Another beautiful day here in Massachusetts and another trip to Great Brook Farm State Park with the dog. Only 15 more trips and that season pass will start paying for itself!
Walking the dog and getting exercise while also getting a chance to take nature photographs is working out. But I’ve learned a few things in the last few days about my camera and taking photographs while tethered to the dog. Now that the sun is back out consistently, I really need to find the Nikon sun shade that came with the wide angle lens.
At some point this winter we abandoned the entire first floor of our house because of the persistent cold and moved my desk upstairs where it remains. The shield disappeared that day and was never found. I like to imagine a team of mice took it and repurposed it into something useful rather than where it probably is – shoved under a piece of furniture and covered in a heap of dust.
The lens also seems to have issues with its cover and it is constantly falling off. In order to protect the glass I need to get a filter. Now that I’m learning a bit about photography I’m discovering the cost of lenses. Gulp. I’m also starting to accept the fact I’ll have to start making some money before I can experiment with new ones.
Finally, I’m learning that it is very difficult to hold the leash of a hyperactive dog while also trying to focus and depress the shutter. Not only am I trying to make sure the photo is in focus, but I’m also trying to keep the dog out of Poison Ivy, from eating horse manure, and from running away.
I’m also trying to keep an eye out for snakes. I’m no longer worried about venomous ones per se. The entire spectrum just freaks me out.
Through the camera lens I’m also aware of how green everything is suddenly. It seems that just in the past week or so everything has bloomed and blossomed and become lush. Spring looks good on Carlisle.
Karina Coombs 