Visual Abandon

July 1, 2010

2010-07-28T12:36:00.000-06:00

Happy Canada Day!

There's no better way to celebrate Canada Day than to get out and enjoy what we have here. Another day in the mountains, hiking and climbing. I'm privileged to live an hour away from such an amazing place! It's just to bad it was so cloudy today. No pretty blue sky to really make it the perfect day. But damn close!

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/320 sec.
80 ISO

And here's one my g/f took of me, lead climbing near the end of the day. This is definitely the hard part. Once the rope is clipped in at the top, and run back down, it's definitely easier to just climb your way up, without having to worry about clipping in.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/400 sec.
80 ISO

Still Here and Clicking

2010-07-26T15:20:00.000-06:00

Just a quick note for anyone keeping up with this blog.

I know I haven't posted in roughly a month, but I have been taking photos, and I will get caught up soon I hope. Unfortunately, I cleared off all my memory cards that the photos were on, and organized them all on my home computer, not thinking about how difficult it would be to remember which photos were for which days. Luckily, I've got them written down, but the list is at work...away from my home computer. I've finally gotten around to emailing the list to myself at home, so now I'll hopefully start posting from home and get caught up on here. There are a few days missing from the lists, so there may be a few days between some postings as I work my way through them to find the ones for the correct days. Once I'm caught up, I hopefully won't have this happen again.

Keep checking back every couple of days and eventually you'll be seeing photos from the last month.

June 30, 2010

2010-07-19T12:16:00.000-06:00

It's new hiking/climbing gear day!! At lunch I went out and bought a new hiking pack (32 litres) and a climbing helmet (it can be dangerous working so close to MEC some days). Most of the climbs we do don't really require head protection, but it's one of those things I'd rather have and not need, than need and not have.

Later in the day, my g/f and I went and picked up some new hiking shoes for her, and we both got new hiking pants. Previously, all I had were shorts, or a pair of heavy canvas pants. Now I've got a lighter pair of pants, with zip off legs to convert into shorts. Much nicer than only having the option of heavy pants, or light shorts.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/60 sec.
250 ISO

June 29, 2010

2010-07-19T12:10:00.000-06:00

Today, my g/f and I met up for lunch. Considering how close we work to each other, we don't do this nearly often enough. We found a nice place in a near by park to sit and eat, and people watch. Across from us, a group had gathered to play a game of soccer/football (depending on where you are in the world). I caught this just as the last goal was scored and they were all heading back to work.

Can't think of a better way to spend my lunch hour.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f8
1/160 sec.
80 ISO

June 28, 2010

2010-07-19T12:04:00.000-06:00

New cleaning equipment for my camera. No more having to shop out little specs of dust that the air alone can't remove. A sensor loupe, magnifies and lights up the sensor of the camera, and has a space on the side to access the insides. The sensor cleaner is a small, gel tip that the dust/dirt sticks to, and is then pressed onto the sticky paper to get the offending debris off. Works quite well actually.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f4
1/25 sec.
500 ISO

June 27, 2010

2010-07-14T12:51:00.000-06:00

So somehow I completely forgot to post the final version of my Smoke contribution for Tulip Tree Studios.

Although this isn't exactly a photo of the day, I've decided that it will be todays contribution to my project365. After all, it is a sunday, and sundays are pretty quiet and the photo's aren't always that interesting, so I'm hoping this this will be more of an interesting visual.

June 26, 2010

2010-07-14T12:45:00.001-06:00

A beautiful (albeit a bit cloudy) saturday afternoon, so we decided to go for a hike. We went to the remains of an old mining town called Bankhead and checked out a bit of Alberta's history. This is only the lower area. We haven't done the upper yet.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f8
1/320 sec
200 ISO

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f11
1/40 sec
200 ISO

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f7.1
1/320 sec
200 ISO

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f8
1/40 sec
200 ISO

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f8
1/20 sec
200 ISO

After our time in Bankhead, we continued on to Lake Minnewanka for lunch. A popular and somewhat busy tourist spot, but we managed to scramble down some rocks into an area where we were mostly left alone and able to enjoy a quiet meal.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f11
1/200 sec
200 ISO

June 25, 2010

2010-06-29T12:28:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I had to break the rules a little bit to get this, but it was just to cool not to. Body Worlds is in town, and they have a "no photography" policy. But I took this one anyways (there was an employee maybe 50 feet to my left, and didn't do anything to stop me). It's the circulatory system of a human head. Nothing more. How they managed to plastify it, and remove everything else is a mystery, but still amazing. I have my thoughts, after reading the process of plastification, but I won't get in to that here. I recommend everyone (who's not easily disturbed) check out Body Worlds if they get a chances. It's a very cool exhibit!

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.87
1/40 sec
200 ISO

June 24, 2010

2010-06-29T12:22:00.000-06:00

Looks like we're going to have another storm roll through at some point tonight. It's nice when it happens in the evenings, as it's been pretty hot during the days, so it cools it down just in time for bed. It's terrible trying to sleep when it's to hot.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/400 sec.
80 ISO

June 23, 2010

2010-06-29T12:16:00.000-06:00

Great storm just tore through the city, leaving a clean feeling in it's wake. The smell of fresh rain, the cool dampness of the air, and a beautiful sight to end the late afternoon, and welcome the evening.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f4.8
1/320 sec.
200 ISO

It's not often we get them this vibrant, or this big, so I'm glad I could get home, and get my camera fast enough to capture it before it faded away.

Nikon D80

Nikkor 18 - 55mm

f5.6

1/320 sec.

