28/365 Here's the one Christmas thing that I won't put away...

#DS417: Go high contrast today and make a photograph with tons of pop. Do as much in-camera as possible.

50mm f/1.4, 1/5sec, f/11, ISO 200, -1.0 EV

27/365 Mommy Duties

I had a crazy busy night and day. I had computer and internet issues, home maintenance issues, furniture delivery, and of course, the usual Mommy chores. I was just so relieved when I read the assignment. It's like Daily Shoot knew I needed something easy today --- something that I didn't have to set up or go out of my way for. Something that I can just squeeze into my crazy schedule at home. So, here's what I got:

#DS416: Make an interesting photograph of something mundane and ordinary today.

50mm f/1.4, 1/80sec, f/4.5, ISO1250

26/365

I wanted to go back downtown for this assignment but I'd been having sciatica for 26 hours now. Can't go too far. So here's our hallway. And hey, I'd suffered lots of pain to get this shot done! HA! ;)

#DS415: Make a photograph today with a diagonal line leading the viewer's eye through the composition.

18-200mm at 18mm, 1/4sec, f/10, ISO800

25/365 Symbolism

#ds414 Make a photograph with a symbol or an icon in it today.

Do you still remember how coffee was before Starbucks? I do. I thought the instant Nescafes tasted so good at that time. How much was a bottle or a sachet (1 cup serving) of coffee back then? That I can't remember. But what I know is that coffee was CHEAP.

Then Starbucks came. The world seem to have changed.  You'll find Starbucks in every corner of every city (except where I live now coz there's only 1 within a 19 mile radius!)  I remember surviving on Mocha Frapuccinos alone when I was still working in Manila. Starbucks was so accessible. It was at our building's ground floor and right at the corner where I lived. Back then, I thought it was just a fad but as the years went on, the company has just gotten bigger and better.  I am no longer the "addicted" Starbucks drinker that I was but not a week passes by when I don't drink at least one order of frapuccino.

Starbucks coffee has been a part of my life for nearly 10 years now.  So you might refer to this "mermaid" as a logo. But to me, it's the symbol of a change of lifestyle. 

24/365 Textures

Textures are everywhere. In your house, outside your backyard, or right by the street. You don't have to look hard to find them. What I found difficult today was picking out my favorite photo to blog... So here they all are ;)

#DS413: Find an interesting texture today and make a photograph.

My Favorite Bread Basket
50mm f/1.4 at 1/125sec, f/3.5, ISO400

Pebbles from the Backyard
50mm f/1.4 at 1/500sec, f/8, ISO400

Brick Wall in Downtown

18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 at 1/500sec, f/13, ISO400

(I just realized that I forgot to turn down my ISO when I went out! LOL)

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!