Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Project 365 - Day 17

Project 365 - Day 17



Date & Time: Tuesday, April 29, 2014, 6:47 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 31 mm
     ISO: 400
     Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec
     Aperture: f/5.0

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
It was drizzling all day so I wanted to take a close up picture of the rain drops on a petal of a flower. But I couldn't find any decent flowers, so I figured rain drops on leaves will have to do. Actually, I didn't have that much of a selection... Flowers should be blooming all over the place, but they are not. I guess it's all due to this weird weather we've been having. Can you believe I am still wearing my winter coat? :/

-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Project 365 - Day 16

Project 365 - Day 16



Date & Time: Monday, April 28, 2014, 6:17 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 17 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/5 sec
     Aperture: f/4

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
I spent the whole day cleaning, so I was sore and tired by the time I took this photo. I was going to take pictures outside, but walking was such a struggle that I decided to take photos inside instead. LOL.

-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Monday, April 28, 2014

Project 365 - Day 15

Project 365 - Day 15



Date & Time: Sunday, April 27, 2014, 12:04 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 42 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/1250 sec
     Aperture: f/5.6

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
Yesterday, we went to Macaroni Grill to celebrate my cousin's birthday. After, we went to a street fair, where I took a lot of photos. But instead of using one of those photos, I chose to use this picture of my sister, Phoebe, as the "Photo of the Day" since I haven't done one of a person. LOL.

I really like this one (the way she's posed), but the shutter speed I used was too high so the picture came out dark. I did increase the exposure when I was post processing, but as you can see , the picture is a little too grainy for my liking. :(

-o-o-o-


Date & Time: Sunday, April 27, 2014, 12:04 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 42 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/160 sec
     Aperture: f/5.6

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
Here is another one of Phoebe, taken mere seconds after the first one. I did use a different setting for this one. This one came out brighter than the first one but a little blurrier. The photos (this and the first one) were both blurry around edges, which was not planned, and was not how I wanted the shots to come out. I would have noticed it sooner but I had a screen protector on my camera, which pretty much made it difficult to see.

I have to remember to stay on top of my aperture setting in the future. Lesson learned.

-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Project 365 - Day 14

Project 365 - Day 14



Date & Time: Saturday, April 26, 2014, 7:39 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 28 mm
     ISO: 200
     Shutter Speed: 1/10 sec
     Aperture: f/4.8

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
I was so drained that I spent yesterday pretty much sleeping on and off all day. I didn't have the energy to explore so I just used this angel fountain as my subject for the "Photo of the Day."

-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Project 365 - Day 13

Project 365 - Day 13



Date & Time: Friday, April 25, 2014, 6:17 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 24 mm
     ISO: 200
     Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec
     Aperture: f/4.5

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
After spending about a couple of hours at the Empire State Building, I was sure I was going to use one the beautiful photos I took as my "Photo of the Day." But as we were picking up our car at the garage, this building caught my attention. I knew at that moment that this was going to be the photo I was going to use. :)

-o-o-o-


Date & Time: Friday, April 25, 2014, 2:54 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 33 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/100 sec
     Aperture: f/9

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
This was taken while I was in the car. :)

-o-o-o-


Date & Time: Friday, April 25, 2014, 2:56 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 28 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/100 sec
     Aperture: f/9

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
This was taken while I was in the car. :)

-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

I hope to post the rest of the photos I took yesterday within the next few days.

xx,
Pamela

Friday, April 25, 2014

Project 365 - Day 12

Project 365 - Day 12



Date & Time: Thursday, April 24, 2014, 6:25 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 15 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/30 sec
     Aperture: f/6.3

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
I feel the need to apologize for today's "Photo of the Day." It's another one of the trees and plants. :/ But it would have been that, or another photo of the sun in the sky! We're going to the city today, so hopefully tomorrow's post will have photos that are more interesting.

-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Project 365 - Day 11

Project 365 - Day 11



Date & Time: Wednesday, April 23, 2014, 10:19 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 23 mm
     ISO: 400
     Shutter Speed: 1/8 sec
     Aperture: f/5.0

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
I considered turning this into a black & white photo, but thought better of it. I'm glad I didn't. I like the hue, lighting, and shadowing of this photo.

-o-o-o-


Date & Time: Wednesday, April 23, 2014, 10:16 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 20 mm
     ISO: 400
     Shutter Speed: 1/6 sec
     Aperture: f/5.0

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
This is pretty much the same as the photo above, but I just had to post it. :)

-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Project 365 - Day 10

Project 365 - Day 10



Date & Time: Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 6:52 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 33 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/13 sec
     Aperture: f/5.2

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
It was drizzling on and off yesterday. I wanted to take pictures of the raindrops on the flowers but by the time I got out of work, it had stop raining and the raindrops pretty much evaporated. So really, the pictures were just of the flowers. LOL.

