Project 365: March 2010

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Project 365 d-90

Day ninety of Project 365 found me having a deep conversation with my Father over all that had befallen him this week. Having to have a stress test, a follow up visit to the doctor the next day, plus being robbed. He is going to put his home up for sale to get out of a neighbor hood in decay. We decided that we would build on to our home and it would become his home too. His mood turned sharply upward after our discussion, and he became jovial and lighthearted. Upon entering my backyard he was immediately accosted by two screaming, giggly girls. Suddenly, he was young again and moved swiftly away with his grand daughters in tow. The squealed with pleasure as their light footed, and nimble Grandpa kept just enough distance between him and their grasping hands. My camera was with me and I shot many frames of this spectacle. My heart filled up with peace and happiness to see this man, my dear Father putting age and misfortune upon a shelf to be hunted by these sweet and silly girls. When they finally caught him, reality had set in and he was once again remembering his age. Still, there had been a release and his face though flush was glowing with a wry smile. I put my arms around him and said, " I love you Pops". He never looked at me, but simply replied, "I love you too". There had been release for me as well, and I smiled to know that there are better days ahead for all of us.

Happy Shooting.

     Day eighty nine of Project 365 found me returning home very late in the day and the light was nearly gone. My day had was filled with three doctors appointments and five hours of travel time. Plus, my Father's home was burglarized in broad daylight. We received the call from him just as my wife and I were making the long trip back form her doctors appointment. If you are curious, we are having a baby. My Father was having a stress test to check his heart that morning. My cell phone rang and it was my Dad. You have to understand that he doesn't like talking on any phone, so I knew there was a good reason for him to be calling. On the other end of the line my Dad proceeds to say "I've got some bad news". My heart immediately went into my throat, and I remember staring right through a customer who sat there eating his sandwich at Subway. As composed as I could; I asked him what was wrong. He said, "Somebody has broken into my house and stolen my firearms"! "What", I said in a loud voice? When he was having his stress test, someone busted in his door and stole his guns. He hadn't even called the police yet; and I scolded him as best as any Son could his own Father. My wife and I were about two hours away from him and unable to do anything. We had to just drive and wonder why such a thing could happen to such a gentle soul.

     As soon as we got to his house, we surveyed the damage and tried to reassure him that all will be alright. Many of his neighbors were there to lend moral support and to offer any assistance they could. It was apparent that there was worry in their eyes as they wondered if their homes were next. My Dad is solid as a rock and people who know him would testify that his word is his bond. Reflected in his eyes and the droop in his shoulders; I could tell that he was wounded not for having lost material possessions and dangerous ones at that. It was more of a wound to his soul, a vulnerability that he was unfamiliar with. He is a man who fixes problems by measuring, cutting, nailing and maintaining. He approaches his life and its minutia with a carpenters mentality. Before him now was a problem that was unique and couldn't be dealt with by the use of tools alone. His trust was betrayed when a stranger(s) entered his home unwelcome and took from him. They don't realize it, but they have stolen part of a man's soul. Perhaps now he will be more reluctant to help strangers who have nowhere else to turn. They will ask and he may remember the day his trust was violated and his faith in man was diminished. Can anyone blame him for being skeptical, or pessimistic about the motives of others? I cannot, but I hope that this rare breed of a man will regain that can-do look in his eye again. That look that says what his lips never need to speak, "I can do it".

     Also, we had to deal with my youngest daughter getting her stitches out from her bad accident. My wife offered to take on that responsibility, so I could stay with my Dad. My daughter was worried that it would hurt, and I did my best to reassure her that it would be alright. After they had been gone awhile, my phone rang and it was my wife. She informed me that the stitches were not ready to come out yet. Plus, the doctor thought my daughters wound was infected. We had instructions to increase her antibiotics, and to come back in two days for another look. The doctor told my wife that we may have to go back to the treating hospital if they were not ready to come out in a couple of days. It has been hard enough to get her to take her medicine already and now she is required to take a double dose. You just have to grin and bare it knowing that there are better days ahead. Last, my oldest daughter had to go to the dentist and it was the easiest of all our days requirements. It was good to have all the doctors appointments finished and now it was time to go home.

