Just a few spring pictures to share with you. For some reason, many of the dogwood blooms look rough and I haven’t had time to look for nice ones.
But, I asked Raymonds if I could shoot some flowers in their backyard and they gave me the go ahead. They also have a bird feeder that stays occupied.
A “painted” version:
Camellia:
And the ever present azaleas:
Christy, this is for you and anyone else interested in the Canon 85mm 1.2L lens. 
(I’m renting it for a week.) It is a heavy lens (3.2 lbs). The weight alone is formiddable. So extremely different from the [edited to add] 50mm 1.8.
I got it today and had a few minutes over lunch to shoot a few outside. Since I have no victims in range these sample shots do not include humans. When you have the thing wide open at 1.2 you have to be very deliberate about your focus target.
Amazing bokeh, though.
In my kitchen, no lights except the overhead flourescent.
In the living room, just some window light.
Now I shall go lift weights to prepare myself for handling this thing on Saturday. 
What program do you use to do your editing and stuff? Like that painted version…that is cool!! BTW,you take awesome pictures!!!
I almost shake in my boots when i even so much as THINK about coming on your site and reading without commenting – for fear you might mention me on xanga as one of “those who read peoples blogs with out responding”. Oh well, i still love you and it’s not even between the months of May-September đ See ya in 2 days!!
Did you take photography classes? Or how did you learn to take pictures like this?
@weswife – ha ha! really LOL! đ I know where you were. And don’t worry… I got your number! See ya!
@joysofphotography – Thanks! đ I use Paint Shop Pro XI. Got the X2 version on order. You can download a full version 30-day trial at http://www.corel.com
@songsofdeliverance – I’ve been interested in photography since I was a teen. I’ve had an SLR for the last 15 years but only went digital 1.5 years ago. I did take a 1-day seminar from a pro photog and then a “basics” photography class at a tech school. Other than that it was trial and error. There is a photography forum that I’ve learned a lot from as well.
That is a SWEET lens! I bet you’ll buy it by the time the week ends and you have to give it back. Unless, of course, your muscles are so sore you want to smash it into the counter.
@smilesbymiles – The description from the rental site is that many photogs have cried waiting in line to send it back to the rental place, but to be careful not to let the tears ruin the return label. đ I’m afraid the cost alone will keep this one from being in bag permanently.
Very nice!!!!! Yeah, I have a feeling we’ll both be aching all over by the end of the day. đ đ
dan and i were walking the “loop” tuesday nite and were gonna stop in and tell you to come over for strawberry shortcake…but you weren’t home..too bad! đ
Beautiful pictures, once again. I love how that lens you’re using focuses in on the main subject and blurs out everything in the background. Esp. love the daffodil picture!
What beautiful pics. I had no idea all that was out there!
M-lou….i must say. you are a most excellent picture taker:) lookin forward to seein the ones from Jamie’s wedding…