DIY Desktop Macro Studio

I belong to a local photography group and we were asked to create our own desktop macro studio, take photos, share with the group, and based on the outcome of the shoots someone would win a prize! This is what I came up with:

I had a lot of fun doing this...the ideas just kept coming...but the size was limiting.

15 Minute Photo Challenge

This is the challenge laid down by my friend Jennifer Harvey today on Facebook.

Anyone up for a 15 min Photo Challenge? Lets see how many people want to get involved. I think it will be a fun way to share some interesting pictures and get us out making some photographs! soooo who's with me???

Find an interesting location, and take 15 min to photograph it, Try to be as unique and artistic as you can, but only allow yourself 15 min. Then post the pictures and share your links with the rest of us. It's easy and fun and should be creative.

Challenge accepted! :) I've been in a bit of a funk lately (long story) and my motivation has been on the decline...so, this is JUST what I needed today!

Pictures from around my immediate neighborhood, including some from the backyard.

Project 365 - 08.09.10

HI!! Long time no see...I've been a little absent lately and I apologize. Between work and school it has been a little hectic.

I have had the opportunity to get out lately, trips to Seattle, hiking, and biking. The weather has been amazing.

This is a photo I took while in Kirkland on the water front - Lake Washington.

Project 365 - 03.25.10

I have taken a number of pictures over the past several weeks...so I'm cheating a bit and posting them on days when they weren't taken. But I'm okay with that...I hope you are too! :)

This was taken during my trip to Seattle...

Project 365 - 03 23 10

Time has really gotten away from me lately with school (Biology), photography class, work, meetings, life in general. The weather is starting to turn so I'm really excited about that for so many reasons!

I thought I would share a little something I did in photography class...

Project 365 - 03.01.10

Nothing fancy...not that any of my photos are...this is from my iPhone. I've decided that any picture taken is a good picture because it captures a moment in my life and every moment counts! :) This is Stormie and she IS fancy!

Project 365 - 02.27.10

What a great day! Jumped out of bed at 4am, went to the gym - swam some laps, got in the hot tub, home - shower and smoothie, then off to Riverside Park for a hike to see the Bowl and Pitcher, errands, house work and now relaxing. Such a beautiful day today...I really can't wait for the flowers and trees to bloom...green is my favorite color but it can't be the ONLY color in nature I capture!!!

Project 365 - 02.22.10

The past three days have been gorgeous! Which means finally there were some great opps to take pics.

I know, I have been really bad about uploading pics lately...too much to do and not enough time in the day.

This is a picture I took on Saturday from Tubbs Hill in Lake Couer D Alene.

I will get back into the groove and start posting again.

Everyone has been doing a really great job on this project and your photos really inspire me!

Project 365 - Day 45 - 02.14.10

Today we went with girls on a drive in search of some new areas to photograph. We drove along the Spokane river, to the Nine Mile and Tum Tum area. The rain started to fall and I was certain I wouldn't have the opportunity to take pictures today. There were brief rainless (is that a word) moments.

We found a great scenic view of the dam - about 300 feet above the river below. The area was fenced off so we thought we would let the girls run, sniff, and explore. I was looking through my view finder, snapping away, when I turned my camera to the girls busily running from one spot to another soaking up all the smells. Jada (picture above left) and Lilee were running side by side...but it looked like Lilee was outside the fence - that can't be...I mean that is on the edge of the cliffs!

I look up from my camera and Lilee IS behind the fence on the edge of the cliffs!!! My husband, Walter and I were at least 50 feet away and we realize at the same time what the implications were - I know both of our stomachs dropped. Walter took off down the stairs and over the boulders to get to her. Meanwhile I'm trying to sound as calm as I can while calling for Lilee to come to me. Just as Walter slips on a wet boulder still too far from Lilee (and I'm worried if he is okay) Lilee is back on this side of the fence, she came back through the HOLE in the fence!

I literally saw Lilee's short little life pass before my eyes...I squeezed her so hard when she came back to me...I'm sure she thought she was in BIG trouble.

All ended well, Walter is a little sore but he will live, and we will NEVER take our girls off leash toward cliffs of any kind!

