Project 365: #173 - St. Paul's Turn

173 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

After showing so much love to Minneapolis, I thought it only fair that I make my way to the other side of the iver and show some love to St. Paul. I have been looking for a good spot to take a solid skyline shot and came across a diamond in the rough. However, to get here meant being devoured by mosquitos. Well, for once, I was ok with it because of the end result. I only had my 50mm on me tonight and a tripod, so the angle is not quite as I would have like ideally, but when I look at the photo I can I say it is a "Top 5" pick so far. The river is sort of interesting, having done a 30 second exposure and the colors in the reflections are better than I could expect. So, here is the St. Paul skyline!

Project 365: #172 - Beautiful Swing



172 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.



Despite appearing in a previous post, Harmon's statue is just too good to only have one. I wanted to change up though this time and use my love of shallow depth of field to show it in a completely unique way. Unlike the last post of the statue, this time flowers had bloomed creating some vibrant colors around it. To me this photo is a sort of memorial to Harmon with the flowers adorning the platform. Additionally, it also is communicating that his memory may fade from our everyday thought but he will never be gone. As I was taking this photo it was awesome to see Dodgers fans surrounding the statue turned memorial. He really did have one of the best swings in the game and had a lasting impact on Twins fans and all of Minnesota.

Project 365: #171 - Big Church

171 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

How is it that I live near two of the most famous catholic churches in the country and haven't yet featured one as my photo of the day. The architecture of these buildings has always captured my attention. They are so intricately done. I suppose in building a house of worship it make sense that you'd probably not cut too many corners. I thought initially today that I'd be satisfied with a standard shot in wide-angle of the basilica. I mean the dome is stunning. But what I caught myself looking at more were the angles when you slightly changed perspective. This photo especially is cool to me because of the smaller building on the left how it is dwarfed by the main building and huge window. Architecture is a difficult subject to photograph in such a way that it is new and appealing but that's why I try.

Project 365: #170 - Roman Rob

170 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

It's funny what photos you end up with in the most random of moments. With this one it was about 2 in the morning and we were all exhausted from a long day of wedding festivities. Obviously I hadn't put the camera away and had to be past the point of annoying. Oh well. I like these kind of times because people aren't smiling for the camera. They just don't care. I think I get more authentic expressions and it's that authenticity I enjoy capturing. After looking at this photo again, it reminds me of Roman sculptures. That look is all too common in busts and full body poses. Rob may be well known for his Scottish heritage, I think he's got some serious Roman blood flowing through those veins.

Project 365: #169 - Session with Sis

169 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I know that when it comes to photography, I can get annoying, at least to friends and family who have to put up with me. My sister humored me while I was home and let me shoot her for just a bit. It was for fun but also to practice with the toughest lighting for me to deal with; high noon sun. It creates very harsh shadows and is near impossible to escape. About 90% of the photos were just not what I wanted. However, there were a few like this one where the shadow on her face was mostly even and the sun washed out the background, which is the desired look. The more I practice the better I'm bound to get, but I still much prefer late afternoon light where you get more shade and flattering light. I'm spoiled too because I can use trees even at noon for shade here in Minnesota. California is a different story altogether.

Project 365: #168 - Wingin' It

168 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

This photo is not something that comes along everyday as an opportunity unless you regularly fly. Well, I don't, at least not more than 4-6 times a year. Despite my lack of available opportunities, I've been waiting for this chance. When else do you get to take a photo from 20,000 feet in the sky. I did really enjoy the deep blue of the sky but was limited on the angle of the photo because of where my seat was positioned. I had to tweak my body to get this. It's cool how from this heights you almost can recognize the curve of the Earth. With two more flights in the next few months, you can bet that I will be trying to improve the composition.

Project 365: #167 - Tickets in Hand

167 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I am less than a week from one of the most exciting games I've had the opportunity of seeing at Target Field. I get to watch my Dodgers play against the Twins at the single best stadium in all of Major League Baseball. The Dodgers have only been here one other time since I moved here in 2006 and at the time, I had not the money to afford even a cheap seat. So, this has been a LONG time coming. I'm very excited to see my boys in blue play live baseball. The only problem, I will be with three of the most diehard Twins fans. Ah, my competitive juices are already bubbling up! Go Dodgers!

Project 365: #166 - June Showers

166 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Ok, now I know I said no more rain photos, but there was one that had yet to be added to the group. What is a good set of rainy day photos without one that focuses on raindrops on a leaf?! At least that's my thought. The only problem is that this photo should have been taken in late April to early May, not late June. This photo evokes thoughts of springtime, not hot summer nights. But that's Minnesota for you. I really enjoy the sharp detail in this photo. Each drop looks so clear. Although I very much wanted a photo of brilliantly colored flowers tonight, I am more than pleased with the photo I was able to get.

