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.

Camera Shy...

Today's challenge was to make a photograph of something that is soft, or a least looks like it.

I was trying to rack my brain and think of something creative to shoot, but alas, came up with nothing other than this photo of the cat. As you may recall from a previous post (http://365project.org/mags/365/2010-06-01) she is very difficult to shoot. She'll sit and taunt you with her oh-so-adorable looks, psychotic episodes and will playfully pose but when you grab the camera, she takes off like a bat out of hell. She definitely is not a ham in a cat suit when it comes to taking her picture. She was hiding under the table when suddenly something caught her attention outside...long enough for me to capture this quick shot.

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.

Demolition Derby

Today we went to the Brampton Fall Festival where we saw various animals, antiques and crafts. The highlight of the day for many festival goers was the Demolition Derby. People waited in the stands for two hours prior to the start of the derby to secure good seats. There were prizes given for Best Decorated Car, Winner of the Figure 8 races and of course, Winner of the Demolition Derby.

Demolition Derby is a motorsport usually presented at county fairs and festivals. While rules vary from event to event, the typical demolition derby event consists of five or more drivers competing by deliberately ramming their vehicle into one another. The last driver whose vehicle is still operational is awarded the victory.

Mags

Take it or "Leaf" it....

Today's challenge was to showcase the beauty of living foliage. Make a photo of a single leaf or and entire "greenscape".

Taking a walk in the garden this evening made me realize two things:

1) Fall is just around the corner. The garden was once filled with big , beautiful blooms and has now transformed into an area of dead, dried up foliage.

2) It's getting dark earlier these days and there is the nip of fall in the air which means it will soon be time to focus on indoor shots instead of outdoor (unless freezing your butt off in the middle of winter is your idea of fun).

I managed to capture this shot of a beautiful variegated coleus . I loved the jewel-like colours that really stood out in the dying garden. Sadly, time will soon be up for these beauties as you can see the leaves are starting to fade and wilt. *Sigh* How many more days left until summer begins again?

Mags.

Lunch of Champions

Preparing or eating food is a rhythmic part of life. Today's challenge was to make a photo of a meal you prepared or ate today.

Over the past week, I've been holed up in the Beige Cage toiling away non-stop for 12 hours straight. While a lot of work is being completed, there's still a crap load left to do. I manage to clear out (or at least get under control) my email only to be inundated with voicemail or a pile of paperwork. Ugh! Being busy sure makes the day go by quickly; however, it's not until 3 pm do I realize that I haven't eaten lunch. I've got a secret stash of cookies in my desk drawer for emergency purposes which I nibbled on (NOT all of the ones pictured here and they were eaten AFTER my apple) and washed it all down with a Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte. Mmmmmmmmmm....lunch of champions!

Mags.

Glow

Hard shadows can emphasize texture and edges. Find a scene with lit with hard shadows today and make a photo.

This past week has been unbelievably hectic where I work and I've found myself pulling 12 hour days as of late. With school last night and the long work hours, I really haven't been able to come up with some stellar shots...this post is no different. Feeling the need to relax and unwind, I illuminated the living room by candlelight and decided to take the new toy out for a spin. While I'm still getting familiar with the new camera, I've been amazed at the difference between what I was using and what I am using now. I decided to post the photo of the candles softly glowing with the hard shadows cast on the bed of river rocks.

Mags.