"We currently have over 200 million photos uploaded per day, or around 6 billion per month. There are currently almost 90 billion photos total on Facebook. This means we are, by far, the largest photos site on the Internet." - 365 Project, Day 214

This post and the next will be a little short, but I have a couple of nice little thoughts for you: Facebook now has about 4% of all the pictures take, ever, in the history of humankind.  Since 1826, when the first photograph was taken, four out of every hundred pictures are on Facebook.  Every second, roughly 950 pictures are uploaded to the site.  To me, that's pretty impressive.

Frank

His note: These things are popping up everywhere and parking meters are disappearing.

Shannon

Her note: Mmm, Rita Coronita!

My picture

I just found all these small leaves look interesting.  There's something about the area they took up pretty nice.

As I've said, the next post will also be fairly short.  Also, for those interested, today's quote dates back to January 2011.

"Whether he is an artist or not, the photographer is a joyous sensualist, for the simple reason that the eye traffics in feelings, not in thoughts." - 365 Project, Day 212

I've taken quite a few pictures of the type I'm posting today.  Everybody knows taking more pictures leads to more talent, but is there a limit?  If I keep taking pictures of this kind, will I ever reach a level where these types of pictures will not get better?  For that matter, how many different angles and zoom lengths do I need to photograph for me to reach that plateau?  For that matter, does taking a picture of simply one thing make me a better photographer for other subjects?

I suppose any experience is better than no experience, and learning something in one field may help you out in another one.  Knowledge of, say, lighting in one particular type of photography may also bring fresh eyes to a different type, bringing with it new views and ideas.  For that matter, it may help out, not only in photographer, but in other creative fields, and vice-versa.

Here are Frank's, Shannon's and my pictures.

Frank

His note: The service doors at Toyota.

Shannon

Her note: I was stung about a month ago from one of these little buggers that lived in here.

My picture

I like the look of these kinds of pictures, and this is no different.  It's a different street from the ones I've taken before, and though I'd prefer a wider-angle lens, I'm happy with this.

I enjoyed today.  Hopefully, tomorrow will have the same effect on me.

"Photography: The science which relates to the action of light on sensitive bodies in the production of pictures, the fixation of images, and the like." - 365 Project, Day 211

There's an old joke I heard about the weather in Ottawa.  If you don't like the weather, just wait 10 minutes.  Indeed (besides probably saying this before), this year has had some interesting days.  Even in the past couple of weeks, the warmth and coldness have been arguing over who's going to take control.

Inexorably, though, the leaves change colours and the Celsius meter slows starts dropping.  Though it can get stupid cold in Ottawa, the fall always brings some gorgeous colours.  The many random parks and trees found around the city provide for great photographic opportunities.  To be fair, it's not as photogenic as, say, the various blooming trees and flowers on Jeju Island, but it definitely has its own appeal.

This is what appealed to us today.

Frank

His note: You couldn't pay me enough to climb up there and work all day then have to come back down.

Shannon

Her note: Yes... Yes, I'm looking at you.

My pic

Different colours on the way to work.  I was trying to blow out all the highlights to create a very bright and airy picture, but unfortunately the whole this is just too busy to get the look I wanted.

Unlike yesterday, I have a very nice feeling about tomorrow.

"Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase." - 365 Project, Day 210

It's been said a thousand times before but the gist of this is that the photographer makes the photograph, not the camera.  It's sad to see so many people buying very good cameras, expecting them to take great pictures, when they have no idea how to use the camera and no intention to learn.  I'm not sure if they realise that great photos re made and not just snapped.

I've heard so many stories of someone buying a camera because their friends went on vacation and has such tremendous pictures, while on their last vacation, their little point-and-shoot pictures didn't even come close to looking as nice.  Well, the camera makes very little difference.  The friend's experience and willingness to sit down and learn the craft makes a lot more of a difference than the camera used.  By the same token, I've also heard stories of people buying better camera because they couldn't do what they wanted with their previous camera, and learning how to use it, ending up very happy with their purchase.  Everybody has to start somewhere, but, it seems, not everybody realises that.

