a few days late

I don't often post pictures of my friends or family on this blog, but I think this one is called for. My dear friends Bubba & Liz were expecting when we went for a walk in the woods at Rock Creek Park in the District. The fall colors were beautiful. This week, they welcomed their son to the world with open arms. Congratulations!
(ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/30s)

shocked

A shot from my archives to honor the wonderful woman in the foreground. You are greatly missed already.

(ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/50s)

quiet contemplation

Climbing is my religion. It is in the woods where I see God's grandeur most clearly. I know I am not alone in this feeling.

(ISO 800, f/3.5, 1/400s)

gateway to the soul

She indulges me and acts as a model every so often. See others in my Portraits set on Flickr.
(ISO 100, f/4.0, 1/640s, eV -1.00)

impromptu

I'm getting better at impromptu portraits. Controlling depth of field on the fly is getting easier, even with the kit lens attached. Not sure if converting this to black and white is the fix for the distracting, though out-of-focus background. Thoughts?
(ISO 1600, f/5.6, 1/4s, 55mm)

UPDATE: Whatever suggestions you make to improve/change/create something new, I'll edit with Flickr and post them to my photostream.