Project 365: 1-30-11: Ice House

My last day away...Hope the conference was successful. Long days are planned...9am-10pm. Ug. By the time I get home, it will be about 1am Monday morning. Gosh.  Here's the front of the house and those icicles I mentioned a couple of days ago.

Ice House

Aperture: F/5; Exposure: 1/60s ; ISO-400 ; Taken: 1/15/11 5:01 pm

I can't wait to get home. Hopefully this will all be melted by then.

Em

Project 365: 1-29-11: Bella Snoozin'

While I'm away, of course in addition to my fam, I'll miss my dog Bella. Even though Sue thinks I don't like her, I really do. Here she is in one of my favorite poses. Eyes shut..No barking... :-)

Bella Snoozing

Aperture: F/5; Exposure: 1/60s ; ISO-400 ; Taken: 1/15/11 5:01 pm

Ain't she cute? Miss you too Bella!

Em

Project 365: 1-28-11 : Dripping

As I mentioned, I'm away for a few days at a conference. Hopefully this will post for me. Just a simple shot of icicles hanging from my house on a clear cold day.

Dripping

Aperture: F/25; Exposure: 1/25s ; ISO-100 ; Taken: 1/15/11 11:28am With Telephoto

This is nothing though. We've got to watch out when we leave our house. The icicles are crazy. I'm sure I'll post some more.

Em

Project 365: 1-27-11: Mount Washington

I'm going to be away for a few days at a conference, so I'm going to preload these posts. I'm not sure if I'll have any time to log on. This post is of Mount Washington. Using a telephoto lens on a tripod, from right here in Gilford on Garden Hill Rd.. What is that? 30 miles away? Was a beautiful clear day for sure.

Mt. Washington

Aperture: F/7; Exposure: 1/500s ; ISO-100 ; Taken: 1/15/11 10:50am

I've scheduled my next few days of blogs to post. Hopefully they will post correctly. if not, we'll get back to it on Monday. Have a good one!

Em

Project 365: 1-26-11: Lady of the Lakes

This scene is of the Lady of the Lakes Church in Lakeport, NH. I was going to an indoor yardsale just down the street from this, and took the opportunity to catch this shot of the edge of it's roof and bell tower. The sky was a gorgeous blue the day after a snowstorm. That, combined with the tree in the background gave it an interesting composition, I think. I don't mind the snow as long as the sky is clear and sunny.

This is known as the Diaper Church in Lakeport...Not to be confused with the Diaper Church in Gilford.

Lady Of The Lakes

Aperture: F/8; Exposure: 1/250s; ISO-100; Taken: 1/15/2011 at 8:53am with Telephoto

And no, I didn't go to church after taking this...It was Saturday...(Not that I went Sunday either)....To quote Larry the Cable Guy: "Lord, I apologize...."

Speaking of that yardsale...I bought I couch/loveseat set and I have to pick it up tomorrow...And we're getting another snowstorm tonite...I've got a baaadd feeling about this...Shoulda gone to church...

Em

Project 365: 1-25-11: On my way to work

Got a late start to the office on this day. Had a 9am meeting I needed to get to. Was up late the night before doing some home repairs. Sue was away, and when that happens, I tend to forget to go to bed. I get wrapped up in things. But that's ok. On the way to work, I was shooting pics out the drivers window. Yeah, while I was driving. I wasn't texting, so it's ok. Not quite sure what I was aiming for but I saw the sky and thought it looked great. As I said, I was running late, or otherwise I would have stopped and got my tripod out. But anyway, somehow, I did get a really cool looking picture and it doesn't look like I was moving at all. This is near the run-down Fluffy's Roast Beef shack in Tilton. Let's see, the speed limit was 40...And I always go the speed limit.. *choke* *choke*, give or take 15 mph... so I thought I did real well stopping time and getting this still photo out my side window.

Telephone Pole

Aperture: F/11; Exposure: 1/200s ; ISO-200 ; Taken: 1/14/11 8:42 am

And Yes, I did get to my meeting at 9, and No I did not get stopped for speeding. Knock on wood.

Emery

Project 365: 1-24-11: Baby, It's Cold Outside

No clever or inspiring photos today. Infact, these were taken in poor lighting with no thought of composition al all.....It's just a historical representation of how dang cold it was last night and this morning.

BRR

These are pics of the thermometer on our kitchen window sill.

We've got to move somewhere warm!!

Em

Project 365: 1-23-11: More Forsythia

Hi there. Barely time to post today. Went to visit my family in Wells Maine. Great visit. It's been too long.

Anyway, today's post is another view of the Forsythia taken from the warmth of my house, thru the window.

