In order to participate in this week’s photo challenge, we had to post only pictures we took on the day of our post. We couldn’t cheat and go into our archives. Last night I bought a new camera with a 42X zoom lens. This morning I took that camera down to the Chesapeake Bay and photographed some Navy ships that were headed into Norfolk and a couple of tall ships that were anchored near First Landing State Park. The ship movement is all part of OpSail 2012, a gathering of naval vessels and tall ships from all over the world. Tomorrow I hope to go back to the Chesapeake and take more pictures when the rest of the tall ships should arrive. Here are a few pictures from this morning.
This first one is without using the zoom. You obviously can’t see much.
Two of the tall ships. No zoom.
Here are the same tall ships using my amazing new zoom lens.
This was the little ship on the left.
I couldn’t quite use the full zoom or I wouldn’t have been able to get the entire ship in the frame. Notice you can see the people on the boat.
Here are some of the Navy ships that were crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel.
You can see the bridge behind the ship.
Coming East 
Great shots of the Navy ships! Enjoy your new toy!
Congratulations on your new toy. What a pair we would make if we went on a photo shoot together – you would bring the distant stuff closer, and I would bring the close stuff – even closer – with my macro!
I would love to go on a photo shoot with “The Master”!
If you only knew how little I know about taking photos.I have not progressed past the point and shoot settings on the camera!
But you are miles ahead of me on photoshop, Margie.
Wow Susan, your very own version of Battleship. Great photos.
We live in a Navy town, HG, so it’s fun to see their shops and planes. We went to an air show at the Ocenafront on Saturday.
Wow! I am pea-green with envy. Not only do you have a cool new camera, but to live close enough to the ocean to go and see these majestic ships is like a little slice of heaven on earth. Sweet! 🙂
I do live in a great place, E.C. I think we’ve found a good place to retire…assuming my husband ever retires!
That’s amazing, Susan. I can’t wait to see more from your new zoom!
This little zoom will be taking a lot of pictures this summer, Patti.
A fun and exciting post filled with adventures. Beautiful images.
Thanks, Traveler. A girl and her camera can’t be stopped.
Ooooooh! Now I want one of those. My little Kodak Instant is not quite up to par. Great idea to do the “Before and After Zoom” thing. Great shots and I can’t wait to see what you get tomorrow.
Sadly, there won’t be any shots tomorrow, but that is a story for tomorrow’s blog.
Wow! I have envy now, too! Great shots!
Thanks, Darla. My brother has the same camera. I debated waiting until an even bigger zoom came out, but this one seems like it is more than enough. It’s amazing how fast technology changes. I thought when the 15X optical zoom came out, it was wonderful. And remember when cameras with seven megapixels were top of the line?
I know. My current camera is pretty outdated already and it’s only a few years old!
They change so fast, Darla. This camera is already so great, I can’t imagine what the next version will be like.
Great photo! Fun new toy!
Thanks, Patti. I should be able to get some good tall ship shots tomorrow.
Wow, that’s quite a zoom! 🙂
I know, Eye! It’s such a great little camera.
Beautiful pics! And great new camera — sounds like fun!
Thanks, Julia. I just captured a female skink. With my camera, that is.
Every once in a while we all need a new toy to challenge our creativity move to the next level. Love the tall ships, can’t wait to see tomorrow’s pictures!
Twelve years ago I went with my friend Linda and saw OpSail 2000 in Portland, Maine. We sat on the hill by the lighthouse and watched all the ships sail by. Wish I’d had this camera then, Carol!
So glad you have some new toys to play with! I know how wonderful they can be! Great shots, have fun and thanks for posting! DAF
Thanks, DAF. That camera will get a lot of use this summer.
Pretty neat camera… And photographer too!
Thanks, Bro! Hope I can get some good shots of the tall ships tomorrow.
It’s official. I have zoom-lens envy. Congratulations on the new lens! The pictures are great.
Thanks, LD. I am in heaven!