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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Young Turks House: Haunted?

What would you think if your very level-headed, analytical, skeptical friend told you she felt "creepy vibes" coming from the back room of the apartment you were staying in... In New Orleans, no less.  And furthermore, she has felt these "creepy vibes" before...And did not tell you about the "vibes" until you were unpacking for your weekend end stay.   My first thought was "Cool".  Let me just say.... I am not afraid of the idea of "vibes"!  I am afraid of real, flesh and blood "bad guys", but in "spirits"...

Apparrently the back bed-room of the house is next door to a "Haunted House".  In the late, 1800's a young Turk rented the house.  As soon as he and his entourage moved in, the character of the house changed.  Windows were covered with very heave drapery, doors were locked, it was rumored the group of young women staying there were members of The Sultans' Harem, the young Turks Older Brother.  And that the young Turk had stolen them from the Sultan. 

Early one morning, a passerby noticed blood oozing out the front door and inside everyon had been massacared.  The young Turk had been burried alive in the courtyard behind the house.  (and yes I sat in this court-yard and had breakfast).  The murders were never solved.  A pirate shipped had been docked a 1/2 mile from the house and came and went in less than a day.  Was it the wealthy older brother, the Sultan who was seeking retribution?   

Many people who have stayed in the house have claimed to hear tinkling glass, seen a light-haired man who dissappeared  as if in a cloud of smoke.  Others claim so see someone sitting in a window of the house. 

New Orleans is known to have the most documented Haunted Houses anywhere.  All I know is I was dissappointed I slept all  night with no "vibes"..  But my friend did not...



This was our bedroom reflected in the large wardrobe..... looks a little "ghostly" to me\




hmmm... wonder what secrets this attic could tell?  directly accross the street from our apt..


Haunted Houses Abound in New Orleans

Monday, February 7, 2011

New Orleans

After spending a wonderful weekend enjoying the food, a drink or two...well two or three..  I believe there is something to "a little hair of the dog"  I just love a city that encourages Bloody Marys in the morning..  Anyway, after a weekend of eating too much, I took a much needed solitary walk around New Orleans...  Just me and my Nikon exploring... it actually turned out to be my favorite day of the trip.... 

Lights on the balcony of our apartment

Joy: doing what you love
                             St. LOUIS CATHEDRAL AT DUSK

My New Orleans





.  The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France is the oldest Cathedral in continuous use in the United States... Parishoners have worshipped on this site since 1721..




How fortunate am I to live just 90 miles from one of the most exciting cities in the world..  The city New Orleans conjures up a multitude of images...New Orleans Pics

What comes to your mind when you hear New Orleans?? N'awlins??   Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, ghosts, history, jazz music, heat(ever been in July?)  Dont go in July, and if you do, do not take your relatives frim New England who have NEVER been in the Deep South and now think you are an idiot for living her...  oh, but I digress... Let's get back to... New Orleans, River-boats, music, gators, swamp... This is my New Orleans.. 

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Busy, Busy, Busy

Good  Grief!  When it rains, it pours!!  Finally, here in the Deep South temperatures have cooled down...reminding everyone it is fall and time to take some  Pictures.   Take a look at one of my favorite
locations..  A cotton field in the Deep South... Of the 100's of  pictures I took of this gorgeous girl....this one is my personal  favorite.... 

I just recently downloaded Photo Shop Elements 9...  And so  far,  I really like it.. User Friendly, especially for newbies, easy instructions, online-tutorials.  I tried out PhotoShop CS5, but it was too complicated for this rookie....  Perhaps, I  can  just ease  into it.   Plus, there are many seperate "actions" that can be merged into Elements....  Want to see some more Cotton Field???  Playing around with the "Elements"!!



And then just a few more of this stunning young woman!!




CRAVE PHOTOGRAPHY
I recently stumbled onto this blog that I am in love with!!  Crave Photography is giving away a one-on-one session on Post Production Imagery....  Of course, I plan to win, but you can enter too!!  There are 3 ways to win..  Go to Facebook and click on "Like" , Post about the contest on Facebook, and Blog about the contest... Want more Details?  Take a Look!!!   http://www.thematernallens.blogspot/  Stunning Photography and Great Information over at their Blog!!  Let me know what you think!!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The Lens Stops Here: Aperture and Depth of Field

The Lens Stops Here: Aperture and Depth of Field: "Aperture refers to the hole in your camea that lets light in. YOU can control how much light comes in. So what is the difference between ..."

Aperture and Depth of Field

Aperture refers to the hole in your camea that lets light in.  YOU can control  how much light comes in.  So what is the difference between Shutter Speed and Aperture. Your Shutter Speed refers to the amount of time the light is coming in.  Aperture refers to how big/small the hole is and how MUCH light comes in. 

Now stay with me as this next part may be confusing.  The SMALLER the number 1.4, 2.5, 5.6 etc... the bigger the opening the MORE light comes in...   Want that perfect shot of your child that has a blurry background?  Use a smaller Aperture....

This photo was taken with an aperture of 4.5.  You can see the blurred background. 

Smaller Number:  Wider Opening and More Light...... (Creates A Shallow Depth of Field)
Larger Number:  Narrower Opening and Less Light

Just one more thing to remember:   Portraits Pop with a shallower depth of field.  (blurred background).  A smaller aperture will give you a shallow depth of field allowing you to keep your subject in clear focus and the background blurred... 

So now we have talked about the Exposure Triangle!!  What you say?  You never said anything about a triangle.     The Exposure Triangle refers to ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture..

The Exposure Triangle explains the relationship between the variables of Exposure:  ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed.  Just making a slight change to any of these three wil alter the apperance of your photograph...PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!!

Sweet Dreams.... Stacy