Project 365 - Day 44 - 02.13.10

Just a stroll through campus today with Walter, came across Mr. Fuzzy here..looking for the nuts he buried before winter hit! :)

Project 365 - Day 42 - 02.11.10

Something about these leaves in the light caught my attention. The different shades of green appeal to me...and of course the texture! ;)

Project 365 - Day 41 - 02 10 10

Today I was at the 2010 Go Red for Women luncheon. It was a great event with a lot of wonderful women to spend time with. A lot of seminars providing information on how to prevent heart disease.

Not sure how many of you are award that heart disease is the number one killer of women 20 years and older.

This was one of the items up for the silent auction...I just LOVE Sock Monkeys!!!

Project 365 - Day 40 - 02.09.10

This is a chair in my photography instructor's studio...I love the fabric - texture, coloring, tacks.

Project 365 - Day 39 - 02.08.10

Walking through the trees admiring the views and just decided to look up...

Project 365 | Day 38 | 02.07.10

Today was a more relaxing. Walter and I took a nice walk by the Little Spokane river. The weather was chilly and the skies were grey. However, there were others out along the trail as well.

I selected this picture from the group, it made me realize how big our world is...not only to us but to all creatures. There was so much to take in - rock formations, water foul, fallen logs, trees (my favorite), running water, etc... But spotting this web along the path, covering a small hole between some moss covered rocks just touched me. This is this spider's home, in danger of being punctured by passer bys, flooded, spotted by a bird or who knows what.

Project 365 - Day 37

Today was errand running day. We came very close to purchasing a king-size bed, which would really be perfect size for the two of us, three dogs, and one cat in bed at night. I think we are still contemplating it...bigger bed would be great...I'm sure I would still have issues with the cover thieves! =]

We took the pups for a walk to the local elementary school for some "chuck it" time! We really ran them and it shows...

Project 365 - Day 35

Another beautiful day and a difficult decision...which photo to post today. The view from my window at work OR a photo of the neighboring parking lot. Why just limit my day to one picture...let's go with both!

The view from my office (cube) takes in the railroad tracks, the old Snowflake Saltine Company, and Sacred Heart Medical Center - where helicopters take off and land fairly often.

And now the parking lot picture. Walking back to the office from lunch at Luigi's (Italian) - delish I might add - with two of my co-workers. One of my co-workers says "Wow, why would someone park like that?" Haa haa, I explain to her that someone probably didn't put their car in gear and probably didn't set the parking break either.

Upon closer inspection...sure enough, the car wasn't in gear. However, the parking break looked to be set...we are assuming a slow roll back into the Volvo station wagon. So I couldn't wait to get back to the office to snap a picture of this...I know, I live on the edge!

When I left for the day, the Acura was gone and the station wagon was still there, an unknowing victim of said parking offense.

Please note, we did not see damage on either vehicle.

Project 365 - Day 34

Perfectly beautiful day today...so much to see and do on my lunch hour. Worked on my photography assignment, captured some interesting images, and just enjoyed the sun with a chill in the air.

This red wagon/slide can be found at Riverfront park, downtown Spokane.

Project 365 - Day 33

I'm trying to figure out if Jada is scared or just annoyed? Poor thing...who is going to be calling the ASPCA on me? :)

Project 365 - Day 32

By the location of this radiator I would say it is very old, however, it looks brand spanking new to me!?!? I really don't think I have to explain why I found it so interesting! :)

Project 365 - Day 31

The mystery is revealed...

Project 365 - Day 30

Today, a drive to Pullman, Washington...this picture was taken in Latah. This is from the side of a barn.

Project 365 - Day 29

On the Spokane river, which runs through the heart of downtown there are several species of birds - people feed them. While I'm not a huge supporter of feeding wildlife this presents to two joyful things for me.

1. The opportunity to photograph the birds up close and personal.

2. I know they aren't out in the areas the hunters are to shoot them from the sky.

So a little trivia for the day... =)

A lot of people don't know that 90% of bird species are monogamous...with that said there are several levels of monogamy:

(1) Sexual monogamy - mating exclusively with one individual for a given amount of time.
Lifetime monogamy - where the 2 birds pair up and remain together for every breeding season for the rest of their lives, in fact if one individual from the couple were to die or get killed, the partner may refuse to mate for many breeding seasons, even for life (e.g., White Albatross, certain parrots, Canadian Geese).
Serial monogamy where a bird can be monogamous for one breeding season with a partner and then in the next breeding season be monogamous with a different partner. So that each breeding season the bird is monogamous but the partners are different (such as pigeons).

