Day 15 - Where My Feet Take Me

So many brilliant, wonderful and cool ideas...in my mind, at least.  Today's photo is an output of poor time management combined with good intentions but no execution.  


The first thought I had was something in the sand, a whole path of footprints.  Cool, right?  Agreed, but that would require me getting to the beach in the DAYLIGHT and well, that didn't happen.


My feet do their fair share of work and so being able to sit in the recliner and prop them up was a fun thought, but my feet weren't feeling photogenic when I got home and the whole shot was just kind of lame.


I was brushing my teeth (it is something I do every day, as we remember from day #2!), when I caught a glimpse of my shoes behind me in the mirror, all lined up.  My feet take me lots of places, and of course the shoes are an important part of that, but they don't get to go everywhere, as they rotate around.

My shoes (a sampling of them, anyway) are trusty tools on the path of life.

Day 14 - Flowers

Sundays are pretty full and this week was no exception.  I had looked up the assignment in advance so I could carry it around in the back of my head like a mantra...I want to avoid getting in those clutch situations where I am losing some of my creative angle because I don't have the time or the lighting to get the shot that I want.


I have a TON of great flower pictures from my travels, probably not as many as Ebe who was dubbed the flora and fauna girl while we were in Hawaii because of all of the scenery and nature shots that she took.  I could have used one of the near-perfect roses that was snapped in Canada while on the Alaska cruise a few years ago, or anything from the botanical gardens in Hawaii earlier this month...but that would not be in keeping with the spirit of the project, so in the moment picture taking I went.


I left my camera at home (duh!), so I found myself out and about with just the Google phone for a camera.  We had to stop at the Brown's to pick up my tax documents to mail in (a long story, but Bettina and I enjoy dragging the tax process over the entire year, giving us a good excuse to visit with each other).  On the way back to the car, I saw that they had some nice looking roses in the front, including some particularly lovely pink roses, so I whipped out the phone, aimed it and took one snap...I didn't even check the shot to see if it came out because the glare from the screen was too much to let me get a clear read on it.

I'd say that it came out pretty well, God's beauty shines just about everywhere we look!

Day 13 - From a Distance

The photo-journaling is becoming more of a habit each day.  Today was a full and busy day, but by the time it was near over, I had not snapped the perfect shot for this.


There were opportunities - a nice skyline of the valley when I drove through it, a great evening shot of the Irvine transportation center, the Target sign from the end of the parking lot...all of these options and ideas were in my head, but I totally missed on the execution part.


I busted out a book that I am reading (not on the kindle, a rare thing these days) and realized that I didn't have my cheaters, so I had to stretch the book out as far as my arms would go to see the letters.

Yep, from quite a distance, good thing my arms are long!

Day 12 - Close-up

Another day of multiple attempts before landing on the right shot.  I either lack a camera with good close-up abilities OR (and this is the greater likelihood) I lack the skills to effectively zoom in and take a picture of something close up.


I had this whole Ferris-Bueller-at-the-art-gallery idea with the fabric on my cubicle wall.  Seven shots later (all since deleted) and I can tell you that it will never be something that I can pull off.  I then went about the office looking to photo several other items - a raspberry, a magnet, the refrigerator door, our logo, my coffee cup and a key...the results were: blurry, lame, indistinguishable, doesn't translate, dull and reflective.


I walked around the building, looking for some creative inspiration and also decided that I needed to change my strategy and try to get a close-up of something that would still be somewhat recognized.  Some yahoo honked their horn at the car in front of them who was stopped and not moving and I saw it...

Close, recognizable and actually kind of cool.  I approve and thanks to the yahoo for honking!

Day 11 - Something Fun

Fun, I like!  There are many options to consider here, but some confinement due to the fact that I am supposed to be working most days and cruising around looking for photo ops is not necessarily where I should be spending my time.

I started the day thinking that I would do a picture on PCH, possibly of another person taking a picture of the sunrise, as it is not uncommon for me to see someone else pulling up to do the same thing I have stopped to do...capture the amazing hues and colors on the horizon as the sun peeks up over the Santa Monica pier.  Good idea, kind of of lousy picture, so I quickly scrapped that idea.

My inspiration then came while I was staring outside, sitting on a conference call.  There is a park between my building at work and the next one, with several cool trees that invite anyone with an adventurous spirit to climb them.  Climbing a tree is fun, so out I went on a quick photo break after my call was over.

