Tuesday, May 31, 2011
31 May, 2011
My dad got us a watermelon to enjoy on Memorial Day after a very tasty dinner. Deciding that a watermelon would be a subject I hadn't used before, I gave photographing the fruit a go... And am sad to say that I wasn't at all satisfied with the results. Better luck next time, I suppose.
Monday, May 30, 2011
30 May, 2011 - Memorial Day
Our lovely little Dwarf Columbines have come back for their third year. The first bloom has just made its appearance and the stems are loaded with more buds, all waiting to mature.
29 May, 2011
The whole family went to see the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean in the evening. It was rather nice to spend a very hot evening in an air conditioned theatre.
28 May, 2011
Make a photograph today with a central point of interest in it.
The little tree in our backyard now has fully developed leaves upon its branches. Said tree has been the subject in my photographic ventures so many times that I feel my portfolio would be quite empty without it.
I couldn't pick a favorite between the two of these shots, so I'm posting both of 'em for you all.
The little tree in our backyard now has fully developed leaves upon its branches. Said tree has been the subject in my photographic ventures so many times that I feel my portfolio would be quite empty without it.
I couldn't pick a favorite between the two of these shots, so I'm posting both of 'em for you all.
Friday, May 27, 2011
27 May, 2011
Make a photograph dominated by the color blue.
I had an issue with this particular challenge... Not because I don't have enough blue in my life, but have an excess of it. Blue laptop. Blue iPod (complete with blue earbuds). Blue bedding. Lots of blue. Unfortunately, I've photographed both my laptop and my iPod multiple times, so I crossed them off of my mental list and set about finding another subject. Eventually, I recalled the ginormous blue clothespin my youngest sister gave to me for my birthday back in 2009.
The angle of this photo exaggerates the size of the clothespin ever so slightly, but not enough to render it inaccurate.
I had an issue with this particular challenge... Not because I don't have enough blue in my life, but have an excess of it. Blue laptop. Blue iPod (complete with blue earbuds). Blue bedding. Lots of blue. Unfortunately, I've photographed both my laptop and my iPod multiple times, so I crossed them off of my mental list and set about finding another subject. Eventually, I recalled the ginormous blue clothespin my youngest sister gave to me for my birthday back in 2009.
The angle of this photo exaggerates the size of the clothespin ever so slightly, but not enough to render it inaccurate.
26 May, 2011
Make a photograph dominated by horizontal lines.
My mom treated me and my sisters to an incredibly tasty lunch at Spicy Pickle. My sandwich was so filling that it was nearly nine before I felt it necessary to fix myself a small supper. Love that sandwich shop!
My mom treated me and my sisters to an incredibly tasty lunch at Spicy Pickle. My sandwich was so filling that it was nearly nine before I felt it necessary to fix myself a small supper. Love that sandwich shop!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
25 May, 2011 - Air Force Graduation
Once again, the Air Force Academy's graduation has come and gone. Despite the fact that using a different location than the previous two years put my sisters and I at a disadvantage, we each managed to get a couple of photos worth posting (with a little editing.)
Though powerful winds made me quite grateful for my windbreaker jacket, the smoke streams stuck around quite nicely this year, which allowed for some nice photos. In fact, in several of these photos, you can see clouds of residual smoke fogging up the mountains.
I've provided links to larger versions of the best quality images, since these photos are often best viewed in a bigger size.
(Larger version)
Four of the Thunderbirds, backed by the majestic Pike's Peak.
A solitary Bird, making a slow pass over the Air Force Academy stadium.
The Thunderbirds and the Peak, again. (Larger version)
Passing over the Air Force Academy chapel. (Large version)
(Large version)
(To any folks interested in last year's AFA graduation shots, follow this link.)
Though powerful winds made me quite grateful for my windbreaker jacket, the smoke streams stuck around quite nicely this year, which allowed for some nice photos. In fact, in several of these photos, you can see clouds of residual smoke fogging up the mountains.
I've provided links to larger versions of the best quality images, since these photos are often best viewed in a bigger size.
