197/365: "Practice is the best of all instructors." ~ Publilius Syrus

2 more pictures in notes above!

This morning I went into the garden, and what should I find but another hoverfly like I did the other day! This one was doing a LOT of hovering in place, and after being totally frustrated with autofocus not zeroing in on the fly, I decided to turn it off and use manual focus. What a perfect subject to practice on! I rarely use manual focus because autofocus is so accurate with the Canon 100mm 2.8L lens. However, I also know that I should use manual focus more than I do, because autofocus isn't always reliable and there are times--like this--when you won't get the shot without using your own two eyes to focus! Once I brought my camera up and looked through the eyepiece, I was delighted how well I could track him as he hovered and moved here and there, focusing in and out and sometimes peering around my camera to see where it was. Just like anything, practice makes perfect, and my first bunch of shots were all a blur. But when I saw this picture on my computer, I burst out laughing and clapped my hands in exhultation!!! "I DID IT!! I DID IT!!!" I shrieked in excitement! Tack sharp with manual focus...*SNOOPY DANCE*!!! I would have liked to have been a little closer, but it's a minor complaint!! I will DEFINITELY be using manual focus more in the future, now that I can see that I can get very good results with my own focusing!! :D

Publilius Syrus, a Latin writer of maxims, flourished in the 1st century BC. He was a Syrian who was brought as a slave to Italy, but by his wit and talent he won the favour of his master, who freed and educated him. Publilius' name, due to early medieval palatalization of 'l' between two 'i', is often presented by manuscripts (and some printed editions) in corrupt form as 'Publius'. Wikipedia: Publilius Syrus

Explored on July 17, 2013. Highest placement, page 1 (#27).