Rust Protection...

Palatine, IL

...It's not working.

Sony A7IV @ f9 | 1/125 | 42mm | ISO 400

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 1/16/25

Frozen Out

52 Assignments Exposure 19 - Cold Snap

With a light dusting of snow and a bit of wind, no one was around when I arrived.  Not surprised, it was damn cold!!

Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/4000 | 15mm | ISO 200

Voigtlander VM 15mm F4.5 (adapted)

Photographed 1/9/25

Delayed Departure?

Lincolnshire, IL

Saw this guy hanging out in our dense trees today in a light snow shower and wondered why he/she was still hanging around.  Photographed quickly through a screen and window.

Sony A7IV @ f5.6 | 1/125 | 300mm equiv | ISO 5000

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 1/11/25

Overload

One of the neon sign shots I did not use in the 52 Assignments composite a couple of days ago.

Sony A7IV @ f1.8 | 1/1000 | 35mm | ISO 100

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 (w/ Pro-mist 1/4 diffusion filter)

Photographed 1/5/25

26 - 26

52 Frames - Week 2 - What I Eat

Food photography is not my genre of choice, however, in keeping with a theme from Week 1, decided to draw from my morning coffee process.

Have the formula set with these beans...26 grams at a course grind setting of 26.  Five minute brew in the French Press.

Sony A7IV @ f2.8 | 1/125 | 50mm | ISO 1250

Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro

Photographed 1/7/25

Variety

52 Assignments Exposure 18 - Glow Sign

A small sampling of neon along Milwaukee Avenue.

Sony A7IV @ f1.8 | varies | 35mm | ISO 100-200

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 (w/ Pro-mist 1/4 diffusion filter)

Photographed 1/5/25

Stranded

52 Assignments Exposure 17 - Movie Maker

A road less traveled.  Bad things can happen here.

Sony A7Cii @ f4.5 | 1/4000 | 15mm | ISO 200

Voigtlander VM 15mm F4.5 (adapted)

Photographed 12/28/24

Before The Morning Coffee

52 Frames - Week 1 - Self-Portrait

Similar to last year, I wanted to do a self-portrait using a reflection. My original intent was to shoot storefront reflections, which I often do and really enjoy. With a temperature in the teens and wind chill in single digits, I instead opted for this microwave reflection while boiling water for my morning cup of Joe.

Here we go...on to Year 6; a year of intent and also being nimble.

Sony A7IV @ f1.8 | 1/4 | 35mm | ISO 800

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 1/3/25

White Scarves

Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL

Shot this image during the Beers & Cameras-Chicago meet-up.  These white scarves were just screaming to be photographed.  Photographing strangers is one of my favorite genres so it's fitting I end the year with one.

Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/320 | 15mm | ISO 1600

Voigtlander VM 15mm F4.5 (adapted)

Photographed 12/22/24

Fire In The Sky

52 Assignments Exposure 16 - Catch Some Rays

Cancun, Mexico

Title says it all.

Sony A7Cii @ f4.5 | 1/400 | 105mm | ISO 200

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 12/13/24

Bokehlicious

52Frames - Week 52 - Redo

I chose to do completely different takes on a combination of Week 24 - Abstract and Week 32 - Night Photography.

After recently watching a Sean Tucker video, I became inspired by the bokeh in his night street photography.  In this image I leaned entirely into creating bokeh utilizing holiday decoration lighting across the street from my residence.  With the lens wide open and camera on manual focus, I experimented with out-of-focus settings to get these transparent and colorful forms.

Sony A7IV @ f1.8 | 1/400 | 35mm | ISO 800

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 12/26/24

Vintage 1977

Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL

This is the last shot for the 2024 Beard Series.  Cannot believe I don't remember his name.  I do recall he's had this beard since 1977 and it's recently been trimmed, hence longer than this is the norm.

Now onto figuring out how to do a Zine.

Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/320 | 15mm | ISO 2000

Voigtlander VM 15mm F4.5 (adapted)

Photographed 12/22/24

Geometric Conundrum

Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL

As seen on a photowalk with the Beers & Camera-Chicago group.  Look up and you can observe all kinds of crazy stuff.

Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/4000 | 15mm | ISO 5000

Voigtlander VM 15mm F4.5 (adapted)

Photographed 12/22/24

Lead The Way

Chicago, IL

Heading out on a great North Michigan Avenue photowalk with the Beers & Cameras-Chicago group.



Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/250 | 15mm | ISO 320

Voigtlander VM 15mm F4.5 (adapted)

Photographed 12/22/24

Walk Beneath The Bike

Chicago, IL

From a great North Michigan Avenue photowalk with the Beers & Cameras-Chicago group.

Sony A7Cii @ f2.0 | 1/250 | 35mm | ISO 320

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 12/22/24

Frozen Shadows

52Frames - Week 51 - Black & White Minimalism

Quick trip to the forest preserve this morning to capture a streak-saver!

Sony A7IV @ f8 | 1/320 | 186mm | ISO 100

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 12/21/24

Seaside Solitude 2

52 Assignments Exposure 15 - Monochrome Magic



Cancun, Mexico

Title says it all.  I also wanted to use this image for 52Frames - Week 51 - BW Minimalism, however I photographed it a week too early.

Sony A7Cii @ f4.5 | 1/400 | 105mm | ISO 200

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 12/13/24

Missing Tooth

52Frames - Week 50 - Wabi-Sabi

A Mexican federally protected Mayan ruin on the grounds of our resort is the most wabi-sabi object I was able to access this week.  The break in the crenelation at the top was the inspiration for the title.



Sony A7Cii @ f4.5 | 1/1250 | 79mm | ISO 200

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 12/13/24

Seaside Solitude

Cancun, Mexico

Captured in the morning before the crowds descend.

Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/1600 | 200mm | ISO 200

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 12/13/24

Rachel

52Frames - Week 49 - Roll of 24

EC: One Click

52 Assignments Exposure 13 - In The Shallows

The conversation went something like this when I was checking out a new (to me) local coffee shop with a camera over my shoulder:

R: "What are you taking pictures of?"

J: "Anything and everything. Would be happy to make a photo of you if you'd like."

R: "Sure!"

This was the first photo taken on this "roll of 24" thus qualifying for the EC.

Sony A7Cii @ f1.8 | 1/250 | 35mm | ISO 320

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 12/3/24

Pop-Outs

52 Assignments Exposure 12 - High Key

Bright sunlight on the building face made for a high key photo op.

Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/500 | 40mm | ISO 125

Voigtlander VM 40mm F2.8 Heliar (adapted)

Photographed 11/17/24

4 Beards from COD

When in Palm Desert, a couple of hours at the College of the Desert street fair usually provides for some good photo ops.  On this visit, I spotted a few more beards worthy of the ongoing "Beard" series.  In each case I asked for a photo and all obliged.

All photographed 11/10/24

Jim

A musician/singer in a band playing classic songs to the crowd at COD.  He's had his beard for a very long time and trims it every 6 months.



Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/400 | 28mm | ISO 250

Voigtlander VM 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)

Brighton

An ethereal, meditative guy who sells crystals of all sorts.  Don't recall how long he's had his beard, but the trim timing is random.

Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/400 | 28mm | ISO 1250

Voigtlander VM 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)

Ryan

Has had his beard for 18 years and trims it regularly to keep it neat.

Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/400 | 90mm | ISO 1000

Leitz Elmar-C 90mm F4 (adapted)

Craig

Has had his beard for 25 years and trims it when it gets too scraggly.

Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/400 | 90mm | ISO 1000

Leitz Elmar-C 90mm F4 (adapted)

Desolate

Victor Loop Trail

Palm Springs, CA

Lunar landscape on earth.

Sony A7Cii @ f13 | 1/250 | 46mm | ISO 100

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 11/8/24

Daily Toil

Our African itinerary included a transfer from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to Livingston Airport, Zambia to catch a flight back to South Africa.  I was stricken by the stark contrast of this border-crossing scene compared to my life in the US and made a few quick snaps as we made our way through the chaos.  A great reminder about gratitude.

All photos made on 9/13/24 with an Apple iPhone 15 Pro.

