256- 267 Chicago Christmas display

While in Chicago, we went to the Museum of Science and Industry. I had never been there before, but it was actually quite fascinating. {Of course, my fascination only lasted through the big scene in the cafeteria...} Before the getaway was absolutely ruined, I managed to see the Christmas Around the World display at the MSI. The different culture groups in Chicago each decorated a tree for the display that represents their culture. Unfortunately, tripods were not allowed, so that led to shots that were less than spectacular, but I still really enjoyed the display. Here are the favorite pictures that I got at this exhibit:


 My absolute favorite tree was the Japanese tree. I must find out how to make these paper ornaments!


 

 Of course, I had to make a stop at the Mexican tree:


 I don't remember what tree the stars were on, but it was really sparkly and pretty too:


This tree was pretty with gold and purple.


Same view, two different focus points:

  I think these decorations added more to the room than anything else:

245-249

Since I had a day where I wasn't too busy, I decided to take a few more shots.  I actually like these, especially this first one:



The next two shots show what a little white balance adjustment in RAW can do. I like the vertical shot better, and the colors are truer to real life. I didn't really adjust the white balance much in the horizontal one, so the silver kiss looks a little gold.


These are the ice cube men that my Mom bought for me about 5 years ago. I thought they were really cute! I like the way the light is reflecting off and through them.

 Here is an ornament shot. It's ok, I used 30 second exposure on this one, so the twinkle lights have the sparkle lines from them. It's an OK shot. Not particularly interesting to me.


Now, I put the same picture in black and white, played with the levels, upped the contrast and lightened the vignette around the edges. I also put a bluish tint to it. Now it looks silver-ish to me and I think it's more interesting.

Merry Christmas 229-244

Christmas has come and gone and I think it was a success. As long as my kids are happy, then I'm happy. I had a good time with my parents and my sister and her family dropped in for a little while and it was good to see them too. Unfortunately, I don't think I got any really great Christmas shots this year. Of course, I thought I got a lot last year, so I looked back at them, and I don't think I got any last year either. I'm being a tough judge on pictures anymore. Here is the tree, nice and pretty before the chaos begins. I woke up early to get ready for the big day and took this shot. The camera settings are ISO 100, 30 seconds with a shutter release cable, @f5

This is a sideways shot to include all of the presents. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the top of the tree like this because my lens was the 24-200 Tamron. I'm not sure about the settings here, but they are similar to the ones on the previous picture.

 

Here is the insane mess after the kids are finished opening up their gifts. The shot is a little soft. Oh, how I need some better lenses!!!


The following are just some random pictures of the kids opening their gifts. I was bouncing flash off of the ceiling and I think the ceiling fan cast a shadow in some. I should have been using my flash diffuser instead, but I don't know where it is right now.

 


Here are my shots of the food. These turned out ok. The ham looks pretty even though I'm not a huge fan of ham.

 


 Here are some of all of us:


 I like these shots of my parents playing with Stephen:

 And that about wraps it up. Better luck to me next year on getting the shots that I think are worthy!