The 365 Project - Photography

Still Life Photography: A Different Approach

2010-10-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

Lessons Learned the Hard Way: My outtakes on still life photography

What is still life photography? This question comes to my mind as the judging of our final project is happening. Did I really miss the point of this concept or are the judges too traditional? When they announced the winner, I was crushed. I have high expectations and not hearing my name on the top five broke my heart.

Mind you, this is basic photography class and we are required to produce a still life shot of fruits. I immediately thought of going beyond what is traditional, which is arranging the fruits to make it look good. I don’t want to be contained with that idea so I went outdoors for my shots. My shot below is what I submitted for my finals.

Should I chose to enter the photo below, I could have gotten a higher rank. But then, as I came to think of it, I would not also be happy choosing that photo over my original entry. This is when I realized that I had yet to find another audience for my photo. Being radical or thinking out of the box would not really work in group where mainstream photography prevails. Nonetheless, I was happy expressing my art!

Book is Bread Also

2010-10-26T20:55:00.001-07:00

Every since was a child, I have always been fascinated with reading. Books easily became my companion and libraries and book shops became my paradise. I admit that I may not be as voracious as the other readers out there but I recognize the importance of books to the development of a person.

While it has always been pointed out by many that reading books is important, not many people are really keen on reading. How can it be so hard to see the connection that in order to know more, you have to read more. Be curious and ask often.

Today, there is an increasing number children who are not reading books in favor of playing computer games and other electronic toys. Indeed, the distraction of children in studying and reading books have indeed become more serious today than ever. Before, children are distracted because of too much playing, especially outside their houses. But today, children are left on the living room, watching TV all day and night long. Aside from too much TV, they have other electronic gadgets to play like play stations or computer games. They do not have any physical activity anymore. And this situation saddens me.

Merci Milk Chocolate: I Heart!

2010-09-30T04:52:00.001-07:00

The unique thing about this chocolate is that is assorted. The different bars have different flavors which are all unique to my taste. Usually, I would only have two choices for chocolates- dark or white. Others would be the inclusion of several ingredients like nuts, almonds and many more. With Merci, the flavors include Coffee, Dark Chocolate, Marzipan, Milk Chocolate, Almond, Crisp Crokant, Hazelnut, and Cream Chocolate, each individually wrapped.

The twenty sticks of chocolate in a box of Merci always give me a unique eating experience. It’s like literally saying that “life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you’re gonna get”. It describes exactly my experience with Merci chocolates. Every stick you pick, you’ll never what’s inside it. Nevertheless, there are color lines put in every stick which gives you a hint on what to expect on each bite.

Indeed, I can say that Merci is one of the finest chocolates in the world. The finest ingredients can give you variety and indulgence. Today, this brand of chocolate is more than just a food. It is used as a way of expressing gratitude to other people or loved ones. Undeniably, it is a gift that speaks for itself.

So to the makers of Merci, I say merci!

Technorati Tags: order chocolare,milk chocolate bar,milk chocolates,swiss chocolates,chocolate treats,dark chocolate gift,merci chocalte,chocolate gift boxes,dark chocolate candy,belgium chocolate

Food Trip: Pizza in a Cone

2010-09-27T20:14:00.001-07:00

Looking for creative ideas on food business? Why not try having pizza in a cone? It’s like having an ice cream but substituted by a pizza. It’s new and a unique idea. I have only seen this once at malls so I guess the market for the kind of food business is not yet overrated.

I believe having the pizza in a cone will be popular among teenagers, food lovers and the busy people. The idea of conveniently eating your pizza anytime and anywhere is the unique selling point of this business. You just have to come up with a unique marketing strategy to attract people to come to you.

Personally, we just stumbled upon this little food place in SM Mall of Asia while waiting for a musical show. We are looking for a place where we can eat fast but at the same time feel full. So we tried this place and voila, just as what we expected.

Not bad, I guess. It can attract many food lovers. Until the next food trip!

Technorati Tags: business ideas,food business,food industry,small business,business plan. home based business,starting a business

Getting Inked

2010-09-20T06:24:00.001-07:00

Avoiding the most cliché tattoos.

Having tattoos is becoming a trend among the youth today. It is not seen anymore as a thing for the bad and wild people, but as a form of expression of oneself. As a matter of fact, I believe that it goes beyond a personal expression today. It is fast becoming a fad and a frenzy. There are many people who goes to have tattoo without any serious thought on what is to be inked and just for the fun of it. Most of them, you will see, will eventually regret having tattooed.

