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?

Project 365: #294 - Inspiration

294 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

When I picked up Steve Jobs' biography, I knew I wanted to incorporate into my photo that day. I didn't want it to be just a stand alone photo of the book but I really wanted to be creative. So after meeting up with some friends at BW3 (still have some solid wings!), I had one of them hold it up in front of his face. It was ok, but as soon as he put his hood over it, it went to a whole new level. I'm not thrilled about the reflection, but still it's kind of cool in my eyes. That's something I rarely say about my photos just taken on the spot in less than ideal lighting. I suppose you put Steve Jobs in any setting though and the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary.

Project 365: #293 - Glass of Petals

292 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I find it fascinating how flowers, dried and dead, still remain beautiful. They are not the same at all, far more fragile, but still hold on to the fleeting color. I actually prefer photographing dried petals than freshly plucked ones. There is a texture and gradient that just does not exist in a living flower. I am just amazed by how great God really is. Who else could have ever dreamed of something as wonderful as beauty among what is dead? Selfishly, as a photographer, I thank God for the changing from life to death that occurs in nature. It is the very same thing that make the amazing colors of fall so pleasing to the eye and through the lens.

Project 365: #292 - Not-so Scarecrow

291 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I can't believe I took this only 5 weeks ago. The exact scene looks much different now with snow, candy canes and a snowman in the place of this guy. As a homeowner I am now a part of a neighborhood. I suppose owning a house doesn't make this so, but I definitely did not consider it when renting apartments and duplexes. We have a neighborhood watch and beautification efforts like decorating the planter on my corner. This small thing goes a long way in making the neighborhood feel like a welcoming environment. It's funny how something so minute in action can have such a big impact.

Project 365: #291 - Dusk on the Dock

290 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

This photo isn't perfect. In fact, there is a lot I would love to do differently, maybe even better. However, there is this tension that I love about this photo. Notice Ryan sitting peacefully looking off as the sun dips below the horizon. Yet, the clouds and water are anything but calm. The lake has been disrupted by the motor of a boat that just went out for one last spin before the impending storm unleashed its fury. Sometimes the photos I initially discard because they were not my exact intended composition are the very ones I look back on days or weeks later and see with new eyes. The tension of this photo caught me far differently when I decided to use it for the project than it did when including it in the photos I gave to Ryan for the last of his senior photos. Look at those discarded photos and you might see something you had missed!

Project 365: #290 - Relief

289 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I have a confession. I do not remember how I created this photo. I can't remember where I set this up or what lighting I used. I do remember that I definitely utilized Lightroom to underexpose everything around the bottle though. I also remember having to take two Excedrin that night, which may help explain why I don't recall too much. Ultimately, I learned a lesson from this. Don't put off posting for your blog. If I had done it that night or even just the next day I would have been able to provide insight into how I created the shot. It also may not have snowballed into the backlog I now face.

Project 365: #289 - Whiskers

288 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I warned you he'd be back soon. I just can't help myself. He is a good looking kitten, err... cat. If he weren't so darn cute at times I wouldn't be able to put up with his overly needy temperment. He lets me take pictures of him (sometimes) so I guess I can't really complain. For this photo I focused on his whiskers. I chose to darken and flatten the tone to help create less distraction so they could stand out more. If you want to see more phottos of Oliver, you are in luck. There are still more to come. If you've grown bored of them all, you'll just have to stay tuned so you don't miss the non-cat inspired photos. Plus, who really can tire of seeing him?!

Project 365: #288 - Glass Beauty

301 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I know I have been a huge slacker with posting, but rest assured I have been anything but with taking my daily photo. In fact, it is the majority of the reason as to why I've fallen behind in posting. This photo should be the final one of the year snapped with my phone. I think it's all too appropriate that it is the best of the few I have had to use my phone for. I really appreciate how sharp it is and how it's narrow apperture allowed me to get detail from the top to bottom of the IDS Building. This building is arguably the tallest in downtown Minneapolis with only Capella Tower in the debate. I did use a little coloration effect but it helps give it a unique vibe. Just be glad I took break for a day from photographing Oliver because he shows up again very, very soon.

