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!