While taking pictures, a bumblebee actually started fluttering around the flowers. I tried to get a shot of it, but I was too slow. I guess I need to work on taking pictures of moving subjects next. :/

-o-o-o-


 Date & Time: Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 6:48 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 29 mm
     ISO: 400
     Shutter Speed: 1/160 sec
     Aperture: f/4.9

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4, Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0

Comments:
I love the colors, but I wish the background was blurrier, more out of focus, or less saturated. The main flowers of the pictures are getting lost in the background. I could "photoshop" it to achieve the look I want, but I think I will save that for another blog post. Plus, I really wanted to get the shot without a major "photoshop" overhaul- maybe just a little tweaking here and there. I think I'm going to "retake" this photo in the future.

-o-o-o-

Date & Time: Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 6:50 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 33 mm
     ISO: 400
     Shutter Speed: 1/100 sec
     Aperture: f/5.2

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4, Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0

Comments:
This is just a variation of the first photo. :)

-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Project 365 - Day 9

Project 365 - Day 9



Date & Time: Monday, April 21, 2014, 6:46 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 15 mm
     ISO: 400
     Shutter Speed: 1/50 sec
     Aperture: f/3.6

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
I decided to take photos inside since my last few ones were of the outdoors. I've noticed that I have been avoiding tweaking (inceasing) the ISO, which I really shouldn't because it does make a difference. During those times I was reading phtography blogs, I read in one of them that when taking a photo, one should consider the ISO first before figuring out the rest. I don't know if this a photography rule, but I agree.

-o-o-o-




Date & Time: Monday, April 21, 2014, 6:43 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 14 mm
     ISO: 400
     Shutter Speed: 1/8 sec
     Aperture: f/3.5

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4, Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0

Comments:
Even though I took photos inside, I still used the sun as part of my composition. I really like the shadow of the window's outline on the chalkboard wall.

-o-o-o-




Date & Time: Monday, April 21, 2014, 6:47 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 14 mm
     ISO: 400
     Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec
     Aperture: f/3.5

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4, Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0

Comments:
Another photo with the sun and its flare, but I really like how it peaks through the blinds.

-o-o-o-
 
Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

The 52 Week Money Challenge (Weeks 41 & 42 Update)

Week 41 - April 18, 2014
Week 42 - April 25, 2014

Current Savings : $903

(Image courtesy of: www.savingeveryday.net) - I'm just adding the red check marks as I go along.

xx,
Pamela

Monday, April 21, 2014

Project 365 - Day 8

Project 365 - Day 8




Date & Time: Sunday, April 20, 2014, 1:24 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 18 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/400 sec
     Aperture: f/11

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
Since yesterday was Easter, I thought this photo was perfect- the cross, the sun and its flare, the angle from which I took the shot... I think this somewhat makes up for the photos I took Saturday. I love the photos of Simba, but let's be honest, the composition is not the best. His cuteness made up for it though...

I originally wanted to take a picture of the actual church, but it was too crowded that it got crazy in the parking lot. With people leaving, and others arriving for the next mass, we just had to get out of there. Otherwise, we would have been stuck. But I guess God was on my side... He gave me the opportunity to be able to take this beautiful photo.


-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Project 365 - Day 7

Project 365 - Day 7




Date & Time: Saturday, April 19, 2014, 7:18 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 31 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec
     Aperture: f/5.0

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
I'm not entirely happy with this photo... Actually, I am not happy with the whole set of photos I took outside yesterday. In addition to the different angles I took this photo, I also took a lot of pictures of the sky. But this is the best one out of the bunch, which says a lot.

It's entirely my fault, really. We had a gorgeous day, but I procrastinated and waited until early evening to take pictures. Plus, I really should have picked a different subject this time, but I wanted to try out taking of photos of the sky after I changed my sharpness and saturation settings. I don't think it made much of a difference, which brings me to the conclusion that those breathtaking photos I saw on Flickr were probably a result of post processing manipulation. Not that there's anything wrong with that- I am a big fan of photo editing softwares.