Project 365: #287 - Stare Down

287 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

My kitten is extremely playful as most all are. However, he picks the most inopportune times to be so. This night, he was watching me eat dinner and kept getting in the pounce position and jumping to the table to attack the fork. I decided, if I can't beat him I'd better use this as my chance to get a good photo. He stared at me the whole time just waiting for the ideal moment. It didn't matter that in one hand I had my camera and in the other a spray bottle. He was focused. Thankfully he was because it is rare when I can get him to sit still for more than two seconds. And yes, he did pounce but was nailed with a spray of water this time.

Project 365: #286 - Golden Flowers

286 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

You won't see these outside anymore, but that was not at all the case just a few short weeks ago. I knew then time was quickly slipping away for me to capture images of flowers or any living plant. So, I snapped away, but I didn't just point and shoot. I was very deliberate about setting up the shot and ensuring I used the exact desired depth of field and exposure. I wanted the image to represent an endless field of flowers despite the fact that it was a very limited selection. I think I'm training my eye and brain to work together better, but it will be some time now before I see these sort of colors. Bring on spring!

Project 365: #285 - Fumble

285 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I really enjoy sports photography. It is perhaps the most challenging shoot one could have. There is very few moments where things happen exactly as expected, but on the flip side, that makes for some of the most satisfying and amazing photos there can be. While at an Orono High School game, I busted out my zoom lens. I had not yet upgraded to the f/2.8 so ISO was nearly maxed to get this shot. Still not bad, but definitely can't be blown up much more without serious loss of image quality. This photo was a pleasant surprise as I captured the exact moment the ball was fumbled before it had yet been pounced on. I would love to get many more shots like this, just not of a moment that is a negative for the team I'm cheering for. Next time I'll be on the sidelines and have my f/2.8 in hand. Game on!

Project 365: #284 - Copper Top



284 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.



Not every photo is stunning, especially not this one. I chose rather to focus (pun intended) on a technique. I wanted to single out a narrowly defined section of the photo and focus tightly on that. This is a powerful technique because if used properly it can ultimately be what tells the story of a photo. Obviously, there was no story I was shooting for with this photo. It was much more about honing my skill to be able to accurately focus on a predetermined spot and nail it. This photo would have been more appealing had the Duracell been in a pack of Energizer, but I suppose that just leaves room for growth.

Project 365: #283 - Speed of Life

283 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

One tricky technique with photography that still is getting the better of me is capturing motion. Not freezing motion but showing motion within a photo. The simple part is the technical side. You use a tripod and a remote shutter release for many motion captures, but what if you don't have the equipment or time you want to setup the shot? You have to act on the fly! I used the hand rail to steady the camera and do a one-second exposure. It is not perfect but it very much accomplished the desired effect. Improvising is a skill that a good photographer must posess.

Project 365: #282 - Wedding Cake

282 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

At the 7th and final wedding of the year for me, I finally got a kick@$$ photo of a beautiful wedding cake. It's not that there weren't others, but there was not a cake at every wedding and I somehow missed them altogether at others. But this one spoke to me, "Take the photo!" Ok, that was way too dramatic, but I'm sure the point was made. Just look at this cake. It is so elegant and yet simple. The colors of the flowers that is set on give the whole piece an unbelievable look. There is often times no need for a complicated and elaborate cake, at least not when you have this kind of cake. It was so good looking, it pained me that it was going to be eaten at all.

Project 365: #281 - The Drink

281 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

It's interesting how visually appealing adult beverages can be. Take for example this Mai Tai. It has an enchanting warm tone to it accented by a contrasting slice of lime and a cherry. It is all too simple, but sight is the first sense we utilize to determine the experience of eating or drinking. If this beverage did not excite my eyes, I may never have enjoyed the taste. Photographing food and beverages is a real art and I intentionally chose a softer focus for this particular shot. After all, have enough of these and your vision will in fact become hazy.

Project 365: #280 - Snoops

280 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

While on my recent trip to Nor Cal, I had the pleasure of meeting this little guy nicknamed, Snoopy. He is Lupe's nephew and is rather shy. However, just as with any other toddler, they all have their button you can push to get them to play nice with the camera. It was not without its challenges though. He was less than excited for the most part but it made getting this photos and the few others worth it. All you need to is look at those big, brown eyes of his and you'll agree, he is a cute kid. I'm glad that I got to do this impromptu photo shoot and can't wait to get the photos finished to show the rest.

