365 Project - Day 151

"The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people's disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken." Isaiah 25:8

I love that. No wavering. No doubt. Just simply - "The Lord has spoken."

Today was one of those crazy, mixed up days. I went out for a walk, finally. I haven't been able to do that for months, largely due to "the incident", but also due to the weather. And, then it snowed. It's 40 degrees outside and it snows. Will this winter ever end? Photos coming up, I promise, but I had hoped to post photos of birds and signs of Spring, not snow!!

I then felt fantastic about completing a project I've been working for some time. Only to discover that not everyone is as pleased. I'm quite happy with the end product, but you cannot please all of the people, all of the time!

The photo below was taken on Palm Sunday. I looked for palm branches and couldn't find any. So the combination of these amber colored calla lilies and the greenery will have to do. I laid them down to resemble the branches I imagine might have fallen from the hands of the crowd as they assembled upon Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem. Palm branches strewn about in the streets. I laid them on a silver platter that reads "Give me this day my daily bread" (though I know you cannot see the inscription). I also believe it is fitting that this photo falls on this day ... as a reminder that while the situation may not seem to go as I have planned, it is not over until God says it is over. And, His ending is typically quite spectacular. That's what I'm counting on. How about you?

Warm blessings!

Today's Photo: Beginnings and Endings

"In that day they will say, 'Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.' " Isaiah 25:9

365 Project - Day 150

Here's one thing I've come to learn, for certain ... Late night photos, without much sleep are not my best work! It dawned on me very late Saturday night that I had not completed my 365 for the day. I had been tired all the day long. I was cranky and not in the mood to organize and take a photo. Nevertheless, I am committed to this project, so something needed to be done. I had purchased a lot of limes for an Asian Salmon dinner I never had the opportunity to cook. I pulled out the limes, but I had no energy to set up my flash. I chose to light with the light from our kitchen. This turned out to be a bad idea, since the maple cabinetry left an orange cast in the photos. Again, no energy to resolve in the moment, but utterly frustrating. I was living this quote by Charles Bukowski, "Find out what you love and let it kill you."

I did, however, try a variety of different set-ups for the limes and the bowl worked out best. I even shot the bowl again in the morning. I suppose that was just to prove that in the light of a new day (no pun intended), the task could be accomplished properly ;-) A little perseverance on my part. Since I wasn't thrilled with the initial attempt, I converted to black and white. I am sharing both the Day 150 in B&W and my do-over!

I am more than 150 days in on this 365 day journey. I am deeply committed. That commitment is not always the easiest path, yet it is my path. And, I am already better for my persistence. "Commitment is an act, not a word." Jean-Paul Sartre

Best wishes!

Today's Photos: Green Redux

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." 1Timothy 4:8




EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
50mm
f4
2s

ISO 100
50mm
f5.6
1/3

365 Project - Day 149

Hosanna! It is the beginning of holy week. I enjoy the start of this week. Jesus' triumphant ride into Jerusalem, full of excitement, hope and promise. The beginning of a busy, devastating and ultimately triumphant week. We could learn a lot from this week, but mostly this: Do not despair. Trust God. Seek His guidance. Follow His ways. And, it may be complicated, but there is a Sunday coming after our Friday.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Seeking Peace!

"I'm nearly at the end of my rope. Don't turn away; don't ignore me! That would be certain death. If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I'll go to sleep each night trusting in you. Point out the road I must travel; I'm all ears, all eyes before you. Save me from my enemies, God -- you're my only hope! Teach me how to live to please you, because you're my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland." Psalm 143:7-10






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 100
50mm
f5.6
1/6

365 Project - Day 148

"So Jesus answered and said to them, 'Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be removed and be cast into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.' " Mark 11:22-23

I purchased these tomatoes from Whole Foods Grocery, mostly to photograph, but they are also as delicious as they appear. Imagine my delight when I looked at my photos and thought, "I'm not convinced that I should edit this!" This does not happen often. I decided to keep one unedited (seriously - not even sharpened) and to minimally, but traditionally edit a second version. Both are below.

