View allAll Photos Tagged Expectation
This was taken at the corner of Christopher & Bedford Street in Greenwich Village.
Note: this photo was published in a Feb 23, 2015 blog titled "Ignore your FOMO — missing out can be a good thing." It was also published in an Apr 30, 2015 blog titled "La era post-PC es más real que nunca: más usuarios sólo-móvil que sólo-escritorio en EEUU." And it was published in a May 11,2015 blog titled "Business Insider is hiring gadget-obsessed editors and reporters." It was also published in a May 30, 2015 blog titled "Selfie PSA."
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This set of photos is based on a very simple concept: walk every block of Manhattan with a camera, and see what happens. To avoid missing anything, walk both sides of the street.
That's all there is to it …
Of course, if you wanted to be more ambitious, you could also walk the streets of Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx. But that's more than I'm willing to commit to at this point, and I'll leave the remaining boroughs of New York City to other, more adventurous photographers.
Oh, actually, there's one more small detail: leave the photos alone for a month -- unedited, untouched, and unviewed. By the time I actually focus on the first of these "every-block" photos, I will have taken more than 8,000 images on the nearby streets of the Upper West Side -- plus another several thousand in Rome, Coney Island, and the various spots in NYC where I traditionally take photos. So I don't expect to be emotionally attached to any of the "every-block" photos, and hope that I'll be able to make an objective selection of the ones worth looking at.
As for the criteria that I've used to select the small subset of every-block photos that get uploaded to Flickr: there are three. First, I'll upload any photo that I think is "great," and where I hope the reaction of my Flickr-friends will be, "I have no idea when or where that photo was taken, but it's really a terrific picture!"
A second criterion has to do with place, and the third involves time. I'm hoping that I'll take some photos that clearly say, "This is New York!" to anyone who looks at it. Obviously, certain landscape icons like the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty would satisfy that criterion; but I'm hoping that I'll find other, more unexpected examples. I hope that I'll be able to take some shots that will make a "local" viewer say, "Well, even if that's not recognizable to someone from another part of the country, or another part of the world, I know that that's New York!" And there might be some photos where a "non-local" viewer might say, "I had no idea that there was anyplace in New York City that was so interesting/beautiful/ugly/spectacular."
As for the sense of time: I remember wandering around my neighborhood in 2005, photographing various shops, stores, restaurants, and business establishments -- and then casually looking at the photos about five years later, and being stunned by how much had changed. Little by little, store by store, day by day, things change … and when you've been around as long as I have, it's even more amazing to go back and look at the photos you took thirty or forty years ago, and ask yourself, "Was it really like that back then? Seriously, did people really wear bell-bottom jeans?"
So, with the expectation that I'll be looking at these every-block photos five or ten years from now (and maybe you will be, too), I'm going to be doing my best to capture scenes that convey the sense that they were taken in the year 2013 … or at least sometime in the decade of the 2010's (I have no idea what we're calling this decade yet). Or maybe they'll just say to us, "This is what it was like a dozen years after 9-11".
Movie posters are a trivial example of such a time-specific image; I've already taken a bunch, and I don't know if I'll ultimately decide that they're worth uploading. Women's fashion/styles are another obvious example of a time-specific phenomenon; and even though I'm definitely not a fashion expert, I suspected that I'll be able to look at some images ten years from now and mutter to myself, "Did we really wear shirts like that? Did women really wear those weird skirts that are short in the front, and long in the back? Did everyone in New York have a tattoo?"
Another example: I'm fascinated by the interactions that people have with their cellphones out on the street. It seems that everyone has one, which certainly wasn't true a decade ago; and it seems that everyone walks down the street with their eyes and their entire conscious attention riveted on this little box-like gadget, utterly oblivious about anything else that might be going on (among other things, that makes it very easy for me to photograph them without their even noticing, particularly if they've also got earphones so they can listen to music or carry on a phone conversation). But I can't help wondering whether this kind of social behavior will seem bizarre a decade from now … especially if our cellphones have become so miniaturized that they're incorporated into the glasses we wear, or implanted directly into our eyeballs.