200 ISO

June 22, 2010

2010-06-29T12:09:00.000-06:00

Lei-ing tracks

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55 mm
f5.3
1/800 sec.
200 ISO

June 21, 2010

2010-06-28T15:02:00.000-06:00

People are pigs.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f10
1/100 sec.
200 ISO

June 20, 2010

2010-06-28T14:59:00.000-06:00

Last week I bought a new iPod, to replace my old 4G nano, which I fill without making a dent in my iTunes collection. Now that I've got 160gb to fill, I've started ripping all my cd's onto my computer...this is box 1 of 4. Such a long process, but eventually I'll have my whole cd collection with me everywhere I go. Currently, I'm at about 20gb.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/8 sec.
200 ISO

June 19, 2010

2010-06-28T14:40:00.000-06:00

Along with her flowers, my g/f is growing her own herbs. Today we were finally able to find something the would allow us to hang our window box off our balcony. We've already taken advantage of the fresh herbs by adding our own basil and chives to last nights dinner. Brilliant!

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/60 sec.
125 ISO

June 18, 2010

2010-06-28T14:34:00.000-06:00

Another day at the hospital. Thankfully, this was a scheduled visit, not an emergency one, and it was just to have some more tests run, and it only took about 2 hours or so. I took the day off to take care of my g/f, as the meds she was put on for these tests are pretty heavy duty. But at least this visit wasn't nearly as bad as our previous ones.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/40 sec.
200 ISO

June 17, 2010

2010-06-28T14:29:00.001-06:00

We've had so much rain the past couple of weeks, that the ground is still soaked and no longer absorbing the water. A few sunny breaks haven't been enough to dry anything out.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/200 sec.
80 ISO

June 16, 2010

2010-06-28T13:38:00.000-06:00

The city is being over run with dandelions, and nothing is being done about it. It looks trashy. Good to see my tax dollars going to keeping the city looking good.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.3
1/200 sec.
200 ISO

June 15, 2010

2010-06-28T13:23:00.001-06:00

Some time last winter, a tarp appeared on my route to work. I wasn't sure what it was covering, and the city wasn't revealing it any time soon. Recently, they finally removed the tarp and developed the grassy area around it into a small rock garden. This is what they were hiding....I have NO idea what it is, or what it's supposed to be. There's no signs explaining anything, not even who the creator of it is.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5
1/400 sec
200 ISO

June 14, 2010

2010-06-24T12:38:00.000-06:00

We bought (and by we, I mean my g/f) flowers on the weekend. This is her first attempt at potting her own and caring for them. A friend of hers gave us 2 pots and a window box we could use, as she no longer needs them, and today the flowers got a new home. She's pretty excited by this, and I can't help but laugh at how giddy she is.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/30 sec.
400 ISO

June 13, 2010

2010-06-24T12:25:00.000-06:00

My g/f's parents are on holiday in Maui right now, we we agreed to stop by the house today to do a little work for them. I've been given the task of cutting the grass. I haven't cut grass in about 5 years (the advantage of living in an apartment building). I don't mind the chore, but my allergies hate it, and I forgot to take an antihistamine before heading over here. Ugh!

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/250 sec.
80 ISO

June 12, 2010

2010-06-22T13:36:00.001-06:00

It's the first REAL nice day in a long time. And my first hike of the year. Sad that it took this long to get out, because the weather has been so terrible. Even on days when it's relatively nice in the city, it's raining or snowing in the mountains.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f2.8

1/604 sec.

80 ISO

We were fortunate enough to be out early enough that there wasn't much traffic on the trails when we got here. This trail is a rather easy one and fairly common. It connects to a small river that you hike along until the end of the canyon, where you can hear the falls, but unfortunately, it's around a bend in the rock that you can't quite see. However, there is a deer trail and a dried up river bed you can follow to get to the top of the fall. It's a little on the sketchy side, and there's some good scrambling on all fours in some places, but the payoff is worth it. However, today we're not doing that. We're staying in the canyon.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f2.8

1/400 sec.

80 ISO

There's not a cloud in the sky and it's about 25ºC in the sun, making it the perfect day to be in the mountains. The shade keeps it nice and cool once you get into the shadow of the mountain, or down into the canyon/valley that we're heading into. But it's not so cold that you need any extra layers.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

1/125 sec.

80 ISO

Today, this is our destination. All along the trail are areas for climbing. They're bolted and ready to go. Me and my climbing partner have never done an outdoor climb before, so we're both pretty excited. This will also be the first time since December that we've done a lead climb.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f2.8

1/400 sec.

80 ISO

A beautiful climb, and a great job at leading the rope. A few areas he was obviously getting nervous and really had to force himself to relax. Once he was able to clip into a bolt, he took a couple minutes to catch his breath and calm is nerves. He did the whole thing without a single fall which, I'm sure, made him feel much better. Now that the rope is clipped in to the top, it's just a matter of lowering him down and doing a standard top rope climb, same as at the gym.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f2.8

1/320 sec.

80 ISO

Now it's my turn. Outdoor climbing is a completely different beast than indoor. The footholds aren't anything near what the use in the gym, and you encounter real hazards, like wet rock, or mossy holds. But it is definitely a lot more fun! I love a challenge, and this is definitely a challenge. Not just the actual climb, but knowing that if you fall, it's going to hurt more than in a gym. There's no padding here, and the rock is a lot more aggressive. I tore up my ankle and my thigh a little, and absolutely loved it.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f2.8

1/640 sec.

80 ISO

From the top of my climb. There are more places to climb as you work you way further upstream (and downstream) through this valley. Next time we do this route, I think we'll work our way all the way down to the end and stop a few of the locations. But for now, we stuck with just this one wall, as my climbing partner had to be back in town by 3, so we had to cut our trek a little short.

This just means more for next time!

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f2.8

1/160 sec.