Project 365: #165 - Intricate Metal Work

165 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Tonight was an experiment night. Although I was very much intentional about the photo itself, I was more focused on applying a post-processing technique. There is an interesting plug-in for Lightroom that allows you to essentially use layers, a Photoshop tool. I was going for a textured look that makes the photo look like it was much older than it is. There are some minute details I notice that I want to improve in future attempts, but nonetheless it is a usefully powerful tool. I see a number of implications and can see me using this to stylize various shoots. It's funny how a rather small change can create such a unique feel. So, today you get to view a photo unlike anything I have taken to this point.

Project 365: #164 - Lost Keys

164 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

It is not uncommon to lose something whether it be the remote, your way or your mind. But how many of lose our keys... regularly? Well, the keys in this photo were the cause of a good deal of stress for Dusty and me on Friday. We searched H's place frantically trying to find them. We looked everywhere. Well, almost anyway. We eventually gave up believing they were just gone. Wrong. Where they were was among my things in my suitcase. How they got there? Who knows?! It was almost more frustrating finding them as I was unpacking than when we were looking for them. How did we not see the bright red tag? Isn't that why it's there in the first place, so you don't misplace them? Oh well. The lesson learned: some of the best subjects to photograph are those with a backstory.

Project 365: #163 - On Tap

163 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

When you go to one of the finer establishments in a city, I think it's reasonable to expect a substantial number of beers on tap. Well as you can tell, there were four. Just four. Now, to be fair, Woodfire Grill in Davenport is known for their wine list and steak, not beer, but still. At least they had the one beer I default to, Blue Moon. I just thought it was mildly humorous and a good photo. Plus, it sort of looks like a photo you'd see advertising for the bar. This photo could really use some text!

Project 365: #162 - Fowl Lineup

162 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I love this photo. I rarely start off my post with such an exclamation but I think this is deserving. Not because of anything I did but because of the details. Zoomed into 100% the photo is still crisp and the lineup of birds is an awesome composition. My favorite part of the photo is the bird second from the right. He is the only one of the lot with his wings spread. What's even crazier is he stayed that way for nearly a minute and none of the other birds so much as attempted to mimic him. It's as if he knew the camera was on him and he was not going to miss the opportunity. It was one of those moments I almost felt obligated to shoot. I mean, how many times do you see such a lineup?!

Project 365: #161 - Kissing Doctors

161 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

The reason for me going to Davenport was not because I absolutely love the area. It was instead to celebrate the graduation from chiropractic school of two of my closest friends, Dusty and H. It was a blast of a weekend, including the dinner at Biaggi's where this photo was taken. The joy and relief for both of them was rather apparent and rightfully so. They crammed what really should have taken over 5 years into just over 3. It's honestly ridiculous, but I am so proud of them both. I'm excited for them both as they take the next step in their journey together as they move to Norway to practice there for a year, and at this time next year be Drs. Hess.

Project 365: #160 - Longing for the Road

160 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Thursday was a challenge because I had very little time to take a photo. When I left work I embarked my 360 mile journey to Davenport, Iowa. I decided as I was waiting for my car to fill up with gas and my wallet to be completely emptied in the process, I'd pull the camera out and look around. Unfortunately, a gas station in BFE, Iowa does not appeal to me. However, as I sat back in the car waiting still, I looked across and through my passenger window and couldn't help noticing cars going by. It was as if the RAV4 saw cars driving by, envious of them, impatient to get on the road again. So, this was the photo. Nothing flashy nor exciting but the photo that stood out from the small group I got to take that day.

Project 365: #159 - Three Men and a One Year Old

159 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

As promised, may I present to you the newest one year old, Cade Thomas Broom. I took nearly 400 pictures of the birthday boy yesterday, trying to capture his personality as best as I possibly could. I really enjoy this photo because of his smile and how rather appararent the family resemblence is. It's really cool to see the same looks and expression in Cade that you can notice in each of the brothers. I cannot wait to get to the rest of the photos and see what gems I have. In case you all would like a trick of the trade... photograph cute kids with a good disposition. It not only makes for a very enjoyable time, but also creates for some great photos. So, there is my secret. It's all about the kids!

