Project 365: #364 & 365: The Final Two

Let me start this post by apologizing. I am so sorry I was unable to keep up with the daily posts. In fact, over the last couple months I didn't even put all of the photos on Flickr for you all to enjoy. However, I learned a very valuable life lesson as a result. Ultimately, there are more important things to me in this life than a photo project or photography. Do not misunderstand though, I still took a photo every day and worked on developing myself with each photo. It's just that as the year progressed, I suddenly had a far fuller plate than I ever had envisioned just a year ago. I went to a total of seven weddings including shooting my first of what I hope is many more. I was able to go on a mission trip to Belize, travel back to California four times to see my family and travel within the region countless times. I bought my first house and got a sweet but needy cat. As summer turned to fall, I was blessed with more photo shoots than I could ever have planned for. And in the last month I've been blessed to meet an amazing girl. I made a decision back in the end of October that I was going to spend my time doing things that mattered most to me and with those that mattered most to me. I knew there would be hits to other things I was doing, like taking classes or posting on my blog, but it was the best thing I could have done. Throughout life we all make decisions about how we spend our time. I encourage each of you to really think about whether what you are doing with your time is in line with what and who you care about.

Ok, now that I'm off my soapbox, I did want to share with you my last two photos of the year. It has been incredible to look back over the year and remember each photo and the many stories that will forever be linked to many of them. The last one, the one of the moon in the night sky looking toward the southwest side of Calhoun, is one of my favorites of the year. It may not be breathtaking, but the fact that I was on a walk with Sarah around the lakes on a nearly 50 degree night on January 10th is what makes it memorable. Talk about a once in a lifetime type memory. I don't know that any of us in Minnesota will ever see this kind of night this time of year ever again. The 365 photos aren't just a project I was doing. They are my memories of the year that was, and what an amazing year it really was!

Project 365: #350 - From the Pier

350 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I don't know that I could ask for much more the day after Christmas. It was a balmy 72 degrees down at Balboa, an absolutely perfect day for taking photos at the beach. So, that is just what I did. It was very tough to decide which photo to select but this one was for sure one of my favorites. The way the sun glimmered on the water was a sight that made me downright giddy. Not only was it a bright, sunny day but there were a lot of people out enjoying the beach, which made for a bunch of fun photos. I do miss the beach and wish I had not taken it for granted so, but I will take every chance I can to enjoy it on my trips back to the sunshine state.

Project 365: #349 - Stars in So Cal

349 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Now that I am (or was) caught up, I decided to start the last two weeks with one of my favorite type photos, star trails. I never noticed before this weekend that there are actually quite a number of stars visible from my backyard. So, with the weather bottoming out at just below 50 degrees I knew I had to take advantage of the warmer weather and get a shot of stars. Is it the ideal location? Nope, but it still provided me more than enough opportunity to practice. I do know now that it is much better if there weren't the light pollution. Next time, I am going out to the desert where the only light is that of the stars themselves. I will definitely be trying this a number of times once the weather warms up. The countdown to summer begins!

Project 365: #296-348 - Christmas Catch Up

As promised, here is the slideshow that officially will have you and me caught up to December 24th, 2011. I hope you enjoy the photos. It is crazy to look back over the last 50+ days and see the photos each day. With only 2 weeks left, I am finding it hard to believe that I am that close to the end. A lot of photos have been taken, but more importantly, a lot of life has been lived. Thank you all for following the blog. I am excited for what photos I'll create still. Stay tuned!

Christmas Treat - Input Needed

323 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Ok, I know. I have been very bad over the last month or two about my daily posts. In fact, I can't even recall the last time I did one. Shameful, yes, but not completely unforgiveable I hope. Life has just gotten more busy than I had anticipated, filling up with photo sessions, get togethers with friends, unexpected trips and a few other pleasant surprises. Not to worry though, I have not dropped the ball completely. In fact, I have stayed the course and am only a few weeks away from successful completion of Project 365. So, I know I will not have the capacity to post each photo individually. Instead, before Christmas I will be posting a slideshow that will include each photo taken since my last post. I will do my best to keep it to one song in length. This is where I am asking for input. What song would you most like to hear playing while the photos are revealed? Stay tuned to see the slideshow and hear which song will be accompanying it!

Project 365: #296 - Toppings

295 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Look at the greasy awesomeness. Ok, so admittedly as I type this, that really doesn't look as appetizing as the night I ordered it. This, like a few others, is not my only pizza photo in the collection. However, I wanted to try to work on a few skills both in composition and post-processing, and pizza has a glimmer to it that makes for a good food shot in nearly any lighting. Yes, that's because of the very same grease that at times tastes amazing and at others makes you feel sick. In fact, many photographers who shoot foods add a greasy substance to them to make them look more appealing. Well seeing as how I did not have ready access to some of the tricks of the trade, it was fortunate that their service was not needed. Good thing I have a few more food shots to come!

Project 365: #295 - Guilty Look

294 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I am very familiar with this look on Oliver's face. This is the look I get every night as I sit down to eat my dinner. This look means he has either attempted to or will attempt to get in my face and try to share my dinner with me. He plays innocent, but behind those big eyes lies nothing but mischief. He is just waiting for the optimal moment to pounce. At dinner he is not that bad, but at breakfast, he sees it as his golden opportunity. I'm in a hurry so he thinks I won't pay as close attention and as soon as I go to drink the remaining milk from the bowl he is up in there trying to get a piece of the action. The worst part is that it really is cute no matter how mad I try to be. Who can stay mad at the face for too long?