Wednesday's Assignment

Make a photograph of something circular and crop it within a square frame.

Okay- so this is boring but it is round and it is within a square.  And I actually used my manual settings to take this picture.  The most interesting thing is that the ? which usually appears in my viewfinder did not appear this time.  Not sure if it was because there was enough light reflecting off the white of the bowl to enable a decent shot.  On a sad note though....my Sony point and shoot camera died.  It's a few years old but had been working up until recently, but it appears the CCD (which has something to do with the squiggily lines running up and down in the LCD panel) chip has died.  Sony was replacing them up until March as I guess they were defective but their free repair is no longer in effect.  It's nice to have something else to use when I don't want to be carrying around a clunky 35 mm so I guess I'll be doing some shopping via amazon.com.

Shot with manual setting today.

Tuesday's Assignment

What's your favorite device to access the internet?  Make a photograph of it today.

When I took this picture using the automatic setting the keyboard came out awfully dark.  For whatever reason I couldn't get the flash to go off.  Guess I should have found a darker room to shoot in.  I uploaded it into photoshop and used the auto fix to lighten it up a little.  Must be the silver against the white that disables the flash.  Haven't spent much time fooling around with manual settings.  Where I thought I would have all the time in the summer that's not the case.  Too many things to do and little time to do them all.  I do like coming up with the shots- just the process that eludes me.  And perhaps the next time this assignment comes up I'll have an ipad to shoot instead of this laptop.  Just dreaming.....

Shot with automatic setting today.

Monday's Assignment

Go high key today.  Make a photograph that's all bright tones or dominated by white.

I kind of drew a blank on this one today even though I may have mentioned that I wished my house was all white- walls, carpet, tile, etc etc.  So I resorted to dragging a few items out of the cupboard that were white and attempted to stage them- unfortunately, I'm not getting the stark white that I was looking for.  What is that brown tone at the bottom of the picture?  And how come the cup has a darker hue to it?  Even though I was using automatic setting the color of the picture would change the closer or further I got from the cups.  Finally decided to add some water to the coffee cup and for whatever reason the flash went off.  Moving around the cups didn't seem to make any difference.  Not exactly the kind of picture I wanted to take today but I waited too long and was somewhat mentally exhausted by the end of the day.

Shot with automatic setting today.

Friday's Assignment

Weekend whimsy.  Make a photograph of something that tickles your funny bone.  Caption it accordingly.

Have lots of butterflies flitting around our yard this summer.  Yesterday we had three flying in and out and between our cars for several minutes.  Of course, when they'd land they'd close up their wings and the beauty of their colors were hidden.  For whatever reason I was able to get close enough to motivate the butterfly to open it's wings.  It actually stayed there long enough for me to get several shots.  This is truly one of nature's gems.

Shot with automatic focus today.

Thursday's Assignment

Make a photo of elements that are strikingly different from one another to add tension and interest to your composition.

You might say to yourself that this photo has to have been taken in some turn of the century home. Who else would still have brick on their bathroom floor.  Well, I can say with some satisfaction that this is, in fact, our "master" bathroom floor.  It is the same floor as the one we had when we moved in during the early 80's.  (I think it is the original floor, and this home was built back in mid 1960's.)  And yes, it is one of the many unfinished projects in our house.  I think it has become such because it is tucked away in the corner of our bedroom and the only one who sees it or cares about it is me.  We did attempt a partial remodel when my brother and his family came to visit during the late 1990's.  After that, it just became another project to add to my list.  I'm sure we'll get it done eventually.  It's small- just has a shower, toilet and sink.  Sure would be nice to have a huge master bathroom but on my list of things to spend money on that's not it.

Taken with automatic settings today.

Monday's Assignment

Leave something out today.  Be visually brief.  Shoot tight.  Make a photo that's direct and to the point.

I purchased this rose bush last year in memory of our dear Cari.  I was looking for something with a carefree or funny name.  There's so many things we could plant in Matt's yard but he's not ready for that yet.  Besides, he wants to sell his home as soon as he can so no need to put down roots there, literally speaking.  Went to check on the name of this rose bush and I guess this is not the one I was thinking of- its' name is Ronald Regan rose.  That definitely does not begin to describe Cari.  But it has a sweet smell so every time I smell it I think of her.

Shot with automatic setting today.

Sunday's Assignment

Make a photo that creates depth.  Draw the viewer in by choosing an interesting foreground, middle-ground, and background.

I am really slacking off these last couple of days.  Too much yard work to do and too little creativity when it comes to the photo assignment. Even with this one I'm not sure if the picture draws the eyes from the front to the back.  The sky was darkening so I used my outside flash which gives it a whole different look.  I like it much better in the daylight- or at least when I can get a picture of the fountain in motion.

Taken with automatic settings today.

Friday's Assignment

Your viewer's eye will tend to follow a line.  Make a photo that uses leading lines to direct the viewer to your subject.

