Vintage Everet

Vintage Everet, originally uploaded by billaday.

Have I mentioned I love my new lens? I do.

I know that eyes need to be in focus in a photo. With this lens, though, they really need to be in focus. And, it's really hard to get eyes in focus with an aperture of 1.4. Lots of my people pictures are already trash cuz I barely missed focus on the eyes. I'm glad I shoot digitally--me and my wallet would be sad otherwise.

Year 3, Day 32

f1.4

f1.4, originally uploaded by billaday.

I got a new lens! It's the Nikon 50mm f1.4. I love the shallow depth of field. There will be many more DoF shots in the next month (year!?) to come. It turns out that getting stuff in focus is really hard with this lens. I have a few shots of faces where the eyes are (slightly) blurry, but the bangs are in focus. Crazy.

Year 3, Day 31

Greg Laswell

Greg Laswell, originally uploaded by billaday.

We went to see Greg Laswell last night at Hotel Café. He was great, and his guitarist Brandon had amazing tones on his electric. Dude. I read an article a while back where Greg talked about the Apogee Duet, a killer audio interface for the computer.

btw, this shot is a 4 second exposure. You can see his face at the top of the purpleness if you view large.

Year 3, Day 30

floored

floored, originally uploaded by billaday.

Little molecules dancing on the bathroom floor.

Year 3, Day 29

headbanger

headbanger, originally uploaded by billaday.

Everet put a bowl on his head and played some beats for us. The kid loves drums, and loves banging on stuff. Good times.

Year 3, Day 28

Emergency box

Emergency box, originally uploaded by billaday.

I always feel safer having these emergency boxes around college campuses, but then I get to thinking. Is this 20 year old box really gonna save my life? What if someone attacks me and I'm not right next to it? (Of course, I'm awesome, so I'd demolish them (but not really), but that's not really the point here.) And even if I am right next to this box from the 80's, could I push it in time to be saved? And would it even work? And assuming all that, how intimidating is the local campus police?

Year 3, Day 27

Your function

Your function, originally uploaded by billaday.

The new MacBook Pro keyboard is so beautiful. How can you not want one of these? I have a theory--if you start writing a book using this keyboard, the book will inevitably be awesome.

I don't do this often, but you must view this on black.

Year 3, Day 26

knit

knit, originally uploaded by billaday.

Isabelle is sewing a scarf... knitting? Crocheting? Croqeting?

Year 3, Day 25

the red brick road to the ocean

the red brick road to the ocean, originally uploaded by billaday.

Isabelle and I love to go to Santa Monica. Whenever we go, I drag her to see the ocean (and away from the stores) to take pictures. This is just below 3rd street, and leads to the ocean.

Year 3, Day 24

twist cap

twist cap, originally uploaded by billaday.

I thought of giving up soda in 2009, but I just like it too much.

Year 3, Day 23

Good Fortune

Good Fortune, originally uploaded by billaday.

May the new year bring you good fortune.

Cheesy, yes. True, also yes.

Year 3, Day 22

Daily Subs Lease

Daily Subs Lease, originally uploaded by billaday.

Seriously?

This is the funniest sign I've seen in a long time. If I wanted a submarine sandwich, I'd just buy one...

Year 3, Day 21

Puma

Puma, originally uploaded by billaday.

Wayne got a new lens for Christmas--Nikon 50mm 1.8. I have extreme lens envy. I will get one soon. Love the shallow depth of field.

Year 3, Day 20

Basement

Basement, originally uploaded by billaday.

We went to my great aunt's house for dinner. She gave Isabelle some "wonderful" earrings, which Isabelle graciously wore. Here's Isabelle coming up from the super cool basement.

Year 3, Day 19

Jason the Chef

Jason the Chef, originally uploaded by billaday.

We went to a New Year's Eve Eve Eve Eve Party. Jason is a great chef. He made fancy stuff, and it was delicious. That's him running in the kitchen (notice the blur) preparing beverages.

Year 3, Day 18

Emerald Bowl

Emerald Bowl, originally uploaded by billaday.

Bowl season has begun. For the Emerald Bowl, we went to Isabelle's aunt's house to watch her cousin play in the game. She plays trumpet, not football. This photo shows what was atop the tv--it's the exact logo of the bowl game.

Year 3, Day 17

Emerald Bowl

Emerald Bowl, originally uploaded by billaday.

Bowl season has begun. For the Emerald Bowl, we went to Isabelle's aunt's house to watch her cousin play in the game. She plays trumpet, not football. This photo shows what was atop the tv--it's the exact logo of the bowl game.

Year 3, Day 17

blue glow

blue glow, originally uploaded by billaday.

Santa brought our family a Wii Fit. It is a lot of fun, and a lot of exercise.

If you nothing about the Wii Fit, Nintendo believes that... "Wii Fit combines fun and fitness in one product. It can change how you exercise, how you balance, and even how you move. How will it move you?"

It moves me to have more fun.

Year 3, Day 16

Three pointer

Three pointer, originally uploaded by billaday.