80 ISO

June 11, 2010

2010-06-22T12:44:00.000-06:00

Remember yesterdays photo? These are what they were making. It's 3/16th steel, and they were handing them out. Not sure what I'm going to do with it now tho. Currently, I've got to grind the slag off the back side of it, then I'm thinking....paper weight.

Canon SD1200IS
f8
1/500 sec.
80 ISO

June 10, 2010

2010-06-22T12:26:00.000-06:00

For the last 3 days, the Global Petroleum Show has been going on. It's the largest Oil and Gas tradeshow in Canada, and is only here every 2 years. Today was my first (and only) chance to look around, and get photos for the magazines. A friend of mine works at the grounds, and was able to get me up on the catwalks above the show for some shots. It's a good way to get out of the crowd, get some shots that others won't get, and to be able to capture interacting without posing for the camera. It's a lot more natural.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.6
1/15 sec.
800 ISO

June 9, 2010

2010-06-15T13:01:00.000-06:00

It's another cold, rainy day. So far we haven't had much of a spring/summer.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f3.2
1/250 sec.
80 ISO

While waiting for my g/f to escape her office, I sat in the car, completely oblivious to what the rain was presenting me with. My attention was focused on my phone, and not on the sights around me.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f3.2
1/125
80 ISO

Fortunately, before she made it to the car, I looked up and started watching the rain on the windshield. I watched how it ran down, changing the shape of the leaves, contrasting against the sky and fence. I don't know how I almost let this view escape me.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f4.9
1/50 sec.
200 ISO

June 8, 2010

2010-06-15T12:48:00.000-06:00

Thrice played a show in Calgary tonight. It was amazing! They are one of those bands that I found by accident years ago, and have been a huge fan of since. Their style has evolved over the years, and they are definitely defining their own style.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f4.9
1/13 sec.
1600 ISO

Before the show, my g/f and I attended a meet and greet with 5 other people. For about an hour we got to hang out with the band and just talk to them. It was pretty cool, and all the guys are super nice, and surprisingly soft spoken. I spent a majority of the time talking with the bass player (as I tend to do it seems) about surfing, climbing, and other such common topics. Just as the meet and greet was winding down, I had them sign their newest album for me, and we had our picture taken with them.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f3.2
1/10 sec.
1600 ISO

All in all, this whole experience was a great one. Hanging out with the band was a lot of fun, and the show was unbelievable. It was small, probably only about 250 - 300 people roughly, and non stop. I can't wait for them to come through town again.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f4.5
1/8 sec.
1600 ISO

June 7, 2010

2010-06-14T13:21:00.000-06:00

Another cold, wet, dreary day in the city. A suitable day for this sad little house, the last of it's kind, to be found in the downtown core. Surrounded by towering offices and apartment buildings, it's clinging on the the past. To a time when it shared a fence with another family and the busy downtown lifestyle could only be seen in the distance from the backyard. Today, it has a public transit train run right beside it. The road in front is a major vein into the core, and it's nearest neighbour houses a hundred families. The backyard no longer separates it comfortably from the core, but instead, leads into a dirty alley of broken beer bottles, garbage bins and the constant clatter of delivery trucks.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.3
1/320 sec.
500 ISO

June 6, 2010

2010-06-14T12:42:00.000-06:00

We received our first movies from Zip the other day. It's a brilliant service, I must say. There's always movies we want to see, but don't get out to theaters very often, nor do we go out to rent. Now, we can rent what we want, and they'll mail them to us. Little effort required on our part, and it's a lot cheaper.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/15
200 ISO

June 5, 2010

2010-06-14T12:38:00.000-06:00

Painting. All day. Primer and the first coat. Main entrance, living room and kitchen. Took roughly 7 hours (including time to let the primer set).

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/60 sec.
160 ISO

10 foot ceilings meant we needed to use the extended roller. My neck and shoulders are tired and sore. But all in all, it was a good productive day.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/50 sec
200 ISO

June 4, 2010

2010-06-08T12:08:00.000-06:00

I've had another idea for the ongoing "Smoke" collaborative project as put on by Tulip Tree Studios. I'll post the finished product on here, and be submitting it to her for her blog as well.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.6
1/5 sec.
1600 ISO

June 3, 2010

2010-06-08T11:56:00.000-06:00

Now to shoot this one at night, when it's lit up.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 55 - 200mm
f13
1/100 sec.
200 ISO

June 2, 2010

2010-06-08T11:24:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, all you have to do is look up, and inspiration will find you.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/640
80 ISO

June 1, 2010

2010-06-08T11:19:00.000-06:00

The building next to my g/f's office is being gutted. A pile of rubble stacked in the corner surrounds an office chair, and every day, I find myself looking at it, and loving it.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f4.9
1/100 sec.
200 ISO

May 31, 2010

2010-06-08T10:54:00.000-06:00

Ever walk into a store and feel like you're being watched by a dozen beady little eyes?

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/50 sec.
200 ISO

May 30, 2010

2010-06-08T10:49:00.000-06:00

Spent some time over at my g/f's parents place today, and went into their hot tub. On a cool, cloudy day, a sitting outside in a hot tub is actually quite nice. The cool and and the hot water is a great feeling.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f4
1/25 sec.
400 ISO

May 29, 2010

2010-06-08T10:42:00.000-06:00

So you know what's a dumb idea? Leaving your camera on overnight so the battery is dead the next day. Want to know what's even dumber? Not thinking that you've got access to a second camera to take your picture for the day. Now I have no excuse for not successfully completing this project, other than my own neglect.

