Monday, April 27, 2009

My World:Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

Last week I decided to buy another camera. Prior to this we only had two digital cameras, my 4oD and my wife's Rebel XT. Often when I go out shooting during the summer I take two cameras, one with my 300mm 2.8 and a doubler for photographing birds and animals and the other with my 100-400mm with an extension tube which I use to photograph insects. So I was tired of always borrowing the XT, which I do not like, and worried about what would happen if my 40D malfunctioned so that is what prompted me to but another camera.
I decided not to spend too much money, I am hoping that Canon comes out with the 60D soon and that it will come with the HD video feature that they are including with most new models, so I found a refurbished 40D at B&H Photo for a good price. It arrived at the end of the week and since it was refurbished I wanted to go out and test it right away. Since I still had to work and then had to go in for training at The Raptor Center I needed some place that was quick and easy to get to to test out the new gear. I ended up at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in St Paul.
The conservatory is a part of the Como Zoo complex and is comprised of seven indoor areas and three outdoor gardens. The outdoor gardens, which consists of the Japanese Garden, Water Lilies, and the Enchanted or Butterfly Garden are not up this early in the year but there was still plenty of work for the new camera inside. In the center of the facility I found the Palm Dome, where different types of palm trees stretched up to touch the dome high above.
The fern room was misty and humid which is a perfect climate for ferns but not so nice for me.
One of the most popular gardens is the Sunken Garden. Many people have made arrangements to have prom or wedding photos taken here.
The tropical encounters are was cool with many exotic plants that we do not usually see in Minnesota, like the oblong-fruited chamaedorea palmae pictured above. I will need to go back again to get some more flower pics, especially when the outside gardens are up and running, but for now I tested out my new camera and got a few nice pics.

16 comments:

Russ said...

Beautiful building!

Unknown said...

What a neat place!We have those palms growing in our back yard.They sprout easily from those seeds.

Eve said...

What a beautiful location. The sunken garden is gorgeous!

2sweetnsaxy said...

Looks like the kind of place I would love to visit even though my hair does not enjoy misty places. :-D Love the outside of the building too.

SandyCarlson said...

That's a gorgeous place. Well done.

Enjoy your new camera!

Anonymous said...

Quite a wonderful building and lovely nature place.
Mary Elizabeth @ Now and Then

Guy D said...

Excellent photos, I'd love to tour the Conservatory.

Have a great week.
Guy
Regina In Pictures

Jane Hards Photography said...

This humidity is no good for my freshly straightened hair! New camera. I always like that. Lovely virtual tour of what looks like a wonderful place.

Loran said...

That is one place I would love to spend time in!

I have a Rebel XTI and I like it. The way I keep snapping pictures I might have to buy a new one some day. What's your dream camera?

Anonymous said...

that building is terrific, I would love to see it my self! Good luck with the new D40.
mine is here
http://aguthrieimages.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/thats-my-world-ruby-tuesday/

Gaelyn said...

Love the conservatory. Used to go to the one in Chicago when I was a kid. Especially nice place to be on a cold winter day.

Looks like the new camera works great. Just bought a new Canon myself.

Latane Barton said...

A soothing, restful place to be. Glad you took us on a tour.

Janie said...

Congratulations on your new camera. Looks like it takes great photos.

Regina said...

A beautiful post.

conservatory cleaning west yorkshire said...

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