23/365 Dump the Junk!

#DS412: Make a photo illustrating a fresh start, a new beginning, or the first step to a goal.

50mm f1.4, 1/30sec, f2.2, ISO400

22/365 When My 2 Turned 3!

#DS411 Looking back at the year, what was your favorite memory? Illustrate it with a photograph.

Every parent out there knows that there is a huge difference between a two and a three year old. HUGE! I remember last year while at a restaurant with relatives, I was so frustrated because Alyssa would not sit still to eat and kept throwing fits when she could not do what she wants. Whereas my cousin's almost 3-year-old daughter just drew with her crayons and afterwards, quietly ate. I remember my cousin telling me all about this "difference" but at that time, all I could feel was my frustration.

At 3, most often than not, Alyssa already listens to reason, and taking her out to restaurants, stores and even the church is no longer strenuous. You can also ask her to get/do things or pick up after herself. She even potty trained herself nearly 3 months ago. She also now knows when she goes to time out and why. And my favorite part of all is her showing or telling me how much she appreciates the things I do for her. Rewarding isn't it?

Anyway, it's time to hit the sack. But before I go...

Happy New Year to you all and may you have a blessed 2011!

21/365 Rule of Thirds

#DS410: The rule of thirds is a time-honored composition guideline. Put it to use today in a photo.

 

In 2008, I studied the basics of photography and the different settings of my camera. In 2009, I studied post-processing with the use of Photoshop Elements and Lightroom 2. In 2010, I got myself involved in photography groups and started learning other types of photography, like nightshots, landscapes, etc. This coming 2011, my goal is to learn lighting and product photography.

So here I am trying to learn how to use the table top light tent kit that my husband got me. With one hand, I dropped the crayons in such a way that they fall in one direction. I placed the left light angled at 45 degrees, pointing towards the front of the crayons. To soften the shadows, the right light was also angled at 45 degrees, but coming from the opposite direction. Did I do it right? I wonder. I just know it turned out good.

Shot on Manual Mode with an 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 lens at 95mm. ISO800, 1/125, f/7.1.

See You Later, Lolo.

I was awakened by sad news early this morning. The only grandfather my siblings and I had ever known has just passed away. Lolo Lorenzo was 88. He's survived by my Dad, 3 daughters and grandchildren.

Funeral will be on Sunday, January 2, 2011. It will take place in Pampanga, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Lola Toyang.

This photo below was taken when my daughter and I came to visit my family in the Philippines in early 2009. It was the first time Lolo met Alyssa and also the last time he and I had spent together.



Thank you for all the wonderful memories, Lolo. I will definitely miss you and your World War II stories but at the same time I am happy that you are back safe in the arms of our Creator. We'll see you later ok? May you rest in peace. And please give our hugs to Lola Toyang, Tito Ric and twin, and Tito Larry.

We love you very much.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

20/365 Soft Light

#DS409: Make a photograph with as soft a light source as you can find or create.

You know what I enjoy the most about this project? It's that I tend to notice the things in our house that I normally wouldn't. Tonight, I found my husband's new books on the floor, right beside the Christmas tree. Ah yes, my Kindle-addicted husband is adding books to our bookshelves again --- which makes me wonder if the Kindle is going to the drawer pretty soon or if these books are going to be dumped in the shelves unread to collect dust (??)

Starting today, I am going to put the EXIF data of my 365 photos (if time permits!) so I can more or less remember how I created them and later figure out how I can improve the shot. I left the books the way they were found as I liked how the Christmas lights and the lampshade sheds such soft light. This photo was shot using a 50mm f/1.4 lens at 1/6sec f/2.5, ISO 800. Used Lightroom 3 for minor edits.

19/365 Brrrrrr!!!

#DS408: Illustrate coldness in a photograph today.

Snow and my all-time favorite drink (Peppermint Java Chip Frapuccino) were the first things that popped in my mind right after reading today's assignment. Luckily, my husband was home so off I went to Starbucks.

Then... This next photo happened when I started the car to go back home.

Ahhh. Why didn't I think of that sooner?? I could have saved some gas. LOL.

18/365 Who's the Fairest of Them All??

It's too cold to go out and do #ds407 today but I made sure to still pick up my camera and shoot something (or someone!)  So here's my favorite "indoor subject" ;)



I heard that a lot of places got hit by the snowstorm yesterday. Have a great time playing out in the snow today but stay safe!

14-17/365 Merry Christmas, Everyone!

I like doing this every year... not an original but I like it ;)

Dec. 23 - #DS403: Make a photograph of something metal or metallic today with an emphasis on how light interacts with the surface.

It's so beautifully wrapped I still have it displayed under our tree. It's the only box of chocolates that have been kept unopened in our house for more than 48 hours :)

Dec. 24 - #DS404: Today's color is red. Make a photograph dominated by the color and post it today.

This is my favorite piece at our backyard.

Dec. 25 - #DS405: Illustrate your idea of peace and harmony--or maybe just peace and quiet--today with a photograph.

This is what I call, "me" time :)

Dec. 26 - #DS406: What fuels your creative process? Illustrate it in a photo today.