
I was asked a really good question today (and I had to Google for the answer): what are public, private, and protected keywords called in C# (or other programming language)?

Access Modifiers!\[fn\]1\[/fn\]

In C#, that includes the following keywords (via [Access Modifiers on MSDN](http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms173121.aspx)):

> [public](http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/yzh058ae.aspx): The type or member can be accessed by any other code in the same assembly or another assembly that references it.
> 
> [private](http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/st6sy9xe.aspx): The type or member can be accessed only by code in the same class or struct.
> 
> [protected](http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bcd5672a.aspx): The type or member can be accessed only by code in the same class or struct, or in a class that is derived from that class.
> 
> [internal](http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/7c5ka91b.aspx): The type or member can be accessed by any code in the same assembly, but not from another assembly.
> 
> [protected internal](http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/csharplanguage/thread/135f6582-7144-496d-a35b-be9ec90f8332): The type or member can be accessed by any code in the assembly in which it is declared, or from within a derived class in another assembly. Access from another assembly must take place within a class declaration that derives from the class in which the protected internal element is declared, and it must take place through an instance of the derived class type.

Sometimes it's the simplest things you can't remember.

\[footnote name="1"\]Access modifiers could also be considered a subset of [encapsulation](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encapsulation_(object-oriented_programming)).\[/footnote\]


Public, Private, and Protected


If you haven't noticed, my Facebook status updates have been a little lacking; I just noticed the other day that my [Twitter on Facebook](http://apps.facebook.com/twitter/) app was broken. After messing around with the Facebook app, I finally got it working again.

First, go to the [Twitter on Facebook](http://apps.facebook.com/twitter/) app: [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Twitter-on-Facebook-575x290.png "Twitter on Facebook App")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Twitter-on-Facebook.png)

_Seeing a blank page? Scroll to the second section for another work-around._

Next, select the _"Want to disconnect your Twitter and Facebook accounts?"_ link. [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Disconnect1-575x197.png "Confirm the disconnect.")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Disconnect1.png)

You will be prompted to confirm the disconnect; select okay:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Prompt.png "Confirm the disconnect.")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Prompt.png)

Once the disconnect is complete, you should be brought back to the [Twitter on Facebook](http://apps.facebook.com/twitter/) app. Select _Allow_ to re-enable the app: [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Allow-Twitter-Again.png "Allow Twitter Again")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Allow-Twitter-Again.png)

Once you've allowed the app again, the last step is to allow _Facebook Profile_ updates. Just hit the check box and wait a second, then refresh the page to make sure the change saved:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Relink-Status-Update.png "Relink Status Update")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Relink-Status-Update.png)

Tweet and check to see if your profile has been updated:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Brandon-Martinez.png "Brandon Martinez")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Brandon-Martinez.png)

Fixed!

## It still isn't fixed!

Alright, I have one more set of steps you can try.

Go to your account's privacy settings:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/1.png "Go to Privacy Settings")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/1.png)

Select _Edit Your Settings_ under _Apps and Websites_:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/2-575x436.png "Select "Edit Your Settings" under "Apps and Websites"")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/2.png)

Select _Twitter_:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/3-575x265.png "Select "Twitter"")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/3.png)

Select _Remove app_:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/4-575x475.png "Select "Remove app"")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/4.png)

Select _Remove_ when prompted:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/5-575x232.png "Select "Remove" on the confirmation")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/5.png)

Hit _okay_ on the next prompt:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/6-575x202.png "Hit "Okay" on the next prompt")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/6.png)

\[update\]See the bottom of this post for an additional step: revoking access via Facebook from your Twitter account; this may clear up the issues even further.\[/update\]

Next, go to the [Twitter on Facebook](http://apps.facebook.com/twitter/) app page to allow access to your profile. You should see the following (or something similar); if you don't, you may need to [clear your browser's cache](http://kb.iu.edu/data/ahic.html).

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/7.png "Add Twitter on Facebook")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/7.png)

Select the check box next to Facebook Profile: [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Relink-Status-Update.png "Allow Facebook Profile Updates")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/Relink-Status-Update.png)

This should bring up a new dialog/window; allow posting to your wall: [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/8.png "Allow posting on your wall")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/8.png)

Tweet and check again: [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/9.png "Tweet and Check Again")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/9.png)

It should be fixed! If not, you're out-of-luck (well, until someone else can figure out a solution).

