A Divergent Perspective

Change

2009-01-21T03:03:00.004-06:00

No longer do you need to drown your sorrows from the past 8 years. With the time almost up, change has come in the world. I do not have very much else to say other than I am happy. Which means a heck of a lot to me. I feel as though I can dust off my shoulders and raise my head a little bit higher.

"It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break"

"What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply."
-President Barack Obama

A Good One

2009-01-12T13:27:00.005-06:00

This weekend I was able to go snowboarding with some of my favorite people to be around. It was absolutely awesome. The whole week with them was quite fun actually and was one of the best times I've had in a while. My friend Toni took this photograph after I took a bunch of them and honestly I liked hers of me better than all of mine of them. She did a great job of lining up the angles and creating an S path with the sun's light, my body, and my shadow. Anyways, I am looking forward to more time with these people in the future.

Peace Is Free

2008-12-30T08:10:00.011-06:00

This photograph has several meanings that are outwardly obvious to me. There's also several that are a bit more subtle. For starters I believe it is quintessentially the "Rock" genre of music. The ambiance is there, the off coloring, off kiltered setting. Chris Robertson is sporting a guitar tattoo while playing his six string with his mouth (another meaning for another time). There's the clothes he's wearing and the stance he's sporting. It felt good to see this one come out. However, it's not just that. Don McClean famously wrote and sung:

Do you believe in Rock and Roll?
Can music save your mortal soul?

I'm a firm believer in it. Music has defined my life for as long as I can remember. Whether it was rockin' out to Jerry Lee Lewis while dressed in a suit coat & no shirt, replacing my middle name with "Fire" when I was 4 years old to when I was playing various woodwind instruments in middle school to my stints of attempting to play the guitar in high school. Through out that whole time what music I listened to defined who I was. Without the sole influence of the oldies until I was in sixth grade I would not be the same person, nor would I be without the range of 311 to EvE6 to Korn, Nirvana, or Metallica in middle school. Without being immersed into the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Who, and most importantly Led Zeppelin I could not possibly be the same person I am today.

"Peace Is Free" is sung by Black Stone Cherry but the title means so much more than just that. Every day I come into work now I read tales of horror and violence in the news. Whenever I am at home there is a constant disturbance. At school there always was the looming threat of failure, the drama between people. I just want peace. It really is as simple as that. I know this seems to be common sense but I feel it is something that a lot of people are missing in their lives. And I really do not care how people get it as long as it does not harm others (which I believe is the principle of 'peace') whether that's religion, drawing, movies, books, photography, or music. It should be something that comes free of cost, free of hassle, and free of sadness. It isn't something that someone should say "I wish I had that". Obviously the word peace can mean many different things to a whole lot of people: peace from war, peace from school, family, fighting, etc. But it should just be available.

Lately I have been realizing a lot about myself and a lot of it has to do with music and photography. I find it there. I am truly happy when a new CD by a band I love comes out. I am in utter bliss when I can have conversations about the differences in Roger Daltry's vocals from the 1960's to the 1970's. I mean for crying out loud, even 'Rock Band' brings me to a point of ecstasy that one can only hope lasts forever (though to be fair, I have a pretty rockin' drumset). With photography I feel serenity as soon as I am looking through the lens. However, these are all just fleeting moments in time. I want that happiness, that peace for as long as I can get it. I want others to have it too; I am tired of reading about death, destruction, and dismay in the news, of listening to arguing, bickering, and yelling amongst people. I want peace, because peace is free.

Maybe a lot of these things that I find inner solace in are just that because of their fleetingness, because they're only there for a short period of time. And maybe that is why they are so important to me. To soak up whatever I can, whatever artists are reaching that chord with me, while it is still there to be listened to. I believe that there sadly will always be that yearning for peace that is never fully attained on a global level. However, on a personal level--on my level--I can and will get it. Music can save your soul, music is powerful enough to drive entire generations to a single common goal and ideal. Music is that because though it is fleeting as it happens, it is accessible always.

Something Black, Something Blue

2008-12-23T13:57:00.003-06:00

Engagments/weddings is definitely not something I want to get into as far as photography is concerned (unlike I said in a previous post). Don't get me wrong, it's wonderful for people to get these photos. I also believe simply going to the wedding and taking photos would be quite fun. Actually being hired however is somewhat nerve wracking and I think the people you're working for will be the harshest critics as it's of them for them for personal use.

Engagements aren't that bad, and quite fun though they're a lot of work depending on what needs to be done. However, upon further research engagement shoots are really for the wedding photographer to get to know the couple and consequently the couple gets nice photos from it. And a wedding is something I could never do for a living. I will be shooting a good friend's in September as more of a 'paid' favor because they like my style and he's a good guy so I want to help out. I can easily see myself doing that for friends because it's relatively stress free and I like helping my friends. Even friends of friends (as is the case in this photo) for engagements would be fine... But as for complete strangers? I couldn't handle being told what to do and when and where for my photographs!

Tragically Hip

2008-12-09T04:31:00.002-06:00

It's been a while since I have posted. And for good reason too though. Oddly enough I have not posted much because I have been working a ton on photographs. My final project for Photo 1 started about a month ago and I chose the theme Tragically Hip. Here is my description of it:

All of these are photographs from my final project in ARTs260, photo 1. I had 10 different shots with 10 different models each doing their own interpretation of what the phrase "Tragically Hip" means to them.

The first shot was a glamor, close up, which was then printed out and strategically placed in the next shot. That next shot then was backed away to reveal the studio and the lighting used to create that feel. It is to represent how at times people try to hard, are too into something, or do something they do not believe in and sometimes just need to take a step back to look at the bigger picture.

So essentially to kick off my restart of posting again I will be posting each of my 10 photos up here (hopefully in consecutive days). Please feel free to comment and give me feed back on them! These are the culmination of my first semester of photography class.

Digital Computing

2008-10-28T00:13:00.003-05:00

I've been trying to "perfect" the ways of HDR. I personally find the crunchy, silver glowed photos developed by cutting off the light smoothing in Photomatix, Photoshop, or Lightroom is less photography than it is some kind of manipulation of it. However, I think if done right and by right I mean that it's simply used as a way to bring out highlights, I think that it can have a grand effect.

The One Shot

2008-10-13T01:32:00.003-05:00

You know that ONE shot that you have been dying to take? Every photographer has well... at least one. It is that photograph that makes you stop dead in your tracks and say "This is why I do this.". You look at it and you cannot possibly help the corners of your lips curving upwards in satisfaction.

