New challenges--new ventures-new me

Today I undertook the oft-necessary exercise of breaking out of my comfort zone. I went over to the recreational trail in Windsor Heights by the Wal-Mart store and took photos of wilted thistles and daisies with my 100mm macro lens. To make matters more interesting, the lens was not designed for stabilization and my tripod did not extend high enough for it to capture the images which I wanted in full.

Nonetheless, I got lots of experience in hand-holding a macro lens--although that is something that I should not do all the time, according to the books, magazines and other manuals which I have consulted on photography. They recommend that I use a tripod, along with manual focus. Not surprisingly I had lots of duds, particularly when I tried to take some photos of a butterfly and a bumblebee, but I think I got at least a few gems in.

I also practiced making depth-of-field work for me. After I took the photos of the thistles and the daisies, I went to nearby Colby Park and took some photos of the flowers in the garden. I learned how to focus on a flower close to me and ensure that would be in focus while the others were out of focus. The results weren't perfect, but I am learning and that's what counts.

Finally, I got word about a construction incident near Valley High School. On my way home, I decided to head over to the construction site and see if there were any photos worth taking for publication in the West Des Moines edition of Patch magazine.

I worried about being told to leave the site, but I presented a business card and so far everything is all right. However, it appears that the Patch editors beat me to it, although I did get some photos while I was there and a few details for any follow-up stories which might be of interest to them.

All in all, I believe I learned how to improvise, how to change my plans at the last minute and go out on a limb. I would like to learn to stay up late for such events as dances and parties and how to get along with people who do not see things the way I do. I am about turn fifty years of age; but I feel that I am still young enough to try new things, learn new skills and develop new attitudes which will benefit my life.