For those of you who are really serious of getting inked, think about it a million times. And at all cost, please avoid those that are clichés or considered trivial. Take into consideration the part of the body where you will get tattooed and most importantly, the tattoo design. You can go to tattoo shop or parlor to get tattoo ideas and inspiration. Or you can just search the web for a wide range of tattoo gallery or tattoo art. Among the tattoo designs I consider as cliché are tribal band, super hard neck, butterfly, dolphins and sacred heart on the boobs.

At the end of the day, just remember that unless it is henna, getting inked is a permanent body art. It will remain on the body and even the cosmetic surgery will not really actually remove it. The traces of a removed tattoo will still be evident on your skin. So before getting ink, think about it first. If you pursue, think about the design. Think, think and think.

Here are some collections of tattoos from different books. You might want to consider taking a look:

Technorati Tags: tattoos,tattoo designs,tattoo ideas,tattoo pictures,tattoo gallery

Multivitamins: To Take or not to Take

2010-09-11T03:07:00.001-07:00

Ever since I was a child, I have been reluctant taking medicines. And this reluctance has stayed in me even now that I am old. I think it’s common to everybody to be afraid of hospitals, injections and medicines. Emerging diseases would immediately freak me out. So you can see why I’m not a fan of medicines specifically multivitamins.

Further, there are already studies emerging today that multivitamins show little benefits to the body. This has made me even more reluctant to take vitamins. There are even more aggressive studies pointing out that vitamins, instead of slowing the aging process, it even increases the risk of death.

For me, it is better to take healthy foods and have a healthy lifestyle rather than resort to taking vitamins. In this way, you can ensure a holistic well-being. It is your choice whether or not to take vitamins. My point here is that, my reluctance on taking medicines has led me to having a healthier lifestyle.

But if you really insist on taking vitamins, here are the list of some beneficial vitamins:

Technorati Tags: vitamins,multivitamins,vitamins and minerals,vitamin supplements

Starbucks Coffee as a Status Symbol

2010-09-08T21:36:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I went to Starbucks Coffee Shop and it seems like ages since I had coffee in this place. I really try to avoid going to this “fancy” place because it looks superficial to me. While many people are hungry out there, there you are sipping your very expensive cup of coffee. Many people are lured into these place because of the sense of feeling that you belong to the high class society or the elite level. I think this absurd, unfair and irrational.

In the Philippines, Starbucks is less of an issue of the fair trade and more as a status symbol. Most of the people go to the shop just to show off that they can afford this high-priced coffee drinks. It’s like telling to the world that “hey, I have money, I drink this kind of coffee and I belong to high society.” I hope that one day, this kind of thinking would stop. I just will people would stop thinking that products from the West or the global goods are reflection of high financial/economic status.

When I was in Indonesia, I have this friend once who constantly tells people that she misses drinking Starbucks coffee. Then, a foreigner asked her why she is looking for Starbucks where in fact she’s in the place where local coffees are the best in the world. At that moment, I want to smile but at the same time ashamed with what happened to my “friend”.

Here are some stuffs about Starbucks:

Technorati Tags: coffee,starbucks coffee,status symbol,coffee bean,coffee machines,coffee maker

Finding Music through Les Paul

2010-09-04T05:07:00.001-07:00

It has always been my frustration to play the guitar. Ever since I was a kid, it is inspiring to see people who can play the guitar well. Many has told me that playing the guitar is easy but I never find the courage and inspiration to play one. I have tried the piano and I’m eyeing for the violin. I hope that in the future, I would be inspired to pick up the guitar and just strum it. Meanwhile, I took a shot of my cousin’s guitar and it turned out good. Take a look.

Here are links to some cool electric guitars.

Macro Photography: Up Close and Personal with my Nikon D90

2010-09-01T09:46:00.001-07:00

The more formal or professional name for close-up photography is macro photography. Before this kind of photography is only appreciated in crime lab or the forensics. But today, it is one of the most artistic kinds of photography. And as I explore this concept, I am truly amazed with photography and the effect of seeing small things through the lens.

My first fulfillment of my shots from my Nikon digital camera (D90 specifically) came with my macro images. Every time I feel like practicing, I would go in the backyard and take a few shots of small things. Indeed, it looks nice and a bit professional through the help of my camera also. While creating bokeh shots is great, the Nikon D90 is also equipped with fisheye editing tool.