Asymmetric

52Frames - Week 48 - Low Key



Looking in the mirror, I wonder why the asymmetrical worry lines?  Does one side of my brain worry more than the other?



Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/3200 | 50mm | ISO 12800

Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro



Photographed 11/25/24

Crash The Party?

Arlington Heights, IL



Subtle self-portrait behind the pulled back curtain.

Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/500 | 40mm | ISO 8000

Voigtlander VM 40mm F2.8 Heliar (adapted)


Photographed 11/17/24

One Month Difference

52Frames - Week 47 - High Key



Wright Woods Forest Preserve


Libertyville, IL



Woke up this morning to the first snowfall of the season. What a difference one month makes! See this shot which I photographed at Wright Woods on 10/21/24.



Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/400 | 40mm | ISO 500

Voigtlander VM 40mm F2.8 Heliar (adapted)



Photographed 11/21/24

Cesar

Wolff's Flea Market


Rosemont, IL



Cesar has had his beard for 5 years with no trim.



Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/500 | 40mm | ISO 1000

Voigtlander VM 40mm F2.8 Heliar (adapted)



Photographed 08/18/24

Like Father, Like Son



Thaddeus Jr. and Thaddeus

Wolff's Flea Market


Rosemont, IL



Thaddeus has had his beard since 2008 and trimmed it sometime in 2023. No info on Jr. other than he's letting it grow.



Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/500 | 40mm | ISO 2000

Voigtlander VM 40mm F2.8 Heliar (adapted)



Photographed 8/18/24

2 For 1

Arlington Heights, IL



Photographing a photographer photographing a photographer.



Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/500 | 40mm | ISO 160

Voigtlander VM 40mm F2.8 Heliar (adapted)


Photographed 11/17/24

Sunbeam Hymns

Winnetka, IL



Been playing around with some film photography. Working on a roll of HP5+.



Nikon 35Ti | Program Mode | 35mm | Ilford HP5+



Photographed 8/2024

What Is The Message?

52Frames - Week 46 - Perspective


EC: Optical Illusion



Palm Desert, CA



It was late afternoon and a rare moment of clouds moving through. I glanced up and saw this scene I had never before experienced.  After taking the shot on my phone, it got me thinking about "perspective".



Visually, it is difficult to tell whether the view is above, below or at eye level of the clouds (hence the EC: Optical Illusion).  Spiritually, I had the perspective of gratitude, being in the right place, at the right time to experience this phenomena (hence the Title).



Apple iPhone 15 Pro @ f2.8 | 1/9300 | 9mm (205mm equiv) | ISO 16



Photographed 11/11/24

"Good Morning!!!"

College of the Desert

Palm Desert, CA

Driving a shuttle cart around the flea market, he was booming out "Good Morning" to everyone he passed.  After the 2nd pass, I offered a fist bump to which he obliged...and I captured.

Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/400 | 28mm | ISO 400

Voigtlander VM 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)

Photographed 11/10/24

3 Rounds Under 100...

52Frames - Week 45 - Fill The Frame

EC: 200mm+

Palm Desert, CA

...and I still have this golf ball.  Admittedly, I did not use it on holes with water, thereby extending my possession.

Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/250 | 200mm | ISO 12800

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A067

Photographed 11/7/24

Bridge Over Untroubled Waters

52 Assignments Exposure 10 - Mirror Image

Wright Woods Forest Preserve

Libertyville, IL

Sony A7IV @ f5.6 | 1/400 | 70mm | ISO 250

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 10/21/24

Master The Masters

Images from a photo challenge I participate in; 52 Assignments Exposure 09 - Master The Masters.  

These are
slice of life photos influenced by the work of William Eggleston and Stephen Shore.

 

Duel

Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/80 | 28mm | ISO 2500

Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)

Photographed 10/24/24

Working Late

Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/100 | 28mm | ISO 3200

Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)


Photographed 10/24/24

Barber Shop

Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/80 | 28mm | ISO 1000

Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)


Photographed 10/24/24

Ghoulish

Sony A7Cii @ f2.8 | 1/15 | 28mm | ISO 10000

Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)


Photographed 10/24/24

Hagen's

Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/200 | 28mm | ISO 100

Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)


Photographed 10/26/24