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October 03, 2008
July 11, 2008
July 10, 2008
Geranium
Mom tells me this is likely a Martha Washington Geranium. I wouldn't know, but I love the photo. Just thought I'd share.
July 08, 2008
July 05, 2008
More Thoughts On 365 Days
Well, Week Two of my 365 Days project is completed.
I was going to try to restrict myself to just one photo, but after giving it some thought I've changed my mind on that. I'd like to develop my ability to create photographic storyboards.
I've also decided that adding a sentence or two is not going to take the focus off the photography, so I'm going to ease up on that rule. I'd like to be able to look back on this blog and have a reminder of the significance of my photo choices.
I think, in general, that the less rules I have and the more creativity I allow myself within the one-a-day structure the more likely I am to continue to enjoy this project.
So far, I've had a great deal of fun with it, and can already see a more creative bent to my work.
I was going to try to restrict myself to just one photo, but after giving it some thought I've changed my mind on that. I'd like to develop my ability to create photographic storyboards.
I've also decided that adding a sentence or two is not going to take the focus off the photography, so I'm going to ease up on that rule. I'd like to be able to look back on this blog and have a reminder of the significance of my photo choices.
I think, in general, that the less rules I have and the more creativity I allow myself within the one-a-day structure the more likely I am to continue to enjoy this project.
So far, I've had a great deal of fun with it, and can already see a more creative bent to my work.
June 27, 2008
Stepping On Rainbows
I'm very proud of this photo. I didn't just see a composition, I saw the potential for a composition and created it. This is, for me, a real sign that I'm moving beyond merely taking the photo to actually making the photo.
I think the 365 Days Project I'm working on is already stretching me as a photographer. I feel the need to capture more than just a pretty picture of a flower or a sunset; I feel the need to capture the essence of the day, or at least of a moment in the day.
As a matter of fact I'm having difficulty choosing which pictures to put up because I usually have more than one that I feel encapsulates my day. I'm struggling between allowing myself to post more than one if I feel like it, and continuing to restrict myself to just one as a way to force my self into more clarity.
I stopped writing little blurbs to explain the photo as well. I feel that the photo should do most of the talking, and that, as a writer, I should be able to use a short caption to further enhance the message. So that's what I'm doing.
Ultimately I may change the rules, if I feel changing them will benefit me in the long term.
I'm really intrigued to see where this will all take me, creatively.
June 23, 2008
My First Telephoto Lens...
Woohoo, I just purchased my first lens. A Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro.
My co-workers gave me a gift certificate as a going away gift so that I could start my lens collection, and I'm pretty happy with the choice I made.
I've been reading up on the pros and cons of zoom lens over prime, and while I do see the advantages of primes I feel that for practicality I'll go with zoom options for now. I just don't have the money to invest in primes, nor the knowledge to utilize them effectively. I also lack the ability to cart around large amounts of equipment.
I can already tell that by using primes I'd learn a lot about the technical side of photography, since just switching between my basic kit lens and the new Sigma has clarified a few things for me about SLR photography.
This purchase comes at a great time. I'm just starting to explore candid street photography and having a telephoto allows me to remain less conspicuous while capturing my subject.
I also can't get over how much I feel like a true photographer walking around with that long lens and its companion lens-hood. It looks so impressive; I even found people pausing to let me take photos, as opposed to walking right into my frame. I suppose a serious SLR camera just gets a little more respect!
I can handle that.
I'm eager to take it out for a third run. I bought it Saturday and have already taken it out twice. I've taken close to a thousand photos already!
Enjoy these two captures...courtesy of my new Sigma. The first is not the best technical photo by any means, but it shows a growing ability to capture mood and movement, something I'm now working on. The crystal ball is one my favourite photos. It displays an increased eye for detail, I wouldn't have noticed the reflection in the ball 6 months ago.
::grin::
May 29, 2008
The Grateful Five...
Today (and everyday) I'm grateful that I was blessed with:
~ a working and creative brain
~ an abundant sense of humour
~ a positive outlook on life that has stood the ravages of time and life
~ a tolerant, open-minded nature
And most of all, people in my life who appreciate those things.
What are you grateful for?
~ a working and creative brain
~ an abundant sense of humour
~ a positive outlook on life that has stood the ravages of time and life
~ a tolerant, open-minded nature
And most of all, people in my life who appreciate those things.
What are you grateful for?
May 27, 2008
Options...
Well, I have a job interview on Thursday. The optometrist who's looking to train someone as a visual therapist has talked me into going out to talk to her.
