August 31 Daily Shoot Weather

August 31 Daily Shoot Weather, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Illustrate your local weather today with a photo. Rain or shine. Cloudy or clear. Communicate what it's like to the world

Hot is the weather word for today. We're had some nice cool weather recently but this week we are back to full blown summer! To cool off tonight my husband took me for a ride in the corvette with a stop for my favorite peanut butter caramel ice cream. Happy last night of vacation for me! I have put in a lot of hours the past week or so but tomorrow it's official-back to school.

Daily Shoot Diagonal Lines

Daily Shoot Diagonal Lines, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a photograph featuring a diagonal line or series of diagonal lines. Pull our attention through the photograph.

When I got home last night I remembered that I forgot about the diagonal line assignment. So, I was pleased when I found this among my 85 puppy pictures. I don't think it really pulls you through the photo but it will have to do for today.

August 29 Many Hands

August 29 Many Hands, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Today I spent some time at a Habitat for Humanity project. They are not only building a house but painting fences for the neighbors as well. About 80 freshman students from Pratt were there to help with many jobs. This picture reminds me of the saying "Many hands make light work." There was evidence of that everywhere today.

Daily Shoot Cold

Daily Shoot Cold, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a photograph of something cold today. Ice cubes, frosty beverages, or the freezer aisle at the grocery store.

A quick peek inside our garage freezer where we keep frosted mugs/glasses for a beer in the summertime.

Daily Shoot Repetition

Daily Shoot Repetition, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Use repetition to create an interesting photograph today. Grids, patterns, or a series of lines will all do the trick.

I took this photo because I liked the shadow. It wasn't until I was looking at it on the computer that I realized it would fit for today's shot. Asl I was looking at my photos of the sunflower stalk I realized there is a repetition in the direction of the leaf stems. I'm going back out to look more carefully tomorrow.

August 28 Sunflower

August 28 Sunflower, originally uploaded by NedraI.

As I worked on the repetition theme for the daily shoot I tried to look at things in a different way. The sunflowers have grown tall. I'm hoping they open before the frost arrives!

August 27 Goodbye

August 27 Goodbye, originally uploaded by NedraI.

After unpacking the boxes so I could bring them home and getting some groceries it was time to say goodbye. (Otto had to get back to Brockport to meet friends to attend a concert.) We had a bet. Kira was sure I'd cry. But not even close. Yes I'll miss her like crazy but I'm excited for the new adventure she is about to begin and proud of the wonderful young lady that she is.

Daily Shoot Metal

Daily Shoot Metal, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a photograph of something metallic today. Put the emphasis on texture and light.

This magnet caught my eye as I headed out the door to shoot today. I grabbed it and then looked for something else to go with it. I grabbed my daughter's senior portrait in which she's leaning on her hockey helmet which has a metal cage. I tried a few different shots and ended up with two that I liked. It was a little tricky trying to hold the camera, I was too lazy to get the tripod, with one hand, hold the magnet in the other and get it at the right angle so the picture could be seen.

August 26 Otto Dorm

August 26 Otto Dorm, originally uploaded by NedraI.

This is Otto's third year living in the townhouses. This was my first time to see them! My husband has done the parent's weekend every year and on that same weekend I've been off to hockey with our daughter. When it comes to moving in /out he takes the van or has a friend help him. This year I'll be back for Parent's Weekend so I'll see his place twice! All his roommates graduated last year so he has all new ones this year. Hope they get along well and have a good year.

Daily Shoot Soft Light

Daily Shoot Soft Light, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a photograph with soft light today. Try to almost totally eliminate shadows on your subject.

The blue jays woke my son up this morning. He came to get me to let me know one was sitting in the tree right outside his window. He even took the screen out for me so I could get a better shot. This is a young one. Easy to tell with the fluffy white feathers showing. He sat here for a long time. At last he finally called out and another jay came to the tree. They both hopped around a bit and then took off. I experimented a bit with Photoshop and tried taking two of the twigs out but I like this one better.

August 25 Full Moon

August 25 Full Moon, originally uploaded by NedraI.

August 25 Full Moon

I saw a picture of the moon on Facebook so I decided to go shoot it as well. Snitch 4028 gave me some tips the last time I posted a moon shot- www.flickr.com/photos/nedrai/4892881496/ - so I tried them out. Not as nice as Jennifer's, she had trees that framed it and added a nice mood. I'll try for mood next time.

August 24 Foggy Morning

August 24 Foggy Morning, originally uploaded by NedraI.

I woke up early this morning and was treated to fog. I took off in search of some photo ops.

Daily Shoot-Low Key

Daily Shoot-Low Key, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a low key photo today with lots of dark areas. You might need to use exposure compensation to make it work.

