Project 365: #202 - Watermelon Pride

202 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

On Thursday we had our annual watermelon-eating contest at work. Team Strom really upped the ante this year by support Melissa with T-shirts that spelled out her name and all wearing watermelon bandanas. Damon was just one such member but he wore it so well and joyfully so I couldn't not use him as my photo of the day. This shot was taken with my zoom lens and I was reminded how amazingly sharp the photos are with it. I mean, you can see the individual details of every single hair on his face when zoomed into 100%. I'm still blown away by its capabilities and need to continue using it as much as possible since it may very well be the most valuable lens I own for weddings.

Project 365: #201 - Baby Nora

201 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Staying in the black and white world, I was delighted to meet Nora. She is an absolutely gorgeous little girl and I intentionally had my camera at work that day. I had limited time and far from ideal lighting situations but I really love this photo. It is a tender mom and her baby moment and it can happen anywhere, even in the office. I did do a bit of editing to get a softer feel and optimal lighting considering what I was working with, but honestly not all that much needs to be done with a beautiful little a girl as the subject. I am looking forward to doing a "Capella Moms and Children" photo shoot in the near future.

Project 365: #200 - Black Beach

200 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

After a busy week, I'm finally catching up on an interesting week's worth of photos. I think it only appropriate to start off with my favorite from the week. As I walking around Medicine Lake I happened upon the beach on the northern shore. It had a few umbrellas like the one in the photo, and it almost gave me a sense of being on a tropical island. Now, no matter how I tried to allow myself to go there, I could not because the mosquitos made sure of that. But, the scene grabbed me and I went into photographer mode. I caught a few stares as I had to stand on the table to get the angle I wanted. I really want to play with black and white A LOT more in landscapes.

Project 365: #199 - Spider Work

199 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

While outside last night changing a lightbulb, Monte yelled for me to check out this hideous creature. It was a rather large spider. And it was hard at work building a huge web. Despite it being one of the darkest nights of the month, I knew I just had to get a photo. So, I did that which I rarely do. I utilized my on-camera flash. I know, it was a shock to me as well. But, it was needed to illuminate this ugly thing and it worked really well. Although I hate using it in 99.9% of all photos, man does it come through for that minutest of photos.

Project 365: #198 - Leading Worship

198 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

One of my personal favorites to shoot is the worship band at church. It challenges me to capture moving subjects in constantly varying lighting. It also presents an opportunity for me to try out any number of settings to produce different moods and feelings in photos without feeling pressure under limited time. After all, I get to shoot this every Sunday so if I miss something or want to try something new, my next opportunity is only 7 days away. Plus, by practicing I can offer my services to bands once I have better mastered the art of shooting live music.

Project 365: #197 - Sold!

197 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Never have I looked upon a "SOLD" sign with such joy. I am glad I do because the photo itself, I could take it or leave it. But I was so excited when I drove up to the house and saw the sign updated, I had to get a photo. I don't dare get started on the quality of the photo but what it represents more than makes up for its lacking. I have wanted to own a home for awhile but recently saw that dream as a possibility. I had hoped to be looking by the big 3-0 but never thought I'd buy one by then. Well, come August 26th, keys will be in hand and I will be a home owner.

Project 365: #196 - Midday Snack

196 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

So, I like squirrels. Yes, I know they are just rats with bushy tails but they are much friendlier looking. At the team picnic on Friday I spotted this guy munching on some crumbs. To my amazement he didn't so much as flinch when I moved to ward him. I have never even dreamed of getting so close and being able to take this photo without my zoom lens. My 50mm got a photo it may never come so close to getting again. Sometimes just having a camera on you can be the best way to ensure you capture shots you normally wouldn't. It doesn't even have to be any special kind of lens you use either. As with life, so goes photography. Be prepared.

Project 365: #195 - Abstract Plant



195 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.



