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.