12-03-12 Still Life With Shepherd, Lamb and Bokeh

I like the fact that lowly shepherds play a role in the Christmas story. So when Deb was shopping for Christmas decorations, I couldn't resist buying two figures from a Nativity collection. I would have bought more sheep but they were $1.98 apiece and I didn't want to invest too much into what I knew would result in one photo.Incidentally, I have assigned a bokeh photo to my students and so I offer one here. And since I've done a holiday bokeh thing two years in a row (2010) (2011), I guess I've established an annual tradition by offering one now. . . .

Reindeer & Bokeh

This is the same tree as I used last year for my "Procession" post. But this year a reindeer dropped in to pose regally. And, yes, there is nice bokeh in the background.

Procession

This is another unique Christmas decoration that gets put out once a year. There's nothing like a donkey and camel procession that says, "Christmas."(Behind the scenes: For those who might be interested in seeing how framing, composition, aperture and angle affect the outcome of a photograph, check out this alternative view of the "Procession," which was shot using natural window light in our dining room. While I'm at it, here's the first iteration of "Procession," before I realized that the lights on the tree serving as the back drop might provide a little visual interest to the photo.)(Oh, and do I really need to tell you to check out my bokeh?)Canon 5DII 1/30s f/8.0 ISO640 100mm

The Little Angel

This ornament, which adorns our "tropical fish" bathroom, is my favorite Christmas ornament. I have tried to photograph it as it hangs near the bathroom window but haven't gotten good results. So this morning I put it on our dining room Christmas tree and photographed it there.I like the textures of this ornament - especially in the star being held by the little angel.