2016 VBS Submerged worship rally stage

Gauges and levers added to bridge

Here is how the gauges and levers looked on the
cardboard control panel (bridge).






32 gears were made and wired to cardboard
walls.  About a third of the gears are 2D.

Left Gear wall 25" x 8'

Right Gear wall 25" x 8'

Photographing Yard Decorations a Bit of Advice

 I have found that taking photos of holiday decorations can be tricky. Some elements are visible during the day, but the lights look best in dark. So, to take a good photo of my decorations I need a time when it is both day and night. (Spoiler Alert, if you have never seen the movie Ladyhawk skip to the next paragraph.) If you're a Ladyhawk fan you know that there is a time when it is both day and night; during an eclipse. Unfortunately, I am not willing to track the timing of eclipses, and doubt one would happen while I'm standing in my yard with a camera.

Fortunately there is another time when the light is right for taking photos of yard decorations. It is the hour after the golden hour. The golden hour is highly prized in photography and movie making. It is the hour just before sundown or if you're an early bird just after sunrise. There is a golden hour calculator on line, but during the golden hour is too bright to effectively see or photo graph exterior illumination.  So, I wait.

I discovered there is also a medical golden hour: when someone has a traumatic injury the hour immediately following the injury is the best time to get life saving treatment, so do not hesitate to call 911.

Video Warning: here's an interesting note, video needs more light than photographs. If you want to video your decorations, you'll need to start your production twenty to fifteen minutes earlier than if you are taking photos.  

You can use this progression of photos of this year's Independence Day decorations taken with an Iphone 4s, no flash. You can use them as a guide for the best time to take your photos.

Taken during the afternoon, home faces west.

...during the golden hour; trees cast shadows,

at dusk,

about 30 to 40 minutes after dusk,

more than 50 minutes after sunset there are a few stars in the sky,

 it's dark.

The lights were purchased at Christmas time and zip-tied together to imitate bunting.  

Yes, I realize that cameras have exposure settings that can be adjusted and photo editing can help brighten photos, but I like to keep things speedy. 

All content and information I present on this blog is intended for entertainment only and is presented “as is”, without claims or warranties of any kind, express or implied. I am not an expert of any kind; I just figure out how to make and create projects and I am willing to share that information. USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK! USE OF THIS INFORMATION CONSTITUTES AN AGREEMENT BY THE READER TO ASSUME ALL RISKS! The reader’s interpretation and application of this information shall be the reader’s sole responsibility. The reader agrees to hold harmless the author and publisher and therefore in no event shall the author or publisher be liable to the reader or any third party for any damages, claims, expenses or other costs; including, without limitation, legal fees arising from or in connection with the use of this information. The reader further agrees that their sole and exclusive remedy is to discontinue use of this information. I hold the copy right to the content if this blog and it may be used only with my permission. Your personal or contact information will not be shared with anyone, by me. I am not responsible for what the publisher or any of its partners do with your information. I reserve the right to change, close, sell or change the terms of use for this blog at any time. I am not responsible for any of the behavior or products presented by advertisers or sponsors in connection with this blog. If you wish to ask a question you may email me, however, I check my email about four times a year so a comment may work better. Please understand that any comments or emails sent become my property to use as desired.