Foddershock? Fodder Shock?

 A recent photo from the Chuzhao "toy" camera.  Still a fun change of pace...

Just a few hay rolls, as seen from the parking lot to Schon Park:

Very often, when I see these rolls of hay, I'm reminded of fodder shocks.  

Many years ago when I was in elementary school in WV, I was tasked with taking a photo of foddershocks.  I don't really remember the reasoning behind the assignment, but I do remember setting off (with my parents, of course) to get outside our city to look for corn fields.  Eventually we found then, and a photo was taken.  Most likely with a Kodak Instamatic, but I don't remember.  But I'm sure I giggled at the word...  say it with me:  foddershock!

I wish I had a copy of the photo, but, of course not.  I mean, it was 55-60 years ago.

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Chuzhao Camera again

 It's been a while since I did anything much with the Chuzhao "toy" camera, so I pulled it out yesterday.  Managed a few photos at Maryville Drost Park.

The Chuzhao is a fun little camera, no settings, no zoom, no real control, just simple captures.  It is a different experience than working with my "real" cameras, or even the iPhone.  

Here's some of the keepers:

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Old Town Tavern

 Another Chuzhao photo, taken earlier this week.

This is the Old Town Tavern, in Glen Carbon, IL  Dating back to 1890 (as Yanda Saloon).    The internet says they're open, but not until 3pm, but the last couple of times I've passed by, it seems pretty dead.  But this photo was taken around an 2 hours before their opening time.  But the "Bud Light" sign is gone, and I didn't see neon in the windows (from the street).  I'll have to pay more attention.

We've lived in the area for decades, but have never been in this place.  

UPDATE:  I drove by 4/29, and yes, it is still open!

Chuzhao Found

 So, I misplaced my Chuzhao "toy" camera a while back, and finally found it today.  In the center console of my car, if you care.grabbed a couple of photos wandering around, but also found a few that I had taken during our March trip to Southern Illinois.  Which led me to notice that I never posted photos from that trip here.  Shame on me, I'll need to rectify that.

Meanwhile, here's 3 photos from Cave-In-Rock state park, from the Chuzhao.  I will say that I have a very strong preference for the in-camera b&w (+ sepia).  Very minimal Lightroom rweaks.

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Places That Kept Going

 I've been having fun pulling together YouTube Photo Essays.  And also fun experimenting with my Chuzhao "toy" camera.  So naturally, a Chuzhao photo essay was needed.  So, going live at 7pm Central time Wednesday, Feb. 25.:

Places That Kept Going

This is a short one, 14 photos from the Chuzhao, from the past 10 weeks or so.  All the photos are all mine, but I did ask ChatGPT for help culling the herd down to 14, and for suggestions on ordering and formatting.  But I'm okmwith that, hope y'all are too.

The photo above is from my starting powerpoint, where I drop photos as they're taken/processed.  I opted to try a no-title slide for the final presentation, so we'll see how that worked.  Hope you check it out, and let me know your thoughts!

Ch Ch Ch Chuzhao

 Just a few more photos from the Chuzhao "toy" camera.  It is a fun aside from my other photos.  Just a point and click, no settings for aperture, shutter speed, ISO, anything,  No super sharpness, nothing fancy. I tend to be more observational in my photos with it...  at least I think so.

So what do you think?

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Snow Day

 Another from the Chuzhao "toy" camera.  This ais actually from a couple of weeks ago, during our big snowstorm.  It took me a while to download, process (minimally) and post.

More Chuzhao

 I took the "Toy" camera on my walk today, here's a few photos from Miner Park:

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Looking Back...

 

About a week left in 2025, and I'm a bit ahead of usual on reviewing my 2025 photos.  I'll be doing a "Good Crop" post, and a YouTube video.  Stay tuned!

This photo is from my fun little Chuzhao mini-camera, using the b&w setting.  Only minor clean up in Lr

Chuzhao Camera

 My wife got me a new toy this week, a CHUZHAO Digital Camera,  A fun little point and shoot, marketed as a Portable Vintage Camera.  Did I mention it is small?  Because it is tiny.  Very basic, point 'n' shoot, no frills or fancy.  I've been having fun playing with it, though the weather has been COLD the past few days.  Here's a couple of the first photos, with minimal tweaking in LrC (Lightroom Classic).

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This won't be replacing my Fujifilm Compact Digitals (X-T3 and X-T4), nor my iPhone, but is another toy for my arsenal!