Project 365: #224 - Just Married

224 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

I love shooting weddings but Vegas has sokmething any other location just doesn't. I can have a shoot at nearly limitless themed locations. I have always been a fan on Caesar's Palace and its architecture. I really like the look of both Dusty and H in this photo. Both are looking relaxed, cool and collected, but let's be honest; they had plenty else on their mind. I would love to do more photos, wedding or not in Vegas. This shoot just barely scratched the surface of what awesome photos can be taken all over town. Who wants to come to Vegas for a photo shoot?

Project 365: #223 - One-String Guitar

223 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

It almost seems like a song title rather than that of a photo, but I really thought this particular guitar had character. It belonged to my roommate's dad and is just in need of a little TLC. I have no doubt it is a high quality instrument that if it could talk would tell some pretty amazing stories of people and places. It's like an old man, hanging on by just a thread but hanging on very tightly. It's got scratches and weathering but the sound it can make could cause a grown man to weep. It had ton be done in black and white to give it the desired feel and man, I think it gave it just the punch it needed. I can see this on my wall.

Project 365: #222 - Summer Treat

222 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

At youth group on Wednesday, the kids were treated to one of my personal favorites, rootbeer floats. The sight of each of the slurping down the rootbeer reminded me of my childhood. There was not a care in the world and elation on my face as I enjoyed the soda/ice cream combo. So, of course, I had to capture the moment. Again, I went more abstract in nature, focusing on the straw. It is all too often the forgotten tool but oh so very important. White can be a tricky color to expose and balance for, but all in all I think this photo conveys the warm, summer mood I was aiming for.

Project 365: #221 - Life Wisdom

221 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

There are few individuals in this world who ever uttered such simple, yet profound words of wisdom. Coach John Wooden was full of them and was always imparting them onto his student athletes. Although any one photo cannot even begin to do him or his words justice, I had to add this photo to the collection. There is nothing flashy or amazing about it, but it presents a strong, firm image of the words of Coach Wooden. The photo, like him, was not about flash but about fundamentals. I need to remember that in photography as with life that it is the smallest of details that matter. Focus on those and the big things will happen.

Project 365: #220 - Minnesota Sunset

220 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

There are few things I enjoy as much as watching the sun set. Yes, I always have rather preferred sunsets that happen into an ocean but I have grown to love sunsets dipping into a lake. They are often framed by trees which adds a whole new dimension, especially when shooting them with a camera. There is the softer, more natural look that I get when taking photos through trees of the sun and its brilliant light. I still long for the day I get to sit and shoot beach sunsets for awhile, but there is nothing that can replace a good Minnesota sunset.

Project 365: #219 - Senior Shoot

219 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Yesterday I had my latest senior photo. For part of it, we hit up Target Plaza by the ballpark. We got quite a few cool photos from around plaza, including the glove statue. This one was taken by the ticket windows and one of my favorites so far. It's really cool how taking photos around the Twin Cities really gives senior sessions that personalization that a studio often times can't. Now come winter I may very well change my tune, but in the summertime there is no way I'd choose a studio. I still have a couple senior shoots left and I'm excited to see how those locations give those photos that spark of character.

Project 365: #218 - Reed

218 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Saturday I had the pleasure of taking pictures of 6 of the cutest kids Capella has to offer. A bunch of Capella moms got together with their little ones and asked me if I'd be willing to take photos. Um, yes. It was a blast and a challenge all at once. I couldn't focus much though because I'd be getting some photos of one and rush to not miss another 6 month old having a moment needing to be captured. This little guy was a big little guy. Only about 7 months and already has had two haircuts and looks closer 2 years old. He kept himself occupied in the bouncer but made sure I knew he was there waiting for his Kodak moments. I love kids but after being around 6 of them, I now know that they are best one or maybe 2 at a time.