Well I got that shot. Recently, my favorite band (okay, it's Zeppelin, The Who, and these guys) Black Stone Cherry had asked me to take photographs for them the next time they were in town. That's right. My modern musical idols, requested that I take some photographs for them. I could not believe it when it happened but sure enough after plenty of anxious waiting I was at Austin's Saloon in Libertyville getting fitted for a photo wristband (they didn't have passes at this place, it was more of a bar type area).

I took some warm up shots of the Parlor Mob, which I asked if they would like too and they said yes! And soon enough Black Stone Cherry took the stage and put on the most rockin' concert you could be at. The energy was incredible, the music was amazing, and the lighting was God awful. It was a dark bar, with random lighting patterns, with most of the colors staying within the dark orange/red range or the very bright green. Once in a while I caught a break with some white lights or even a few blues here and there but it was a challenge. And I loved it. I was shooting "like a fiend" as my photography professor put it. It was pretty hard not to get a good shot because these guys have such a stage presence that people actually just left without seeing the headliner.

I am so excited about these photographs and can only hope that this is the start of something that can last a lifetime.

The King of Cool

2008-09-29T02:28:00.002-05:00

I seldom ever find the need to delve into the lives of celebrities. In my opinion 90% of the ones receiving the publicity do not deserve it and half of those that do are so full of themselves that it is sickening to watch. Then you have those that just don't really do much of anything and just pass from red carpet to red carpet, impeccably dressed of course. However, every once in a great while you have someone who is more than a celebrity, more than just a pretty face or a talented mind. You have a real life hero.

One of my heroes died this weekend. Mr. Paul Newman. He was an amazing actor but really, and more importantly, an amazing man, person, human being. I never followed Newman's life, and I had heard in passing that he was diagnosed with cancer. Following that I simply said a few silent prayers, hoping for the best for an amazing man and his family. His passing however, the loss of a man so great, really is a tragedy.

He started numerous charitable organizations. He sold his salad dressing to McDonald's and has donated all of those profits to charities. He hated the fame of Hollywood life, but never forgot it was the fans who got him there.

Newman was the role model of a life time, playing the anti-heroes. Playing the people you can relate to, with such ease that it was hard not to be drawn to him. The world's a slightly sadder place without him around and his passing through me into a funk this weekend.

Paul Newman was a man that I will always look up to. I will forever attempt to follow in his footsteps. His life was a lesson that you could find happiness, do exactly what you want in life, make it big, but always remember how you got there. Always treat people with respect and live life with nothin' but a Cool Hand.

Anyways, this photograph is of my sister's boyfriend. I was less trying to capture him, as I was trying to come up with an image that portrayed the ease of "coolness" that Paul Newman so famously possessed. The cockiness and humility all rolled in one amazingly blue eyed package. (This isn't to say said boyfriend isn't cool, he in fact is a really good guy but I had more on my mind this afternoon). I hope you all enjoy it, when I have time and the right set up I plan on doing another, more thought out photo in memorial.

Lipstick

2008-09-22T11:23:00.005-05:00

-"While our politics may differ, my friend and I are both very tough ladies. You know it reminds me of a joke we tell in Alaska...What's the difference..."
-"Oh boy... Lipstick."
-"...between a hockey mom..."
-"Lipstick."
-"...and a pitbull?"
-"Lipstick."
-"... Lipstick."
-"There you go!"

I took this photo and the above enactment was no where near my head. After printing it and scanning it and another conversation with my girlfriend (photographed) about how much she loved the skit, it just all seemed to fit.

As much as I loved this bit, and the bit about "You can see Russia from my house", my favorite part is when "Hillary" breaks down and screams that she didn't want a woman to be president, she wanted to be president and just happened to be a woman.

This election coming up is huge. Either way it goes, it will break social norms. It will change the face of America forever. But that is not why I am voting. The McCain-Palin ticket scares me. Probably more so than either Bush election. Not only because McCain is not a 'Maverick', but he will simply continue the decimation of this country that W has started. Now add to that a person (woman, man, whatever, it doesn't matter) that does not believe in evolution, who wanted books to be banned, who is less experienced than the person their running candidate is attacking for his own lack of experience, who lied to the entire nation in her first big speech at the RNC, wants to teach abstinence only education yet has a child who is pregnant, does not believe in the option of abortion even in the cases of rape and incest, and is described as essentially a cold-hearted, back stabber from people who knew her.

It. Is. Frightening. Do something about this people. McCain would be the oldest man to be President if he is elected. If he wins and something should happen to his health, Sarah Palin will be leading this country straight into the ground. I rarely get political. Especially on a photography based blog, but this issue is to big to just set aside.

See for yourself:
Letter about Palin
Palin's Speech: Fact Checked
More Opinions About Palin
Matt Damon Raises Good Questions

He's A Fire(stopper)

2008-09-20T21:59:00.002-05:00

My friend Chris geared up. I took some photos for him cause he let me take some photographs for my film class of him. Hopefully they turn out as well as these did.

iHotel

2008-09-18T15:17:00.002-05:00

I apologize for not posting regularly... or at all lately. I've been pretty busy for not having much to do I suppose. My film class is taking a lot of my time that is typically devoted to photography. I will have some images for you guys that I took for that soon. I am pretty excited.

Anyways, this is the iHotel where my photographs are published in Champaign, Illinois.

I'm a Rebel Baby

2008-09-04T01:28:00.003-05:00

I finally got it. The Canon Rebel XSi. I have been dying for a dSLR since I really got into photography and it's no let down. Sure, you have to change lenses for different effects but when the standard kit lens is a 3X zoom 18mm(wide anglish)-55mm f3.5-5.6 then you're basically set for anything I would've been doing in a point and shoot. Even the zoom is accounted for. I was shooting at 7.2 megapixels and now I'm at 12.2. Except for the far end of that zoom range I basically can just crop down the picture to the size I was shooting earlier and still have all that juicy detail.

It's freedom like I've never experienced. RAW imaging really does give you that much more for data information and post processing is a breeze with it now. There are so many options I can barely keep up with them but I'm tackling them fast (only had it a few hours).

It is supposed to, unfortunately, rain the next few days but I'm doing some concert photography tomorrow night and hopefully some city shots if I can! So you'll see plenty of photos up and running come Saturday and Sunday.

The End of an Era

2008-08-28T02:25:00.000-05:00

Well this is it. The end of my self-taught photo career. I am now fully enrolled and participating in a photography class at the University of Illinois (where I'm going for my Bacholer's in Mechanical Engineering). I made a hard decision and am selling (possibly to family) my Sony DSC-H5.