May 28, 2010

2010-06-02T15:54:00.000-06:00

As uninteresting as it may seem, the main hallway leading to my apartment always captures my attention. Especially at night when the windows at either end look out into the night. Sometimes it can be a very solitary feeling, despite all the doors on either side, leading to unknown lives and company as you walk past them. In this hallway, it's usually only you, and your thoughts.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/3 sec.
400 ISO

May 27, 2010

2010-06-02T13:16:00.000-06:00

I was able to snap this real quick today on my way home from work. It's raining so I'm not using my D80, as I need a hand to hold on to the umbrella so I don't get the camera wet. The nice part of a simple small point and shoot is how quickly you can have it available and the simplicity of it's use, only requiring one hand.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f4.9
1/40 sec.
400 ISO

Unfortunately, the zoom isn't as good as my D80, and I don't have the control to set my focus exactly where I want (without going in and changing some settings, and risking having the duck take off at any moment). Instead, the camera automatically focuses on what it thinks is supposed to be the subject. In this case, it was the branches of the tree just coming into view in the top left corner (mostly cropped out afterwards). To try and prevent this from happening in the next picture I slowly moved more to the side and in a little. Unfortunately, it spooked the duck, who promptly ran and took flight.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f4.9
1/60 sec.
250 ISO

May 26, 2010

2010-06-02T12:53:00.000-06:00

Despite the cold crappy weather we've been having as of late, it's starting to look like spring/summer finally. Things are turning green and starting to grow. Maybe there's hope that we'll actually get a summer after all, despite the fact that they're calling for more rain/snow starting tomorrow.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/5 sec.
400 ISO

May 25, 2010

2010-06-01T13:08:00.000-06:00

How is it, that we've lived in the same place for more than a year now, but we've never actually walked around our own neighbourhood?

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f3.2
1/80
80 ISO

May 24, 2010

2010-06-01T12:56:00.000-06:00

A great way to spend the day off. Trading in some old books that we no longer want cluttering up our already bursting book cases for a new batch of used book to refill the tight space.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/40 sec.
400 ISO

May 23, 2010

2010-05-28T14:53:00.000-06:00

We made a quick visit to my g/f's parents place this afternoon, and noticed that the crabapple tree in the backyard is starting to bloom.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.6
1/640 sec.
200 ISO

No matter what angle you looked at the tree, there was a white flower contrasting against the green background. It was hard to decide which to shoot, and harder to decide which to show on this blog.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.6
1/250 sec.
200 ISO

While taking the above photos, I had this little guy watching me and letting out the occasional chirp. These little house sparrows are pretty common and I see them all over the place, but they usually don't sit still long enough for a picture.

Nikon D80
Nikor 55 - 200 mm
f5.6
1/800 sec.
200 ISO

Changing angles for another picture of the bird let me shoot more into the sky for a silhouette. I had to share this one because I love the haphazard lines created from the branches, and the perfect formation of the bird, right down to his beak.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 55 - 200 mm
f5.6
1/3200
200 ISO

May 22, 2010

2010-05-28T13:26:00.000-06:00

Watching the bands last night made me want to pick up my bass again. I've had it for years, but have never really played it much. I go through phases where I'll spend a bunch of time learning it and practicing it, then I'll miss one day for whatever reason, and not pick it up again.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55 mm
f5.6
5/8 sec.
1000 ISO

I was hoping that by keeping it out in plain sight, on a guitar stand, would make me want to play it more. Unfortunately it doesn't. Now it's more of a decorative piece in our place than anything else. But it looks good along side my g/f's acoustic guitar and the piano. Now we've just got to put her flute and my trumpet on display to complete the look.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55 mm
f5.6
10/13 sec.
1000 ISO

May 21, 2010

2010-05-28T12:46:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I forgot to grab my camera tonight. Of all the nights to forget it, it had to be tonight. I went downtown tonight to check out a friends new band, and was really excited to get some pictures of them in action. Half way there I realized I didn't grab my camera bag. So instead I sat back and watched the bands play, and captured this with my cell phone. I had to process the hell out of it too, to get it to look even this good. Even grabbing the point and shoot would have been more useful.

HTC TouchPro - cell phone

May 20, 2010

2010-05-28T12:38:00.000-06:00

I love having a PVR. We've been out of town for essentially 4 days. In those days, there were season finales of some of the tv shows we watch. Tonight, we got to finally have a quiet relaxing night, and catch up.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.6
1/3 sec.
400 ISO

May 19, 2010

2010-05-28T12:31:00.000-06:00

Another long drive back to Calgary. Again, no pictures, as we just wanted to get home, so most of the day was spent behind the wheel.

May 18, 2010

2010-05-28T12:29:00.000-06:00

Today was the memorial service. It's gray, dismal, and raining on and off. Seems appropriate. The memorial was very nice and went very well. Afterwards, the family wrote messages to their father/grandfather, tied them to balloons and released them.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f20
1/60 sec.
400 ISO

It may not be good for the environment, but that didn't matter to anyone. Everyone wanted to participate, and it was really nice for the younger kids, to be able to "send a message to their grandfather up in heaven."

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f20
1/125 sec.
400 ISO

May 16 - 17, 2010

2010-05-27T15:21:00.002-06:00

I guess I technically fail at this project now. The last 2 days I haven't taken any photos, as there was a death in the family (my g/f's grandfather suddenly passed away), and we were up early sunday morning and on the road for the better part of the day driving to BC. No stopping for photos, as this wasn't a vacation trip. Monday was spent putting together music and a slideshow for the memorial, setting up the hall, etc. Photography was the last thing on my mind, and so there was none.

Despite now "failing" at the 365 challenge, I will continue to take a photo every day and post them here. Sometimes life gets in the way of things, and this was one of those instances. I'm going to declare that something like this is considered an exception to the rules, and therefore missing 2 days of photography is justified.

R.I.P. Bill.
You will be greatly missed by all who knew you.