It's not often when I choose to photograph in a more abstract way, but weather helps make that decision a bit more readily made. It was a real scorcher and there were storms to boot. So, inward I looked and decided to shoot this plant my roommate has from a new angle. It rarely occurs to me to photograph things from below but it is really cool to see things in a new perspective. It is as if you are seeing things from a toddler's perspective. Everything looks so big a beyond your reach. It is always a good reminder for me to try new vantage points and angles rather than getting comfortable with what I know.

Project 365: #194 - Hard at Play

194 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

This group photo was taken at work while I was shooting for "serious" group photos for an awards ceremony. One thing about Capella is that we have our fair share of characters who enjoy a good time. This team is no different and specifically asked for a crazy photo. Who am I to turn down people who are comfortable playing around in front of a camera?! I used my flash and diffuser on this shot and I still am yet to be disappointed. The lighting turned out really well, giving me shadows and even lighting. That is a photographer's goal, or at least the goal of this one.

Project 365: #193 - I Love the Light

193 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I know this has been a recent theme, but I best soak up the light while I can. Not only does it last a bit longer in the summer, but it also happens between 7:30 and 8 as opposed to 4 and 4:30 as it does during the winter. The funny things with this photo is that the lens actually is fogged up because of how hot and humid it was. I remember that in the winter going from cold outside to warm inside but never gave it any thought with the steam bath outside going to a cool, dry inside. Well, it made for some rather cool composition, color and lighting.

Project 365: #192 - Welcome Back Mater

192 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

So before I go much farther into this post, I must acknowledge that some viewers may have seen more than their fare share of Mater. Well, I'm sorry to say that this is not the last you will see. Not even close. One of the challenges I've presented myself with is photographing a single subject in different ways. It is not an easy endeavor. However, for this one I simply changed his setting. It gives him a different scale than the others. You can now see what his size is relative to other everyday objects. I find it interesting how placing the same subject near different objects can change to whole mood and feel of a photo. Where will Mater show up next??

Project 365: #191 - Back in Minnesota

191 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

After trying to sleep in on Saturday, I felt a real need to get outside and shoot. It was warm but no worse than Belize. It was a picture-perfect day with green grass, blue sky and white,fluffy clouds. Yep, I said "fluffy". I gained a major appreciation for my underutilized wide-angle lens while in Belize and was excited to see what I could capture. I really like how it makes the sky seem to have a dramatic perspective to it and can help suck viewer into the photo. It is amazing what a great landscape shot it can help me capture. I think it needs to be my new favorite lens anytime I'm shooting nature, buildings or scenic views.

Project 365: #190 - Feline Fan

190 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I knew I had a special connection with Oliver before this, but Sunday while visiting him, he kept getting glued to the TV watching baseball. He was unlike most kittens who chase the ball. He literally sat and stared for minutes upon minutes. So we moved his scratching post platform in front of the TV and he got right up and watched the game. It was hilarious, but I knew then that he was MY cat. I can see a lot of evenings ahead watching baseball. He is amazing in that he can go from crazy, wild kitten to calm and mellow within seconds. It's unlike anything I've seen. Only about a month left and he and I will be in the new house... watching Dodgers and Twins baseball.

Project 365: #189 - Ian's Recap

189 of 365 a video by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Only my second "video" but my first one from the 7D. This was taken in the airport in Miami as we waited to board our flight back to Minneapolis. For still motion video where the subject doesn't move forward or backward, the 7D and 50mm lens a great option. I do have A LOT of learning to do with video, but it is nice to know I have the equipment I need to shoot video. The sound is not at all the quality I want and there is an off camera mic in my future but that will come in good time. It was really cool to listen to Ian and the other students share a bit about their experience. Enjoy!

Project 365: #188 - Caribbean Bliss

188 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

When I think of an ideal photo, it looks something like this in my mind. I love the colors of the Caribbean Sea. They are literally unlike anything you can see in all but a very select few places on Earth. Having a wide-angle lens with such good glass produces such vivid colors and I was foaming at the mouth as we approached the spot where we snorkeled. I really like the perspective I was able to get to show angle and scale by where Lisa was in the frame. The only thing I wish I had was a polarizing filter to cut out the glare and see even better below the ocean. I know it will be some time before I get back so I soaked up every minute and took every shot I could. It is in these moments I think of how awesome it would be to be a travelling photographer.

