Day 256 - Taking Flight

Day 255 - Snow is Gone

...hopefully for good?

Day 254 - Storm

Nova Scotia was pounded with wind and rain on Friday. Our power was out for the night.

Day 253 - Lighting Course

Last night was my first time in a lighting studio. I have always wanted to learn the ropes of studio lighting so I was psyched when I saw Brian Larter from Aperture Studios held a beginner's lighting course. Creative possibilities abound when you take control of the lighting. But first I need to learn the basics. There is alot to learn about flash equipment - the set-up, position and exposure is different than regular shooting but similar enough if you know the basics of your 'stops'. I got a two hour crash course and was able to fire off a few rounds using PocketWizard's wireless remote system, AlienBees strobes and several large softboxes. Brian's girlfriend Karen, a professional model, was a good sport and sat in while Brian demonstrated various lighting positions for the class.

It was fun. My favourite lighting set-up was Brian's variation on the contre-jour, which positions the flash behind the model's head, shooting directly into the camera. Brian bounced light back into Karen's face using a reflector positioned to my left. Although the highlights easily burn out and focussing into light is difficult the effect shows attitude - a hint of rock and roll, which I like. It is interesting how you can express mood and add in your own style preferences through subtle variations in lighting placement. I can see me getting addicted to lighting.

Day 252 - Alarm

Day 251 - Building goes up fast

Day 250 - Tracks

Day 249 - Abandoned church

Stella Maris Catholic Church. I really hope this church can be relocated, before it gets taken by nature and vandals. This article provides a good overview of the church and its current status.

Day 248 - Around the corner, up the stairs

Day 247 - Outdoor clothing display

I always enjoy walking past these stores, they are colourful and have a nice outdoor display. Even the snowmen get in on the action.

Day 246 - Snow Day

Last night we got slammed with a ton of snow and high wind. I didn't get far today, except to get snow dumped on my head in the backyard.

Day 245 - Door within a Door

Citadel Hill

Day 244 - Chocolate

Despite having much chocolate yesterday I still managed to get a craving after work.

Day 243 - Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

Day 242 - Light Art

Late afternoon light through wine glass onto wall.

Day 241 - Door

Day 240 - Wanted: Good Greek Wine

Thursday night I attended a wine and food tasting at Opa, hosted by Costa Elles. The event came about as a result of a discussion on twitter debating the quality and value of Greece wines. It is somewhat odd that Greece, with its rich cultural heritage involving food, does not have the greatest track record producing high quality wines.

Personally, my experience judging Greek wine quality was unfairly tainted by my experience buying cooked vinegar from this fellow:

Twitterer Brewnoser took the reigns and challenged Costa to settle the matter by serving up some of his favourites to several local wine geeks. We were happy to find some interesting, high quality wines during the tasting. The whites in particular had tons of personality and character. The Estate Argyros Santorini was one of the favourites at our end of the table. The high acidity gave way to good crispness and the overall structure was pleasing.

The food was also delicious, particularly the lamb. Thanks to Brewnoser for the invite and Costa for hosting.

Day 239 - Onyx eye

Day 238: Wall-E's distant cousin

He isn't much of a bowler (tad cross eyed) but he is a darned good score keeper.

Day 237 - Icicles

Day 236 - Hfx Urban Golf

I had a ton of fun whacking tennis balls around the city today with adventurous HFX urban golfers. Check out Halifax's latest golf craze here. It was great fun with some really nice people. Looking forward to playing more rounds in the future.

Day 235 - Snow snake

Day 234 - Blankets

Day 233 - The interview

Today I was interviewed about Project 365 by fourth year Kings J-school student Trevor Howlett. He came across about my project via twitter and thought it might make an interesting story, particularly with the smoking cessation angle. We had a coffee at Just Us! on Spring Garden then hiked across the city in the cold, checking out a few places I've taken pictures along the way and chatted about my project. I hope Trevor has mad editing skills because I rambled on like a true blatherskite. Oh well, it was fun. The story will air Friday on CKDU radio, 88.1 on the FM dial, between 5:30-6:00. Audio clip can be found here

Day 232 - Resting

On the couch sleeping most of the day. This cold really knocked me out. I am now starting to feel better and my energy is returning.

Day 231 - Up the stairs

Day 230 - Tracks revisited

Warm and cool light mingle on the train tracks.