     At last, we pulled into our long driveway and coasted down it's gentle slope to a rest in from of our home. Time was of the essence as I didn't have a daily image yet and had no idea of what to photograph. A quick look up into the sky convinced me to hurry into my house to grab my 20D with my wide angle lens on it. I walked out into my side yard, laid down in the grass and took four photographs of the sky. Is the image grand and thought provoking? Maybe not, but it felt good to lay in the greening grass and stare up into the evening sky. The jet trails made me wonder where they were headed and how long since they had been by. The trails went West and I followed the fading white plumes till they disappeared beyond the line of trees. They were heading to Hawaii I silently convinced myself as I arose to my feet. One last look and a deep breath before I headed inside to be near the closest thing to paradise I could find at 7:30 at night. My family. The show must go on. Oh by the way, the baby's name is going to be Hanna.

Happy Shooting.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Project 365 d-88

Day eighty eight of Project 365 found me really scrambled for time as the day was drawing to a close. Every day on my way to and from work I pass over this little creek that feeds into the river. It always looks so picturesque, and on day 88 I stopped for a few frames. There was a small hill that was easy enough to traverse to the waters edge. There were some distracting weeds in the way, so I had to lean way out to eliminate them from my frame. The waters surface was placid and reflective like glass. The painterly reflections of all the wooden sentinels upon the water that was the color of Jade were beautiful. They all seemed to crowd into the frame as if to assure they were included in the picture. It was nice to be up so close to it after viewing it from afar everyday. That's what makes this project so special to me. Finally, I'm photographing the things that three months ago were just ideas.

Happy Shooting.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Project 365 d-87

Day eighty seven of Project 365 found me huddled close to a glowing fire under a brilliant moon. The Coyotes were howling in the distance, and a few birds were still getting settled in. Sitting next to me was a tall Belgian ale. and it was glowing in the orange light. I sat alone beneath the trees and the star blanketed sky. My camera was with me and I asked the fire if it would mind if I tried to capture it. "You cannot capture me, but I will dance for you if you promise to visit me more often", it said. "Yes please do, and I will make more time for you", I replied. Then it began to move, slowly at first, it's tempo increasing with each frame. Until it exploded letting its firey offering float up to the heavens. "Thank you for you warmth and for the light show", I said. It said nothing more to me this night, but only popped and hissed as I walked by moonlight back inside.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-86

Day eighty six of Project 365 found me pressed for time and still trying to get back to normal after my daughters accident. I only had 25 minutes to photograph today and it was very late in the day. I saw this dove perched on a wire and thought I would try to create something out of it. The light was not great and I knew that it might look a little flat. With is sitting on the wire; I hoped it would be sort of a minimalistic piece. You be the judge.

Happy Shooting.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Project 365 d-85

     Day eighty five of Project 365 found me scrambling to get a daily image. After sleeping most of the day due to the previous nights ordeal. I was trying to sneak up on whatever bird I could find. The Cardinals were jittery and elusive to my obvious approach as usual. Still, I think this photo is alright and there is no going back anyway. After getting back home so late the night before, we were all so tired and groggy. My youngest was the worst as she had been the one with her face torn up after her fall. She really fought us in the administering of her medicine, which she says tasted like spoiled eggs. I found myself laughing inside in spite of my concern for her well being.

     Consequently, our house had gotten out of order and there were many things out of place. Part of me wanted to leave it as is, but the other part of me thought it reminded me of the chaos we has all just been through. With the latter part in mind; I set about to put things in their place and it felt good to be doing something constructive. Maybe I hoped that my doing so would somehow help the healing process be put in motion on my tender little ones face. My love for her would not be changed by any amount of scars, but I quietly worried about her fragile self esteem. What could I do to help protect her from any of the the scary thoughts that I'm sure were racing through her mind. Just love her, hold her, speak to her softly, and most of all tell her how beautiful you think she is. She is beautiful in every way and if it were possible to order a perfect child then she was the model for doing so.

