December 31, 2009

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ISO Speed 400

A cleanse in the sauna

A cleanse for the new decade. Peace, health, and happiness for the new year. Happy New Year, my friends and family.

December 30, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/40
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 1600

Got the shaft

Not sure - an output shaft from either a diesel engine, a hydraulic motor, don't know what the hell this thing is. I think it's a forklift part of some sort. I spent a few hours today walking around a forklift/crane shop. I was a kid in a candy store, and my camera was hungry; so many things to shoot - mechanical things, controls, pistons, gears - things I know nothing about.

I liked this particular object, and liked the way it converted to monochrome with a nice range of tones. Two days monochrome in a row... uh oh. Am I in a rut? Um, no, I think it's a shaft.

December 29, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/80
Av( Aperture Value ) 1.8
ISO Speed 400

Empty airport; empty heart

Having a hard time leaving PDX today. Going into the great unknown. Delayed flight, already re-routed, will get to Detroit sometime early tomorrow morning. Then the journey begins. I am going to try to find my strength, even if it may take me all over the country; I will find it. I didn't really say goodbye to anyone - just "I'll see you later..."

Until tomorrow... blue skies :)

This Monochrome concept came from Aileni at The Monochrome Weekend

December 28, 2009

Samson's haircut

(Today's story is about Tony - even though I took these photos last night)

This is Tony. He was my boyfriend - together for a few years, we broke up a little over a year ago. Obviously we have remained friends, and still have an enormous amount of admiration and respect for each other. Last night he came by and presented me with his Christmas gift. I had always wondered what he'd look like without the beard (not that I didn't like it, I did). I had always bugged him and teased him to shave it when we were a couple, but he couldn't part with it. For him, it was his strength and identity. It symbolized certain things and milestones in his life, and I respected that. I've always known him to have a long beard. I was reluctant to have him shave it off now; didn't seem like a time that made sense. But he explained he wanted to for me... knowing that I will more than likely lose my hair; he wanted to sacrifice something and sympathize a little alongside with me through my painful and challenging time. For his sake and his selfless gesture, I was touched, I let him do it - while I took the photographs.

I used to love to photograph Tony - he was a great model; certainly not camera shy, has an animated yet classic quality. He was easily photogenic, and I'm not one for portraiture photography; but somehow he always made this artist look good.

Thank you Tony. Your heart is larger than life, and is always in the right place, at the right time. My heart is overflowing.

December 27, 2009

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ISO Speed 400

A confluence of paths...

The outcome was not what I had envisioned for this image, but I'm posting it anyway. My husband got an electronic reader for Christmas. I am not a big fan of the electronic reader. I am a purist - I like the idea of turning pages and the feeling of the binding in my hands, the smell, sound and texture of the paper... guess I'm a little old fashioned when it comes to certain things. On the other hand, I can sit and read for hours on my computer. Is this any different? I make my living in high tech, so I am not by any means averse to gadgets and technology.

I am watching him, right now, as I write this, he is not reading a story, he is madly clicking away on the screen - doing what, I don't know. But I can tell you that it is not being absorbed in a story. ;)

December 26, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/320
Av( Aperture Value ) 1.4
ISO Speed 100

Fun in the produce section

I believe the produce guy is convinced that I have a serious problem. This is not the first time he has seen me photographing veggies over his shoulder. Ah, at least he's a good sport and pretends like he doesn't see me there. "Oh no, here comes the crazy girl with the camera... " Pay no attention, and she will go away...

More fun with my nifty fifty! I just love punching these out at 1.4!! (I mean, look at that shutter speed...!?) And I enjoy the effect of the shallow DoF. Thanks, produce guy, for making the broccoli so pretty.

December 25, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 1.4
ISO Speed 400

A new nifty fifty

My hubby gave me this sweet 50mm 1.4 lens - among other very cool accessories, AND a tripod... finally... a tripod. Oh, I think I am going to have some fun with this lens. It is a very new experience to use a 50mm - the 1.4 f-stop on this makes for some very nice effects and allows for seriously shallow DoF - also makes shooting indoors much more possible without flash! It takes some getting used to - not having a zoom. Forces you to get in and around your subject via foot. I think this will help with my composition. I shot this through a dirty cloudy mirror, so it does not show off the tack sharp results you get with this lens, but I just wanted to show my new toy in a goofy self-portrait. Now it's time to get my Christmas graze on. Eat, drink, and be merry!

December 24, 2009

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Av( Aperture Value ) 7.1
ISO Speed 200

Peace on Earth

A little cheat for today - I took this photograph yesterday while on a short hike near my home. Walking through the woods, came upon this tree, decorated with ornaments, beads, seeds, and ribbons. I like to think that this tree serves as a Christmas tree for the animals and birds, as it had many goodies on it for them to eat. A beautiful tree with an angel to look after us, and the wildlife who make this their home.

To those who visit my page; my friends, my family - Merry Christmas and peace on earth.

December 23, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/20
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 200

The tree swing at Round Lake

The fog settled in thick today around the lake, so much that the horizon practically disappeared. I love the eerie feeling you get in the fog - mysterious and still. You can barely see the horizon in this shot. I tried to accentuate it just a bit, while keeping it obscured. Not much you can do with these types of shots other than to go monochrome.