Project 365: #158 - Summer Rain

158 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Ok, even I think my water obsession is getting a little bit much, but I could not resist. How could I possibly turn down a rainy day and all its possibilities. I love the sound of rain and unfortunately that is not something that can be directly communicated through a photo. That being said, when I think of the sound of rain I picture raindrops on a window. So, I decided to play with some depth of field settings in my car this evening while it was pouring outside. I really enjoy the slanted angle that the windshield provides and all the bokeh create by the individual drops. It creates a sort of abstract image. My promise for tomorrow... no rain. Instead be prepared to see a birthday boy!

Project 365: #157 - Fountain of Life

157 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

So you may have noticed over the last few photos that I kind of like water. This isn't a new development for me but has become more apparent this summer already in my photos. I think that is because I go a long time during the winter without seeing water in its liquid form. Ice is great and all but it just sort of sits there, lifeless. Whereas water is fluid, moving and has life to it. It is changing constantly and changing everything it touches. It brings and sustains life. Of course as I was looking through my various photos of the fountain, Bible verses poured into my mind. It's cool how as I have been intentionally taking photos, God has been using the experience to communicate to me His truth and how beautiful His creation is. I must say that as I approach the halfway point of this project, I know I look at things differently. I focus on the little details and can still see beauty in the bigger pictures. Just sort of crazy to see how my perspective has shifted. I'm excited for the rest of the year!

Project 365: #156 - A Bygone Era

156 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Today was one of those days I was grateful to have my camera on me. I've read and heard that the single biggest piece of advice to improve your photography is to have your camera on you as much as possible. It may sound like a rather basic tip, but it has not ceased to amaze me how my favorite photos keep tending toward the ones I take that I wasn't planning on. Today was no exception. I knew opportunities should exist with all the grad parties, but I could never have foreseen there being an elaborate train set in the basement of one of the houses. It was incredible! This photo doesn't even begin to do it justice. It was so thoughtfully designed, down to the most intricate of details in attempt to replicate an actual place as it was 50 years ago. So black and white was the only way to tell the story of this photo. It was a real treasure!

Project 365: #155 - Fun With Water

155 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

On a beautiful summer day like today, there is no place better to go than Excelsior. Today was especially fun because of the annual event, Art on the Lake. People were everywhere. Music was playing. Booths were selling everything from photos to hot dogs. It was a great atmosphere. One booth that especially caught my eye was this one selling these unique sprinklers like the one in the photo. So camera in hand, I snapped away and captured this cool image. I like how in the background there is someone on the lake enjoying their boat. There is something cool about freezing water in time, especially when this sort of design is the result. I'm hoping to mix it up tomorrow with a video using the 7D so be on the lookout for that!

Project 365: #154 - Flowing Falls

154 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

In my five years in Minnesota and countless times at Minnehaha Falls, I had never seen it flowing like it was today. I was so excited. I felt like a kid on Christmas. Why you ask? Because even though I had a brutal headache today, I refused to let it stop me from getting my long awaited long exposure of the falls. Now, I have been there when it was bone dry without so much as a trickle. Well, today it was flowing like category five rapid. Ok, not literally but as close as this creek sees. Not only was it flowing, but it was a beautifully overcast day, meaning I could leave the shutter open for half a second without worrying about overexposing the photo. So, there is not much more to be said. I am one happy photographer with as close to a perfect shot as I could envision. Enjoy!

Project 365: #153 - The Ghostlight

153 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Today was the second attempt at shooting a Mater scene. When I think of Mater, I can't help but picture the ghostlight scene. So, of course, I had to try it out to recreate it at least in part. So I got to use my two flashes off camera. To most this is not a big deal, but I see tons of opportunity in being able to position multiple flash units while triggering them remotely from the camer itself. So much fun! Yep, I've become somewhat of a camera geek. Anyway, here is the resulting photo. There is one flash to the left rear of Mater and obviously the other one is the ghostlight. I do think that the shallow depth of field work again in this shot as it did in the last one. Just a few tweaks are needed for photo three of the the Mater series.

Project 365: #152 - Tender Moment

152 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

At long last, one of the sessions I'd been looking forward to for quite some time was happening. I've known Dana and Stacy since the first week I was in Minnesota. It's kind of crazy to think that it was exactly 5 years ago. They were actually some of my first test subjects I practiced with when I got my 20D and I had been promising them a real engagement session. So, weather cooperated and schedules meshed well. I really think this photo defines the style I want to continue to develop with my photography. It uses the natural lighting to soften the feel of the photo while still maintaing sharp, crisp detail. Although I seem to get one or two spot-on photos like this per session, I really need to practice getting nearly every shot to have the same or similar look. Yesterday was only half of the total shoot with part two to come in the near future, so I will be practicing a lot more on getting back to this type of look. Session preview coming soon!