Project 365: #217 - Game Time

217 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Ok, I'm kind of excited. Not for pro football but college football. It kicks off for me when the Gophers travel to sunny Southern California to take on my Trojans. Yes, I'm still very disappointed that we have another season of no bowl games, but it will not stop me in the slightest from watching and cheering as they surprise the country. I don't think anyone expects them to even put together a winning record this year, but I see a 10-win season in store. It will all start with a drubbing of the Gophers, but I hope they turn it around and put together a surprisingly good season. The other game I can't wait for is when the Huskers travel to the Twin Cities for their first Big 10 game here. I have only hit on two games of the countless that'll keep us on the edge of our seats. It's going to be a good year for college football!

Project 365: #216 - Homemade Lava Lamp

216 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

As I poured some MiO drink mix into a glass I noticed the way they interacted. It reminded me very much of a lava lamp. There aren't too many times in daily life that this type of thing just happens unless of course you are in a dorm room. That's what I miss about college most. Ok, not really but it was a nice novelty. Anyway, of course I hurried to grab the camera and poured a bit more drink mix. I really like the abstract look this makes. Sometimes the random designs made by natural, or semi-natural, occurrences can make for some fun photos to take. This definitely would not qualify as my favorite type of photo to take, but it's always good to stretch myself beyond my comfort zone.

Project 365: #215 - 80's Tech

215 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

It is a rare day for me when I take a photo of a rather boring, outdated piece of technology. However, on this day I saw something I haven't seen in years, a VCR. Yes, they still exist, albeit in very small quantities. To all the kids born after 1995, these were the machines that played video tapes as opposed to DVD's. Crazy to think there was such a strange contraption. This was a photo that was not about quality subject or composition but about the rarity of what I saw. Who knows if I may ever see one of these again, so I had to document this momentous occasion. You are all welcome!

Project 365: #214 - Kneeling

214 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

On Monday at the church barbecue I saw this little cutie and got camera happy. Shocker, I know. The way she was kneeling in the grass had that "Precious Moments" feel to me. I love being able to capture people and objects when I can isolate them from otherwise busy scene. You would never know there were tons of people around in this photo and that's how I get the photo to have that X factor. She was so content with playing with the blades of grass, she never looked up for about 5 minutes. Kids are just so much fun to shoot as you see them experiencing things we take for grated. There are many more photos of children coming up over the next month or two.

Project 365: #213 - Daydreaming

213 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

During my latest senior photo shoot, we headed to some awesome gardens right on Lake Minnetonka. There were so many amazing opportunities to get beautiful shots. What I really love about this photo is that not only was Halle able to lay on the grass and get some shots she really wanted but the lighting was ideal. It was soft end of day light filtered through tons of trees, creating this perfectly exposed photo. There are many, many more examples of how lighting really impacted this shoot for the better and I will have them all up soon.

Project 365: #212 - Psalms

212 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

On Sunday I was asked to get A LOT of photos at church but of them I think my favorite was this one that I just saw out of the corner of my eye. I really love being able to capture the simplest of moments. Those are the photos that I see as really being aligned with my style. I think the photojournalistic style is my forte and the photos I think are my best, speak to that. I love capturing authentic, unstaged moments of people living life. The good, the bad, the ugly, the exciting and the mundane. It's cool to be able to articulate what I love about photography and can better understand why it is such enjoyment for me. It's my opportunity to share what I see and what really stands out among the infinite number of images I take in daily.

Project 365: #211 - Invited

211 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Since I have the pleasure of shooting Josh and Sara's wedding next month, I figured it made sense to start now with the invitation. Not only was it a logical choice in my mind but it also acted as great practice for the photos I will be taking of things like place settings on the tables at the reception. I think the soft blue in conjunction with the red is a unique but cool color combination. I think it will make for a number of stunning photos at the wedding and of the wedding party. I am both nervous and excited but either way, I can't wait to shoot my first wedding on September 24th!

