My mother, aunt, and I met this fine animal on a morning walk.  Way more character than a cab.

I think this is also maybe the second time I've ever shot a black and white picture.  History in the making!

Have some spring to clear out six months of that dreary winter picture:

In light of my previous post, I've included two more examples of how changing perspective can change a subject dramatically.  The first shot, I took a two images of a sunset head-on and stitched them together for a standard (but beautiful) representation of a sunset.  Then there's this:

On the way out, my father turned around and drove out of the parking lot we were in when I was taking pictures (side note: my dad is an excellent photography accomplice).  As we were leaving, I was blown away by the light reflecting off the side of our rental monster truck.  I got out and tried to photograph it, but couldn't capture it...unless I stayed in the car and shot a picture of the side-view mirror.  So, if you were wondering why the top right is completely cut out and the right side isn't in focus, it's a result of the imperfection of shooting into a side mirror through a glass window.

Sometimes my best shots will come from taking a different perspective, like getting under the piano.  Sometimes, however, even a cool vantage point can't be saved by poor light.  Take these two photos as an example.  The first is shot straight on, from a low vantage point that accentuates the strength of the structure as it towers over the individual.  The wires and framework were carefully aligned to create as much symmetry as possible, and as a bonus, a rainbow decided to come along for the ride.

Here's a little different perspective, shooting directly up into the power line.  The intricacies of the frame are revealed, as is the incredible geometry that is produced by the lines, supports, and steel.  In my opinion, this is a far more interesting shot in terms of composition, but is hampered by the bland lighting.  The mundane, monotone background belies the dynamic power of the structure.  But, with that being said, I like these shots about the same.  This just shows that even in the crappiest of light, there can be a creative solution to finding a great shot.  Now, if I could apply this to everything in life, I'd be in business...

A metaphor...for travelling...or something...

I was walking around my parents' house when I was stopped by the evening sun coming in and hitting the piano.  This is an example of how, as an artist, one needs to be constantly attuned to one's surroundings.  There is inspiration in the most mundane of places (like under the piano), and it is imperative you interact with it, or it will simply pass you by.  For this reason I bring my camera with me nearly everywhere I go, but yet I still rarely produce any new shots.  Until I can get over the awkwardness of looking like a crazy person, taking pictures of the undersides of pianos, I will continue to miss a large percentage of the potentially beautiful shots I see on a daily basis.  Even the post before this demonstrates this principle.  What's with that kid just standing around taking a picture of the rather mundane-looking wall in front of him?  If you don't believe me, look at any picture of tourists taking pictures.  They always look goofy, and it's so easy to laugh at them when on the internet.  But perhaps they're seeing something we don't, and in so doing, their lack of vanity is allowing them to produce something beautiful.

Just imagine me laying on the floor taking a picture of this. Ridiculous, isn't it?