     All of this was bouncing around in my mind as the last item was put into place and the house seemed back in order. With Project 365 in mind; I placed my big lens on my camera body and headed out to salvage what day light there was left. My oldest was walking our dog around and it made it difficult to sneak up on my subject. My stealthy footsteps were nothing compared to the hammer like foot falls and squealing voice of my daughter as she carelessly moved around the open grass. I spied a brilliant red Cardinal perched high atop a pine tree. It stretched up as high as it could on it's green perch to whistle its melodic song upon the wind. Not far off an unseen Cardinal replied with the same sweet song. As I tried to get closer, a neighbor walked too close for its liking and it effortlessly lifted off and moved on the a safer area. Turning around to see what else was in range of my lens; I saw this chubby, orange Robbing watching me without warily. Sneaking around a big pine tree; I found an opening in the branched that concealed me and my lens. I snapped away as it sat there turning its head back and fourth wondering where I had gone. There were many branches I had to deal with in order to get this shot. This was the one that were not obstructions directly in front of it. It was day 85's image and it would have to do.

     Honestly, after all of the drama that we had been through; I really considered stopping Project 365. Who would blame me after all. Here I am though, by the grace of God continuing on for another day. Looking for a magical image that can be married to the words that I write. My hope is to bring both of them to life. This incident has helped me realize that my family has been neglected because of Project 365. The easy thing to do would be to just quit; however, the smart thing seems to be to just pull back a little bit. Going forward, I will not necessarily post everyday, but the photos will continue and I will keep it as up to date as I can. Where does this all lead? I'm not sure. To all that are following along; I appreciate your time and realize that you could be doing many other things than following my life around. Lord willing, he will grant me another day to photograph his world, and the worlds to help tell that day's story.

Happy shooting.

Project 365 d-84

     Day eighty three of Project 365 found me pulling off the side of the road to photograph something for another photo project when I saw two Sand Pipers. As I sat in the parking lot with the window lowered down enough to photograph; I was thankful to have a decent subject. When I finished with them; I got out to photograph the other super secret thing. It wasn't long before my phone rang with an unrecognized number. It went to my voice mail when I didn't answer. My day was about to take a very bad turn as I put in my code to access my messages. On the other end was the un-steady voice of the owner of a restaurant where my daughters were at with their Grandfather. She proceeded to tell me that my youngest had been hurt and was in need of immediate medical attention. She had tripped and fallen into a bench. It opened up a very big gash on her face near her chin. As quick as I could; I called my father to find out what had happened. He explained to me that they were running around when she tripped and fell into a bench. He told me that the cut was very big and she needed to go to the ER. I told him I would meet him on the road coming back into town, and then proceed the ER. My father told me that my oldest was inconsolable and that she kept blaming herself for what had happened. He wasn't sure if he my oldest would be able to hold her face together while they made the drive. All of my so-called worries dissolved as I considered what was before me now. My sweet little girl hurt without her father there to protect her. All because I was out photographing for this project.

     God must have allowed there to be no policemen in the area as I'm sure I broke every motor vehicle moving violation to meet up with them. As our vehicles met, we raced to the ER with nothing more than our flashers on. I weaved in and out of traffic with my father and daughters right behind. Somehow I had managed to call my wife to tell her what was happening and to meet us at the ER. As we screeched to a halt in the parking lot; I had not seen my daughter yet. My wife was the first one to look and she cringed and had to turn away. My daughter was visibly upset, but not wailing, or crying. She just looked pale and sad, and scared. As we got inside the ER, the wait began. It wasn't long till we found out there were not plastic surgeons on call, and the Maxo Facial surgeon wanted nothing to do with this type of injury. There was actually one on call plastic surgeon who was on call in another state, but refused to treat her. We had to make a choice between two other hospitals that were not close. We decided upon the one that was somewhat closer even though we had experience with the other one.