It dawned on me that I have been making so many still life photos that the details should start to come naturally. It's exciting to think of this becoming effortless. Some days I wake up in the morning and as soon as I see the light coming through the dining room window, I'm anxious to start taking photographs. Now that's a great way to encourage my soul at the start of the day.

Blessings!

Today's Photos: Soul Tomatoes

Unedited

Edited

"Thank God because he's good, because his love never quits. Tell the world, Israel, 'His love never quits.' " Psalm 118:1-2





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
50mm
f6.7
1/2s

365 Project - Days 145, 146, 147

Still trying to catch-up - I combined these days because I ... have ... a ... new ... lens !

When I went back to the store to return the lenses I rented for the high school musical, I decided to buy a Nikon 50mm 1.4G so that I could give my son my current "nifty-fifty". Most of my 365 shots are taken with a 50mm lens. I thought about simply buying him the same one that I have since he wanted a new one. However, the Nikon lenses are on sale and the next thing I knew I was walking out of the store with a bag in my hand and a smile on my face. I'm very happy because this lens is ideal for my headshot and portrait work.

I love this lens. Listening to the lens autofocus is like listening to jazz. It takes its time. It's smooth, rhythmic and complicated all at the same time. It's not perfect, but we're working together, improvising to make beautiful, simple artistry!

For this blog post, I have compiled a photo mix from each of the first 3 days with my new lens as a way to celebrate the 1.4G experience. (NB - the mushrooms photo is my personal favorite.) These are all still life photos, largely because I am focused on finishing the show photos in time for the production (aka cast) party tomorrow. So, no time to be more environmentally creative. Frankly, I'm happy as a clam with the set-up. Yes, I could be challenging myself a bit more, but the important thing is that I am shooting every day. One side benefit to all of this still life is a portfolio of work I can sell in my friend's booths during Spring fairs and markets. I'm looking forward to that. This and more grace and blessings are on their way ...

Thank you, Lord!

Enjoy. Best wishes!

Today's Photos: Smooth Jazz

"As long as you've got your horn in your mouth, you're developing." Zoot Sims

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

365 Project - Day 144

I have just completed editing Act One. Okay so I admit to being a bit over-ambitious in the number of photos taken during the 3 performances. Right now I'm thinking it is a really great thing that we did not have a 4th performance. Wait - there is a silver lining in a snow day!

I am mostly pleased with the results. I missed one key scene. So that's a drag, but the rest of the major scenes are included. My son will do the final culling to get down from 200 photos to something more reasonable. I want to ensure every child appears somewhere and then after that, we can start to be more critical.

This photo below is one of my faves from the final performance of Act One. I still cannot get over the fact that this is the last high school musical performance for this son. The good news is that it was fantastic. I will just miss seeing him grace the stage. Such unexpected and overwhelming joy! I am immensely proud of this young man for so many reasons. He is truly special.

Best wishes!

Today's photo: This is not to be believed!

"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." Psalm 84:10

365 Project - Day 143

I don't know what to say about snow anymore. Enough already. I'm not happy that it snowed on Friday, canceling our show. Then we awoke Saturday to more snow. Again ... Enough already. I could not be more anxious for Spring and heat.

In the meantime, I am trying to find the good in this weather. Ideas, anyone ... anyone? Okay, in the absence of a direct connection, we know that winter is required to secure the harvest. So, I offer this: "When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.' ... So, the last will be first, and the first will be last." Matthew 20:8 & 16

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: The long season:

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." Anthony J. D'Angelo

365 Project - Day 142

"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing." George Bernard Shaw

Well, then, there you have it. A life's work wrapped up in a tidy little bow. Love this GBS quote, right? At least we ventured out into the cruel, dark world and gave it our best effort! And, if we did that, we most assuredly contributed to something or someone in some way, at a minimum.