Macro shot of strands of dew covered spider web early this morning.

August 23 Work Station

August 23 Work Station, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Someone on the Elementary Tech Teacher's Ning shared a computer related version of Brown Bear Brown Bear by Bill Martin Jr. I loved the idea of using the story to introduce the younger students to the equipment. She did a PowerPoint with clipart. I'm taking the idea but using photos of our actual equipment and using Notebook software.

Daily Shoot-Number 5

Daily Shoot-Number 5, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Today's number is 5. Make a photo that illustrates the number in some way, either literally or abstractly.

Daily Shoot-Glass

Daily Shoot-Glass, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a photograph of something made out of glass. Be sure to go for interesting reflections or highlights.

I bought this vase at the Bouckville Antique Show yesterday. I saw it at one of the first booths but it was $20. It's certainly not something I need but I thought the color green would look good in the kitchen. But for the price I passed on it and wandered to the next booth. Lo and behold there it was again and this time for $1! That's my kind of price. :-)

August 22 Top View of Vase

August 22 Top View of Vase, originally uploaded by NedraI.

I had fun with a flashlight and this vase trying different views for today's Daily Shoot. Since it's the only thing I shot on this rainy day I made it my picture of the day.

August 21-Daily Shoot-High View

August 21-Daily Shoot-High View, originally uploaded by NedraI.

August 21-Daily Shoot-High View

Make a photograph from a high point of view. Get on top of a building, use a ladder, or just look down at a small object.

A day late with this one. I stood on a chair to get a shot of the top of the old upright piano.I like keeping old and new family pictures on display.

August 20 Hibiscus

August 20 Hibiscus, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Since the blossoms only last one day I find myself taking many pictures each day they open. I have two buds left and I think they'll bloom the same day like these two did. This is my favorite shot of the day.

Daily Shoot Picture of a Picture

Daily Shoot Picture of a Picture, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Go meta and make a photo of a photo today. Don't just be a copy machine, however. Get creative with composition.

The hibiscus is getting ready to bloom again.

It's on Its Way

It's on Its Way, originally uploaded by NedraI.

As I walked the nature trail I couldn't help but notice that the seasons are getting ready to change. A man riding a bike with his kids actually yelled at me that it was sick that I was taking a picture of the first fall tree! I have to admit taking pictures of fall leaves is more interesting than green ones. The cool evening air the last two nights is another reminder of the change on its way.

Daily Shoot Wildlife Sign

Daily Shoot Wildlife Sign, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a photograph that features a sign of some sort today. Maybe a stop sign. Maybe an information sign. Or an advert.

I skipped the gym and headed to the nature trail for a four mile walk instead since it was such a beautiful day. I have to admit that I've never noticed this sign until today. I was very surprised that there were no geese today. I'm sure as the geese start to head south they'll be back.

Daily Shoot-Plant

Daily Shoot-Plant, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a photograph of a plant today. It can be a small one in a pot, a big one in the park, or a tree in a forest.

I'm always taking pictures of plants so I decided to try something a little different. We had storms this morning and once they passed and before the wind picked up I went out looking for a shot and this is my favorite.

August 16-Lavender

August 16-Lavender, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Most of the lavender is done but there's a few sprigs left so I took a few pictures of them today. I like the background.

August 15 Daily Shoot Hard Light

August 15 Daily Shoot Hard Light, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a photograph using hard light today. Feature the crisp and strong shadows as a major element of your photograph.

My first attempt at this assignment didn't turn out so after midnight I looked around the room for another subject and selected the shadows on the wall from the bedside light. I changed it to B/W and then made some adjustments to make it stand out. I like this one for its abstract look.

Daily Shoot Motion Blur

Daily Shoot Motion Blur, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a photograph with motion blur today. Use a fast moving subject or a slow shutter speed can do the trick.

After looking at my first attempts http://www.flickr.com/photos/nedrai/4892844752/ I decided to have my husband throw the Frisbee and I'd try to get a picture that would show her face. In this shot everything is blurry and I really didn't want that but it ended up being my favorite of the blurred shots so I went with it.

August 14 Moon

August 14 Moon, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Before the fireworks tonight I tried taking some shots of the moon but they didn't turn out well. After the fireworks I tried a few more shots and this one turned out pretty good. The best shot I've taken of the moon so far. :-)

Daily Shoot-Wide Focal Length

Daily Shoot-Wide Focal Length, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a photograph using wide focal length. Zoom or prime or iPhone cameras all qualify for going wide today.

This is the oldest church in Cooperstown. Here's the sign with the details: www.flickr.com/photos/nedrai/4888705127/

August 13 Cooperstown Flowers

August 13 Cooperstown Flowers, originally uploaded by NedraI.

