A Silhouette - Day 33 #CY365

A Silhouette - Sasha posing for today's challenge. Canon G1X, 1/160 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 800.

In The Dark - Day 32 #CY365

Today was a self portrait challenge. Like most photographers I'm much more comfortable behind the camera rather than in front of it. With the daily inspiration as "In The Dark", I opted for a selfie of my hand holding a glass as it fills with water. The camera's self timer was set on 10 seconds. Canon 7D,1/40 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 1600 in manual exposure and focus mode.

A Horse - Day 31 #CY365

Today's challenge was "A Horse". Not having ready access to a real horse I went to the next best thing - Gumby's best pal - Pokey. This is one still-frame picture but it takes 1,440 still frame pictures to make one minute of Gumby and Pokey animation. That's almost four years at the picture a day pace of the 365 project. Canon 7D, 1/500 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 1600.

Focusing - Day 30 #CY365

Our late blooming Christmas Cactus is the subject of my "Focusing" photo for today. Using a macro lens for an extreme close-up results in a very shallow depth of field allowing the photographer to to draw the viewer into a certain part the photo which is in sharpest focus. In this case the purple stigma and the pollen covered stamen are the focal point. Canon 5D Mark II, 1/125 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 1600, one LED Litepanel held below the flower and just barely out of the frame.

Lively - Day 29

Day 29 - Looking down an old fashion metal slinky at my tiny keychain camera. Canon G15, 1/800 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

RJ-45 - Day 28 #CY365

A super close-up of the lifeblood RJ-45 network connector for most of our computers. Without the wired ethernet network there would be no Internet, no WiFi and probably no Google, Amazon, Facebook, . . . you get the picture. Technically RJ-45 is short for Registered Jack-45, an eight-wire connector used commonly to connect computers onto a local-area network. I personally think it an object of beautiful functionality.

Canon 7D, 1/160 sec @ f/11.0, ISO 1600, 100mm macro lens captured at 1:1 or life size on the camera's image sensor.

Secure - Day 27 #CY365

I walk by this cypher lock everyday but have no idea was the cypher is, so I guess it's pretty secure. iPhone 5 1/20 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 125, Camera + App converted to black and using Silver Efex Pro II.

Vivid - Day 26 #CY365

Vivid - In thinking of today's challenge I was looking for something that was both vivid - very bright in color and producing distinct mental images. I chose this empty bill container because of not only the bright colors but the memories it represents. This was one of two such containers that my father-in-law Carlton Garrett relied on each day towards the end of his life. Suffering from renal failure diagnosed in 2006 he spent 6 years in hemodialysis, 3 visits a week - 4 to 5 hours a visit, and then home based peritoneal dialysis for the last year and half of his life. There were a variety of pills to take four times a day and the brightly colored containers brought some order to the chaos of it all. We miss you Dad but always know your memory will be vivid.

iPhone 5, 1/300 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 50, Camera+ App, clarity enhancement, Diana filter and Film frame.

Caring - Day 25 #CY365

Caring - “There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart.” - Jane Austen from Emma.
"There is nothing to be compared to it. Warmth and tenderness of heart, with an affectionate, open manner, will beat all the clearness of head in the world . . . "

Canon 5D Mark II, 1/3200 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 1600, 100mm macro lens, converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro II.

Fresh Air - Day 24 #CY365

Seagulls enjoying a little fresh air. Canon G15, 1/800 sec @ f/8, ISO 200 converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro 2 plugin in Lightroom 5.

Umbrellas - Day 23 #CY365

Umbrellas - Day 23 of 365. Canon 5D Mark II, 1/1000 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens, backlit with LED litepanel.

Eight - Day 22 #CY365

Today's challenge was "Eight" so we have eight - eights from old computer keyboards. Canon 5D Mark II, 1/320 sec @ f/11.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens and 3 LED litepnaels, converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro 2.

Caged - Day 21

One of the scrap iron birds caged in at the Chenman Scrap Metal yard in Norfolk Virginia. Each of the gates along the 24th Street side of the scrap yard are adorned with dozens of these amazing recycled birds. Canon 5D Mark II 1/400 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 100.

Upset - Day 20

Upset - Canon 5D Mark II, 1/320 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200, 24mm focal length.

