Walk in the Woods: Found an Oak Apple Gall

I found this interesting growth in the woods on a recent walk.  It's a bit of a mystery. At first, I thought it was an egg shell. But, an internet search reveals more intriguing answers. My searches identified it as an Oak Apple Gall. There are plenty of oak trees along this path.  But, they don't seem to have much gall. They just stand there and sway a bit in the wind.  But, an oak apple or oak gall is created when a tiny gall wasp lays eggs in the tissue of an oak tree.  The oak grows an abnormal ball around the wasp larvae that shelters them and provides sustenance until they hatch. 

Oak Apple Gall

Then, when the larvae are mature enough, they chew their way out and the Oak Apple Gall falls away to dry completely out on the forest floor.

Kodak Pixpro FZ55 16mp camera with 5x optical zoom (Amazon.com)

If you need a casual camera with a bit of zoom, check out the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55. It's a 16 megapixel camera with a 5x optical zoom. You can check it out here with my Amazon affiliate link.

Big City Wonders: Bank of America Plaza Building in Atlanta

My commute takes me near the 25th tallest building in the United States and the tallest building in Georgia.  It's the Bank of America Plaza that stands between mid-town and downtown Atlanta. The building is 1023 feet tall (312 meters) and has 55 stories of office space. 

The Bank of America Plaza shrouded in fog

The Bank of America Plaza is a building that definitely grabs your attention from many vantage points in the area. It also plays with the clouds and the sun and passing aircraft in interesting ways all day. While it doesn't move, it is very good at photobombing. It shows up everywhere. For a building that was built in only 14 months, the Bank of America Plaza has presence.

The Bank of America Plaza peeking over the shoulders of other buildings

Like a vain celebrity, the Bank of America Plaza can't avoid a mirror. It knows it looks good. That's why I like taking pictures of it from any angle.

The Bank of America Plaza checking itself out in a mirror

Big City Wonders: Sabine Woman Sculpture in Atlanta, Georgia

I recently tried a different route home from work and spotted an interesting sculpture.  It's called Sabine Woman. It was commissioned in 1968 and created by sculptor Dorothy Berge. The steel sculpture stands 30-feet high and stands at the corner of Peachtree Street and 15th Street in mid-town Atlanta.

Sabine Woman Sculpture in Atlanta, Georgia

If you are looking for a camera to capture casual photos of big city wonders, you might try this Kodak Pixpro C1. You can check it out using my affiliate link here to Amazon.com.

Wildlife Photography: Squirrel Eating Lunch

This squirrel was having a great time hanging out on a tree, eating lunch, and being just low enough to taunt our dog. I think he's chowing down on remnants of a pine cone.

A squirrel eats lunch

It's amazing how quickly a cellphone camera (Galaxy S21FE) can acquire a subject and be used to zoom in for a nice photo.

Commuter Photo: Atlanta Skylines and Byways

For most of 2026, I've been commuting to mid-town Atlanta. Traffic, parking, the walk to the office--It's all a pain. But, it has opened up new areas of the city, new photo subjects, new times of day, and new light to me as a casual photographer.

Of course, my shots tend to be quick. I've got places to be. But, it also means the shots are real. I can't stand around taking pictures when I was supposed to be in a meeting five minutes ago. These shots are of lines and light and urban scenes that catch my eye.

Wildlife Photography: A Chipmunk on the Nature Trail

Nothing brings you closer to nature more than walking a dog everyday. You'll often  get to see what your dog sees, hears, or smells. A cell phone in your pocket can make every wildlife encounter a photo opportunity. This Chipmunk is a good example.

A Chipmunk in witness protection

If you're looking to take good wildlife photos without spending a fortune, you might try a bridge camera with a high magnification zoom. Something like this Kodak Pixpro AZ528 with a 52x zoom might be perfect for the casual photographer.

Kodak Pixpro AZ528 (Amazon photo)

You can use my Amazon affiliate link here to take a closer look at this camera.  If you buy it, this blog will get a small commission.

Photographs of the Rostrum in Marietta National Cemetery

The Rostrum at Marietta National Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia, is a very special place. A Rostrum is a raised speakers' platform that is used for special events and commemorative ceremonies. This one was built in 1940 and is used for Memorial Day commemorations.

The Rostrum in Marietta National Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia

As a photographer, I like the way that the ceiling of the structure seems to reflect light downward and all around the building in certain lighting conditions. It does give a spiritual aura and a sense of higher light. While this Rostrum has replaced prior structures in the cemetery, I think it is a fitting architectural statement and the perfect place to commemorate the veterans buried in the cemetery.

