Two - Day 50 #CY365

Today's challenge was "Two". This is my Pebble smart watch, a Christmas gift from my son, daughter-in-law and grandson. I love watches and have a pretty decent collection of classic analog watches. So this was the perfect gift for me, a "high tech" watch. The Pebble allows you to change watch faces to thousands of possibilities. This text based face is one of the more distinctive and interesting faces. So at 2:02pm EST I took of photo on my sleek black Pebble, capturing two, twos. iPhone 5, 1/20 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 100, Camera+ app.

In the Front Yard - Day 49 #CY365

Not much happening in the front yard today, so I had to "manufacture" a picture. Went out tonight with my macro lens, two LED litepanels and a jar of bubbles. So there you have it. Oh the things one will do to get a 365 picture. Canon 7D, 1/50 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 1600, 100mm macro lens.

Where I Stand - Day 48

Today I stand with a cat toy, no a "kill", laid at my feet by our cat Sasha. This is her favorite toy and a meaningful gift. iPhone 5, 1/15 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 800, Camera+ app.

Visiting - Day 47

"Luminous beings are we" - Yoda from Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980). My PEZ limited edition Crystal Head Yoda spotlighted by two LED flashlight beams while visiting the kitchen counter tonight. Canon 7D, 1/160 sec @ f/11.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens.

Geared Up - Day 46 #CY365

Day 46 - Geared Up. This large bevel gear is most likely from a Voith gearbox or wheel set for a transit bus. It is about eight inches and diameter and weighs about 24 pounds with the attached bearing assembly. It makes an excellent door stop. Canon 7D, 1/125 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens.

Amore - Day 45 #CY365

Today's challenge was "Amore". It was a great day, Valentine's Day, Friday, payday, 3 day weekend, and most of all sunshine after days of gray and gloomy skies. So I captured my morning shadow cast by the lovely morning sunshine. Canon G15, 1/640 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 200, post processed using the Lomo-ish filter in Google's Picasa.

Conversation - Day 44 #CY365

Used some of my vast PEZ collection for today's photo. The PEZ Valentine's Day dispensers mimic the popular conversation candy hearts. I really struggled with this topic today. Not that happy with the results. Canon 7D, 1/15 sec @ f/18, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens.

Red - Day 43 #CY365

Everything about the Chrysler Museum's Glass Studio is hot! Including the bright red lacquered galley seats. Canon G15, 1/25 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400.

Retail Therapy - Day 42 #CY365

Target is a fine place for a little "Retail Therapy". Even with the pre-Christmas data security breach, I still love my Target RedCard. iPhone, 1/20 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 80, Camera+ App with the Olloclip fisheye lens attached.

It's Still Winter - Day 41 #CY365

Yes it's still winter here in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This bare parking lot tree illuminated by a single cold street lamp conveys the gray, cold and dreary days we've been having lately. Canon G1X, 1/20 sec @ f/5, ISO 800, converted to black and white using the Silver Efex Pro plug-in in Lightroom 5.

A Little Heart - Day 40 #CY365

A Little Heart - I made this blown-glass heart today at the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio's "Hot Glass Hearts" class. Cindy and I have done a couple of other glass classes at the studio and really enjoy working with glass. The red in the picture is molten glass, the cooled and finished heart will be purple-rose and dark blue. Can't wait to see how it looks after it has cooled slowly in the kiln for about 24 hours. Canon G15, 1/100 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800 in macro mode.

Hand Tinted - Day 39 #CY365

Day 39 - Hand Tinted - Berkley sunset in Norfolk Virginia. Canon G15, 1/500 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 800, tinting applied using Color Efex Pro plugin in Lightroom 5.

Old School - Day 38 #CY365

Old School - This is my Sterling model No. 594 Decimal Trig Multi-Log slide rule ©1965. I acquired this slide rule in 1972 from the Tidewater Community College bookstore at the old Camp Pendleton Virginia Beach Campus. I still have the original 10 inch long belt holster - a symbol of geek cool. This pretty much makes it "old school" and believe it or not I still know how to use it. The slide rule would be obsolete within 5 years, replaced by cheap electronic calculators. Today these elegant mechanical analog computers are relegated to collector's items. Canon 7D, 1/200 sec @ f/18, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens.

Shadows - Day 37 #CY365

Today's challenge "Shadows". These push pins in a bulletin board were harshly lit by the sun streaming in from a near by window. iPhone 5, 1/120 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 50, Camera+ App.

From The Top - Day 36 #CY365

From the Top, a compact fluorescent light bulb. The delicate swirls remind me of a soft serve ice cream cone. Canon 7D, 1/400 sec @ f/20, ISO 100, 100mm macro lens, converted to black and white.

Heartfelt - Day 35 #CY365

Heartfelt - Yesterday a friend posted this poem written by her 15 year son in memory of a young friend who committed suicide recently. It touched my heart and I wanted to share it with you as part of today's photo.

Red
A cold hour
for a warm color soul.
hot liquid sorrow in the veins
craters of a steel heart
a frigid white breeze
freezing this warm day.
Leaving us dwellers,
siphoning a color from this world;
delivering it to the next.
never mind to it all; apathy is medication
but it can't cure the melancholy sobs for a lost friend
bitter-sweet are the days of the 'morrow
no shine from this sun today.
I wish you could have seen a world without such pain
but a world of red roses
red passion
every color of our next days
without the greys.
stay here
in our once red hearts, now a bluish fade
in this cage with no key
but loving words on our lips.

by Walter

Suicide is a national health problem that takes an enormous toll on family, friends, co-workers, and the entire community. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) provides opportunities for survivors of suicide loss to get involved through a wide variety of educational, outreach, awareness, advocacy and fundraising programs. Sponsor or attend the Hampton Roads annual "Out of the Darkness Community Walk" to help in the fight to prevent suicides.

Soft - Day 34 #CY365

Soft - Canon 7D, 1/400 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 100mm macro lens.

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.