Black and White Photos - Trinidad And Tobago And St. Thomas USVI

Black and white photo St. Thomas USVI

I finally achieved my objective of editing these photos with black and white filters and it was so easy.  I just double click on the photo I wanted to edit and selected the edit option where I found filters.  One of the filters  is titled Vanilla.  I liked the results when I used this filter.  What do you think?

Black and white photo Trinidad And Tobago

Black and white photo Trinidad and Tobago

Chaconia The National Flower Of Trinidad And Tobago

Chaconia, The National Flower of Trinidad And Tobago aka The Pride Of Trinidad and Tobago and Wild Poinsetta

Chaconia, The National Flower of Trinidad And Tobago aka The Pride Of Trinidad and Tobago and Wild Poinsetta

Chaconia, The National Flower of Trinidad And Tobago aka The Pride Of Trinidad and Tobago and Wild Poinsetta

I took these photos of the chaconia flowers - the national flower of Trinidad and Tobago.  These flowers are also known as 'The Pride Of Trinidad And Tobago' and 'Wild Poinsettas'.

Location: Waterfall Road, Maracas St. Joseph, Trinidad.  They are so lovely just when I was saying to myself that I wasn't taking any more photos of flowers as I find them a bit boring and monotonous.  

These flowers were in someone's yard so I took these photos from outside the fence.  I cropped the photos (using the Photos app on my computer) and the above photos are the results.  I am super pleased.  The next photo is the original of the first photo. 

Chaconia, The National Flower of Trinidad And Tobago aka The Pride Of Trinidad and Tobago and Wild Poinsetta

Review Of Puregear Universal Car Mount

I have been doing some videos where record my route while driving.  these videos have been doing very well.  The response is great.  So It has encouraged me to do more videos like these.

The first two videos I did my husband drove while I held my camera to record our route. It was a bit tiring and a bit uncomfortable for me and at the end of the trip my shoulders were sore.

In the next two videos, I decided to make a trip on my own as my husband has to work.  But I need a way to record my route so I found a mini tripod that I got when I purchased my Canon EOS M100 camera and I was able to mount it on the dashboard of my vehicle.

So I decided to purchase a mount for my windshield and got a Puregear Universal Car Mount that I purchased in my local store. Purchase price US$45.00.  The package also contained a mount for the air vent.

Items in the box were:

Photos Of Scary Spiders Just In Time For Halloween 2019

I saw these spiders today just by accident just outside the front of my house.  So I went back into the house and attached three close up filters (+10, +1, +4) to my Canon EOS M100 camera and returned to get these awesome photos!!!  Just in time for the Halloween!!  Look at the spider web in the next photo!!!

I have recently been using the Photos application on my desktop and I find it is quite helpful.  When I double click on any photo, there is an edit and create option.  There I was able to crop these photos to get the results you see in this post.  On another occasion, I took a photo of a friend of mine and the photo had a white wash look to it.  I was able to edit the photos and get a result that I was very pleased with.

4 Tips For Photo Field Trip

In this post I share with you 4 things to do before your next photography field trip.

On my last field trip, I made a visit to Mt. Healthy Tortola, British Virgin Islands, I took my Canon EOS M100 camera with me but left my cell phone at home.  During my session, I ran out of storage space on the memory card on my camera.  I had to delete some of the videos to make space.  Luckily I had already downloaded these videos to my computer.

On another trip to The Pottery Garden Josiahs Bay Tortola British Virgin Islands, this time I took my cell phone and not my Canon EOS M100 camera.  And again, I did not have enough space on my cell phone to get much footage but enough to make a video that I was kind of satisfied with.

So after these two mishaps, I decided to share with you some things to do before going on your next photo field trip.

