As I've moved along my 365 journey and viewed some of the spectacular pictures others have posted, I've dreamed of improving my skills as best as I can with my little point and shoot camera. And, little by little, I've come to understand its capabilties and limitations a bit more and some decent photos are beginning to happen. I start to think, "I might just be able to shoot a stellar picture with this camera after all". And then, the unexpected happens, and my dreams of grandeur must come falling back to earth. That's the story behind this picture.
Yesterday, as I walked past my sliding glass doors toward the kitchen, I noticed a baby squirrel wandering around my deck. I thought he might be looking for something to dig in, like one of my potted plants, so I kept an eye on him. But he wasn't. After he walked in circles for a minute, he came to a complete stop, stretched out his hind legs and proceded to catch some rays! Who knew squirrels were sunbathers? As the little fellow was stretching and sunning, I was slowly trying to get close enough to shoot a picture of him. My point and shoot's zoom does not focus well. I did manage to take at least a dozen shots, but sadly they are not the National Geographic/Planet Earth quality of my dreams (sigh).
However, unexpected things in nature can be delightful if you take them as they are and who would have expected a silly squirrel to choose my deck for his afternoon nap in the sun? It was all I could do to keep from laughing at the sight of his little legs sticking out that way! And he was quite relaxed until he got that "Is someone watching me?" feeling. Here's hoping the day ahead contains some pleasant and unexpected surprises for you. And don't forget to keep your camera handy!
@digitalrn I have a whole family of them. Sometimes I love watching them and other times I'm ready to shoot them (like when they try to raid the bird feeder!). But all in all they can be very entertaining-especially the youngsters. Thanks Rick!
How adorable! Great capture! I read on someone else's photo that they stretch out to cool off, too. I don't know if it's true or not. It doesn't matter because they're still cute regardless!
I think you've done beautifully Ann! I must say that my point and shoot annoys me like this sometimes too. They need a finer focusing point on them like the DLSR's have. I do love to carry my compact around instead of my big mama sometimes though - it's so much lighter...lol
This shot is great!
What a cutie! Well done for capturing him in such a candid pose
@lisjam1@kezzam Thanks Lisabell & Kerry. Interesting info Lisabell- although I don't think he was going to cool off much in the direct sun! I'm glad to know someone else gets frustrated with their P&S although I have grown more fond of mine as I've learned how to use it!
It may not be National Geographic, but it sure brought a smile to my face and it recorded a special moment for you - precious! You are doing a great job of making the best of what you have!
It's lovely and no I didn't know squirrels sunbathed! But your deck ornaments look lovely too.......we can just see some corners! Perhaps for another day!
@roejan@sarah19@lacedxxoo Thank you so much to everyone who's commented today. You've made me feel so good! I truly appreciate your encouragement and kind opinions. I actually think this camera is capable of a little more and I just have to keep practicing with it. Sarah- as far as the deck goes you can see a little more of it in my collage from June 7- but the pictures are tiny- sorry!
@bkbinthecity@alia_801 Thanks bkb- I always want to be learning something- it keeps you young! Thank you Alia for the view and comment! I truly appreciate it!
Incredible! I makes me happy to find that a point and shoot camera does just fine. It is not the camera but how you see things thorough your lense and what you experience and think about during your 365P days that is the main idea :)
You don't give yourself enough credit. This picture is terrific. I faved it for subject matter and commentary. Love that you persevered and got a great capture.
This shot is great!
What a cutie! Well done for capturing him in such a candid pose