A Scenic World

I had a terrible day at work today. It felt like nothing was working right, and I fear I may have accidentally discouraged one of the best employees. By the time I got home (for the last time), I was exhausted and a bit hollow. So I lay on my bed, camera in hand, and waited for some kind of inspiration as The Helio Sequence’s “Broken Afternoon” played in the background.

And I got this:

Note to self: If you’re ever in a foul mood, just grab your camera and go shoot Penny :)

Yesterday was the most fun photo shoot I’ve ever done. Penny, one of my co-workers, wanted a portrait done for Christmas, so we met up yesterday afternoon. The elusive Mike Autry eventually joined us, and the three of us commenced to laugh our way through the afternoon - and I’m talking about the bent-over double, laughing-til-you-cry kind of laughing. I had 5 out-takes for every serious picture. Why can’t photography always be like that?

Kudos to Mike for taking this behind-the-scenes shot (well, technically, he ALWAYS does this, but I particularly liked this one, even though part of me is thinking “I leave my house looking like that? What is WRONG with me?”):

Right after this was taken, I took a shot that I think might be one of my most favorite shots ever. It isn’t technically perfect - the focus isn’t exactly right, and there was some camera shake - but I love it anyway.  Thank you, Penny, for being such an extraordinary model!

Canon Blue, a Nashville-based band, posted its newest EP free online this week. The four tracks are all worth a listen, but the first track, Kingfisher Sweet, is one of those songs that is somehow able to bring to mind the best and the worst days from childhood, my favorite book, and my favorite movie. Needless to say, it’s been on repeat for me the last three days. You can get the entire 4-song EP here. Thanks to yewknee for finding this.
Listen:

I was actually just listening to the song when I decided to take my 365 pic. I wanted to try to capture the thoughtful whimsy of it. I ended up choosing this photo, where you can clearly see my headphones around my neck:

But I really, really liked the outtake below. Somehow, I don’t think this looks like me at all - but all that’s been done is a RAW conversion and cropping. I look like a robot.

My parents and I traversed north-central Florida today, traveling from Cedar Key on the Gulf Coast to High Springs in the north. Unfortunately for them, I really, really wanted to take photos today. My fingers were practically itching to press the shutter release. I was quite pleased with what I got:

Even though I’ve been to both places more times than I can count, today I went into far more shops than I normally do - we even ventured through the Cedar Key Museum! I didn’t even know they HAD a museum.

Day Twelve: “Sister Winter,” by Sufjan Stevens

This photo is dedicated to all my friends. I wish you knew my friends - they are generous, thoughtful, beautiful people.

They have encouraged me to pursue all of my various interests, from photography to piano. They have gotten up at 4am to shoot the sunrise with me. They have listened with sympathy as I recounted the Year of My Great Tragedy. They have fed me and brought me coffee when they knew I was tired. They have chosen the gifts they give me wisely. They have introduced me to haunting songs and funny stories. They have filled my life with laughter. They have done all of this and much, much more.

Thank you, Mike, Jhimli, Sergio, Barry, and Courtney for the past few days. I must remember that I would be foolish to take our time for granted because, really, it doesn’t get better than this.

Happy Christmas :)