Snow Puffs

Aperture: F/13 ;Exposure: 1/20s ; ISO-100; Telephoto Lens; 1/12: 2:31pm;

I've got a crazy busy week coming up. Work 4 days; then a 3 day seminar in Quincy; Web design class Wednesday, and Thursday night pick up a living room set I bought...Ug. I don't think I will want to get out of bed. But I've got to get some new pics to post. Come back tomorrow night and see if if I'm successful.

Have a good day tomorrow
Em

Project 365: 1-22-11 - Forsythia

Busy day today. Out getting pictures printed and matted. Starting to prepare for a art display at the library in June. I really feel good about how they came out. Learned a lot about matting today, and Kevin from U-Frame it has offered to come speak to the club sometime soon. Anyway, no time to take pictures today, so here's one from last week's snowstorm. Again, taken from the warmth of my dining room table. It's a Forsythia bush, not cotton candy in case you were wondering. 

Forsythia in Winter

Aperture: F/13; Exposure: 1/20s ; ISO-100 ; Taken: 1/12/11 2:30 pm

Hopefully I'll have some time tomorrow to get some fresher photos.

G'Day,
Emery

Project 365: 1-21-11- Magic Breakfast

Snowed in today and working from home....And that also means I can make a nice noisy breakfast. Well, not quite breakfast. I tried that before and woke Sue up a bit too early. So I opted for a nice noisy brunch after she had clearly gotten up..I bought Sue the Magic Bullet for Christmas. Don't think she's tried it yet, but I sure love it. I'm becoming the smoothie king of Gilford. Bananas, strawberries, yogurt, ice and OJ.  I was up working late one night and saw the infomercial. Had to get it. Anyway, I tried it a little too early one Saturday morning, and wifey warn't too happy wid me...So smoothies are no longer on the breakfast menu.

Smooth Move

Aperture: F/9; Exposure: .6 s; ISO-100 ; 9:54 am

Mmm good! A healthy way to start the day!.Unless you wake your wife while making it.  :-)

Emery

Project 365: 1-20-11: Snow Bird

It was snowing all day...Didn't think it would ever stop..And while I was sitting at the dining room table working, I noticed this little guy. Perched safely on a pine tree branch about 50ft from my window. Noticed him darting at the bird feeder trying to get a few morsals, and trying to avoid the snowflakes. I grabbed my camera and telephoto lens. Mounted it on the tripod with the remote. I followed this bird until he finally settled down on a branch. And he stayed long enough to catch him. Wonder what the little knot head was thinking. Probably the same thing I was.. "When will the snow stop!!"

Weathering the Storm

Aperture: F/14; Exposure: 1/2s; ISO-100 ;

Taken: 1/12/11 3:28pm w/Telephoto Lens

Any idea what kind of bird this is?

Emery

Project 365: 1-19-11: Got Snow?

So did you enjoy yesterday's lesson about the golden spiral?

Today, just a simple image of the evergreen in front of my house covered during last weeks snowstorm. We got about 18 inches last week and I was FORCED to stay home and work. Yeah, twist my arm. Worked at the dining room table and was distracted looking by the beauty of the snow. Made me happy to live here in New Hampshire. So, I grabbed my camera and shot this through the window, from the warmth of my house.

Then I got the snow blower going and plowed my driveway for 2 hours and cursed the fact that I live in New Hampshire. Funny how quickly my feelings changed. :-)

Evergreen in Winter

Aperture:F/8; Exposure: 1/6s; ISO-100. Taken 1/12/11 at 9:13am

Stay Warm My friends

Project 365: 1-18-11; The Golden Spiral and Twilight

No this has nothing to do with vampires and werewolves.. Not that Twilight....
The Golden Spiral:
The golden spiral in based on the fibonacci series. How it is used in composition is to start at the outer edge of your photo, rotate up and across, down and spiral into the main focus of the picture. In this image, your eye would natually start at the base of the tree, travel up the tree, then it would follow the clouds from left to right, then down, the left and up to the sunset. This photo was pleasing to me, and the golden spiral explains why the composition works. Your eyes naturally and quickly rotate around the image without being drawn and stuck to one focal point.

Sunset at Barlett Beach

Aperture: F/14; Exposure: 1/30s; ISO-100; Taken 1/17/11 5:38pm

With the Spiral
To learn more about the Golden Spiral, check out this article at Digital Photography School.

Another thing I can tell you about this image is when it was taken. Yes it was at sunset, but more specifically, it was just at the end of civil twilight, and just about at nautical twilight. Civil twilight is when the sun drops around 6 degrees below the horizon. If there are clouds, this is when the sun reflects off of them and produces the warm colors.

