On the last post I mentioned the Samsung Note II smartphone, and the photos it takes. The quality of the photos are highly dependent on the lighting (the flash on the phone kind of sucks, as does the flash on most phones).
These next two shots are of one of the weekend teas my wife and I have, and were shot with the Samsung Note II. Primarily to promote conversation, and spend time with each other, but Melisa also enjoys the preparation and set-up.
The above photos are linked directly to the respective media files for them who want to see them full-size. All-in-all, not a bad job by a very tiny lens on an implement which is designed for other things.
And it takes movies . . . I was out on the deck while the swallows were active, and decided to snap a couple of short videos (one about 30 seconds, and one about a minute and a half).
However, after a few movies, I brought out the camera equipment. I wanted to get a few flying shots of the swallows; something that is not easy.
For a moment, I thought I had a really nice one . . .
Since the swallows also sat for me a whole lot (again, I was very close), I took a few stills.
On that last one, he was vocalizing to another bird. Don’t know if it was a friendly conversation, or cursing them out for being in his yard. It sounded more like the last.
But, I did get a few flying shots . . .
Not bad, eh? These suckers are fast, and I have my 200mm lens on full zoom, AND there are clouds behind the swallows; clouds that the lens insists focusing on.
Now, I know what you are saying . . . “Those are crap!” Well, yes and no.
You see, you can crop to a 1:1 size (same as viewing it in Original size, or full resolution). Here’s what I got.
Don’t know about my readers, but I am happy with those.
As a reminder for them who made it this far (and therefore might actually be interested in the rest of the photos), the SmugMug Gallery can be found HERE. All the above shots are there, and a few more. Remember that gallery is in reverse chronological order, with the latest photos (these) shown first.
If you are one of them gentle people who appreciate moments spent not reading about man’s inhumanity to others, and found this to be one such moment, don’t you think you should share it with others in your life? Others who might appreciate the above, and find a similar escape in it?
. . . and, even if you hated it, and found it a complete waste of time, you might want to share it anyway; there is always the chance it will make you appear less like . . . you know, you.
Astute persons might have noticed these doodles, and correctly surmised they hold some significance for me, and perhaps for humanity at large. If said astute person is curious about them, click on it for an explanation of their origin.
WordPress is still screwing around with trying to be a class operation. As such, while they busily work to add features and themes I will never use, they are remiss in fixing problems like disappearing links. So, if you click on the doodle, and nothing happens, this is the link it’s supposed to go to: https://disperser.wordpress.com/2011/12/26/palm-vx-and-i/. Note . . . there is no guarantee WordPress will keep this as a link, but at least you can copy it and paste it on a browser’s address field.
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Please, if you are considering bestowing me some recognition beyond commenting below, refrain from doing so. I will decline nominations whereby one blogger bestows an award onto another blogger, or group of bloggers. I appreciate the intent behind it, but I would much prefer a comment thanking me for turning you away from a life of crime, religion, or making you a better person in some other way. That would actually mean something to me.
Should you still nominate me, I will strongly suspect you pulled my name at random, and that you are not, in fact, a reader of my blog. If you wish to know more, please read below.
About awards: Blogger Awards About “likes”: Of “Likes”, Subscriptions, and Stuff
Note: to those who may click on “like”, or rate the post; if you do not personally hear from me, know that I am sincerely appreciative, and I thank you for noticing what I do.
. . . my FP ward . . . chieken shit.
Disperser Tracks 
I love that you and your wife have tea. I think I remember this from an earlier post. Melisa sets a lovely table. The birds are great – as usual. Those close-ups are amazing.
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Yeah . . . probably gets me in trouble with a few husbands. “Though!” I say.
The teas usually take the place of one of our meals; in this case, lunch.
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I’d be happy with those results, too. Not only are they sharp but the exposure is spot on. Nice.
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Well, they have been adjusted. As I shot them against the sky, the birds were not well lit. I lightened the shadows and black to coax out some detail. But yes, I was happy I found a speed that allowed me to get them in focus and sharp.
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Always enjoy your photographs of birds, from hawks to swallows. Those swallows are particularly beautiful, and look like something Faberge might have created for the Tsar of Russia.
The table set for tea looks pretty special too.
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Thanks Sandra. Until the hummingbirds arrive in force (a few are already here), the swallows have my undivided attention. Later, they will have to share the spotlight.
And yes . . . Melisa puts out a nice spread.
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Melisa sets a mighty fine table! You’re both good at composition, whether it be a table or a photo. And your choice of subjects is impeccable, which goes without saying . . .
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Thanks. We are quite enjoying these “time outs” from the hurry of the world.
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