SpongeBob and Splashing...

Kim thought it would be cool to capture the SpongeBob boogie board reflection in Thomas' goggles. I agree Kim...cool idea!...just wish I could have gotten closer...had to crop too much...

Thomas wanted me to shoot his big splash too...and it WAS big! Too bad I cut out part of the rings, but it's hard to predict how high someone's going to jump! :)

I'm already looking forward to our next swim, guys!

Smiley boy...

This was my first time to try pool pics with "big" kids who swim and jump. SO much to learn! I didn't get much in the way of real action. I'm posting tho' so someday I can look back and say I've improved. Had fun and LOVED seeing how happy Jon is in the water! He's swimming VERY well!

Throw me mama!

Thought it was cool how that one patch of sun hit his face...

Action assignment...

Time to post more class homework. This time, we had to capture action in 3 different ways.

Panning: (It only took about 300 shots to get one I kinda liked...geeesh!) I was semi-hidden under a tree for shade and most of the drivers slowed down (thinking I had a radar gun). Funny!

Freezing motion at its peak with a slow shutter speed: (1/30-1/60)...Still see no point in this and I was not good at it...best attempt (thanks to Thomas)...not very "actiony", I'm afraid. (If I'd known everyone was going to turn in pics with blurry subjects, I would have chosen one with Thomas in the air. I mean, who uses SLOW shutter speed for this kind of shot?)
Free choice: (another copied idea....Saw this on Lisa's blog and thought I'd give it a whirl. In my defense, Lisa tried 'cause she saw it in a magazine....Is there any such thing as a truly original idea?) This was harder than I expected. I shot in bright sunlight so I could use a fast shutter speed. Kind of wish I'd tried a different time of day or shade....lighting looks harsh to me. (Yeah...next lecture was lighting.)
I won't be giving up my day job for a career in action photography! SO not my thing...but the challenge was fun (kinda).

Snuggly bug...

She did a little better for her second swim, tho' still hesitant. Didn't take any water pics, 'cause I was too busy holding her and jumping up and down. (Jenny's not up to jumping with her broken toe). Crying was my cue to jump and sing! :) Worked like a charm and kept her calm, but she was one tired girl afterwards...and so was I! :)

First swim...

Let's just say she's not a fan...YET! She started out hesitant and a little whiny...(The sunglasses crack me up!)

happier with a toy...

She didn't last long tho'...probably 'cause she'd missed her nap. Can't wait to try again when she's not so tired...maybe in the morning when the shadows aren't so harsh. AND...with my new waterproof camera!

Awww....babies!

Mallard ducklings....so cute!
LOVE the little guy in the middle who's spreading his wings and struttin' his stuff!

Crazy antics....

Those geese were silly!

Tipping upside down for bath-time!

Conducting an imaginary choir. Looks like she's singing a high note!...and her "accompanist" in the corner is not paying attention! :)