The straight line of the garden gate directs viewers to the plants along and behind.  I am hoping that the direct line will welcome visitors into my backyard- invited of course- to peruse my many plantings and structures.  It has become such a work in progress.  Today I shoveled at least 3 yards of mulch for our playground area.  Once that is complete we will have a place to show off  our Little Tykes slide and my very own pergala arbor with full bench seat.  I still have to finish shoveling in the rest of the mulch but by the end of today I could no more lift a shovel than lift my little pinkie.  Hope I'll be in better shape tomorrow.

Shot with automatic setting today.

Wednesday's Assignment

Find the shape of a letter in something around you--architecture, nature, or anything not in print--and make a photo.

I can't believe how much effort I put into looking around for something that resembled a letter--only to finally see this "E" which had been right in front of my face most of the day.  I was beginning to think that I had absolutely no imagination.  I dragged my camera with me as I ran my errands thinking I'd find something along the way.  Even as I put out more of my garden items I couldn't find anything that looked like a letter.  As I went outside for one last look around my yard I finally saw what I've should have seen all day.  It's my rain gauge holder-- only I can't find the rain gauge container which is really beginning to annoy me.  It's copper looking and I know it's right in front of my face somewhere.  The mess that I live in is overtaking me- I wasted so much time looking through crap but I still couldn't find what I was looking for.  I'm sure that as soon as I open the shed door I'll find it tomorrow but until then it's annoying me.   But at least I found my letter!

Taken with manual settings today.

Monday's Assignment

Make a photo of a flag today: national, state, or otherwise.  Try to compose it in a unique way.

Been thinking about this picture all day.  Years ago my dad took a picture of my then carpenter boyfriend showing a flag reflecting off his sunglasses.  The picture has worn over the years so the rest of the picture is torn but he was wearing his hard hat and carhartts.  Carpenters are union men and union men believe in civil rights, freedom and everything American.  I know it is difficult to see the reflection in his glasses but its there and has been a picture that we've been proud to own.

Tried to scan the photo first but because of the wear and tear I took a photo of a photo and even that didn't turn out too well.  Oh well, cropping helps I guess.

Sunday's Assignment

Challenge: Invent your own filter!  Shoot through something translucent or transparent.  Make a photo with a unique look.

Didn't quite know how I would do this photo.  I kept thinking I'd have to use some flimsy paper like tracing paper but wasn't sure how transparent it would be.  But I did find this dish that is somewhat translucent.  It does add to the unique look of the flowers.  The problem would be when I would hold the glass close to the lens the lens would assume it was too close and the shutter wouldn't close.  After several times I found a picture of some flowers and laid the bowl on top of it.  My idea of using a filter is that it has to be attached to the camera.  I guess not if you want to be creative.  So once I did this attempt and moved back with my camera all was will.  Held the light down as there would be too much glare.

Shot with automatic settings today.

Saturday's Assignment

Why wait for the perfect subject?  Make a photo of something that is unfinished.

Many things to offer up in the way of unfinished projects around my house.  I have lived with unfinished projects for the last 35 years so I wouldn't even know where to start.  Thank goodness I've learned to overlook most.  And some I can take upon myself to fix myself.  But at the Hornbacker garden I found these teeny tiny hosta plants with teeny tiny names- in this case the names are Mouse Ears.  I keep thinking the plant is bound to get bigger but with the name Mouse Ears I doubt it.

Shot with automatic setting today.

Thursday's Assignment

Contrast subjects of different size today.  Be subtle or make it obvious, it's up to you!

Today, a friend and I took a road trip to Hornbaker Gardens which is located in Princeton, Illinois.  It's a good 3 hour trip but Chicago but oh so worth it.  It's out in the middle of nowhere and is known for it's hostas and daylillies.  I had heard about the gardens several years ago after listening to Kathy and Judy on WGN radio and had often wanted to go there but never found the time.  So glad I went as it is a beautiful nursery and garden.  Reasonable plants with a huge number of perennials, shrubs and trees.  I took this picture of two iron statues but it's difficult to discern the two.  I don't even know if you can make out the bird in the foreground but I liked what I saw so I decided to use it as today's subject.  So subtle it is!  (Actually, if you click on the picture to enlarge it you can see the two iron statues).

Shot with automatic setting today.

Wednesday's Assignment

Place or find a subject floating on water today---boats, leaves, ice cubes, etc.---and make a photo!

I have a water fountain that I finally got out of the shed.  I was given this fountain nearly four years ago after my mom died.  Or maybe it's been longer but I've forgotten how many years have passed.  It really means a lot to me as it was given to me by my friends from school.  Our social committee usually gives a plant after someone dies, so it was quite a surprise to receive this in lieu of flowers.  It's so soothing to listen to- I can sit on my balcony and hear the water running down the sides of the fountain.  I often wish I had a pond but that's more work than I can handle.  So for the moment I'll enjoy my fountain and pretend there's a babbling brook in my yard.

Shot with automatic settings today.

Tuesday's Assignment

Iteration or repetition of a subject makes for good composition.  Look for a repeating pattern today and make a photo.