The Rostrum at Marietta National Cemetery

The gate to the cemetery is inscribed with the words:  "Here rest the remains of 10,312 Officers and Soldiers who died in defense of the Union 1861 - 1865." The cemetery is full. While the remains of some more recent veterans are buried in the cemetery, the vast majority of those buried are casualties of the Civil War. When people toss around terms like civil war in contemporary politics, these graves should give us all pause. 

Vintage 1966 Lamborghini 2R Tractor at the Savoy Automobile Museum

Lamborghini Tractor Photos

One of the coolest exhibits at the Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, is a pair of Lamborghinis. The first one to catch my eye was this beautiful 1966 Lamborghini 2R Tractor. 

1966 Lamborghini 2R Tractor

Powered by a 2.2 liter Diesel engine that put out 39 horsepower, it was a far cry from the modern Lamborghini sports cars that we see today.

1966 Lamborghini 2R Tractor Lettering

But, the paint and restoration of this tractor are superb and it is a thing of functional beauty.

1966 Lamborghini 2R Tractor

It has long been part of supercar legend and lore, that Ferruccio Lamborghini started to make sportscars because Enzo Ferrari dismissed his concerns about problems he was having with his Ferrari. The Savoy Automobile Museum is also blessed to display a Lamborghini Muira sportscar. It was neat to see both a Lamborghini sports car and a Lamborghini tractor in one place. I'll save the sportscar photos for another day.

Photography Find of the Day

If you are interested in an inexpensive entry into the world of film photography, you might check out the Kodak Ektar H35N Half-Frame Camera.

The Kodak Ektar H35N Half Frame Camera (Amazon photo)

If you are interested in an inexpensive entry into the world of film photography, you might check out the Kodak Ektar H35N Half-Frame Camera. It takes 2 photos per frame of 35mm film.  You can check this Kodak out here through my Amazon Affiliate link.

Cellphone Photography: TKE Elevator Test Tower Construction on a Misty Night

Here are some cool photos I took using my Samsung Galaxy S21FE smartphone camera. It was a foggy night and the lights were playing just right on a local construction site. This is the Thyssen Krupp Elevator (TKE) headquarters in Cobb County, Georgia, back when it was under construction.

The TKE elevator test tower in Cobb County, Georgia, under construction

The TKE test tower has grown into the tallest building in the Atlanta suburb of Cobb County, Georgia. It stands 420-feet high and is the largest elevator testing facility in the United States. It has 18 elevator shafts for testing and demonstrating TKE's state of the art products. It is the centerpiece of TKE's North American headquarters. On one foggy night back in 2021, I was able to get some cool photos of the facility as it was being built.

TKE North American Headquarters under construction

The adjacent building serves as the company's North American headquarters. It was eerily lit when I took these photos.

Photography Find of the Day

Does anyone make a new 35mm film camera in 2025? Yes, Pentax does. Check out the Pentax 17.  It's a half-frame camera with zone focusing (for 6 zones) and electronic exposure control.

Pentax 17 - A New 35mm Film Camera

This film camera takes photos with the same dimensions as cell phone photos. You turn the camera sideways to take a landscape oriented photo--just like a cell phone camera. It takes 2 photos per frame of 35mm film.  You can check this exciting new Pentax here through my Amazon Affiliate link. In this bundle, you get 3 rolls of Kodak Gold ISO200 film, a camera battery, and a cleaning cloth. 

Car Photos: 1954 Studebaker Commander Starliner Custom at the Savoy Automobile Museum

Sometimes it can be difficult to photograph a car in a museum setting and handle the reflections from lights and keep other people out of the photo.  Other times, the lighting can work out just right. The curves of this 1954 Studebaker Commander Starliner Custom coupe did amazing things with the museum lighting at the Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia.

1954 Studebaker Commander Starliner Custom Coupe

Here are some other photographs that I took of this great looking car. It looks like something Batman would drive.

1954 Studebaker Commander Starliner Custom Coupe

Here is the interior of this custom car. I love the steering wheel and dashboard.

1954 Studebaker Commander Starliner Custom Coupe (interior)

It's amazing to see a car that's long and lean with curves in all the right places.

1954 Studebaker Commander Starliner Custom Coupe (Rear view)

For these photos, I used my Galaxy S21FE cellphone. It's hard to beat the convenience of a cellphone for casual photography. I was able to take these photos while touring the museum with my wife.