     So on the way we went with my poor little one repeatedly saying "I'm scared", and "I don't want to have stitches". My heart was breaking with guilt and if I could have traded places with her I would have done so. When we got to the other hospital an hour later, it was about 10:00 p.m. This had all happened about 4:15 p.m that afternoon. We got right into a room and more waiting started. They only had a Maxo Facial surgeon there even though we were told they had a plastic surgeon. As they prepped her for surgery my wife and I sat there holding each other together and trying to appear unworried and strong for a little one. We had to leave our oldest back with her Grandmother and I was quite sure she still upset at what had transpired. The doctors were all really great in their bed-side manor. We made small talk the best we could and I even promised them all if I ever finished my project and published it; I would give them each a signed copy. They administered the medicine to put my sweetheart into a sleepy state so they could work on her wound. The last stitch was completed at approximately 1:00 a.m. The Maxo Facial surgeon did a fantastic job, and we were relieved to have the stitching over. One of the first things my daughter said when coming to was "I want to go home"! "I know sweetheart, and we will leave as soon as they release us", I said. When she could stand mostly by herself, they released us and the little accident Queen was wheeled out in a fancy wheel chair to her waiting carriage.

     As we drove home the the moon hung lazily in the early morning sky. Almost as if it were a giant nightlight guiding us home. At 4:30 we pulled into our long driveway and it felt so good to be home. We all stumbled into our home and found my Father was there waiting for us. He was still reeling from the days events, and was glad to take his youngest in his arms. Sleep was immediate for all of us and dark dreams were held at bay for there had been enough darkness in our day already. Thank you God for bringing her through this, for bringing us through this. You are in control even when our lives are out of control. I really appreciate all of you that are following along. Even if you don't find any day's image to your liking, it would be nice to know that you are out there watching. It helps me keep going to know that my feeble attempts at photography may add some value to somebody's life. Even something like "Come on slacker, you can do better", would do. :) Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-83

Day eighty three of Project 365 found me climbing down a very slippery and muddy slope toward the river. It has been a long time since I have been here, and it was like seeing an old friend. The dried, and still clinging fall leaves were rattling there approval of my approach. The air was saturated with the smell of wet Earth, and I breathed deeply, selfishly, not wanting to miss any of that sweet aroma. No one but I was there stealing quietly down the soggy path. The tress swayed gently as if stretching from a long winters nap. The rain was tapping me softly upon my back and head, then slid down my jacket toward the ground splashing in tender little pools of life. Suddenly, a huge stone came along side me on the path, and I stopped to admire the depths and colors of its coated skin. Bits of colors scattered all through out the green landscape and tiny marks which were proof of unseen encounters. The forest floor was covered in a blanket of wet leaves caught between life and death. One caught my eye and I stooped to lift it from the lonely pile. Gently I set it down upon the cool stone, so that it may have purpose again. To feel alive and beautiful one last time before conceding, and yielding to another canopy that was already sprouting. Solitude filled my soul with peace as I gazed upon the art laying before me. It was good to be alone. It was good to be alive. I really appreciate all of you that are following along.

Even if you don't find any day's image to your liking, it would be nice to know that you are out there watching. It helps me keep going to know that my feeble attempts at photography may add some value to somebody's life. Even something like "Come on slacker, you can do better", would do. :) Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Project 365 d-82

Day eighty two of Project 365 found me still sick and home again from work. Not getting much sleep due to the cough. Fortunately, this little bird was sitting on a Sugar Maple just outside my sliding glass door. Honestly, did not have the energy to even go outside, so this worked out nicely. I hear the birds every morning, but I'm ashamed that until I started this project I rarely paid any attention to them. Thank you God for guiding your beautiful winged creation, so close to my lens this morning. You are an awesome God. I really appreciate all of you that are following along. Even if you don't find any day's image to your liking, it would be nice to know that you are out there watching. It helps me keep going to know that my feeble attempts at photography may add some value to somebody's life. Even something like "Come on slacker, you can do better", would do. :) Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-81

Day eighty one of Project 365 found me still sick and home from work. Just a few days ago I had thought to myself how glad I was to get through the Winter without getting sick. Spring is now here and I get sick. Had to make it quick and keep it simple today. This image was shot this evening in the ravine behind my home. I really appreciate all of you that are following along. Even if you don't find any day's image to your liking, it would be nice to know that you are out there watching. It helps me keep going to know that my feeble attempts at photography may add some value to somebody's life. Even something like "Come on slacker, you can do better", would do. :) Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-80