The next stage of twilight is Nautical Twilight. This is when the dusk blue sky appears and it is too dark for non-illuminated outdoor activities. Many objects are displayed in silhouette, such as this tree here. This is when the sun drops 12 degrees below the horizon.

Based on those descriptions, this picture was taken at the transition between those 2 stages.

The 3rd stage, by the astronomical twilight. This is 18 degrees and more, and is when the stars are visible.

To find out when these times occur in your area go to http://sunrisesunset.com/custom_srss_calendar.asp

The picture was taken at 5:30pm on Jan 11th. Based on the calendar, Nautical was at 5:38pm, so that explains the results of my picture.

Is your brain full yet?

Gnite...Gotta go shovel...

Project 365: 1-17-11 - Ug. The Day after

I don't know what happened to the Pats last night in their 28-21 loss to the Jets. They played like crap. They were out played and out coached. Maybe the bye week threw of their momentum. They ended the regular season 14-2. It was a good season, but means nothing now..Whatever it was that happened last night, all I know is that Jordan and me and half of New England are sick right now.

So the only thing that can help today is:

Plop Plop Fizz Fizz....

Aperture: F/14 ; Exposure: 1/200s ; ISO-100; Taken in natural light by the window.

At least we still have the Celtics to root for...They are 30 and 9 as of today. 1st place in the conference, end place in the NBA...That's great, but not making me feel any better today...Guess I still need a day of mourning..
- A P-O'd Pats fan..

Project 365: 1/16/11 - 50 yard Line, BABY!

All right, that's all I'll post about the Mill...

Anyway, big game today...PATs against the Evil Jets... 2hrs till kick off....I have my seat ready on the 50 yard line!   Go PATS!

Best seat in the house...Alright, gotta go get the grill going...And pop open a Sam Adams...In pure Patriotic fashion..

We'll talk tomorrow..

Em

Project 365: 1-15-11 - The Mill Part 6

Ok, I'll double up some pictures. I do want to get on to some other subjects but really want to finish up this series on the Mill. I really enjoy looking at old things, so I think I'll print out the series and frame them. I have been thinking of redoing my basement so if I take down all of the sports pictures, I'll have some wall space.
Here is another view of the wheel, followed by the belt that turns it.

Spokes

Aperture: F/11 ; Exposure: 1/3s ; ISO-100

Belt

Aperture: F/11 ; Exposure: .8s; ISO-100

There - Another day, another post...Now back to the Steelers/Ravens game...
A weekend of football. Ya-hoo...

Em

Project 365: 1-14-11 - The Mill Part 5

Ok! When are we going to be done with the Mill already? Come on folks! Aren't you having fun yet?
When we last left our hero, he was crouching done getting a shot of the inside of the wheels that turned the gear, that moved the pole that dropped the cage on the unsupecting mouse. Or something like that.
Anyway, today we are going to look at the outside of the wheel. Both Before and After applying a little Pledge.

Before

Aperture: F/4.5; Exposure: 1/60s; ISO-400; 1/8/11 1:00pm

After

With Polish

Well, so maybe it wasn't polished...Maybe just a few swipes with the Color Balance in Photoshop. A little red here, a little yellow here. And Voila! Looks brand new! If only it were this easy around the house, maybe then Sue would appreciate Photoshop.

A couple more days of our tour of the inner workings of the Belknap Mill, and then we'll get on to snow scenes.
Have an awesome weekend.

Em

Project 365: 1-13-11: The Mill Part 4

As we continue our tour of the mill kids, I'll show you the picture I was taking right before the caretaker yelled for me.  I was crouching down and getting in close to the machinery to get some pics. The caretaker came into the room and didn't see me. I stood up and he said, "Sorry to bother you".. Apparently there was a wedding here recently, and a bunch of guys were drunk and went down a trap door and got into space under this machinery.  Good thing he came in, because if I had seent he trap door, I would have been down there too. Maybe next time...Hmmm.

Anyway, this is looking at the wheels that turn the gears..

The Wheels...

Aperture: F/5; Exposture: 60s; ISO-400

Yahoo - All caught up on my Project 365 dates. I've got a couple more scenes over the next few days of the mill, and then we'll probably get into scenes of the snow storm we had yesterday....

Have a LUCKY day...

Em

Project 365: 1-12-11 - The Mill Part 3

As I mentioned in my last post...I wanted to post something quick to try and synch up my blog dates.
Anyway, I was playing around with Photoshop and used unsharp mask, and messed with the colors. Kind of gives it a comic book, old timey feel I thought. Sue will hate it because she likes my pictures as they are, but I like to experiment.
Here's the results of that..

