Having fun with Textures.

Well I've been busy and haven't posted much. For those of you interested my Project 365 is still alive. I am a little behind posting the latest photos on my Flickr photostream but some of them aren't great anyway. Just quick shots to keep the streak alive. Today I discovered texture layers in Photoshop (remember I still learning) and have been playing with these all day. Below is one example of what I have been doing. I have added a grunge old texture to this photo.

Day 32. Belted Kingfisher.

Well I've now passed a month in my Project 365. Only eleven more to go! Today I struggled with a photo. It was incredibly windy here today which took out macro outdoor shots and I wasn't sure what else to shoot. I then discovered a little red squirrel running along the bank all day collecting green pine cones that where falling from the trees. While I pursued the perfect shot of this little guy all day I kept the camera handy by the patio door. Despite lots of shots I didn't get one I was happy with.

Then I looked up and saw this Belted Kingfisher sitting on our boat canopy frame. I have been seeing this bird all week fly by with fish in his mouth and making lots of noise at anything approaching but he was always too far way. I quickly grabbed the camera and slowly opened the door and began shooting. Despite the distance I still got some nice pics that I had to crop down. Below is my favorite. Maybe I'll get lucky and get some more chances to photograph this beautiful bird this week.

Project 365 Day 30. Sun Burst.

Well I was up early today, very early for me. I was watching the sun come up over the river and very thick fog. As the sun started to clear the trees it lit up the fog and sky. I tried to capture the image the best I could in low light. I hope you like the result.

Project 365 Day 28. Yellow.

The streak is still going and today is day 28. There have been some nice photos and some rough days just to keep the streak alive. Here is my picture today.

Project 365. Day 15

Day fifteen and still going strong. Spent the last couple of days up north and my wife's flower gardens have lots of great photo ops. The key is to stay away from all the bees. The cone flowers have just started to come into full bloom. Below is a macro shot of a pink one.

Project 365 Day 11. A happy face.

Well it's been a couple of days since I posted. I hated my day 9 photo so you won't find it here. Day 10 was a stock photo of a scantron sheet. I'll probably post it at some point, and day 11 is below. I need some inspiration although I have been shooting a lot of stock the last couple of days.

Anyways here it is. Let's put on a happy face:)

Project 365. One week plus down.

Well it's been a week and eight photos in Project 365. It's been fun so far. I thought I would post some interesting observations and comments.

-It has energized me. I have had to take the camera out of the bag each and every day for eight days now. It has been a long time since I have done that.

-I'm having fun. While shooting stock photos makes me some extra cash, it can get boring. Some of the shooting this week have been fun ideas and photoshopping that I would never do for stock. It has allowed me to experiment and have a blast.

-Everyday can be a grind. Just when you think you are done, drag that camera back out. It's a new day.

-This has gotten me back into photography. I haven't been this active since January.

-I finally get black and white, sepia, and vignetting. Love the effect.

-Photoshop is amazing. I knew this but I'm getting better everyday.

-Did I mention I'm having fun?

Stay tuned. More photos coming. Better yet, start your own 365 project and join the fun. Let me know if you do.