Surprise!

Last night was the first night of my photography classes. I've only been shooting with a DSLR since I started this project back on May 1st of this year. I've really taken an interest in photography and have decided to see where this Photography program will lead me to.

Throughout the day, I was receiving random texts from my husband checking up to make sure that the camera was stored properly in the bag, making sure that I got to school ok with the camera, making sure that if I took the camera out of the bag to ensure that the neck strap was secure around my neck, have I taken a photo in class yet....etc. His "nagging" was really driving me around the bend! What was his deal? It's not like I've never left the house before with the camera! Half way during class, the teacher was explaining a symbol that was found on digital SLR's and being curious, I decided to check out my camera to see where it was located on mine. I opened up my bag to pull out my 'ole trusty Nikon D50 (please don't laugh....yes...it's dated but it's been a great beginner camera), when suddenly I noticed something weird. There were two camera's in the bag........the second being a Nikon D200!!!!! What the....??!!?? Turns out, he bought me a new camera as a back to school present! Sneaky guy had snuck the camera in my bag after I had gone to bed the night before. I was totally floored.

Sadly, I didn't get to use it in class last night, however, started goofing around with it as soon as I got home. This self portrait is of me with my new toy!

Mags.

Cheap, Cheerful and Cherished

Today's challenge was to make a photograph of the least expensive thing that I cherish.

As I've mentioned in a few of my earlier entries...I love me some bling. I've definitely got champagne taste but live on a beer budget. This shot is of one of the many blingy, chunky pieces I own that I absolutely love. A friend once called it my "Wonder Woman" bracelet and I'm proud to say it's one of my favourite pieces I own. The price tag? A whopping $18!

Mags.

I'm such a TOOL!

Today's challenge was to make a photo of a tool...screwdriver, pliers, computer. What's the tool you find most important on a daily basis.

If you recall, a week or so ago, I admitted to the world that I have a shoe fetish (http://365project.org/mags/365/2010-08-14 ). So, with that being said, it shouldn't surprise you that this red stiletto tape dispenser sits proudly on my desk. While it's not THE most important tool I use on a daily basis, it sure is the prettiest, don't you agree?

Mags.

Stilettos--A Self Portrait

"Funny that a pair of really nice shoes make us feel good in our heads--at the extreme opposite end of our bodies"  

--Levende Waters

Stepping outside of my comfort zone from behind the camera and into the limelight today with my favourite pair of 5" stilettos. I love this quote and was trying to figure out how I could capture it in a photo. I love stiletto shoes and how they can turn my chicken legs into something a little more va va voooommmm! At 5' 5", I like the little bit of extra height I can achieve while wearing them. Shiny patent, animal prints, open toe, closed toe..you name it, I love them. Truth be told I do have a little bit of Carrie Bradshaw envy....I mean, who wouldn't want to have a closet full of gorgeous Manolo Blahnik's?

Mags.

Stirred, NOT Shaken......

It's summer in the Northern Hemisphere (whoo hoo!). Today's assignment was to make a photo of a cool, refreshing drink. To me, nothing says summer like a great martini. In this photo, I've captured a shot of todays apres work beverage: The Apple Martin.

Nothing matches the mystique of the martini. It's the ultimate cocktail for cool cats and lounge lizards alike. The classic martini is made with gin and vermouth. Although nowadays martinis are often made with vodka, purists still insist on gin. The "dryness" of the martini depends on the amount of vermouth used; less vermouth results in a "drier" martini. Back in the swanky 1960's, people were accustomed to a lower ratio of gin to vermouth, sometimes a 1:1 ratio. The modern trend is for drier martinis-often an 8:1 ratio. Experimentation will help you discover your own "perfect martini". Chic variations on the classic martinis use flavoured vodkas--orange, vanilla and even hot pepper for a spicy alternative. But remember, martinis should always be stirred, NOT shaken, so that the molecules lie sensuously on top of one another.

CHEERS!

Mags.

Jolly Rancher Martini

Everyone loves food photos! Today's challenge was to make a close-up of food that I was enjoying today. While this is technically a beverage, I was still enjoying it and it is something that I did consume...so...I'm going to say it counts.

It's the end of the week (Thank Darwin it's Friday!) and to celebrate I relaxed with this cold, tasty martini. Mmmmmmmmmm........Named after the famous cubed hard candy, this Jolly Rancher martini tasted just like the real thing.....


Mags.

