Project 365: #364 & 365: The Final Two

Let me start this post by apologizing. I am so sorry I was unable to keep up with the daily posts. In fact, over the last couple months I didn't even put all of the photos on Flickr for you all to enjoy. However, I learned a very valuable life lesson as a result. Ultimately, there are more important things to me in this life than a photo project or photography. Do not misunderstand though, I still took a photo every day and worked on developing myself with each photo. It's just that as the year progressed, I suddenly had a far fuller plate than I ever had envisioned just a year ago. I went to a total of seven weddings including shooting my first of what I hope is many more. I was able to go on a mission trip to Belize, travel back to California four times to see my family and travel within the region countless times. I bought my first house and got a sweet but needy cat. As summer turned to fall, I was blessed with more photo shoots than I could ever have planned for. And in the last month I've been blessed to meet an amazing girl. I made a decision back in the end of October that I was going to spend my time doing things that mattered most to me and with those that mattered most to me. I knew there would be hits to other things I was doing, like taking classes or posting on my blog, but it was the best thing I could have done. Throughout life we all make decisions about how we spend our time. I encourage each of you to really think about whether what you are doing with your time is in line with what and who you care about.

Ok, now that I'm off my soapbox, I did want to share with you my last two photos of the year. It has been incredible to look back over the year and remember each photo and the many stories that will forever be linked to many of them. The last one, the one of the moon in the night sky looking toward the southwest side of Calhoun, is one of my favorites of the year. It may not be breathtaking, but the fact that I was on a walk with Sarah around the lakes on a nearly 50 degree night on January 10th is what makes it memorable. Talk about a once in a lifetime type memory. I don't know that any of us in Minnesota will ever see this kind of night this time of year ever again. The 365 photos aren't just a project I was doing. They are my memories of the year that was, and what an amazing year it really was!

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.