Oh, one last thing: I've created a customized Google Map to show the precise details of each day's photo-walk. I'll be updating it each day, and the most recent part of my every-block journey will be marked in red, to differentiate it from all of the older segments of the journey, which will be shown in blue. You can see the map, and peek at it each day to see where I've been, by clicking on this link
URL link to Ed's every-block progress through Manhattan
If you have any suggestions about places that I should definitely visit to get some good photos, or if you'd like me to photograph you in your little corner of New York City, please let me know. You can send me a Flickr-mail message, or you can email me directly at ed-at-yourdon-dot-com
Stay tuned as the photo-walk continues, block by block ...
#AbFav_LIFE_NOW_👀
The crocuses stand in all their glory, trembling on their delicate stalks, but, it’s fantastic to see them, at last some splashes of colours in the grass.
In some areas there are whole carpets of them, fills me with hopeful expectation of all the things to come, the beauty to absorb and of course eternalise…
Have a beautiful day and thank you for visiting, Magda, (*_*)
For more: www.indigo2photography.com
IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN (BY LAW!!!) TO USE ANY OF MY image or TEXT on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved
crocus, purple, stamens, grass, Yorkshire, street, green, colour, flowers, nature, horizontal, Nikon, "Magda indigo"
While on a trip through northern Quebec, Labrador and Newfoundland in late June 2018, I had a reasonable expectation of encountering some 'really wild' wildlife. While on the long, gravelled and dusty Trans-Labrador Highway, I slowed and came to a halt at some distance from a stopped long-haul truck. Beside it was a large black bear. Having spent a number of years in Africa, my safari etiquette kicked-in: Stop at a distance, assess, determine what others are doing, then if clear approach slowly - mindful to give the engaged party the opportunity have their own moment. I knew that the smell of a vehicle masks human odour and this, in most cases, minimizes the chance of a predatory animal attacking. With windows closed, as Iong as one stays at a reasonable distance and approaches slowly, the animal shouldn't be overly alarmed. My own experience with bears taught me that they are more predictable than a deer-fly crazed moose. After a brief moment the truck driver lost interest and as he shifted into higher gear, the driver gave me a wave with a big smile as he drove by. The noise of the vehicle faded and the bear started to approach from about 300 meters away. Knowing I had time and distance, I reached for my long lens and began shooting the slow approaching animal, happy that I could take my time to get the right shot. I was surprised with his gait, which gave me the opportunity to compose my pictures of a really-wild-bear-on-a-dirt-road. From about 150m away, I re-entered my vehicle from the behind the protection of the open door and continued shooting through the window, still perplexed by his slowness. When he was within 50 meters, I shifted my transmission into D and slowly drove past-him. I wanted to minimize any chance of damaging my truck should he start to become aggressive. I drove about another 300 meters away, stopped and got more 'bear-on-a-dirt-road' pictures as it turned and approached again. I prayed that it would lose interest and re-enter the woods where I hoped to get some shots of the animal in its natural habitat. Still the bear approached slowly, this time choosing the opposite side of my vehicle and tear-drop trailer. Protected, I instinctively knew that it had no interest in me, so I lingered a bit longer troubled by his behaviour and getting the odd shot. My worst suspicion came true as he wearily laid down beside my passenger door, waiting for a hand-out. Even though I had already began to suspect that this might happen, I was shocked. Here I was, in a very sparsely habited area, which had very little traffic, with most of it being noisy dusty long-haul trucks. So even here, I sadly noted, the human hand had turned this magnificent predator into a road-side beggar. Realizing that it was not getting anything from me, it got up and entered the woods - I finally got my shot of the bear in its (roadside) natural habitat. Now, it is no longer, as wildlife officials had to put it down. Why are we destroying everything around us?
we had to go sixty down the dang road just so we could get a sliver of the sunset! stupid daylight savings time why must you get dark at five?