The money seems reasonable, the job interesting. I have no doubt I'd be good at it, with all my experience with special needs kids and their families. Part of me likes the idea of working for at least another year; financially, anyway.
I could put more money aside, even take a photography course in the meantime.
My math test results stand for 5 years before I’d be required to write that again. I could probably take the necessary communications courses online as well, so when I did eventually go back for an optician degree I'd have less of a course load and could maybe even continue working part-time as a visual therapist. I don’t think they’re offered as online/distance education by Douglas College at this time, but I believe one can take those kinds of general courses through any college and transfer the credits.
I’d have a year in the field to be sure that I actually do want to become an optician before investing all that time and money, and it would be a definite benefit to have this experience when the time came to take the course.
It all sounds very practical.
However, part of me is extremely fired up about the idea of going back to college. I really love learning, and the whole school experience. I want to walk the campus with my books in hand and feel the energy rush of being surrounded by people who are excited about their future. People who still believe they can achieve their dreams.
In the day to day work grind so many of us lose that enthusiasm and become jaded and lazy. We stop believing in dreams; stop making goals for our selves. Trust me, I see glimmers of it in myself, and that’s how I know my time to move on is long overdue.
I don’t know what the future will hold, and the job interview may prove to be a dead end…but it’s nice to know there are options. I was certainly having my moments of doubt over the last two years.
Stay Tuned!
The money seems reasonable, the job interesting. I have no doubt I'd be good at it, with all my experience with special needs kids and their families. Part of me likes the idea of working for at least another year; financially, anyway.
I could put more money aside, even take a photography course in the meantime.
My math test results stand for 5 years before I’d be required to write that again. I could probably take the necessary communications courses online as well, so when I did eventually go back for an optician degree I'd have less of a course load and could maybe even continue working part-time as a visual therapist. I don’t think they’re offered as online/distance education by Douglas College at this time, but I believe one can take those kinds of general courses through any college and transfer the credits.
I’d have a year in the field to be sure that I actually do want to become an optician before investing all that time and money, and it would be a definite benefit to have this experience when the time came to take the course.
It all sounds very practical.
However, part of me is extremely fired up about the idea of going back to college. I really love learning, and the whole school experience. I want to walk the campus with my books in hand and feel the energy rush of being surrounded by people who are excited about their future. People who still believe they can achieve their dreams.
In the day to day work grind so many of us lose that enthusiasm and become jaded and lazy. We stop believing in dreams; stop making goals for our selves. Trust me, I see glimmers of it in myself, and that’s how I know my time to move on is long overdue.
I don’t know what the future will hold, and the job interview may prove to be a dead end…but it’s nice to know there are options. I was certainly having my moments of doubt over the last two years.
Stay Tuned!
May 22, 2008
Dragonfly
Captured this little lovely with the non-DSLR camera we have here at work. Sadly, my cherished Canon was at home. This needs to be a lesson to me. No matter how sure I may be that I'll not be needing my camera, it should still be with me at all times.
I was able to salvage a couple of interesting images to play with, but had I had my own camera there would have been some very great shots. The little predator stayed happily on the wall for guite a long time.
Ah well, better these shots than nothing.
Lesson learned, I hope!
May 11, 2008
Living In Interesting Times...
So, I was surfing and came across an optometry office that offers Vision Therapy as one of their services.
Vision Therapy is the treatment of vision issues that can impair a person's ability to read, develop good hand-eye coordination, etc...
Generally the children receiving these services, have physical, mental or learning challenges such as ADD or Dyslexia.
I began to ponder this as a possible career consideration as I just know I'm going to miss the contact with special needs children that has been such a huge part of my life.
Not being one to leave any stone unturned, any curiousity unsatisfied, I emailed the optometrist in charge, asking her for some information on Vision Therapy...
Not 24 hours later I received a lovely reply, and the offer of a job interview...
Hmmm...Life certainly is - as Spock would say - fascinating.
I guess I should see where this might lead...
Vision Therapy is the treatment of vision issues that can impair a person's ability to read, develop good hand-eye coordination, etc...
Generally the children receiving these services, have physical, mental or learning challenges such as ADD or Dyslexia.
I began to ponder this as a possible career consideration as I just know I'm going to miss the contact with special needs children that has been such a huge part of my life.
Not being one to leave any stone unturned, any curiousity unsatisfied, I emailed the optometrist in charge, asking her for some information on Vision Therapy...
Not 24 hours later I received a lovely reply, and the offer of a job interview...
Hmmm...Life certainly is - as Spock would say - fascinating.
I guess I should see where this might lead...
April 30, 2008
Take THAT, Math Gods!!