(2) Social monogamy is when a pair mates, has offspring, and both share parental investment (raise the kids) but still have outside flings - or "extra-pair copulations" (e.g., pigeons).

(3) Genetic monogamy is when DNA tests can confirm that a female's offspring matches up with the DNA of only one father, although the couple may not be physically together.

Project 365 - Day 27

I think I have a "thing" for trees! Not green trees though...I am fond of the trees waiting to bloom - to come back to life after sleeping through the winter. The texture is captivating to me personally.

Project 365 - Day 26

I just loved the way the branches looked from this view...

Project 365 - Day 25

I was up all night long with a very sore throat and one serious sinus headache. When I woke this morning and looked out the window there was a light layer of snow on the ground. Too bad I wasn't feeling well...would have been a nice day for some outside photos!

Unfortunately, I'm still not feeling better.

So I took a picture of one of the fur babies! Lilee snuggled up in a blanket on the couch!

Project 365 - Day 24

Well, we knew it would come to an end, our time in Oregon would soon be over. I wonder if the day was so dark, dreary, and rainy for a reason...so I wouldn't mind going home tonight? :)

We enjoyed Thai food for lunch, movies at the house, and caught a few programs for the Olympic trials in ice skating - which took place in Spokane, I might add! ;)

This is Lucy the wonder lab...Trey and Laura's sweet sweet dog! She has a fantastic and huge backyard to play in...I couldn't resist adding a picture of her to the weekend collection! She is my "pup away from home" when I can't be with my girls...I think Trey and Laura like it too cause I just love feeding her, letting her out, and snuggling with her when I can! :)

Project 365 - Day 23

This picture was taken while we were all at lunch in Battle Ground. We arrived a little later than expected and we were anxious about whether or not we would get our food on time because we (the girls) had two hour massages lined up following lunch.

While we were waiting to be seated I took this photo. The light fixtures were very impressive in this restaurant.

Unfortunately our lunch was running late so we had to get our meals to go...we were a little late for our massages - but not by much! I know we all enjoyed our massages...

Project 365 - Day 22

Catch up!

Thursday night I flew to Portland to spend time with my very good friends Laura & Trey (Battle Ground, WA) and my friend Sheri (Kent, WA) met us there. I was really looking forward to spending some time with my awesome friends AND Laura and Trey's baby girl Emma.

Since I was out of town I knew I wouldn't have the time to get on a computer, but I made sure to take pictures when and where I could.

Friday was great - we all worked out of our Portland office (which is brand new and very pleasant in every way). When work was through we hung out at Laura and Trey's house, spending as much time with Emma as we could before she was put to bed.

I have to say, Emma IS the best baby I've EVER personally encountered...she is the baby I have spent the most time with (I must admit). This girl does not cry, whine, or whimper...NOTHING!!!! She is happy pretty much all the time. She sleeps through the night from 6pm to 6am - yes folks, 12 hours and does not wake up AT ALL! She loves it loud and she loves it rough (by baby standards that is)!! So of course that works perfectly for my friends and for me. We are always laughing, we are most certainly loud, and when push comes to shove we are pretty rough and tumble...Emma fits in perfectly!!!

I LOVE this photo because it displays Emma's brand new teeth just anxious to make an appearance. Did I mention she hasn't whined, cried, or anything...and she is TEETHING!!!! This girl is AMAZING! And I just LOVE the look she has on her face!!!

Project 365 - Day 21

Another beautiful day in Spokane, almost felt like an early Spring day. I'm on my way to Portland this evening so I thought it best to get my photo in before the FUN begins! :)

This is a partial picture of the Snowflake Saltines building in downtown Spokane. I took this hanging out the fire escape window from our building (Hutton), 6th floor.

Project 365 - Day 20

By popular demand, I am going to post the series of 10 photos which won most artistic this week in my photography class. I was really amazed that I won...I certainly didn't think it was my best work.

Along with this week's title came a prize...I think it is really cool. It is a portable tripod, of sorts. It is made up of an "eye" bolt and cable (roughly 6 ft long), by placing the screw in the bottom of my camera and stepping on the cable with my foot I can create tension to steady the camera and move fairly freely. Pretty nifty huh?

Each week we have our instructor look at the 10 pictures (2 from each day) we have selected from all of the pictures we have taken to come up with one we will print and then show at the end of eight weeks. So my question to you is, of these 10 photos which one did my instructor choose for my 8 1/2 x 11 to be printed for the show?