-o-o-o-

Date & Time: Saturday, April 19, 2014, 7:28 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 31 mm
     ISO: 800
     Shutter Speed: 1/8 sec
     Aperture: f/5.6

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
Because I knew I took less than stellar photos, I decided to take photos of our pug, Simba... And I was right to do so, which is I am also posting this as my "Photo of the Day." This guy loves the camera. He knows when you are taking a picture of him, and would pose! That's what he did when I took this photo and the ones below:




-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

Happy Easter everyone!

xx,
Pamela

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Project 365 - Day 6

Project 365 - Day 6


Date & Time: Friday, April 18, 2014, 7:55 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 28 mm
     ISO: 400
     Shutter Speed: 1/25 sec
     Aperture: f/4.8

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
I had mentioned before how I wanted my images to be sharper, especially the ones I have taken of the sky. I was browsing through Flick, and saw photos taken with the same camera I have. The images were so crisp, and breathtaking- You can see the details on every single freaking cloud! UGH! I wish I could take similar photos. Now, I don't know how much post processing the person did, or if those were the results of really great photography, but I did notice when browsing through the Exif of the photos that he had set his saturation to "high," and his sharpness to "hard." Mine were set to "normal."

I wish I had known this prior to taking this photo, maybe it would have come out better. Plus, maybe it would have taken me less post processing time- not that I did a lot. Since I had started this project, I have not had the need to "photoshop." I have been doing just basic tweaking using the Lightroom software. Honestly, I don't think I'll ever skip post processing. Even professional photographers use and depend on softwares, such as Lightroom and Photoshop. But the goal is to not depend on this software/process so much, but to achieve the photo I want through the manipulation of the settings of my camera.

-o-o-o-


Date & Time: Friday, April 18, 2014, 2:02 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 14 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec
     Aperture: f/3.5

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
This was going to be my "Photo of the Day," until my sister told me about the beautiful sunset. But I'm posting this anyway. :)

So earlier in this post, I had said that I have not had the need to "photoshop." I was close to doing it with this photos- I wasn't able to capture the blue sky with my camera. Honestly, I don't know remember if there were clouds, but I wish that the sky in my photo was blue. Of all the shots I took, I did take one in "auto" mode, just to compare to the ones I took in "manual." The sky didn't come out blue in that photo either, so maybe that's just how the sky was. It was a bright day after all. Now, that I had changed the saturation and sharpness settings, maybe the camera will capture the sky in more detail.

Come to think of it, maybe I should "photoshop" this image. I am pretty decent (well, decent to good) when it comes to "photoshop"-ing but it wouldn't hurt to improve my editing skills, in addition to my photography skills (whatever I have anyway...) As mentioned earlier, even professional photographers use these softwares.

-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Friday, April 18, 2014

Project 365 - Day 5

Project 365 - Day 5


Date & Time: Thursday, April 17, 2014, 1:55 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 33 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec
     Aperture: f/14

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
I actually didn't plan on taking this shot. We were on our lunch break, and were about to go back to work, when this happened... Katie, one of our Maltese dogs, refused to go back inside the house- she was enjoying the sun too much! Since I haven't taken my any photos for the day yet, I decided that this will be it. Now, I understand why one should always have his camera on hand, just in case a shot like this should present itself. I just wish that I had more time to play with the settings of the camera. We were running late, and once again, I was pressed for time. This time, however, I was much quicker in figuring out which shutter speed and aperture to use. I must be improving. :)

Here are a few more shots of Katie:





-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Project 365 - Day 4

Project 365 - Day 4


Date & Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2014, 9:57 am

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 21 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec
     Aperture: f/4.3

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
I chose this photo because it showcased this weird thing we call "weather." The flowers are in bloom, and yet it snowed. This past weekend it was warm enough that my cousins were wearing shorts and flip flops! And now, I am back to wearing my winter coat! Crazy, I tell you...

Just to warn you, this project will probably contain a lot of photos of trees, grass, and flowers. During the weekdays, I don't really go anywhere except work and home; both of which are surrounded by trees, grass, and flowers. LOL.

-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Project 365 - Day 3

Project 365 - Day 3


Date & Time: Tuesday, April 15, 2014, 6:00 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 25 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/5 sec
     Aperture: f/4.6

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
This picture seems pretty boring compared to yesterday's photo. I realize that a great photographer, or at least a decent one, should be able to take photos of mundane looking things, and turn those photos into something that's interesting and fun to look at. I am not there yet.

Yesterday was a gloomy, rainy day so it was hard to get inspired and be creative. While taking the photos (I took more than one!), and during post processing, I realized that I could  adjust the settings/exposure to make the photo brighter, but I wanted to catch the wetness of the ground and the gloominess of the day; had I done that, the mood I was trying to achieve would have been lost.