TWO WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS BREAK! it needs to hurrry.
i went to this thing called main street market with my mother today and got some cute things :D its here like every christmas and is amazingg. well other than that nothing else exciting really happened. i had chik-fil-a. but thats like a daily occurance in my life.
OH and i went to walgreens to bring some film to get developed! im kinda nervous to see how they turn out because its my first rolll of film to dooo. the machine was broken though sad day. i went there at 11 at night and was about to pee my pants thinking i was going to get raped because some guy came and talked to us at school about rapists and all the possible scenarios. i think i would have been better offf not hearing all thatt.
Model : Laurie Mayran
Make-up : Esther Perli
Hair : Christophe Versolato (Bruno Flaujac)
Stylist : Diva
Assistant : Benoit Jacquot
light : two elinchrom flash.
Place : le Palladia
With the cooperation of Marina Muller - Reyan Events.
Maternity Photo Shoot.
This was a two Light setup utilizing using Yongnuo 560 III speed lights controlled by a YN560-TX.
My "Group A" key light (camera right) was modified using a shoot thru umbrella slightly behind and about 8' from subject and 6' above floor.
My "Group B" (rim light, camera left) light with a 1/2 CTO gel, modified by a Fotodiox Pro Soft-box 30" Octagon with diffuser. About 6' from subject and 6' above floor.
Bonjour les amours! Qui veut partager ça avec moi?
#healthy#breakfast#morning#cuttingseason#gymlife#fitspo#eatforabs#eatclean#gymaddict#allnatural #expectation#fitness#lifestyle
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What I'm Wearing:
Top & Skirt:
GeMyles - Kylia Leather & Lace Outfit (from Fitmesh Designers Expose)
Shoes:
GeMyles - Taylor High Heels (included in outfit)
Hair:
no.match - no.surrender (from Hair Fair 2017)
Jewellery:
:*:CPD:*: Drops of Sapphire Belly Ring
Makeup:
R.icielli - Lipstick 02/15
Mesh Body:
Maitreya Lara
Skin:
WoW Skins - Irina 2016 Tan
In joyful expectation....
In blijde verwachting....
© All of my photos are unconditional copyrighted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Therefore it is legally forbidden to use my pictures on websites, in commercial and/or editorial prints or in other media without my explicit permission.
Some of my photos are sold at reasonable prices through various stock photo agencies.
Moinho junto a Aldeia da Mata Pequena - Mafra, Portugal
Windmill near Aldeia da Mata Pequena - Mafra, Portugal
Morning Golden Hour
I haven't created an image "just because" in about a year. I miss taking photos for fun... Jumping back in headfirst, you guys."
Water Abstract
This is the result of dribbling water drops into a black frying pan filled with water and a backdrop of red, green, silver and gold Christmas tinsel reflecting off the water surface and the ripples created by multiple drops. This wasn't what I was expecting or hoping for, but somehow is one of those unplanned shots that is beyond 'expectation'. More or less SOOC with a slight crop and minor levels adjustment. I hope you'll like it as much as I do.
Contrary to reasonable expectation, the bongo-playing giraffe was actually the second oddest thing I saw this day, pipped to the post by a sea of floating heads within the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The installation represents "Expression", chosen as the theme for one half of the museum after its recent refurbishment. It's a playful homage to Victorian sculpture galleries, including the one in which it's housed.
"Like a release of balloons, the heads bring lightness and humour to a grand building, lifting visitors heads and acting as a draw to the upstairs galleries."
(Glasgow, 2012)
APPROXIMATE RELEASE DATE: 2001-2002
HEAD MOLD: "Classic"
PERSONAL FUN FACT: If you had asked me a thousand times before April 2016 if I would ever want a Lindsey Bergman doll, the answer always would have been "no." It's amazing how one moment in time can completely rewrite my opinion about a doll, even if it is one that I've had for years. I remember when Lindsey first debuted in catalogues. I was fascinated by the "Girl of the Year" concept, as it was entirely new, uncharted territory. But as much as I wanted to like her, I just couldn't find it in me to think of her as an attractive doll. It wasn't that I found her appalling by any means, I mean after all, American Girls all look fairly similar. It was more like I just couldn't find any appeal in her appearance. So my longing to own a Lindsey doll was only momentary. Nearly fifteen years after she first came out, I still never had any expectation of owning Lindsey.
