Lunch time for this Giant Panda at the National Zoo. While those large canine teeth look impressive, it’s the molars in the back that are doing all the work to break down the bamboo stalk.

Camera: Nikon D7000
Lens: Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR IIs
ISO: 800
Focal Length: 200mm
Aperture: f/6.3
Shutter: 1/250s

Yet another sunset view of Shoreline Lake in Mountain View, CA. At 1/160s, you can see the ripples across the surface of the lake. If I used an ND filter, I could have used a longer shutter, but the ducks would have ended up blurry or ghosted.

Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
Focal Length: 24mm
Aperture: 24mm
Shutter: 1/160s

When I think of sunsets, I picture the brilliant, orange sun dropping into the ocean or falling behind a mountain range. However, instead of facing the sun, look away from the sun and see the pink and purple pastels lighting up the sky. These gentle colors just fill me with happiness. How can you not smile when greeted with such a sight?

Seeing these wonderful colors reflected off the still waters of Shoreline Lake was an even greater treat.

Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 24mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Shutter: 1/3s

I saw another gorgeous sunset this evening in the middle of winter. The Nikkor 24-70mm lens is a great low-light lens. I like it much better than the all-purpose 28-300mm lens for one reason. When faced with low light, Live View is still usable with the Nikkor 24-70mm lens at f/2.8. With the Nikkor 28-300mm lens, Live View can become quite pixelated.

I usually focus at f/2.8, then change around the aperture and shutter speed to suit. In this case, I wanted to quiet the surface of the lake with a longer shutter speed. However, at f/18, any dust on the sensor becomes quite obvious. An ND filter may be the preferred solution since I can skip cleaning up the image in post-processing by photographing with a large aperture and long shutter speed. I didn’t think I would need one at dusk, but will keep this in mind the next time I am out.

Nikon D800, Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 100, 36mm, f/18, 1.0s

Nothing came easy for the Quechua people. After all, you don’t build stone storehouses on the side of a mountain for no reason. Imagine harvesting a bushel of corn, then having to haul it up the mountain for storage.

Nikon D800, Nikkor AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, 42mm f/7.1, 1/250s

At first glance, these structures seem to be quite inaccessible. However, a close inspection reveals the pathways that lead to these well-preserved buildings.

Nikon D800, Nikkor AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, 62mm f/7.1, 1/320s

Tonight was almost perfect. By the time I had arrived at the Baylands, the sun had already set. The last traces of warm sunlight glowed behind the mountain range in a distance. The City of Mountain View really lived up to its name.

I said “almost” because I had the wrong lens and no tripod. I love the 105mm macro lens, but it is a poor match for landscape photography. The field of view is too narrow. Despite these mishaps, the sunset was too attractive to dismiss. So, with only a table-top tripod in hand, I parked myself at some benches to see what I could conjure.

The water was absolutely gorgeous as it reflected the colors of the skies above. The red dot in the foothills is the Stanford Dish.

Nikon D800, AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, ISO 100, f/2.8, 1/10s

The Marais is home to Jewish shops, bakeries and restaurants in Paris. I loved exploring the neighborhood, smelling the aromas floating from the falafel shop, and discovering all that the Jewish Quarter had to offer.

The recent attacks in Paris have saddened me. I hope that in time the Jewish community will once again feel secure. We are all richer when we can indulge in the culture, arts and foods of others.

During a walk past Shoreline Lake, I spotted this Great Blue Heron. Most of the time, I see egrets, so this heron really stood out. However, it was dusk and I only had the Really Right Stuff Pocket ‘Pod with me. I wasn’t sure if the thin railing was stable enough. Additionally, while the bird appeared to be still, at 2.5 seconds, any movement would result in motion blur.

Got lucky on this one.

Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 300mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Shutter: 2.5s

In America, we associate Christmas Eve with Silent Night. But, not all countries celebrate the arrival of Christmas in quiet reverence. From the Mariel Hotel in Miraflores, I had a city-wide view of the midnight fireworks. From left to right, I could see multiple firework shows erupting across the Lima skyline.

I am accustomed to going to one location to see one firework show. Not here. It really felt like fireworks were being launched from all around us. It was quite a joyous spectacle.

Nikon D800, Nikkor AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, 44mm, f/7.1, 3.6s