Abandoned - Day 19 #CY365

"Abandoned" - a line up of abandoned sea mark buoys at L. Chenman, Inc. Scrap Metals in Norfolk, Virginia. The green buoys are know to mariners as "green cans" which is also the name of a local microbrew from O'Connor Brewing Co. located just a few blocks from the Chenman buoys.

Canon 5D Mark II, 1/100 sec @ f/16, ISO 100.

Pose - Day 18 #CY365

Miss Piggy strikes a pose and says "Moi has always possessed a charm that is lethal to men." Canon 5D Mark II, 1/1000 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens.

Knobby - Day 17 #CY365

Today's challenge was "Knobby" so I spotted this tactile mat at the light rail pedestrian crossing on Monticello Avenue in Norfolk Virginia on my way to the office. The early morning sunlight provided nice shadows. Canon 5D Mark II, 1/250 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 100 zoom at 95mm focal length.

Reserved - Day 16 #CY365

The reserved parking spaces for Norfolk's City Council members just off of Union Street under the Berkley Bridge approach ramp. Canon G15, 1/15 sec @ f/4, ISO 800, converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro plugin in Lightroom 5.

In the Air - Day 15 #CY365

It was a very foggy morning and historic Elmwood Cemetery in Norfolk Virginia seemed the perfect place to capture today's theme "In the Air". Canon G15, 1/320sec @ f/6.3, ISO 200 converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro plugin in Lightroom 5.

Yummy - Day 14 #CY365

Today challenge: "Yummy". This is ginger pear white iced tea at the Chartreuse Bistro. Chartreuse is a locally owned organic farm to table European bistro located in the historic district in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. The menu is different every day based on what's fresh and available. They make these wonderful and different iced teas and flavored sodas every day. All I can say is Yummy! iPhone 5, 1/20 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 320, Camera+ App.

An Encouraging Word - Day 13 #CY365

Today's Theme - "An Encouraging Word". Canon 7D, 1/100 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 400.

Footprints - Day 12 #cy365

Most of the footprints left on the beach today were from the seagulls. Canon 5D Mark II, 1/2000 sec @ f/4, ISO 100.

In Good Hands - Day 11 #CY365

Canon 5D Mark II, 1/80 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 100mm macro lens, two LED Litepanels.

Revolving Door - Day 10 #CY365

Revolving door - "a door consisting of four orthogonal partitions that rotate about a central pivot; a door designed to equalize the air pressure in tall buildings; or an organization or institution with a high rate of turnover of personnel." This one is at Norfolk City Hall - the most appropriate definition is your call. iPhone 5, 1/24 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 50, Camera+ App with Olloclip fisheye lens.

Where I Stand - Day 9 #CY365

Today I stood at the edge of the Elizabeth River in Norfolk Virginia reading letters cast in bronze at the Armed Forces Memorial in Town Point Park. Each letter to a loved one from a American serving their country, who died at war is heart wrenching.

This a letter 2nd Lt. Francis M. Tracy sent to his wife from the front in World War I. He was killed in action a week later.

September 20, 1918

Dearest Woman,
. . . . My girl, my girl, how I do miss you. I didn't think it possible for one to be possessed of the longing I have for you. At night I lie awake and think and think of you, the roar of the big guns giving way before the press of mental pictures of you . . . if I had to go over the same road with you again, I am quite sure the way would be easier for you. The mistakes I have made, the heartaches I have caused you stand out like the shell holes that deface so much of this country, that was once so beautiful. I am learning my lesson, honey, and this experience, this absence from you, is burning its brand into my soul . . .
. . . We are certain to move very soon, and when we do, we will not be able to write letters . . . . I trust, and feel sure, that you and all of my real friends are saying a few silent prayers, that we may all do our duty completely, and live to tell those whom we love how we did it . . . . Pray for me and all our boys . . . . Your devoted Hubby.

Francis M. Tracy
d. September 27, 1918

So this is where I stand lest we ever forget the sacrifices made for freedoms by our Armed Forces and the ones they loved.

Morning Silhouette - Day 8 #CY365

Took today's picture on the way into the office this morning. This is Norfolk Virginia's Scope Plaza with the 2013 All American City banners backlit by the rising sun. I got some photo advice many years ago - "if the light is good, fine something and take a picture". That was the case this morning as I was driving in I noticed the early morning glow from the rising sun. When I saw this view, I whipped into a parking place, got out and took a picture.