Project 365: #279 - Uptown

279 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

There are few scenes so iconic in Uptown as this one at the corner of Hennepin and Lake. It is the hub of the hustle and bustle that you will find in the vibrant, young area of Minneapolis. Not only is it a fun area to spend an evening anytime of year, it also makes for some cool photos. The lights, the building and the people never leave me wanting for a better opportunity. There is plenty of untapped shots for me to grab, and I anticipate taking a closer look at the details in my next romp in Uptown. So, here is just a taste of the Twin Cities nightlife. If you don't yet think that Minnesota has some of the best things going for it in the midwest, you soon will. I'll see to that!

Project 365: #278 - Good Music

278 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I love the opportunities I've had to use photography at work. We are having our annual charitable giving campaign and we needed a group shot of the band kicking it off. Now, the location we had did not provide for the best of lighting nor the easiest of bouncing flash. However, it made for kind of a cooler effect than I might otherwise have dreamed up. Is this the best of the shots? Hardly! I am saving those for the kickoff signage, which I am sure will be made public in the near future. I am grateful for the chance to grow a skill in new and different ways and am very much energized by moments like the one I had shooting this.

Project 365: #277 - Forest Perspective

277 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

One of the joys of fall is the amazing colors that are present. You get oranges, yellows, browns all mixed with the last of the green holding on. One tool of the trade I've been looking to master is using wide-angle lenses to create photos where the subject is coming at the viewer in a quasi 3D way. You just need to get as close as possible to the subject with the lens at its widest point. It works really well at giving uniteresting subjects a little something extra. However, I would not recommend using this technique with portraits unless you want your subjects to have unrealistically large noses.

Project 365: #276 - Mouse on Wheels

276 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

A few weeks back I bought a Oliver a motorized mouse. He just has so much energy and I don't have all the time in the world to be constantly playing with him. He gets A LOT of play time and attention, but it never is quite enough. So this mouse you turn on and it goes around in random circles like a mouse who has a few screws loose. He Oliver loves it but keeps knocking it over so I still end up and down getting the mouse turned right-side up. Well, if I am going to have a mouse in my house, I figured a better get a picture of it. He looks evil or at least mischeivious.

Project 365: #275 - Corner Pocket

275 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

This photo is not new at all. In fact, I sort of see at as Part B to the one I had a couple days ago. I intentionally focused again on forcing myself to look at the subject from a more unique perspective. As I look at this photo again, I can't help but think this is taken from the perspective of a drunk man who is in the process of stumbling or passing out. It is all too appropriate an angle too because of the setting of the pool table in my man cave that happens to have a bar and stocked fridge. Although I am rather excited about the photo and the achieved perspective, I strongly hope that I nor my guests never see this view firsthand.

Project 365: #274 - First Dance

274 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I was not yet on duty for the evening as their photographer was locked down through the first dance. However, do you think that was going to stop me from catching this moment?! Nope. I'm so glad I did have a camera out and eye ready. This may be my favorite first dance photo I've taken and I have taken ones as the pro and guest that I love. There was something almost perfect about the lighting and angle at that exact moment that I don't think even the best of photographers can stage. The flash was not on (so as not to be rude to the pro) so this was all available light. I really do enjoy photos that do not require any additional light than that already present. It gives this photo that "X" factor.

Project 365: #273 - The Cue's View

273 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

On the first day my pool table was setup I had to commemorate the occasion with a photo. This specific photo is all about angles and perspectives. I wanted to capture the essence of the game as much as I did the table itself. So I spent some time creating the shot and looking at the scene from all angles. After a bit, I stood back and thought about more unique perspectives; ones that aren't normally noticed. When you play pool you look at the angles and balls all the time but not quite from directly behind the cue ball. So that was my chosen angle. Then I just had to play with DoF to get the look and feel and there you go. How many times will I have to remind myself that if I just force myself to try new angles. Be creative!

