Metal Fist

Today's project (3/30): Make a photograph that features metal or a metallic surface today.

I had a couple of ideas for this assignment. There were particularly three ideas that I wanted to use, but I really couldn't decide between them which I wanted to use.

One of the ideas was calling to go in an entirely different direction. It wasn't anything physical that was or contained metal. I used a CD and it's case from an album I bought a long time ago. It was the Pantera Greatest Hits album, Pantera being a Heavy Metal band. I then started thinking people probably wouldn't know who Pantera was, and wouldn't make the connection to metal.



I decided to use this photo. I found an old rusty chain, and simply wrapped it around my fist. I tried giving an angry look, though I probably couldn't pass as being intimidating, right?

Inside Cat

Today's project (3/29): Make a photograph that illustrates being inside today.

Easy enough. Right?

Right. Well I wanted to use the pool table again, with some balls inside the pocket. I wasn't too thrilled about the results.

I then looked up and saw this...



Once again, I used Betty. I hate her, but she makes for some good photos, I suppose. Here she is, chilling at the window. As you can see outside, it's a gorgeous day out.

Los Angeles California Temple

Today's project (3/28): Make a black and white photograph and go monochrome today.

This was a rather easy one. My last black and white photo was for a project with an old setting. I used St. Vincent's Catholic church in Los Angeles.



This time around, I decided to continue the black and white theme with another church. The picture above is The Los Angeles California Temple. It's the tenth operating and the second-largest temple operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's on Santa Monica Blvd, right across the street from my work place. Very convenient.

The Ninja in Motion

Today's project (Friday 3/25): Make a photograph of something in motion. Use blur to help convey the motion you are capturing.

I must say, I don't think I've ever had an idea jump in my mind so quick like it did today. As soon as I read "something in motion", I instantly know what, or rather, who, I wanted to use as my subject.



Meet The Ninja. He's a UPS Service Provider. He's one of my drivers from my home building that delivers to Santa Monica. I asked him if I can use him for an assignment, and he agreed to volunteered.

The first picture I took, I was standing on the sidewalk as he drove by in his UPS Package Car. Although he was driving (fast) down a major street, I wasn't complete sure I wanted to use that particular photo. For one, I didn't like the color of the sky. Second, there were other cars around it that I didn't like in the shot either.

I then met up with The Ninja at the Brentwood Country Mart on 26th St. in Santa Monica. He was interested in my assignment and was excited to have pictures taken.

I decided to use this particular photo because not only does it show him with his deliveries, but I also like the many colors around him, including the sky. Although he's not walking very fast... actually, nevermind, I lied. He's VERY fast.

Many thanks to The Ninja for his services.

A Path in Time

Today's project (Thursday 3/24): Make a photograph featuring a path, road, or trail that leads the eye through the photograph.

Come to think about it, as I am typing this and re-reading the assignment, I don't think I should have used this one. Although it does feature a path, I don't feel it really leads you anywhere.



This path is in the local neighborhood park. It leads to a sun dial placed in the edge of the park.

Layered in Zoom

Today's project (3/23): Make a photograph today that uses layers as a compositional tool.

I had to think about this one for a bit. It wasn't terribly difficult, though I was able to come up with an idea.

I went outside to find something to shoot, when I happened to come upon a lone bee floating around.

It was windy, so the bee wouldn't sit still for too long. I tried to keep my camera as it floated from flower to flower, hoping it'd be still enough to shoot it. As soon as it stopped, I took several shots. This one ended up my favorite.

I then went to photoshop to give it a feeling of zooming in on the bee. I used a blur filter. It was tricky, but I think it came out decent.

A Third Sunset

Today's project (Tuesday 3/22): Illustrate the rule of thirds in a photograph today.

This assignment was a tough one. I almost had forgotten what this meant, but it came back to me.



I had to use a grid setting in the camera to align the shot that I wanted. I had gone with a different view of the horizon, but the peak of the house caught my eye, and I readjusted the angle.

In this photo, I aligned the bottom horizontal line along the edge of the horizon where the housing meets the skyline. As far as the vertical guides, the two trees on the left align with the left guide, while the peak of the roof o the house aligns with the right vertical line.

Triangle Circle X Square

Today's project (Sunday 3/20): Make a photograph that incorporates a circle.



How many circles can you find in this photo?

Holding the Cue

Today's project (3/17): Show your own hand in a photograph today doing something. Reaching, holding, touching, or making a sign.

Initially I had an idea of typing on the laptop, but I really didn't like how those photos came out. I then thought of holding... let's just say a weapon. That didn't out turn out so well, either.

I then turned to the pool table. I tried taking a photo with my right hand, but It wasn't terribly easy to do what I wanted, so I decided to use my tripod.



I tried tinkering with the photo, but then I realized the colors in the shot came out good enough as it is. I used a vivid color setting in my camera. I also liked how the shadows appear from the balls, and my hand.

Green Eyes

Today's project (Tuesday 3/15): Today's color is green. Make a photograph dominated by green today.

I didn't know where to go with this entry. I was thinking of going outside to take a photo of a plant, tree, or something similar. I then thought that it would be too easy.

I then came up with another idea, and I started working on that idea, actually, when I then realized I could do better.



That is when I came up with Betty. She has green eyes. Normally they are a pale green, but sometimes, they can be a bit brighter. I just used the natural sunlight towards her face and took several shots.

I desaturated the image, removing all color, except for her eyes, in order for them to stand out in the photo.

I really do hate taking pictures of Betty though. She's too big of a puff ball.