2014, Day 89 - Zoom

This lovely boy is Nike and his father is Frankie's great uncle.  He is a very sensitive boy and it really helps when he gets a lot of attention prior to racing, especially if it comes from children.  Unfortunately the kids we brought to give him a pep talk were a bit busy playing so I had to do the honors.  We had a little pre-race cuddle and while it seemed to help some it wasn't the same so next time Analena and Amarie better bring their A-game so Nike can win.

It's kind of fun that there are so many dogs in my extended canine family (literally) that I get to see frequently :)

Canon 1D X, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II with Canon EF Extender 1.4x Mark III
280mm, f5.6, 1/1250 sec @ 640 ISO

2014, Day 88 - Munchkin

This little booger is another one of Frankie's nephews.  I get to see these guys every week and now, at six weeks, they look more like the dogs they will become and less like fuzzy potatoes.  They've been remarkably outgoing their whole lives; before their eyes opened they sought out people by following the sound of their voices.  Now that they are confident movers they're into everything but what they like best is people.  There is naked adoration in the looks they give to all their visitors and while I suppose it might make some people jealous that they aren't the favorite I'm endlessly impressed with just how much they love everyone.  I've been around a number of litters and these guys are quite special.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
70mm, f5.6, 1/250 sec @ 160 ISO

2014, Day 87 - Triangular

More trillium!  Fortunately these guys are a little more hardy when it comes to wet weather so they're enduring the driving rain a lot better than many of the other flowering plants.  These two have been kissed by rain and look as happy as can be!

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 60/f2.4R
60mm, f4, 1/125 sec @ 640 ISO

2014, Day 86 - Bursting blue

Even in the break between showers I run out with camera in hand looking for the newest blossoms.  It's that pent up energy from all the lackluster weather that is making me excitable and because it is coinciding with or caused by the onset of spring it can only be a good thing.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 60/2.4R
60mm, f4, 1/125 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 85 - The pearl

These magnolias are like oysters, when they open inside you'll find a pearl.  Unlike a pearl, their perfection is fleeting, lasting less than a week and often only a few days.  Most of the blooms are gone now, rain and wind has bruised the few that remain and most are withered brown vestiges of their glory days but I remember and next year I will greet them with the same enthusiasm.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 60/f2.4R
60mm, f3.6, 1/480 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 84 - Euphoria

I know that spring is barely here but green is returning to Portland.  There is new green growth sprouting everywhere and it is hard not to be excited.  Soon the mosses will brighten and the trees will leaf out and it will become a lush landscape again.  Every little bit of color is like a blessing and its discovery a cause for celebration.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 60/f2.4R
60mm, f4, 1/125 sec @ 500 ISO

2014, Day 83 - Flashy grapes

I caught these grape hyacinths as the sun cleared top of the house and the lighting was so warm and beautiful.  Normally I would try prevent the flare but with the warmth of the light I really liked the effect.  The isolation this lens creates is beautiful!

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 60/f2.4R
60mm, f4, 1/140 sec @ 200 ISO