My husband has appointments in Cooperstown twice a year. I love to tag along because it's a pretty drive and it's a fun town. Today it was a very busy town with all the summer tourists. One of the things that makes Cooperstown unique is all the flowers along the main streets and even in the yards of all the old homes around the downtown area. It's very pretty.

August 12 Fire

August 12 Fire, originally uploaded by NedraI.

My daughter had about a dozen friends over tonight for a fire. She made a belated birthday cake for one friend and they ate the entire cake as well as some 'smores. This group of friends are not only a close knit group but they are smart in many ways. I'm sure this was the last visit to our house for the group before they all start heading off to different colleges. I know they'll stay in touch by phone, seeing them glowing?, and they were talking about Skype tonight as well. How nice that they have easy ways to stay in touch. I wish them all well as they start their new adventures!

Daily Shoot Patterns

Daily Shoot Patterns, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Find a repeating pattern and make a photo of it today.

This is the gym that I have started going to again after a six month absence. I took a shot before I went into Zumba class and then tried again when I came out. I didn't have my tripod so I put the window down and rested the camera on the door frame. Obviously the building is a little skewed but I like the colors and I like how the lights add another pattern.

August 11 Bike Shadow

August 11 Bike Shadow, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Finally, I got out on my road bike today. It was the first time since I broke my hand in early April. I've had one excuse after another for not getting out. On Monday my husband got my bike down and filled the tires for me so I had no more excuses except maybe the heat. Tonight it was nice so I took a short 10 mile ride that was mainly flat. It felt good. After I stopped and took the Daily Shoot picture with my cell phone I notice the long shadows. I love these shadows when I'm biking especially in a group. So I decided to try for a shot. With a little editing in Picnic it turned out ok.

Daily Shoot-Rule of Thirds

Daily Shoot-Rule of Thirds, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a photograph that uses the rule of thirds composition in a very obvious way and post it.

My second attempt at the rule of thirds using my cell phone camera. Not a great example but I do like having just part of the bike in the picture. It captures my eye and then I take in rest of the photo.

I much prefer taking pictures with my DSLR! I have guidelines visible on my camera to remind me to keep this rule in mind and mainly to help me keep the horizon line straight.

Daily Shoot Green

Daily Shoot Green, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Today's color is green. Make a photo of a green subject today and post it.

Last year a blight ruined our tomato crop so this year we bought blight resistant plants. Unfortunately my husband found some blight on a few tomatoes last night. We're hoping it doesn't spread like last year.
We have two that are turning red. Our mouths are watering in anticipation of that first bite. Actually some green fried tomatoes would be tasty as well but we usually enjoy them when we have to pick the green ones to keep them safe from frost next month.

August 10 Rabbit's View

August 10 Rabbit's View, originally uploaded by NedraI.

My husband has two fences around the garden in an attempt to keep the rabbits out of our somewhat overgrown rabbit buffet. But somehow something is still getting in there and enjoying the beans and even a squash is missing.

Daily Shoot-Triangles

Daily Shoot-Triangles , originally uploaded by NedraI.

Triangles keep the viewer’s eyes on a photo. Follow a triangle, and you see other elements. Make a photo with triangles.

The triangle of the red catches your eye and then makes it move out to the end of the petal which is also a triangular shape. DeforestRanger noticed that the hibiscus bud I used yesterday also has a triangular shape

August 9 Stick Caterpillar Head

August 9 Stick Caterpillar Head, originally uploaded by NedraI.

When my husband pointed this out www.flickr.com/photos/nedrai/4877856220/ I thought it was a stick and didn't believe him that it was some kind of caterpillar. But once I took a picture and could zoom in I could see he was right. It didn't move much even if we touched it. It's still there tonight although laying down without actually touching the wood post. I found a few other pictures of it online but not much info so far. It sounds like it might be an inch worm. If you know anything about this strange creature please share.

Daily Shoot-Condolence Card

Daily Shoot-Condolence Card, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Challenge: Sympathy can be difficult to express in words. Make an image suitable for the cover of a condolence card.

August 7 Donkey Ears

August 7 Donkey Ears, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Well, since I didn't take a picture today I will use one I took last week but didn't post yet since I've been busy working on some other projects.

See the photo of the cover of the book? That's my photo! Last February a woman from Penguin Books in India contacted me through flickr asking if she could purchase the photo. I ignored the request thinking it was spam. A week or two later she contacted me again. So I did a little detective work and contacted someone else at Penguin Books in India and lo and behold it was a real offer. I was offered $70 and two copies of the book. I agreed and sent off a high resolution image. Much later I found out to receive the money I had to furnish my bank account info through an email. Since I had recently been told by Google that someone in England had viewed my email account I decided that $70 wasn't worth sending my bank info to them. So instead she said they'd send me $70 worth of books. So now I am the proud owner of 5 copies of Beatrice and Virgil.