Project 365: #272 - Trapped

272 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I don't know which part of this photo is more pathetic. Oliver hates, and I mean HATES, being in the cage. So those sad eyes could be for that or they could be because he somehow knew he would no longer have all his man parts. You can almost sense the gloom and hopelessness my poor cat felt. I on the other hand did in no way share his negative attitude. Instead I saw it as a wonderful opportunity to photograph and I have yet to experience a time where I can be anything but happy with a camera in my hand. Too bad my cheerful spirit didn't rub off on him but at least I got my photo.

Project 365: #271 - Miniatures

271 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Although I do not have a dedicated macro lens, there really are only few opportunities that exist where I would benefit from it. This photo actually supports the argument against getting a macro lens. It's not because I absolutely love how close I was able to get but that getting closer would not be ideal. You can already see the imperfections in the painting of the figures. Why would I want those magnified anymore? Plus, if I employ the use of free-lensing, I can emulate rather well the macro effect. Miniatures are just that, miniature, and that is exactly how I want this photo to be portrayed.

Project 365: #270 - Minneapolis Dusk

270 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I caved and used my Incredible 2 for this shot, but I really had to. Not because I couldn't have rushed off to grab the 7D which was no more than 100 yards away, but because if I had wasted even 30 seconds, the sky would not have looked exactly as it did in this moment. The colors, the clouds and the light aligned to present me with this image and I am rather impressed (yet again) with just how well my 8MP camera phone performed. The image relatively sharp and did a decent job of capturing the perfect exposure. I suppose once in awhile it does not hurt to settle for the lesser option because it may mean the difference between having a good photo at all.

Project 365: #269 - Good Start to the Day

269 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Ok, that title is VERY misleading. No one, and I mean no one, would ever say that their ideal way to begin a day would be by getting lectured by endodontist. I promise, I am not such a photo nut that I bring my camera to the dentist's office. I took this photo along with others to go on the website for their practice. It definitely provided different challenges, but I learned a lot about operating in places that do not provide optimal angles or light. In these situations you really do need to understand how to use your equipment and improvise. I have a few more business shoots lined up and am excited to see what I can do.

Project 365: #268 - Modern Fonz

268 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Photography has already allowed me some pretty cool opportunities. One of these has been getting to do shoots with two natural models. Their mom has taught them well but it's obvious they were born knowing the right looks and stances. Emanuel i8s the younger between him and his sister, but he is a natural beyond his years. I rarely have to ask him to do too much with posing. He seems to just know what kind of look I'm aiming for. For this particular shot I was going for a flashback pose. I couldn't help but think Happy Days as I snapped the shot. I really enjoy themed shoots or creating a theme out of an otherwise mundane setting. I should really look to make that a bigger part of my photo shoots with clients to give them more of that WOW factor.

Project 365: #267 - Bouquet

267 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Dana and Stacy's wedding was amazing. Beautiful bride, perfect day, excited groom and family and friends. I had photographer ADD, finding it hard to focus onj any one thing that really caught my eye. That was the case until I saw Stacy's bouquet. It was perhaps the most stunning array of flowers and colors I've seen. Obviously, it was rather memorable as the picture of the day isn't of the bride but of her flowers. Lame? Yeah, but I just couldn't help myself. I just think that the details are what makes a wedding truly special and these flowers added to one of the most special days.

Project 365: #266 - Cat and Mouse

266 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I've made a conscious effort of taking different photos of Oliver, not just of his face or anything typical. Rather, I am aiming for the details as in this photo. He loves his catnip infused mouse. He has played with it for hours. The best thing I may have done is attaching it to his scratching post. This photo like no other highlights his enormous paws. That mouse is no little mouse and his paw covers it almost completely. He just keeps getting bigger and bigger and I keep finding new ways to photograph him. I just need to make sure I never stop looking for new ways to capture a good shot of him.

Project 365: #265 - Available Light

265 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

My apologies to all my followers. I have gotten WAY behind and have every good reason for it but still have dropped the ball. I have a goal of being completely caught up by the end of the coming weekend. This photo is interesting to me in that it is very much abstract. I had just cleaned out my other bedroom and noticed the light coming in between the blinds, creating this cool shadow on the hardwood floor. This is not typical of my ideal photo, but on this evening it struck me the right way. I had to play with the settings to get the deisred look, and in the end, I think I learned quite a bit about how to capitalize with minimal light.