 

\[update\]One more possible step: before adding Twitter back to your Facebook profile, trying revoking access from Twitter.\[/update\]

Go to your [Twitter Connection Settings](https://twitter.com/settings/connections).

Revoke access from Facebook:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/revoke.png "Revoke Access via Facebook")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/revoke.png)

Then try adding Facebook back to your profile.


Fix the Twitter on Facebook App


For the Super Bowl, I decided to try out a new wing recipe: [Alton Brown's Buffalo Wings](http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/good-eats/buffalo-wings-recipe/index.html). Now, something you may not know, but [Alton Brown](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alton_Brown) happens to be one of my personal heroes. Sure, he's a little crazy, but that's what makes him so interesting to watch; that, and almost everything he makes looks amazing! Anyway, here's a quick overview of the recipe, along with a few changes:

## Ingredients

- 12 whole chicken wings (Joy just bought a bag of pre-cut wings)
- Sauce(s) of your choice to toss the wings in

## Directions

Place a 6-quart saucepan with a steamer basket and 1-inch of water in the bottom, over high heat, cover and bring to a boil: [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110205024-575x383.jpg "Getting the steaming basket setup ready.")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110205024.jpg)

Remove the tips of the wings and discard or save for making stock. Using kitchen shears, or a knife, separate the wings at the joint. Thanks to buying pre-cut wings, I didn't have to do this step. [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110205030-575x383.jpg "Ready to hop in the basket.")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110205030.jpg)

Place the wings into the steamer basket, cover, reduce the heat to medium and steam for 10 minutes. [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110205026-575x383.jpg "Steamin' 'em up!")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110205026.jpg)

Remove the wings from the basket and carefully pat dry. Lay the wings out on a cooling rack set in a half sheet pan lined with paper towels. [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110205061-575x383.jpg "Hanging out, waiting to go into the fridge.")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110205061.jpg)

Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour (I actually did this overnight; they still turned out fine). [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110205063-575x383.jpg "Coolin' off.")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110205063.jpg)

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Replace the paper towels with parchment paper. Roast on the middle rack of the oven for 20 minutes. Turn the wings over and cook another 20 minutes or until meat is cooked through and the skin is golden brown. _Note: do **not** use wax paper; the wings will stick and be a total pain to get off the tray._

_Sorry, no pic for this one (I forgot)._

Remove the wings from the oven and transfer to a bowl to toss with the sauce; toss the wings (don't make a mess!). Serve warm. [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110206013-575x383.jpg "Tossed and ready for eating.")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110206013.jpg)

And finally, enjoy! Honestly, these were some of the best wings I've ever made. I've made them several ways before (grilled, fried, etc), and this is tops.


Wings!


As you may have seen in my [last post](/2011/02/01/poll-third-annual-online-photo-contest/), I was looking for a set of photos to enter into the [Ludington Center for the Arts'](http://www.ludingtonartscouncil.org/) [Third Annual Online Photo Contest](http://www.ludingtonartscouncil.org/AnnouncementRetrieve.aspx?ID=25338). Thanks to your help, I found a set of photos I'm going to submit.

I didn't enter all of the categories; I decided to go with the top three. Here they are:

## People: Summer's Set

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/201005235201.jpg "Summer's Set")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/201005235201.jpg)

## Animals: Buzzworthy

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/200908050851-575x431.jpg "Buzzworth")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/200908050851.jpg)

## Plants: Berry Cold

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/200912090021-575x383.jpg "Berry Cold")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/200912090021.jpg)

Again, thank you for all of your help in choosing which photos to submit. You can see all of the entires on the [Ludington Center for the Arts' page](http://www.ludingtonartscouncil.org/photo-list#data1332345) (warning: will take a **very** long time to load).

Wish me luck!


Photos Submitted for the TAOPC!


The [Ludington Center for the Arts](http://www.ludingtonartscouncil.org/) is having its [Third Annual Online Photo Contest](http://www.ludingtonartscouncil.org/AnnouncementRetrieve.aspx?ID=25338), and I'm seriously thinking about entering. However, I have a lot of photos to choose from, so I'd like your help. Vote below so I can submit some (hopefully winning) photos!