Here's what we ended up with today.

Frank

His note: Could it be?  A hobbit house?

Shannon

Her note: Mmm peanut butter sandwich.

My picture

I've taken a few pictures like this before (though didn't post them on this blog), but I've never been on this street.  I like the angle of the houses, and though it looks lopsided, it's level.  I guess I might also like it if the whole bottom half were black, I like the very small reflections off the cars.

I'm not holding a lot of stock in tomorrow.  I don't think it's going to be particularly bad, I just don't think it'll be particularly creative.

"It's one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, it's another thing to make a portrait of who they are." - 365 Project, Day 209

On the advice of Shannon, I didn't post this when I got home from work, and unfortunately probably waited too long to post.  In any case, here are the pictures.

Frank

His note: I couldn't resist.  This looked so much like somebody's first and last name.

Shannon

Her note: Pat taking a break during full count.

My picture

I just saw this on my way to work and wanted to take a black and white picture.  Unfortunately, cell phones don't have the best metering system, but it ended up looking decent overall.

Next pictures are next.

"Photography is fun, and digital photography is more fun!" - 365 Project, Day 208

I'm not sure why this writer thought digital photography is more fun; I've heard that hardcore photographers think of developing their own film as part of the process, and they look forward very much to spending time in the darkroom dodging and burning their creations.  On a side note, film also offers a greater dodging and burning range than digital without getting noisy (or so I've heard).

I suppose digital is more fun as it gives you instant feedback, and you can adjust your pictures accordingly.  It's much easier to get the look you want and to edit pictures than with film.  It lets to make mistakes with virtually no punishments.  It lets you take more pictures to grow faster and to fine tune your pictures on the spot.  Digital photography gets you involved in photography much more and makes it easier to get the picture you want.

Our digital creations follow.

Frank

His note: The beginning of a BBQ ribs party.  Everybody brought their own ribs and everybody tried everybody else's.  Very good idea, very good ribs!

Shannon

Her note: That time of the year again and the signs of Winter have started.

Myself

I spent pretty much every waking hour today at work (don't ask), so my picture was, not surprisingly enough, very close to work.  I just saw this lady walking her two dogs and figured it would be a good picture.  It's a bit noisy, but I was pushing ISO3200 so it's not too surprising.  The picture turned out nicely enough.

Tomorrow, I can pretty much guarantee there will be no little preamble, as I'll be getting home quite late.

"I knew how to take pictures before I knew what a camera was." - 365 Project, Day 207

This is an interesting thought.  I suppose it has to do with one's love of the aesthetically pleasing and of the fun things to look at.  Composition comes naturally, as you like what you like, and colours and shapes complements this composition.  It's somewhat subjective, as there's always a nice angle for something, and all that is needed is to look around.

Searching for something interesting is the most important part.  All the camera does is try to replicate reality as best as you can allow it.

Here's what was pleasing to us today.

Frank

His note: Was walking by a store today and saw these (and many other potted flowers) for sale.  I thought the flower season was over.

Shannon

Her note: The pages of my book that I will hopefully finish soon.

Pat

My note: I wish I'd had a bigger zoom lens, or been closer to these for this picture.  (I suppose I could have cropped, but I'll keep the picture as is.)  I just liked the way this played out.  The bus showed up, taking these kids to school.  There's a meaning in here somewhere.

Tomorrow will be a long day.

"Photographs are a way of imprisoning reality...One can't possess reality, one can possess images--one can't possess the present but one can possess the past." - 365 Project, day 205

Some Canon cameras have a small little feature called Movie Digest.  In that mode, the camera constantly records something when it's on, and keeps a couple of seconds of video before every picture taken.  At the end of the day, the camera creates a mini-montage of all the clips it has saved.  Many of the features compact cameras have, I simply can't understand, though this one I enjoy, which is somewhat ironic given it's a movie feature on  stills camera.

I've many instances where I would have loved to have a video snapshot of a moment.  Nothing long or complex, just simple moments in life that one would remember, if it were in a montage of some kind.

Here's what we have today.

