Monthly Project Win on Photo.net

 In January there was a monthly project on Photo.net that was about DOF (Depth of Field).

I had just acquired a beautiful used Nikkor 105mm f1.8 ais lens off the popular auction site which proved perfect for the project. So, I shot the nearest model available...Charlie.  Here is the lens...

There was a prize for the project, and I used it to purchase a canvas print of my tribute to Vincent Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" - though my version is an antithesis of his sunny bright yellow - live flowers - round vase etc. The unfortunate thing about the tribute is I shot it with another ancient Nikkor - the 35mm f2.0 ai, but I sold it a while back. I wish I had not sold it. I think of lenses as brushes...at least I got to use it a few times. Here is my "Vincent".

 If anyone wants a discount on a canvas print - Canvas Pop does an excellent job. I have a 2' x 5' print in the receptionist area of my studio that I look at everyday. Discount is HERE

Warm Rosemary Herb Bread

provided the inspiration for another food photo award from I Shot It this month. Barb had purchased a delicious Rosemary herb bread, but she improved upon it. Here is the result. This loaf only lasted about 10 hours. BTW Barb also made the bread board. Link to judges comments is below.

Click here to read the judges comments at I Shot It

Food Award

Had some really tasty biscotti the other day - which is the equivalent to falling off the wagon for a diabetic like me. Usually I can't stand sugary things, because they are so cloyingly sweet. Biscotti with dark chocolate dipped in nice hot black coffee is another matter. The binge only lasted a short while, and I thought that entering an image into a food competition was actually fitting. Well, it must have hit the judge on some level, because he awarded a "mark of excellence" award in "I Shot-It's" latest food competition.

The I Shot-It judge's comments can be found in HERE.

ArtPrize 2014 videos

Links to ArtPrize entries and other interesting things
Week One and Week Two

One redo, and one new

I revisited this ArtPrize installation again, because I wanted to capture the feel, and didn't think I got it last time. This time a little boy gliding around the room with his arms out, and an awestruck couple passionately discussing the piece gave me the context I was looking for.

This scene slapped my face and screamed "shoot me". I almost didn't get my camera up in time, and then it was gone. There is so much going on here - click the photos to see larger versions!

Like seeing an old friend...

Was checking out the art last night in Grand Rapids, and I found an unofficial entry. Sam kindly shot a photo to commemorate the occasion. I think this is my first image at iso 25600...impressive! Found another piece that is also impressive.

I haven't been participating in the art contest the last few years, and it has changed quite a bit. The vibe is different, and some venues don't seem invested in the competition to the same degree as in the past. I will continue to visit additional venues, and art over the next couple weeks.

A Couple Awards

I got notice this morning that this photo was given an award of excellence by I Shot It.

With Angus moving out, and Sam becoming more reclusive - the house seems very quiet now-a-days. Nothing like the constant "Will you stop touching me" days of not so long ago. Quiet is nice! Here is a link to the I Shot Competition CLICK HERE

*Also*

About 5 weeks ago I won another Weekly Assignment at FM with the topic being "Old School" which was conveyed by this image. Angus provided the hand modeling.

Here is a link to the Fred Miranda Weekly Assignment competition. CLICK HERE