There are five categories to choose from. I'd like to submit at least one photo for each category. You can vote in each category, but you can only pick one photo within that category. For a larger view of the photo, click on the thumbnail.

## People

_Sports, portraits and family photos._

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100422164-150x150.jpg "Woodland Adventures")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100422164.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110103004-150x150.jpg "Self Portrait")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20110103004.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20101225307-150x150.jpg "Baby Reece")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20101225307.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20101211060-150x150.jpg "Christmastime")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20101211060.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100807226-150x150.jpg "Beautiful")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100807226.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100523520-150x150.jpg "Summer's Set")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100523520.jpg)

\[poll id="3"\]

## Landscape

_Large scene, for example sunset over mountains or water._ [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100803279-150x150.jpg "Tidal Footprint")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100803279.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100801003-150x150.jpg "Capturing a Sunset")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100801003.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100627210-150x150.jpg "Peek")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100627210.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100613336-150x150.jpg "Splash!")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100613336.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20091027112-150x150.jpg "Burning Field")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20091027112.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20090704244-150x150.jpg "Fireworks Over Green Bay")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20090704244.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100802001-150x104.jpg "Pano-beach")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100802001.jpg)

\[poll id="4"\]

## Animals

_Domestic animals and wildlife including insects, birds, and fish._ [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20101225011-150x150.jpg "Tequila")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20101225011.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100803292-150x150.jpg "Among the Grain")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100803292.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100620005-150x150.jpg "Rest")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100620005.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100531015-150x150.jpg "Flight")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100531015.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20091018039-150x150.jpg "Grazing")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20091018039.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20090805085-150x150.jpg "Buzzworthy")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20090805085.jpg)

\[poll id="5"\]

## Plants

_Leaves, trees, flower, and garden scenes._ [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100613373-150x150.jpg "Peelin' Away")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100613373.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100613278-150x150.jpg "Among the Leaves")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100613278.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100613262-150x150.jpg "Age")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100613262.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100531067-150x150.jpg "Fuzz")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100531067.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20091209002-150x150.jpg "Berry Cold")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20091209002.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20090708189-150x150.jpg "Thistle")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20090708189.jpg)

\[poll id="6"\]

## Free Subject/Abstract

_Example: extreme close-up so the person, animal or plant is no longer identifiable._ [![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100613357-150x150.jpg "Shells and Shells")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100613357.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100612151-150x150.jpg "Moderno")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100612151.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100522284-150x150.jpg "Rush")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100522284.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100518054-150x150.jpg "Warped")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100518054.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100422120-150x150.jpg "The Key")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100422120.jpg)[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100312004-150x150.jpg "To the Last Drop")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/02/20100312004.jpg)

\[poll id="7"\]

## Deadline

The deadline for the contest is now February 14th, so please have your votes in before then. Thank you for all of your help!


Poll: Third Annual Online Photo Contest


For those of you that didn't see the news, I put together a (quick) website for
the upcoming addition to our family:
[Seth Martinez](http://www.sethmartinez.com/). Well, apparently the spammers of
the world have already picked that up. I just received an email from the Devan H
Crow company regarding the site. An excerpt:

> Good afternoon, I'm Devan. I just visited sethmartinez.com. Is this your
> website?
>
> I am contacting you because I work with independent website owners and I would
> like to offer my service and experience to you.
>
> I have been a website designer, developer, programmer, graphic designer,
> business consultant, an internet marketer with over 15 years of experience
> (since 1995).
>
> I own and personally operate a private web hosting company (providing shared,
> dedicated, and cloud options on Windows and Linux servers), an autoresponder
> service (allowing for unlimited subscribers without monthly fees), and an
> email address verification service that has proven to increase delivery rates
> of autoresponders, newsletters, and traditional email marketing.
>
> ...
>
> Cordially,
>
> Devan

**UPDATE:** And it just keeps coming! See below.

> NAME: George Hawkins
>
> EMAIL:\*\*\*\*@gmail.com
>
> COMMENTS: Hey Brandon,
>
> Your a dumbass! Why in hell would call someone who emails you about hosting
> when you just bought a domain a spammer?????
>
> I just signed up with the guy and I have to say he is very business like and
> professional. I am telling all my friends about his and telling them to give
> him their business. You on the other hand are a pig!
>
> \-George Hawkins
>
> IP: 98.71.46.178 PAGE: https://www.brandonmartinez.com/contact/ REFERER:
> https://www.brandonmartinez.com/streams/personal/

That's pretty defensive spam!