The Gear - Artsy

Aperture: F/4.5; Exposure: 60s; ISO-100 + PS

Sorry Sue, but i like it...

Till tomorrow...

Em

Project 365: 1-11-11: The Mill Part 2

Just continuing on with my walkthru of the Belknap Mill..The gear of yesterday from a different perspective. Amazing! All this machinery just to run a sewing machine....Well, I'm not exactly sure what it ran since I didn't have time to read all of the signs on the wall. So I won't try to impress you with what I have no clue about. I'll just say that the whole contraption looks like something out of the mousetrap game of my youth.

The Gear Part 2

Aperture: F/11; Exposure: 15s; ISO-100.  Natural light from a window on my right and left.

I'm going to get this posted and then another quickie to try and get my projects synched up with the actual date. Speaking of which...this date is 1-11-11...Do you see lots of 1's in this picture? That's how I chose to blog this one...Lame, but there was a method to my madness....

L8R

Project 365: 1-10-11: The Mill

So after freezing yesterday, I rode around town trying to think of something interesting in my little town...Everything was looking bland to me...Then I thought of the Belknap Mill! A hosiery mill from the 1800's in downtown Laconia. I started taking some pictures outside of the building. It was very gray out and I wasn't happy with the results. Anyway, a gentleman from the mill opened the door and said "Hey! You can come in and take pictures in the warmth you know!". So I did! Nice guy. I didn't have very long, as I had to go pick up Sue, but I did get some. Could have stayed there for hours if I had time. I plan on setting up a field trip there for the camera club some weekend.
So here is today's post from the Belknap Mill

In Gear

Aperture: F/11; Speed: 15s; ISO-100 . 1/8/2011 1:06 pm.

Ok, gotta go...It snowed about 2 feet today..Need to get my butt in gear and plow...Groan...

Em

Project 365: 1-9-11: Keep off the Bridge...

Had a few hours the other day to walk around town and look for some subjects. A woman in my camera club took a great picture of a buildings' reflection in the water in Lakeport. So I set out to try the scene myself. Fortunately for her, she took hers in warm weather. But for me, the water was dark, the sky was gloomy, and I couldn't find a reflection. And it was dang cold. Made for lousy photos and I was losing my inspiration. So I walked around a bit and was able to ignore the "Keep Off" signs, and get on the footbridge for this shot. Something about bridges and architiecture in general fascinates me...Anyway, I did get this shot before frostbite set in.

Lakeport Footbridge

Aperture: F/29; Speed: 1/13s; ISO-100; 1/8/2011 12:15pm

The high aperture creates a long focal length so the nearest part of the bridge is as focused as the furthest part of the bridge.

After the walkaround in the cold in Lakeport, I went somewhere else and got some good pics in Laconia. Be sure to come back tomorrow.

Em

Project 365: 1-8-2011; B-O-P

Back to work after a great weekend. What to do? Kind of cloudy outside. Nothing that I can see that’s photo-worthy. But I need to take a picture of something….My keyboard? Mouse? My screen? Maybe the piles of work on my desk? Cup of coffee?-Nah…Done that before…Drats! It’s only day 8 of Project 365. Need some inspiration…Maybe I’ll have a snack…That’s it!!! I’ve got  a BIG BUCKET O’ PRETZELS on my desk… And there you go…

Pretzels

Aperture: F/5.6; Speed: 1/3s; ISO-100 . 1/5/2011 5:35pm.

So there you go. Pretzels are good for you, and are photogenic.
I, suddenly have a craving for beer…Ah! 5:30, time to go home!

Em

Project 365: 1-7-2011; Mt. Ossipee

While stopped by the lake in Melvin Village looking at the bob houses, I turned North-eastward and caught this shot of Mount Ossipee (I believe-if my bearings were right). I’ve been struggling with the color on the DSLR since getting it, and haven't been satisifed with the colors, but I think I got the white balance correct in this shot. I think I got some nice blues in here on this cloudy day. You can see the sky peeking thru the clouds.

Mount Ossipee from the Big Lake

Aperture: F/10; Speed: 1/500s; ISO-200; Wide angle Lens. 1/3/2011 12:54pm.

Alright, it was a wonderful ride around the lake. It is was great having no place to be and all the time to get there. But back to reality. Have to come up with some new subject matter for tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Em

Project 365: 1-6-2011: Bobhouse

Continuing on our little Monday drive, we stopped on the Lake in Melvin Village. Sue had me pull over to get some pics of the bobhouse village. Yeah the lake is barely frozen, and the bobhouses are out there already. I never could figure out the lure of sitting in a shed on the ice. Then again, this guy would probably wonder how I can waste a few hours a day in the nice weather chasing a white ball around the golf course. I also wondered how they can have woodstoves out in these sheds without melting thru the ice.