-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Project 365 - Day 2

Project 365 - Day 2



Date & Time: Monday, April 14, 2014, 10:45 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 24 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 40.0 sec
     Aperture: f/5.6

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
This was taken about two hours before the eclipse was supposed to start. I probably should have taken a picture of the eclipse while it was taking place... Actually, I planned on it but then I got lazy... Day 2 and I was already feeling lazy? I know, not a good start. :/

I wish the image was sharper, but I couldn't get the camera to focus. I had to zoom out in order for the camera to focus, and when I finally got it, I zoomed in to get my desired shot. I am sure there is a better way to get this shot. Clearly, I have a lot to learn.

I used a tripod to take this photo because I knew I don't have steady hands. Plus, the shutter speed was set at 40 seconds so there was no way I can stay still for that long! Do photographers eventually develop a steady hand?

-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Monday, April 14, 2014

Project 365 - Day 1

Project 365 - Day 1



Date & Time: Sunday, April 13, 2014, 5:07 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 14 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/50 sec
     Aperture: f/16

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
I am really proud of how this came out. Does it need improvement? Of course. I probably should have used a different setting combination, but this was taken a few minutes before we left for church for the Palm Sunday Mass, so I was pressed for time. I didn't have time to play around with the settings... But I love how I was able to capture that sunlight flare. :)

I probably could have done better with post processing the image too- I just did the basic tweaking. I read somewhere that one should take the picture "right" to begin with, so that minimal to zero post processing will be needed. I will try my best to get to that level. But overall, I am happy with the composition of this one.

-o-o-o-


Date & Time: Sunday, April 13, 2014, 5:09 pm

Camera Used: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Settings:
     Focal Length: 31 mm
     ISO: 100
     Shutter Speed: 1/125 sec
     Aperture: f/5.0

Post Processing Software(s): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4

Comments:
I know it's one photo a day, but I really like how this one came out too so I couldn't not post it. Plus, does this make me a day ahead of the challenge? LOL. I know, I know... It doesn't... :P

If I could take this picture over, I would probably make the aperture higher, and increase the shutter speed to make the surroundings blurrier. (Did I get that right???) Again, I was pressed for time and couldn't play around with the settings.

-o-o-o-

Why am I doing this project? Click here and find out!

xx,
Pamela

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Project 365

Recently, I attended my nephew's Christening. I figured I would bring my Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2, be fancy, and take fancy pictures...

Right.

I haven't really used this camera since... Honestly, I don't know when. It only crossed my mind to use it because I had just used it to take photos for my work's website. That day, I realized that I really am not all that familiar with my beloved camera. Other than knowing how to maneuver through the controls/settings (ISO, shutter speed, aperture- Yes, I know what they are for...) and the "auto" functions, I don't know which settings to use, and which combinations work best for certain "conditions." I was so bummed that I stopped using the camera, and I just let my sisters take photos with their cameras for the rest of the day. However, I did make a resolution with myself that I was going to be a great photographer... or at least familiarize myself with all of my cameras.

As soon as I got home, I started going through the internet (Flickr forums, Pinterest, photography blogs), looking for tips on photography and on using the GF2. There were a lot of information, and I was, of course, overwhelmed. But there was one thing that kept popping up in every one of these sites... The key is to practice - just keep taking pictures! That is the only way I am going to learn and get better. I already know the basics, the next step is to just do it.

Of course, I didn't "do it." I just kept visiting these sites. I kept reading, learning, and looking at the pretty pictures others have taken. I was very jealous of their skills, but I wasn't as motivated as I thought I was going to be. I needed to challenge myself... The way I challenged myself to do the 52 Week Challenge. So far, I am doing really well with that, so I needed to do something similar... That's when Project 365 came up.

Project 365 is a challenge to take one photo a day for a year. From what I have learned, people do this for various reasons. Two of the more common ones are: 1.) to document their lives, sort of like a daily photo diary, 2.) and/or so they can improve their photography skills, which is the main reason I will be doing this project.

Can I really do this? I like think that I can, but realistically speaking, I probably will fail. Fail, in the sense that I will miss some days... To be successful in doing this, one should always have his camera on hand, which I probably won't. I have my Canon PowerShot Elph 330 HS and the camera on my phone, but I really want to complete this project using just my GF2, which I know I won't always be carrying. I have already failed before even starting. :/

I really, really want to do this... 

Okay, I am going to do this, but with a few different rules.

Since I wanted to do this as a personal project, and I have no intention of sharing my photos on the Project 365 website anyway, I figured I am allowed to bend the rules a little. Here are my own rules:

1. I will do my best to take a photo a day. - Life happens, so I may miss a day or two. If this happens, I have to "make it up" by taking two or three photos a day until I am caught up.

