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Lite Memories

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Santa was very very good to me this year. I have for the first time a professional Canon speedlite. I opened the manual to peruse the contents and my eyes crossed. Hubby laughed at me as I struggled to comprehend the basics and how to attach this light to my camera. He told me he gets such a kick out of watching me trying to figure something out. This light is complicated!

My speedlite works with a bounce effect meaning you have to know where to point the light (ceiling, wall, floor, behind me, behind subject, to the left of subject, to the right of subject, infinity etc., NOT at your subject) in order to get the best pictures. I elected not to get the automatic one because as a representative from Canon told me, by the time you wait until the light goes into the correct position before you can shoot, your moment to photograph a cat is over.

I gotta learn to be quick with my reflexes to position this darn light right!

I did manage to get a few really cute pictures of our “kids” that I normally would not have been able to get due to lighting. Indoor pictures without a flash is tough unless you are using your cellphone. So as you look at each image, know that more like these and even better will be seen in future posts.

The star on Christmas Day was Meaghan. After more then 13 years in this house, she is becoming braver to be close to us. She was like my shadow and not only that she and Dad tried to understand Mommy’s speedlite manual. Truth be told, I don’t think any of us understood it (yet). Nope, not even smarty engineering brain Hubby.

Oh how Meaghan was pouring on the love with Dad! This is not her usual behavior. It brings such joy to my heart to actually see her out of her aloneness.

Then Rusty, who was pooped from tearing up the wrapping paper, fell asleep next to his buddy Charlie. Charlie wasn’t feeling too good when this picture was taken. Daddy and Mommy “fixed” him later that same day.

Brotherly love.

About the same time I noticed Rusty and Charlie, to my stunned eyes I saw Cookie and Doodles, Mother and son (biologically) laying on the very coveted upper level on the love sofa. I laughed out loud because it looked like a creature I’ve never seen before, long and black with a head on either end.

Cookie (left) and Doodles (right). Mom and son.

One cat in particular elected to sleep through the excitement of unwrapping gifts, so she did. Here is Sassy curled up under a table on our ottoman.

Sass-a-Frass.

The rest of the pictures, I dare say, landed in the trash bin. I worked with this speedlite for hours and was only able to produce a few pictures. We all have to start somewhere. Right?

Our family had one of the nicest Christmases to my recollection. I am so glad I decided to shut down my computer and be with my family. I know some of our babies will not be here next year Christmas. Now I have memories to keep with me when they are gone.

I hope all of you had a really glorious and loving Christmas.

Photography/ “Lite Memories” /Dec.2019©AmyRose Photography
http://www.herladypinkrose.wordpress.com
Watermarks on all images for protection.

82 thoughts on “Lite Memories”

  1. Glad you had a wonderful Xmas and I know your new toy will thrill you endlessly! Yay for hubby getting that for you 🙂 Glad you had a wonderful day and the babies were all doing fine as well…
    Have a happy day AR… Love and stuff to you….VK ❤

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    1. Hope your Christmas was a good one, VK! I’m glad I took time off …. we have 3 girls that will most likely not be here next Christmas. Our family had the best Christmas! As for this light, it is by far not a toy but a very complicated piece of technology. Whew!! The learning I have in front of me!! I am having a happy day …. I wish the very same to you! Much love and hugs to you! xo

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    1. This is a huge learning curve for me, Dan. This light has so many ways it can be used and the only way I’m going to figure things out is by using it, and slowly reading the “advanced” section of the manual. I remember those days of film well. I have SO many photographs laying around from those days. Hope you had a really good Christmas!!

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    1. Les, it is spelled Calico. Sassy, under the table is a Petite Calico and Meaghan is a regular Calico. Our cats are our family …. each one dear to us. Hope you had a really wonderful Christmas!! xo

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  7. Speedlights have minds of their own and totally take over your camera’s functions. It’s nice to have Meaghan helping decipher the instructions. Kitty insights are often helpful. I like seeing all your other kitties.

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    1. To be honest with you, I’m a bit frazzled. My EV has to be different when using this lite, and if I don’t put that lite in the correct position, my shot is overexposed. I hope to one day be proficient at working with the one I have. As I said in the post, this thing is complicated!!
      LOL about Meaghan. She is just so cute and unfortunately was unable to help Dad figure out the Greek in that manual. There are yet still more cats that are not in this post. We have 8 total, which I believe you do too.

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      1. I have lots of different flashes and several tripods, and I rarely use any of them unless the situation calls for one the other or both. I find flashes and tripods are too much trouble. We currently have 7 cats. We had 9 a few years ago.

