If you had time to read my last post, you’ll know that I recently went on my first cruise. Despite a few misgivings, I found much to enjoy about the experience: time off from work, a whole week with friends that I only see a few times yearly, and fun with photography.
Clearly I am not a wildlife photographer but it wasn’t hard to photograph these colorful birds.
I attempted to capture a pelican taking off from the water, but I just didn’t have the right lens with me.
One of my favorite images from the trip is this next one, which I am posting again even though I shared it in the previous post.
The flowers and trees were stunning as well.
Such vivid colors!
These shadows made the photographer in me quite happy.
While I would have loved to have done some hiking or to have learned about the local flora and fauna, I sure enjoyed the color of that water.
I was so inspired by it that I waded right in even though I didn’t have my bathing suit on! Is anyone surprised by that? Yes, that is a margarita in my hand 🙂
Next Cruising Post – The Ship
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
Wow! Incredible shots! What do you shoot with? Canon guy here… 5Dmk3 & 80D
I, too, use Canon: 60D
So glad you liked the images!
Awesome shots LB! I love that you waded into the water in your clothes, the fact that you had a margarita in your hand just makes it all the more special!
I’m telling you… that water just called me … or was it the Margarita? Ha!
A bit of both I suspect!
I’m so glad you had a great time on the cruise and it was so well deserved Laurie. I’m loving all of the great shots you are posting they are beautiful 😀
Thanks, Joe. I’ve got at least 3 other cruise photography posts planned … you’ll be so ready for me to move on from the cruise by then 🙂
I think you’re a terrific photographer, period. Everything you turn your camera to is interesting. I love all the color in this post. The tropics are amazing, aren’t they: color on steroids. I’m happy to see you waded in to the water with a big smile on your face. And these birds are stunning. xo
Thanks, Alys. Your comments means much to me!
Do you ever find that when you initially download images, it seemed that nothing turned put the way you had hoped? Those were my initial thoughts after the cruise! Thankfully that knee jerk reaction was wrong. I took many hundred photos and whittled them down to less than 200. Thank goodness!!
Wondering how the new baby in the family is doing … all good after the visit to the vet?
Laurie, yes! That happens to me all the time. I sit down with the camera chip feeling disappointed, then wonder what I can salvage and that lo and behold, decent photos emerge. Not always, but enough. I’m glad you found a set of pics to be proud of and ones that tell your story. I think you’re caught up now, but all is well with Tessa. 🙂
It’s thundery and raining here – again – so looking at your lovely warm weather photos with their bright colours makes me smile 🙂
… and impromptu dips in the water with drink in hand are indicative of a good time!
Something about water! ocean, river, creek, or puddle … I am going in!
Hope the sun shines soon for ya’ll. We’ve had that same weather here … except for during our Memorial Day service. It was perfect.
Looks like you’re in paradise, LB. Enjoy it!
Cruising is a different sort of thing. While I’m fairly sure that I won’t do another, I was grateful to be able to get in that water! Ahhhhh!
There’s no need for a bathing suit when you have an adult refreshment in your hand. What a lovely time you must have had with friends and warmth and the smell of ocean air. I would probably never go on a cruise due to motion sickness, but I certainly would love to be on that beach right about now.
Beautiful photos as usual, Laurie.
Mary, I too, worried about motion sickness (I’ve felt after floating in a pool … but that was years ago and have not had that happen again). I wore Sea Bands, a form of accupressure and they worked perfectly. While I doubt I’ll do another cruise, I’m going to use these for other types of motion sickness. Check it out if you know you will be in a tricky motion situation.
http://www.sea-band.com/
Thanks Laurie. I will keep them in mind if I know I have to contend with a motion sickness-type activity. I generally stay away from amusement rides, reading in the car and boats on Lake Michigan, which keeps me from some fun. Maybe these would help.
I love the parrot and the pelicans. And the fact you can see “teeth” or at least some serrated edges in the flamingo’s beak. Goodness. I’d have had a hard time staying out of that water as well.
That water was divine!
and thanks for pointing out the serrated edge of the beak .. I’d not noticed!
margaritas + water = DIPS!! 😀 Beautiful shots of the canna lilies and bougainvilleas – and the shadow of the palm branch is great too. Is that a flamingo in the first photo – what a shot! And the parrot’s colours are just stunning! I think you did good!! 🙂
So glad that you mentioned the palm shadow. That is one of my favorites!
Off to your place now 🙂
Not at all bad for a non-wildlife-photographer 🙂 Good shots
Thanks, Derrick. How lucky was I that those birds were just hanging around? Made of easy shooting.
Ooooohh–a blue margarita! My fave, even though it looks like Windex! That flamingo is gorgeous–the colors! You made the best of the cruise experience, getting these shots!
And what was great about that blue margarita is that everything was fresh! So much better than what you get most bars (which is why I never order them).
Your Windex comment made me laugh as I said that the water looked like Scope!
Cruises are so fun!!! They do take getting a little use to, but they are worth it. Love the fun photos!!
Glad you like the photos. I surely did have a good time, even if I’m not sure that I’ll go again. You never know, though!
I vote for the margaritas. 🙂 Great, great shots!!!
Glad you like the photos, Marlene. The margaritas were so good … no store bought mix, just fresh ingredients (well, not sure how “fresh” the tequila was 🙂 )
Gorgeous photos! You are so talented. My favorites, the parrot, and the pelican with the tall ship, and the last one. You are gorgeous too!
Well now, you are generous with that comment, Deborah 🙂
Thank you though!
Wow, Laurie! Some of these are worth gushing over. I do admire your skill with a camera. My fave is the pelicans with the ship in the background.
I love that one, too, Crystal. Interesting trip …
Pingback: Cruising: Doors and Windows | Life on the Bike and other Fab Things
Pingback: Cruising: Food and Drink | Life on the Bike and other Fab Things