I badly desired the camera so I would be able to delve further into photography than simply pointing and shooting. It guided me through good times and bad times, it rarely left my side. Most of my friends now know, and probably have memorized it's exact size and shape. They certainly know the flash. It opened so many countless opportunities for me and got me my first published photos at the U of I iHotel. It changed my life and will always hold a place in my heart.

I am moving on to a Canon Rebel XSi. I should be happier I know but the camera is too expensive but without going into major details I am, by all means, forced to buy it. I know there's worse things in life than getting something better than what you wanted but there's unseen circumstances occurring.

So here's to you Sony DSC-H5 and all you've given me. I'm going to miss you dearly, with your sleek style, aggravating manual settings, and especially your glorious wide angle lens.

Happy Summer Days

2008-08-19T13:02:00.002-05:00

Taken in Lake Geneva at my friend's lake house, this photo was on the Nikon FE. The colors are so vibrant and sharp on this camera it blows my mind.

Sorry about the lack of updates, I moved back down to Champaign for this upcoming year so it's been a bit hectic. Hopefully I'll update tomorrow.

Ladies and Gentlemen: Introducing Black Stone Cherry

2008-08-12T09:22:00.006-05:00

I know I've mentioned them before, and this may seem excessive/obsessive but I'm just really into music, specifically Rock and Roll, and these guys embody everything I think to be good about it. Their message is always one of hope, peace, and happiness but they rock harder than any other rock band out there that feeds off of their fans' depression. Their music is something I will never tire of.

I've yet to do a real "series" of all related photos from some event or something so I decided to go with this one. I was about 10 feet away from the stage with my point and shoot camera and trying to sing at the top of my lungs and "headbang" while also trying to get good photos.

I thought about it and if the extremely unlikely event were to occur where I were ever able to go into a career in photography I think Concert Photography would be one of my first choices. It's energetic, and fun, and crazy. Plus you're interacting with people basically without forcing it. They're doing what they love and you're doing what you love. It seems to have a nice harmonious touch to it.

Nikon Monday

2008-08-11T10:18:00.009-05:00

Since last week was rather chaotic and I didn't spend much time in front of the computer at home I am giving you two completely related, through the Nikon FE and subject, photos.

Love & Life In The Garden

This was taken in my backyard in the garden, my mom does a wonderful job keeping it up (with my help on the larger aspects... aka planting).

Out of Madness Comes Beauty

Taken by my work by the barbed wire fence.

Introducing the Nikon FE

2008-08-04T09:34:00.004-05:00

I finally got it fixed. My first 35 mm film SLR! Let me tell you, it's so satisfying. The click of the shutter and the pull of the film when you forward to the next shot. Adjusting all the settings. It really makes you feel... validated. Like you belong out there taking photos.

I have a Nikon Nikkor f1.4 50 mm lens on it right now; which I love because I can take nice landscape shots or fantastic portraits, really my two main styles.

I'm so excited about this I can barely contain myself.

The Pawns Are Out

2008-07-31T16:20:00.004-05:00

A friend came in from California yesterday and a few of us went out to see The Dark Knight... again. Yes, it's that good. It's so good I'm going a third time to see it in IMAX. I jumped at the same parts, I laughed at the same parts, I held on for dear life at the same parts, and I nearly cried at the same parts as I had the first time. It's absolutely, in my opinion, the best comic book movie ever made, the best action movie ever made, the best crime movie ever made, and ultimately one of the best movies ever made. If you haven't seen it, go. Now. Stop reading this and leave.

Anyways, I hope to get a few planned out shots in honor of the movie and key quotations (not giving anything away of course) if I can ever find time.

For now you get a game of chess with pawns watching.

Wrap Your Wings Around Me

2008-07-30T16:10:00.003-05:00

There is this little sculpture in my backyard that has always intrigued me and I planned to get some photos of it before it started falling apart but that failed. Anyways, here it is!

On another note, I turned in my Nikon FE for repairs and it should be given back to me at some point this week--- for 150 bucks!---so expect some film shots from me in the future (and plenty more once my photography class begins!).

Spanish Steeds

2008-07-29T12:53:00.006-05:00

I feel as if I have not given enough credit to the start of my photography "artistic" passion.  I had not thought much of photography other than "cool pics" before I went abroad for a semester.  Even when I was dabbling (quite a bit honestly) in graphic design in high school, I was ignorant to what the world of photography possessed.  To be honest, not all of my Europe photos are good.  In fact, compared to now most aren't at all.  However, they were my base. They were my foundation to starting something that I felt immediately would last my life time.  

Europe and photography have been on my mind for a while now so I decided to revisit some photos from my term abroad and see if I could fix them up a tad through photoshop.  Keep in mind that at this time I was using a 3 or 4 MP camera with a 3X zoom that all in all rarely functioned correctly so to post those photos now I feel as if I need to put them through some sort of editing program to make sure the noise is all gone. 

In the end, this is the first shot that involved motion that truly stuck with me. I felt it came alive a bit. There had been others that I loved the set up, or that in fact I like quite a bit more than this one. However, for some reason, this shot pushed me to the point where I realized what I could really do. Even if I did have such a crappy camera.

Burned Down Every Bridge That I've Found

2008-07-28T14:26:00.007-05:00

"...And I limit myself to a 6 gun quota"

So I've decided at the moment I'm just going to do what ever I can now. If I don't have time, I don't. If no one other than the smattering of you who constantly do, then so be it. Here I would like to take another opportunity to thank those of you who do. It does mean a lot, as I'm sure you know... but I feel the need to thank you so... just accept it ;).
Anyways, I may only post every few days for the next few weeks to come but once I am down at school I hope that that changes. In fact that's my goal. I have big plans for this blog (including starting a 365 with a newly purchased domain when I return from Europe next summer with a new dSLR camera).
So here's how I look at it: I'm going to keep posting. I hope people keep looking. And I'll consider this my introduction to the entire blogosphere.

In this process I'll be adjusting this site to meet the needs that I think are required to correctly portray my photos.  

Cheers!

As The Feeling Fades Away

2008-07-23T09:01:00.008-05:00

Sometimes, the feeling of being disillusioned by something comes to pass; usually in retrospect.

Anyways, I know it's been a while since I have posted. Honestly, since I have kept up with most of your blogs on a daily basis. Time is pretty tight with my hour commute each direction from work. Taking into account that I have a very small daily hit number, how I want to work out (consistently), have some sort of social life, and it ends up being pretty hard to keep up with everything. I have been trying to decide what to do about this and honestly, I cannot come up with much.

