N Scale Pocket Line Passenger Train

KATO POCKET LINE TRAIN, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS, OCTOBER 26, 2021

Sony A7R3

Tamron 28-200 at 68mm

18 stacked images, 1/15 sec. f11 +1EV

ISO 100

The Japanese model train manufacturer Kato issued this little gem in N scale, and it's a true crowd-pleaser on a small layout.  I'm pleased with the versatile Tamron walkaround zoom lens' capability for close focus with a 10mm extension ring.

N scale EMD GP7 Locomotive

GP7 LOCOMOTIVE, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS, OCTOBER 23, 2021

Sony A7Riii
Tamron 28-200 at 50mm with 10mm lens extender
1/10 sec. f11
ISO 100

This is the result of several experiments in macrophotography with a new "light box" that has a built-in array of LED lamps on its ceiling. The N scale model locomotive is only 4 1/4 inches long, but it took electronic stacking of 13 separately focused images to produce one photograph that is sharp throughout the depth of field. I used two LumeCube mini lamps to provide light from either side.

Great Blue Heron

GREAT BLUE HERON, CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN, GLENCOE, ILLINOIS, AUGUST 22, 2021

Sony A7Riii

Tamron 28-200 at 200mm

1/320 sec. f8

ISO 800

I've taken countless photos of these herons, uncommonly common at the Botanic Garden, and think this is one of my better efforts, although it is a static one. The blue-gray of the bird contrasts nicely with the green background, and the S curvature of its neck adds further interest.