Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Day 26 - Walkway Bird's Eye View

A beautiful park in my town called Robinson Preserve has a tower overlooking walkways and water. This photo was taken from the top of the tower looking down. Loved the pattern created on the walkway from the railing. The challenge for the dailyshoot was to change your perspective today. Make a photo from a bird's eye view. Climbing the tower was an obvious choice since most of the homes are ranches and I was about to climb a tree or ladder.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Day 25 - Palm Tree


Day 25 - Palm Tree, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

Right (90-degree) angles can help define a composition. Make a photograph involving intersecting lines. #ds71. The trunk of this palm tree is a perfect example of angles involving intersecting lines. I love Palm trees, they are so interesting and different. Great subject for many of my photos.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Day 24 - Windy Day


Day 24 - Windy Day, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

Tried to experiment with shutter speed and long exposures today but discovered my camera won't permit me to operate in manual mode. I took many pictures experiments with the different scene modes and ISO speeds to see if I could get the same effect but the camera was too smart for me. I learned a lot about what I could and couldn't do with this camera and that makes the experiment successful. I also got lots of cool photos of this palm tree blowing in the wind.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Day 23 - Collection of Cokes


Day 23 - Collection of Cokes, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

dailyshoot #ds69 We're all collectors of something. Find an interesting way to display and make a photo of a collection today. I don't really collect anything so this challenge was perplexing. I have a few chickens and angels but I wouldn't really call them a collection. They are sitting on my desk at work with no chance of getting in there to photograph for today's challenge I was stuck looking for a collection. I looked through my photos and found this collection of Cokes I photographed on tour at the World of Coke in Atlanta. Looking at this photograph reminds me of the collection of memories I cherish of the wonderful trips and experiences I have shared with my children. This is one of their favorite places to visit and I am sure it has everything to do with the free sodas at the end of the tour.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Day 22 - Now Generation


Day 22 - Now Generation, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

#ds68 Let's have some fun on a Friday. Make a photo that goes with the title (or lyrics) of a song. Interpret away! The song I chose to represent was Now Generation by the Black Eyed Peas. To meet this challenge I combined three photographs to represent the fast paced lifestyle of the Now Generation. Pop Tarts for breakfast on the run, Granola Bars for a quick snack or lunch and hand held technology a gaming and Internet connection is a must have accessory. The now generation wants it all and wants it fast.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Day 21 - Water Faucet


Day 21 - Water Faucet, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

Dailyshoot #ds67 challenged us to shoot Quirky things that often catch your eye and make for interesting art. I found the bright shinny faucet in the staff bathroom was just such an object. I can also see myself taking the photo.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Day 20 - Me and My Camera


Day 20 - Me and My Camera, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

Many cameras to choose from but it seems having an iPhone hanging off my hip makes it the camera of choice. I have used SLR camera with multiple lens choices and filters but ease and convenience tends to win in this fast paced life I live. I have a few digital cameras and may use them when I take the time to compose and photograph a shot. Usually I am looking for a shot on the fly and the iPhone is always there. I am really amazed and impressed with the quality photos I get with this camera.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Day 19 - Transportation Reflected

The Daily shoot challenge was to create an interesting photo of a mode of transportation. The reflection of cars in my side view car mirror is an interesting composition and a good solution to this assignment. We need to never forget where we came from to understand where we are going. Drivers spend as much of their time looking to the side and behind as they do looking forward. The author Douglas Adams said, "Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so." Reflection is a powerful tool if we reflect on our experiences, and our friends’ experiences we can learn how to live for our future.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Day 18 - Booth Seat


Day 18 - Booth Seat, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

The challenge with to create an interesting photo from a minimalist perspective. Not really as easy as it sounds. I was a KFC and snapped a few shots hoping to find something for the challenge. This is a photo of the back and seat of the booth in the restaurant.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Day 17 - East Lake Tohopekaliga

While in Orlando I had the opportunity to visit East Lake Toho to look for inspiration. It was overcast and sort of grey but so much warmer than the last two weeks; it was so nice to be able to be outside. I looked around, took a few shots and found this one was the best. The sky is reflected in the water and sun peeks through just enough to light up the sea grass.

