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Fog Settling In

Published at: 11:03 pm - Wednesday March 04 2015

Project 365 – Day 62

Atlanta weather has been incredibly bipolar of late.  Snow, ice, warm, rain, cold again ….  the only constant has been gray skies and short days.  As the leading edge of a front entered the area today following rain, a heavy fog began to descend at dusk.  City lights glowed brilliantly against the fog, and a chill filled the air as darkness took over.  “Light pollution” prevailed.  But after much searching, I was able to find a moody, dark street lit only by scarcely places street lamps.

Night Fog Rolling In

Night Fog Rolling In

Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/25 sec @ f/4.0, ISO3200 – Handheld

Posted in: Atlanta, Cityscapes, Light, Project 365 by Mark 1 Comment

Roundabout

Published at: 11:03 pm - Monday March 02 2015

Project 365 – Day 61

Enter with caution ….

Entering the Roundabout

Entering the Roundabout

Fuji X-T1, 14mm f/2.8, 1/4 sec @ f/7.1, ISO800 – Handheld

Posted in: Abstract, Automobile, Project 365 by Mark 1 Comment

Chaos and Decay

Published at: 10:03 pm - Sunday March 01 2015

Project 365 – Day 60

Much is going on in this scene, which greatly challenged my compositional skills.  There are vines, briars, and overgrowth everywhere.  Each are fitting companions to the deteriorating shed and decaying, horizontal tree trunks.  I always try to simplify  elements of a composition in an effort to convey the primary subject(s) of interest while minimizing distractions.  To my eye’s view, the framing of the stump and log in the foreground, the anchor trees at positioned on each side of the middle ground, and the shed in the background, invite one to wander through the scene in a circular path.

Abandoned Shed

Abandoned Shed

Fuji X-T1, 14mm f/2.8, 1/125 sec @ f/8.0, ISO2000

Posted in: Decay, Landscapes, Project 365 by Mark 1 Comment

Window

Published at: 12:03 am - Sunday March 01 2015

Project 365 – Day 59

“Art is the window to man’s soul. Without it, he would never be able to see beyond his immediate world; nor could the world see the man within.” ~ Lady Bird Johnson

Tannery Window

Old Tannery Warehouse Window

Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/420 sec @ f/5.6, ISO800

Posted in: Abstract, Architecture, Project 365 by Mark 2 Comments

Color

Published at: 09:02 am - Saturday February 28 2015

Project 365 – Day 58

A photo of a dress recently went viral on the internet because viewers saw very different colors.  Some say it is black and blue, some gold and white, and yet others claimed it is blue and orange.  Our family each had very polarizing views of the colors.  There are many, many factors contributing to why the dress is interpreted so differently online.  Regardless, hearing and talking about this reminded me how important and prevalent color is in our daily lives.  Also, it was a reminder of how color simplicity, as well as complimentary color combinations, can in and of themselves elicit allure and emotion.

Spotlight on "12Stone Night of Worship"

Spotlight on “12Stone Night of Worship”

Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/60 sec @ f/2.0, ISO3200

Posted in: Abstract, Light, Project 365 by Mark 1 Comment

Choices

Published at: 11:02 pm - Thursday February 26 2015

Project 365 – Day 57

I’m not sure if this is in contrast or in concert with yesterday’s post.  Maybe it is somewhere in between.  As mentioned, we live in a day and age of having incredible capabilities and conveniences at our finger tips.  It occurred to me today that in addition to this, we have SO MANY choices within any given category.  I thought of this as I was walking through the grocery, so I put my aforementioned Fuji to work.  The images, though metaphoric in a sense, speak for themselves.

Choices are often brought about by competition for better features/functions/improvements.  This, in turn, drives prices lower.  It also often leads to improved quality and benefits.  “A rising tide lifts all boats,” as they say.  On the other hand, more choice may breed contempt for what one does not have.  Never satisfied.  Potentially indulgent.  Not appreciative for the bird in hand.  Or as can be the case for me, too many choices can result in indecision (a la paralysis from analysis).

Here’s the question to ponder from your own personal perspective and actions:  When it comes right down to it, generally speaking, is the amazing vastness of choice in our culture a blessing or a curse?