1. Carry a back up equipment to take photos
2. Make sure that both pieces of equipment has adequate  storage space to record  your videos and photos.  Maybe  for your camera, you can take an extra memory card with you and extra battery for the camera if you have one.
3. Make sure that these pieces of equipment are fully charged
4. Pack your camera bag with all your gear the night before so the next day, all you have to do is to grab your camera bag and head on out!!!

Google Maps Local Guide Level 7

I started using Google maps on a regular basis when I traveled to my home country Trinidad and Tobago from Tortola British Virgin Islands, after hurricane Irma in 2017.

Not knowing the location of many of the business places, I used Google maps to find the places I wanted to go to and to find out if a particular business was in a certain area.

On one occasion I decided to uploaded a photo of a business place just for the fun of it.  After some time I noticed that the photo got alot of views and this excited me and encouraged me to upload more photos and I even started doing reviews.  I make an extra effort to do a detail review - Google rewards me for it.

As a YouTuber I am always up and about getting content for my channel and I take the opportunity to get photos to upload to Google maps wherever  necessary.

Google maps give local guides the opportunity to make adjustments to the names of businesses, phone numbers, opening hours etc.  Of course they do their verification checks before publishing your suggested adjustments.  And of course we get points for suggesting the adjustments.

I like to go into town frequently and have breakfast, check out new and different places and share my reviews.

As of October 25 2019 I am at level 7.  Its taking me a while to get to level 8 but the journey is fun.  Just today I uploaded two photos and suggested some edits to a company's name and location of business.

Each year Google Maps host a summit where selected local guides are invited.  It is my goal to attend 2020 summit!!

Family Support Network, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Vegetable Omelet from Watering Hole, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Views From The Hills Of Macnamara Road Town, Tortola British Virgin Islands

These are some really awesome photos that I took from the hills of Macnamara Road Town, Tortola British Virgin Islands.

Close Up Photo Of My Green Invasive Iguana Buddy |:| British Virgin Islands

I have learned so much about my little buddy recently.  Eventhough he is a green invasive iguana, he is not that bright green any more.  The older they get, the darker green his skin becomes and they can no longer camouflage on the banana tree leaves.  In my last post, I mentioned that he was injured because his tail was chopped.

I later learned that they have a mechanism whereby they have the ability to break off their tails to get away from a predator and the tail would grow back.  Well my little buddy seems to be getting as much rest as he can.  I know its him because there are alot of flies hanging around his tail.  I need to give my buddy a name😉😉

Anyway with all that being said, the last photo I took was with my canon EOS M100 camera with the 24-45mm lens attached.  I had a desire to get a closer photo so I went digging for my Nikon D60 DSLR camera but unfortunately, the battery needed charging and I just could not find the cord to attach to the charger.  So I purchased another battery charger this one does not have a cord.

This photo was taking with my Nikon D60 with a zoom lens attached.  My buddy was nestled amount the vines so I was unable to get a good shot of his body.  I will definitely be making more attempts now that I have my Nikon D60 back in action!!!

Injured Invasive Green Iguana, Tortola British Virgin Islands

Another photo of my little buddy.  But today I am sharing this photo on a sad note.  On Tuesday August 27, I found out that he is injured.  His tail was chopped ...  not completely so he is walking around with piece of his tail just hanging on to his body. If you look closely at the photo you will see that his tail looks funny. 

He looks at me as if he is asking for help.😔😔😔  Yesterday, August 28, tropical storm Dorian, which developed into a hurricane, passed through the territory and my dear friend held on to the banana tree leaf for dear life!!!!  

I am wondering if iguanas are an endangered species in the BVI and if there is someone who can help me help my little buddy 😔😔

I have subsequently learnt is that it is perfectly natural for Green Iguanas like him to lose part of their tail to help them escape a predator/threat, so his tail will actually regrow over time and he won’t be in any pain from his injury! the bad news, is that Green iguanas are actually an invasive species here in the bvi so they have no protection legally. 

The Anegada rock iguana (which are an endangered species in the BVI) are not that shade of green and I believe does not have those spikes either.   These iguanas are native to the bvi.

