Project 365: Feb 17, 2008

My first set of negatives, developed in photography class. I'll print some of them tomorrow. Can't wait!

Project 365: Feb 16, 2008

No, it's not a photo, and no, I didn't create this graphic, but in the spirit of encouraging those who can to spare some thoughts and prayers for everyone at NIU, I dedicate today's Project 365 post.

Project 365: Feb 15, 2008

I went shooting down at the pioneer settlement off 9th Street in Lockport, along the I & M canal. I was shooting b/w film, but brought along my point-n-shoot so that I could snap a shot to represent my day for Project 365 (since I won't have my film developed and printed for at least a week). I converted the shot to black and white in Lightroom to be true to what I shot today.

The Story of Stuff

I've traditionally been content to take the "ignorance is bliss" approach to the footprint I leave on the environment with my consumption and disposal of goods, but since I've started watching birds and interacting a bit more with my natural environment, I'm beginning to see the importance of the natural resources and the environment around me, with all its wildlife and beauty.

This isn't your typical "go green" propaganda video. It paints a very clear picture of how we got to where we're at, and the core of why we need to change. It's worth 20 minutes of your time. I promise.

The Story of Stuff

Project 365: Feb 11, 2008

Today, I developed my first roll of film in the darkroom. This is a shot of all of my chemistry, ready to go into the developing tank. Jessica was my mixing partner, and we were totally rock stars - first ones mixed and ready at 68 degrees. It was a bit of a challenge, as the subzero temps outside resulted in a shortage of warm water on campus. The water in the darkroom was coming out of the faucets at 42 degrees, so our instructor had to get a bucket of hot water from the cafeteria so that we could mix the hot with cold to get our chemistry to 68 degrees. I explained how to get 68 degree water from 42 degree water and 108 degree water. (With a 66 degree difference between the two, just about equal parts of each would get us in the ballpark of 68 degrees). With that, we were good to go.

Two of my shooting buddies from the summer class are also in this class - Gloria and Rhonda. Good times! I snapped a few pics of us on my Blackberry to commemorate our first day in the darkroom.

Wednesday, we'll learn how to make a proof sheet.

Project 365: Feb 9, 2008

A Canada Goose Reflects

This is a crop of a larger photo I took of more geese sitting on the ice island in the pond in my back yard. I counted close to 150 geese there, between the pond and the banks of the golf course behind it. The temperature took a near-50-degree plunge today, and I expect it'll be a rough few days for the geese and all wildlife braving the outdoors.

Project 365: Feb 8, 2008

What I did today.

Oy yes, I know, another lame photo - but I used up all of my creativity shooting film today, and I won't have those pics until after next week when I learn how to develop and print them in the darkroom. I'll likely scan something from today's film shots into digital, but until then...