
A Japanese beetle hides out on a vine that stretches along the top of our lower veggie garden fence.
Nikon D600, Nikon 50mm lens, ISO 500, f/2.2, 1/2500″ exposure.

The Valley Stage in Huntington, Vermont had a perfect day for its musical wonders. This field of black-eyed Susans was right next to the stage.
Nikon D600, Nikon 50mm lens, ISO 125, f/2.2, 1/2500″ exposure

We have three cats. Dandelion is our oldest at around 10 years old. He’s a fine fellow, but don’t let him beguile you by presenting his belly for a pat—he’ll be all claws!
Nikon D600, Nikon 50mm lens, ISO 640, f/1.8, 1/320″ exposure.

Okay, I’m having waaay too much fun with my new 55mm lens. I’ve been working today to compose “in camera” without any cropping — using the constraints of the aspect ratio and the narrow depth of field to define my subject. I’m really enjoying this process. It feels much more intimate — like I have to get closer to my subject and be more deliberate about what I’m framing. It feel less “accidental”, allowing the lens to create the magic.

I recently acquired a new lens—a Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 prime. This is one of the shots taken on its inaugural tour around the house yesterday afternoon just before it started raining. I’m really enjoying the narrow depth of field afforded by the f/1.8 aperture. The bokeh is sweet too!
Aside from my trusty Sigma 105mm macro lens, this is the first prime lens I’ve ever owned. I have several zooms of various reaches, but I look forward to exploring the creative—and constraining—possibilities that the 50mm offers.