Project 365: #264 - Future Gymnast

264 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

One of my favorite things about my job is all of my coworkers who bring in their newborns and toddlers. It's like crack to me when I hear a baby coo when I have my camera on me. Not only is it another opportunity to practice, but I really just love taking photos of kids. This little one was no different. She kept stretching and contorting her legs with a smile on her face the whole time. Those beautiful blue eyes were even more stunning in person. Sometimes my favorite shots are the unplanned and more authentic photos and this was definitely one such moment.

Project 365: #263 - 40D

263 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I don't think that I give enough love to my gear. Without it none of the photos I've taken would be possible. Although I've upgraded to the 7D, my 40D served me well. It has really accurate focus and handles ISO's well above 800 with ease. It currently is my backup camera, sitting in my bag patiently waiting to be called into emergency service. I just feel bad that I have such a fine camera just idling. It is a shame, but I know that if ever I need it, I will be SO thankful to have it. I just hope it's not expecting to get used over the 7D for any other reason. There really is a significant difference between the quality of the two.

Project 365: #262 - Reflection

262 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Yes, I know. I have taken a lot of photos of Oliver. However, with this photo, I loved the reflection in the window. I wish truly understood the appeal of reflections in photos, but there is something enticing. As Oliver gets older, he has actually become more difficult to photograph. He loves running and playing, which makes focusing a real challenge, even using the AI Servo mode. He is just a very quick cat. So, of course I'll take every opportunity I can to shoot him while he is being still. This was not the first photo of him and I will guarantee it is anything but the last.

Project 365: #261 - Family Photo

261 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Kids honestly are my favorite thing to shoot. They can be very tricky to get a good shot of, but I think that's one thing I really like. I love the challenge! Even more than that I love working for the shot and knowing I nailed it. Family photos with little ones can be tricky because the parents (usually) cooperate, but the little one seems to look everywhere but at the camera. Well, as you can see, I got at least one family phot I love for these three. I got a lot more in reality, but I felt a sense of victory after this photo. Ariana is one of the cutests kids I know, even when she may not be in the mood to be the subject of a photo shoot. She still smiled as big as ever!

Project 365: #260 - The Gerbers

260 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I had an absolute blast shooting my first wedding last Saturday. I cannot thank Sara and Josh enough for giving me the opportunity to capture their beautiful wedding. I learned A LOT, and I will be better for it. This is one iof my favorite photos from the day. Sara was so stunning in her dress and both of them were giddy with excitement. It is their joy I wanted to capture more than anything and this photo does that so well. I have a ton of photos to sift through and sort but I can't wait to give them their finished product. So now that I have one under my belt as lead photographer, who is looking for a photographer for their wedding? I have a few spots open!

Project 365: #259 - Cold Little Bear

259 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

On the night of the wedding rehearsal dinner, this little one captured my attention. She was so adorable in her fleece coat. She is at that ideal age to where she is mesmerized by the camera, so getting her to look into the lens couldn't be easier. It was a mighty cold night for this time of year so she soon grew tired and ready to be in where it was warm and comfortable. Before she went in I captured this shot. Kids are still my favorite to photograph, because of the authenticity of the photos you get. I can't pose them even if I wanted to, but who needs to when you get expressions like this without any work.

Project 365: #258 - Leaving Summer Behind

258 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

It is inevitable, but still a sad day. That day is the day you see a dying leaf who has parted from the branch of a tree. Here in Minnesota that is one of the easiest ways to know fall is here and winter is not far behind. You can also see in this photo that the grass is dying, yet another sign. Rather than try to fight it, I have chosen to embrace autumn in my photography. Even the small leaf in this composition is pretty amazing. So intricately detailed with veins and texture. I will long for summer again, but not before I find all the beauty in fall and even winter this year into next.

Project 365: #257 - The Rock



257 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.



