Adobe Training Materials

I just started working with Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe's web development software. It's difficult and complicated to say the least. And the training materials that come with it are not much help. I was talking to some people who agreed that, as great as Adobe's programs are, their training stuff leaves a lot to be desired.
I had the full version of Photoshop (4 I think) about ten years ago and used their "Classroom in a Book" to try to learn it. It was okay, but it wasn't until I read Scott Kelby's Photoshop book that I really got to know my way around it. I got Dreamweaver CS3, the Missing Manual by David Sawyer McFarland and now I think I'm on the right track.

Don't get me wrong, Adobe tends to make the best at everything it attempts, and tends to be original about it, but I suppose it is like expecting the guy who designs Ferraris to be the one to teach you how to drive!

Another thing about Dreamweaver-it doesn't really behave or seem to be set up like Photoshop, which was surprising. I just found out that they actually acquired that program when they took over Macromedia. That explains it.

Jackie

Spring is closer, but it is still taking it's time getting here. I liked the play of the light on Jackie, our queen, as she lounged in the window yesterday evening.

Summer fever

Came across this picture while browsing through some raw pictures from last summer. I can't remember where I took it, but it makes me look forward to the wild flower season.

Is it spring yet?

This robin and the weather seem to indicate spring-but the tree doesn't look like cooperating. What a great day-I think I will wear shorts tomorrow.
I actually took this about a mile from the house up the bike path-you will be seeing less from the dining room window from now on.

A Few More From the Aquarium

I am just about finished with the shots from the aquarium outing. Here are a couple more.

Cement Plant at Midnight

The mist and the lights on the cement plant behind the house look cool this evening, so I took these pictures. These are 30-40 second exposures-on the tripod of course.
I think I like the second one better.

More From the Aquarium

Here are some more pictures from the aquarium.
















Took a bunch of pictures of the poison dart frogs, but they were hopping around so much that this one is about the only keeper.

















Talk about slow moving subjects being the best in low light. These jellyfish weren't moving at all!

Seahorses

Here are some more seahorses. I think this one really looks like an obvious fish tank.
At least there's no miniature diver spewing bubbles or a fake treasure chest.

Piranha

This piranha is one predator that does stay still for the camera. Unfortunately his tank was very dark, so the picture was difficult.

Reef Shot

You can see what I mean about trying to photograph things as they are coming towards you. Sharks never stay still.

Sea Horse

And here is a sea horse.

More later! I am still working on these pictures!

Moray Eel

Here is a moray eel at the aquarium. This was an easy one because he wasn't moving and was close to the glass. I have dived with these SOBs and it was a little unnerving being so close to one-glass or no.

It reminds me of a Nature episode on PBS when they talked about how they do the animal films. I was a little disappointed to find out that a lot of underwater nature films are done in aquariums.
Although, as I told Heather, here is another type of nature photography I can do without leaving the house!

Aquarium Lionfish

First, many apologies for taking so long to update this blog. I can't believe it has been two weeks.

This picture of the lionfish was taken at the Denver Aquarium, which is a very nice facility considering that it is landlocked.

Here's a few tips for taking pictures at aquariums:

1. Try not to use your flash-I didn't for this picture or any of the following (there will be more-I promise-they came out great). It will reflect off the glass. If your camera has an ASA adjustment, set it on 4-800 or higher. (or use fast film if you still use film) You will get reflection off the glass if you use flash and it will rattle the fish. You may not be allowed to use flash anyway at a lot of facilities. If you must use the flash, get as close to the glass as possible to minimize the reflection.
2. Get close to the glass anyway, because you will have a problem with reflection flash or no, and distortion from the glass is minimized the closer you get.
3. Steady your camera any way you can. A tripod is very difficult to use in a crowd. I used a monopod for these pictures. A monopod is a great tool to have. They are not to expensive either. I got mine for less than $30 and don't know how I lasted so long without one. You can use a tripod as a monopod if you keep the legs in)
   
4. Good luck on getting pictures of fast moving fish. The lionfish was a slow mover (they're extremely venomous so they don't have to move fast) so he was pretty easy to photograph. The sharks and other predators (except for the morays) were very difficult. Try to get them as they turn or head towards the glass. Then the relative movement is less.
   

More pictures to come!