(Larger version)
Four of the Thunderbirds, backed by the majestic Pike's Peak.
A solitary Bird, making a slow pass over the Air Force Academy stadium.
The Thunderbirds and the Peak, again. (Larger version)
Passing over the Air Force Academy chapel. (Large version)
(Large version)
(To any folks interested in last year's AFA graduation shots, follow this link.)
24 May, 2011
Pretty average day. We got a bit more rainfall, which all of the plants were very grateful for. I can't wait until the rosebush these leaves belong to grows some buds!
Monday, May 23, 2011
23 May, 2011
Make a photograph of a vista today.
So, first, a disclaimer: I don't know what it is about Cybershots, but as beautiful as their macro shots are, their scenery pictures always look rather flat. Which is a shame living in "scenery photographer heaven," as a friend of mine recently described Colorado. (You know who you are.)
I honestly discounted this daily challenge as soon as I read it. I did not expect to be anywhere with a quintessentially Colorado vista. Much to my surprise, I found myself looking at a picturesque scene of horses at pasture backed by the scenic Rocky Mountains this afternoon.
I feel that the smaller version of this photo just doesn't give you a good image of what the view was like, so I have a larger version here for folks interested in seeing the bigger picture.
So, first, a disclaimer: I don't know what it is about Cybershots, but as beautiful as their macro shots are, their scenery pictures always look rather flat. Which is a shame living in "scenery photographer heaven," as a friend of mine recently described Colorado. (You know who you are.)
I honestly discounted this daily challenge as soon as I read it. I did not expect to be anywhere with a quintessentially Colorado vista. Much to my surprise, I found myself looking at a picturesque scene of horses at pasture backed by the scenic Rocky Mountains this afternoon.
I feel that the smaller version of this photo just doesn't give you a good image of what the view was like, so I have a larger version here for folks interested in seeing the bigger picture.
22 May, 2011
I can't honestly say that I put much effort into this photo. I knew all day that I needed a picture, but didn't bother to search for one. After the sun had set, I pulled out the awesome painting that I received from LH in the morning. I commissioned this painting as a way to assist her with a school project earlier this year and could hardly wait to have it in my possession.
(Yes, this is only a portion of the painting. I was attempting to put something of a creative spin on the photo so that it didn't wind up looking like a snapshot. The colors aren't true in any way, so I'll probably photograph it again when I have better lighting.)
(Yes, this is only a portion of the painting. I was attempting to put something of a creative spin on the photo so that it didn't wind up looking like a snapshot. The colors aren't true in any way, so I'll probably photograph it again when I have better lighting.)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
21 May, 2011
Make a photograph of something made of glass today.
After watching the Preakness with my family (and watching my pick hit the wire first, much to my delight), I set about meeting the daily challenge.
After watching the Preakness with my family (and watching my pick hit the wire first, much to my delight), I set about meeting the daily challenge.
20 May, 2011
Make a photograph featuring a fence or a wall today.
My first successful daily challenge since the third!
My first successful daily challenge since the third!
19 May, 2011
Stayed at home, did a much needed deep clean of the kitchen, and watched yet more rain fall. All of the moisture we've been receiving has, frankly, been quite the surprise. Our deck has hardly had time to dry before the next storm pays us a visit.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
18 May, 2011
After we hit the gym, we took a drive to our favorite regional park, intending to walk around and maybe find somewhere to sit around and talk. Unfortunately, a rain storm hit on our way there, so we wound up just sitting in the car, watching the rain fall. Just before we headed for home, the storm drew to a close, so I hopped out long enough to photograph the moisture laden needles of some of the evergreens, backed by one of our lakes.
17 May, 2011
The four of us felt like taking a random drive, so we pointed the car to the west and headed further into the foothills, right to the base of the mountains. As we were driving, we spotted several does, who were quite obliging in the way of photos.
