Belizean Kids Selling Mango

We met these two kids on the beach at San Pedro, Belize. They were selling fresh mango slices (which the boy's carrying in the tub on his head). They were quite good at their jobs.

 

Fresh Mango on the Beach, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 200, f5.6, 1/320 sec.

 

I loved how the people in Belize were generally quite happy to have their photograph taken. This image will remind me of their welcoming attitude for a very long time.

 

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Just A Shot I Like - San Pedro Home

 

San Pedro Home, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 200, f5.6, 1/2000 sec.

 

This image would really have benefitted from a person in the composition, especially just the right person. As it is, I still like it. The tied curtain in the door on the right is the most important element. If I'd had time, I would have waited for the right person.

 

I still think the image says something. The distinct sunlight/shade line reminds me of the time of day, and the Carribean sun. I can imagine how it may feel inside, in the cool darkness. The door on the left is a little mysterious to me.

 

Maybe I'm reading too much into a simple picture of a Belizean house front. That's okay, too.

 

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Belizean Palm

 

Belizean Palm, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Lumix 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 Series II Kit Zoom

iso 800, f11, 1/125 sec.

 

Getting up at sunrise on the final day of our vacation in Belize, I was rewarded with this image. It could only be taken at dawn or dusk, as the contrast would have been excessive at any other time.

 

The Series II 14-42mm kit zoom is really quite impressive. Paired with the diminuitive GX1, they can really deliver in good light such as this.

 

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Business, Island Style

Things move at a different pace on a Carribean island. On our recent trip to Ambergris Caye in Belize, we decided to explore the other side of our resort (as opposed to the beach side), the road that runs behind and into the town of San Pedro. So, we rented bikes and headed out.

 

Along the way, we decided to stop for drinks at a grocery store. Next to the store, we found Aurora's Grill.

 

Aurora's Grill, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5

iso 100, f4.3, 1/250

 

The only problem? No Aurora. No one at all working the grill, even though it was about lunch time. Oh, wait a minute - look over there.

 

Aurora's Staff?, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5

iso 100, f4.7, 1/60

 

I just didn't have it in me to wake either of them up to ask if they worked at Aurora's. So, after a drink and ice cream from the market next door, we got back on our bikes and moved on.

 

The little DMC-TS5 waterproof, everything-proof camera was easy to slide into my pocket for the bike ride. Pretty handy.

 

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Belizean Bike Repair Shop

 

Belizean Bike Repair, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 400, f4, 1/80 sec.

 

While walking around San Pedro, Belize, I came across these two young gentlemen, working away in what appeared to be their own bicycle repair shop. They were really excited by and jumped at the chance to get their picture taken.

 

The signs in the back of the shop are really interesting: 50 cents for tire repair, no lending of tools, etc.

 

I enjoy shooting environmental portraits, and this one fits the bill for me. I appreciated their willingness to pose for me. A few seconds, and we were off again, walking down the street.

 

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Belize - Fisherman and Frigate Birds at the Docks

At the dock in San Pedro, Belize, I came across this gentleman, cleaning the morning catch of snappers at the docks. These enormous frigate birds had gathered, much as you'd see seagulls and sometimes pelicans do in the US.

Sharing the Catch, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 200, f5.6, 1/1600 sec.

 

In the shot below, I really like how the birds form a curve leading to the food source. To me, it looks like the image is a composite of several shots of the birds; it's not. Just good timing.

 

Frigate Birds Lining Up, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 200, f5.6, 1/1000 sec.

And finally, a look at the barracuda that was lying at the fisherman's feet

 

Barracuda, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 200, f5.6, 1/800 sec.

 

On the Belize trip, as in the past, I found the LX7 camera to be so capable. I sure hope Panasonic continues to market and develop the LX line of cameras. The LX7 represents a very powerful combination of compact size, full manual control, lots of imaging features, and overall image quality. If I'm going on a trip where I have to pack light, carrying just the LX7 lets me have confidence that I can capture high quality images with a very small, lightweight camera.

 

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Belizean Sunrise

I got my butt out of bed at 5AM this morning to catch the sunrise here in Belize. I shot several images, and plan to work on them when I get home, including a plan to try some subtle high dynamic range (HDR) processing. Here's one that I like pretty much as-is:

Belizean Sunrise, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1, Lumix 20mm f1.7 Lens with 3-Stop ND Filter

iso 160, f16, 1 sec.

 

I liked how the shoreline formed an S-curve, ending at the thatched dock shelter at the horizon. I edited this image in Snapseed on my iPad.

 

More to come.

 

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Coolest Belizean Tattoo Portends Future Events

So, we were on our way to go scuba diving today, when I noticed this tattoo on the water taxi captain's leg:

 

 

Shark Tattoo, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5

iso 100, f3.3, 1/320 sec.

 

Here's a little teaser of what we saw on our dive:

 

Pair of Nurse Sharks, Belize, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5

iso 100, f3.3, 1/125 sec.

 

Needless to say, it was an exciting dive trip. I really enjoyed using the Lumix DMC-TS5 on both of our dives. I can't say enough good about this little camera. More to come!

 

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George, From Belize

Meet George, the iguana. He seems to be the mascot of our hotel here in Belize.

 

 

George the Iguana, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6 Mega OIS Lens at 200mm

iso 200, f6.4, 1/400 sec. (handheld)

 

I worked around George to shoot from various angles, and like this shot best mainly because it includes his whole body while focusing attention on his eye with shallow depth of field. I also like the red hibiscus flowers in the background.

 

We're in Belize for a few days of scuba diving and relaxation. Our hotel, Coco Beach Resort in San Pedro, is quite nice if a bit isolated. It's our first day here, so we're still getting the lay of the land. Our plan is to head into San Pedro via water taxi today to do a little exploring in the city. I'll be carrying my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7, as it's super-capable, compact, and unobtrusive.

 

By the time this posts, we'll be back in Virginia. Here's hoping for a nice break in a place we've never visited before!

 

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