There is a wide array of macro lenses that is sold in the market today. Other than macro lenses, there are other equipment designed to aid the photographer in macro photography. Aside from equipment dedicated from macro photography, there are also techniques utilized. Among these are the depth of field (DOF, my favorite) and the lighting.

Here are few links to some useful lenses for your camera:

Technorati Tags: nikon camera,camera lens,bokeh,fisheye lens,macro lens,digital camera lens,nikon lens

Carolina Herrera Takes on Eye Glasses Also

2010-08-14T03:51:00.001-07:00

Through the looking glass: Carolina Herrera Eyeglasses

When one talks about Carolina Herrera, one can easily think of perfume. More than a name, Carolina Herrera is a fashion label. This designer brand is known for its perfume/fragrances, clothing, shoes, handbags and menswear. While it may not be usually heard like the case of Louis Vuitton, Gucci. Prada and the like, this brand is also a fashion empire. The label is known for its ensembles that are considered timeless. It is perfect for ladies who crave for a touch of class.

As for me, I love the whole clothing line of Carolina Herrera. It’s something that I can relate into. Unlike the collection of other designers, Herrera’s are something to look forward to. This is true especially on its bridal wear. Her designs would be something that would inspire my future wedding gowns.

And with my last visit to my eye doctor, it opened me to the other world of Carolina Herrera. She designs eyeglasses/eye frames. I do not know exactly how is the business when it comes to designer eyeglasses since various fashion brands have their label of different eye wear also. When I saw the Carolina Herrera eyeglasses, I knew that it was the perfect fit for me.

For those who have eye glasses, they can profess that finding the perfect fit is difficult. Obviously, eye glasses are not that relatively fashion statements, especially when you really need one. Some may rock them, but most would look drab or nerd or whatnot. So, I thank my Caroline Herrera, since it also looks fashionable for me. Yey!

Here are the links to some of the fragrances of Herrera. I guarantee you, they are a perfect scent!

Technorati Tags: herrera carolina,212 herrera,herrera men,herrera perfume,herrera fragrances,herrera bridal

Billabong: Product Review

2010-08-07T02:21:00.001-07:00

My encounter with Billabong products

When you see the products of Billabong, one can say that the brand speaks of superiority. While I’ve known this brand for a very long time now, it is only when I stayed in Indonesia that I have become highly familiar with this clothing line dedicated for surfers. As a matter of fact, I came to know that Billabong offers more than just a line of clothing, since they have also products like footwear, accessories and other surfwear.

Bali is like a haven of Billabong goods. I get to shop a lot at a very cheap price. Okay, I will admit that the first thing I do in Bali is to shop in discount stores of Billabong. When I arrive there early in the morning, I go to Billabong stores even before I get my breakfast. With this, I hope that I can justify my reviews on their products.

I have hopelessly fallen in love with the surfwear and accessories of Billabong. From caps, wallets to flip flops, I make it a point to that I buy it all from this brand. I must admit that their designs are wonderful. They are one of a kind and classy. I feel like when I’m wearing Billabong clothes, I can stand out of the crowd. The design is really something that catches me.

However, there is also a downside of Billabong products. I find it that in almost of the things that I bough from them that it is not highly durable. It’s like they are almost disposable. For example, do not expect that the durability and functionality of bags from Billabong would be the same with the ones you bought in Nike, Adidas and other brands. I know the comparison may not have any basis, but I would just like to point out that in terms of durability, you cannot really count on Billabong.

Even if this is the case of Billabong, I would still buy their products. In the end, it is still my choice. And I have chosen design over durability. Since I would dispose most of my things at some point, I just ignore the issue of durability. I would just hope that someday, Billabong would improve its products on this aspect. For me, design overweighs the durability factor.

I’m not sure if this observation of mine is the same with yours. But for me, this is true and I have proven it so many times. Tell me your experiences!

Here are some links to Billabong clothing and accessories:

Technorati Tags: billabong,product review,two-piece bikini

Musical Broadway: Cats the Musical

2010-08-03T07:15:00.001-07:00

Animal Photography – Cats Specifically

Taking pictures of cats has become of my interests lately. It appears to be that they give a beautiful effect in pictures. So, every time I meet cats, I usually take pictures of them. I am also lucky to have access to cats. Their abundance in my place enables me to capture them beautifully.

