Mirror Mirror On The Wall.....

Today's assignment was to use a mirror as part of a composition in a photograph today. Show yourself in the image if you'd like!

Over the past few weeks, I've been living, eating, breathing and, pretty soon, will be sleeping in the "beige cage" as I've been pulling some ridiculous 11, 12 and sometimes even 14 hour work days. I've lost touch with the outside world. I'm exhausted, and don't have the time when I get home to pull out the DSLR and shoot wonderful pictures. Thank darwin I always have my point and shoot with me at all times. I was able to capture a shot of my little "spy mirror" I've got hooked up on the top corner of my computer at work. As you can see, my desk was in total disarray at the time this shot was taken.....

Mags.

What's In Your Wallet?

Some carry a talisman, amulet, "lucky charm", or just a comforting thing in our pocket. What do you carry?

This little silver metal starfish was given to me by a friend a few years back. It's not something I carry in my pocket but rather in the change compartment of my wallet. While I don't believe it brings luck or good fortune my way, it is something that I do bring out from time to time when I am feeling anxious or at odds with things in life. I'll play with it in my fingertips while I work out some nervous tension or stress. Sometimes, I'll sit with it clasped in the palm of my hands while I sit quietly contemplating the solution to what's on my mind. It's message inscribed on the front is simple: Wishes. Sometimes when I've lost sight of my goal, or taken a slight turn off the path I've set for myself, I think of this and realize that with hard work, a plan and lots of dedication, I can obtain any of my wishes that I've put out there.

To quote that ubiquitous credit card commercial: What's in your wallet?

Mags.

Just Forking Around......

Today's challenge: Play with scale. Make a photo of something small that looks huge.

Not feeling really energetic today, I decided to look around the house to see what I could photograph. I was intrigued by the utensils (I know.....get a life) and decided to play around with the angles and shadows that they cast. I ended up taking just over 120 shots of cutlery. I know. This is exciting stuff! Not really feeling the fork pic? You might want to check out my blog http://magneticmags365.tumblr.com/ if you just feel like "spoon"ing....

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.

O(bsessive) S(ink) D(isorder)

Today's challenge was to make a monochromatic photo.

Those who know me well know that I am plagued with a form of OCD...I've labeled it as "Obsessive Sink Disorder". Nothing drives me around the bend more than a dirty kitchen sink. It started off as a 21 day challenge to see if I could ensure my sink was clean and empty every night before I went to bed. That was over 6 years ago and I'm still going strong except now it's gone a little overboard. I've successfully trained the other half to put dirty dishes directly into the dishwasher--do not leave them in the sink. Anytime water is run in the sink, a dishcloth is used afterwards to mop up any water drops...immediately. My nightly cleaning kitchen sink cleaning routine consists of rinsing the sink, cleaning the sink with a non-abrasive scouring pad and cleaner (like Vim), rinse thoroughly, dry with a dishtowel until completely dried followed by a spritz of windex wiped dry with clean paper towel. I follow this routine religiously. So you can imagine my horror when I came home tonight and found this in my sink............

Mags.

Taking The Plunge....

Today's challenge was to make a photograph of something metallic putting the emphasis on texture and light. This is a shot of the plunger of my French press.

A french press, also known as a press pot, coffee press, coffee plunger, cafietere or cafetiere a piston, is a simple coffee brewing device invented in France during the 1850's.

A French press requires coffee of a coarser grind than does a drip brew coffee filter, as finer grounds will seep through the press filter and into the coffee. Coffee is brewed by placing the coffee and water together, stirring it and leaving to brew for a few minutes, then depressing the plunger to trap the coffee grounds at the bottom of the beaker.

Because the coffee grounds remain in direct contact with the brewing water and the grounds are filtered from the water via a mesh instead of a paper filter, coffee brewed with the French press captures more of the coffee's flavour and essential oils, which would become trapped in a traditional drip brew machine's paper filters. French pressed coffee is usually stronger and thicker and has more sediment than drip-brewed coffee. Because the used grounds remain in the drink after brewing, French pressed coffee left to stand can become bitter. For a 1⁄2-litre French press the contents are considered spoiled after around 20 minutes.

Mags.

Five

Today's number is 5. Make a photo that illustrates the number in some way, either literally or abstractly.

Feeling a bit peckish when I got home from work today, I put my hand into the candy jar at home to find a little treat to enjoy. The small glass jar currently is filled with these "Chinese Candies" as we've nicknamed since we've got no idea what the writing translates to. The candies are are crispy and wafer-like and taste a bit like peanut butter. (Hmmmmm, suppose that's why on the package they are labelled as "Peanut Crisp Logs??????) They come in a variety of different colour foiled packages. I like the red ones best and wanted to grab and stash them before other people took them so I picked them out of the jar. Conveniently, there are only five left so I figured I would incorporate them into today's photo.

Mags.

Sometimes I Have Some "Grate" Ideas....

Today's challenge was to find a repeating pattern and make a photo of it.

Feeling quite disappointed with the work I've turned out the past few days, I really wanted to create an interesting photo today. I knew I wanted to keep it simple and to the point but yet artistic and interesting. I was shredding cheese while preparing dinner this evening and thought that the cheese grater was an excellent example of repeated patterns and would make a simple yet interesting shot. I tried to create a bit of drama with the lighting to keep the focus on the cheese grater. After 100 or so shots, I decided to use this one as I was able to capture the repetitive patterns effectively on two sides of the shredder. What a "grate" idea this was, no?

Mags.

Industrial

Turned out to be a beautiful evening and since I didn't go to the gym today and hadn't taken any pictures, I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone by going for a stroll (hauling the camera along of course!!). I live near a local brick producing factory and have always been intrigued by the gianormous stacks that tower over the factory. I really like how the trees frame and soften up this otherwise cold, industrial looking structure.

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.

I HEART Bling!

MAY 25, 2010

Anyone who knows me knows I'm obsessed with Bling! Rings, earings, necklaces, bracelets...if it sparkles and looks pretty, I'll wear it. Now, don' t take me for a high maintenance girl here....I'm not asking for expensive diamonds and jewels (but if you insist, I suppose I would accept them). I'm ok with wearing rhinestones, pearls, shiny silver , sequins, glitter and "faux" gems. The chunkier the better as well....other than my petite frame, there's nothing dainty about me. Of course, moderation is the key....my rule is one bling item at a time. God forbid I become one of these older ladies that insists on wearing every single piece of bling that they own at a time. So with my "special" birthday just a mere 63 days away, if you're not sure what to get me, consider today's entry a big hint....I HEART Bling!

Mags.