Project 365: #187 - E1

187 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

So I absolutely loved Ellis; she loved the camera. However, Evangeline stole my heart. It was probably because she didn't give affection freely. I had to work and not just for a smile or hug but for her to look at the camera. Seriously, every time I had a great photo opp she would turn her head toward something else and not turn toward me or the camera. Even with coaxing from others it was a chore. But when I was lucky enough to capture the fleeting moment where she would grace the lens with a quick glance, it was magical. She is a gorgeous little girl with a personality that I have rarely seen in a young child. She was full of wonder and life and so, so precocious. She is one amazing little girl!

Project 365: #186 - Brown Eyes

186 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

In Gales Point the kids were absolutely adorable and full of life. This beautiful girl had a really cute personality and lit up for the camera. I really love the rawness of this photo. It captures the whole mood of what was going on at that moment and you can see the joy in her eyes. I really wish I could have put a photo up of every single kid in the village. They were just a bundle of joy and energy and were more a blessing to me than I could have ever thought to be to them. I just hope and pray for the chance to see them all again.

Project 365: #185 - Kenny

185 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

On the second day of VBS, I noticed Kenny, the pastor of the church that we served at in Gales Point, standing at the door. It was just this moment that stood out and I instantly saw as a photograph waiting to happen. There is something about the combination of lighting and the look on his face that caught my eye. Kenny's heart for his church is awesome to watch in action. He is a young man doing far beyond what you might expect or think someone in their early 20's might ever do. It was a blessing to be around him last week and I am thrilled to see and hear how God uses him to impact Gales Point.

Project 365: #184 - Playing in the Water

184 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

This is without a doubt one of my favorite photos I've ever taken. Now that could be because it is a part of my favorite session ever. While in Belize I had the honor of doing a photo shoot for John and Mel, the missionaries we stayed with. Them and their two beautiful little girls, Evangeline and Ellis, are an amazing family. Evangeline and Mel were playing in the water for this part of the shoot and it is just a really cool and authentic moment. I know I will remember this shoot, but more importantly the family for as long as I live. Their heart to serve God was infectious and I was so excited to be able to serve them in this small way. I hope I have many more opportunities to use photography to bless others in similar ways.

Project 365: #183 - Haunted Beach

183 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I'm back and have over a week of photos to come. Ok, so that is somewhat of a misleading title. It is not haunted to the best of my knowledge. However, look closely at the photo and you may think you are seeing a ghost. It is a result of the long exposure to capture this photo. One of the students was in front of the camera and moved during the exposure, creating the appearance of a ghost. It's a rather cool effect that I will most certainly be intentionally experimenting with down the road.

Project 365: #182 - Wooden Fence

182 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

This photo was not taken because I absolutely loved the fence. Rather, I took it because it was the ideal lighting. Lighting is the key to getting the perfect photo, at least in my humble opinion. The lighting this time of day is so soft and provides the coolest look. You can get a well-exposed subject AND a wonderfully exposed background. This is especially important when using my 50mm lens because of the blurred background I want. So, whether it is a fence or a beautiful model, this photo is about my favorite light. I will be off the grid for the next week but stay tuned for some absolutely amazing photos of Belize next weekend.

Project 365: #181 - Service

181 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Today was the second day of the anual Aquatennial Plaza Tennis Classic held downtown as part of the many Aquatennial events each summer. It's pretty cool to be walking downtown Minneapolis and see a tennis match on the corner. Not exactly what you'd call a common sight, but very entertaining. So yesterday after seeing a match in progress, I made a point to bring the camera with me as I watched a little bit today. I had a photo in mind and was able to capture it almost completely as I envisioned except for the protective netting. Still, it was a cool photo and a rare one at that for me. Getting out to sporting events has not happened nearly as often as I would have anticipated. It has become that much more important that my camera is on me at all games I might go to. Anyway, here is today's action shot of the day!