There's plenty of things I'd like to do to attract more people... making this all seem a bit more "worth it" since the original intent was to recieve feedback on my photos: these things include better photos, higher quality, better website---but those are all about a year away (maybe slightly less). So in the end I decided that maybe this won't be a daily thing (what I was striving for). Maybe, this won't attract a ton of people. But in the end I should probably just do this for me and hope for the best. To those of you who do come, and comment,

Summer Moon

2008-07-17T18:17:00.002-05:00

I'll be out of town for a few days and it's been pretty busy so I haven't had the chance to do the auto-update. But I promise I'll have stuff for you come Sunday!

Anyways, this is why I love my camera. Super sweet photos of the moon!

Families: A Triptych Bokeh

2008-07-14T10:46:00.004-05:00

I know on this photoblog, every once in a while details of my personal life come out but usually it's nothing that personal. And rarely, if ever, has it been negative. I don't really think this is the place for it and for the most part I don't think the majority of you really need to read or hear about depressing things considering everyone has their own stuff to deal with. Though with photography becoming the passion of mine that it is, something eventually was going to take form in it.

Thus this series of photos was taken. It was something I learned about on Flickr really. I have never attempted at doing a diptych or a triptych before. I also never had attempted a serious bokeh image before. But for some reason when I was sitting on the deck at my Aunt's it just clicked and I went for it. I love my family, I really do. There's just times when a certain male member of it makes life much harder than it ever should be for all of us a grand majority of the time. And I know there's others out there that have the same issue. The blurred effect really is more how I feel about these people at these times, but the overall image is bright: in the end everything's okay. I always have to look at it from several angles; none of which I understand slightly. But finally I just move on because there is nothing more I can do about it. That's really what these photos represent to me.

Anyways, I hope you like it. Or at least find it interesting enough to give some constructive criticism if you don't.

Self-Portrait Reflected in a Mustang

2008-07-11T12:03:00.004-05:00

Another "Cool Cars Under The Stars" photo, except this time a bit newer. My favorite car is the Ford Mustang, especially pre-1973 and post-2005. This one's colors were fantastic as a deep black with red stripes. BIG fan. The sad and rather ironic thing is I have been less and less knowledgable of cars since engineering started getting tougher but it was the reason I went into it in the first place. C'est la vie, je pense. Anyways, I like this photo because it is pretty humorous to see myself in such a hunched position (I'm 6'4) and I am wearing my favorite hat from Scotland.

Alone

2008-07-10T09:00:00.005-05:00

I needed a break from sorting through hundreds of wedding photos so I indulged myself in some more layering/texturing/exposuring blending techniques with this photo. It's a tree (obviously) on a lakefront near where I work. I got bored the other day and decided to pull over and take a few photos. There's no point in putting the exif data because it's all messed up because the image is blended and flattened, etc.

The original can be seen here: ORIGINAL.

Speaking of originals, I promised a few people the originals of a sunset HDR I took and I'll try and get those up tonight with an edit.

Cake Or Death

2008-07-09T11:24:00.004-05:00

I'm not a huge cake fan really. In fact I typically avoid it at all costs because 9/10 times the frosting gives me a headache. However, this cake looks amazing. The title is really only half accurate, unless I decide to say I was being clever and referring to "Until death do you part" or however the wedding phrase goes... but I wasn't. I just think a certain British cross dressing comedian is hysterical.

And... the formatting's being weird for me to place my exif data on. I'll update at home and hopefully the archive as well!

Shoes and Pedals

2008-07-07T13:38:00.005-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5

Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)

Aperture: f/5

Focal Length: 6 mm

ISO Speed: 125

I just got back from the Hindu/Christian Wedding in Tennessee and all I can say is wow. It was like living in a movie. I had no idea the extent of how extravagent it was going to be. Everything from the catering, the people, the set ups, and the ceremonies was amazing. I got some decent shots (though out of respect never used the flash which made it difficult at times) but I hope to post a few here and there for you all to look at.

Anyways, this first photo is of rose pedals on the ground by Elena's feet. It looked like such a cool angle that you could not pass it up. A real goal of mine is to be a wedding photographer at least on the side of an everyday job. There are just so many opportunities to get fantastic shots of everything from scenary, to florals, to people. This year for my graduation I will finally be getting the dSLR that I have been yearning for. Whether it ends up being the Sony Alpha (newcomer to this race) or the Canon Rebel or one of the 253,200,234,234,249,546,345 Nikons out there, by that point I'll know and be thrilled.

80 on the Open Road

2008-07-06T00:38:00.001-05:00

Driving home from the Highland Games, I decided to take this photo. Notice the rainbow! :)

Updating everything and going to comment starting tomorrow! Get excited!

Sunset 2.0

2008-07-05T00:36:00.001-05:00

A second photo of the Arch outside of the iHotel where my photos are being published. I have quite a few of these and love them!

See you guys Monday! I'll continue to post via the scheduled posting tool.

Happy 4th!

2008-07-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

I'm not always the most patriotic person around. And I certainly don't approve of the current presidency, but there's a certain happiness in being proud of where you came from and making it yours. I'm from Chicago, I'm from Illinois. I go to uni here, I got to travel abroad here; and despite what I consider money issues, life's pretty damn good and that's what matters.

Again, I'm still outa town so comments, archives, and the like will continue on Monday! I'll continue to post via the scheduled posting tool.

Torn

2008-07-03T12:21:00.001-05:00

I LOVE Urban Decay. It's always interesting and raw. Anyways, I added a texture of my own making with some vignetting around the corners. Some dodging and burning occurred in the center.

Again, still out of town, still can't comment, still can't do the archive! See you guys Monday. I'll continue to post via the scheduled posting tool.

Caffeinerd

2008-07-02T16:07:00.001-05:00

A photo of my girlfriend at The Bread Company in Champaign. The scene just seemed to set itself up perfectly. It's not heavily put through photoshop though I did tweak some elements (there were two cars I didn't care for in the background).

On another note, I'm leaving tonight for Tennessee to go to her cousin's wedding so I will be out of town from Wednesday through Sunday. This unfortunately means most likely no commenting, and once again the lack of a current archive. I promise I'll update it sooner this time ;)

I'll continue to post via the scheduled posting tool. And keep commenting though! I love to hear feedback (who doesn't!?).

Reflections in a Dirty Mirror

2008-07-01T19:00:00.003-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 6 mm
ISO Speed: 80

Today was a hard choice, I have two photos I want to post but I'll post the other tomorrow. I took this because on flickr it seems everyone and their mothers' has a reflected picture of themselves in a mirror. I made the texture myself and the vignette around the image. Other than that the photo itself is straight out of the camera. I swear I'm going to take "happy" or at least normal self-portraits. It's all to do with lighting, I promise.