The Savoy Automobile Museum is located outside of Atlanta in the historic city of Cartersville, Georgia, on the edge of the Appalachian mountains. 

1953 Studebaker Starliner Model and Collector Tin by AMT (Amazon Photo)

If you are interested in building a model of the 1953 Studebaker Starliner, Amazon offers a cool one from AMT that comes in a collectible tin. It's a Level 2 model to assemble and would require paint and glue. You can get this Studebaker on Amazon here.

Flower Photos: Spring Flowers in Atlanta 2024

Spring has been sprung for a few weeks now here in Georgia.  But, there have been plenty of spring showers to go with them.  Fearing that thunderstorms would wipe them out, I took these quick photos of some local spring flowers on a damp and rainy day.

Looking Down into a Red Tulip

All of these photos were taken with a Samsung S21FE mobile phone and I think they turned out brilliantly.  The main photography technique I used here was stopping the car, getting out, and taking photos when I had the opportunity.  I think the rains have beaten down many of these flowers in the past couple of weeks so I'm really glad that I did.

Pink and yellow flowers that provide a brilliant backdrop for tulips

Overall, when you look at the entire flowerbed, the effect at this condo building is quite dazzling.  As I look at this photo now, I wish I could have maneuvers to hide fire hydrant.  A different perspective would have put it behind the tree in the background.

A flower bed arrangement popping with red tulips and color

The angle below provides a more interesting perspective with fewer distractions. In this shot, I tried to focus on the second tulip in the flowerbed instead of the tulip in the foreground.  I'm not totally sure it worked since the foreground is really dominated by the first tulip.

Focusing at the tulips beyond the foreground

We'll close this one out with another down the snout view of a tulip.  This cell phone camera is truly amazing.  Sometimes, it is difficult to justify excursions with a more proper camera.

Another shot down into a tulip

For more information on how to photograph flowers, check out Creative Flower and Plant Photography by Molly Hollman on Amazon.

Bird Photo: Great Blue Heron

Here is a quick shot of a Great Blue Heron near a community pond close to the Chattahoochee River and the Cochran Shoals Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.

Great Blue Heron

The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is a majestic wading bird commonly found across North America, from Alaska and southern Canada to Central America, with some populations migrating to the Caribbean and northern South America for winter. Standing up to 4.5 feet tall with a wingspan exceeding 6 feet, this heron is often seen stalking shallow waters in marshes, estuaries, lakes, and rivers, patiently hunting for fish, crustaceans, and small vertebrates with its sharp, dagger-like bill. Its slate-blue plumage, elegant neck, and slow, deliberate movements make it a striking subject for photographers. While some herons are year-round residents in milder climates, others migrate seasonally, often forming loose colonies during breeding season in wetlands or forested areas near water.

[For more information on birds found in Georgia, check out the Birds of Georgia Field Guide on Amazon.]

Thrift Store Camera: Canon EOS 20D - Professional Quality at 8.2 Megapixels

 I came across a "vintage" digital camera and I've decided it's time to revive this blog. What's my latest greatest new camera?  A Canon EOS 20D DSLR from around the year 2004 or so. Am I crazy? Probably.  I've been looking at modern DSLRs and Mirror-less cameras for a long time.  So why get an old one?  The answer is simple.  I figure I should probably learn what all the various program and manual settings on a DSLR do before spending $500 to $1000 on a new camera.

Canon EOS 20D Camera Photo

For a more modern mirrorless Canon camera, check out the Canon EOS R100. The shape is timeless, but the technology is new. The Canon R100 is a budget-minded camera with a fixed screen and some technology held over from the Canon M-series. It uses the DIGIC-8 processor instead of the DIGIC-10 and has slower burst shooting. However, you can save several hundred dollars over the price of a Canon R50 or R10.

Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera (Amazon photo)

To check out the Canon R100 on Amazon, just click it here!

Street Photography: After Work Stroll

Have you ever tried street photography?  Here's a shot I took in an Atlanta, Georgia, area live-work-play community.  It's just a quick snap shot with my cellphone camera and stripped of metadata.  I just tried to capture a moment of neighborhood life.

Woman walks dog in Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia

If you are looking for tips on street photography, check out this book-- Street Photography: Pocket Guide by Bryan Lloyd Duckett on Amazon.

Urban Photo: Sunset over Cobb County, Georgia

Sunday, May 3rd, was a wonderful spring day in Cobb County, Georgia. On an 80-degree plus day, people weren't going to stay cooped up by the Covid virus. They made their way out to see the Blue Angels flyover and start returning to restaurants.  

