New Tripod and Time Spent with Friend
I recently purchased a new tripod, the Manfrotto 190XDB with Manfrotto 390RC2 Pan & Tilt Head. This is a very nice tripod and head outfit that feels rock solid. I am quite pleased with my purchase. Previously I had been using the Vivitar VPT-120 tripod, which is ideal for compact point-and-shoot cameras and camcorders. When shooting with a digital SLR, especially while using a telephoto lens, I believe that the Manfrotto tripod is a much better choice. I can relax now when using a tripod. I no longer worry that the weight of my camera will cause my tripod to fall over or that my camera will snap off the head!
I put my new tripod to good use today. My friend, Linda, and I visited two parks in our hometown of Warren, PA — Betts Parks and Crescent Park. I used the tripod to take pictures of Linda, as well as one picture of the two of us.
Betts Park, with Allegheny River in background
I like Linda’s butterfly necklace and earrings.
The Allegheny River and the multicolored buildings along Pennsylvania Avenue create a beautiful backdrop at Crescent Park.
One of Crescent Park’s attributes is the fountain in the middle of the park.
Linda and I both liked this expansive hydrangea at Crescent Park.
From Crescent Park, we went to Applebee’s Restaurant for lunch. I enjoyed the few hours that I spent with Linda. It was good to catch up on each others’ lives. We haven’t gotten together much since early Spring. We had a good day together and agree that we should get together more often, as we enjoy each others’ company very much.
The Beauty Around Us 
3 Responses to “New Tripod and Time Spent with Friend”
Hi Linda,You are off to a great start here. You've got good location, good rapport, and your compositions are good.I would work on changing up the posing of your subject and also adding a bit of fill with either flash or reflector. The best way to do it with flash is to use a light meter and keep the amount of flash below 40% of the light on your subject's face. This will keep the eyes nice and bright, removing the shadows that can creep in, but it also prevents the image from getting harsh shadows or from looking “flashy.”Very good start, keep it up. I think if you improve those two elements, you would like them even more.-Amanda
Those are great pictures! That hydranga bush is amazing. I don't think I have seen one that big. It must be old!
Beautiful hydrangea, so full! Your photos are clear and vibrant. You are off to a good start! 🙂