For better or worse, I agreed to go see the Lakers with Wayne. I was excited to go, but also really wanted to spend time with the family. Since this was a rare opportunity, and I've always wanted to see a Lakers/Celtics game, I went.

Staples Center Photography Rules: You can't bring a camera with lens larger the 3.5 inches. My dSLR's lens is longer. So, all my shots were with my point-and-shoot. No dramatic action shots here, but I did get a great shot of Kobe Bryant making a three pointer... with the rest of the players also in the shot.

Year 3, Day 15

Isabelle meets Ryan

Isabelle meets Ryan, originally uploaded by billaday.

Michelle & Danny finally had a boy. After nine months, Ryan is alive and well. Here's Isabelle meeting him.

Processing note: hospital light is pretty bad, and I didn't want to use a flash (since Ryan was just one day old). To solve this, I used Exposure (Photoshop plug-in made by Alien Skin) and applied a sepia mid-band split. It give you lots of control over highlights, shadows, and intensity of sepia-ness. Without these tweaks, I would have tossed this shot (even though it captures an important moment). But now I love it.

Year 3, Day 14

get your gift receipts ready

get your gift receipts ready, originally uploaded by billaday.

My wife did nearly all our Christmas shopping. For that, she rocks. Thanks. And save those gift receipts. Nobody wants two copies of Tiger Woods PGA Golf '09.


Year 3, Day 13

the lattice from above

the lattice from above, originally uploaded by billaday.

Brent & I went to Universal Studios today because my cousins Andy & Nicole had extra tickets. First off, they rock. Secondly, this photo isn't actually from Universal Studios--it's from Citywalk. There's a giant dome that you can see on my map.

Year 3, Day 12

my sister took me to see Schuyler Fisk

my sister took me to see Schuyler Fisk, originally uploaded by billaday.

Annie and I went to see Schuyler Fisk at the Troubadour. Her name sounds like Skyler, but is written Schuyler. She's a cool acoustic guitar singer. Annie loves her. And I love that you can bring small cameras most everywhere these days. If you haven't done so yet, go listen to Schuyler on her web page or on My Space.

Year 3, Day 11

Forth Winery

Forth Winery, originally uploaded by billaday.

For Preston's 30th birthday, we went wine tasting in the Alexander Valley, and his father-in-law knows the owners of Forth Vineyards, Gerry and Jann. Since it was around the holidays and the tasting room was closed, they invited us into their house for a private tasting. It was incredible--great wine, great hospitality, great company. Happy birthday Preston! Oh yeah, go visit own Forth Vineyards http://www.forthvineyards.com

Year 3, Day 10

Zebra Mountain

Zebra Mountain, originally uploaded by billaday.

The Grapevine has been closed intermittently. It was open, but there was snow around. Crazy.

Year 3, Day 9

Bird on a wire

Bird on a wire, originally uploaded by billaday.

I've tried to get away from sunset pictures lately. They look cool, but they're not too challenging. This bird, however, caught my eye. I thought the single bird sitting on a telephone wire looked very cool. There's also the palm trees throughout the shot, which are always interesting to me. I thought of doing a palm tree book once.

Year 3, Day 8

Intersection

Intersection, originally uploaded by billaday.

I still don't like the rain. However, roads like way more interesting when they are wet. And since I rarely see wet roads, it's pretty interesting to me. So I took this photo at a red light. See, there are upsides to just missing a light.

Year 3, Day 7

Zebra bells

Zebra bells, originally uploaded by billaday.

In my classroom, I ring the bell whenever I need the kids to stop. This particular time, I noticed the reflection in the bell. It looks like a zebra (sort of) to me.

Year 3, Day 6

I hate the rain

I hate the rain, originally uploaded by billaday.

Rain, rain, go away. Go away forever. I don't like rain. I don't like anything about the rain. You just get wet, and people crash into your car more often.

Year 3, Day 5

In, please

In, please, originally uploaded by billaday.

Name this restaurant. Here's a clue: it represents awesomeness, both in the restaurant, and out the restaurant.

Year 3, Day 4

Profile on a photographer

Profile on a photographer, originally uploaded by billaday.

I like taking pictures. I've noticed, since starting Year 3 of my photo-a-day project, more people around me are taking pictures. I'm not claiming credit (remotely) for my friends taking pictures, but I do believe that it's an infectious hobby. Here's Greg taking a picture of his keyboard.

Year 3, Day 3

Jolly Old Man

Jolly Old Man, originally uploaded by billaday.

I walked downtown in our small city to get my hair cut. On my way, I saw a crowd. Apparently, Santa came by for the tree lighting ceremony. Crazy.

Year 3, Day 2

Nightmare Before Christmas

Nightmare Before Christmas, originally uploaded by billaday.

Photo-a-Day Year 3 has officially begun! Take the time to check out my photoblog at http://billaday.blogspot.com/ . It's been revamped, and you can now subscribe to it.

The Haunted Mansion also revamps itself for Christmas, er, the Nightmare Before Christmas. Notice the parallels...