I find it both annoying and oddly invigorating when my 365s go awry. Since we had a snow day on Friday, I used that opportunity to attempt another still life. That afternoon, I rented both 24-70mm and 70-200mm lenses for the weekend productions of City of Angels. I decided to warm up with the 24-70mm on the still life. I paired the green apple with the baby eggplant because I think the complementary color scheme looks pretty cool. Unfortunately, two things went wrong with this photograph: 1) too much light from the window and 2) soft focus on the eggplant.

I am including 2 photos. I like veggie stills in black & white, however, I did also want to capture the pairing of green and purple. If I'm going to muck things up, I might as well double the pleasure!

Blessings!

Today's Photos: Glorious Adventure

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:11
Just a note about this Bible verse: Speaking from personal experience (as recent as yesterday), even when you forget the armor, God has your back and He will provide!

365 Project - Day 141

"When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place." C.S. Lewis

It is done ... the final on stage musical performance of my son's high school career. For many reasons a difficult day and for many reasons, a day to celebrate.

I have not yet looked at the photos from today's performance. I imagine that will be challenging tomorrow. City of Angels is a difficult show for crew and pit as well as the cast and all 3 were outstanding. The photo below is from Friday's performance. One of the reasons why I like this shot is that you can see the pit, The Angel City Orchestra, on stage behind the actors. However, perhaps the best thing about this photo is that both of my sons are in it. A rare moment, centerstage, with both Aidan and Brooks. I loved seeing them together in the former's last show and the latter's first. Such a fantastic blessing!


Blessings!


Today's Photo: Wait!

"The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none." Deuteronomy 28:12




EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
85mm
f5.6
1/250

365 Project - Day 140

The run-up to a show is always is exciting. This one perhaps more exciting than many others for a lot of reasons, including it being the last high school show for one of my sons, the fact that both boys will be together on stage, the leading man role for my son and all of the work that went into building the boards.

You can see the mess I created while building the cast, crew and pit boards in the first photo below. We needed 6 boards and I had purchased only 5. Thank goodness for my husband who was able to transform a board full of photos from another show into what we needed for this one. I needed to design the boards and then add 107 photos along with their roles. Awesome task - all it worth every moment.

Best wishes!



Today's Photos: Starring Cast!

"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:6-7

365 Project - Days 137, 138, 139

I had to take a hiatus from posting on the blog to focus on completing the headshots and boards for the cast, crew and pit for this weekend's Newtown High School production of City of Angels. This turned out to be a monumental task, but I was blessed to have the opportunity for such an awesome responsibility. I felt this Bible verse tugging at me: "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."

I finished in the nick of time and only by the grace of God. More in an upcoming blog.

I am catching up a few days in this blog since the genre is similar. I may continue to catch-up for a few days. I did keep taking photos each day. I am proud of myself for keeping the 365 going despite my weariness. Life does continue, doesn't it, even when we are knicker-deep or waist-deep in our own little messes? The good news (and believe me, I needed to be reminded of this the other day), God's grace is sufficient!

To focus on something different from the headshot work, I worked on still life. This is a subject and skill I need to continue to explore and develop. I was out buying the boards for the headshots and stopped at the grocery store to pick up produce for these shoots. I'm pleased with my exploration of this still life, but want to now study more artwork and attempt to imitate that in my still photographs. This is a start.

The photos appear in their daily order.

Best wishes!

Today's Photos: Life goes on

"for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones." Proverbs 2:8

365 Project - Day 136

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." Scott Adams

Given I am completely consumed by my headshot task, the thought, art and timing associated with the 365 Project is difficult. I took a break to search the house for objects and found a few, unsatisfied by any. I defaulted, thus, to these golden apples.

A few thoughts about apples ... Since I missed Pi day yesterday and apple pie is my favorite, it makes sense to feature apples today. Given my lack of sleep, exercise and good eating habits lately, I need "an apple a day to keep the doctor away." And, my personal favorite: "Every thought is a seed. If you plant Crab Apples, don't count on harvesting Golden Delicious." Bill Meyer

Best Wishes!