Sunset Arch

2008-06-30T16:09:00.004-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5

Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)

Aperture: f/5.6

Focal Length: 24.8 mm

ISO Speed: 100

This is another shot from Research Park, though more recent. I took it this weekend when I was down at U of I. It's actually across the street from the hotel (iHotel) in which my published photos will be displayed! Hopefully after I'm done with these I'll have a little mini-series of Research Park photos you can visit.

Cool Cars Under The Stars

2008-06-27T01:19:00.004-05:00

It's another two-fer cause I'll be gone this weekend as well. Every Wednesday night in my town they have this thing called Cool Cars Under The Stars in which they basically have as the title says: cool cars at night. My cousin owns a 1963 Ford Falcon Futura convertible which is pretty awesome. Well, he cranked up the 60's rock and drove with me and his girlfriend up to the show and we all hung out while I took some pictures.

Other news: the hotel that wanted one of my photos is now taking two more! Boooyah!

Rolls 'N Johnnie

2008-06-24T19:41:00.007-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5 Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500) Aperture: f/7.1 Focal Length: 6 mm ISO Speed: 80 Exposure Bias: -1 EV

"You can take the Rolls if you like, just make sure to bring it back with a full tank."

If you know what movie that line is from you're awesome.

Another picture from the Scottish Festival (British Car section). I can't help but think that there's something missing/awry with this photo. If you can help me out I'd be extremely thankful.

ADDED BONUS:

Because y'all were just so kind to wait for an archive and didn't get a two-fer on Friday here's another:

Johnnie Gold, Red, Black, Green, and of course: Blue.

AND I'M PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE: my archive is up :). So if you missed one of my past glorious photos, now you can go and see exactly which it was. Just click here or on "Past Photos" on the left.

Reflections of a Cloudy Day

2008-06-23T20:42:00.004-05:00

This was taken on a company picnic where I work at Cummins-Allison. They actually have a pretty nice, green campus where it's not building habited. It's my third attempt an HDR and, in my opinion, my best. Let me know what you think though.

And I SWEAR the minute I have free time I'm putting up the archives.

EDIT: It looks better/more complete if you view it large, so click the pic.

Tartanic

2008-06-23T01:01:00.004-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 72 mm
ISO Speed: 200

This weekend I was able to attend the Highland Games Scottish Festival near my hometown in Illinois. It was awesome. I love being of Scottish heritage and to have a place and time where everyone was in kilts, where the glorious sounds of bagpipes range, and there was so much plaid I thought I had a filters on over my eyes. There was music, athletics, haggis, meat pies, and of course: Scotch. I got to "try" (ended up at least having around 1-2 full glasses of it by the end) Johnnie Walker Blue Label (retail price of at least $160). It was amazing. And we saw some great Scottish music including a band named Tartanic. They were a lot of fun and got really into it.

I miss Scotland.

La Tour Eiffel

2008-06-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

A photo from when I was in France 2 years ago. I never did post-processing on it before because frankly I liked it without it but I wanted to mess around a bit for a "contest" I'm doing with it on flickr about birds in flight.

Moon Shot

2008-06-20T16:23:00.000-05:00

I love pictures of the moon. It's as simple as that. This Wednesday was supposed to have the largest moon (because of the solstice coming up). It didn't. Actually it was disappointing but here's a shot from it anyways. It may not be my coolest/best moon shot but I've been going through HDR to try and see what it's limits are.

Sunset in the CU

2008-06-19T22:04:00.003-05:00

So this is my first go at an "HDR" image. That is a High Dynamic Range image. For more information go here! Basically it takes the highest amount of range in the photograph and puts it together in a huge image which is then scaled down and tone mapped. You can only do this for realsies with an HDR program either from Photoshop CS2 and on or with Photomatix. I used the latter. Then the post I had to do in Photoshop to get rid of the "double" image because I took the exposure breaks without a tripod.

I liked the end result. If you'd like I can post the original image so you can see a comparison. Speaking of comparisons. I just got a call from a legit recruiter asking me to join a firm close to school for nearly 10 more dollars an hour than I'm currently getting paid. There's two things though. I just accepted and am currently working a different job that I do like, and it maybe a full time position which most likely wouldn't work during the school year. Gah, it's not even an offer but more of a hey here's this out there.

Oh well, lemme know what you think about the picture or give me advice on my job.

YEAAAAAAAH!!!

2008-06-17T23:46:00.004-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/6.3
Focal Length: 6.4 mm
ISO Speed: 80

I finally got my 360 back after it received the red ring of death and am FINALLY able to play Rock Band again (I'm kind of an addict...). Anyways, I don't have many "cool" pictures of it but this was my friend Jim doing karaoke this past weekend for a party. Enjoy (and I shall enjoy my RB). I began editing a series of pictures because of this shot with all my friends in certain lighting and such to give it that celebrity/Hollywood/Rockstar look.

EDIT: And yes... I know I still have to update the Archives. Just use the Older Post button!

Sunset Garage

2008-06-16T23:43:00.003-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5
Exposure: 0.067 sec (1/15)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 6 mm
ISO Speed: 100

The working man is back! Sorry for the delay in fresh pictures (and my wonderful comments). I was at U of I for a few days then it was Father's day and the family was over and I began my internship yesterday as well.

This picture didn't turn out quite as well as I would've liked. Then again, it's 3 pictures blended together and I didn't have a tripod so not a HORRIBLE attempt I suppose.

P.S. I know I need to update my archive... soon!

Up

2008-06-14T15:43:00.003-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 7.8 mm

This was one of things where I just saw it and instantly knew not only how I wanted to take the picture but what I would do with it when I got back. The lighting was great, the colors (and lack of) was fantastic, and I liked the angle as well.

EDIT: To get to the past posts click on older posts. I'll update the archive when I get back!

EDIT2: It's been pointed out to me that Up is a fitting title after following "Down" rather than "Fire Escapes".

Down

2008-06-13T15:40:00.002-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/5
Focal Length: 6 mm

Again, from Chicago. I swear I'll post other things but I've been busy helping out at home and getting my job (and now being at U of I!). :) New pictures this weekend I promise!

EDIT: To get to the past posts click on older posts. I'll update the archive when I get back!

Sister

2008-06-12T15:32:00.002-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5
Exposure: 0.077 sec (1/13)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 27.5 mm

I took this at Elena's grad party. It turned out pretty well! I'm off to U of I for a few days so I won't be around commenting most likely but I'm going to try that post at a future date thing and see if it works.

Creepy McCreepster

2008-06-11T15:03:00.004-05:00

I know I've posted a few "dark" photos the past few days and thus I decided the need was there to lighten the mood. Again this is from downtown Chicago. Every time I look at this photo I can't help but laugh. Maybe it's a weird sense of humor, I'm not sure. Let me know what you think :)

EDIT: To see it in it's full glory (or at least not crunched up), just click the picture.