16 May, 2011
Honestly, I hadn't planned on photographing the sunflowers two days in a row, but when I spotted the petals illuminated by the setting sun, I just couldn't control myself. Sunflowers are such photogenic flowers!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
15 May, 2011
As evidenced by the date and time stamps on this and the previous posts, I have actually spent a good majority if my day working on blogging. I've taken breaks here and there, but can say that I've spent a good bit of my day getting caught up on this here blog. Knowing that I was falling so far behind was rather distracting to me, so now that I've done this, maybe I shall be able to focus on unpacking, laundry, and other essential tasks.
It's probably rather amazing to you all that I'm already posting sunflower pictures. After all, I haven't even sown my sunflower seeds yet. Well, this pretty flower is actually a member of a bouquet my mother received for Mother's Day. As I haven't seen a sunflower since last summer, I couldn't resist the bold colors--especially not on a dank, gray day like this one.
It's probably rather amazing to you all that I'm already posting sunflower pictures. After all, I haven't even sown my sunflower seeds yet. Well, this pretty flower is actually a member of a bouquet my mother received for Mother's Day. As I haven't seen a sunflower since last summer, I couldn't resist the bold colors--especially not on a dank, gray day like this one.
14 May, 2011
We departed our hosts' house at five-thirty in the morning and headed for home. Though the sixteen hour drive really wasn't that bad, knowing we had a shorter trip to look forward to was rather nice.
We stopped in Amarillo at their Cracker Barrel to have lunch, which proved to be rather refreshing, before hitting the road again.
Due to my family needing me here at home, I wound up coming straight back here instead of staying the night with LH, as was originally planned. I was rather looking forward to seeing our mountains again, but have not as of yet, since we've had some rather thick cloud cover and rain storms since yesterday afternoon. Perhaps this is Colorado's idea of a welcome home party?
The rocking chairs that Cracker Barrel is so famous for.
We stopped in Amarillo at their Cracker Barrel to have lunch, which proved to be rather refreshing, before hitting the road again.
Due to my family needing me here at home, I wound up coming straight back here instead of staying the night with LH, as was originally planned. I was rather looking forward to seeing our mountains again, but have not as of yet, since we've had some rather thick cloud cover and rain storms since yesterday afternoon. Perhaps this is Colorado's idea of a welcome home party?
The rocking chairs that Cracker Barrel is so famous for.
13 May, 2011
We bade Telpe farewell in the morning and hit the road once more. About four hours later, we arrived at our next destination. Before we left for Texas, LH made plans to stop in Oklahoma and visit some of her mom's friends. And so, instead of making the full drive in one day, we got to spend the afternoon with them and camp out at their place for the evening.
The parents were delightful company and their two boys were immensely entertaining. I am quite glad I had the pleasure of meeting them on this adventure.
Oh, and they had a dog. Naturally, I fell in love with the dog. I also adored how incredibly photogenic she was, so I took an abundance of pictures of her.
Isn't she cute?
The parents were delightful company and their two boys were immensely entertaining. I am quite glad I had the pleasure of meeting them on this adventure.
Oh, and they had a dog. Naturally, I fell in love with the dog. I also adored how incredibly photogenic she was, so I took an abundance of pictures of her.
Isn't she cute?
12 May, 2011
Our last day staying with Telpe and her family. We pretty much used it as a day to purchase additional supplies for the journey back, get everything packed up, get the car cleaned out, etc. His Eminence dropped by in the evening to hang out one last time and bid us farewell. We hit the sack pretty early, since we had driving to worry about the next day.
A random foosball table sitting outside the house. I caught sight of it in the morning as we were heading out and took a couple quick photos. Good thing too, since I forgot to take any other shots.
A random foosball table sitting outside the house. I caught sight of it in the morning as we were heading out and took a couple quick photos. Good thing too, since I forgot to take any other shots.
11 May, 2011
The plan for the eleventh was shopping. Clothes shopping, in particular. Telpe, who is going on a trip to Japan in just a couple weeks' time, really needed to get some new clothes. Since such tasks are always more enjoyable with friends, LH and I accompanied her to a few stores (and had a great time, if I do say so myself.)
Having accomplished that task earlier than we expected, we pretty much just hung out for the duration of Wednesday afternoon, awaiting the point that we were expected at His Eminence's apartment for dinner.