I had to make 3 loops around the park.  Loop 1 was because I picked the day the landscapers are here to take my photo and it felt weird to be climbing the tree in my work clothes while the sprinklers were being tested.  Loop 2 happened when a couple came and sat on the bench right next to the tree...I got a bit self conscious and walked away.  Loop 3 occurred when the landscapers were back, this time raking the leaves out of the planter right next to the tree.

Finally!  The tree and I were alone.  I hiked up my pants and scurried up the trunk, and then promptly fell into the dirt below.  It isn't that surprising and probably more impressive that I did not rip, cut or bruise anything.

I quickly changed my strategy and opted for the up-shot of the faux-climb.  Who knew this project could be so hazardous?

Day 10 - Something I Made

Another surprising entry in that it took me all day to figure out what to do here and I really did take it down to the wire once again.  In fact, were it not for the fact that Ebe needed a little late-night snack after a long-running meeting, I might have been fashioning some stick figures out of paper clips.


Behold, a PB, no J sandwich...crunchy.  Critics state that it was good, but maybe a little heavy on the peanut butter due to a full sandwich portion being spread across and then cut in 1/2.  Duly noted and we will improve on the next round...or just enjoy some paperclip stick figures instead!

Day 9 - Faceless Self Portrait

Mom...you should be able to spot this in a heartbeat.  Today is faceless self-portrait day and I have a feeling that I interpreted this differently than some of the other real photographers did, but I like it anyway.


Admittedly, those who don't know me pretty well do not realize that I have this birthmark, because I typically cover it up and don't pull my hair back...it is kind of different and because it is red, most people panic for a moment if they catch a glimpse because they think my ear is bleeding.


I chose to highlight it, surprisingly enough, because I figure that if this photo were in a line-up, people who know me would be able to ID me, and in my mind, that is what a self-portrait is all about.

I thought that my hair was looking a bit redder these days than it is here...must be the ear overpowering it!

Day 8 - Technology

I love technology.  I have declared this on more than one occasion in more than one place.  Today's photo is focused on technology and for that reason I decided to focus on my current favorite piece of technology...my Google phone!

I had a whole Lion King, lift-the-phone-to-the-sky-and-take-a-picture-of-it-framed-in-the-sun visual in my head, but had that grand plan dashed with the sad fact that I left my camera at home today...in my backpack, along with my computer.  Yes, I actually walked out of the house without my computer today AND I didn't even realize it until I got into the office and got to my desk; that was indeed a FAIL moment for me and all of my technology!

Forunately, my fancy technology phone has a camera on BOTH sides and mirrors (decidedly low-tech, but effective) exist abundantly in the office, so...voila!  A phone that can take it's own picture!

That is technology at its best, indeed.

Day 7 - Something New

The whole something new (again, in my literal translation of the assignment) proved to be less of an "aha, easy" assignment than I might of liked, and I found myself thinking about it quite a bit throughout the day.

The day's activities were of course full, given the fact that it was Sunday, and I soon found the day winding down without a really solid plan in my head.  One of the multiple activities of the day included a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth by Elizabeth and me to meet up with the Schnoogs and her friend Cassie.  I started to think about how many "new" things were there, particularly around first-time experiences for guests (especially that cute little boy on the carousel in the Tigger cap who could not be more than a year old), but I wasn't feeling comfortable enough to walk up to a perfect stranger and taking a picture of them, or, worse-still, getting chased through Disneyland by an angry parent who doesn't appreciate my paparazzi-style, zoom-through-a-bush photo skills.

I opted instead for a row of gleaming Mickey Mugs, all very shiny and new, waiting for some lucky person to take one home.  A bonus feature?  I faced and merchandised these mugs for the shot, I am sure the team working in the store appreciated my help!

Day 6 - Childhood Memory

Today was a fun day, both for the topic and the actual bunch of stuff that I did!  Ebe came up on the train in the morning and we set off for a fun day in beautiful Ventura.  It was already 84 in Simi Valley when the train pulled in the station, so we were ready for a warm and sunny day at the beach.

Enter the fog...lots of fog!  We visited the Mission, did some shopping along Main St., got a burrito at Corrales, ate at the beach and FROZE.  I took some pix around the pier and water, as I have lots of good memories of the water thanks to my growing up days in San Diego and while the shots were OK, they didn't really capture what I would call a really specific memory.

We went over to the Harbor for an ice cream cone because, you know, they are tasty!  Ebe demonstrated a far broader capacity for creativity and connecting to a fun childhood than I when she said, "hey, this would make a good picture for today".  She had already taken a cool, artsy upshot of a swing at the beach; the idea was ripe for the picking, so I did it!