Stunning Sunrise Beef Island, British Virgin Islands

These are some stunning photos of n absolutely amazing sunrise from the Queen Elizabeth Bridge Tortola British Virgin Islands

How To Set The Self Timer Feature On Nikon D60 DSLR Camera

In this blog post I am going to show you how to set up the self timer feature on Nikon DSLR d60 camera.

Put on the camera and select menu button.  These first set of menu listings are the Playback Menu. On the right you will see a icon that looks like a pencil (its the second option) - this is the Custom Setting Menu, select that.  Scroll down to option number four - Release Mode and select.  Scroll down and select Self Timer option. 

Back at the Custom Settings Menu options, scroll down to option number 11 - Fn Button and select Self Timer option.

Now back at the main menu of Custom Setting Menu, scroll down to option number 16 which is Self-timer.  Here you can set how long you want the timer to go for before taking a photo.  There are four options, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds and 20 seconds. Make your selection.

Position your camera on a tripod, press the shutter button, position yourself in front the camera.  The beeper will beep for a few seconds (the length of time all depends on the option you selected) and take a photo.

photo of the day

I had fun afternoon with my grandson at the Pier Park, Road Town Tortola, British Virgin Islands.  I was about to take this photo of the cruise ship and as I pressed on the shutter button, my grandson put his hand in front of the camera and this is the result!  I had a good laugh and am pleased with the results!  What do you think?

I allowed my grandson to use my camera for the first time and I think he really enjoyed it.  He even took a photo of me!

I was a bit skeptical at first because I was scared that he might drop the camera.  I eventually told him to put the camera strap around his neck and then I relaxed.

Invasive Green Iguana In My Backyard - Tortola British Virgin Islands

Iguana in my backyard.  I see them quite frequently.  They love hiding out and hanging out on the banana trees. In the United States Virgin Islands, they are endangered species so  you will see the very old iguanas just chilling on trees and if you are lucky you just might see one at the mall!  Honestly a few years ago, we saw one outside the mall in St. Thomas.

Photo was taken with my Canon EOS M100 camera with the 15-45mm lens attached.  I cropped the photo with paint.net and the resolutions still looks amazing!!!

Check out my photo of an iguana in 2011.  CLICK HERE

Photo Of The Day - View Of British Virgin Islands

Honsky Cheap Memory Card Carrying Case Review - Memory Card Management

My video files take up alot of space on my laptop so to make more storage space, I would delete the old files. Some of these files I really would like to keep but an executive decision had to be made. 

Another way I would back up my files is to upload the original footage to YouTube.  But I have heard many of my Youtuber creators friends report that they have lost their channels so that is not really a secure back up plan.

I recently decided to transfer my video files from my computer to a memory card.    But the thing is, I don't have any way to store these memory cards.  I eventually realized just putting the cards in my camera case loosely, is not a proper memory card storage practice.

So after doing some research, I realized that there are cases in which these memory cards can be stored plus some of these cases are water proof.  Of course, there are a variety of  different types of memory card storing cases and at different  prices.  Some cases can hold more cards than others.

Initially I was going to purchase a Pelican case but then ended up purchasing a Honsky waterproof memory card case that has a cute butterflies pattern on the outside of the case.

This memory card case can hold 8 regular size memory cards and 8 micro memory cards

This case can easily fit in my small camera bag, hand bag and even my cross body bag.

You might also be interested in my blog post about this memory card error problem I recently experienced.  CLICK HERE to read the post.

How To Set Canon EOS M100 Camera To Record Time Lapse Video

What Is A Time Lapse?
I really love this feature of the Canon EOS M100 and always look for opportunities to use it.  
How to set the Canon EOS M100 Camera to record a time lapse.

Put on the camera.  
Switch the dial to movie settings.  
Click on the menu button. Under option 1 you will see Record Mode. 

