Day 129: Green Tide

Surprise: I just got a new camera and here’s my first test shot! Its a Nikon J1, something I had my eye on for a while…and well, lets say I’ve been avoiding getting it because it would be a huge blow to my photographer-ego. And it is. Kind of.

First, it seems almost like a downgrade to go from an dslr camera (though my Nikon d3000 wasn’t ever a top-of-the-market camera) to smaller camera (but truthfully a Nikon J1 is “technically a dslr”!). But wow, this little baby is wonderfully portable and shoots photos excellently.

I’m trying to get the hang out of the manual options, but really, the automatic options are just much better. Like…much better than my previous camera.

Which now I must admit gets me worried. I’m worried about taking better photos with a new camera. Why? Well….this is proof that good photos come from a good camera, and not the person behind the camera, right? Us photographers will argue vehemently against that statement, but now i’m starting to have doubts. I’m seriously not doing anything -this camera is doing it all and its doing a fantastic job of it. It’s probably going to steal MY job. Yeesh, what’s the point of being a photographer when the camera is better than you?

Ok besides this personal crisis, I have to say I’m still quite excited about this camera. The best part of it all? Video. Yes. Keep on the look out for my 365 video project (Those words will be regretted badly).

If getting a new camera makes this much of an improvement….Then i’m worried. 

Day 128: Differences of Seeing

Truth: I’m not putting as much effort into the 365 as when I started. There’s a lot more potential in me that I’m just not using. Well that’s ok for now, but hopefully my ambition will grow again. Lets not make the possibility of failure and excuse for not trying.

I see myself watching you watch me…

Day 127: Snappity Snap

I’m starting to wonder how much effort I should be putting into these photos. I need to find a balance of not too much stress, but also a healthy does of ambition. Meaning that I have to move away from the flower pots in my front porch and try something else after a while…haha. One of these days I’ll do a portrait of an actual human being, I swear. For now though, I give you portraits of passionate love flowers (not really), like the Snapdragon.

Snapdragons can easily be the new Flower of Le Passion.

Day 126: Time and Again

Here’s something pretty for a change..and a much more formal composition than I am used to. Mostly due to my fancy props: an antique pocket watch. Something I have now learnt to be a gem in photography. Can never go wrong with antique props. Even if the watch actually doesn’t work.

When time stares itself in the face…

Day 125: Hoops

Yes, that’s right. Rather than thinking too much about it i’m picking up with my 365 day project exactly where I left it about …11.5 months ago. And really, if you want to avoid artist stumps the best way is to think less and do more. Sounds like a pretty powerful mantra? I’d say so. Action is the way of progression, baby. So no more self doubting, and more getting down to business.

As for the below photograph…I’ve never been such a fan of basketball. Until now.

The better function of a globe would be this.

edit: (I think this is a nice little addition too)

Seasonal Changes

The great thing about posting an anti-inspired post is that the next day I come back kickin’ with brand spankin new photos. Or at least this is what I tell myself. Credit to Brooke Shaden’s motivational words on turning any ordinary thing extraordinary. With that in mind I created this little series spontaneously and right ‘in the moment’.

I’m starting to feel the fire again of spontaneous and ritualistic routined, everyday shooting. I’m already thinking of restarting my 365 day project –that would be a huge milestone! It’s been almost a year since I put it on “indefinite hiatus”. I have about 235 more days to go. If I start tomorrow….(I can’t do this math) I have 7 and a half months…and its May now..sooo…Maybe I’ll be done in January 2014? Well. I could live with that.

Inspiration Postponed

The freedom and beauty of a finishing semester usually follows with an eventual emptyness of inspiration. Its funny how when I have the most time on my hands I become the least productive. This might be only for a few more days since I’ll get into a better scheduled routine when I start to work next week. But the last week I spent in West Virginia surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachians at every step. I soaked it in, but still I couldn’t find a way to express myself through photography. I must have taken a dozen half-hearted photos (2 of which I will post here).

I’m working on trying to make a little online portfolio/website for my graphic design work. Hopefully the busier I become the more willing I will be to stay proactive and creative. I’m also really realllly looking forward to Brooke Shaden’s Live photography workshop tomorrow! If there is a one step approach to finding success, then it’s definitely following those that inspire you; and Brooke Shaden has to be not only my photographic inspiration but a role model in how to constantly push and discover myself creatively.

Hm, I didn’t think of this being a dedication post, but I would to one day dedicate some of my work to Brooke. I can probably go on and on for a while, but for your sake I’ll just give you a link to her impressive blog here ;)

And now, so I dont leave you with the most boring post ever, I will leave a few obligatory photos with you:

Prabhupada’s Pallace of Gold, West Virginia. Here is just a small slice of all its majesty.

Peacock feather stained glass. Detail