Today's Photos: Reaping Gold

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

365 Project - Day 135

Super ... Ultimate ... Epic - Happy Pi Day. The once in a lifetime moment(s) of 3-14-15 9:26:53 passed this math major by while she amused herself with her right brain. The two are often in conflict and today the right won, when it was clearly the left's day. There's likely a lesson or message in there somewhere. I came across a fun quote about Pi: "Love is like Pi - natural, irrational, and very important." Lisa Hoffmann

I spent the bulk of the day working on headshot photos, making progress and constantly identifying new shortcuts. I am close to completing round 1. I took a break the other day, to wander outside in search of signs of Spring. And, while it was warmish (I still needed a winter coat), I could find little new growth. The buds on this tree may be winter or evergreen buds, but in them, I found a glimmer of hope. These buds are my sign of Spring's impending presence.

Best Wishes!

Today's Photo: Budding Spring?

"If you only expect the best, you very often get it." W. Somerset Maughm





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
85mm
f5.6
1/90

365 Project - Day 134

In this madness, I call "my life" it is important to remember the simple things. My awesome family, a cup of tea, a great belly laugh, the warmth of friendship, the bliss of music, quiet times in prayer, and comforting food. As I work on these 100+ lovely teenage faces, I have to remind myself to take a break and enjoy the simple things around me. It is those moments that expand my joy.

There is still something more simple that increases my joy. It is the constant reminder that "we know that in all God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) It just doesn't get any easier than this!

One of the first things I look forward to cooking once I have a moment will be homemade tomato soup. This photo is a reminder of that upcoming simple comfort of a bowl of hot soup and crackers or a sandwich (haven't decided which yet) to anticipate. This was easy and fun to set up. I am even okay with chip in the spoon - that just adds a more realistic appeal.

Blessings!

Today's Photo: Simple Comfort

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 100
85mm
f5.6
1/180

365 Project - Day 133

We've been fortunate to have the use of the Art Studio for the photo sessions this week. For many reasons, this has been the ideal space. It is across from the auditorium, therefore stepping out of rehearsal for a few minutes is easy. It is large and airy. I was worried, I would be stuffed in a closet. It is inspirational. Filled with artwork, both student and professional. I could not be more pleased. Oops - I could - it could be cleaner. I had forgotten how intensely dirty a high school can be. My ProBoard is filthy and no amount of cleaning keeps stray junk off it, but this beats any alternative I can imagine. Speaking of which, I am continuing to enjoy this dream, save for the teeth (which are still driving me batty). I am excited about the finished product and hoping it is enjoyed by everyone.

The key to getting this right is having a clear vision and process. Aside from a wee hiccup on the first day (and the teeth, of course), things have run according to plan. I am insanely organized through every step, with allowances for flexibility ;) . I actually get fired-up by being that organized. And, when I say organized, I mean everything from camera settings to kit checklists to lighting diagrams to photo spreadsheets to processing parameters. No stone unturned. With over 100 faces to process, I'm not messing around! See below for our simple set-up for these photos. Nb - The stool is only used if someone is too tall for me and the board, otherwise, everyone stood.

"I never hit a shot, even in practice, without having a very sharp, in-focus picture of it in my head." Jack Nicklaus

Best wishes!


Today's Photo: I got this!

"I visualized every step of the 400-meter race until I saw each stride I could take." Lee Evans







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 100
16mm (16-85mm DX)
f8
1/2s (tripod mounted)

365 Project - Day 132

I declare that teeth are my least favorite feature. Hands down. I would rather process 100 teenage pimples than teeth ... well, maybe not 100. I absolutely dislike the process of whitening teeth. Everyone's teeth are different. I've tried several different plug-ins. I've tried creating my own. I might get 2 in a row, but never 3. It's frustrating. So, in this round of headshots, I tried to take at least one photo of everyone with their mouth closed! Hahaha! Yes, self-serving, I know, but oh so delightful when it comes to my alone time ;-)

With testing each day and photographing more than 100 kids, I will have taken close to 3000 photos and processed over 200. Of those 200, one per person will be selected as the final for unique Photoshop processing. When completed, I will post a special project blog edition that shares lessons learned.

