Monday, May 31, 2010

151/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/250, f/4.50, 50mm, Av

We went out in the rain today and headed for the Children's Museum in Factoria. It was closed of course, so after some errands there, we headed into Seattle to check the Children's Museum there.

As we got closer to the Seattle Center, it occurred to us that, doh!, it was the Folklife Festival as well. No wonder it was so busy!

Luckily, we found parking relatively easily and walked around the museum and the Seattle Center grounds.

As an added bonus, the sun came out and these young ladies were handing out free hugs!

One other note: it's been a while since I've smelled so much body odor (not the young ladies, but everyone else). Whew!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

150/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/60, f/5.60, 55mm, Av

I was originally going to post a picture of the sky. As a joke. It's been cloudy and rainy here and, during a lull in the rain, I pointed the camera straight up and shot.

It looked like a sheet of paper.

Then I saw water on my sunroof and shot those instead. It's drab, but it shows what it's like here.

We want sun, pls.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

149/365


Picture info: ISO 400, 1/40, f/4.00, 18mm, Av

We went to Whole Foods today and ate samples. There was some sort of hippie/gluten-free food thing going on and we are suckers for that kind of thing, so off we went.

I told Haley to act like she just fell from the sky and landed in Whole Foods. This was her reaction.

Unfortunately I caught Barney behind Haley and my PS skillz aren't good enough to remove her without making it look completely off.

Bonus content: As I looked through the other Whole Foods pictures, I was going to use one that I shot down the aisle of the frozen food section. Upon further inspection, look what I found:


I think she was stalking us.

Friday, May 28, 2010

148/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/800, f/1.80, 50mm, Av

Marci hit the consignment store today and picked up a new whip for the kids. Rye took it for a spin during a lull in the rain.

I loved how the cart matched his jacket! And notice him honking his "horn". :)

Thursday, May 27, 2010

147/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/60, f/2.20, 50mm, Av, flash

Years ago I was in a band called Ethyl. This was in 2001 or so. At the request of one of the other members (Rob), he asked if I had the CD still. I had an empty case, yes, but no CD. Then I looked in my other drawer and, pow, there it was.

I was at a different band practice tonight and got home late. I scrambled around for something to shoot with my flash and shot this CD. Flash makes everything look so neat!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

146/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/200, f/3.50, 18mm, Av

I stopped on the way home from a quick errand and took a shot of a walking trail by the house. In reality, it was much greener than this picture shows, but I wanted to see what I could do with it.

I've been on this desaturating kick lately and I really seem to like that. It may be a little played out, but I think it's a cool look.

With this picture, I cranked up the exposure as well to try to blow out the whites a little more.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

145/365


Picture info: ISO 400, 1/100, f/1.80, 50mm, Av

We took Haley out tonight because she's been having some rough days with sore tonsils, lack of sleep and just being 8. She's really bumming around lately and we're hoping that having her tonsils out next month will help. Trouble is, it's not until next month; that's the soonest the ENT can see her.

Until then, it's practicing patience (for me, especially!) and trying to be compassionate and understanding of her. She, on the other hand, is quite volatile and her mood changes like the wind.

I suppose that's being 8 for you. But add on her other things and it's been a lot of drama lately.

This is the bar at Sushi Maru, a giant conveyor belt sushi restaurant in downtown Bellevue, where the Mongolian grill used to be. Pretty tasty!

Monday, May 24, 2010

144/365


Picture info: ISO 400, 1/80, f/3.50, 18mm, Av

I asked for a suggestion on what to shoot today. A friend suggested cats. Here's my cat, on her perch (an old comforter) in the sun. She saw me and stretched.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

143/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/10, f/5.00, 43mm, Av

I took the family to the Museum of Flight today. A few weeks ago we signed up for a membership for over 50% off. At that price, it was a no-brainer.

I went in today with the kit lens and decided to shoot with just that. I liked the colors of the Spirit of Auburn plane, so that's what I shot.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

142/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/125, f/2.80, 50mm, Av

Me and Riley got to have a Boy's Day as Marci and Hay were out on a Girl Scout field trip. Before I shot this, we had the windows down, the radio cranked (GnR Paradise City) and the road ahead.

He, of course, had his ears covered as I rocked out. I tried to get a picture and he moved his hands. Still a great shot, though.

Friday, May 21, 2010

141/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/125, f/2.20, 50mm, flash, Av

Any guesses as to what this is?

Thursday, May 20, 2010

140/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/25, f/2.80, 50mm, Av

Riley got in trouble today and made his mom and dad a bit frustrated. He snuggled with his big bear for a bit and when I checked on him again, he'd made a ring of shame to hide within.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

139/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/60, f/3.20, 50mm, flash, Av

It's a skillet corn bread cake bread thing. Marci made it for some acquaintances that had a baby last week. She also made chili (turkey. yum), and a salad for said family.