December 22, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/30
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 1600

Lost in the grotto

Went for a walk; the sun went down quick. I guess being solstice time of year, daylight is lost quickly. Today is the first time in two weeks it hasn't rained! Found a hidden pond with little waterfalls - a little grotto area - not too far from my neighborhood. The brush was thick, the ground was wet and seemed to be lost. We climbed out, up a steep hill, and finally got to a road where it was fenced in like a construction area. Trapped in this fenced and private area, had to make our way back to main roads. The sun went down quick, but it was a beautiful sunset rich with colors.

December 21, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 0.5
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.5
ISO Speed 400

Celebrating Christmas with a tree

My first Christmas tree in 10 years. I haven't had any heart for Christmas since I was divorced 10 years ago. Everything is different now. We were remarried to each other two days ago, now we can begin living again. Ironically, having a terminal illness may make this the most bittersweet one ever. This tree shines with every light of hope and energy that I have - my happy home; It's never too late to celebrate Christmas with beautiful decoration! Thank you for this tree of love and hope. Peace on Earth...

December 20, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 14.0
ISO Speed 200

A rainy day in the gorge

Not a great day for a photographic outing, but it was worth a shot. Spent a little time in the gorge today after a fun night of wedding celebration and Sunday brunch at Multnomah Falls. I stopped at this lookout point - although I have been past this point a hundred times, I never actually stopped here until now. This is looking toward the Vista House from the Portland Women's Forum scenic lookout. Sun or rain, the Columbia river gorge is one of the most special places on earth.


This Monochrome concept came from Aileni at The Monochrome Weekend

December 19, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.0
ISO Speed 400

It's official...

This is my self portrait - sitting down to sign the marriage certificate, I snapped the photo myself with the camera on the table. Not half bad without setting up the shot :) The DoF worked out!

A wonderful day it was - although I didn't get to take many of the photos myself - instead I relinquished control of my Canon to friends so that they could photograph us. I don't like to be photographed, and I am far more comfortable behind the lens, but I guess there are just some occasions that require being on the other side.

We had a very small informal ceremony, dinner, and celebration at my favorite place in Portland, McMenamin's Edgefield. Are we the only crazy hippies that have a wedding photograph in front of a Jerry Garcia sculpture? "Sometimes we live no particular way but our own" :)

December 19, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.0
ISO Speed 100

My wedding day...

Never thought I'd get hitched again. But here I am - remarrying the only other man I married once before. He is here for me, and he takes me as I am, broken and all. Life will be complete with him and us together. I thank him for loving me in the most unconditional way.

This is a bouquet of flowers sent by his sail racing team to congratulate us. I shot indoor with natural daylight by the window.

Now just waiting to meet with the Pastor, hoping for a little sun break so that we can be outdoors in the garden, us, a few friends, and Jerry Garcia. I have fallen off the daily post for a bit here, but there's a good reason. Reasons that will reveal themselves later, and for now I'm trying the best I can. Bear with me!

December 14, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.0
ISO Speed 400

Steal your face right off your head

The Barley Mill is another Grateful Dead inspired pub in Portland, part of the McMenamin's series of historical converted brewers and restaurants. Stopped in for a beer and lots of colorful whimsical eye candy to look at.

I liked the colors and arrangement of these pendant lamps hanging in front of a giant "Steal Your Face". I shot this with a flash - I normally try not to use flash, but in this case, it was necessary and also let me capture the colors in the pendants and the mural.

December 13, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 0.6
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.5
ISO Speed 1600

World Buddhist Preaching Assn.

It's been a very difficult week to get out and take photos every day. A difficult week in general, I might add. The weather hasn't been cooperative, and I am slacking in my postings!

This shot is a statue outside of the Buddhist Preaching Association in Portland - it was pouring down rain, and light was getting dark. The temple was closed, but a man with a key opened the temple and let me in to take photos when he saw me shooting from the street into the gardens. Light wasn't good, and pouring down rain didn't help. I snapped as best as I could, and decided to go with this scary looking guy. It was a beautiful place with lots of potential for wonderful shots, and I'd like to come back in the daylight and explore some more!

December 12, 2009

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Av( Aperture Value ) 4.5
ISO Speed 1600

The Dickens

I'm a bit late posting, but last night/yesterday was a challenge. It was ugly and rainy all day, hard to get outdoors for a shot. We went to dinner at the Edgefield in Troutdale, OR; it is probably my most favorite and one of the most unique places in Portland (especially for an ol' hippie like myself). Last night a Dickens-like caroling quartet were going around from pub to pub throughout the grounds singing festive Christmas songs in perfect harmony.

Most of the pubs on the grounds are very dimly lit with just fire stoves, candles and pendant lights - so shooting indoors was rather challenging. A high ISO was unavoidable, so I went with sepia monochrome to give it an "old" feel.