Canon G15, 1/2000 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Natural Treasure - Day 7 #CY365

I've taken hundreds of sunset photos over the years but I can never seem to pass one by. Today's theme was natural treasure and the winter sunset seemed to fit the bill perfectly. We have had a number of really nice sunsets recently and this mother nature's intent. During the winter months the sun is at a much lower angle in the sky and farther away from the earth so it's light travels through more atmosphere. This tends to filter the higher frequency blue spectrum light leaving more of the lower frequency red spectrum light to light up the evening sky. Canon 5D Mark II, 1/5 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Unique - Day 6 #CY365

Winter left a few dried blossoms clinging to the leafless hydrangeas. Backlight from the low angle winter sun brings out the unique details of each blossom. Canon G15, 1/640 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200 in macro mode.

Forked - Day 5 #CY365

Canon 5D Mark II, 1/1000 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800 with three LED Litpanels for illumination.

A Little Bit - Day 4 #CY365

Today's theme was "A little bit", so Cindy suggested a little drill bit. This is a 1/16" drill bit photographed with a macro lens at 4X magnification. It illustrates the smallness of the drill bit with small specks of dust along the edges and the extremely shallow depth of field a macro lens creates. At this 4X magnification and f/5.6 aperture the depth of field (area in focus) is about the width of drill bit itself.

Canon 5D Mark II, 1/80 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon 65mm MP-E macro lens with lighting provided by two LED Litepanels positioned on either side about two inches away.

Nest - Day 3 #CY365

Winter arrived today with our first temperatures down in the mid 20's. I know that doesn't seem cold to many but for temperate southeastern Virginia, it's cold. This abandoned Mockingbird's nest in a bare tree pretty much captures the feeling of a gray, cold and windy day for me.

Canon 5D Mark II, 1/320 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens.

Goals - Day 2 of 365

Starting another year with an early morning at Fitness Together Norfolk. Set a new goal for myself to get my weight down to 165 pounds. Six pounds to lose in January and got off to a good start today. Can't wait to see this Detecto scale level up at 165.

iPhone 5, 1/17 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 400, captured and converted to Black & white with the Camera+ App.

365 Again - Day 1

So I'm starting off 2014 with the goal of completing another 365 Project - one photo per day for the entire year. I did this beginning in 2009 and continued each year through 2012, 1,461 straight days of photos and blog posts. I slowed down a bit in 2013, posting occasionally to CIOPhoto.com but getting back into the swing of things in December by posting daily pictures of Norfolk at night. So come along for the ride through 2014. I love getting comments and please free free to offer photo suggestions, especially challenging ones.

Canon 5D Mark II, 1/25 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 1600.

Moses Myers @ Night

The last in my month long daily series of Norfolk @ Night photos is the Moses Myers house at the corner of Freemason and Bank Streets. Built by Moses Myers a merchant of Dutch-Jewish ancestry who moved to Norfolk from New York, the house was occupied continuously by members of his family until 1931 when it was opened as a museum. Today it is operated by The Chrysler Museum and contains a large quantity of period furniture of American and English design, portraits of Moses Myers and of his wife, Eliza Judd by Gilbert Stuart, and a Thomas Sully portrait of their eldest son John. Canon G15, 1/13 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800.

Old & New Norfolk @ Night

The old Norfolk Academy Building was completed in 1840 and designed by architect Thomas U. Walter, famous for his design of the U. S. Capitol dome and two other nearby surviving Norfolk landmark buildings. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The brick building is in the Greek Revival style modeled on the plan of the Temple of Theseus. The facade has a double portico supported by six Doric columns. Today the building is home to the Hurrah Players and it previous housed the Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce. Rising behind it is Norfolk's newest skyscraper, the Wells Fargo Center completed in 2010. Canon G15, 1/3 second @ f/4.0, ISO 800, handheld with shutter released by the two second timer.

The Rear View

Heading into Norfolk early one morning chased by a spectacular sunrise. Canon G15, 1/40 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400.