The Sun  is setting over Cobb County Georgia

Due to medical risks, I'm not ready to mingle with the crowds, but I was ready to get out of the house. We drove around a bit and got food from various drive thru window restaurants.  The day was capped by a beautiful sunset.

How to Photograph A Sunset - By Chris Gatcum (Amazon Photo)

If you've been wondering how to photograph a sunset, click the Amazon link to this book - "How Do I Photograph a Sunset" by Chris Gatcum.

Castaway Island Preserve Park Photos in Jacksonville, Florida

Here are a few photos from Castaway Island Preserve, a park in Jacksonville, Florida.  I visited this park with my Dad over the Thanksgiving 2019 holiday It's a park in the city's San Pablo neighborhood along the intracoastal waterway.  It's often used as a launching point for kayakers.

Castaway Island Preserve Pier

Here's a shot peeking out at the marsh looking between the trees towards land.

Castaway Island Preserve Marsh Land

In this photo, you'll look into the marsh and see palm trees that have likely been killed by salt water intrusion deep into the marsh.

Salt Marsh at Castaway Island Preserve

To learn more about this park, visit the Timucuan Parks Foundation website.

OM System Olympus TG-7 (Amazon Photo)

If you are planning an outdoor adventure that includes kayaks, canoes, or similar watercraft, you might consider a waterproof camera like the Olympus TG-7 (above). You can get take a closer look at it here on Amazon!

Christmas Light Display in Smyrna, Georgia

The Christmas light display in Smyrna Village in Smyrna, Georgia, is always spectacular.  This year it seems like all the lights and some decent weather came together for a wonderful scene.

Christmas Lights in Smyrna Village

As of 2025, Smyrna Village has evolved with a new traffic layout and new features. But, they continue to have wonderful lighting for the holidays. In a world where everything fun costs at least $8, the city of Smyrna provides some nice Christmas ambiance and there are restaurants and businesses nearby. 

When Will Smyrna, Georgia, Turn On The Christmas Lights 

Update:  The lights of the Smyrna Village Green Park and Market Square will be turned on once again on November 26, 2025. They'll remain on through the holiday season.

If you are looking for a fun way to capture memories of your Christmas season, check out these Fujifilm Quicksnap 400 Flash One-Time Use Cameras.

Fujifilm Quicksnap 400 Flash Cameras (Amazon Photo)

You can get them in a 2-pack here on Amazon. They are perfect for the grandkids or for a fun angle on wedding photography.

Photos from Mayport, Florida

Mayport, Florida, is one of the few remaining fishing villages in Florida.  Located at the mouth of the St. John's River, it is a place where shrimp boats dock and charter fishing boats are based.

A rustic home in Mayport, Florida

The village is also the location of my favorite seafood shack:  Singleton's Sea Food Shack.

Singleton's Sea Food Shack in Mayport, Florida

The little village attracts all kinds of cats thanks to all the fishing activity.  They are an interesting topic for photography.  But, never try to touch a feral cat.  It can cause all kinds of problems for you and the cat.

A well fed, semi-feral, cat in Mayport, Florida

These guys are content to hank out and wait for their boat to come in.  It's hot outside, but they've got it made in the shade.

All the cool cats hang out in Mayport, Florida

It's been over 40 years since I took Marine Science Summer School classes in Mayport.  Even then, there were plenty of cats making their homes in the area. While they were mostly healthy and well-fed, our teachers advised us not to touch them or handle them since they were all quite capable of kicking our asses.

Street Photography: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Last year, I went to Minneapolis on a business trip.  It gave me a chance to take a few quick shots of city life in another part of the country.  Here's my humble attempt at street photography.

Pedestrian in Minneapolis

Street photography is generally considered to be "candid" shots of life in public spaces taken in a uncomposed or hastily composed manner.  Street photographs provide a snapshot of life.  They are literally a quick peek at life.  I'm no expert in this genre, but it does provide an opportunity to bring life to the lens.
    
Most of the shots I took were literally snapped through the windows of a light rail train.  Unfortunately, life isn't always easy.

Homeless in Minneapolis

Another trip to Minneapolis provided a chance to walk around in the downtown area.

An Oppressive Looking Old Building

While many street photographers enjoy using film cameras and "lomography" cameras, I found that my cell phone took great photos.  In addition, cell phones are everywhere and escape the notice of most people.

Crossing the Street