Cherry Vanilla ROCKS and so does my friend who helps me to be creative when I am lacking!

Day 5 - Someone I Love

This should be an easy one...I have many people I love, all of whom are photogenic...no problem, right?  Not so much.  I actually posted a day late because I just could not make my mind up about what to do.  I don't want to seem like I am picking "favorites" among those I love, or exclude anyone and hurt their feelings, I want to get a good shot that will continue to expand my portfolio a bit, there is too much dialogue going on in my head around this!


I started to go down the path of using an existing photo because it hit all of the key elements that I wanted to, but that isn't true to the rules and I like to think that I am a rule follower (when it is appropriate, there is nothing wrong with being a rebel with a good cause every now and again too, but I digress), so I decided to make it happen.

What is not to love about this face?

Day 4 - Favorite Color

The answer is easy, but a good interpretation takes a bit of thought.  Given all of the creative photos and style of photography that are cropping up in our little project, I find myself working to think a little differently so that I can hold my own against the cool kid photographers that I seem to be running with!


My inspiration came when I was driving to work this morning - still dark but heavy enough traffic that I got to view a lot of taillights.  Looking for the silver lining, I realized that I certainly did enjoy the red glow and while I knew I couldn't take the shot while driving (I already broke that rule and did it yesterday morning), I had an easy shot once I got to the parking garage.

Bold and authoritative...I like it!

Day 3 - Clouds

The blogging AND photos continue and I was excited about today's assignment, because when the big puffy clouds are out, there are fewer things more creative and inspiring to check out.


I awoke to fog...lots of it...and thankfully had the foresight to grab my camera out of my bag as I left the house to snap a few creative and inspiring shots because fog = clouds.  I snapped a few, zoomed in a few and even took an in-motion shot or two through the windshield while on the road (sorry Ebe, know that I did always have one hand on the wheel and I WAS watching what I was doing plus I left plenty of room in front of me from the next car).  I did not look at any of the photos (because, remember...I was driving!) and went about my day, waiting for the sun to come out.


I was in South Orange County for the remainder of the day, which did finally clear up sometime after lunch to...super clear blue skies, no clouds!  I kept checking all day but nothing, it was a Chamber of Commerce Day, much to my dismay.  It reminded me of the movie The Aviator when Howard Hughes blew his whole filming budget waiting for real clouds to appear in the sky so that the fight sequence they wanted to film would appear more realistic...there was nothing to work with today!


I downloaded my collection of fog pictures, expecting at least one or two great shots and instead I found gray, dreary and relatively uninspiring shots of not much of anything, including one particularly blurry picture of a wheel (I think).  Someone needs to back off on the zoom!

Elizabeth helped me out and picked the best of the worst...this is it.  We tried to convince ourselves that the contrast of the trees along the roof line made it interesting.  


Tried is the operative word here!

Day 2 - Something I Do Every Day

It is good to be blogging again and even more fun to be photo-journaling as well!  The assignment today is to capture something that I do every day.

I took the phrase literally...EVERY day.  Shower - out.  Using the phone - out (although the leader if the assignment was almost every day).  Driving - out.  On the computer - out.  You get the idea.  There are a lot of things that I do a lot, but I had to think a bit to capture something that I do EVERY day without skipping.

You can thank me later for this!

Day 1 - Self Portrait

Celebrate the triumphant return of the blogging discipline!  Thanks to two creative people who piqued my interest in stretching some creative muscles...Brenna for the 30-days of photos exercise and Ebe for suggesting we blog about the process.  I like it!

We begin with a self portrait.  Actually a hard first assignment, in my opinion!  My initial idea was one of action...I set my camera up in my cube at work with the self-timer and spun around in my chair.  In my head, it was really cool and blurry and would represent the constant state of action that I am usually in...so very profound, right?

After about 10 REALLY BAD pictures of me in various stages of frozen shots trying to look like I was moving, I abandoned the effort.  The day was getting later, I was supposed to be working and I was starting to obsess over this darn self-portrait.  I put the camera away for a while and just let the creative energy flow for a bit...there has to be something that I can do to represent me!

Enter the scissors.  I have what some call a bad habit of cutting my own bangs...I prefer to consider it a strong commitment to good grooming skills...and in one instance I actually used cuticle scissors to trim things up.  Admittedly, not my best look for a week or two after that encounter.

At any rate, behold the self-portrait!  Too much flash, too aggressive on the trim and all me, true to life!