Project 365: #180 - More Colors of Summer

180 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I know in most of my photos this summer there have been a grwat multitude of colors whether in flowers or fireworks. This most likely is because of the lack of color present during the cold winter. It's almost like my eyes are drawn to the colors like a magnet is to paper clips. I just appreciate it so much more living in Minnesota than I ever could in California. Even the most simple of lawn ornaments can catch my eye. Although I have gravitated towards many colors in photos, do not think for a second that will change much until they seemingly disappear beneath the white blanket of snow. Oh no. I said the "S" word. It'll be here too soon!

Project 365: #179 - Picture in Picture

179 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

In an attempt to take a unique photo, I decided that I'd photograph a picture. Now although this a masterpiece, I cannot claim credit. I actually was drawn to it because of its simplicity, while still being clearly distinguishable as a cow jumping over a moon. Obviously it has very simple lines and shapes and I even went as far as to remove the color. I was trying to highlight the shallow depth of field and give it a softer more natural feel. This kind of photo will undoubtedly be common in wedding shoots with name cards and the like so I thought it was a good time to practice. I must admit that I have been a bit distracted getting ready for Belize but it will not stop me from getting a picture taken.

Project 365: #178 - Colorful Boom

178 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

'Twas the 4th of July and I had plenty to shoot. Fireworks everywhere. Although I really enjoy photographing them, they are extremely tricky to perfect. This photo is nowhere near what I want ideally but I absolutely love the colors and textures. In a perfect world I'd have a better composition with the horizon defined and some other elements to frame it. This photo is of multiple bursts as you might be able to tell from the variances of fireworks that overlap. It's cool what a remote shutter release and a tripod can do. Good thing yesterday marks more of a beginning to firework season than an end.

Project 365: #177 - Grill Master KAL

177 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Tonight after church we all headed out to Ezra's for some bonfire action and some grilling on the fire. Well KAL took right to it looking like she had been doing this style grilling for years. However, this is the single most creative way I've seen to grill hot dogs. Pitchforks it turns out make for excellent hot dog grilling utensils. I mean, there is not many other devices that so perfectly fit 5, yes 5, hot dogs. None of this one or two prong stuff. KAL was kind enough to pose with the hot dog loaded pitchfork. It almost looks like it could be an ad for Fleet Farm. Ok, maybe that's a bit harsh, but seriously, can't you just see it?!

Project 365: #176 - Carnival Lights

176 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I have been waiting on pins and needles for this weekend. Not just because I get Monday off or just for fireworks. Fourth of July weekend is also a prime weekend for festivals and carnival rides. There are a good deal of carnival rides scattered throughout the region, but Delano's 4th of July Celebration is one of the oldest, if not the oldest in the state. Although I do enjoy a good ride now and then, it was the photograph opportunities that carnivals provide. Bright, colorful lights and a lot of motion can make for a lot of fun photos. I was not at all let down tonight. In fact for just the third time in the 176 days to this point, I could not pick just one. So, you get to see a sampling of the photos. Enjoy!

Project 365: #175 - Brand Recognition

175 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

It's pretty crazy that you cannot go anywhere without seeing this logo. I mean, we aren't talking about 50+ year old companies, but rather a coffee company that came into the mainstream just over a decade ago. We are al so programmed to think coffee when we see this logo. Brand recognition really is a powerful tool. Maybe that's why this made photo of the day. Not many things stand out in quite the way a Starbucks' logo can. So to all you Caribou loyalists, my sincerest apologies. There are still 190 photos to go this year so there may be room for it still.

Project 365: #174 - Worlds Collide

174 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Never before have Buzz Lightyear and Mater shared a scene, but that all changed last night in my latest series of Pixar related photos. I was have creative block last night and just tried various angles on Mater and nothing struck my fancy. That is about the time I remembered Buzz. Suddenly the creativity started flowing. I could develop a simple scene just by messing with depth of field and position of the toys. I especially enjoy the reflection of Buzz on the hardwood floor. Ah, the small details are my favorite. Now if only I can get Nemo into the mix.