In spite of strong wind with gusts up to 30+ mph, the DJI Mini 2 drone was able to capture this Southwest Minnesota corn harvest in action. Manual setting ISO 100/2.8 /1/500. My heart stopped a couple of times when gusts of wind severely tilted the drone but I felt great relief when it quickly recovered. The sky image was captured with a Canon Mark 3 later that same evening. Composite image edited with Photoshop and Topaz.
Oh, wow… Have my eyes been opened to a whole new world of possibilities!
I have to say, I am excited to have discovered the panoramic features of the DJI Mini 2 drone. Manual settings to keep exposure stable, click the shutter and 9 full size images go into a folder. Downloaded the folder|opened Photoshop|File automate|Photomerge-checking all the boxes for fill, etc. and “BOOM!” This is the result after some tweaking in Photoshop along with Topaz edits to finish it off.
There is also an option for a 180 degree panoramic composite that I accidentally clicked on and was pleasantly pleased with the potential of those results. Both features have really possibilities and I will be working with them again.
Passed my drone license test so here we go… DJI drone image featuring the Gary, South Dakota 150th Celebration Fire Fights.
Here is the link to my YouTube playlist which consists of three videos culminating our Camino experience as we tackled the Camino Finisterre. Buen Camino!
This was my first experience editing with Final Cut Pro and I see many YouTube tutorials in my future. Experience with Imovie was helpful but I have a long ways to go to be considered proficient in Final Cut Pro. Audio voice-overs were recorded with a H1N1 recorder.
The tiny, lightweight DJI Pocket 2 is a great travel camera. I brought along the ND filters but didn’t use them as I stuck to auto settings since the lens wouldn’t go in the case when I shut the camera off with a filter on. The filters were also too fiddly when switching back and forth for quick shots and I was afraid of losing or damaging them. Oh well, another time.
Much to my dismay, the filters seem to have been lost in transit so I guess there won’t be another time. Oh, well… things happen.
Drone photography has caught my interest and I’ve debated whether it’s worth getting a Part 107 Drone License. So far, I’ve been shy and stealthy when flying the tiny DJI Mini 2 drone for recreational purposes only. Research tells me that anyone wanting to sell aerial photography, monitor their farming operations with a drone, or do any other business related work with a drone must have a Part 107 license. Hmmm…?
As a former runner/jogger I’ve completed my share of 5K, 10K and a couple of marathons throughout the years. Life happens and the running went by the wayside leaving me walking merrily along my way.
30+ years later, my daughter decides to become a certified running coach and was willing to set up a training plan just for me. Embracing the challenge, my training plan began last June and, to be honest, it wasn’t a pretty start. I followed the plan, adapted when necessary, and stuck with it. The short exercise videos were extremely helpful to avoid knee pain and other injuries.
I really thought my 5K running days were in the rear view mirror and the idea of a running coach was a foreign concept. In the end, I found the process to be exceptionally helpful by keeping me accountable and safely focused on the goal. Thank you to my personal running coach, Elizabeth Meyer!
Here is a short video trailer of my family supported 5K:
First attempt at using the DJI Mini 2 drone midmorning with diffused lighting. I think we’ll have to resort to auto settings until some ND filters can be purchased. It’s a little nerve wracking since we don’t want to lose or crash the drone! Tips, anyone?
I grew up watching the Vietnam Conflict on the nightly news complete with American and VC body counts. Depressing, to say the least. Covid-19, canceled travel plans and the current status of politics has taken its toll on this blog these past few months. I think its about time to get out of this funk… Bring back the music, bring back the excitement of things we love and let’s just get along. For me, faith, music and travel help heal the soul.
You may also feel a little better if you click on the image below for a YouTube video of the song “Get Together” including images from times gone by. May we learn from history rather than forget.
“Get Together,”also known as “Let’s Get Together,” is a song written in the mid-1960s by American singer-songwriter Chet Powers (stage name Dino Valenti). The song is an appeal for peace and brotherhood, presenting the polarity of love versus fear, and the choice to be made between them.
A throwback image with our Italian friends. We treasure time spent with them and others around the world that we have met along the way. Peace out…
People in small towns, much more than in cities, share a destiny. ~Richard Russo
Gary, SD is a small community (population 224) nicknamed “Gate City to the West” located along the SD/MN border.
Kudos to graphic designer, Diane Swenson, Canby Print Shop, Canby, MN, for her stellar design work on the 2019 Gary Rodeo poster (which features my image as the background). Canby, MN is a small, southwestern Minnesota town of just 1700 people located 14 miles east of Gary, South Dakota. Our communities may be lacking in size, but we know how to get things done.
You’ll find the Gary Rodeo grounds located on the northwest edge of Gary, SD, in a natural setting with the quaint prairie community of Gary, SD, as its backdrop.
Maybe it’s time for you to take a little trip and experience the life in Gary, South Dakota!
RJMeyerArts 