As I was working this afternoon, I confess to being a bit teary-eyed. I feel so utterly blessed to have the opportunity to bring these little faces to life. Each one is so beautiful, so full of potential. I suppose I get frustrated over the teeth because if I can perfect everything else, I want to perfect it all. The eyes are dancing, the skin is improved, and yet the teeth - ugh! I also feel the weight of producing a photo the child loves - something I've said previously.

I will beat this teeth thing, though, I'm certain. By the way, they are not all a challenge. I just need to break the code on the special ones. The great news is that for each new hurdle I break through, I am developing new techniques and talents that will serve me well as I go forward.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Simply Smile!

"You can only hold a smile for so long. After that, it's just teeth."

"Always be joyful." 1 Thessalonians 5:16





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 100
50mm
f6.7
1/180

365 Project - Day 131

I'm fried. I'm absolutely exhausted. We've taken photos for headshots of more than 100 kids in 3 days and I am no longer stable. Next up - processing the down-selcted photos. It is a good and great thing that I enjoy this so very much.

I mentioned the catchlights from my umbrella the other day. I am using a Paul C. Buff 64" Soft Silver PLM Umbrella with white front diffusion fabric. The eyes are among my favorite element in these photos. Here's an illustration of those catchlights. Lovely and exciting, right?

I am channeling this right now: "If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it would not seem so wonderful at all." Michelangelo Buonarotti

Today's Photo: Her eyes sparkle

"There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going." Beverly Sills





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 100
50mm
f6.7
1/180

365 Project - Day 130

I was thinking the other day that I have wonderful crystal, china and silver and rarely ever use it. Both it and I are aging and need more use! The setting for this photograph is a simple reminder that we need to enjoy the finer things in life as and when we can. And, if they don't come to us, we can "set the table" ourselves. I have no excellent excuses for not doing so.

One of the important luxuries I hope to always enjoy is traveling and France is among my favorites. There is something special about the way the French take time with each meal to relax and embrace their companions, while savoring their meal. Including these plates from Gien and French utensils complements my point about making time for such luxuries. The important thing to note is that completing the joy requires company, without friends or family the joy would be empty.

Today's photos: The luxury of company

"Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than to be in bad company." Booker T. Washington




EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
50mm
f11
1/125

365 Project - Day 129

We had a great day photographing the Crew and Pit today. Lots of laughs. The umbrella worked really well and the catchlights are fantastic. I made a few adjustments after a little studying during my 1 day break. I'm excited to feature those catchlights in an upcoming 365.

My husband referred to himself as a "boy Sunday" today. I think he and the producer found my techniques a bit amusing. Given how devoted I am to capturing a great photograph for every child, my perfectionism shows. Some of the kids are nervous, some intimidated, some simply cannot handle the flash. All this leaves me with needing a lot of storage and a bag of tricks. There are moments when every single time the flash goes off the eyes are closed. I have to find ways to distract them and/or to be faster than their eyelids!! The photograph below was taken as my husband and I were analyzing the set up on Friday. One of things I had asked some of the kids was to smile as if they had a secret they did not want to divulge ... this is my husband thinking of his secret (not at my request!) I'm not showing the rest of his face, because if you saw that, you would be frightened for me ;-) He's a goofball.

I have to say that I so enjoy doing this. Taking photographs of teenagers is more joy than I can communicate. The more stressed they are about having their photograph taken, the more I enjoy this. I want to help them settle in, get comfortable, trust me and know that they are beautiful. The thrill of delivering something that might make them smile, even if only internally, makes my heart sing. Who knows, maybe someday I will have the joy of doing this all the time. "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' " Matthew 19:26

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Secrets

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." Dalai Lama






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 100
50mm
f5.6
1/180

365 Project - Day 128

"Now that's a handsome dude! Mom! Did you Photoshop this?" That was my son's reaction to his own photograph. Why the question about Photoshop? "I just wanted reassurance that was my naturally handsome self?" To which I thought to myself, in the words of Winnie the Pooh, "Oh bother."

