New Lenses: Tests

I recently acquired two new lenses. It takes some time to become familiar with a new lens. I'm not yet fully comfortable with these, as more testing is required to find sweet spots, etc. However, when a new lens arrives, I can hardly wait to open the box and try it out. Below are a few test shots.

DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited
DA 17-70mm f/4 SDM

Moose on the Loose

During last weekend camping was the plan. Well, I guess three moose had camping on their agenda too. While in the canyon a momma moose with her twin calves decided they liked our camping spot too, and I wasn't going to say no to a momma moose.
While following them for quite a few hours momma moose was getting used to me being around. The calves weren't too sure about me being so close, but only about 20 feet away I was able to get one of the babies to pose and smile:
After some time of running and playing together, the babies started to get tired:
After a short nap the babies woke up and were ready for a snack. Forgetting I was there, the two calves walked toward me and started eating leaves on nearby trees. I could have reached out and touched them as they walked by, but didn't want to push my luck.

Shoot for the Stars

During the weekend's road trip there were a couple nights with no moon in the sky. With nice weather I set up a tripod and used my homemade remote to fire away some shots. I set my remote to take pictures continuously, so when I came back about nearly an hour later I would be able to see how much the stars had moved during that time. Here are a few photos.

The Milky Way
Star Trails

Cars

I didn't hit Nevada during the last two weeks of road trips, so I decided it was time to go west. I had a few photo hot spots I wanted to visit too. On my way back from Nevada I stopped by the Bonneville Salt Flats as I'd never been before. It was the final day of races there, so I was able to see lots of nice cars and a few trying to break records. I was able to get a few pictures of old cars too.

Road Trippin'

The last two weeks flew by, both in a matter of time and out the car window, as I spent most the time on road trips. Driving through Utah, Wyoming, Montana and to the northern tip of Idaho and back I was able to take a few pictures. Here's just a few:
I was in a sea of yellow while photographing the two above.It didn't bother the elk at all that I was only 15 feet away.The frogs weren't home, but I saw lots of lily pads floating on the water.

A Little Prayer

Amelia was a great model this weekend. I asked her to pretend like she's praying and pretty soon she's having a heavenly conversation. This was a fun shoot to do. Amelia enjoyed it too and was excited to run up to the camera to view the result each time the shutter fired. These are two of my favorites from the shoot.

Police Shootout

I was recently asked to photograph the Utah Highway Patrol's Public Information and Education section for a project they are working on. This shoot was a lot of fun because I was able to ride around town in some pretty nice cars. Here's a couple from the first session:Following the first shoot: "Then...", a second one was scheduled: "...and Now".
Here's a couple fun outtakes from the group:

New Lens Test

I recently purchased a new lens; when it arrived I was so busy with work I couldn't go home early to take a look at it and try it out. I had two work meetings downtown near each other, and in between the two was 20 minutes to spare. The new toy sat in the shipping box for almost a week before I was able to open it. But this morning was different: I opened the lens and threw it in my camera bag and left for work. After the first meeting I headed over to Liberty Park and while taking a lunch break, attached the new lens and fired a few test shots.

Above is my favorite from the set, 300 mm, f/5.6.
I also want to mention today is the second shoot with the Utah Highway Patrol. The first went really well. Images will be posted soon.