EDIT 2: I forgot to mention! I got my internship! It's with a company named Cummins-Allison. Pretty sweet :)

Alley

2008-06-10T01:13:00.003-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5
Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 6 mm
ISO Speed: 80
Exposure Bias: 0/10 EV

This is from when Elena and I traveled downtown to Chicago for a day. I have quite a bit of decent photos from that day that I hope to continuously post.

This one shows some antique effects along with a bit of desaturation.

Demons

2008-06-09T02:32:00.008-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5
Exposure: 0.769 sec (10/13)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 6 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0/10 EV

A self-portrait I took today. Not really sure how the idea came to be. Suppose I'm in a slightly darker mood. I figured the only way I can get better at shooting with people is to actually do it but it's hard to get willing (and available participants) hence why I'm doing it all by me onesey.

P.S. I don't have a drinking problem :)

The Dog Days of Summer II

2008-06-08T12:30:00.003-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5
Exposure: .067 sec (1/15)
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 13.5 mm
ISO Speed: 80
Exposure Bias: 0/10 EV

This is my second image of my dog Nikita and the Dog Days of Summer Theme. She's really fantastic and almost knows when she is supposed to be posing for photographs compared to other random commands I try to instill upon her (sit, stay, quiet, down, etc., etc.). This effect is called the Orton Effect and is essentially overlaying a light sharp image with a dark blurred image upon a normal image. It's kinda cool I think and related to some HDR photography. Let me know what you think!

Edit: Like most of my pictures from Flickr now, it looks better if you click on it and open up flickr. That way the resizing of the very large image to half it's size doesn't look quite as bad.

The Dog Days of Summer

2008-06-07T20:06:00.004-05:00

Camera: Sony DSC-H5
Exposure: 0.167 sec (1/6)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 55.1 mm
ISO Speed: 125
Exposure Bias: 0/10 EV

I've been trying to mess around with Photoshop a bit more to get a slightly more professional grade look to some of my photos and my favorite subject (also my most fussy) is my dog Nikita. She's a beautiful Samoyed/Retriever mix. All white. Apparently, according to Photoshop, there is a correct and incorrect way of transferring your pictures to black and white. This was my attempt at the correct way and it does turn out pretty well I believe. Tomorrow I'll have another shot that I used a different technique on! Keep an eye out.

Blended Sky(scraper)

2008-06-06T20:44:00.005-05:00

TWO FOR FRIDAY!

Seems to be the start of a tradition here at A Divergent Perspective so I thought I should continue it. Plus this one again required almost no post processing other then level adjustment.

I visited Chicago the other day with Elena and had a great time walking around (though blisters came from awful sandals) and taking pictures. However, I was yelled at no less than TWO times for taking photos! One I almost understood because it was in Ogilvie (train) Station and I guess for security reasons I can see why (not really but I can see them making me stop)... though I took some in other areas of it anyways. But one time I was simply on the street taking a picture of a very cool lighting scenario occurring in an alley and the security guard yelled over loudspeaker! Needless to say I was pretty PO'd.

Also, don't forget to check out my other post Of Lights and Shadows for today and answer the italicized question!

Of Lights and Shadows

2008-06-06T19:19:00.007-05:00

My younger sister is really into photography. And she's really good (actually both are, just one's more into it than the other). She won an award for a photo that went to a national middle school competition when she was in 8th grade. So once in a while we like to go on these photography trips and try setting up some photos and get the best shots we can. This was one of the outcomes. Turned out pretty good. There wasn't much post work done to it other than a slight dodge/burn and level adjusting. Hers from the night are pretty good and mostly are a "ghost" type where the focus [me:)] fades out.

On another note I submitted the final version of the Research Park series (1 and 2) to the reality company and they are going with this photo. That is the edited one because they requested that the photo not have the car and (this was very odd to me) their building in it. So I went and photoshopped them out (original...click). I've been told that it's pretty hard to tell but I can't help but notice. ANYWAYS, it's going up and I'm happy about that!

And sorry about not updating for a few days but it's been chaotic. I had a job interview today (which went well!) and had to do a lot of editing of the Research Park photo (and don't want to keep posting only those and bore you to tears). Anyways, after using flickr for a bit I noticed that they actually give the stats of the picture when you post it (which I knew were stored in the properties of the photo but didn't realize websites can take that off). But would you like me to post those along with the photo so you can get a bit more info (and it seems more professional) or would you rather just look it up at flickr if you're interested?

Wired and Focused

2008-06-04T01:50:00.002-05:00

I bring back the Research Park photographs because they've officially told me what they're going to do with them (or at least one). They're putting up inside the model guest room for the new hotel that's being built at U of I in the Park. It's pretty exciting to know that something I did is going to be used (not sure if I can quite say "published" in this context) in some professional setting. They did have an odd request of a 10x10 photo (hence why this posted photo is). Nonetheless it's still well... shall I say... lengen... and I hope you're not lactose intolerant because the last part of this sentence is... dary! (Thank you Barney Stinson)

Restricted

2008-06-03T02:37:00.005-05:00

This is another picture from the concert I went to last week. I originally was going to post something edited a bit less, only using exposures, but as I was going through photo I realize how much it was meant to look like this. I hope you enjoy it.

P.S. This is my first post with flickr, so if there's issues let me know!

EDIT: I put this up over at Shutterday.com

Energy

2008-06-01T01:30:00.004-05:00

These are from the Black Stone Cherry Concert I went to last Sunday. I was pretty excited to get a few good shots, especially with my lack of zoom I had going. It worked out well though I think. The first is right after he had the entire crowd clapping along with the beat of the drums. The latter is the drummer playing the bass guitar... with his drum sticks... and a bottle of water flying through the air.

I decided to post two photos because I believe this may be Picasa's last hurrah. I'm hopefully going to have a job by next week which means I'll be able to purchase space to upload pictures to and honestly Flickr's got Picasa beat in my opinion (which if you disagree with please let me know... I'm looking for the best bang for my buck). So I'm going to start my flickr account next and see where that goes.

The Lone Boat

2008-05-30T20:58:00.005-05:00

Not sure what's with me and the whole "lone, lonely, etc.". Pretty sure it's got something to do with the fact I just saw Black Stone Cherry and their biggest hit is Lonely Train. It's been in my head all week.

This was taken in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Lonely Truck

2008-05-29T15:17:00.004-05:00

There's something that I like about this picture and something that I don't. I can't quite place what it is on either account. Any help? I like the black and white, I like how it seems abandoned (probably was), but I'm not sure what pulls me away from it.