So, when I heard that the Cats musical will be performing here in Philippines, I became curious of this show. I was even more thrilled when they announced that Lea Salonga will be performing with this musical. I am not a fan of broadway music nor broadway songs. I only know the “phantom of the opera” broadway also. But when Andrew Webber’s broadway musical Cats came to Philippines, I was intrigued.

It’s not enough to research about Cats, the musical. I believe it is a must to see this performance. After all, it is the second longest running musical in history. And with Lea on the show, Cats would surely be a hit.
Can somebody give me tickets pleeaaaasseeeeee? Meow.

Check out here the different goods for CATS fanatics.

Technorati Tags: cats the musical,musical broadway,broadway music,andrew webber,cats,lea salonga

Inception and Lost TV Show

2010-07-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

Your mind is the scene of the crime.

It has been ages since I went to a movie house. But the rave reviews on the movie Inception has made me see the film. For me, my point is that it would be a waste of money and time to go cinema houses. I usually download movies online for free. In this way, I will not be able to waste money just in case I did not like the movie. Ha!
The beauty and complexity of Inception makes it impossible for me to have a detailed or complete synopsis of the movie. While there are summaries available out there, it is not the same as really watching the movie. This is especially true when it comes to the ending of Inception. One of the reasons for the rave review of the movie is the highly debated ending of the movie.

Just to give you an overview, the movie revolves around the character of Leonardo DiCaprio (aka Dom Cobb) who is a futuristic thief specializing in stealing ideas on the minds of people through their dreams. But then, the movie becomes complicated because there is this dream within a dream and still within that dream. (Watch the trailer here).

After watching the show, there’s one thing that came into my mind – Inception reminds me of my favorite TV show, Lost. The subject matter about the subconscious, the limbo and the mind-fuck brings back my memories of Lost. I did not expect this in the Inception movie. All I really wanted is to see what the “intellectuals” are buzzing about.
This belief about the connection of “Inception” and “Lost” has been reaffirmed when Lindelof tweeted about the ending of the Inception movie telling that “there is a THIRD possibility – it neither stopped…nor kept spinning.” The story stopped before either could happen.” I love Lost and Inception but being puzzled out by the ending of Inception has been the least of my worries. After all, dreams do not really make sense! So, I say, just enjoy the ride through this form of entertainment.

By watching Inception, I was able to hit two birds with one stone. I was blown away by the movie in itself and it’s a bonus that “somehow”, it has the same ideas with Lost. What I highly regret now is that I did not watch the movie in 2D! It would have been a better experience. Nonetheless, I plan to go back to the movie house to watch this movie again. Indeed, I can say that Nolan has redefined the meaning of movies. This movie has made me go back and love the cinemas!
I even took pictures with the setting of Inception!

Technorati Tags: Inception movie,Inception ending,Lost TV Show,Lindelof,Dreams

Usher: Live in Manila

2010-07-10T22:40:00.000-07:00

Practicing photography at a concert could have been a good idea.

Last July 10, Usher had his first concert in Manila. I think, this is the first concert he made in Asia. Well, I am not aware of the latest happenings around the city that is why it was already too late when I got this news. As a matter of fact, I only saw Usher’s poster in a bookstore and of course, the details of his concert.
Nonetheless, I kinda like the idea that Usher was here in the Philippines because his music is hugely popular here. It is like when you talk about RnB, you talk about Usher. Young girls or the teenagers are most of the fan of Usher here. The emerging music here is also highly influenced by Usher’s music.
So, thanks Usher! I hope to meet you also someday.

If you want to buy the music/CDs of Usher, check out the links from Amazon:

Technorati Tags: Usher,Manila concert,RnB,music

Yamato, The Drummers of Japan

2010-07-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

Concert Photography through the Art of Drumming

Recently, I had the opportunity to watch Yamato, the Drummers of Japan perform live here in Manila. “Yamato” is a group of Japanese drummers that specializes in playing the Taiko drums. Basically, the “taiko” drums are one of the many drums in Japan which is used in many occasions and ceremonies. The Yamato group is an ensemble of taiko drummers tend to blend the theatrical acts with explosive percussions.
When a friend told me about this cultural performance, I thought I would be bored but I was wrong. I enjoyed every second of the show, so much so, that I don’t want to take pictures anymore and just concentrate on watching them. Watching this spectacular show gives me an amazing feeling. Even though I am not Japanese, I am truly proud of this group. They are giving Japan a sense of pride. They have significantly relived the rich culture of Japan.