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      2. This is the first flash I have and it will be used specifically for indoor pictures with our cats. I hope it works out. Tripods …. have one but rarely use it. Just too much trouble as you say.

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      4. You can do a lot of cool things with flash. I used to use flash more with film cameras because I could do nice effects, and cool multiple exposures that worked well with film. Digital and editing software were game changers and made it so I didn’t need flash to do the same effects.

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      5. Hmmmmm …… You’re right of course. But I still want to see what I can create just for the thrill of it. I know all about PS and its endless possibilities. When I look at the pictures on Behance, for example, I realize I know next to nothing in PS. If I had more time ….. but that’s not the case right now. That’s life!

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      6. I think it’s much better if you can create effects and unique shots with the real lighting and flash instead of PS. I believe that learning how to do the effects in real life, just like shooting film, developing it and working in a darkroom, improves one’s ability to understand programs like PS.

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      7. Agreed, Timothy! Between these new mirrorless cameras with 20 fms (frames per second) along with all AF points tracking, and what you can do in the editing rooms, it’s almost as if the challenge and the thrill have gone out of photography itself. I challenge myself all the time, thus always learning. Experience does speak for itself! Call me old fashioned.

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      8. Mirrorless is the latest. I started using mirrorless cameras in 2009 for compact, carry cameras. I’ve worn out two and I’m on my third. They seem to have made advances, but when I tested the Canon R last year I had the same complaints about trouble focusing on moving objects, and focusing in low light that I’ve found to be a problem with mirrorless cameras.

        I can’t speak for Sony, Nikon or the latest Lumix and Olympus mirrorless cameras, maybe they have solved the focusing issues that bother me.

        My first mirrorless was a Lumix GF1. I’ve had my current Fujifilm X-E1 for 2 years. I might look at the Fujifilm X-Pro3 when it comes out. I really liked my X-Pro1 I got when they first came out in 2012. I wore it out, Fuji rebuilt it, then I wore it out again.

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      9. Huh. Now I’ve heard these mirrorless are great in low light conditions and their tracking abilities are hands down par excellent. Now here you are telling me differently. I was looking at the newest Sony mirrorless and that is where I picked up the 20fps and tracking abilities. The cameras I do own are 7fps and I think that is great! I can’t even begin to imagine how much more work it would be to edit pictures taken with a 20fps camera. And storage …..
        I have a Samsung mirrorless …. a toy …. which is nice when I don’t want to carry my heavy DSLR and lenses. My husband loved his Olympus film camera (not sure which model) and still to this day has it. He cannot use it because the batteries are no longer being made.
        I seem to be a DSLR girl ….. I know the clarity is not as good as a mirrorless but what I do like about them is they do still have a “film” effect about them. I am also slowly learning how to really tweak my images in PS. I have to learn to stop looking at what others are doing because I get so discouraged.
        I never looked at Fuji cameras. I just may do that because I do want to start a mirrorless collection. This hobby FYI gets expensive ….. as you well know!

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      10. The mirrorless do very well in low light once you get them focused. Sony might have it all figured out. They make the best sensors, and I believe Nikon and maybe Canon use Sony sensors, but I don’t know that for a fact. I tried Fujifilm because they got really high ratings and they are reasonably priced (the X-Pro1 was not cheap), but it was rated a much better camera than a $6000 Leica at the time, so that made it reasonably priced. I have a film camera that does 10 frames per second and so does my Canon 7D MarkII, but I rarely use a full 10 frames in a second, but a short, fast burst is nice. On the film camera, I can go through a 36 exposure roll of film in 3.6 seconds. It’s insane. On old manual focus lenses, most things I wanted to use 10 FPS on, would be far enough away that the lens was on infinity and infinity was infinity. The problem with IOS and other auto-focus lenses are that if they get off what you are tracking they search or slightly change to another infinity in the infinite infinities they have with multiple point focus. I can’t hit focus lock fast enough for it to be useful, so running 10 FPS on a moving object like a bird will usually have several out of focus or soft-focus frames. It’s better to do video. Larger moving objects like people, cars, planes are not as much of a problem.