Project 365: #210 - Running Boy

210 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

This photo comes from one of my fun photo shoots last weekend. Yes, I am a week behind in posting, but that means more per day as I catch up. Anyway, this little guy is a ball of energy and loved running and jumping. And I in turn loved shooting him. He comes by it naturally with his mom and older sister being more than comfortable in front of a camera. I was amazed once again at how well my 7D captures moving subjects even with the shallowest depth of field. I feel an urge to shoot football games this fall. Let's just hope I can fit a couple into my already packed fall.

Project 365: #209 - Crossroads

209, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

This cross has been hanging behind my sofa for over a year and a half and too often I don't take the time to look closely at it, let alone stop and remember what it symbolizes. So on this night I looked close and as I took some photos, I noticed how its design draws your eyes to the spots where nails were. Now, perhaps that is more me seeing it than what the artist intended but it was a great reminder. Jesus died and suffered so that I could live in His grace. So how many other reminders do we have in our lives that point us toward Christ that we easily can overlook?

Project 365: #208 - Puppy Love

208 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Here is another shout out to my cell phone. I know I hate on it so but I know that's not fair. Comparing it to my 7D is like comparing a McDonald's hamburger to a steak from Manny's. They just arten't even remotely anywhere near being close to thinking about being in the same league. But man, it takes decent pictures even after getting a dunk in some water. To my 7D, I promise that I will not forget you again when I know that there will be amazing photo opportunities, like dogs.

Project 365: #207 - Cousins

207 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Summer is my time of year. The scene in this photo is only going to be present for less than two months more. Than everything dies and white envelops the landscape. But before that, I will be taking advantage of the awesome beauty of Minnesota. Although this scene is completed by the flowers, trees and other greenery, it would not be possible without the two beautiful girls. Emily and Lizz are stunning and meant to be in front of a camera. They are so comfortable and an absolute blast which explains why Lizz has been in three of my photos this year. Just wait until next week when I get to shoot at a graden and dock on Lake Minnetonka. I'm sure you will see another stunning subject.

Project 365: #206 - Suds in the Tub

206 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Monday evening was as good an evening as any to clean the bathroom, so that is just what I did. Looking at the soap dripping down the walls and off the faucet, I instantly knew there was a photo waiting to be taken. So I grabbed the 7D, added a few more suds and snapped away. I really enjoy how the soap and blue of the tile make this shot look very clean. I think I may like photography just a bit. I mean, how many people see photo opportunities while cleaning a bathroom?! Well I suppose that is a sign that I have found something I enjoy and am passionate about.

Project 365: #205 - Cleaning Up After

205 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

For this shot, I wanted to go for a staged photo. Now, I'm not usually a morbid individual who enjoys looking at crime scenes, but somehow this scene came to me. In case, you were wondering, this is not real blood. I know, you are shocked. Or not. The lighting is all natural coming in through the kitchen window, giving the scene the exact desired feel. It's almost really creepy rather than just semi-creepy and that is something that is tough to artificially create. These kind of photos are few and far between but man are they fun. Next time, I want to stage a scene from a blockbuster movie and see what I can do.

Project 365: #204 - Incredible Light

204 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

No, this not what I would consider "incredible", but wan did my cell phone come in handy. As Saturday night drew to a close, I had not even seen my 7D and was rather preoccupied. However, I had a quick 5 minutes to try to capture my daily photo and the phone was what I had. You want to talk about my eyes darting around to try to spot something even remotely interesting. Well, here is what I got. So, if I have my Top 5, this might very well be a part of my Bottom 5, but it is a photo nonetheless.

Project 365: #203 - Control

203 of 365, a photo by caliguyinmn on Flickr.

Today I decided to go back and try another "product" shot. This one took sometime to get the lighting right because white surfaces can be tricky. This was especialy so because of its reflective nature. To get the lighting in this photo I used my lightbox (of course) and had one diffused lamp on the left with the 430EXII flash on the right. There is nothing exciting about this photo but the shot was technically done well in my eyes. I have started noticing that many of the shots that are stunning are lacking somehow in techical merit and those that are technically sound are kind of dull. I need to better praqctice using both in concert.