Lots of rain outside today so it made searching for patterns difficult.  Around the house I saw many of the same things that I've taken pictures of before.  But in the kitchen I decided to lay on the floor and take a picture looking up at our pantry door.  It's an old door that I've never liked- made up of vented wood slats.  The pantry is small as are the doors but at least they make for an interesting composition.  From this view it doesn't even look like a door but I can assure you it is.

Shot with automatic setting today.

Monday's Assignment

Manhole covers have character and quietly tell a story.  Make a photo of a manhole cover in your neighborhood today.

It's been here a long time- I think this neighborhood was developed back in the 60's.  As I drove around I kept my eyes peeled for something more unusual but they all looked the same.  I wish that I had braved the weather last weekend and taken a picture of the water bubbling up from the drain hole.  The rain was so heavy that the sewer drains couldn't take the amount as quickly as it was coming down.  But to brave that weather I'd have to have a raincoat and/or umbrella and/or rain boots as the water was about a foot deep in some places.  It would have made for an interesting picture though.  That's how I am beginning to view my take on photography- would've, should've, could've.   I have to learn to be proactive not reactive!!

Shot with automatic settings today.

Sunday's Assignment

Lens flare is typically avoided, but can be used deliberately to a good effect.   Make a photo with creative lens flare.

Waited all day to take my photo but unfortunately the clouds rolled in and the rains came.  Every time the sun would peek out from behind the clouds I'd run out with my camera only to see the sun disappear.  We have too many towering trees in our yard so I stood in front of my neighbor's house and waited.  As I pointed my camera to the sky the neighbor came out to ask me if I needed any help.  Obviously she thought I was stalking her house and didn't realize I was her next door neighbor.  That's another story for another time but briefly we are not too social and barely know anyone on our street.  To say we've lived next door to this neighbor for 29 years and rarely speak is an understatement.  But like I said that's a story for another time.  Don't know what I did to get this picture other than blind myself as I looked directly at the sun.  Hopefully you can see the circle in the middle of the picture- a ring which I am assuming is a lens flare.  Don't know how that happened but I'm going with it.

Taken with manual settings today.

Saturday's Assignment

Using contrast in your photography can give you very artistic shots.  Make a color photo with high contrast today.

Guess there's a decent amount of contrast in this photo but I don't know how artistic it is- maybe the rain drops add some artistic finesse.  I really just pointed the camera and clicked the shutter.  A lot of my flowers are beginning to bloom but there's not as much contrast with them- blue against green, white against green, etc etc.  I love daylilies as they are constantly blooming in the spring and early summer.  They'll even rejuvenate enough to bloom again in the fall.  Most of my plants have yellow flowers but there are a few with reddish blooms.  Unfortunately, I don't have enough sun in my backyard to add more to my garden.  So for the moment I'll enjoy what I have.

Shot with automatic setting today but using the flower setting on the dial.

Friday's Assignment

Make an interpretive photo of a subject or scene that sums up your mood today.

Yep, this certainly sums up my mood today.  Remember when peonies begin to grow their buds and you can hardly wait for the buds to bloom.  Peony flowers are one of the sweetest smelling flowers.  The anticipation was great, the moment they bloomed stupendous, and then the rains would fall.  One moment a beautiful flower the next day a soggy mess.  My peonies inevitably bloom Memorial Day weekend and I get maybe two days of some sweet smelling flowers.

This kind of reminds me of my end of the school year.  You know...the anticipation building up to the last day...kind of like waiting for the flower to bloom.  And then when it does you're all over it admiring and smelling and turning it to see the perfect petals.  And if you have neighbors come by you want them to admire and acknowledge it too.  I guess that's how I felt the end of this year would be.  Have a get together and acknowledge everyone for their great work during the year.  Give awards out for those who are outstanding.  Remember the ones who are leaving with kind words.  But there's always a flower who doesn't get recognized and feels less and less appreciated.  Never could understand why all are not shown some appreciation, even the ones who are innately beautiful but not as showy.

Shot with automatic settings through a chain link fence.  Windy and somewhat difficult to shoot.

Thursday's Assignment

Think of a favorite childhood sport, game, or activity. Make a nostalgic photo today.

Hop scotch was one of my favorite games but actually touching the chalk today gives me the creeps.  I don't know what it is about the surface of chalk but I can barely touch it.  This mega colored box reminds me of the excitement I would feel opening up a larger than large box of crayola crayons.  It's not so unusual to find chalk in these large boxes.  Never a chance of running out of a specific color.

Experimented with both manual and automatic settings today.  Could not get the right shot that I needed to so settled on the automatic setting.

Tuesday's Assignment

How do you get around: car, train, bicycle, plane, feet?  Make a photo that represents your mode of transportation today.

My favorite form of transportation- and my favorite model which is the Town and Country.  We've had vans all of our married life but this mini van is my favorite.  Roomy yet somewhat low to the ground but high enough to see over everyone else.  The only drawback is the black color- gets awfully dirty and I've been pretty lazy lately when it comes to washing it.  But I still love it nevertheless.  I wish I had had my camera earlier today.  The fog was super thick which might have made for an eerier picture had I taken it this morning.

Shot with manual setting today.