The Glass City

Yesterday, I travelled to the Big Bad City to meet a few friends for dinner and drinks. Anyone who knows me knows I love the city. I love the concrete jungle, the hustle and bustle of people, the constant activities that have the city buzzing. I love trying out the swanky restaurants, peering into the unique boutiques and watching all the weirdos go by. This is the view from my friend's office window and shows a great depiction of all the glass used in the office towers, condos and hotels that make up this fantastic city. I love how the mirrored building reflects other buildings in the surrounding area.

 

Mags.

Oh....and I can make phone calls with it too!

Today's photo is in answer to the question posed on The Daily Shot's website: "What's your favourite device to access the internet?"

 

Hands down, my iPhone is the clear winner here. I never leave home without it. It's like having my very own P.A with me at all times. It allows me to schedule appointments, reminds me of important dates, has a built in camera, a compass (in case I get lost in the forest???) a telephone book to keep the long list of contacts I have organized, builds my shopping lists, counts down upcoming events, gives me detailed weather reports, gives me access to the internet and has a built in iPod. I also love it cause I can find places to eat, make dinner reservations with it and figure out how much everyone owes for the bill with tip included. Yes, it is awesome and allows me to do many things with it......in fact, I can even make phone calls with it too.... ;-)

Mags.

Gianormous Bling

Spent the day with my foxy friend wandering through The Village ohhhhhhhing and awwwwwwwwwwing over all the beautiful things the boutiques had to offer. We stepped into Prima Lighting (www.primalighting.ca) where I was like a kid in a candy shop. It was a visual feast for the eyes as we wandered around drooling over the unique and often oversized fixtures (most of these pieces, we determined, are suited for larger, mansion-type homes, not the shoe-box houses most of us live in)



My jaw dropped when I saw this gianormous, glittery gem. This photo doesn't do it justice. I was mezmerized by it's beauty as the light bounced magically off of the tightly woven crystal ball and reflected like a disco ball onto the wall. Sadly, I couldn't find the price tag on this ball of bling. Guess if you have to ask, you can't afford it.......

Mags. 

Blurry Bling

MAY 7, 2010

I didn't realize until tonight how difficult it can be to capture the dazzle of diamonds....I went through a ton of shots, and this one turned out "the best". Not feeling really inspired today, I scrambled for a subject to shoot and decided to show off my new dragonfly pendant I recently picked up.......

Mags.

Countdown.............

MAY 6, 2010

What started off as a cool, rainy and crappy day turned out to be a decent day as Guy and I went out shopping for camera accessories and priced out some new "toys" to add to our collection. After leaving one store, I heard the roar of an airplane and looked up only to see the underside of a gianormous plane directly overhead of us. Since I had "the good camera" with us, we decided to go to an abandoned parking lot a little closer to the airport directly in the flight path of the incoming flights.

While waiting for the planes to approach, I would wonder where these flights were coming from and what adventures the passangers would have to tell. Traveling has always been one of my favourite pastimes and flying (especially to my destination) has always been one of the highlights of my trips.

Hmmmmmm, 47 days, 18 hours and 30 minutes before we embark on our next far-away adventure.....but hey.....who's counting?!?

Mags.

Green With Envy

MAY 5, 2010

I was at a friend's house today for a BBQ and while most of the guests sat around and "talked shop" (ugh, really? Can't we find something else to talk about besides work?), I decided to wander around my friend's garden and snap a few photos of this unfamiliar territory. It was a visual feast as I snapped away taking photos of bird feeders, beautiful murano glass hummingbird feeders, fruit trees, dogs, even the food on the grill. I spotted a cluster of plants still in the original plastic nursery pots. I wandered over to take a closer look . Suddenly my breath was taken away when I saw these beauties: Asiatic Lilies. Anyone who knows me well knows that Lilies are my favourite flower. As you recall, I'm having an issue with mine. So when I saw these, I knew I had to grab a few shots, if only to drool and dream of what it would be like to have perfect lilies growing in my garden again......hmmmmmm wonder if my friend would notice if a few of his plants went "missing"......

Mags.

50 Million Bubbles

JUNE 3, 2010

"Hello. My name is "Mags" and I'm a Perrier-oholic. "

I'm not really a huge flat water drinker; however, I became addicted to the sparkling water in the signature green, tear drop-shaped bottle a few weeks ago on a hot and sunny afternoon. The cold, refreshing water really quenched my thirst and the carbonation danced on my tongue and tickled my throat as it took away the blandness of regular boring flat water. While I do enjoy the Lemon Perrier, I've developed a fondness for the Regular, Lime and Pink Grapefruit flavours as well. Add a little vodka to it and you've got a refreshing, low-calorie drink...........

P.S.:  Did you know that carbonated water is not only equally hydrating as flat water, but that it can also keep calcium locked in the bones?

Mags.