Fishing

Ah, wish I knew how to capture a good shot - it was overcast and I couldn't seem to get a good original. He did look peaceful out there, just a stone's throw from the hectic city.

Light for our Way

Sometimes it's interesting what I find after the picture. I didn't notice the shadows when I took this shot, but they seem to be the center of it all. I suppose this is why I need practice composing shots.

Lanterns

I found it hard to get a good angle on the lanterns. This is my best, but still not happy with it. I have to say, rows and rows of lanterns are a unique sight.

Rice Fields

Temple Angles

I'm not usually happy with my photos of roofs, but I liked the angle and stark background.

A Temple Flower

Finally caught a close-up with an angle I like.

Happy Buddha's Birthday!

On the Rocks

Post processing kills me! I don't update here because I have thousands of photos that I need to process. Sure, 50% are deletes, but the other 50% takes time. I never realized that more time is spent on the computer than with the camera. Of course, if I was better with the camera, I wouldn't need to spend so much time on the computer. Then there's the whole "I'm-still-learning" fact - which takes time.

Anyway, here's a shot that I felt was salvaged by the post process. Sure, the colors are a bit sharp, but it was a muggy, drizzly day and I didn't think I'd find any color at all.

Lantern Festival (Buddha's Birthday & Children's Day)

The Not-Quites

This photo is a not-quite. I took it a few months ago in California, in Palos Verdes. It was so close to a great shot, but I missed it. A major part of the problem is that I was accidentally shooting in JPEG. See, I was generally careful to use RAW so I could fix photos a little after I learned more about it all.

Anyway, I thought the light was a cool effect. I got it by using a long exposure.

Animals Are Just Cute!

Here's a cool wallaby for you.

Keeping Life in Focus

Unpolished gems

Okay, I don't know if this picture looks any good. Honestly. But I do know this - I was looking for a picture of any Asian friend, preferably with long hair, that I could use to illustrate a blog. I was thinking of making the photo blurry to obscure her identity (and emphasize my point - the influence of cultural heritage).

Browsing through Picasa with this one thought - Asian girl, long hair, close up that can be obscured - I found this photo in a mass of wedding shots. As far as wedding shots go, this was terrible. In fact, overall, it wasn't much good. But I thought it might suit my purposes.... so, 5 mins later, I had this. Instead of blurry, I blew the highlights.

Point is - it's amazing how the perfect shot for the occasion can be buried in the archives. I never would have wasted time on this photo - until it perfectly fit what I had in mind. 

Nachos

Had a craving. Indulged because of aforementioned ankle. No regrets.

Sorrow

Sprained Ankle

Sprained my ankle pretty bad... that giant bump is 24 hrs after it happened. But I can hobble around the house now. I decided not to see a doctor - they'd just give me pain meds and a wrap, both of which I can do on my own. Plus, the idea of hobbling to a hospital makes me groan - even driving will be hard tomorrow.

Not much of a photo, but it showed the size of the swelling better than any other angle. And frankly, I don't care much at this point!

The Old Point & Shoot

In fairness, I don't call this blog a "365 Project" because I'm not promising to take a photo every day. I'm just trying to upload one.

Anyway, going through some old photos, I discovered my original 365 project folder from 2007. I managed to take a photo every day for about 4 months, but I lagged on posting them. Also, I remember growing frustration at not having a "decent" camera. However, now as I look back, I'm impressed at some of the composition I was doing.

Also, it's interesting to see my daily life in order, it reminds me of things long forgotten. Like these flowers that were a birthday gift from a classmate.... so maybe there's something to the 365 Project after all. 

Desolate

Tsutsuki

Not sure what this plant is called in English, or even Korean for that matter. But in Japanese it's tsutsuki. And it has something to do with the Harvest Moon... one of those random things I'll probably never forget... and never really have the right facts on either.

Happy Valentine's!

Gwanghwamun in Winter

Morning Rush Hour

This shot isn't great, but I took it while driving on the freeway. I actually didn't mind this commute too much - the morning sunrise was nice. On the other hand, my average speed was just 10 mph. Yes, 10 miles per hour. As in, my one hour commute to work took me to the other side of the city, but that's only about 10 miles away!

63 Building

This was taken while driving to work one day. I wish I could stop and compose the picture properly. The sunrise is gorgeous and reflects off the golden building. One of the relaxing pleasures of the morning drive.

Catching the Smile

It's hard to catch a natural smile - unless you're working with the happiest baby ever. Some friends and I were hanging out after a wedding. Congrats to Sam and his bride, Sujin, pictured here with her new little cousin. 

Foot Bathing

 Not the best shot, but it'll do. In winter, I often soak my feet in hot water in the evenings, especially if I'm sitting at a computer. It keeps me warm without heating the whole room - and it's quite relaxing.