Frank

His note:

Shannon

Her note: The zipper on my bag.

Pat

Tux has taken to wake me up way too early for human eyes again, and this is what I saw as I looked out my window.  It was very foggy, and for some reason the camera actually cut through some of the fog.  You'll excuse me for the framing, but, as I said, this was even before the sun decided to show itself, so I was slightly groggy.

I'm still not sure what to think of tomorrow.  Given what it looks like, I don't think I'll have much opportunity to take pictures (unless, of course, Tux wakes me up too early again).

"Since I’m inarticulate, I express myself with images." - 365 Project, Day 204

I seem to be able to express myself, but moving muscles in the oral area needs a certain amount of energy, which, for this somewhat-lazy person, seems like a waste of calories.  Instead, allowing a few pixels mouth off for me seems like a good compromise.

On occasion, I can't add anything to the photo other than to describe what's there, which, I suppose, ends up in redundancy, if the photo can already speak for itself.  Some pictures require context, though most of them can simply be enjoy.  Indeed, if a photograph needs context to be good, it inherently carries a deficiency, given it has to be explained instead of enjoyed.

Here's what we expressed today.

Frank

His note: How close do these clouds appear over the building?  Seems like you can just reach out and touch them.

Shannon

Her note: Liked the formation of these clouds.

My pic

Considering my little spiel up there, I don't know if I should describe anything here.  I was basically walking home and saw these on the ground.  I also had a couple of nice shots of a few people walking in the sunset, but I'll take this one because it's stranger.

I will talk to you about tomorrow later.

"Photographers mistake the emotion they feel while taking the photo as a judgment that the photograph is good." - 365 Project, Day 203

People sometimes tell me they really like some of my pictures, but I don't think all that much of them, while some of my personal favourites go unnoticed.  For example, the background on one of my laptops is my entry from June 28th, and is a personal favourite, because it's an odd colour for a sunset, and mixed in with the rain it created an interesting picture.  However, I've had no feedback about that picture.

Maybe if you feel a particular emotion when you're taking a picture, you feel somehow attached to it, and therefore means more to you.  Because it brings back a special memory, the picture is simply more than just a picture, though to others it's nothing more than simply a picture.  It's a tough call, but photographers have to be brutal about their work, especially when it comes to choosing your best work.

Mandy told me today she's concentrating more on her painting so she's not really able to submit pictures.  I understand given the nature of her work, but hopefully she'll be able to come back soon.

Frank

His note: The rusty head of an old fire hydrant.  I wonder if it still works?

Shannon

Her note: Ziplining is so much fun I recommend everyone should try it in their lifetime.

Pat

This picture introduces my fifth piece of hardware to this project.  It's not the best picture but it's first time I'm taking pictures with it.  I got it as a temporary camera while my S95 is being fixed.  The colours seem a bit bright, but we'll see how everything turns out.  This camera is also slightly more discreet than my big 7D.

We'll see about tomorrow.  I'm undecided about it yet.

"I suspect it is for one’s self-interest that one looks at one’s surroundings and one’s self. This search is personally born and is indeed my reason and motive for making photographs." - 365 Project, Day 202

It may be thought that only creative people can take good photographs.  It is possible, though, that taking photographs changes the way you look at things.  I've always looked around when I walked.  I used to collect beer bottle caps, and random pieces of metal (don't ask), so my eyes have always wandered.  Not all people, though, are like that.

Perhaps taking pictures every day forces you to look around and see things you wouldn't normally look at.  It might de-center your view so you think of the world as seen by a dog, or child, or a bat.  I've certainly wondered what it's like to be my cat Tux.  I've often told myself that one day I won't do anything but follow him around, at his level, to see what his day is like.  The experience would certainly be unique and would possible change my outlook on life.

Here our outlook for the day.

Frank

His note: I could never grow indoor plants until I moved into an apartment.  This one is still hanging in there.

Shannon

Her note: Jack's new haircut.