Select Time Lapse Option and select OK.

Click on the Menu option again.  Select option 6

Select Time Lapse Movie settings.  The following options are available.

• Scene 1 for shooting moving subjects such as walking people
• Scene 2 shoot slowly changing subjects such as clouds
• Scene 3 for shooting slowly changing scenes

Select the option that you desire.  Take note of the number of shots that will be taken and the specified time.  You can also adjust the amount of shots and the length of time required it take the shots. When done, Select OK

Set up your camera on a tripod and position where you want to take your time lapse footage.

Press on the record button and the camera will do the rest.

Inside Water Taxi Trinidad And Tobago

This is my mother inside one of the Trinidad And Tobago Water Taxi.  We were on our way to San Fernando with from Port Of Spain, Trinidad And Tobago. I am so happy I took this photo, I should have taken more.  My mother passed away on January 17, 2020. I am grateful we had this time together, we have a great time.

We walked around San Fernando a bit, stopped and got a coffee to make up time to get the ferry to return to Port-Of-Spain. 

Photo was taken with my Nikon D60.  
Click here to see more photos on our trip.

BVI East End August Children's Festival Parade 2012

These awesome photos were found in my archives today. The event was the BVI East End August Festival Parade 2012.  Photo taken with Nikon D60 DSLR Camera

Young stick walkers at the East End August BVI Festival Parade 2012

Photography In The Old West - Arizona Ghostriders

I have been a follower of the YouTube channel Arizona Ghostriders for a while now.  The content is always entertaining, thoroughly researched and informative.  As a photographer I am interested in knowing how photographs were taken in the old west so I submitted a comment with my question to Santee, the YouTube creator of the channel.  He finally answered my question in the video below.

Brandywine Bay Tortola British Virgin Islands

Brandywine Bay - located on the southern coast of Tortola, by the main road. It's a beautiful beach but not normally used by residents and locals. I never swam here before - too close to the main road for my liking. Almost every morning the goats you see in the video will walk over to the beach and enjoy the environment!!!

How To Upload Photos To Instagram From Computer

Many times when I take awesome photos with my Canon EOS M100 camera, I am excited to share on Instagram but the task could be a little tedious.  First I have to download the photos on to my computer then copy the ones I want to upload to Instagram, to my cell phone.

In this post I will show you how to upload photos from your computer to Instagram 👏👏😊😊

First please note that Google Chrome must be installed on your computer for this tip to work.  When that has been done open up your Instagram page, right click on any blank area on the page. 

Select the 'Inspect' option which is the last option of the set.

The screen will split into two.  The right side will look like Greek to you.  To the top, select the icon that look like a cell phone.  This option is the Toggle Device Toolbar

Refresh page and the left side you will now see the options like you will see on your phone.  

Select the upload option and proceed like you would in your cell phone.  Good luck!!!😊

NOTE:  I notice that I am unable to select more than one photo for a post.

Auto Focus With Canon EOS M100 Camera Is Effortless

I found these beauties in the hills of Long Look, East End, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, this morning.  Mother nature at its best.  This plant seems to be growing wild!!!  Auto Focus with my Canon EOS M100 Camera was effortless!!!

Cyril Romney Tortola Pier Park Park, Road Town, Tortola British Virgin Islands

Cyril Romney Tortola Pier Park is located on Administration Drive after the Administration Complex, Wickhams Cay 1, Road Town Tortola British Virgin Islands.

I have had the honor to see the Tortola Pier Park constructed to what it is today.  When passengers get off the ships and approached the pier park, some are greeted by representatives of various companies that they may have made arrangements with for different events on the island.  

Some of the passengers who are undecided on what they are going to do, would get information at the BVI tourist board booth.  Other passengers venture out of the Tortola Pier Park and walk around the town, Road Town, on their own.  Others, take up the services of the taxi drivers, who normally position themselves at the entrance of the Tortola Pier Park, for islands tours.