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      11. $6000 for a Leica? Whoa! I was caught between the Canon 5DMkIV and the 7D MkII. I’m glad I went with my 5D …. 7FPS is more then enough for me. I have very quick reflexes and wait until I “know” when to hit that shutter button. Love that burst. I have 3 choices for drive and when getting a bird, say, I put it on one shot drive instead of Al-Servo. I found when on Al-Servo my autofocus would go in out in out and if I did not have a rock solid grip on my camera to avoid my lens from moving, the lens would pick up other then the bird. I also shoot with just the center AF on and nothing else ….. when shooting birds and other small critters. I am attempting to be as precise as possible with an AF that goes in and out of focus at the slightest tremble of my hand. You are also right about shooting in burst on a moving subject. I find that in order to get say one frame in sharp I need a burst, multiple frames. Over this past Spring and Summer I shot a lot of small birds and boy let me tell you, it was tough. My eyes zoom in on my target and up goes my camera and lens to begin the search to lock on. I find it thrilling. Also exasperating as well as difficult in holding up a very heavy lens for a length of time. (smile)
        LOVE talking photography. You may just want to check out Sony’s latest mirrorless camera. I honestly was impressed with the specs.

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      12. It would be nice to try one. We don’t have any camera stores that carry new cameras. That makes it hard to try one without buying one. I don’t want to order one to test unless I intend to keep it if it works well.

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      13. I read some reviews on the Sony A9 ii mirrorless. It sounds like Sony has finally solved the focus on moving targets and other missing focus issues with the A9 ii that other mirrorless cameras like the Sony A7r series still have. But you have to pay a hefty price for the A9 ii body, and then hefty prices for the lenses.

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    1. I did have the best Christmas I’ve had in a very long time, Sonia. I hope your Christmas was a great one too!!! As for my eyes, this light is seriously complicated. HUGE learning curve for me!! xoxo

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  11. Yes thank you Amy, my Christmas has left me sated…literally. I think I’ll be rolling to my destinations for a while 😂
    Great pic’s dear lady, of all the family. I hope your light gives you fun experimenting to find its best uses 😀

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    1. Oh my sounds as if you have had a tad bit to eat, Mark. LOL Too funny! It is tempting, I must admit, but I was good this year.
      Love my family, dear friend. Shutting down here for a few days just to spend with my family made Christmas this year one of our best. I will carry the memories with me for the rest of my life!!
      My light …. groan ….. huge learning curve!! xo

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      2. Thank you, friend, for the encouragement. I do get overwhelmed when beginning with new sometimes. This technology we have today though wonderful can be tough to understand. I will have fun!! xo

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  13. Nice shots, Amy! I am still getting the hang of my manual Speedlite I’ve had for at least a year now. Getting my camera set up with the EV I want or at least the closest to the one I want while still being able to get enough light in for my lens to focus and coordinating the appropriate Speedlite power setting with that takes much trial and error for me. Is this how you do it or is there a better way? Happy holidays to you!

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    1. LOL No this is how I do it, Shiela. There is a lot that goes into this! I’m having problems getting the correct EV on my camera because I haven’t figured out a way yet to have the flash go off in order for me to adjust my EV. I know there is a way to adjust the lite before the actual shot. Perhaps I have yet to discover how to keep an eye on my EV while that preview flash is going off. I totally get how it can take one year and still not know it all …. I have a huge learning curve ahead of me!! Bless you for the comment! Now I don’t feel so bad! There is someone else who is struggling with this Speedlite. (((HUGS)))!! xo Happy Holidays to you!!

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    1. Thank you, Eliza. It is incredible that Meaghan after years of staying to herself, is now wanting to be close to us. She was born a wild barn cat and she of all of the barn cats we took in, maintained her fear of mankind. When I managed to finally bring her in years ago (LONG story!), she escaped one day out the door and flew across our neighbor’s property. I attempted to run after her, but nope, you know how that goes. I thought all was lost. In a matter of minutes, here comes Meaghan towards the house with a bird in her mouth! She dropped the bird right at the back door and very very carefully I approached her and again brought her inside. She wanted to thank me, even though she was afraid of me. I’ll never forget what she did. And now you know. (smile) Our constant love finally wore through the fear instinct. Yet still to this day, she will only come to us on her terms. I still cannot get to her when she does not want me to.

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      1. Sounds like our late calico, Squeaky, who was once a colony cat. She was a shadow for years, and then in her dotage, she started to seek out human laps. What a surprise that was! I used to joke that her dementia made her ‘forget’ that she was feral! 😉

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  15. My Mother used to have a cat who was the absolute double of Meaghan. Over here, those three colours of black, white and marmalade are supposedly the marks of farm cats who are never fed but live in the barn and feed themselves on the mice and rats there. That in turn produces a certain wildness in such cats, and “Sam” certainly wasn’t a lovey-dovey individual. It was only when she got older that she was willing to sit on your knee and be stroked, and even then she wasn’t really interested in people outside the immediate family.