Project 365: #151 - Tropical Tease

151 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I'm fortunate to have a cool bar and patio in North Minneapolis that goes above and beyond in trying to make it feel like you are in a tropical setting. However, no matter how much I tried to get into the whole mood and pretend, I knew better. I was still in the midwest. Although temperatures exceeded 100 degrees and there were high winds, humidity and fully developed bugs, I knew better. That did not stop me from: a) enjoying friends, food and drinks, and b) taking some sweet photos of the scenery. I do enjoy Psycho Suzi's and imagine that I will return time and time again just so that I can for a brief moment feel like I am on any one of the Hawaiian islands. As this photo illustrates, any lesser man would not be able to tell the difference. Who wants to join me for a Mai Tais?

Project 365: #150 - Random Turtle

150 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

This may be among the last things I expected to photograph today. I went for a walk around the path behind my place to see what interesting subject might present itself. Well the mosquitos made shooting uncomfortable but I hung in there just long enough to come across this guy. He was off the main walking path just chillin' in the middle of the worn dirt path. Quite obviously, he wasn't going much of anywhere all too quickly. So I had time to setup the composition and get the desired shot. Sometimes random surprises pop up and make for a pretty cool photo. Thanks goes to the turtle for taking a stroll!

Project 365: #149 - Baby Toss

149 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

After yesterday's scare, I made sure to get my new "backup". Ok, so my 40D is the new backup but the batteries weren't charged yet. I do feel much better knowing I will have a solid backup waiting if ever anything happens, especially the day of a photo session. Anyway, today was the annual Volunteer Picnic with church. I figured it was a great opportunity to catch people just having a good time. I was not disappointed. Cade, who has made a previous appearance was having a blast today with his dad and this photo sums it up well. He is without a doubt the stud of the little guys at church and a ham for the camera. Typically, he makes a face that would indicate absolute loathing when be tossed, but as this photo exhibits, he loves it. What will tomorrow hold?

Project 365: #148 - Tools of the Trade

148 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Well today I was extremely limited with the photo I could take, but that is mostly my fault. I got a late start and the camera decided it was going to quit on me. So, I literally only took 3 photos before I received the infamous "Err 99" code that I have heard about. It appears to be a shutter issue, but I'm not 100% sure. At least I was able to get a couple shots out of it. So, what you see there is my rocket blower and 17-40 f/4L lens. I was trying a few fixes and changing lenses to see if that helped at all. Unfortunately no such luck. All I know are two things. First, I am going to have to move up my plan to buy a "backup" camera to tomorrow. And second, I am not letting the camera completely control my ability to take and post my daily photo. Ah technology, I love and hate you so.

Project 365: #147 - Boat, Beer and Sun

147 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

In case you had any question as to why I love Minnesota, this picture captures it pretty well. It is not instantly obvious but I was on a boat. This is perhaps one of the single most enjoyable aspects to living here in the summer. Nearly everyone has, or knows someone who has, a boat and you can be assured that we are out on the countless lakes. Mix that with the warmest day of the year and nothing but weekend ahead and it was a good time for a cold beer. With the sun setting in the background, this shot stood out immediately. Now, if you have never thought of visiting Minnesota and this photo doesn't inspire you to do so, I question if I really know you. This is what summer is all about!

Project 365: #146 - Taste With Your Eyes

146 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

As I add more weddings to the mix, I have realized that I need to be able to take good photos of food. I mean, aren't weddings at least half about all the good eats?! Of course! So, I called upon my friend, Allyssa, who is an amazing cook. Just look at the photo. Have you ever seen stir fry look that good? Doubtful. Not only is she an artist in preparing the dish, but she also has a natural gift for getting the best flavors out of every food she makes. It was delicious, to the tongue and eyes alike. I just hope I have an opportunity to do a full session just like this and see my photos in a menu or ad. Anybody need a food photographer?

Project 365: #145 - Artsy Smoke

145 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I seem to be drawn to subjects that aren't by themselves that aesthetically appealing. However, Iam really starting to see things in a totally different way. Anyone who knows me knows that I will never pick up a cigarette, but man do I see something cool when I look at the smoke coming from it. A cigarette is far from what I would consider a pleasing photo, yet somehow I have been able to capture something I rather enjoy. I think the challenge of making unappealing subjects look stunning has been a motivating factor. Now, yes, this has been edited to get the desired effect but this is what I saw when shooting the subject. I still have so much to learn and the more I learn, the more I realize how much I have yet to. The education continues tomorrow!