Sunrise and Wires

Damn all the telephone wires in my neighborhood!  I suppose I don't completely hate them, they add some interest, I just feel like I've already done this photo (see post "Competition").  Obviously I took this first thing this morning, and I decided to wait to post it in case something better came along to photograph today.  But I wasn't able to get back to my camera, so this is it.  Tomorrow I hope to try something a little more creative, I've seen so much cool art over the last few days on other people's blogs that I'm not feeling satisfied with the same old stuff I've been doing.

Cold Feet

I was cursing my new found enthusiasm for photography today as I tromped through a corn field, knee deep in snow in only my sneakers. 

I'm always noticing really cool trees, especially this time of year, so I enjoyed taking the time to photograph some.  Bare trees are probably the only thing I truly do like about winter.  I've often heard them described as "skeletal" or something else like that, but I've never felt that was an appropriate comparison.  I don't feel like I'm looking at something dead, or even something dormant, but more like I am getting a more intimate look at what a tree really is.

Actually though, my favorite photograph from today was the "Shadows of the Corn".  I think it was even worth my half frozen toes.

Gratitude

I've had a pretty good day.  My niece Piper came over for a sleepover with Josie, and they had a great time and I think it shows in this photo.  As for me, my day was made by being included on Noah Scalin's "Make Something 365" blog (http://makesomething365.blogspot.com/) and by the several people who took the time to comment on some of my photos and give some encouraging words.  I had no idea how just knowing that a few people outside of my immediate family were looking at my work would reenergize me to put a little more into this project.  This couldn't have come at a better time.  I've really been feeling down about my photos for the last week or so (as you might be able to tell by my last few posts, which I didn't even bother to comment on).  I'm so grateful to be feeling good about what I'm doing again.

Also, I was particularly inspired by one person who commented and shared her 365 project.  I thought Jessa's "Gratitude 5" idea was so cool I just had to make one myself, so below is a collage of photos that I took today with five things that I am grateful for.  Doing this was the perfect cure for my recent pessimism, so thanks Jessa!  You can see her art at http://blog.rearting.net/. 

I'm excited to be inspired by others art as well, I spent a little time checking out a self-portrait 365 project that was also Noah's blog and saw some really great stuff (so be prepared to see more of me soon, maybe) and also to connect with other artists.  Thanks everyone, later!

Drip Drop

On the Surface

Water "Bored"

What better way to get over my boredom than by taking on a riveting subject like...water in a cup (whah, whah, whaaaah).  Waiting until the end of day to do this really sucks.  Tomorrow, come hell or high water, I am taking a photo outdoors. 

On top of this photo being boring, I'm also mad that I couldn't even get what I wanted because I of something strange about my flash.  When I tried to use the camera in manual or shutter priority so I could really crank up the shutter speed and capture the moment the drop hit the water, the flash would do this weird delay.  Time to break out the manual I guess.

Boredom

I'ts probably a little hard to tell in the photos above, but I didn't just go comb my hair, I went and got a haircut.  I've been feeling extremely bored lately and so I did one of the few things I could just to change something.  Plus I hadn't cut my hair since last April, so it was sorely overdue anyway.  At least I showed some restraint and didn't do what I normally do when I get the itch for a haircut, which is just whack it all off and then spend the next year growing it out (and look like a sheep dog going through an awkward phase in the process).

My hair wasn't what I was really bored with though, I am bored with everything, including this project to be very honest.  I'm proud of myself that I haven't given up, but at the same time I am a little disappointed in my ability to make my photos a little more interested or thought provoking.  I'd really like to be more creative with what I am doing. 

So the haircut helped a little I guess, but I need to get out of this funk and stop just posting something everyday and start producing some work that I'm proud of.

Feeling Squirelly

I kind of secretly love squirrels.  I know they are the most boring, everyday backyard sort of animal, but they are mischievous and resourceful and comical and I love to watch them.  I was even kind of rooting for this guy as he vandalized my bird feeder.  I've always thought about writing a children's book about a squirrel, something very Beatrix Potter, similar to Peter Rabbit or Benjamin Bunny.  I think that one of the things that made those books so magical for children was taking something ordinary they saw in their yards all the time and turning him into a character that reminded them of themselves.  I could totally see some of these photos as inspiration for illustrations (I think especially the one in the bottom left corner).  I know I'm not even a month into this "365" project, but I'm already thinking about next year and another project which might have something to do with children's stories and illustrations.  But, one thing at a time, so here are my photos for today!