December 11, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.0
ISO Speed 200

Friday afternoon traffic

What else to do when stuck in traffic but play with the camera... ? Although it looks like I was moving fast, I was actually sitting, so I decided to try some timed shots for a motion effect. While the shutter is set to 1 second, I zoomed out while shooting to get this motion effect. Not exactly my best experiment, or a technically great shot, but the best I could do while sitting in the car waiting to move. Sometimes it's just fun to play and learn :)

December 10, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/30
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 400

Multnomah Falls in the deep freeze...

I played a little hooky today and left work early to go capture the frozen Multnomah Falls before sunset. I was not the only one who had this idea. I had to fight my way through the crowds of photographers set up in the ideal shooting spots. I brought my mono pod, but forgot my boot... story of my life. Handheld shots as best as I could, in the freezing cold, for as long as I could stand it.

I have shot Multnomah Falls in its frozen glory before - about a year ago. I was hoping to top my efforts today, but I think I was happier with last year's shots, as I set out early in the morning in a snow storm. There was nobody there, and I had the whole place to myself, with no onlookers in front of me, or on the bridge. It's a rare shot to get with nobody on the bridge. Nonetheless, a dramatic sight to see.

December 9, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/30
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.0
ISO Speed 160

Tomatoes on the vine

I brought the camera to the grocery store. Surprisingly enough, there are lots of great things to photograph in there - fresh produce, flowers, and lots of color everywhere. The kid working in the produce section probably thought I was insane, but I looked at him, shrugged, and said that the store was the closest thing that I had to the outdoors. He said, "you don't want to go outside, do you.." Nah. It's too dark and cold out there.

December 8, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/50
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 1000

"Where's the fire.... alarm?"

Today's post is more of a story... My roommate called me this morning in a panic when he was rudely awakened with the sound of the smoke detector system beeping uncontrollably. No smoke or fire, but yet the alarm kept howling for probably an hour. My suspicion is that there is a malfunction in this hard-wired system - perhaps dust, or a spider triggered the alarm; maybe a short. I came home and found that all the detectors had been removed and unplugged, neatly placed in a row. One more thing to fix... {sigh}

I had a few great photo opportunities today, and wished that I had my camera with me. Instead, here's my mundane indoor shot with a story. :) Let's hope the house doesn't decide to burn down while these are sitting silent.

December 7, 2009

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Av( Aperture Value ) 5.0
ISO Speed 1600

My roommate's tasty artwork

His artwork is his food and the delicious creations that come out of the kitchen. I love to cook too, but sometimes it's nice to kick back and let the other masters have the glory. This pork, stuffed with spinach, garlic and feta was as delicious as it looks.

Confession: the pork is not a shot from today - it was from last night. My camera ran out of battery as I was running around shooting different objects today. I wasn't happy with any of the shots, but I will post one more that I found somewhat interesting, just to keep within my blog rules :)

December 6, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 0.3
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 1600

Cheryl's Portrait

Sunday night - dinner and wine with some good friends. Cheryl was a sport and let me experiment with some b/w portrait. I put the glass in focus and left her out of focus, narrow DoF, to make for an abstract composition. With little light, the ISO was a bit high making the image a bit noisy, but hopefully the b/w keeps it a little soft and ethereal.

December 5, 2009

1st - Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/125
Av( Aperture Value ) 8.0
ISO Speed 400

Frozen buds

A very frosty morning - early, cold, a bit misty; almost seemed dream-like out there. I stepped outside to get close to the frost, and these glass-like rose buds, looking like little glass sculptures.

I didn't post yesterday, so I will double up today. :)

2nd - Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/200
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 400

December 3, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/80
Av( Aperture Value ) 10
ISO Speed 200

Last grapes on the vine

Walking to lunch today - saw this grapevine. I didn't even notice the grapes on it until I was up close. I might re-do this one with a selective color for the lonely grapes, but for now I went with warm monochrome.

**NOTE: I redid this shot as black & white with selective color on the grapes. I liked the result - see it on my Flickr photostream

December 2, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/1250
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 400

Christmas tree reflections

The Christmas trees are up on campus everywhere! This tree is in the library, and the library gets the most afternoon sun. My goal was to get some reflections and bokeh. I think I captured both. The bokeh to the right is from another ornament in the foreground. You can even see a little of me in the heart-shaped ornament.

December 1, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/160
Av( Aperture Value ) 11.0
ISO Speed 400

Wetlands near my house

Hard to believe that it is December 1st. Still feels like fall - all the leaves haven't even fallen yet. I'm kind of a sucker for scenery shots - so here it is. I was hoping for a better reflection, but the sun wasn't just right, and the water looks a bit brown and flat.

Funny, even in the winter the Northwest always seems to stay green.

November 30, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/8
Av( Aperture Value ) 6.3
ISO Speed 1600

Experimenting with still

I am stuck in the house today with a cold, so I decided to try some still life photos and experiment with lighting as well. This is something that I hope to learn at some point. So my post for the day is this attempt. I even experimented with GIMP a bit for some post production.

The lighting is too harsh - I used a lamp. It made the shadows too harsh. I used as dark a background as possible, and painted it even more in GIMP. I admit I didn't put a lot of time into this today - not feeling my best. {sigh} back at it tomorrow!