May 15, 2010

2010-05-27T15:14:00.000-06:00

10 year high school reunion! So many people I haven't seen since grad, and it was great to catch up! Most of the people I wanted to see where there, and none of the people I didn't want to see showed up. Made for a good night.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/4 sec.
400 ISO

May 14, 2010

2010-05-27T14:35:00.000-06:00

Another coffee night wit a good friend of mine, and we had the whole place to ourselves. Makes conversation a lot easier. Afterwards I took some photos of her out on the street, as she doesn't have anything recent of her. It was fun, but definitely confirmed that people are not my best subjects. Posing, framing and directing people just isn't my thing. I think I'll stick with shooting everything else.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55 mm
f10
1/4 sec.
800 ISO

May 13, 2010

2010-05-21T12:43:00.003-06:00

My g/f is on a new med. They switched her earlier this week, and it seems to be working pretty well. It's not a pill, but a powder that she has to mix with water. How appetizing does this look? According to her it tastes like Gravol and Tang. Mmmm....yummy.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/20 sec.
400 ISO

Ok, so these aren't the most inspiring, or visually interesting pictures I've got on here, but it's one of those things that I just had to capture this and share.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f2.8

1/25 sec.

400 ISO

May 12, 2010

2010-05-13T12:55:00.000-06:00

About 7 months ago, my g/f and I bought some coasters from an artist. She had taken her original pieces and converted them to coaster size. Her artwork is amazing, but expensive. We couldn't afford an original, so instead we opted to pick our favourite 4 pieces an buy the coaster versions instead.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/40 sec.
400 ISO

May 11, 2010

2010-05-12T11:35:00.000-06:00

Spring has yet to reach everything.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 55 - 200mm
f5.6
1/8 sec.
400 ISO

May 10, 2010

2010-05-11T12:57:00.000-06:00

Two years ago when I broke my hand after a truck roll-over, I had to go to physio to regain strength and mobility in my hand and fingers. I was told to pick up one of these, which allows you to work each finger individual against spring force. I used to carry it around with me everywhere, and exercised my fingers daily until I regained the strength in my hand. Since then, it's collected dust. I keep meaning to put in back in my jacket pocket so that I've got it with me again to start working on my finger and hand strength for climbing. Nothing like hanging off a rock by your finger tips and just not having the strength to hold on long enough to find a hold for your other hand.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/8 sec.
400 ISO

May 9, 2010

2010-05-10T13:58:00.000-06:00

My silhouette through double glass sliding doors, leading to our patio. Just one of those things that I saw as I was walking out of the kitchen, and had to have it. I may try this again with my D80 so I have a little more control over things like my focus.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f4.5

1/1.6 sec.

400 ISO

May 8, 2010

2010-05-10T13:53:00.000-06:00

It's been a busy day today. Among other things, I've cut down the astroturf I bought for one of the terrariums. I'm getting rid of the wood chips, and using only reusable products that I can wash and return to the cage. A roll of turf at 18 square feet gives me 2 pieces that I can swap out and reuse, at a cost of $11. The wood chips would cost me $25 for a bag that would fill each terrarium 1 and a half times. All these years I've been throwing to much money away, hopefully this will help.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f2.8

1 sec.

400 ISO

May 7, 2010

2010-05-10T13:48:00.000-06:00

There are several areas of our apartment building that I find visually interesting. The stairwell is one of them. Not when you're walking up it, mind you, but rather when you change your perspective. Stop looking at the stairs and the walls around them. Start looking at where you've been. Leaning over the railing on the 4th floor (top floor) and seeing the spiraling vortex of stairs that have just been climbed.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f2.8

1/2.5 sec.

400 ISO

May 6, 2010

2010-05-10T13:43:00.000-06:00

I forgot it was Cinqo de Mayo yesterday. Last night was also wing night. I arrived at the bar to find the place was packed. Fortunately, we were able to get a table, though it very quickly became to small and we muscled our way to a different table (our waitress wasn't helping us out at all). All in all it was a great night, and I obtained a new hat....by which I mean I just took it. All the staff had them, and they were being passed out to bar patrons that took part in the taco eating contest. I didn't. However, I did find this, sitting beside the bar, untouched for the whole night. I claimed it as my own. Now I'm ready for next year!

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f3.5

1/60 sec.

250 ISO

May 5, 2010

2010-05-10T13:38:00.000-06:00

Here we are, early May and it's still snowing. Not an uncommon event, though everyone seems to forget that we have snow until the May long weekend (roughly middle of the month, although this year it's a week later). It's cold enough to snow, freeze, and form ice, but not cold enough for it to stay that way. I've seen a few people who have walked under lights, buildings, signs and plus 15's (the enclosed walkway pictured above) and had near misses with falling snow and ice.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f2.8

1/500 sec.

80 ISO

May 4, 2010

2010-05-10T13:34:00.001-06:00

Today I'm cheating...I actually took this picture last summer, but wanted to post it, as it has been published. Today I received the magazine that printed it and couldn't help but smile. It will be run for the next 3 issues in a local tourism magazine. This is the first mag that has used one of my photos that I'm not actually affiliated with, so there is no bias. I didn't get paid for this, but I really don't care about that. I still own the rights to the photo this way, and I've received proper credit in the mag as being the photographer of it. This makes me quite happy.

The photo is of Elbow Falls, in Bragg Creek, roughly an hour SW of the city. It's a popular tourist spot, with paved hiking paths and safety barriers. Needless to say, to get this shot, I climbed through the barriers and did a bit of rock crawling.