Day eighty of Project 365 found me still fighting this dang cold.I guess going to the Doctor will be free now after tonight's vote. Oh wait, I already pay for my own insurance. I digress. Walking around in a lot with old cars today. It wasn't quite the right time of day, but I have to shoot when I have time. Overall, I think this image is alright. There was a unavoidable reflection toward the bottom and I wasn't comfortable trying to clone it out. At least the snow is melting again and more sunshine is on the way. I really appreciate all of you that are following along. Even if you don't find any day's image to your liking, it would be nice to know that you are out there watching. It helps me keep going to know that my feeble attempts at photography may add some value to somebody's life. Even something like "Come on slacker, you can do better", would do. :) Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-79

Day seventy nine of Project 365 found me feeling very sick still feeling very sick with a heavy cough. My first day off of the week and I'm completely out of gas. To say the least; I'm not happy with today's offering. Today was the first day of spring, but the two plus inches of snow we received the night before made it feel like Winter is back. The dang snow tricked me and my sensor, and I wasn't able to fix it. What a let down after yesterday's image. Tomorrow is another day. Wait, tomorrow is already here and I'm back to square one. Time for sleep. I really appreciate all of you that are following along. Even if you don't find any day's image to your liking, it would be nice to know that you are out there watching. It helps me keep going to know that my feeble attempts at photography may add some value to somebody's life. Even something like "Come on slacker, you can do better", would do. :) Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Project 365 d-78

Day seventy eight of Project 365 found me feeling very sick and ready for some rest, but another day another image. Took my oldest with me so she could get a better sense of what her crazy Dad is trying to accomplish. Another dramatic sky courtesy of March weather. There are the spots in the clouds that are hot, but I don't mind them. What bugged me is not being able to crop on either side of the car. Either way seemed to throw off the sky. Time for sleep and Nyquil. It's dark and that's the way I like this image. I really appreciate all of you that are following along. Even if you don't find any day's image to your liking, it would be nice to know that you are out there watching. It helps me keep going to know that my feeble attempts at photography may add some value to somebody's life. Even something like "Come on slacker, you can do better", would do. :) Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-77

Day seventy seven of Project 365 found me heading to work in really heavy fog. At least one of my cameras is always on the passengers seat now anytime I'm driving. I shot two frames of this scene as I was driving. While this image may seem strange to some, it has a deeper meaning to me. No matter how hard the consuming fog tried to hold back the light, the sun was simply unwilling to abide by its shadowy grip. Viewing this image it seemed like a good lesson to consider. Maybe even a promise that better times are most likely just ahead. The road that you are on may be dark and uncertain, yet how quickly the shadows scatter as they remember they are ruled by the light. This was just such a morning and it felt good to be driving into the light. I really appreciate all of you that are following along. Even if you don't find any day's image to your liking, it would be nice to know that you are out there watching. It helps me keep going to know that my feeble attempts at photography may add some value to somebody's life. Even something like "Come on slacker, you can do better", would do. :) Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-76

Day seventy six of Project 365 found me walking out into my gloriously foggy backyard to pay homage to the silvery spirit that wrapped the landscape in an ethereal blanket. Time was getting away from me and I have a long drive to work, so I only took two shots. As it turns out, it is a good thing that I shot these because I am coming down with something and I need to go lay down. Nothing terribly special about this image, but I feel it's a decent B/W representing the early morning hours in my neck of the woods. On a the value scale it could have more white, however; it caused the sky to blow out in adjusting levels. I really appreciate all of you that are following along. Even if you don't find any day's image to your liking, it would be nice to know that you are out there watching. It helps me keep going to know that my feeble attempts at photography may add some value to somebody's life. Even something like "Come on slacker, you can do better", would do. :) Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-75