This is a flower that Telpe's youngest brother picked and gave to me in the morning. Before he put it in a vase, I managed to photograph the beautiful piece of nature. (I can't for the life of me figure out what kind of flower this is. Anyone have any idea?)
During the afternoon, Telpe took me on a tour of the college campus that they live next to and attend. This is a really interesting statue that they have on campus.
Having accomplished that task earlier than we expected, we pretty much just hung out for the duration of Wednesday afternoon, awaiting the point that we were expected at His Eminence's apartment for dinner.
This is a flower that Telpe's youngest brother picked and gave to me in the morning. Before he put it in a vase, I managed to photograph the beautiful piece of nature. (I can't for the life of me figure out what kind of flower this is. Anyone have any idea?)
During the afternoon, Telpe took me on a tour of the college campus that they live next to and attend. This is a really interesting statue that they have on campus.
10 May, 2011
This post is packed with photos. My apologies to folks with slow internet.
Tuesday was devoted to a trip to Shreveport, Louisiana. We visited a very scenic park, Telpe and I crossed a big ole bridge on foot, we dropped by the Louisiana Boardwalk, and had Sonic as a late lunch.
A view of a bridge running parallel to the one we crossed later in the day. This shot was taken from the parking lot that we stopped at initially.
The beautiful park that we visited contained some very interesting flower statues. I had a great time photographing them from different angles, but these two definitely turned out the best, in my opinion.
One portion of the park contained a bunch of yellow daylilies. Given that most things were still greening up here in Colorado, it was fantastic to see some budding plants growing side by side with daylilies at the peak of their beauty.
A view of the bridge during mine and Telpe's walk across it.
I was thrilled to discover a carousel at the Louisiana Boardwalk during our time there. For those that don't know, my family is slightly carousel crazy (long story), so it was great to have a chance to ride a carousel I didn't even know existed--with Telpe none the less!
Tuesday was devoted to a trip to Shreveport, Louisiana. We visited a very scenic park, Telpe and I crossed a big ole bridge on foot, we dropped by the Louisiana Boardwalk, and had Sonic as a late lunch.
A view of a bridge running parallel to the one we crossed later in the day. This shot was taken from the parking lot that we stopped at initially.
The beautiful park that we visited contained some very interesting flower statues. I had a great time photographing them from different angles, but these two definitely turned out the best, in my opinion.
One portion of the park contained a bunch of yellow daylilies. Given that most things were still greening up here in Colorado, it was fantastic to see some budding plants growing side by side with daylilies at the peak of their beauty.
A view of the bridge during mine and Telpe's walk across it.
I was thrilled to discover a carousel at the Louisiana Boardwalk during our time there. For those that don't know, my family is slightly carousel crazy (long story), so it was great to have a chance to ride a carousel I didn't even know existed--with Telpe none the less!
9 May, 2011
The ninth was a Monday of downtime. LH, Telpe and I hung out with one of the family friends most of the day, which made for a very comfortable day. We chatted with him a bit, spent some time being entertained by Telpe's youngest brother, they watched some anime while I talked with my Floridan friend and then family on the phone, and then we played a round of Bananagrams. 'Twas a very relaxing day.
8 May, 2011
On Sunday, His Eminence picked myself, LH, Telpe, and Elraen up and drove us to another Texan town to meet with one of our fellow writers, Joy. We met at a Jimmy John's, where His Eminence treated us to lunch, before visiting Hasting's (Really cool store--I wish we had one nearby!). After some time spent browsing Hasting's merchandise, we dropped by a Starbucks and spent a bit of time chatting.
At one point, everyone but me had their various pieces of technology sitting on the table.
I caught sight of Elraen's drink reflecting in her iPod at one point. I'm pretty thrilled with the way this shot turned out.
After several hours of chatting and hanging out, we enjoyed some music on the way back and talked a bit more. I guess it was a day of reflections for me, as I played around with photographing my watch as seen in the window.
At one point, everyone but me had their various pieces of technology sitting on the table.