Nikon D80
18 - 55mm
f8
1/2500 sec.
1000 ISO

May 3, 2010

2010-05-10T13:27:00.000-06:00

Can you tell how my day went? It was a pretty quiet and lazy night tonight. Most mondays we do a bit of running around and laundry and the like, but we opted to do it last night instead. That meant there was nothing pressing for the evening, so I chose to put my feet up, and do a whole lot of nothing instead. I rather enjoyed it.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f3.2

1/60 sec.

250 ISO

May 2, 2010

2010-05-10T13:24:00.000-06:00

It just doesn't look as appetizing when you put the jam on first. Normally I put the peanut butter on before the jam...I'm obviously not as awake this morning as I thought. At least it still tastes the same, because it sure doesn't look as pretty this way.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f2.8

1/60 sec.

80 ISO

May 1, 2010

2010-05-10T13:22:00.000-06:00

Last night was a bad night and I'd rather not talk about it. My hand is bruised today and it hurts to close it. At least this time I didn't break it. Bruise is just starting to form.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f8
1/60 sec.
250 ISO

K, it's been a few days and now you can see the bruising better. I know I know...stupid thing for me to do. It was just a really bad night and I had to get my frustration out. It's been roughly 2 years since I've done anything of the sort, I just had a little slip....still something I'm working on. And like I stated above, this time, at least, I didn't break my hand.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

f2.8

1/40 sec.

400 ISO

April 30, 2010

2010-05-05T13:01:00.000-06:00

I don't know what it is, but I love alleys. Maybe it's just the randomness of them. They're not as orderly and maintained as roadways. They're a little more chaotic and less conformist. Maybe I like them because they're a reflection of who I am.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 10 - 55mm
f25
1/60 sec
200 ISO

April 29, 2010

2010-05-04T13:22:00.000-06:00

Just got home from another trip to the ER, as per Dr's orders, and once again, it was a waste of time. They couldn't actually help us, and told us that their next course of action would be to send us to the specialist that sent us to them, so they were at a loss. Sometimes the medical system is so useless. So it was another long night, and we weren't home till the wee hours of the morning.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1 sec
80 ISO

April 28, 2010

2010-05-04T13:14:00.000-06:00

Our nice weather has come to a temporary end. It's raining today, and very windy. Twice I almost lost my umbrella. I watched as one man was walking into the wind, and it was actually collapsing his umbrella. He had to hold it open. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so cold.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f8
1/60 sec.
80 ISO

April 27, 2010

2010-04-29T12:27:00.001-06:00

I can't believe I've never read this book until now. 1984 was brilliant, and this is right on par with it. The entire concept of a utopian society has always intrigued me, and I've always believed that in theory, communism can work, but unfortunately the human factor won't allow it. Human nature is the major uncontrollable flaw with communism. Greed, jealousy, envy, feelings of superiority, all parts of human nature, and all elements that stop communism from being effective, stop the possibility of a utopian society. This book is doing a fantastic job of proving that. A great theory, but an impossible reality. "All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others."

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.3
1/4 sec.
800 ISO

April 26, 2010

2010-04-28T13:27:00.000-06:00

My g/f accidently knocked over a tub of cinnamon hearts today while we were getting ready to make dinner. It wasn't until after we started sweeping them up that I realized I should have taken a picture of them spread out across the floor. And it's not something you can just recreate without doing it all over again. Instead I opted for a Heart of Hearts.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5
1/6 sec.
400 ISO

April 25, 2010

2010-04-28T13:19:00.001-06:00

This weekend the Comic Book and Entertainment Expo was in town, and my g/f was there both days for it. Celebrities, comic books, panel discussions, Q&A, she took it all in. I had thought about going, but decided not to. None of the panels interested me, and I'm not into comic books. My interest lay in getting autographs from 3 of the celebrities and ended there. Instead, I gave money to my g/f, and asked her to get me what she could. She knew which one I mostly wanted, and said she'd definitely get me that one. The other 2 were touch and go (especially considering that one of the celebs creeps her right out). To my surprise, I got all 3. Sure, I didn't get to actually meet the stars, and she did (despite her lack of interest in them) but I'm not bothered by that. A 30 second encounter doesn't do much to excite me.

Pictured above are the 3 autographs I wanted, plus one my g/f got for herself.
From left to right, top to bottom:
Tony Todd (movie: Candyman. He's the one she thought was to creepy, so his was a big surprise), Sid Haig (movie: House of 1000 corpses/Devils Rejects, the one that I really wanted), Malcolm McDowell (movie: Clockwork Orange, one of my personal favourites, and only got this one because the lineup wasn't super long when she went by him), and for her, Tahmoh Penikett (TV shows: Battlestar Galatica and Dollhouse).

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5
1/4 sec
400 ISO

April 24, 2010

2010-04-28T13:05:00.000-06:00

I was supposed to go to the Day To Remember concert today, but the weather made me change my mind. Heavy, wet, sticky snow and a strong cold wind really put me off. The tickets were free, and it's a band I'm not overly familiar with, so I wasn't very disappointed. Where I park for concerts, is about a 10 - 15 minute walk away from the actual venue (worth it for free parking) and I just didn't want to hike through the muck for a band I was unsure about. I stand by my decision.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.3
1/20 sec.
400 ISO

April 23, 2010

2010-04-28T12:56:00.000-06:00

The other designer in my office asked me if I could do a cover shot for him. We went for a bit of a walk this afternoon to one of the buildings down town, and I managed to get this photo. Unfortunately, I don't know much about what it's for, but regardless, it's still an interesting sculpture and should make for a neat cover.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5
1/80 sec.
200 ISO

April 22, 2010

2010-04-27T16:23:00.000-06:00

Random sighting on my way in to work this morning. I past by this post box every day. Today....it had attitude!