EDIT: I was guest photographer again over at the Newcastle Daily Photo Blog so go check it out!

http://www.newcastleupontynedailyphoto.com/index.php/2008/05/29/guest-post-adam-2

Buchanan Street, Glasgow, Scotland

2008-05-27T12:25:00.013-05:00

An experiment in Dodging, Burning, and Blurring.

When I was in Scotland I took this picture on Buchanan Street. It seemed perfect for a black and white shot so I went through and edited into one. It was on my old camera so the image size is smaller than typical. Also you may noticed I labeled the file wrong as Sauchiehall St. (the neighboring street), forgive me for this it has been 2 years since I was there.

My initial transition did not have the clouds but I went back and did not overexpose the sky because I thought it might look good. In my opinion it looks awful. So then I re-overexposed them and noticed that a central focus would give it a cool effect.

And thus this is Buchanan Street, Glasgow, Scotland 2006. To me this picture captured my Glasgow experience. It isn't a beautiful city in the way that Edinburgh or Vienna was; it has an air upon it that cannot be described easily. And for me it was a second home in Europe.

EDIT: I really wish that Picasa had a size in between medium and large!

Everyday Beauty

2008-05-26T12:40:00.010-05:00

Sorry I didn't update yesterday, I was at an all day rock concert. Essentially most of the bands we saw were pretty awful and the people were part of the scariest crowd at a concert I have ever seen. And I've been to a LOT of concerts. I felt really dirty after leaving it. If it had not been for Black Stone Cherry giving the best live performance I have ever witnessed in all my years of concert attending (that's including The Who people), it would have been a pretty awful experience. If you like amazing music, check them out. Anyways, after all the depressing views of human life I witnessed at this concert it was nice to come back and take a look at this photo I was able to get the day before in my hometown.

EDIT: What do you think of me posting the vertical photos at this large size? Not sure it quite fits...

EDIT2.0: A photo I took while in Newcastle is now up on the Newcastle Daily Photo as a guest photo so head on over there to check it out. The link is on my blog list on the right.

EDIT3.0: As much as I liked having a larger photo shown, it does throw off the balance of the others that are considerably smaller. Plus I wouldn't want to take away from a photo by not having the whole thing shown. Also, unfortunately Picasa only has 4 size options so I'll have to go with medium 400 pixels all around.

Love

2008-05-24T19:27:00.007-05:00

The love and bond of a father and daughter. These people and this photo of it really moved me. They seemed so unconditional. I took this on the way to Mexico for spring break. Not that type of spring break, and not that kinda place in Mexico. It really was spring BREAK, not SPRING BREAK YEAAHH! I mean we had our moments but overall it was perfect and scenic. I have plenty of pictures but I've yet to really show any pictures of people on this blog (it's my weakest point in photography) so I thought I'd show something a bit different. I think I may go back and edit the photo sometime in the future and use it to work on my dodging/burning technique. But basically it's unaltered other than some cropping.

Two for Friday

2008-05-23T20:35:00.009-05:00

Suspect

I've been dying to post a black and white photo for a while now and finally got one I was happy with.  Anyways, here is the Shady Lane in Wisconsin.  I really have to stop just uploading the photos into the blog directly (it seems to distort them) and just upload them to picasa again but my computer's running slow so I gotta clear it up a bit before I can do that. I would say click the picture to get the full image and look at that.

Photo Contest

2008-05-23T16:36:00.007-05:00

Connection

I've been, once again, job searching all day and I needed a break so I checked out www.shutterday.com and submitted a photo for next week's contest of Photos of Photographers. I was out driving to take some photos myself and I saw this scene. It was the most intense fog I've seen since I was in England.

So if you like this shot enough, go vote for it between this Sunday and next Saturday! As usual, click to make it larger.

Ol' Dusty Trail

2008-05-22T21:49:00.006-05:00

Just got back from seeing Indy 4... which was awesome! Anyways, I have a hard time choosing from all the pictures I took which ones to post so I picked this one because I can imagine some car flying down a trail kicking the dust in the air... in actuality it's a tractor... not quite as cool but whatever.

Enjoy.

Man and Cow

2008-05-21T20:50:00.012-05:00

This was taken in town where they had across from this a pair of lumberjacks taken a tree down statue as well. I really want to post some black and whites but I liked the focus here so I chose this one.

Also I'm trying a new format out so I can post slightly larger preview images. I know it's ironic that this post doesn't take advantage of that but it's a process! Anyways, still editing and such (like the title picture... used to like the embossed letters and now I'm not so sure...), let me know what you think of that as well.

Back in Black!

2008-05-20T19:39:00.009-05:00

Well I've arrived safe and sound back in the 'burbs of Chicago. Wisconsin was great and I had a blast hanging out in nearly the middle of no where (one of the neighboring towns Embarrass had 487 people for a population). There were only two downsides: the mosquitoes which were awful and my internship company from last summer telling me that due to the failing economy they cannot afford an engineering intern for the summer (which ya know... is fantastic news for me to start looking for another when it's basically summer now for interns...). I believe I got some great photos and gonna start posting a few here now.

Wisconsin Night

Happy Birthday Elena!

2008-05-19T14:15:00.003-05:00

It's my girlfriend's birthday and in honor of that I'm posting two photos (I started this out to post ONE a day but seems that when I'm gone it's easier just to post a few at a time!) that are her favorites.

The first here is a shot from Allerton Park in Monticello, IL. It's a university owned park and is gorgeous! We went there on one of our first dates :)

Girl and the Scarf

The second shot here is at U of I. It's basically an artistic shot of a smoke stack and I swear I do not favor pollution (in all honesty I'm turning more "green" lately) but it is a pretty neat shot.

Smokin'

Anyways, I'll be back home tomorrow so more regular postings should occur!

Update from the WI

2008-05-16T13:07:00.005-05:00

Well I'm sitting in a cute coffee/book shop up in Wisconsin where I'm able to get some internet access. I don't have my own computer here so no new photos from the lake house but I promise you I have some good ones that I am excited to get back and have a look at. Anyways, here's two more from Champaign that I'm pretty fond of. The first follows the "floral" theme from last time though this one has Altgeld Hall peaking through (the castle like building on campus) and the next is a picture of a tent they set up on the Engineering Quad in front of Grainger Library for those of you not so into the floral context of the previous two.

Castle in the Flowers

Roped Off

Anyways, I'd like to get on at least once, hopefully twice more and post some more pictures before I return but we shall see! It's pretty nice being separated from technology for a bit. Occupying my time with walks, bike rides, and kayaking (which I've never done before) is pretty fun. Though with job searching concurrently occurring and waiting for calls/e-mails it makes it hard to entirely remove one's self. Oh well, until next time!

