September | 2014 | Our Creator's Canvas

Atala Butterfly

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Roberto Aloi

From Wikipedia: The Atala, Eumaeus atala, is a small colorful butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is found in southeastern Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, the Cayman Islands.

The atala is a great example of aposematic (warning) coloration throughout its life cycle. The brightly colored larva or caterpillar feeds on cycads which contain a toxic secondary plant chemical (“cycasin”) which it retains in its body for life. Birds, lizards, and other animals may attempt to prey on the larva, pupa, and adults, but find them distasteful and learn to avoid these brightly patterned insects.

Introducing some old friends

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Roberto Aloi

Introducing some old friends

Pictured from Left to Right
Asahi – 28MM Super Takumar – 1965
Asahi – 150mm Super Takumar – 1965
Nikon FG – Film Camera – 1982 (the baby here)

Ever wonder why the photos from modern digital cameras have such a different feel? I am not talking about the horrible camera in your cell phone, but a professional DSLR vs an SLR like my Nikon FG pictured in this photograph?

The latest lenses have advancements that, in my opinion, give a more clinical feel to photography. I desire distortion and grittiness at times. I want there to be uncontrollable lens flare when looking towards the sun. Many characteristics that are tamed with advanced optics are brought back to life when using older equipment.

My solution? When I want to take a more retro approach I use my Asahi Super-Takumar 28mm lens which is to the camera right. The first iteration was introduced in 1962. Mine is the latest version which was manufactured in 1965.

Just to provide a bit of perspective the number one song that year was “Wooly Bully”! The Hully Gully dance has gone extinct, but the Asahi’s are alive, well, and being traded in an online auction as you read this.

The other lens to camera right is an Asahi 150MM super takumar when I want a little more reach.

Do you know what I really love about both lenses? They are fully manual in operation. If you like to just put the camera in auto and let it make every decision for you these are not the lenses you want to purchase; you don’t do this… right?

You want to change the aperture setting from the camera? Surely you jest! Oh those numbers will show different values as the lens bellows gregarious laughter! Embarrassed you finally realize you control the aperture from the lens itself…

If you like to take complete control of your photography (manual mode people) and you are not caught up in the “ONLY CANON/NIKON” glass is the best then do yourself a favor and pick up one of these lenses with an adapter.

The focus ring is absolutely smooth and they are built like tanks.

I’ll post later about my love affair with my film Nikon FG featured in the picture.

Lastly – stop worrying about purchasing the latest equipment. Learn how to exploit every last ounce of technology from your SLR both film and digital.

If you are fortunate enough to be selling vast quantities of these lenses and prices have surged as a result of this rant – you are welcome!

Treat Me with Kindness

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Roberto Aloi

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside… for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements… and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth… though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land… for you are my god… and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest…and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands. – Beth Norman Harris

Life is a Series of Endless Little Details

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Roberto Aloi

A mountain is composed of tiny grains of earth. The ocean is made up of tiny drops of water. Even so, life is but an endless series of little details, actions, speeches, and thoughts. And the consequences whether good or bad of even the least of them are far-reaching. – Swami Sivananda

This weevil originates from Costa Rica, Panama, and southern Mexico. I spotted two of them by a cypress swamp on the edge of the Florida everglades.

Torenia – Summer Pansy

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Roberto Aloi

My girlfriend has a garden in front of her home which is host to an array of beautiful flowers. It’s especially inviting for someone like myself who enjoys macro photography.

Meet Torenia – her latest addition. These tiny annuals are enjoying their new home. It’s closest neighbor is a red rose bush, a purple rose bush, and a fire bush.

I am looking forward to showcasing more soon.