This is from day 2 of my prep for this week's cast photo sessions. And, this is one incredulously reluctant fella (as you can guess from his shoulders - at least I got a jawline!). I had to threaten to take away his Xbox Destiny video game if he did not sit for me. I think I've said this before, some photographers have the luxury of family for the honing of their craft. My family simply tortures me and forces me to beg or belittle to gain the favor of their presence. This, despite the fact that the session is always shorter and less painful than they anticipate (save their squirming) and they always end up with a photograph they consider "agreeable", if not downright handsome!

The trouble is that it is difficult to learn much with their fidgeting and impatience. At least, though, I have someone to practice with and I can alternate between my reluctant family members and my inanimate doll ;-) ... This means I have to work a little harder to fine tune my skills. The truth is I learn every single time, despite the challenging situation. Frankly, the more challenging the situation, the more I work to develop. And, that is always a good thing.

As it says in Proverbs 13:4, "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper." (NLT)

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Charmed

"A sluggard's appetite is never filled but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." Proverbs 13:4 (NIV)






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 160
50mm
f8
1/180

365 Project - Day 127

I am so happy to be back shooting cast headshots. This time I have 115 youngsters to photograph. We started this afternoon with just a few members of the Pit Orchestra for the upcoming Newtown High School production of City of Angels. I marvel at the fact that no matter how much I might practice beforehand, something goes wrong. So this afternoon, after 2 days of preparation with few glitches, I could not get my Einstein to fire consistently. After the session, I switched from an octabox to an umbrella and had no problems. Once I sat down with my husband to analyze the situation, we discovered the technical problem. I have the luxury of space in the Art Studio I requested for the photo sessions. Something I do not have at home. Since I had the space, I raised the octabox and stood in front of it, but the optical trigger was behind me. The unit seemed to flash. Maybe that was the modeling light or a delayed flash. The odd thing is the photo below was shot with me facing the octabox, two days ago and I shot a similar photo last night. There must a small, but highly relevant blind spot! Regardless, I was getting more dark photos than I was interested in seeing. With the umbrella, the trigger is in front so I do not have the same problem. Just need to workout the intensity of the catchlights.

In the end, my objective is always clear - produce photographs that delight the subject, particularly for teenagers. This is why I anguish over such things. I can never forget that my artistic expression is their reality.

To continue to improve my headshot and portrait photography I bought a doll. I wanted one much larger than this one, but short of buying a life-sized Barbie that I did not want, I couldn't find one to my liking. My husband and younger son seem somehow tortured by this cute little "journey girls" doll. This is Kyla, "an amazing artist." She'll likely pop up from time to time in my 365 work. For now, I wanted to try a silhouette while I was working out the headshot set up. She is photographed with the octabox as the background. With more space, I would increase the distance between Kyla and the background as the octabox is lighting her too much to create as deep a black as we need for a silhouette. Not bad out of the gate, though.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Artistic expression

"Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better." Andre Gide






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 100
50mm
f16
1/180

365 Project - Day 126

More snow ... Schools closed and still I hope!

"You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep Spring from coming." Pablo Neruda

Blessings!

Today's Photo: Spring Impending

"There is a saying in Tibetan, 'Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.' No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope that's our real disaster." (Unknown, though this was sourced from a Dalai Lama site)





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 160
70mm
f5.6
1/8

365 Project - Day 125

Arghh - I guess I should make peace with the snow since it seems it will not end. I admit that though the snow is tiresome, the ice is beautiful. Odd, I know. I suppose I am just anxious to venture out (as my son says, "the snow is too deep to walk through") AND my personal happiness requires a lot of sunshine and warmth. As you can see below, we were indeed blessed with sunshine. Now I'm hoping for some warmth.

I just had an awesome thought ... perhaps, the harsher the Winter, the brighter the Spring! Can you feel the optimist in me?

Blessings!

Today's Photo: Anticipating Spring!