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    1. Most of our cats, born wild, are terrified of people, John, still to this day. Meaghan was born a barn cat and she was tough to get into this house, believe me. She was not safe outside and I could not care for her the way I could indoors. Both Hubby and I are thrilled she has decided to warm up to us.

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    1. I chose this light, YC, because you do not direct the light at the subject but instead on the walls, for example. That way you get a more natural look to your image. Or at least I’m trying to. (smile)

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  18. Happy holidays Amy and family!! Thank you for sharing your precious family with us! Looks like a great, relaxing time was had by all. Love your kitties – beautiful photos, and yes – a two-headed cat? Cute!! Much love to you all!! Donna

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    1. Happy Holidays to you and your family, Donna! You are so welcome for my share! Our babies are much loved and so well taken care of. I’m smiling knowing you came by to see this post. Much love to you and hugs!!! xo

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    1. Putting the tech talk aside, I’m glad you stopped by, Colleen, to see more pictures of our so loved babies. I hope to get the hang of this light and the only way I’ll do that is by using it. Much love to you!! xo

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  20. How wonderful! I am n love with all of your cats.
    Interesting about Meaghan. My Johnny is now 11, 12 in June. He’s a scaredy cat, who lives/hides in a closet all day. He comes out for food and water.
    About a year ago, he started venturing to the bed, where his mom, Jeep sleeps.
    Now, he gets more love and pets, because he doesn’t hide, as much. Well, that only took 11.5 years!
    I’m so happy you had a wonderful Christmas, and I wish all good things for you in the New Year!
    Resa
    ❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o

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  21. If you haven’t already, and if you get a chance over this busy holiday check out Velvet Tango. She’s my latest Art Gown, and is dedicated to Holly – HOH.
    With your permission, I’m throwing you into my creative Art Gowns thoughts. It takes awhile to find the fabrics, and as you know the fabrics are all old, rejects, unwanted, up-cycled, recycled, repurposed (I turn trash to treasure – garbage to gorgeous – recycled to ravishing)) ….. so it takes time. I always have 2 or 3 ideas, but what will I find? I believe the Art Gown dedicated to Holly took about 18 months +.
    Anyway… Happy New Year!!!!!!! ❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o

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    1. I saw the gown, Resa, and commented last night. WOWZA!!! As for putting me into your thoughts for a gown, I’m flustered, humbled, and so honored!! You are one of the greatest artists I know and for you to want to pour months into making a gown to dedicate to me …. I’m speechless. You are untouchable in talent and unique and priceless! I’m in awe that you turn these gowns into Masterpieces from trash. How awesome is that? WOW!
      Happy New Year to you, dear friend!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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      1. Happy New Year Amy!
        The thing is… you are inspirational!
        Your photography, and choice of subjects are soul feeding, and the love you have for your cats is just what this earth needs. Of course dogs, cows, pigs, etc, need us to love them, too, but cats are my main allure from the animal world.
        Can hardly wait to see what happens!!!
        xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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      2. Happy New Years to you, dear Resa! Our world needs love, plain and simple, and it matters not who you love. Love is love. Speaking of …. may a whole lot of LOVE come streaming from the heavens upon the both of us this coming 2020. How exciting! We are in the future!! xoxoxoxoxo

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    1. Bless you, Julie. Holidays have been tough in this house with Hubby resorting to inner torment regarding his Nam buddies who died. However, this year a peace descended and we had a most special Christmas. Big lump in my throat …….
      Hope your Christmas was truly special in every way!! xoxoxo

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      1. Thank you so much, Amy. My Christmas was very dark this year. Will be happy when the holidays are over. I appreciate your kindness, my friend.

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    1. Yes I had the best Christmas I’ve had in a very long time!! My family, and not the computer, were my focus. I’ve cut back a lot on my computer and that is the way it will remain this entire year. We only have so much time with those we love. THANK YOU regarding my “kids”. I love them no less then I would love human kids. They truly are my family! Much love to you! xo

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      1. Amen!! You are so right about the limited time spent with those we love. Cutting back on my computer time, social media, being more appreciative of the here and now, and saying no have been game changers for me. Putting in and standing by my boundaries has allowed clarity to return. 💖

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    1. I have to face the facts that some of our babies are not well and are slowly going downhill. You have no idea how much that just about destroys me. I am SO grateful we had this Christmas together and every single day since then has been a gift. Thank you for viewing pictures of my “family” who I love with all my heart. These cats truly taught me love and selflessness. May you have a wonderful day!! xo

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