2. I will use my GF2 as much as possible. - There will be days I have to use a different camera. When this happens, I can "make it up" by posting a photo taken with my GF2 in addition to the one taken with another camera. This will force me to still use the GF2, since the main reason I am doing this is to familiarize myself with it.

3. I can take and post the same photo or similar photos of the same subject, as long as it is not from the same "session" or photo shoot. - I know one of the main rules of Project 365 is that one cannot take the same/similar shot of the same subject, or something like that. I understand the logic behind this; it forces one to be creative. But my reason for wanting to be able to "retake" a shot is so I can improve my skills. I want to be able to compare and see how much better I have taken the picture the second or third time around. I mean, how else am I going to learn? I am not planning on doing this all the time, but I want to be able to.

4. I will do my best to post a blog a day, to update the project. - But like I said, life happens. So when I can't, I will either combine the photos in one blog post, or post the photos separately based on the day they were taken, and backdate the post. I will most likely be doing the latter. It just makes it look neater and more organized that way. :P

I know that making my own rules is really not doing the actual Project 365, but like I said before, I want to do this to hone better photography skills. If I set it so that I will just fail, how is that motivating myself to be better? I am not in competition with anyone else but myself, and that's the best kind!

Okay, enough blogging... Let's start taking pictures!

xx,
Pamela


The "Abby" Beanie


Another "Ruffled" Beanie.

This is just like The "Serene" Beanie but with a pom pom. This is called The "Abby" beanie, well, because I visualize someone named "Abby" wearing it. LOL.






Again, the "ruffled" part of the beanie is made using a basic cable stitch.

xx,
Pamela

Saturday, April 12, 2014

The 52 Week Money Challenge (Weeks 39 & 40 Update)

Week 39 - April 04, 2014
Week 40 - April 11, 2014

Current Savings : $820

(Image courtesy of: www.savingeveryday.net) - I'm just adding the red check marks as I go along.

xx,
Pamela

Monday, April 7, 2014

Got Change?

 
Years ago, I found coins/loose change valuable. They were useful for tolls, vending machines, parking meters, etc. But now, I have an E-ZPass account, and most of these machines take bills or debit/credit cards. While I do love being able to pay in the exact amount, right down to the last cent, most of the time I'm in a rush so it's just easier to hand whole bills over and take the change. Over time, coins became more of a nuisance, just items that weigh my bag down since I tend accumulate a lot of them. But as of late, I have fallen in love with them again.


A couple of years ago, I purchased this electronic coin bank that adds up your coins as you put them in it. I, of course, put it to good use- when I would remember. But about a month and a half ago, I  decided to clean, and by doing so, I came across loose change I've left (forgotten) in wallets, bags, and drawers. I decided to put them in my coin bank, and I actually filled that little sucker up in no time. So what did I do next? A trip to the nearest Coinstar machine? No. I went to my bank.

During one of my trips to my bank, I noticed that they had installed one of those coin counting machines, which was great because I do not have the time to sit there and roll coins. The other great thing is they do not take a percentage of my money since I have an account with them- Coinstar does. I walked away from the machine $158.48 richer. :)

Moral of the story? A penny is still money. LOL.

But seriously, ever since that day, the value of these coins have increased in my eyes again. I even pick coins up when I see them on the ground! I also almost always pay in bills most of the time, just so I can get change back. The change then goes straight into my coin bank. I am saving without really trying, and I can't wait to make that trip to my bank's coin machine again. :)

The next time, you find yourself belittling those coins, just remember that they can easily turn into $158.48. So save them or give them to me! LOL.

xx,
Pamela

Thursday, April 3, 2014

The "Serene" Beanie


 This particular (blue) beanie was knitted over a year ago, I just never got around to taking pictures until about a month and a half ago. I call this beanie "Serene" because the first person I ever made this beanie for (besides myself) was my co-worker whose middle name is Serine. I knitted hers about three to four months ago- hers was a maroon colored one, which I wish I took a picture of. :/






I used a cable needle to achieve the "ruffled" design. Honestly, it was a straight forward basic cable stitch pattern- very easy to do!

Anyway, I am still not over how the How I Met Your Mother series ended. I would rant about it here, but that will just get me more upset. Just search #HIMYMFinale on Twitter, all the negative reviews you read will pretty much sum up how I feel. It's like the Sookie Stackhouse novels debacle again! Ugh. I can't... I just can't.

xx,
Pamela

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