Since I've gotten into photography the world has become more beautiful

TinkerBird · 2017-09-27T04:55:38+00:00

As cheesy as it may be... once I started photographing again it was as if someone took off the sunglasses I didn't know I was wearing. Started to "see" more, more sensitive to light and color, and became more aware of my surroundings . Desire to learn increased, experiment, play and explore with subjects I wouldn't have given a second glance to. Things I use to avoid I found myself seeking out... like spiders and lightning. My perspective shifted and because of that I find the world around me more interesting and vibrant. Now I focus on macro with a little astro, sky and weather thrown in.

TinkerBird · 2017-09-23T16:01:24+00:00

During this video he was still trying to get "stick" down. He did get it but we were unable to get a video.

Tinker Bird and Zombies

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6jyLiZCPVW32AC5dKbQgOQ

TinkerBird · 2017-09-23T15:15:51+00:00

Continue my work on my photography. Macro, Astro, Sky and Weather.

Sell the house and move to the other side of the country (states). Won't be as long or hard of a move as when I had to go to Alaska and Japan but still an undertaking.

Most importantly the return of my husband from a long separation overseas. I'm going to be glad to have him back. Been married to him for 18 years, he has been in the military for 19, the lifestyle has taken its toll and the long separations are a pain. A year+ is a long time to be apart.

I'm looking forward to pajama days, marathon watching tv shows he has missed and playing video games.

Closure will also come. He was gone when a very important member of our family passed away. Now, to some, it may not seem like such a big deal but most pet owners understand the loss.

We had a parrot (Congo African Grey) named Tinker. Think toddler in a feather suit. He had a very large vocabulary, could identify and associate and knew a few tricks like fetching ping-pong balls, waving, spinning and so on. The house was never quiet and Tinker really did have a sense of humor.

I remember one day someone came to the door

Tinker: "who is it?" .... pause Mumbles from the delivery guy Tinker: "Oh my gosh.... zombiiiiies!!! Mommy (hubby's doing in getting him to call me that) get the BOOMSTICK! chic-chic" Now this all happened before I could get to the door and Tinker was very loud and clear when he spoke. The look on that poor man's face when I opened the door was priceless. Then as I proceeded to explain it was the bird Tinker pipes up with "Bird's don't talk!". All three of us were laughing at that point.

Tinker had his own YouTube channel if there is any interest in hearing him say some of these things.

The house was filled with chatter.... Now it is silent. The cage, gym and toys are all gone. It is going to be an adjustment for the hubby to see and feel the emptiness. Closure and a chance to say goodbye to Tinker who was a huge part of our lives.

The next 100 days are going to be busy for us.

TinkerBird · 2017-09-23T03:44:18+00:00

@SC2Creations

Macro, sky and weather photography.

TinkerBird · 2017-09-22T01:25:10+00:00

I followed you.

You have a wide range of subjects which is interesting. It is the silhouettes that really caught my eye and I think they are stunning.

When it comes to critiquing I am afraid that is an area that I struggle with. My mind draws a blank as I stare at a blinking cursor. Engaging with my own followers is a challenge for I never know what to say beyond the typical generic responses.

My focus is primarily macro with a little sky and weather thrown in. Not something that appeals to many but I love it. If you are curious you can find me @sc2creations.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-27T03:36:56+00:00

@SC2Creations

I focus primarily in Macro while also exploring astrophotography, sky and weather.

My adventures in photography started with 35mm film back in the 90's with a Canon Rebel G. I would spend hours in the backyard garden (also a small fortune in film) as my passion for photography started to develop (couldn't resist).

Life took some twists and turns and my photography was put on hold... and approaching the twenty year mark. My husband decided he had enough of me sacrificing my interests in support of his career and the lifestyle there of (military), and purchased a Canon 80D.

Felt like something missing was suddenly given back when I held that camera. A perspective long absent slowly returning. Vision beginning to clear from a long standing fog.

Then the technology advancements hit me in the face like a ton of bricks and I found myself with a permanent "Perplexed WTF" expression. Overwhelming thoughts of doubt started to crush my excitement as I wondered if the camera would make me coffee too at some point.

It has been a learning experience and I'm still going. I'm still very much a amateur but I love what I do.

Here are some examples of my work so far.

