Wednesday, September 30, 2009

My Last Angel


The 365 Day Challenge Is Over!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

A Foggy Start...A Rainy End (Image Is More Appealing Enlarged)


A peaceful start to the day as the fog slowly lifted. Though the scene caught my eye, the image has been manipulated in that I added a pastel filter and gave it a slight blur. Only a few days left to the daily photo contest and I am struggling more than ever to find new pictures to take. I thought when the finish line is in sight there is suppose to be a surge of adrenaline?

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Slipping Away


The vibrant colors of potted plants and flowers are quickly fading as the autumn chill takes hold.
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Friday, September 25, 2009

The Mohawk Valley


Phil's assignment was to interpret different 'bumper stickers', including one with the common motto of "I Love New York". Well, to be honest, there is much about New York State that I do not love; however, its landscape and beauty I do love very much. The Mohawk Valley is an area of the state that has gorgeous rolling hills. The Mohawk river is also very picturesque.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Angel In Waiting


Hard to explain my title..it's from a song. The lyrics and sentiment are ones that I believe in. The song speaks to being kind, being oneself and living in a positive place where the opinions of others really don't matter. Anyway, another cemetery find.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Off To Work


Anyone driving to work this morning noticed the incredible sky with its dramatic colors. I had no tripod with me; however, I had to photograph the scene...therefore explaining the softness of the images. Usually I have taken sunrises without the clutter of buildings and cars; however, this morning I wanted to capture the 'real world', where cars are beginning to populate the streets.


Leslie and I are creating a yearbook for the first time. We photographed a few cross-country runners today. This image of one girl's shoes just might make a nice photo in the background, faded out so that traditional photos can be placed on top.

As the 365 day photo challenge winds down, I believe the task of creating a yearbook will keep me busy. Another great experience is right around the corner.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Early Halloween?


A bit creepy but when one walks through cemeteries this is what one finds.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Friday, September 18, 2009

Thanks Megan!


The photo above was taken as my niece Megan was relaxing at home, on the sofa. I wanted a metallic look to her skin and I think I achieved that to some degree. The light in the upper right corner is actually a setting sun, shining through a side window. Below, I tried to create a softer look, almost a "smooth" look in contrast with the harsh skin above. I love experimenting and with such a cooperative model, how could I go wrong!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Candle Is Burning Out


Long day with school, meetings and then parent night. I'm headed to bed...good night.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Behind The Mask - Early Assignment


This Thursday's assignment, given by Jayme, is "Behind The Mask". This photo is my interpretation of that assignment. I hope the symbols and mood are obvious. I wanted to include different "masks" that one can hide behind. One mask can be destructive whereas many masks, to hide behind, is paralyzing. I wanted to show the religious aspect, seen in the mirror. There is also the quiet and personal despair that some feel, out of view of others. I wanted to include the reflection of oneself where there is a disconnect between the real and the perceived. I added dark shadows and bright light as a symbolic tug of war and made the picture black and white for the same purpose...symbolically...good vs evil.
Don't you know it will never last
This face hidden behind the mask

Monday, September 14, 2009

How Long Can They Last?




How long can these flowers survive with cooling temperatures and fading sunshine? If it were up to me these flowers would last for a longer season as summer would lead to spring, skipping winter.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Time to .....


1. start my daily walk
2. prepare my lesson plan for Monday
3. get my gym bag ready for tomorrow
4. make my lunch
5. begin preparing for dinner
6. watch the U.S. Open Tennis Championship
7. write comments on friends' blogs
8. pack for moving
9. call a friend in Florida
...now I ask you...how much will I do? I'm not sure but I'm going to start with #1 Perhaps that will give me the energy for the rest.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Morning Routine


Every morning I go to the window to check out the weather and to make sure my car is still there. I live in a nice neighborhood; however, I need to make sure the car is parked out front. A bit OCD? Since I am moving soon I will not have much time left for this routine of mine. I will look out another window, with a different view. I will have a garage for my car; however, I'm sure I will still look in the driveway...again OCD?

Friday, September 11, 2009

Weathered Framed Art






A friend of mine hunts, during the Christmas season, for anything "pear". She gives a pear as a gift to an art friend of hers each and every year. When I saw this framed pear, I liked the weathered frame and, of course, the art work inside. The art work is also weathered and so the clarity is a little diminished. Since I only have one photo today, I experimented with filters to create very different images.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The "B" Side


In music, recording artists have their "B" songs. These are songs that didn't quite make it to an album. I just bought a cd of "B"/rare songs which gave me the idea of sharing my "B" photos. These photos were my working photos, some of which I then put a filter on or some that I just didn't use. The photo that I took today is in the upper left..the window display....a "B" photo too!
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Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Ordinary Photo


Trish, a few days ago, asked if I ever post an ordinary photo. Certainly I do, and I thank Trish for the compliment. Anyway, here is an ordinary photo Trish! I saw something really interesting with my eye; however, it didn't translate well to a photo. Sept 9....few more weeks and this competition is done!!! yippie!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

"In A Fog"


First day of school! I'm excited about a new year; however, it wasn't easy getting up at 5:15am!
I felt like I was 'in a fog' until I had coffee and began my morning drive. The day literally started with dense fog and I pulled into the Home Depot parking lot in hopes of finding something interesting. I like the bottom photo as the source of the bright light is a parking lot (street lamp)light. I purposely cut the light off to the edge not knowing for sure what the final image would look like...but I like it.

Monday, September 7, 2009

An 'Eeerriiiee' Morning


A dark beginning to the day as I was up very early. I wanted to take some photos with lights, maybe streaking cars or store lights/house lights; however, I saw none. Then I passed this spot, which I have photographed before. It usually has those round hay bales...well maybe that is no longer a bale? Anyway, the hay is gone but the fog was coming off the ground and headlights from a car, from left to right, seemed to make the fog look like it was "rolling" into the scene...at least to me. I set up the camera and waited for another car to stop at the intersection and I snapped once. This is what I got. Not a prize winner but pretty cool.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Another Colorful Evening




I'm always amazed how the lighting and colors change within moments during a sunset. I returned this evening to where I viewed and photographed a sunset a few days ago. The sun did not disappoint. With September being the last month of a 365 day photo challenge I am grateful for each "easy" day!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Another Beautiful Summer Day


With a few "dark", edgy photos in the last few days, I decided to lighten up today. I came across this bicycle while antiquing. Now that I am buying a house, shopping for furniture, paint, ladders, tools etc. is much more enjoyable! I hope everyone reading this post was able to enjoy the great weather!

Friday, September 4, 2009

AROUND TOWN--ASSIGNMENT- Doors and Windows..Next Week, Aged/Weathered










This house, which isn't actually that old, is in need of tender loving care. Perhaps it is too far gone to repair; however, at least the story behind the home's deterioration should be discovered.
I didn't do well last week with the Friday, Around Town, assignment so I'm hoping this attempt will make up for it. I like everything that is spooky and dark so this assignment was a pleasure. I tried to capture windows that were eerie and interesting at the same time.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Blk/Wht...Which is more appealing here?




Thursday's assignment was to take an image in color and in blk/wht. It is interesting to see how each subject/image compares. I like the blk/wht image here but it does not always work that way. What do you think?

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Sun Is Setting On Summer


What a difference a few minutes can make when shooting a sunset. These photos are probably no more than 5-7 minutes apart. I've photographed here before and always find the sunsets to be peaceful.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

All Aboard!





Today was a great day at the NYS Museum. With my nieces Jenna and Jamie, my sister and I took our time looking at all the interesting exhibits. We had a great time. The lighting was not suitable for photography; however, I was able to capture people on the NYC subway.