Off to Wisconsin

2008-05-13T02:49:00.007-05:00

So I'm up late doing job applications, packing, and putting the finishing touches on some photos so I may upload them here through out the week if I get a chance.  I'm going to Wisconsin for about a week with my girlfriend (and some friends!) to visit her lake house.  I'm pretty stoked and I hope to get some great captures while up there.  However, I hear internet is sparse and I may not be on too much but that's okay because I'll just try to blow you guys away when I'm back!

Anyways, here's something to tide you over and I haven't posted a floral picture yet:

Graduates!

2008-05-11T03:39:00.014-05:00

Sorry for the lack of updates (and that this one's short on writing but as you can see it's nearly 4AM and I'm leaving for home tomorrow when I wake up) it's been a looong week! So my girlfriend (and many of my friends) graduated this weekend and I went to their college's ceremony. It was actually quite nice and not too long. Anyways, I have a few pics from the day that I liked so I thought I'd share them.

Beauty

The Ceiling

The Walls

Sea of Blue

Genius

More on all of this later!

EDIT:

Just for an explanation of the pictures. The first is at the bronze tablet display in the *ahem* MAIN Library. The second is the ceiling of Assembly Hall, and the third are the walls from the inside (it's a very cool design architecturally). The fourth is, of course, the graduates. And the last is the special tassel, gown accessory for those students who are bright enough to be in the 3% of their class (a special someone I know just happens to be that smart!)

Done!

2008-05-07T19:48:00.001-05:00

I am finally finished with finals. That last one was absolutely awful; I just hope I did well enough to get by. Anyways, so hopefully I'll be able to cycle through my few hundred pictures from the past 2 or so weeks and get a good amount posted to start this blog off a bit better. I am really hoping to get response and criticism (constructive at least... hopefully some praise as well come to think of it) for this photo blog. I am really trying to turn this hobby of mine into maybe something slightly more.

Anyways, after an awful day (little sleep, a bad final, studying all day, getting locked out of my apt) here's my picture about the day in the life of a U of I engineer.

A Day In The Life (of an Engineer)

Three(for)1

2008-05-06T17:56:00.001-05:00

Well today's going to be a Three for One deal because, well I need a pick me up before my last final and it was really hard to choose which I wanted to put up. They're all contrasting light and dark photos taken at various places around campus. Kinda exactly how I feel about Uni right now I suppose.

This one was taken on Green St. where they're doing a great deal of construction.

Construction

I took this when walking to office hours for my 360 final.  I loved the shot but the office hours didn't help a whole lot.

Engineering

One of many shots I took to keep my mind sane while studying for my heat transfer class.  As it turns out my professor is a huge fan of photography.

Spotlight

EDIT: Changed the last picture here to one I slightly edited for color.

Procrastination At Its Best

2008-05-05T12:17:00.001-05:00

This week is of course finals week and I have two left. I have been procrastinating pretty bad, though in my opinion for good reasons. One of my classes changes formats, times, questions, etc so frequently that it's hard to just sit down and do one thing for it. The other class I am doing rather well in and am not horribly worried about the final.

Anyways, of course my favorite form of procrastination is photography. My wonderful girlfriend showed me a place at U of I called Research Park. I was taking some photos at her suggestion and the CEO of the corporation that owns the Park drove by, asked me to send him the photos, and are now being speculated for usage on the company's website and in the lobbies of their buildings a slideshow.

This was taken a few days ago at aforementioned park.

Wiring

There will certainly be more procrastination pictures in the future. I just haven't uploaded them off of my camera because I should be studying at the moment.

A Fresh Start

2008-05-04T11:19:00.003-05:00

This is really my first time with this new fangled "blog" idea. I attempted a live journal private account but when it was just for me to get frustrations out from school and personal life it didn't really feel satisfactory. Anyways, I plan on using this mostly for my photography side of life though I'm sure some personal aspects will be seen as well.

For starters, I'm 22, graduating next year from Mechanical Engineering from U of I. I have no idea what I want to do when I grow up other than photography being in there somewhere. Anything else you can really find out in the huge about me section (which I essentially just pasted from my FB account).

Anyways, I'll probably be posting a lot of pictures here though where to start is a hard choice. I guess the best place to start is my favorite picture I've taken. To set this one up I spent 6 months abroad studying in at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. It was some of the happiest times in my life and I cannot look back on it with out some part of me wishing I could just go back at any time for only a little while. My family (paternal side) has Scottish blood with quite a few of our relatives still living there. Anyways, this story could go on forever but basically I traveled to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Inverness, etc while in Scotland visiting them. When I was Edinburgh I was taken back at its shear beauty and climbed to the top of a hill overlooking the city (Calton Hill) and took this picture. It may not be artistically the best picture in the world, but I feel it captured one of the happiest times in my life. It helps that Edinburgh is the most beautiful city in the world.

Majestic

A Divergent Perspective

Change

A Good One

Peace Is Free

Something Black, Something Blue

Tragically Hip

Digital Computing

The One Shot

The King of Cool

Lipstick

He's A Fire(stopper)

iHotel

I'm a Rebel Baby

The End of an Era

Happy Summer Days

Ladies and Gentlemen: Introducing Black Stone Cherry

Nikon Monday

Introducing the Nikon FE

The Pawns Are Out

Wrap Your Wings Around Me

Spanish Steeds

Burned Down Every Bridge That I've Found

As The Feeling Fades Away

Summer Moon

Families: A Triptych Bokeh

Self-Portrait Reflected in a Mustang

Alone

Cake Or Death

Shoes and Pedals

80 on the Open Road

Sunset 2.0

Happy 4th!

Torn

Caffeinerd

Reflections in a Dirty Mirror

Sunset Arch

Cool Cars Under The Stars

Rolls 'N Johnnie

Reflections of a Cloudy Day

Tartanic

La Tour Eiffel

Moon Shot

Sunset in the CU

YEAAAAAAAH!!!

Sunset Garage

Up

Down

Sister

Creepy McCreepster

Alley

Demons

The Dog Days of Summer II

The Dog Days of Summer

Blended Sky(scraper)

Of Lights and Shadows

Wired and Focused

Restricted

Energy

The Lone Boat

Lonely Truck

Buchanan Street, Glasgow, Scotland

Everyday Beauty

Love

Two for Friday

Photo Contest

Ol' Dusty Trail

Man and Cow

Back in Black!

Happy Birthday Elena!

Update from the WI

Off to Wisconsin

Graduates!

Done!

Three(for)1

Procrastination At Its Best

A Fresh Start

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