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f3.2
1/80 sec.
80 ISO

April 21, 2010

2010-04-27T12:45:00.000-06:00

It's about 8:30pm, and the sun is still on the utmost edges of the horizon, holding on for as long as it can before darkness settles over the city. For the next couple months, it will take hold of more and more hours, inviting us out onto our patio before it finally slips away.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 55 - 200mm
f5.6
1/2 sec.
800 ISO

April 20, 2010

2010-04-27T12:39:00.000-06:00

I've really got to get back into using my weights again. Climbing (and using the climbing centre's gym) 2 nights a week just isn't enough. These have been sitting long enough that junk is actually starting to pile on top of them. Time to get motivated again! It's almost warm enough to start climbing in the mountains, so I've got to make sure I'm fit enough for it!

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5
1/2 sec.
800 ISO

April 19, 2010

2010-04-27T12:33:00.000-06:00

Not the most visually interesting photo to date, more of a coincidental photo. A customer phoned the office today looking for information about a map that we produce, of gas plants in Alberta. She required a couple of photos of it just to see exactly what it entailed. Because I have my camera with me all the time now, I was chosen to take several for her. This is a sample of what she got.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f7.1
1/10 sec.
200 ISO

April 18, 2010

2010-04-23T13:24:00.000-06:00

My g/f received a new blanket in the mail today. Never seen mail delivered on a sunday, so it surprised us for sure. It's a custom, hand made blanket that she requested from someone in the States. It's actually quite large (she asked for a single, and received a double) quite light and very well made. And it was surprisingly cheap! The colours in it match a painting we have above our bed quite nicely too.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/8 sec.
400 ISO

April 17, 2010

2010-04-23T13:19:00.000-06:00

Today was my nieces 10th birthday party. We started with taking the kids climbing at the climbing gym me and my brother go to. They loved it, but after 2 hours they were pretty tired out. Then it was back to my brothers place for dinner, home made ice cream cake, presents, pinata, and all sorts of other madness. All in all, a good day.

Cannon Powershot SD1200 IS
f4.9
1/40 sec.
400 ISO

April 16, 2010

2010-04-23T13:08:00.000-06:00

More road construction by my office. Now their turning a 1-way into a 2-way. That should make for some fun traffic moments monday morning.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.3
1/3 sec.
200 ISO

April 15, 2010

2010-04-20T13:07:00.000-06:00

The most random things appear in the most random places sometimes.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.3
1/400 sec.
200 ISO

April 14, 2010

2010-04-20T13:01:00.000-06:00

The tennis courts for the apartment building behind mine. Every couple months, they power wash or paint the compound, and within days, it's back to this. Every couple months, a new clean canvas calls out to anyone with a spray can, cannon marker, or pack of sharpies, and to much time on their hands.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f14
1/100 sec.
320 ISO

April 13, 2010

2010-04-20T12:48:00.000-06:00

On her way out the door, to the doctors office no less, my g/f fell and kicked the back of the couch, breaking (or at the very least, spraining) her toe....Now she limps, and can't put much pressure on it. Not exactly what I planned on for a daily picture, but how can you not show this one off.

HTC Touch Pro cell phone

April 12, 2010

2010-04-14T12:58:00.000-06:00

Over 20 years worth of several magazines published at my office. Along with digital archives, we also keep a few hard copies of each title. Looking back at some of the older issues can be really interesting, but in some ways, also painful and depressing, but in a rather humourous way.

Nikon D80
18 - 55mm
f3.5
1/3 sec.
800 ISO

April 11, 2010

2010-04-14T12:53:00.000-06:00

I know, I know...You're tired of seeing pictures of snake enclosures...Not to worry, this should be one of the last. A friend of mine has recently picked up a couple of pet snakes, and has been asking all sorts of questions, in particular about housing them. I promised her I'd send some photos of one of my setups. This is the newest setup I have. It's the same enclosure that I had Kihone housed in, before we put her down. It has since been cleaned, disinfected and completely made over, and is the new home of Onyx. Hopefully she has better luck in it.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f6.3
1/8 sec.
800 ISO

April 10, 2010

2010-04-14T12:49:00.002-06:00

A friend and fellow graphic designer has begun a project on her blog, revolving around a smoke theme. In order to promote creative thinking, she has invited other to join her on this project and submit their own contributions to the theme. I have decided that I want to actually photograph smoke as my piece.

These are just some of my practice shots, to figure out the technical side of things. When the real project is done, it will be properly lit, and have a proper smooth background, but for now, I think I've at least worked out the kinks. My initial thoughts on how to do it were only half right. I've since learned what to correct, so we'll see how the final project turns out.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.3
3 sec.
1000 ISO

April 9, 2010

2010-04-12T12:49:00.000-06:00

Coffee with a friend tonight. It's been a while since we've hung out so it was fun to see her again. And she brought along her new toy. Hope she has as much fun with it as I have with my Nikon.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f3.8
1/100 sec.
1600 ISO

April 8, 2010

2010-04-12T12:39:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas Everyone! Wait....this is APRIL isn't it? Yes....yes it is. Somebody should inform the weather that it is now spring. And this was only the start. About a half hour after this was taken, it was full white out conditions, and we couldn't see the houses across the street. The wind was blowing it completely sideways and the cold weather made the roads pretty dangerous.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.3
1/400 sec.
1600 ISO

I was just about to head out to a hockey game when it got really nasty, and decided to wait it out. It only lasted about 10 minutes then went back to what you see above. Everything was covered in ice when I got out to my car, and parts of the city lost power. Our lights flickered for hours, but never went out. We weren't sure how well the trains would be running in this, but mine was fine. However, the guy I was going to the game with wasn't so fortunate. His train stopped, and didn't get going again for almost 20 minutes. We missed the opening puck drop.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f4.5
1/400 sec.
1000 ISO

April 7, 2010

2010-04-12T12:21:00.000-06:00

It's fundraising season again. Last year I raised $1700 for the Alberta Easter Seals, a charity organization that helps children and families living with disabilities. All money raised goes to help send the kids to Camp Horizon, a camp that caters specifically to these kids, and helps provide the families with much needed equipment. As part of the fundraiser, I rappel from the roof of a 30 story building in downtown Calgary, that's approx. 375 feet! It's so fun, and I look forward to fundraising again this year.

