261 - Reel Time

From 365 Project

I am sucker for neon, it makes for pictures that pop. This is on the top of the roadside sign for the Columbus Theaters in Virginia Beach Virginia. We still associate movies with reels of motion picture film even though many theaters are shifting to digital cinema projectors. Canon 40D, 1/60 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400, 115mm focal length. The photo is under exposed by a full 2 stops from the meter reading which helps isolate the sign against a the black night. Thanks to my wife Cindy who spotted the sign and suggested the pithy title for today's blog post.

260 - Step Up

From 365 Project

There's nothing like a dark, cinder block walled, metal staircase, illuminated by a single bare bulb florescent fixture, with a card security door awaiting to give that step up to the challenge feeling. This is the back stairway at my office that greets me every day as I arrive to make a difference. Canon G10, 1/10 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 200.

259 - Knock Out!

From 365 Project

This is a rosebud on a red Knock Out® rose. Introduced just 10 years ago these hybrid rose bushes are seen everywhere. Disease and drought resistant and loaded with blooms they have become a favorite of both commercial landscapers and home gardeners. The bright fire engine red of this bud caught my eye. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/2.5, ISO 100, 50mm compact macro lens.

258 - Cobblestone

From 365 Project

This patch of old cobblestone pavers on Armistead Avenue in Norfolk Virginia were revealed recently when a gas line construction project peeled back the modern asphalt overlay. Cobblestones, or more correctly quarried granite setts, lie under the surface of many streets in cities across America. Norfolk has restored them in the historic Freemason neighborhood near downtown. These will most likely get another coat of asphalt soon and be lost again. Canon G10, 1/400 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 200.

257 - Barbaresco

From 365 Project

This is the Produtorri Barbaresco (2005), produced using the Nebbiolo grape from Italy, being poured for about 20 lucky people. This wine was served with the fourth course of Petite Filet of an exquisite wine diner we attended at the Green Onion restaurant on Colley Avenue in Norfolk Virginia tonight. The entire dinner featured a variety of Italian wines perfectly paired with each course. Canon G10, 1/6 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

256 - Hot Tubbing Under the Stars

From 365 Project

This is the view looking straight up from the center the spa in our backyard. The arbor was designed and built by my brother in 2002. After a tough weekend of yard work, replacing the spa's circulation pump and painting the guest room, an evening in the spa was just what we needed. I wasn't even nervous about taking the camera into the spa, - well I was a little. Canon Rebel XTi, 0.6 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 800, 8mm fish eye lens.

255 - "Do or do not...."

From 365 Project

“Do or do not...there is no try.” My favorite Yoda quote and a photo of one of my favorite PEZ, the 2003 Limited Edition Green Crystal Yoda. Canon Rebel XTi, 1/1250 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400, 85mm prime lens on a tripod. Lighting Yoda for his portrait was fun. He is standing on a Micro LED LightPanel, providing up light, there is a three LED stick-on light position behind to help separate from the background and a green laser pointer positioned above and behind to light up the crystal head.