My picture

Every time Tux walks out onto the balcony, he smells everything and looks around.  I keep wondering if he's forgotten what he's seen the last time he was there.  I've heard cats like constancy, so maybe he's just there to make sure everything is pretty much the same.  Like clockwork, after a few minutes of rubbing up against me on my balcony, he went over to the edge and looked around at the world below.  He seems generally happy.

I feel slightly better today, but tomorrow should be even better.

"I’ve never been successful at making films, really. I’ve never been able to do it right. And there’s something terrific about that. There’s something good about being a failure - it keeps you going." - 365 Project, Day 201

Manos: The Hands of Fate is arguably rated the worst movie ever made at IMDB.  (It may not hold the number 1 spot, but it has the lowest mean and has the most votes.  IMDB has a strange way of ranking movies sometimes.)  Plan 9 From Outer Space is generally regarded as being the worst movie ever made.  i would argue that these movies are not the worst out there.  The movies' technical ineptness actually adds to their entertainment value - people magically changing spots after a cut, the looping being horrible, the acting being bad, the lighting and cinematography being horrible and the overall direction being mind-blowing (as it, you want to shoot your head off).

I've also seen movies with a slightly higher level of polish, but that were simply horrible to look at and sit through (Feardotcom and Glitter come to mind).  One wonders if, say, the movies of Edward D. Wood, Jr., had they been slightly less ineptly made, would be as entertaining.  There is a value in camp.  In fact, camp often has a more genuine entertainment value, as it never tries to be something it's not, and if it does, it fails so miserably, it's highly entertaining.

For obvious reasons, Mr. Wood, Jr., Bert I Gordon, and even Roger Corman (and a slew of others), were never critical darlings, but that did not stop them from having some sort of filmmaking career (albeit with varying levels of success), and develop a reputation, for better or worse.

Here are today's successes.

Frank

His note: Hallway outside my door.

Shannon

Her note: These forks are silver but the flash turned them black.

Pat

I was just taking random pictures of anything on my way back home and I liked this long-ish exposure.  I suppose the composition could be better, but at the time I took it I found it very intriguing.

On to tomorrow.  Don't expect much, as I'm pretty sure I'll be spending my day in bed, headache-y and all.

"Film is cheaper than opportunity." - 365 Project, Day 193

When you get the chance to snap a picture, it should be taken, because it probably won't happen again.  Film - or, in today's parlance, memory cards - are not very expensive.  I'm willing to bet that many photographers would pay a lot more than the cost of a 32GB CF card to get the perfect shot they have missed.

I'm also not talking about missed framing or bad focus - those, to a certain extent, may be fixed.  I'm talking about simply not having a camera, or not being able to take a picture.  Many interesting things happen every day, and then they're lost forever.  It's a shame so many jokes, or tears or simple memorable moments are never caught, and they so are never experience by nobody but a few people.

Here is what we caught today.

Frank

His note: Pidgeon with 2 shadows and in jail?

Shannon

Her note: For some reason this pile of flyers caught my eye.

My picture

Nothing special today, just a silhouette of a crane in front of the sun.  I just ended up thinking of the building being put up and how high it might turn out to be.  Theoretically, it could probably be 50 stories, though I somehow doubt it'll be more than 3.

I will have my camera with me all day tomorrow.

"The sheer ease with which we can produce a superficial image often leads to creative disaster." - 365 Project, Day 192

Take my picture today, for example.  It says nothing about anything, and is not particularly pretty.  It was a bland picture to begin with, and with a few swift bits of editing, it ends up this way.  Making something look slick and glossy is quite easy, and with digital, it's incredible how much time can be saved tweaking a picture.  This quote is surprising when you think Ansel Adams never lived close to the digital age.

The problem - and I fight with this every day - is trying to add some sort of meaning to a picture.  Playing with colours, cropping, adding a poignant name are all ways of helping, but without a meaningful scene, there's no way to imbue soul into the photo.

Hotmail fixed itself, so here are all the photos for today.

Frank

His note: Yup, I shop there too.

Shannon

Her note: I know these are so bad for me...but they are sooooo good.