Indeed, I can say that with all honesty, it was a genuinely amazing performance by the Yamato Taiko. A perfect combination of drama and wit. Aahh the overwhelming thunder of the drums. It was way above and beyond my expectations.
Sheer magic!

Check out the items below for things about taiko!

Technorati Tags: music from japan,the art of drumming,drums,taiko drums,yamato - the drummers of japan

Origami and Prison Break Photography

2010-06-02T03:31:00.000-07:00

The Art of Paper Folding: Origami and Photographing it

Today is the birthday of Wentworth Miller. And ever since that Prison Break TV show was aired, I cannot stop admiring Wentworth. His body, his eyes, the way he moves and everything about him. I don’t care if he’s really gay! I just like him for what he is.

Anyway, now that the show (Prison Break) is over, I’m always reminded by it whenever I see an origami crane. To those who have watched Prison Break, you will know that the origami (especially the crane) plays an important role in the story.

Recently, a friend of mine gave me an origami crane as a tribute to Wentworth’s role (Michael Scofield in Prison Break) and with the show in itself. I took a picture of the crane and here’s what it looks like.

What I can say about the show is that it is really good. If you want to watch the whole season, just check the DVDs on the links below:

Technorati Tags: origami crane,origami,prison break,wentworth miller,michael scofield, photography

Sky Photography: Venus Occultation

2010-05-16T00:59:00.000-07:00

A Perfect Opportunity for Practicing Photography through the Planet Venus and Moon

An occultation is explained as the event wherein a celestial object is hidden by another celestial object which passes between it and an observer. This kind of celestial event is considered rare. And on May 16, 2010, a Venus occultation just happened.

The moment I saw the extraordinary positioning of two heavenly bodies in the sky, I knew that something spectacular was happening. The first thing that came to my mind when I saw the beautiful positioning of the heavenly bodies is a flag. Yes a flag! I remembered immediately that this exact image is embedded in a flag of a particular country. And this country, is Malaysia. But then, as I checked out the Internet, I found out that various countries have the same imagery as the planet Venus and the moon. Among them are Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia, East Turkesta, Hyderabad, Janira, Mauritania, Pakistan, Tatar Nationalist, Tunisia and Turkey.

I have attempted to take several pictures of the occultation. With my digital SLR camera equipped with 18-105mm lens, I was able to take decent pictures of this planetary occultation.Indeed, I can consider myself as lucky to witness this rare celestial event.

Also, it would have been better if I had a telescope so that I could have seen this spectacular event , Nonetheless, I enjoyed watching it with my naked eye. Till the next spectacular event in the sky! Bye bye~

Check out Amazon for telescopes, binoculars and telephoto lens.

Technorati Tags: venus moon,earth venus,sky photography,venus occultation

Diet Culprit: Soda Drinks

2010-04-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

Food photography: Coca-Cola

As I am taking picture of Coca-Cola, I came to realize that soda drinks, or more popularly known as soft drinks are the culprit on my diet plans and strategies. No matter what exercise or food diet I get into, if I will not minimize the intake of soda, then it will be wasted effort. Because of this, I resolve to minimize drinking soda drinks. And if I can do it, I want to totally eliminate it to have a genuinely healthy lifestyle.

While the beautiful ads of Coca Cola are rampant,one should not be taken away with it. Studies and various researches show that the excessive intake of Soda has been linked with obesity, especially among children, toothache and pancreatic cancer. It would be advisable for everybody to reduce the intake of soda drinks.

Here are some diet books and tapes that can help you slim down:

Happy birthday to me! A Nikon D90!!!

2010-04-26T00:13:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday and I got this new digital SLR camera. Because of this, I decided to start a blog that will feature my photos. In this way, I will be able to share my shots to you and at the same time, my thoughts about anything and everything.
The date today is April 26, 2010. And my birthday gift to my self is a brand new Nikon D90.

After all the researching and other considerations, I landed with the Nikon D90. First, the financial considerations made me settle to this model. The camera is for professional photographers already. And someday, I would like to become a pro! I love the monitor on top of the camera and that the lens is not 18-105mm (not the basic). The old war between Nikon and Canon also came to light as I tend to find the best camera for me. But for this range, Nikon wins the game. Yay!

I was happy with my choice of camera. I hope to get good shots from it. And of course, i have secret desires of becoming a professional photographer, especially in the field of travel/landscape photography.

If you want to buy this too, check out the links below:

Technorati Tags: nikon d90,nikon vs. canon,dlsr,camera