Unfortunately, this cornbread skillet thing didn't make it. You see, as beautiful as it was in the cast iron skillet, it tasted the opposite of how it looked. Like she lit it on fire, then gave it to me to try (she's allergic).

I don't disparage Marci's cooking because she's a freakin' great cook. However, because this was on its way to a friend's house, I had to be honest with her.

Also, it was such a lousy weather day, I didn't take but 5 pictures today and 3 were of the corn bread. Skillet thing.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

138/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/30, f/20, 50mm, Av

Nothing much to this picture other than I laid on the ground on my stomach. Super exciting!

Monday, May 17, 2010

137/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/200, f/5.00, 123mm, Av

Haley and Bella were messing around. I had the zoom lens. I liked this shot. I was gonna screw with desaturating, etc, but I couldn't get it to look all that cool so I left the colors as is and fiddled with the levels.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

136/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/25, f/4.00, 50mm, M

My aunt had a garage sale yesterday and had a desk she didn't sell. She offered it to Haley and we picked it up today.

It's funny having a real desk in her room. Now her room looks all grown up. After we arranged everything, she promptly read and then sat down and wrote this book report. I thought it was completely awesome.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

135/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/60, f/1.80, 50mm, M

I had a gig at the Comet on Capitol Hill today. It was a matinee show so any shots I took today in the club were actually usable and not woefully underexposed.

I took a bunch of band shots, but I found the people and outdoor shots more interesting.

There was a woman there with an octopus tattoo on her shoulder. I shot her a few times in profile (ninja style!) and then saw her up by this pole later. I focused on her shoulder and, blam, here it is.

I do wish I rotated a little to the left to get more of the tattoo, but I think this shot is pretty cool nonetheless. Hope you do too.

Friday, May 14, 2010

134/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/500, f/3.50, 50mm, Sport mode

Marci, Riley and I headed to the Crossroads park today. It was GORGEOUS out and we were able to get some much needed sun rays on bare skin.

I saw these kids skating in the covered area by the bathrooms so I moseyed over and asked if I could take some pix. They were happy to oblige, though they used strange words like, "hella" and "dope".

:)

Anyway, I took a bunch of shots and tried to make them look cool. I liked this one because 1) the kid is obviously airborne, 2) there's little background clutter (re: other kids, etc), and 3) there's clearly a "no skateboarding" sign in the corner.

Oops.

They were cool though, and enthused that I wasn't a pedophile.

Remember! Skateboarding (and photography) is not a crime!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

133/365


Picture info: ISO 400, 1/40, f/2.80, 50mm, Av

In keeping with yesterday's car mention, today I took my car to the dealer for 2 recall issues. One was to fix some ignition coils and the other was to fix a leaky sunroof.

That second part was cool because I usually like to leave the sunroof cracked. It became an issue when it rained because somehow the rain would pool somewhere and then, as I drove, leak all over the passenger side from the visor.

It was quite strange.

I'm guessing the recall took care of that.

Anyway, this picture is of my engine and the current issue (not covered by recall, but apparently a common issue) is that cracked hose. You see the "X" crack in the elbow, and on the back side is another crack.

The hose is almost completely broken. Aside from messing up my mileage, it also makes my car sound like a speeder bike when I take my foot off the gas. It is kind of cool, but I'd rather have the miles.

The dealer wanted $81 for the part and $50 to install it. I said no thanks and hit up my car parts store.

The guy behind the counter smirked when I told him what the dealer wanted me to do. In a very interestingly froggy-type voice, the car parts guy told me to tape the hose. Trouble was, at the time, we couldn't see it as it usually resides under a plastic engine cover.

Anyway, when I got home, I found the hose under said cover. I borrowed some duct tape from a neighbor and sealed that sucker up.

I still get the helicopter sound, but I'm going to get more satisfaction in buying the same part for $40 and installing it myself.

Go me!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

132/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/800, f/5.60, 18mm, Av

My battery died in the ol' GTI today so I had it replaced at our local Chevron. As I waited, I spotted this wall adjacent to the garage.

I have no idea how old the building is (perhaps from the '60's?), but it appears that the walls are still original. I did some messing around in PS with sliders, etc, to make it a little more aged looking.

Newport Hills, represent!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

131/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/60, f/18, 50mm, Av

Met Malcolm for coffee today. It was bright and sunny. I had a hazelnut latte with soy.

Monday, May 10, 2010

130/365


Picture info: ISO 200, 1/13, f/3.20, 50mm, Av

This is my cat. It's actually Marci's, so technically, it's mine too. Her old roommate found the cat in Kirkland about 15 years or so ago.

All this cat does is sleep. She's getting long in the tooth and is probably on her 8th out of 9 lives. She's recently developed a very sophisticated palate. Kind of annoying, if you ask me.