Day 16 - Horse


Day 16 - Horse, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

Last photo taken at Sea World. Yes, they still have horses at Sea World. I was pretty surprised to see horses at Sea World. Thought when Anheuser Busch sold the parks they took all the horses with them. There weren't any Clydesdales, found beautiful horses and couldn't resist taking a shot. Spent time in Orlando for the Florida Educational Technology Conference had a great time but my blog and the 365 Photo Challenge has been a challenge to keep up. Hope to do better next week.

Day 15 - Manatee


Day 15 - Manatee, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

Manatee glide gracefully through the water despite their large size. Hard to believe these odd-looking giants are herbivores. I love that they live where I can see them in the water as I kayak. When I lived in Ohio, I actually came to Florida to swim with manatee. I didn't even know what a manatee was when I signed up for the trip! Standing on the second deck of the boat I noticed these large rocks in the water and expressed concern to my husband that the boat might hit one. Imagine my shock when he told me the rocks were manatee. I gulped and thought to myself, what have I gotten myself into. I was just sure they would eat me. I waited until others got in and made sure there wasn’t a feeding frenzy, then I did swim with the manatee and had a wonderful time. Oh, did you know manatees are herbivores?

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Day 14 - Emperor of the Hill


Day 14 - Emperor of the Hill, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

The penguins were so quick and playful it was tough to get a photo that wasn't blurred. I was so pleasantly surprised to see this wonderful photo captured the penguins in a variety of poses showing their beauty. This photo is so much better in Flickr and not cropped. To see the full photo visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/brina1300/

Day 13 - Gentle Giant


Day 13 - Gentle Giant, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

This beautiful creature was watching the visitors through the window at SeaWorld. There was a long row of windows and the whales swam along but would stop and gather at one window or another. It was always a window I wasn't visiting and I was trying to get a photo. I looked and tried to determine which windows the whales would visit and quickly noticed they would gather at the windows containing children. It was amazing to see them interact with the children. I loved this shot of a little boy reaching out to this giant creature and it responded to the gesture. They were connected for a short time and it was beautiful to witness.

Day 12 - Turtle


Day 12 - Turtle, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

Turtle rescued and being rehabilitated at SeaWorld.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Day 11 - A Day on the Bay


Day 11 - A Day on the Bay, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

Today was a record breaking cold day in Florida. I submitted this photo as a way to remember a nice hot fall day I spent on the intercoastal waterway, kayaking and photographing. It was a day not too long ago when I was warm and toasty. Seems like light years compared to today, where I was cold all day, in classrooms and out. Difficult to get warm, felt as though my hands and fingers were blue. Funny how looking at a photo can bring you back to the feelings and sensations from the past. I think I can feel the warmth and oh, how I need that today.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Day 10 - The White Stuff


Day 9 - The White Stuff, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

The White Stuff, Florida Style. Winter in Florida is cold for those of us who live here. Locals do not visit the beach frequently when it is cold; the wind blows and seems to chill you to the bone. Northerners laugh. We are used to very hot summers so it doesn't take much cold to really chill and make us shiver. We are facing one of the coldest winters ever and longest cold spells in many years. I feel badly for visitors who come in hopes of Florida sun and warmth. We need to be patient, it will return. Those of us who live here need to revel in the cold because the heat of summer, heck who am I kidding spring will be here before we know it.

Day 9 - Do You Want Fries with That?

MickyD's is a place I haven't visited in a month or so and I really don't miss it. Although, there is nothing like the hot salty french fries served by Mc Donald's. Due to health reasons I can't make this a ritual any more. This year, I am going to make an effort to change my eating habits and exercise more. There, I said it in print. It is official. "Would you like Fries with that?" No thank you!

Friday, January 8, 2010

Day 8 - Movie, Shot and a Beer!

I was still sort of sleepy, driving to work this morning and I glanced over at the Walgreens. I started to laugh out loud in my car after reading the sign. RedBox Movies $1, We have H1N1 Shot 18yrs & Up and Ice Cold Beer! I thought that sounds like a fun evening, movie shot and a beer! Wonder if they knew it would be funny to some when they put it up there? I guess doing those signs must be like putting up interesting bulletin boards as a teacher. You want to inspire, encourage, showcase and sometimes you just want to make someone laugh.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Day 7 - Raccoon Looking for Food

Driving toward the exit of the parking lot today I found this little guy on the edge of the lawn foraging for food. He was oblivious to the cars driving out of the parking lot as he steadily combed through the grass looking for seedpods or nuts. It is a rare and inspiring sight at the end of a busy day. He was consumed with the task at hand similarly I had been steadily combing through email, responding to the needs of teachers and students and focusing on completing a podcast as the deadline fast approaches. Unaware of the things happening around I tended to the tasks at hand. Happy he helped to open my eyes.