Bobhouse

Aperture: F/5.6; Speed: 1/250s; ISO-200;

1/3/2001 12:54pm.

Maybe I’ll have to try this sometime. But I think I’ll wait until I’m a Grumpy Old Man.

No comments on that line please:-)

L8R!

Em

Project 365 1-5-2011 - Sunday Drive on Monday!

Getting Away!
Talked Sue into just going for a ride last Sunday. Away from the house and computer and chores. Took a nice long ride around Winnepesaukee. Beautiful sunny day for just me an my ba-by. Stopped in Meredith at the Etc. Shoppe and bought a couple things. One being a bottle that Taylor can use at her wedding for a center piece. Every time we're out we look for something that she'd like. Some old china or something with country-ish charm.
While out, we also stopped in Wolfeboro at Garwoods. It's a boathouse-type restaurant on the Lake. We had a great time. Good food, good wine, great company.
While in Wolfeboro, of course I had to take some pictures. Now, I wasn't going to, but I did happen to have my camera and Sue told me to...The shot below is the Dockside restaurant, where the Mount Washington Steamer pulls up to in the good ol' summertime. I tell you - it was a beautiful sunny day, but the wind was crazy! I was freezing, and it was really tough to get this shot. The wind was knocking me over. Strange though because it looks quite calm. Maybe it was the wine knocking me over. No-only had 1 glass.

The Dockside - Wolfeboro

Aperture: F/7; Speed: 1/200s; ISO-100; 1/2/2011 1:59pm.

We had a couple more stops along the way that I'll save for another day.
-Em

Project 365: 1/4/2011 Buttons

Another picture from Sunny Slope Farm. This one was on a window sill in the Farm House. A jar of buttons. They reminded me of a big tin of buttons my grandmother used to have. I remember when I was a little kid going through the tin looking at all the colors. Running my fingers through them and letting them fall. I liked the sound, and pretended I was running my hand through a treasure chest of coins.

Button, Button, Who's got the Button?

Aperture: F/4.5; Speed: 1/60s ; ISO-400 12/23/2010 5pm

Sometimes I miss those simpler times. But I do have wonderful memories.

Hey! I'm up to the 4th...catching up on my postings!

Em.

Project 365: 1-3-2011 Sunny Slope

While Taylor and Jeremy were home for Christmas, they took Sue, Ashley and myself to the place they are having their wedding. Beautiful place! They are having a free-spirited country wedding at Sunny Slope Farm in Alton, NH. Can't wait! I took a ton of pictures. And as usual, the pictures I took of them were kind of blurry. I seem to have trouble staying in focus with people. I do need to work on that. But inanimate objects (like the barn) turn out pretty good.
Here's the barn kind of smiling at me. Makes me happy!

Sunny Slope Smile
Taken 12/23/10 5:12pm; Aperture: F/5.6, Speed 1/60s; ISO-400

So one of my tasks this year is to take better pictures of real people!
Have a good day!
Em

Project 365 : 1-2-2011 Champagne Relief

Had a great New Years with Sue, Ashley, Tom, Jordan, and Shelbie. Chinese Food, games, and many Pina Coladas and Root! And no, I didn't over-do it. But I specifically went out and bought some alka seltzer for a photo op. Didn't actually drink it, but thought the bubbles looked interesting.

Champagne Relief

Aperture: f/14;

Exposure: 1/200 sec;

ISO-100

Taken at 10am in natural light

So, now you know. Alka-seltzer cures stomache issues and looks cool...

-em

Project 365 - 1-1-11

Ok, I've been really having brain cramps lately trying to come up with some new material. So I thought I would try the Project 365 challenge, which is to take a photo a day and record what is going on in my life, and try to improve my photography skills. I'll give it a shot. There may be occasions where pictures where not exactly taken today, but you'll get the "picture". Ba-dump-bump.

So this post is the results of a wonderful day spent with my daughter Taylor and future son-in-law Jeremy. For Christmas, they gave me all the tools and ingredients to make sushi. We love sushi, and they have become experts at making it. So they spent the afternoon with Sue and I on the day after Christmas, and taught us how to make sushi! It was delicious, and I appreciate the quality time we had that day. Loved having them home from Philly for Christmas, and this was a special day.

So on Day 1 of my Project 365, here's the results of our work.



Yeah, mine are the "Fatties". Need more practice!
Until next time...WASABI!!
Emery-san