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: 'For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.' Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
110mm (70-200 f/2.8)
f2.8
1/3000
NB - I wish I was stopped down my aperture to capture more of the icicles in focus. I cannot say I am wishing for another opportunity ;-)

365 Project - Day 124

It's snowing again today. So much snow! I am drawn to the tracks in the snow in this photograph. I'm dying to go for a walk, but it is almost unimaginable. Who knows when it will be warm and dry enough to get out for a walk. I'm hopeful it won't be too much longer. I feel like it has been a lifetime since I've taken a walk in the fresh air. There's only so much soul searching one can do in a season.

I stepped out during the snow storm to take this photograph. I normally take snow photos with my flash, but this time I decided to try pushing the shutter speed up to capture the snowflakes. After looking through the photos using this technique, I believe the the flash works better, but it depends. Large flakes in a blustery storm seemed easier to capture with the flash. This photo captures more of the delicacy of a full, but lighter storm. Lucky me, though, I'll have more opportunities to experiment. Ah, another thing for which to be grateful!

"If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?" Percy Bysshe Shelley

Warm Wishes!

Today's Photo: The Walkway

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
50mm
f4.8
1/1000

365 Project - Day 123

It has been precisely 4 months since "the incident" when I broke my leg and I am pleased to announce that I am healed! I had my final visit with my orthopedic surgeon today and I seem to be on my way to a full and normal recovery. I mentioned to him that as I was walking to the X-ray room this morning, I realized that I was limping without cause. I was not in pain, but favoring the broken leg had become so normal that I had almost forgotten how to walk without a limp. Now, there's something to think about, right? Do we get so comfy with pain and bad breaks that the pain becomes our norm and we forget how to live free and full of fun? Anyway, after I saw the doc, I stopped in to see the physical therapy team to tell them thank you and goodbye. You see, I am really and truly totally healed. I baked the team a batch of my favorite chocolate chip cookies, gave them a card and with hugs, smiles and best wishes, I walked out of the orthopedic office without a care! I am grateful for the team getting me back on two legs and I am ready to move on.

Now, however, with my recovery comes an existential crisis, of course. Did I learn what "the incident" was designed to teach me? Ugh. I'm not sure. Still pondering this thought.

It is fitting that I have a sports photograph for today to celebrate physical health on my first day called "healed". I should note that it was shot with my less than healthy 70-200 lens. I wasn't thrilled with the photos. When I naturally pushed the ISO to freeze action for the indoor game, the photos turned out darker and with more noise than I expected. Also, the AF hunted quite a lot during the game.

The good news is my son's team won!

Today's Photo: Two Points!

EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 2000
165mm
f/4
1/350

365 Project - Day 122

In the spirit of "sharpening the axe" and strengthening my skills, I pulled out one of my old 35mm books. It's actually a pocket guide. As I was flipping through the techniques, I came across something I just had to try - soft focus. Now what actually caught my eye, was trying this by using nylon stockings. So I started off the morning by examining each pair of nylons I have stuffed into my dresser to find pairs with holes or runs that would be perfect for my "artsy" project. As usual I humored myself during this exercise. On a normal day if I had to wear them, 50% of the nylons would have holes. Of course, I only found a few this time, but I only needed 1!

I cut off the lower leg portion of the nylon, pulled it over my 16-85mm zoom and tied a rubber band around to keep it tight. I then went outdoors to roam around the yard in the bright sunlight. Frankly, the snow has withered away much of the excitement in our garden. I went back indoors and chose to shoot this orchid. In capturing the image below, I combined the effect of the nylon with post processing the clarity slider in Lightroom to -100, pushing the soft effect to the extreme. Furthermore, I bumped up the exposure a tad just to take this to the edge. While, I'm fairly happy with the results, I'm also clear that this will appeal to some and not to others. Regardless, I learned that two things are important in capturing soft focus in this manner: bright sunlight / overexposure and keeping aperture open, at or below f/5.6. I also had to choose whether to appeal to the masses or appeal to my own interest in learning. I chose the latter.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Soft-Souled Orchids

"Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious." Rumi





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
80mm
f5.6
1/8