Skylights – Snapshot of the Day, No. 262

101413_262SkylightsRI had to go to the mailbox today, which is outside of the newspaper where I work, and decided to take the long way back inside.

I could not help but notice what a gorgeous day it was, so I snapped this image as I made my way back in.

Good thing, too. I probably will not have another opportunity to get a good shot.

Headless Elvis – Snapshot of the Day, No. 261

101313_261HeadlessElvisRThe question is: Was this Elvis statue purchased without a head?…. or did it get broken after it was bought?

And why is it still being proudly displayed? Does it make it more valuable without the head? Hmmmm.

I HAD to take this photo. I cannot stop laughing at the microphone held up to a mouth that is no longer there.

You ain’t nothin but a …… headless Elvis statue, cryin all the time…

Picnic Flowers – Snapshot of the Day, No. 260

101213_260PicnicFlowersRWell, we didn’t actually go on a picnic. We just ate lunch out on the deck. But I like to call it going on a picnic.

Since we live close to the Tennessee River, we sometimes see really cool animals. Today we saw an eagle flying over our heads. I ran to get my binoculars; and after seeing him up close, I THINK he was a golden eagle. But I am no expert. That is for sure. But one thing is certain, he was a MASSIVE bird.

But none of that has anything to do with my photo. I just liked the flowers on the table.

Lake Winnepespookah – Snapshot of the Day, No. 259

101123_259LakeWinnepespookahRTwo words: Lake Winnie!

Our local amusement park, Lake Winnepesaukah, calls itself Lake WinnepeSpookah during October, and decks itself out with a Halloween theme.

It’s great fun. We go every year.

My stomach hurts, but I had a ball.

Jars of Sunshine – Snapshot of the Day, No. 258

101013_258JarsOfSunshineRI was BUSY today at work. In fact, I’m still at work. But, I did manage to sneak out and run to the Barn again today. (Yes, I did clock out first.)

I bought some more flowers for the yard which is serious need of help. But the Barn also give me a chance to clear my head and relax for a minute.

Work can be hectic beyond belief.

Sit-in Mural – Snapshot of the Day, No. 257

100913_257SitInMuralRRight around the corner from the newspaper is a great place to eat called, Champy’s. It is known for its great fried chicken and eclectic artwork inside and out.

It also has a wonderful mural painted on the outside wall commemorating the Chattanooga sit-ins in 1960 called, “We Shall Not Be Moved.”

I shot this with my Lensbaby to give it a feeling of the past.

Private Gardens and such – Snapshot of the Day, No. 256

Basically a "Keep Out" sign in the garden at the Chickamauga Creek Greenway.
Basically a “Keep Out” sign in the garden at the Chickamauga Creek Greenway.

Joe and I met at the Greenway after work today to get a walk in. This is the garden they tend to. I honestly don’t know anything about it, but I’m assuming the food harvested from it goes to charity.

Today I decided to do something a little different for a change. I decided to upload several shots I worked on throughout the day today.

The object of this project is essentially to become a better shooter. I only allow myself one chance per image to see if I can get a good shot. (And I usually only get one chance per day to shoot anything)

It is supposed to teach me to previsualize better. Most photographers shoot tons of images to get only a few really good ones. One exception is Vivian Maier, of course. She was phenomenal, and a great inspiration to me. I have read she rarely took more than one frame per subject.

But the project is also forcing me to think about and create photography every day. More than half-way through, I have discovered two things: 1. You can make time if you really want to do something, and 2. You can take a decent photo no matter where you are standing – if you really look at your surroundings.

Old tree and sunset at the North Chickamauga Creek Greenway. And a "Drink Coke" napkin holder at Nikki's drive-in.
Old tree and sunset at the North Chickamauga Creek Greenway. And a “Drink Coke” napkin holder at Nikki’s drive-in.

As we were leaving the Greenway, the sun was setting behind my favorite tree there. I just had to take a photo. This and the photo next to it, our table at Nikki’s during lunch today, were both taken with a cell camera. It kills me these lenses are sharper than a couple of my 35mm camera’s lenses. Come to think about it, the main shot was shot with a cell camera, too.

So I’ve discovered a third thing: The most valuable camera you own IS the one you have with you.

Pomegranates in a polyptych format.
Pomegranates in a polyptych format.

And the very first images I took today were shot by window light in my laundry room this morning. I used my macro lens for these. The goal: to get good enough to shoot for magazines or other commercial prospects.

Anyway, thanks for being interest to get to the bottom of this page. I appreciate it more than you know.

 

Remembering Hank – Snapshot of the Day, No. 255

100713_255RememberingHankRThis is Hank. He was a fixture at the Warner Park Zoo, now known as the Chattanooga Zoo, for most of his life. When the zoo renovated several years ago, the main gate, created by Siskin Steel and Supply Co., featured several of the animals housed there.

This is Hank’s portrait. He is definitely the most famous zoo resident. He died a couple of years ago at the age of 42, but everyone still remembers him fondly.

Take Me Home! – Snapshot of the Day, No. 254

100613_254TakeMeHomeROk. I totally cheated on this one. But I have a good excuse. Who can take just one photo of a bunch of puppies? Plus, they are such wiggle worms, it’s hard to catch them at the right moment with a cell camera.

I had to go to PetSmart today to pick up something for my fish when I discovered my day was about to get a whole lot better.

PUPPIES!

They were out front for adoption. People and kids were all over these little guys. As was I. I love animals.

All of our animals are rescue pets – with the exception of the comet goldfish, of course. I bought them at the pet store. But you sort of have to do that.