Hope

35mm lens at f/2. See how soft the corners are? I should have stopped down. 

Recently I think I've been getting a little cynical. I think I've been spending too much time with people who talk about money - making it, not spending it. (I'm pro spending, in small but enjoyable amounts. I'm pro making it in a similar way, on a small scale, doing what you love, what moves and satisfies you.) I've gotta say, what's been happening with the politics in this country has also been very disappointing. I can't help but think that politicians acting on their personal beliefs about what would best serve the country in the long run, rather than what would best serve them in the short run, would be acting differently. Washington, I'm disappointed in you. All of you, regardless of party line.

Anyway. End of political rant, that's not what this blog is for. The reason I'm mentioning my cynicism is to remind myself that there is hope for all of us. Enough that someone in Chinatown felt the urge to label the side of the building with it. It was a small gift to come across.

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And, some things I came across on the internets that you might feel like wasting your time on:

The ultimate case for your iPhone 4. I can't tell if it's incredibly tacky or kind of cool. Also, I'm suspicious about the sustainability of walnut. Anyone know better than me?

An amazing new food blog, with gorgeous magazine-ready recipes. Someone buy me some backdrops in every color of the rainbow! I want to make those recipes and then shoot them! Also, I really want to try a caipiroska. The cherry hand pies look amazing as well.

In addition, Evan and I just pulled the trigger on an expensive but cute addition to the family.

Plus, some gorgeous animal photos I found on 500px. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Read the artist's statement as well. I think my favorite part is this: "My pictures never try to take account of actual circumstances. They are my elegy on an animal world which disappears in tragic way every day more and more."   - Wolf Ademeit

Mouse Over Monday 10 - Picture Bombing

PLEASE mouse over.

I quite honestly think this is one of the greatest joys of Evan's life.

Reflections

Action Shot

Self Portrait - What Not to Do

So, here's a tip with the 35mm lens: don't shoot up or down anyone's nose. Not that I have the smallest of noses on good nose days, but this photo doesn't exactly minimize the schnozz . . .

I admit, I'm a bit leery of self-portraits. It's often said that photographers choose to hold the camera rather than be in front of it, and while I wouldn't say that's a large part of why I take pictures for a living, I certainly don't mind. I don't mind not being in the family photo, I don't mind coming home from vacation with 100 pictures of Evan and 10 pictures of me.

But of course that's not fair. And it leaves me with a bit of a hole in my personal history. Most photos I have of myself are from moments when Evan grabbed the camera and turned it on me. (Don't tell him, but usually they're blurry . . . don't worry, he doesn't read the text on my blog, he only looks at the pictures. Hi Evan!) So I've been thinking recently about self portraits. And in a rare moment of whimsy last week I grabbed the camera with the 35mm on it, held it out in front of me and took a shot.

This is what showed up. I think I like it. I won't promise, but I'll say you might see more self portraits coming on the blog soon . . . .

Lupe

Here's to the luckiest dog in San Francisco.

Also, some links for you:

Important tips to remember when shooting a portrait. My number 1? Keep talking. It makes everyone more relaxed.

An intriguing cilantro pesto. I think I want to try it out.

A great post on being more brave braver (nice linguistic skills, Jessica!) asking strangers if you can shoot them take a photo in public. I admit, I'm a wuss about this.

That's it! Time for bed. See you tomorrow.