Day 6 - Change


Day 6 Change, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

Imagine being stuck for a subject to shoot on Day 6! Searching for inspiration I looked around EdTech 365/2010 groups’ page, read the discussions for tips and discovered there was a theme for January. Change. The discussion thread suggested showing a series of photos of the same subject to show change over time. Luckily I photographed a pineapple as it grew in my front yard. It takes two years for a pineapple plant to produce fruit, seems to take forever for them to ripen and finally the day comes when it is a golden yellow. My family loves fresh pineapple so when I bought one at the store I would cut the top off and plant it in the yard. We have quite a few plants growing. I can't wait until all these plants are producing fruit. Homegrown pineapples are so much sweeter than pineapples purchased in the store. I guess I need to find inspiration anywhere I can and use the resources available on the group’s page. This challenge is a lot harder than I thought it would be but I am enjoying the opportunity to be creative and find beauty in the world around me.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Day 5 - Icy Palms


Day 5 - Icy Palms, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

There is no ice on the Palms but it is cold enough, freezing at night and 40 degrees at the time this photo was shot. The cold winter sky is a wonderful background for these three palm trees. This has been the coldest winter we have experienced in Florida for a very long time.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Day 4 - Puppy Smile


Day 4 - Puppy Smile, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

Unconditional love, there is nothing like a pet's devotion. So much excitement when walking through the door. I caught this puppy smile with my iPhone which was a pleasant surprise since Hercules' photos are usually just a blur with all his jumping around. Pets can be a huge responsibility with training, care and expense but one look at that furry face and nothing else matters except rubbing his belly in just the right spot.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Day 3 - Cold Day at the Beach


Day 3 - Cold Day at the Beach, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

This photo was taken at Coquina Beach, in Florida. I titled it A Cold Day at the Beach because it was about 47° F. I really didn't expect to find a soul out there. A lovely woman visiting from Indiana was all bundled up asked if I traveled very far to come to the beach? I told her I lived in town and I had come to take photos. Ashamed, I admitted I lived less than 5 miles away and hadn’t been to the beach in over 6 months. I came down to the beach, my last day of vacation, to take photos for this challenge. She said I really should take time to enjoy the things around me more and encouraged me to visit the beach more often. I told her about the 365-Day Photo Challenge. I expect to be recording and enjoying the beauty around me more because a cold day at the beach is still a day at the beach.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Day 2 - Bird of Paradise


Day 2 - Bird of Paradise, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

This majestic flower stands guard over my mother's home. Strong, proud and elegant much like my mom. She is the one I would look to as a role model. A wife and mother of 4 who worked full time decided to go to college to better herself. She dropped out of high school at the age of 16 when her school was closed due to rioting during the Brown vs. the Board of Education case. She married and started her adult life as many others her age did in those times. When I was in elementary school Mom worked to get her GED, started college, earned a Bachelors Degree and continued on to earn a Masters Degree. My Mom is a very special strong woman and I am so proud to be her daughter. This Bird of Paradise stands sentry at the door of the woman who taught me how to live.
I love you Mom.

Friday, January 1, 2010

The Future Looks Bright


IMG_1023, originally uploaded by Brina1300.

This amazing sunset was developing before my eyes as I traveled Interstate 4 on my way home. The year comes to an end but the future is bright with all its possibilities. I look forward to this photo challenge with apprehension and excitement. It will be a wonderful way to include creativity every day of my life for the next year. Creativity is the one thing that tends to get pushed to the back burner but with this challenge the future is bright and my eye will be searching for inspiration in everything I do.

Day 1 - The Future Looks Bright

I have created this blog to host my photo submissions for the 365 Photo Challenge 2010. I undertake this challenge with excitement and apprehension. My first entry is a sunset in Florida as seen from Interstate 4. The sky so beautiful so full of color, excitement and inspiration.