Also, this is another reason I (and apparently other people) think it may be
spam:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/01/spambot-575x643.jpg "Apparently I'm not the only person that thinks so…")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2011/01/spambot.jpg)

And if it's not, well, as a friend of mine put _"This might not be a spambot! It
might be a real-life jackass :P"_.

And speaking of the subject of these emails, if you want some good hosting, use
this promo code from Dreamhost and have your first year at \$3.95/mo:
[BMMONEYSAVER](http://www.dreamhost.com/r.cgi?218198|BMMONEYSAVER).


It’s Only Been a Few Days!


Joy had her 20 week ultrasound today, and we found out what we’re having. Introducing: Seth Patrick Martinez!

Also, if you'd like to follow our baby's progress, check out [http://www.sethmartinez.com/](http://www.sethmartinez.com/).

\[gallery link="file" orderby="title"\]


It's a Boy!


2010: a lot of things happened.

Alright, that was a cheap intro. Seriously though, here are some of the major occurrences:

- [Graduated from Ferris State University](/2010/05/12/1342422/ "1+3+4+2+4+2+2")
- [Started my full-time job](/2010/06/19/full-time/ "Full-Time!")
- [Bought a house](/2010/09/01/we-bought-a-house/ "We Bought a House!")
- [Found out we're having a baby](http://twitter.com/brandonmartinez/status/7971359485329408 "Twitter Status: We're Having a Baby!")
- [Got promoted to lead software developer @ IPC](/2010/12/19/moving-on-up/ "Moving On Up")

All-in-all, I have to say it was quite a good year. I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store.


2010: What a Year!


Does not end well:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/217387886-575x429.jpg "217387886")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/217387886.jpg)

via [Twitter](http://twitter.com/#!/brandonmartinez/status/20698028780294144).


Pro Tip: Liquid + Laptop


For Christmas, I received a new [Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007E7JU/ref=oss_product); I've been wanting a [prime lens](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_lens) for a while, and I'm glad to say that I finally got one.

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/41wx0ebndXL.jpg "The Lens (photo stolen from Amazon).")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/41wx0ebndXL.jpg)

Since yesterday, I've been trying to get a feel for the lens. Working with such a large aperture is a different experience for me (the largest on my other lenses is f/3.5), but I'm slowly getting used to it.

With such a shallow depth of field, it's great to be able to blow out the background with a ton of [bokeh](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh):

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/20101225063-575x259.jpg "Some Mario Gummies from Joy")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/20101225063.jpg)

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/20101225011-575x383.jpg "Tequila in front of the tree.")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/20101225011.jpg)

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/20101225056.jpg "A Santa "candy-cane" topper in front of the lit Christmas tree.")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/20101225056.jpg)

However, it's definitely something that will take some more practice. One of my goals for the last two days was to shoot with the largest aperture possible, but it doesn't always work out so well. For example, this picture of my brother-and-sister-in-law should have been adjusted (notice that she is out of focus):

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/20101226045-575x383.jpg "Scott and Danyal; I should have gone with a smaller aperture (maybe f/3).")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/20101226045.jpg)

Also, in certain situations the effect may not work like you expect. In this first image, Joy doesn't look so great out of focus, but in the next picture, it adds an interesting touch:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/20101226173.jpg "Joy feeding our nephew Reece; this may have been better if they were both in focus.")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/20101226173.jpg)

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/20101226174.jpg "Joy feeding our nephew Reece; with Joy out of focus, this photo still "works".")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2010/12/20101226174.jpg)

I still need more practice with the lens, but overall, I'm really enjoying it. It's nice to have such a large aperture to work with, and I'll definitely be posting more pictures as I get better. For now, here are some others from the past two days:

\[gallery link="file" orderby="ID" exclude="2697,2696,2695,2686,2684,2682,2707"\]