Biscuits

Biscuits

Cheeses

Cheeses

Juices

Juices

Butters

Butters

Candies

Candies

X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/100 sec @ f/5.6, ISO(various)

Posted in: Food, Project 365 by Mark 2 Comments

Favorite Things

Published at: 10:02 pm - Thursday February 26 2015

Project 365 – Day 56

Do you ever stop and think about the amazing capabilities, conveniences, and creature comforts we have at our finger tips?  Compare most anything with 100 years ago … no, 25 or 50 years ago.  Technological advances in communication, transportation, services, information, food, and health, just to name a few, will blow your mind if you take time to compare to “yester-year”.  Now take this one step further:  What among these do you adore?  I mean absolutely love, because it uniquely hits the sweet spot for a need or passion?

The Fuji X100s camera is one of those few things that I not only appreciate and enjoy, but I truly love.  It produces professional quality photos that still impress me, yet it is very small and compact.  It is unobtrusive.  I take it virtually everywhere because it is so convenient.  It is built beautifully … all the leading digital functions in a vintage, “throw back” body that’s built like a Sherman take scaled down to the size of a Smart Car.  The ergonomics are intuitive.  I can create without thinking about the camera itself, because the technical doesn’t get in the way (if that makes sense).  It is simple – one non-removable, single focal length lens.  This is a limitation that is actually liberating, because the focal length fits my style and there are no decisions about changing lenses.

The age of consumerism trains and tempts us to want more, self very much included.  But when you find that “thing” that fits a perfect want or need, forget comparing it to what others have or the better thing just around the corner.  Go enjoy it!

Fuji X100s

Fuji X100s

Fuji X-T1, 56mm f/1.2, 1/80 sec @ f/4.0, ISO3200

Posted in: Fuji, Project 365 by Mark No Comments

After Hours

Published at: 12:02 am - Wednesday February 25 2015

Project 365 – Day 55

If it is not apparent by now, I am a sucker for architectural lines and compositions.  This information desk area post-operational hours caught my attention tonight.  The colors, the lines, the lighting … all encapsulates not only the architecture itself, but a certain after hours mood.  “We’ll leave the light on for ya,” comes to mind.

This project is teaching me to be more aware of scenery that would otherwise go unnoticed and unappreciated.  There is beauty everywhere … whether natural, man made, well thought out, or even by accident.  Freeing one’s mind of clutter, distractions, and obligations in order to see is often a significant challenge.  Project 365 goes well beyond the ability to capture a picture a day.  It also makes me seek and find.

Information Desk - Emory St. Joseph

Information Desk – Emory St. Joseph

Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/100 sec @ f/2.8, ISO3200

Posted in: Architecture, Project 365 by Mark 1 Comment

Josh

Published at: 08:02 am - Tuesday February 24 2015

Day 365 – Day 54

A few weeks ago I was taking random photographs of Kathy and friends at a painting class, and Josh approached me.  He asked if I shoot portraits.  Having recently changed law firms, he wanted a picture that was much more “approachable” than his formal studio head shot.  “Sounds like fun,” I replied.   We exchanged information and went on our way.

Today after work we met and took a handful of photographs.  There were two things I instantly admired after spending more time with Josh:  1) He’s a very upbeat, considerate person.  2) He recently left a big national firm to join a small local one.  Why?  As a tax lawyer, he now has the opportunity to help individuals for whom tax technicalities or unfavorable tax law are bearing down on them.  In other words, he can make a tangible difference in individual lives.  He beamed from ear to ear telling me about this change.  Personal satisfaction goes far beyond money, as we all know, but you have to love someone with the courage to leave the “big leagues” for something much more fulfilling.

Josh

Josh

Fuji X-T1, 56mm f/1.2, 1/600 sec @ f/2.0, ISO200

Posted in: People, Project 365 by Mark 1 Comment

Preparation

Published at: 10:02 pm - Sunday February 22 2015

Project 365 – Day 53

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” ~ Seneca

Green Onions

Green Onions

Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/55 sec @ f/4.0, ISO3200

Posted in: Food, Project 365 by Mark 3 Comments

Every Morning is a New Start

Published at: 09:02 am - Sunday February 22 2015

Project 365 – Day 52

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” ~ Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV)

Boulder Creek Latte

Boulder Creek Latte

Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/100 sec @ f/5.6, ISO1000

Posted in: Coffee, Faith, Project 365 by Mark 2 Comments

Early Morning Sentinels

Published at: 09:02 am - Saturday February 21 2015

Project 365 – Day 51

Trees at Sunrise

Trees at Sunrise

Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/100 sec @ f/5.6, ISO3200

Posted in: Abstract, Landscapes, Project 365 by Mark 1 Comment
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