Year 3, Day 1

Subway tunnel

Subway tunnel, originally uploaded by billaday.

So, after going back and forth on 4 different shots, here is Day 366.

I had no set idea what I wanted this photo-a-day to be, but I did know that I had always wanted to go on the subway in L.A. After a couple hours shooting throughout downtown, I had forgotten all about the subway idea. Luckily, I stumbled upon a subway entrance at Civic Center that would take me back to Union Station (where I parked).

Once in the subway, I took many, many shots of ceilings and trains quickly passing. This shot turned out to be the best of the underground ones. A train is approaching, and its headlight backlit this guy.

Thanks to everyone who has been viewing, commenting, and supporting this Photo-a-Day project. The official photo blog can always be found here: http://billaday.blogspot.com .

Photo-a-Day year 3 has already begun. Look for a new Flickr set on Wed.

Day 366

Solid Oak

Solid Oak, originally uploaded by billaday.

Thanks a lot leap year.

Today is day 365, but I'm not done. Tomorrow, day 366, is the official end of year II of photo-a-day. Since I finished work at 10pm, a nearby park is photo 365. Something in downtown L.A. is on the horizon for the big day.

Day 365

Collared

Collared, originally uploaded by billaday.

So, it's day 364. Tomorrow is the big 365, basically. Since it was a leap year, I think I might need to call day 366 the final day. I dunno, though. Last year ended Dec. 10, and my new year began on Dec. 11. Maybe I'll just wait and see how good tomorrow's shot comes out...

Day 364

Like father, like son

Like father, like son, originally uploaded by billaday.

We had a chance to meet a really pretty lady today. She let us take a photo with her. Such a nice lady... too bad she's in black and white.

Day 363

Whttr Cty Cmmrc Bldng

Whttr Cty Cmmrc Bldng, originally uploaded by billaday.

It's time for my latest plug for Zel. He's a phenomenal photographer that's had a big influence on my style. If you ever find yourself thinking that minimal art is lame and says nothing, check out his photostream full screen, and prepare to see something legendary.

Day 362

Make like a tree, and get outta here

Make like a tree, and get outta here, originally uploaded by billaday.

Seriously #1: ok seriously, when did leaves start actually falling off of trees in Southern California. I've never seen so many leaves on the ground.

Seriously #2: So, if you haven't seen Back to the Future in the last year, go watch. Of course, I'm assuming you own it. What? Because it's awesome.

Day 361

Cracks me up

Cracks me up, originally uploaded by billaday.

The nutcracker seems a bit obsolete now, doesn't it? One trip and $4 later at Trader Joe's, and you have two pounds of cracked, shelled nuts. Seriously, what's this guy still holding on to?

Day 360

Evidence

Evidence, originally uploaded by billaday.

Last year, some kids stole a bunch of stuff from my friend's classroom, including this nice (brand new at the time) white iMac. There were immediately caught and prosecuted. Now, over a year later, the iMac is finally returned--it's covered in black fingerprint dust, and is almost outdated. Yay for justice.

Day 359

Fall has fallen in Autumn

Fall has fallen in Autumn, originally uploaded by billaday.

I don't remember leaves ever falling here in Southern California. But this year, I am seeing leaves falling all around me. I got back to my car, and I saw all these leaves on the windshield. What's that about? I don't live in New England.

Day 358

A plane, the moon, and Mars

A plane, the moon, and Mars, originally uploaded by billaday.

Aside from knowing incredibly little about outer space, I'm fairly certain that this photo shows Mars, the moon, and an airplane. This looks nice big.

Day 357

Writing on the Wall

Writing on the Wall, originally uploaded by billaday.

This is a really cool stock photo, imho. You can add stuff to eat, write stuff on it, use it as a texture over another shot. Use it if you'd like...


Day 356

Now that's a cake

Now that's a cake, originally uploaded by billaday.

My great aunt turned 90. We bought her 90 lottery tickets, and The Motherlode cake from Claim Jumper. It was a good time.

Day 355

it's just like riding a bike

it's just like riding a bike, originally uploaded by billaday.

I went on a bike ride with my little sister. I don't think we've ridden together since summer 1988. She hadn't been on a bike in 15 years, so the downhills were freaking her out. But... it's just like riding a bike--you never really forget.

Day 354

Yippee

Yippee, originally uploaded by billaday.

We always play games after eating turkey. My dad won, and he was happy about it.

Day 353

Sick

Sick, originally uploaded by billaday.

I learned today to not eat bell peppers. I'm allergic, and didn't realize the carne asade was marinated in bell peppers. This is the blanket I covered myself in for 40 straight hours. Not fun.

Day 352

Little Lillis IPA

Little Lillis IPA, originally uploaded by billaday.

Joe's new homebrew. It's named in honor of his new son. It was really good, and not super hoppy. This is the coolest and fanciest homemade label I've seen in some time.

Day 351

connect

connect, originally uploaded by billaday.

Whoever invented the bike chain was a smart person. I don't think I could build one of these by hand. I'm glad you can buy them; it's much better that way.

Day 350