Day seventy four of Project 365 found me roaming around a big parking lot and looking with amazement what the melted snow had exposed. It was pure filth everywhere and I was disgusted. At this point, I just wanted to try and find something that was not overdone to show the random litter that was plentiful as far as I could see. So many things that could have been easily placed in the trash. Yet in the lazy stupor that some people go about their lives in, it ends up on the ground. Ridiculous! I'm not sure what to think about this composition, but it's my attempt at trying to find a pleasing arrangement around something that is very unpleasing. Going forward in this project; I'm going to try and remember to keep things simple. On a last note; I found another addition to my super secret project today too. Will share in the future if it all comes together. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-74

Day seventy four of Project 365 found me heading to new territory for today's image. It was sunny and cheery all day until late afternoon the clouds rolled in. Changed my plans somewhat as to where I planned to go because of it. I had been meaning to visit this spot, but had not made the time to so. It was treacherous heading down this step rock embankment, and I nearly slipped when a rock shifted under my feet. My work is so dangerous you know. My purpose at the bottom was to photograph the flood waters exploding up and out of one spot close to shore. It was really bizzare to to watch, but was not something worth spending much time on. When I turned to head back up; I say this dramatic sky and this tree on the slant of the hill. A solitary bird was gracious enough to fly into my frame for a nice addition in the upper left hand corner. Sorry for all the sky and tree photos, but I have to go with what I have since my time is usually very short. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-73

Day seventy three of Project 365 found me back in the same muck and mud again today looking for an image. Part of the reason I went back is to rescue something that was afloat that is part of another super secret project. I was unable to reach it the day before by conventional means. Today I had a weighted rope to assist me in pulling it ashore. Plus, I got some "Project Clean Studio" images as well, but don't have enough critiques to post any of those yet. My initial batch of images were of assorted birds, but I later discovered that my big bad zoom didn't get me close enough to make them appealing. Fortunately, while out working in my yard tonight, the sky was gracious enough to put on a show for me. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-72

Day seventy two of Project 365 found me sloshing through sucking black mud to get near the water and trees. If you haven't guessed by now; I love water and trees. Where I live they are available very readily to photograph. My intent was to try and create a painterly image. For the most part I think I have succeeded in doing so. Winter gloom is still hanging on tentatively and the weather man concurs for a few more days. It was a good day today, and I really enjoyed my trek into wht wild. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-71

Day seventy one of Project 365 found me braving a steep hill to get to a back water area of the river. It looked like the place where Shrek could live. I saw some deep reflections from the road and since I always have my camera; I pulled over and headed down into the swamp to have a look. What I saw really saddened me. There was so much litter that I feel very angry at the careless of humans. Here is this beautiful area for migratory birds to make their homes that was full of garbage. Tires, bottles, cans and all sorts of flotsom and jetsom everywhere. This particular area had oil slicks in it, and while there may be aspects of today's image that are abstract and beautiful in it's own way; my intent was to show the lack of stewardship on the part of humans. There are two more projects brewing as a result of what I'm seeing on my daily treks. One is serious while the other is more lighthearted. I won't spill the beans now, but stay tuned for more details. After all, what are two more projects on top of the one I can barely do? Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-70

Day seventy of Project 365 found me hurrying to an open spot to try and catch the amazing clouds that were filling the afternoon sky. There was a spot where the suns rays were breaking through the clouds and beaming toward the ground. It was very pleasant to watch, although I didn't get a good exposure of it. As I walked down the steep hillside of the interstate; I also saw something that will be part of another project when (if) I get this finished. The idea for this project came before Project 365, and will just have to wait. This shot to me is all about the magic of light and dark mixing to make an emotive image. I hope I'm not wrong about choosing this image. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-69

Day sixty nine of Project 365 found me exploring a new place near the river. Although I had to trek some through the mud it was satisfying to get away and breathe in with nature all around me. I am bone weary from this project combined with my other life. Still, I soldier on in hopes of finding something special. Since I don't have much experience with landscape panoramics; I'm hoping to get some constructive feedback. Keep in mind that it was late in the day and this accounts for some of the darker tones. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-68

Day sixty eight of Project 365 found me exploring off of a frequently traveled road. My first subject was some playground equipment surround by water from the melting snow. After squeezing all of the photographic juice out of that; I noticed a walkway to a small foot bridge. My instincts told me to follow the path. An angry and turbulent stream rushed by underneath me. Destined to join the river, it swirled and boiled in its murky chocolate furry unaware that it was being watched. If felt so good to be alone watching this slithering liquid roar past all the lifeless stones. It was getting dark, so consequently this image is dark. It matches the mood of this rainy, cloudy, and gray afternoon. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-67