Anyway, I figured I had enough dog shots. Here's our cat.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

129/365


Picture info: ISO 400, 1/30, f/5.00, 44mm, Av

Happy Mother's Day! Here's a tired dog to entertain you. :)

Saturday, May 8, 2010

128/365


Picture info: ISO 800, 1/100, f/5.00, 50mm, Av

Marci went to a friend's birthday party tonight. The flowers in the 40th Birthday mug are hand prints of her friend's kids and our kids. 40 prints. She cut them all by hand, then attached them all to straws to create the bouquet. Pretty impressive.

Just as impressive were the cupcakes she created for the party. I didn't get any shots of those, though. :(

Friday, May 7, 2010

127/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/2500, f/2.00, 50mm, Av

I spent most of the day doing yardwork. I mowed the back lawn, then took our new weed whacker and whacked weeds.

All afternoon.

You know that old joke, "I just flew in from (insert city here) and BOY are my arms tired"?

"I just weed whacked all day and BOY are my arms tired!"

That's me.

This is the lawnmower we use to mow our kiddie pool sized front lawn.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

126/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/15, f/22, 18mm, Av

I shot this on Utah Street at Discovery Park. Apparently these are abandoned, or unused, military buildings. The road was open to "authorized vehicles only", which meant I had to check it out, of course.

I heard the truck and snapped away. I do not like the foilage above, but unfortunately it's part of the picture, so there you go.

This is the picture I was going to do until I had some unforeseen computer problems earlier. Those are now gone and this will replace the previous #126.


Picture info: ISO 400, 1/4, f/3.50, 18mm, Av

I went to Discovery Park in the Magnolia area of Seattle today. A friend's sister wants me to shoot her engagement photos there so I went ahead to scout things out so I didn't seem unprepared when we actually do it. It was absolutely gorgeous out and I took about 150 shots.

I downloaded them to my desktop and, since that computer was running SUPER SLOW, I thought I'd reboot it to refresh everything.

Instead, I decided to tweak the BIOS to see if I could increase the speed a little. After all I did bump the RAM up from 2gb to 3gb (WOW ) recently, and the thing still runs like a PIG.

Well, the tweak I did (adjusting the video aperture from 64mb to 512mb) apparently hosed the computer. It turns on, but won't post or boot. I can't seem to get back into the BIOS screen to change it back, which means I can't get to any of the 150 pictures I took as they are on that computer and I've already erased the memory card.

So you get this awesome self portrait. I'm sorry. :(

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

125/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/1000, f/3.50, 18mm, Av

I shot this at Coulon Park scouting a location for a friend's portrait shoot. It was a miserable rainy day today and when we finally shot, it was still miserable and rainy.

Of course, after dinner, around 7:00pm or so, we had a glorious sunset and even now at close to 9:00, it's not raining out.

Grr.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

124/365


Picture info: ISO 100, 1/1600, f/3.50, 50mm, Av

I went to a photo workshop/seminar today in SODO with Art Wolfe. I didn't know who he was but apparently he's a world famous nature/landscape/everything photographer that's been shooting for 30+ years and has put out countless books.

I'm lame.

Anyway, he talked about light and it was, of course, enlightening.

Afterward, I and a friend walked about SODO and, just before a torrential downpour (including HAIL. IN MAY), I snapped this picture of razor wire above a fence.

Inspiring, huh?

Monday, May 3, 2010

123/365


Picture info: ISO 800, 1/40, f/8, 50mm, Av

My brother and SIL went on a China tour last month. One of the things they brought home was this.

I don't know what to call it, but Marci elegantly called it a "Chinese hackysack".

Which is kind of what it is.

It has a bunch of silver dollar sized washers (below the red numbers) to keep it weighted down, and up top are the feathers. This is a top down view.

Apparently my mom was quite nimble footed with these when she was a wee lass.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

122/365


Picture info: ISO 3200, 1/10, f/5.60, 55mm, M

After my gig last night, I drove near downtown Tacoma because of this bridge. I know not what it's called, but I thought it looked great in the early morning (1:30).

Trouble is, I didn't have my tripod with me so I propped myself up against light poles for a few shots that didn't turn out.

I wanted a shot that showed the bridge, but simply shooting the bridge was sort of boring. When I saw the little wildflower, I thought that might be cool.

It was windy and since I was shooting hand held, I was unable to get the flower in 100% clear focus. As it is, I dodged (lightened) it a little in PS to make it pop some. I also applied a noise reduction filter to, well, reduce noise.

Hope you like it.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

121/365


Picture info: ISO 200, 1/400, f/4.50, 37mm, Av

When I told Riley I might not have a picture for today as I'm gonna be out, this was his response.

Actually, not. But I wanted a placeholder just in case. I wasn't about to let 120 days lapse by missing today. I'm about to head to Tacoma for a gig, so even though I'll be shooting there before and after, I won't be able to upload until tomorrow, and I wanted this to be a true 121st day shot.

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