!

Vic

I spent time in Puerto Rico last week.  We went to a Rum tasting at Ron del Barrilito, the oldest maker of rum in PR.  We highly recommend this, maybe we'll do the mixology class next time.  

Vic

I have a habit of holding the camera so the right side is just that little bit lower than the left.  Even with the horizon guide, I often get it wrong.  But when I fix it, I save it as xxx1st,  that way when I look at a file I know what I did to it. Cr= crop, ad=adjusted, etc.

I did hit the save button before labeling this aa (auto adjust), on my monitor I like the original colors better.

So, no problem with art or adjustments, they just aren't always the same thing.

Vic

Egyptian goose and Chinese Goose-swan in eastern Texas.  Who says we don't have a problem at the border?!  (Just a joke folks, just a joke!) 

Happy New Year,

Vic