Day sixty seven of Project 365 found me hiking in a state park that I had not been to in a while. Honestly, I freely admit to being a little timid as there have been reports of mountain lions moving into the area. As I walked up the steps to get on the first trail sat a leg bone from a deer that had been gnawed on. After looking at these ominous trees, perhaps they are the ones I should have been worried about. It appears that they are angry at me for waking them from their late Winter slumber. Tune in tomorrow to find out if I made it out alive. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-66

Day sixty six of Project 365 found me with just enough light to head to a back water area of the river. It was purely beautiful as the water still held onto Winter even as Spring threatened to take hold. Today's image is a total experiment and even though I love it; I realize you may not. The colors you see were really there and I only worked them over with a brush in PS. I simply wanted a painterly effect and I think I achieved that. This project is pushing me in ways I could not have imagined and it's starting to be an addiction. I feel more like a photographer now than I ever have before. Thanks be to God for the camera. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Project 365 d-65

Day sixty five of Project 365 found me enjoying a vacation day as well as celebrating my birthday. Took a little trip to a lot where my parents plan to build a house. They wanted some photos before building is scheduled to take place. This is what I was rewarded with soon after arriving. This little speck of rainbow just appeared out of nowhere. With a big smile on my face; I pulled out my big lens and starting to capture it before the clouds overtook this fleeting element. I could not decide if I liked the foreground burned down, so I will leave it up to you to let me know if it's distracting. Happy Birthday to me. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-64

Day sixty four of Project 365 found me enjoying the first day of my much needed mini vacation. My dog was sleeping in the sun, so I tried to sneak some photos of her without waking her up. I was listening to Snow Patrol and it partially concealed my footsteps, but she heard me and snapped awake. This is one of the shots as she peered at me suspiciously while I snapped away. I realize there is a hot spot or two, but I thought it was acceptable. My intention was to photograph more later on, but the day got away from me and the light was gone. This was really all I had for today and the project must go on, so please be kind. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-63

Day sixty three of Project 365 found me isolated miles from town with nobody around but the good Lord. Leaving work today; I was heading into four days off and I can testify that I need it. Time to clear my head: organize my life, restore my pc, and scout out some locations for P365. Today's image won me over immediately. If you stare long enough the image seems to be moving. Plus, the frame seems crooked, but it's an illusion due to the lines in the image. I never know what the reaction will be, so I hope somebody else sees something interesting in this composition. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-62

Day sixty two of Project 365 found me with just enough time before the day got a way from me to shoot. I headed to a local park where I saw this old building and thought it would be good fodder for today's image. It converted nicely to black and white and I'd say it looks great amongst these towering old oaks. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-61

Day sixty one of Project 365 found me heading to another place I have been over too many times to count, but never under with a camera. Gotta love that blue sky as a backdrop to this rusted structure. I feel better just being out after being grounded yesterday. This year I am longing for Spring more than I can remember in times past. More daylight equals more photo opportunities. Plus, I'm tired of trekking through the snow in tennis shoes since I nearly always forget to pack my boots. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-60

Day sixty of Project 365 found me stuck at home because of a sick little one. As a result of this; I was unable to go anywhere, not to work, or any place else. So I headed into my attached garage to work. That way I was within earshot of my little rascal demands and still get a few frames in. I feel this is kind of a let down after yesterday's image, but life still goes on regardless of this project or not. At the very least, this image is not the worst I will ever take. It is what it is, like it or not. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-59

Day fifty nine of Project 365 found me returning to a dam from a previous day to show it to my family. It's fun to see the looks on my childrens faces when they see the actual things I photograph. This makes it more believable from them, and hopefully motivates them to someday pick up a camera to create their own images. I simply love this image for the way it makes me feel. Hopeful, moving forward, and happy. Thanks for looking and follow along with me till New Years Eve if you like.

Happy Shooting.