My picture

Not sure what I was going for, but I tried making this look as pretty as I could.  I was out of it for most of the day, but I just found this a different kind of look.  At the very least, I figure desaturating the bright red of that crab apple means something, right?

I'm wondering what tomorrow will bring.  Hopefully some fun!

"I find the single most valuable tool in the darkroom is my trash can." - 365 Project, Day 191

I didn't spend the entire day outside filling up my memory cards, though I did take more pictures today than in the past 7 days combined, I believe.  It wasn't the most inspirational day but I managed to find some things to photograph.

Unfortunately, most of my pictures didn't turn out too well.  Given darkrooms, for the most part, don't exist anymore, I suppose the small 3" screen on the back of most cameras partly acts as one.  The delete button would obviously be the trashcan, and though I don't generally delete anything, if I only kept the pictures I liked, it would have been worn out a little while ago.  I think that, regardless of skill and experience, that button gets used more than anybody cares to admit.

Here's our contribution to society today.

Frank

His note: One of my Tweety place mats.

Shannon

Her note: The laces on my shoe.

My picture

I don't know why this dude was fishing in this particular river because I wouldn't want to eat anything caught in it, if there are any fish in there to begin with.  As long as it makes him happy, it can't be a bad thing.  He and his buddy looked happy just fly-fishing in this nasty river.

On a side note, I think the focusing on my 17-40mm lens is off when I'm doing it manually.  That or I have to refocus my viewfinder.

"Don’t shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like." - 365 Project, Day 190

Any art form is, arguably, more about aesthetics than actual literal appeal.  Something that looks nice is pretty to look at, but something that brings up a feeling - any feeling - elicits a deeper connection, and has a better chance of prolonging the memory of that something.

Photography, to me, is simple and makes it easier to create such a something, because it directly copycats reality.  I have no talent for writing music, painting, drawing and I don't even want to tackle sculpture.  All I have to do is look around - and I'm a curious fellow - and press a button.  Anything that feels interesting to me should at least make an interesting photo, right?

Here's what's interesting today.

Frank

His note: While Pat was practicing parallel parking I took this shot.  Never noticed the bee until I downloaded the image.

Shannon

Her note: While I was making dinner I was watching all the bubbles.

My photo

I didn't really see anything terribly exciting today.  I would have preferred a longer zoom to get a slightly more claustrophobic feel, but I'll take this.  I wanted a kind of jungle of pylons and potholes.  The traffic pylons are not too numerous, which is why I would have preferred a longer zoom.

Tomorrow, I feel like grabbing my camera and memory cards, leaving my place and not coming back until my cards are all full.

"A true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words." - 365 Project, Day 189

One advantage of handling all the pictures of this blog is that I can get to see what Frank and Shannon send me, and today that served me, as Shannon's picture gave me the inspiration to shoot what I ended up shooting.

I've written this before, but to be completely redundant, I'll send you to the earliest surviving photograph ever taken again.  It was taken in 1826, and is a view of of rooftops in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes.  It was an 8-hour exposure and even then the picture is quite vague in its representation.  Film, emulsion, lenses and other various bits of equipment has gotten better over the years to make things slightly clearer.

One fun thing you can do with a camera with its own bellows, like in Shannon's picture today, or a medium-format camera, is you have a built-in tilt-shift lens.  A good quality tilt-shift lens is insanely expensive (roughly $2700 for Canon's 24mm tilt-shift lens, for example), and these cameras do the same thing thanks to their construction.

In any case, back on topic.  Here is our collective output today.

Frank

His note: Control buttons on the driver's side of my car.  I particularly like the mirror adjustment buttons.

Shannon

Her note: Wonder our pics would look like if we took them with this camera.

Pat

My note: Taking inspiration from Shannon's picture, I assume this is more or less what a picture with that camera would look like.  Granted, I might be completely off, but it seems relatively accurate.  I had fun editing this to make it look old.  As for the subject matter, it was a bit tough to find something that would reflect the age of the picture, but this is a good pick.  When I was really young, I used to walk up and down this hill with my parents and tell them that the hill was heavy to walk on.

I hope to find the same kind of inspiration tomorrow.