I caught sight of Elraen's drink reflecting in her iPod at one point. I'm pretty thrilled with the way this shot turned out.
After several hours of chatting and hanging out, we enjoyed some music on the way back and talked a bit more. I guess it was a day of reflections for me, as I played around with photographing my watch as seen in the window.
7 May, 2011
The seventh was pretty much devoted to settling in and recovering from the sixteen hour drive of the day before. We had a good time hanging out with our friends and familiarizing ourselves with the way of things.
Naturally, I spent some time photographing the new sights. Texas was very green in comparison to Colorado, so I enjoyed shooting some of their plants.
Some of their vibrant hydrangeas.
Naturally, I spent some time photographing the new sights. Texas was very green in comparison to Colorado, so I enjoyed shooting some of their plants.
Some of their vibrant hydrangeas.
6 May, 2011
Due to a day devoted to driving, I did not encounter many photography opportunities. As such, I'm sticking you all with a from-the-window-of-the-car shot of the Texas landscape during the sun's descent.
5 May, 2011
I actually made this post a few days ago, but it got erased by Blogger during the crazy maintenance period that seems to have set so many blogs back. So I'm going to try writing it all over again. Hopefully it will stick this time.
First thing in the morning, my family and I loaded up in my car and headed for LH's parents' house. The plan was for me to stay with her overnight, which would shave two hours off of our drive time.
LH's mom fixed us some very tasty lasagna for lunch which we immensely enjoyed before she and my mom took off to do their own thing. While they were absent, my sisters, LH and I all spent some time driving the ATV.
At one point, I played spectator while LH threw a ball for the pups. I enjoy the challenge of shooting a moving target (with a camera, of course!), so I took a few shots of Riley and Kaia while they played fetch.
The adorable pair taking a break in the shade.
First thing in the morning, my family and I loaded up in my car and headed for LH's parents' house. The plan was for me to stay with her overnight, which would shave two hours off of our drive time.
LH's mom fixed us some very tasty lasagna for lunch which we immensely enjoyed before she and my mom took off to do their own thing. While they were absent, my sisters, LH and I all spent some time driving the ATV.
At one point, I played spectator while LH threw a ball for the pups. I enjoy the challenge of shooting a moving target (with a camera, of course!), so I took a few shots of Riley and Kaia while they played fetch.
The adorable pair taking a break in the shade.
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
4 May, 2011
After accompanying my mom to the doctor's office this afternoon, she and I visited Wal-Mart to grab some last minute trip supplies.
Tomorrow is technically the official start of my trip with LH. I will have my laptop with me, but don't know that I will be able to keep up with my blog, so posts may be hit and miss.
(The mosaic at the entrance to the building that contains our family doctor's office.)
Tomorrow is technically the official start of my trip with LH. I will have my laptop with me, but don't know that I will be able to keep up with my blog, so posts may be hit and miss.
(The mosaic at the entrance to the building that contains our family doctor's office.)
3 May, 2011
Make a photograph of two complementary objects today.
I finally hit the ground running on heavy trip preparations, which left little time for creativity. During a quiet(ish) moment, my dog and I paused for a photo shoot. Dogs and dog treats are rather complementary--and a popular combination in this household (with the dogs, at least).
I finally hit the ground running on heavy trip preparations, which left little time for creativity. During a quiet(ish) moment, my dog and I paused for a photo shoot. Dogs and dog treats are rather complementary--and a popular combination in this household (with the dogs, at least).
Monday, May 02, 2011
2 May, 2011
Make a photograph of something old or aged today.
Don't let its appearance fool you--this piano is not as new as it looks. This particular instrument has been in the family for thirty-six years. I'd say that's pretty old, for a piano.
Don't let its appearance fool you--this piano is not as new as it looks. This particular instrument has been in the family for thirty-six years. I'd say that's pretty old, for a piano.
1 May, 2011
LH dropped by to show me the route we will be taking on our trip to Texas this Friday. This is the collection of maps we'll be toting with us--it shouldn't be easy for us to get lost.
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