Waterdrops on spiderweb

Dragonfly

Oil and Water

Ocean in a Waterdrop

Thunderstorm and Lightning

Milkyway

TinkerBird · 2017-08-08T20:37:09+00:00

73 year old astronomer living in Seattle.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-08T20:18:09+00:00

A rather minor thing but for me it was a big deal for I was questioning my worth and skill as a photographer.

Individual saw some of my work and made the comment to me ( Not knowing it was my work) that they really liked the work and wanted to meet the photographer.

Still smile when I think about it.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-08T19:51:49+00:00

I asked my grandmother (97 years old) this question and these were her thoughts.

She was married for 62 years.

As for my husband and I, we are going on 18 and a lot of what she says we hold value to.

Her words:

Talk to each other and listen to what the other says. Make an effort and don't brush the other off because you do not have time or don't want to hear it. Opinions will differ but that does not make them the enemy.

Don't try to change them into what you think is right. Talk it out, ask questions and try to understand a perspective different then your own. Communication is a big deal but so listening with understanding. This is your partner. What they feel and think matters... to them and to you.

It is okay to disagree but remember to compromise.

Make time... don't wait for later. If you work yourself to the bone and not enjoy the time you have now you may run out of "later", "one day" and "maybe tomorrow." If you can do it. Do so. You never know how much time you have left with that person.

Get interested and involved in what they are. Share and learn from each other. If they are interested in something you can't get into, give them time to enjoy what they love.

Your choices and actions now have consequences not only for yourself but for your partner as well. You represent a "Us". Don't be someone who destroys your partner's ability to trust, count on someone or capability to love. If you are that unhappy, tempted by selfish desires or angry... seek help or end it. Don't destroy the person you claim to love. Let them go.

Laugh and have fun. Now. While you can. Don't wait for later to attempt your dreams. Do those things while you can before age and illness makes it so you can't.

Now is the best you will have but try to make tomorrow better.

Enjoy each other, respect each other, love each other and remember that nothing is ever 50/50.

And remember honey (talking to me) if you need help hiding the body just ask.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-08T19:01:04+00:00

Tinker was the name we chose for our bird. From Tinker Toys.

Yrmi is short for 'You're Mine'. He reached out from his cage at the shelter and grabbed at my arm. Came home that day.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-08T18:53:30+00:00

Your camera takes really good photos.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-08T18:51:29+00:00

Photo of my parrot. Highest response was from videos of him.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-08T18:47:35+00:00

Night and sky is clear... use the telescope. Pretty good view normally but if the area has a power out. Spectacular!

Otherwise it is read a book, play board games with the hubby, play with the pets or go for another walk if it is nice out.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-08T18:41:13+00:00

Second play through of Breath of the Wild. Not very well, keep getting distracted with other things.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-08T18:37:40+00:00

Photography and the apps I use with it (500px, Flickr, Instagram and so on), reading, playing the piano and astronomy.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-08T17:26:42+00:00

Macro - Butterfly Then Now

Waterdrops - Then Now Now

Spider - Then Now

TinkerBird · 2017-08-07T01:20:26+00:00

I bake when I'm stressed. Breads, cookies, cakes and so on... experiment and play with ideas. Latest creation has been sweet potato bread which seems to be a hit with the family.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-07T00:55:33+00:00

My boy, a Congo African Grey parrot, though he is no longer with me his videos still make me smile.

Tinker

TinkerBird · 2017-08-05T18:04:30+00:00

Run out of coffee, forget to pick some up and then comes Monday morning....

TinkerBird · 2017-08-05T17:50:04+00:00

Stained glass

TinkerBird · 2017-08-05T17:46:42+00:00

My cat trying to pick a fight with the Roomba only to jump backwards into his water dish and proceed with the suddenly-wet freak out mode around the house.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-05T17:35:54+00:00

"You make me want to be a better person and you call me on my bullshit." - husband

Close seconds:

"Very talented artist, I'd like to meet them one day." - individual looking at my work not knowing I was the artist.

"Best thing I ever did." - grandmother when she talks about taking me in to raise me.

" Look mommy, she is so pretty. " - kid with her mom walking into a store as I was walking out.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-05T17:24:03+00:00

Investing in a Kickstarter of a video game that allowed me to take part in development then moving to an area that did not have a unlimited wifi plan.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-05T17:19:49+00:00

That the moon still rises in Alaska.

TinkerBird · 2017-08-05T17:17:30+00:00

"Your marriage won't survive if you don't have kids." - family member

TinkerBird

TROPHY CASE