60 Minute Challenge

     I've been having trouble coming up with subjects for the 60 minute challenge. Since the weather is changing everyone's been talking about getting there bikes out so I went out looking for bikes and the colour blue. I took my 50mm, I find it's best for street photography and I love the depth of field on it.

                                     

      I also like getting up close and personal with my 50mm, it's not typically what it's used for but it really makes you focus on composition. Got to practice some panning shots as well. Overall good day, seriously considering getting a bike. 

Got some jobs coming up guys! More on that soon.

-Amulree

Not Photogenic

      I love it when my friends tell me they're not photogenic. Usually it's just an excuse not to have their photo taken but I always sneak one anyway. I love it because they're usually wrong. Not photogenic usually means camera aware. You're aware there's a camera and you don't like it because you're not photogenic but it's the awareness that creates the bad photo. It's a vicious cycle.
      Dealing with people who are uncomfortable with cameras is something I'm getting used to and I'm determined to change their minds one photo at a time.
      Here are a few of my favourite self proclaimed not photogenic friends.

There are more of you and I'm coming to get you,

-Amulree

60 Minute Challenge

       I've had a cold for the last couple of days and frankly I'm sick of it. I've been watching a lot of Photography 101 videos by Mark Wallace (https://www.youtube.com/user/snapfactory) Like a lot of them. One I found particularly interesting was called the 60 Minute Challenge. Basically how it works is you give yourself a little assignment of things to photograph. It can be certain shapes, colours, words and just spend at least 60 minutes out looking for these things. I think, I could (if I got my shit together) probably do this at least every other day. Come up with the assignment the day before, and wake up early enough to do it. Sounds easy right?
      Today my assignment will be the word 'The' and the colour green.

      I didn't really follow the assignment but I got out of my apartment for a couple hours before my cold proved to be still in full force.

     The Kozlik's photo is my least favourite I didn't frame it properly, and the photo of the soap would've been better if I had gotten the bottom of the labels in. But whateva, I'm not trying to sound negative just working on critiquing my work. The coffee mug is my favourite, my lens vignettes and I quite like it.
      Back to the Adorama TV videos, there's a tutorial on panoramas and I would really like to do one soon, especially now that it's finally getting warmer, fingers crossed. So that's to come.


-Amulree

Whether There Will be Weather

       I was at the Eaton Centre today, and in case you weren't aware Toronto is currently being hit by a wall of snow, and I decided to stop into Black's and ask about protecting my camera in weather like this. The lady seemed perplexed that I would even think about taking photos in this weather and I didn't bother to ask anyone else in the store. I just went to Shoppers bought some large sandwich bags and some tape and voila! It did the trick.

I was hoping to get some more shots for the photo contest this month (mattgranger.com) and I thought that the "white out" would make for good negative space. My lovely friend Alyssa was happy to pose for me despite the horrible conditions and I think the photo has a good chance.

-Amulree

Possible Entries for Photo Contest

The criteria for the contest I want to enter (mattgranger.com) is creative use of negative space. I went out today and got a few shots, not entirely sold on them but it was good to get out. Here's the best from today.

Apparently I'm a big fan of colour and patterns. Gonna keep getting out there. It's helpful really to actually be looking for a specific thing. Keeps my eyes open. It's been a good day. 

-Amulree

Getting Excited/Creative

     One of the best ways to get pumped about something is to start talking about it. I'm not doing nearly enough talking about photography. I think just doing odd jobs and watching tutorials isn't enough. I think I need to start getting creative.
     I went for a fucking walk today! I just wanted to go to the thrift store to look for wardrobe ideas and possible backdrops and I didn't bring my camera! What a rookie move. There were two things I spotted that would've made a good photo and now they'll only ever haunt me as missed opportunities. But all in all a successful trip I definitely have some ideas.
    I will have to call upon my friends of course to help.

This is a sneak peek to possible wardrobe. 

       I'll also be entering a photo contest this month through www.mattgranger.com  the contest is for March only and the challenge is to use negative space to make the picture. I think this will be a great way to get myself out there and I will try to enter each month's contest. Matt Granger himself actually critiques all of the submissions at the end of the contest which I think is really cool. I recommend visiting his site, or youtube channel if you're looking for a bit of community. Can't wait to get started!

-Amulree