Any readers who wish to donate can do so here:
Easter Seals Drop Zone

All donations over $20 receive a charitable tax receipt. And for any Americans that wish to donate, you will also receive a tax receipt in American Funds for your donation.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.6
1/5 sec.
640 ISO

April 6, 2010

2010-04-08T12:52:00.000-06:00

Yep, still feeling like Hell. I've resorted to tea in the mornings instead of coffee. It definitely makes my throat feel better, and the rest of the aches and pains slowly slip away with the Chamomile and Citrus.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f4.8
1/20 sec.
200 ISO

April 5, 2010

2010-04-08T12:49:00.000-06:00

Ugh...Hit like a ton of bricks by this cold. Felt fine going to bed, woke up and everything ached. Lets hear it for throat lozenges!

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55 mm
f4.5
1/13 sec.
200 ISO

April 4, 2010

2010-04-08T12:47:00.000-06:00

Small hands working diligently to figure out his newest Bakugan toy. Oh, to be amused by something so simple again.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.6
1/125 sec.
800 ISO

April 3, 2010

2010-04-06T13:17:00.000-06:00

Easter Dinner at my g/f's parents place. During conversations I noticed the perfect reflections in my spoon and spent my time playing with it.

Canon SD1200 IS
f3.2
1/10 sec
400 ISO

They seemed to find it a little odd that I was taking pictures of the spoon. Thankfully, I think her family knows that I'm not what you would typically call "normal" and that seems to work fine for them. Also the fact that she and her brother are also in artistic fields probably makes it a little easier to understand "artistic vision"

Canon SD1200 IS
f3.5
1/8 sec
400 ISO

April 2, 2010

2010-04-06T13:05:00.000-06:00

My nephews birthday was more than a month ago...and we still haven't seen him to give him his present. I feel bad for the poor kid, having to wait this long for his gift, but with everything else that's been going on, we just haven't had the time. At least we haven't forgotten, and I'm sure he hasn't either.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.3
1/10 sec.
800 ISO

April 1, 2010

2010-04-06T13:00:00.001-06:00

This is just yet another site I see on my way to or from work everyday. It's about the only actual phone booth you see in this city anymore. But all the glass as been broken out of it and there's no door. More often than not, there are gig posters stapled to the wood inside.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5
1/32 sec.
200 ISO

March 31, 2010

2010-04-06T12:39:00.000-06:00

Yet another show, yet another cell phone photo. This was a planned concert tho. And a little more my speed than Muse. This was the Korn/Five Finger Death Punch concert that I've been waiting for! I love a good heavy metal concert, and this one was right up there. Ever since I bought my 5FDP cd, I haven't been able to stop listening to it. I was so excited to see them live.

HTC TouchPro cell phone

March 30, 2010

2010-04-06T12:34:00.001-06:00

A complete stroke of luck for this photo. A last minute phone call from a friend got me tickets to the Muse concert tonight. It took some serious rushing to get home, changed and to meet up with him to get the tickets before the show.

They say Muse is "the band to see" right now...and I completely agree. They put on one of the most impressive stage shows I've seen in a while.

HTC TouchPro cell phone

March 29, 2010

2010-04-02T23:35:00.001-06:00

You never really realize how much money you save up in just coins. Rolling them tonight, I discovered I had more than $200 just sitting on top of my dresser. Who knew.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.3
10/25 sec.
500 ISO

March 28, 2010

2010-04-02T23:35:00.000-06:00

Tonight's dinner turned out so well I just had to capture it. BBQ halibut, vegan potato salad, and asparagus...everything came out perfect.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f9
10/25 sec.
500 ISO

March 27, 2010

2010-04-02T23:34:00.001-06:00

Out with the boys today! Decided to do a double header movie night. Shutter Island to start, and Alice in Wonderland 3D to finish. I'm not going to get into a review about either one, but I did thoroughly enjoy both!

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f5.6
1/30 sec.
500 ISO

March 26, 2010

2010-04-02T23:34:00.000-06:00

There is no photo today. Today I had to finally put down the snake that has been sick. I'm in no mood to take pictures. Instead I've decided to take the day to myself and not worry about being creative.

March 25, 2010

2010-04-02T23:33:00.000-06:00

There wasn't much for climbing today, so instead my brother and I decided to boulder. This is his first experience with it, and my second or third. It's a whole new beast, completely different than climbing. More technique, and a lot more arm and hand strength, but so much fun. Trying to follow the correct route (in this case, orange tape with silver stripe) just ads so much more to it. You've really got to think your route out and where you're going to place your hands/feet for which move. It may look simple enough, but rest assured, when you're at a 35º angle, it wears on ya pretty fast.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/60 sec.
250 ISO

And here's my attempt at a different route. Despite the great hold I'm using for my right hand, the left hand is a little more challenging. A smaller hold, I could only use 2 fingers, and from that position, I've got to pull my weight up high enough to reach the next available hold up and to my right.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS
f2.8
1/60 sec.
250 ISO

March 24, 2010

2010-04-01T12:34:00.000-06:00

How lazy can you be that you need a stencil to help you with your graffiti? These are all along the bridge that I cross every day.

Nikon D80
Nikkor 18 - 55mm
f10
1/200 sec.
500 ISO