I did it!! I passed my math assessment re-test and now, unforseen circumstances notwithstanding, I should get accepted into the Optician program for September.
It's been a roller-coaster, and I've had to stare down the Math Demons, but then, all progress comes with a bit of struggle.
As Martin Luther King said:
I don't know what the future holds but I'm all for stepping on the staircase again, and seeing where I end up. It's en a long time since I took such a risk. Far too long!
The one regret I have about the timing for this is that I really wanted to take some photography courses now that I have my Canon Rebel XT to play with. I haven't even begun to tap its potential, and I'm not sure I can, all on my own.
However time and money are going to be too much of a barrier as far as I can see, for at least another year.
A least the way the course is set out I should still be able to find time for photography.
Okay, off to crash on the couch and wallow in a great day's work!
Stay Tuned!
Ah well,
It's been a roller-coaster, and I've had to stare down the Math Demons, but then, all progress comes with a bit of struggle.
As Martin Luther King said:
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
I don't know what the future holds but I'm all for stepping on the staircase again, and seeing where I end up. It's en a long time since I took such a risk. Far too long!
The one regret I have about the timing for this is that I really wanted to take some photography courses now that I have my Canon Rebel XT to play with. I haven't even begun to tap its potential, and I'm not sure I can, all on my own.
However time and money are going to be too much of a barrier as far as I can see, for at least another year.
A least the way the course is set out I should still be able to find time for photography.
Okay, off to crash on the couch and wallow in a great day's work!
Stay Tuned!
Ah well,
April 27, 2008
Photos From The Aquarium
Had a chance about a week ago to take some photos at The Vancouver Aquarium with my new Canon Rebel XT.
Although I'm still a novice with the camera, and haven't conquered the custom settings yet, I'm thrilled with the photos it took on the automatic settings.
I was also impressed with the zoom results; was able to get some real nice shots of the trainers, and their interactions, as well as some close-ups of the sea lions otters, and dolphins. All this with a mid-range lens. I can't wait to see what I can do when I can finally afford a good telephoto!
The speed of the camera is very satisfying, as well. Capturing dolphins in mid-air has been a dream of mine since my first visits to the aquarium as a child. And I'm thrilled with what I've gotten so far. R. had to put up with me squealing to come and see every few moments, but he did seem to enjoy them. He takes a lot of interest in my photography, and has even helped me out on occasion. Maybe he'll get the camera bug eventually?
I'm looking forward to going again and seeing what else I can capture.
Meanwhile you can click here to see some of the results.
Although I'm still a novice with the camera, and haven't conquered the custom settings yet, I'm thrilled with the photos it took on the automatic settings.
I was also impressed with the zoom results; was able to get some real nice shots of the trainers, and their interactions, as well as some close-ups of the sea lions otters, and dolphins. All this with a mid-range lens. I can't wait to see what I can do when I can finally afford a good telephoto!
The speed of the camera is very satisfying, as well. Capturing dolphins in mid-air has been a dream of mine since my first visits to the aquarium as a child. And I'm thrilled with what I've gotten so far. R. had to put up with me squealing to come and see every few moments, but he did seem to enjoy them. He takes a lot of interest in my photography, and has even helped me out on occasion. Maybe he'll get the camera bug eventually?
I'm looking forward to going again and seeing what else I can capture.
Meanwhile you can click here to see some of the results.
April 13, 2008
Gardens And Tripods
The weather finally changed this weekend and the cherry blossoms and hyacinths lent quite an amazing perfume to the air. I was inspired to head over to Van Dusen Botanical Gardens with camera and tripod in tow.
I haven't used my tripod much, but I think it truly made a difference to the photos I took. Especially the blossom close-ups. I intend to make an effort to use it more. Perhaps when the tulips come into full bloom...soon, I hope!
You can access some of today's photos here.
I haven't used my tripod much, but I think it truly made a difference to the photos I took. Especially the blossom close-ups. I intend to make an effort to use it more. Perhaps when the tulips come into full bloom...soon, I hope!
You can access some of today's photos here.
April 12, 2008
March 24, 2008
Hastings Park Fountains
Took a walk out to Hastings Park, where there is a lovely Italian garden with fountains apparently modelled after the fountains of Aquila, Italy. Since it was a drab day with not too much to capture other than the sculpture of the fountains I took the opportunity to play with some slight editing effects in terms of colour.
You can see the series here.
March 21, 2008
March 21st 2008 - Spring in Vancouver
I've added a new photo album on my photo collections page. R. and I took a walk down by Granville Island a few days ago, and enjoyed these signs of spring.
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