Main Street Tower @ Night

The Main Street Tower at 300 E. Main Street is shown reflecting the Dominion Enterprises Building and the last of evening sunset to the west. This 14 story black glass modernism office tower is home to a couple of U.S. Coast Guard commands and the Norfolk office of the USI insurance company. This tower is on the site of the National Bank of Commerce Building later the First and Merchants Bank which was also 14 stories. Built in 1905 and demolished in 1988, it was the city's tallest building for much of the first half of the 20th century and was noted as the home of Norfolk's Mace which was housed in a custom glass case within the banks's vault. The current Main Street Tower designed by Burrell F. Saunders began construction in 1988 but wasn't completed until 1994 including a period of 2 years when all work on the building stopped. Canon G15, 2/8 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 400.

Newtown @ Night

The Tide #407 arrives at the Newtown Station, the City's eastern most border. Hopefully we'll see Virginia Beach commit to an extension to the Oceanfront in 2014 giving the The Tide another 12 miles of running room. Canon G11, 1/6 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

MacArthur Square @ Night

The MacArthur Square includes two city blocks in the center of downtown Norfolk Virginia. It contains the MacArthur Memorial and The Tide light rail station. This is the Christmas Tree taken from the light rail station looking to east with the MacArthur Memorial in the background. Canon G15, 1/8 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400.

Downtown North @ Twilight

Looking at the northern part of Norfolk Virginia's downtown during a lovely twilight evening. The Wells Fargo Tower catches the last of golden sunlight in its windows below the green and red holiday lighting of its penthouse. You can also see the Freemason Street Baptist Church's steeple - once the City's highest structure, Norfolk Scope, Chrysler Hall and MacArthur Center. Canon G15, 1/40 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 800.

City Hall @ Night

The Norfolk Virginia City Hall Building @ Night. Bet you didn't know there's a six degrees of Kevin Bacon associated with my photograph of this building. Here we go:

1 - I was hired to work for the City of Norfolk by City Manager Marcus Jones;
2 - Marcus Jones was recruited to be City Manager by Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim;
3 - Paul Fraim has been Mayor of Norfolk since 1994 and his office is located on the 10th floor of the City Hall Building;
4 - Norfolk's City Hall Building was designed by Philadelphia architect Vincent G. Kling;
5 - Vincent Kling was a close associate and collaborator‎ of renown Philadelphia architect and city planner Edward Bacon;
6 - Edward Bacon is the father of actor Kevin Bacon.

So there you have it. Canon G15, 1/15 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 800.

ODU @ Night

The brick entrance sign of my alma mater Old Dominion University at the southwest corner of West 49th Street and Hampton Boulevard in Norfolk, Virginia. ODU began in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of William and Mary, becoming an independent college in 1962 and attaining university status in 1969. Old Dominion University derives its name from one of Virginia's state nicknames, "The Old Dominion", given to the state by King Charles II of England for remaining loyal to the crown during the English Civil War. Canon G15, 1/20 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, handheld and converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro.

NIT @ Night

Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) is the largest of the four facilities operated by the Virginia Port Authority. The terminal has fifty-foot-deep entrance channels at the north and south ends making it "New Panamax" ready. Here you can see some of the eleven Suez-class container cranes working away on a Sunday night. Canon G15, 1 second @ f/4.0, ISO 100 mounted on a tripod.

The Wells @ Night

The Wells Theatre in Norfolk Virginia, opened on August 27, 1913. The poured-in-place, steel-reinforced concrete structure was technologically advanced for the period. The Wells's ornate decoration made the theatre the flagship of Wells Amusement Enterprises, and continues today as a well preserved example of Beaux-Arts Classicism, a National Historic Landmark and home to the Virginia Stage Company. Canon G11, 1/10 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400.

Garden of Lights

Garden of Lights at the Norfolk Botanical Garden - We made our annual trip through the Garden of Lights tonight with our grandson Robert. Here are a few highlights from this year's display. Almost all of the displays are designed and custom crafted by Garden staff and volunteers. Canon 5D Mark II.

Berkley Cranes @ Twilight

The last remaining light silhouettes the tower cranes of the General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk, formerly Metro Machine Corporation, shipyard in the Berkley section of Norfolk, Virginia. Berkley Virginia was incorporated as a town in 1890 and annexed by the City of Norfolk on January 1, 1906. Thanks to Pamela Marino for letting me use her 5th floor Norfolk City Hall office window to get this picture. Canon G15, 1/40 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 800.