As I drove by Orono High School one day, I spotted this painted rock. It so reminded me of our rocks at Pacific. Similarly, sports teams paint them but obviously the 24/7 competition is not as fierce in high school as it is on a university campus. The bright, vibrant colors had to be a part of my photo project, especially after days of black and white images being processed. As I see this image now, I wish I had taken more time to compose it. The angle is a bit awkward and it's lacking that "X" factor I go after. Even in the photos I don't think of the highest quality, I learn how to make them better.

Project 365: #256 - Black Balled

256 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Ok. Even I am starting to get mildy tired of my use of monochromatic images. But c'mon, how could I not do this photo in black and white?! It is an 8-ball and lacks any color itself. I think the mood of this photo is spot on with my though process that night. I looked at my table with gray slate and mourned that I had not yet placed the beautiful green felt down to enjoy the entire billiard set. It left me a tad bit empty and desolate, very much like this 8-ball must feel. Wow, that was a touch more dramatic than I intended. But I really do want to get my felt laid so I can play some pool. The time is coming soon!

Project 365: #255 - Field of Golden

255 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Ah, the golden hour, that hour before sunset that produces the most pleasing light for photographs. As I've stated many times before, this time of day is my favorite for photo shoots. I also try to take my daily photos as close to this point as possible, which soon will not be an option as 4pm will be ideal and I'll still be in an office. That is why I have made such an effort this summer to use it to my advantage. It allows for silhouettes, even of blades of grass. I just think that these shots are incredible and would love to JUST shoot during these times, but that would leave 23 perfectly good hours to go to waste. Unacceptable! If only 23 hours a day could look like this.

Project 365: #254 - Pepper 'n' Salt

254 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Sometimes the simplest and most unexciting objects can hold inspiration for a photo. I mean, really, who thinks, "Wow, salt and pepper shakers could be a cool photo." Me, apparently! This shot, although looking like there was special setup involved, required no backdrop or lighting apart from that in my kitchen already. Seriously, nothing special. I was blown away how clearly this came out with just one shot. I think that black and white is the only way too shoot this. After all, salt is white and pepper is a blackish tint to it. Boring objects can make for some intriguing subjects to photograph!

Project 365: #253 - Fired Upon

253 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Some of the single best photos I've taken are not staged. Nothing could be less planned out than a paintball to the face. The look on his face is one of humility, as he realized he is a beaten man. I shot the entire day with just the zoom lens so focus was my paramount concern. I really think the focus on the eye could not have been much better and was the proper spot to focus. I like the difference between his left and right eyes; one covered up by the paint and the other can be clearly seen. Perfect focus is tricky on an overcast day with a handheld camera and zoom lens, but if you can calm your hands and body, it is doable.

Project 365: #252 - Friday Pick-me-up

252 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I am not a big coffee drinker, but it has its place and purpose. This was no truer the case than a couple of Fridays ago. I was dragging, I mean really dragging. If had not been for an infusion of a Venti Skinny Iced Caramel Macchiato I would have been a goner. Not to the extreme, but I would have been dozing. It was a slow day across the office, so Starbucks could be seen on every other desk. I had to show my thanks to the Evil Empire by including a product shot as part of my Project 365. For without them and there sinfully good addictive beverages, I might have missed a day's photo.

Project 365: #251 - Dinner Setup

251 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Another very important prep shot is what you are seeing in this photo. I needed to practice shooting the kind of shots that inevitably would be included in the wedding photos. There are few shots that people almost always see in a wedding collection, but the table setups are constants. Now, this ended up not being the way I preferred to capture this sort of scene at the wedding reception, but I do think it has its place in a more formal collection. This is natural light, well "natural" in that I used no flash. It still amazes me what my 50mm lens can do. Soon, I hope to do a more elaborate setup like this. Once wedding season is over that is!

Project 365: #250 - Sprinkles

250 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I am not sure when cupcakes became the big fad they are, but it seems like anywhere any kind of food is being served, they will be present. Not that I am complaining at all. not only are they my newest secret guilty pleasure, but they are also quite pleasant to photograph. This is especially so in the case of the ones in this photo. Anytime you can add multiple colors to a delicious treat, it's pure photo magic. Ok, maybe that's a bit of overkill, but at very least this shot does the cupcake justice. I am getting hungry just looking at it. Is it wrong that I would want to just eat off the frosting and sprinkles?!