I'm pumped!

Daily Shoot Insect August 6

Daily Shoot Insect, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Insects are everywhere. Photograph a bug in your environment (no spiders - they're arachnids). (@DeForestRanger)

I expected this to be an easy assignment but the winds today seem to have driven off the bees and butterflies that are usually in the gardens.

This little bug is the most hated pest in our yard. It destroys the grape leaves, the burning bush leaves and so many flowers. We've tried the traps but haven't found them effective. So when they get too bad we take a bucket of soapy water and just pick them off the plants and toss them in the bucket. Anyone have a better plan?

Daily Shoot-Fabric August 5

Daily Shoot-Fabric August 5, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Fabric: we wear it, sleep on it, decorate with it. Make a photo of an interesting cloth design or texture. (@muffett68)

As I was digging through a closet for papers for my daughter's scrapbook today I came across little gem. It's an old hand quilted pillow top that I brought home from my grandparent's house many years ago. It's for a small throw pillow. I really should try and find a pillow for it or maybe frame it.
I decided on this shot because I think the inside shows more texture with the fraying ends and the uneven hand-stitched lines. You can see the outside here www.flickr.com/photos/nedrai/4864688387/

Daily Shoot Weather August 4

Daily Shoot Weather August 4, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Weather affects us all. Make a photo of weather or something affected by weather today. (@Oogiem)

We're having an unusually dry summer and as a result I'm having to water the potted plants almost daily. Luckily the perennials are well established and do fine with the inconsistent rains.

August 3 Daily Shoot Cherry Tomatoes

August 3 Daily Shoot Cherry Tomatoes, originally uploaded by NedraI.

How does your garden grow? Make a photo of something growing in your or someone else's garden today.

Last year a blight killed off our regular tomatoes and we had some cherry tomatoes. But this year we bought blight resistant tomatoes so they're doing fine and the cherry tomatoes are going crazy! Pretty soon we'll have more tomatoes than we can eat! Yum!

August 2 Black Eyed Susan

August 2 Black Eyed Susan, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Just having fun with the macro lens today.

Daily Shoot Beauty August 2

Daily Shoot Beauty August 2, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Beauty is all around us. Make a photo of some naturally occurring beauty in your area today. (@DeForestRanger)

I was putting off today's picture until I saw Rosewellsgirl's picture- www.flickr.com/photos/roswellsgirl/4854971786/ . I thought the picture was stunning and it motivated me to leave my computer, I've been editing pics from our recent trip, grab my camera and macro lens and go find some beauty. I didn't have to go far.

August 1 Orange Flowers

August 1 Orange Flowers, originally uploaded by NedraI.

As I worked on my Daily Shoot picture I snapped one of these brightly colored flowers. The bright colors make me smile. :-)

Daily Shoot Depth of Field August 1

Daily Shoot Depth of Field August 1, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Go anti-bokeh today. Use a large depth of field (higher aperture numbers) today to tell a story on multiple layers.

I love my gardens. You can't tell from this picture but there's not a lot blooming right now. The flowers in the old wheelbarrow are really taking off and showing off a lot of color. I'll have to remember this plant for next year.

Daily Shoot Gertie July 31

Daily Shoot Gertie July 31, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a portrait of somebody today. It can be somebody you know or a stranger. Maybe even yourself.

Gertie will sit right in this spot for long periods of time watching over our yard. If she sees and intruder, such as a squirrel, she sets off bounding across the yard to chase it off or keep it from entering the property in the first place. Here's what she sees www.flickr.com/photos/nedrai/4848252002/ as she looks out over the yard.

Daily Shoot Gertie July 31

Daily Shoot Gertie July 31, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Make a portrait of somebody today. It can be somebody you know or a stranger. Maybe even yourself.

Gertie will sit right in this spot for long periods of time watching over our yard. If she sees and intruder, such as a squirrel, she sets off bounding across the yard to chase it off or keep it from entering the property in the first place. Here's what she sees www.flickr.com/photos/nedrai/4848252002/ as she looks out over the yard.

Daily Shoot-Portland Pavers

Daily Shoot-Portland Pavers, originally uploaded by NedraI.

Daily Shoot-Pavement comes in many flavors. Asphalt. Concrete. Bricks. Stones. Make a photo of some pavement you see today.
A little cheating today. I took this picture two days ago while visiting the old port area of Portland Maine. The whole area has brick sidewalks and streets! These bricks were in front of a kitchen store. The bricks really add a unique flavor to the area. It's one of my favorite places to visit.