Over the years, I have encountered several Lindsey Bergman dolls in person. I had gotten to hold and touch them, and while I thought they were mildly cute, my heart never felt warm and fuzzy. These few experiences only solidified my belief that I just wasn't into Lindsey, and that I would never own her. The first time I "met" a Lindsey doll was not long after she came out. One of my friends in middle school would invite me over to her house for sleepovers every so often. Although it was not my chosen weekend activity, there were perks to these slumber parties. My friend had quite the doll collection--she was actually the girl that owned the Xpress It! Yasmin doll I fell in love with, which led to my Bratz obsession. Besides her Barbies, this little girl also had an American Girl Lindsey. Meeting Lindsey was like keeping company with a celebrity to my eleven year old self. The second I spotted her sitting on my friend's bureau, I was most intrigued. I couldn't understand why my friend found her to be so "creepy" to the point where Lindsey was kicked out of the bedroom at night (at least that's what she told me she did). In person, Lindsey wasn't all that spectacular--her hair was matted and frizzy, and her skin was dirty and yellowing. My second experience with a Lindsey doll was not much better. Sometime in 2012 or early 2013, I fixed up a Lindsey doll for a friend. She too was a homely, battered mess. In fact, this second Lindsey doll was in even worse condition than the first. Of course, that makes sense being that this was nearly a decade later. Lindsey's limbs were entirely loose, her hair was an utter train wreck, and her skin was so grubby and oily, I had to scrub her clean multiple times. Even after a series of shampooing, boil washes, and curly perms, Lindsey still looked forlorn and just a little ugly. These two undesirable Lindsey dolls that I met in my past assured me that I was "immune" to her wiles, and that I would never fork over my money to have one.
Fate would have it differently though, because only a few years after fixing up my friend's Lindsey doll, I would find my very own Lindsey. American Girls had made a huge comeback into my life in 2014, after my sister and I rescued a beaten up Nellie doll from our local flea market. All the passion we had suppressed for years for American Girl dolls simply erupted after Nellie O'Malley joined the family. Our collection grew extremely quickly, and it seemed that every few months we were scrounging money together to buy new clothes from eBay or American Girl. In February of 2016, an adorable blue eyed, freckled face dolly named Grace Thomas, became a member of the family. Although initially uninterested in Miss Thomas, several months later, I found myself drooling over every picture or video I found on the internet of her (not to mention the copious amount of time I spent staring at her catalogue spreads). It might seem odd that I am mentioning Grace when I am supposed to be explaining my Lindsey doll's story. But Grace in fact has everything to do with why Lindsey is here. It's not that Grace instilled a desire in me to collect all the Girl of the Year dolls. It's not that she made me more open minded (the door to my heart was already entirely open). Although, Grace did make me realize that sometimes liking an American doll is enough of a reason to buy her, even if it is on a whim. It's actually that Grace and Lindsey have some aesthetic similarities. I didn't realize it until after purchasing my Lindsey doll, but what I suddenly found so attractive about Lindsey was her light blue eyes, quirky freckles, and brown hair...sound familiar?
It was opening day at our flea market in 2016, when we found Lindsey. The day before, I had sent my Kirsten doll off to the hospital to get new eyes. Colleen and I jokingly said that when Kirsten got back, she probably expected to find another doll in her spot...I guess that joke jinxed us! The winter weather that had trickled into the spring months had prevented Colleen and I from going to the flea market earlier that year. We didn't anticipate finding much at all, let alone coming home with a huge score. As we walked along the first aisle of the flea market, down the winding hill, I spotted a familiar table with some very suspicious looking figures standing on it. I could have sworn from this distant perspective that there were at least two American Girl dolls on this table, but I couldn't make out their identities. I repressed the urge to run to the table and inspect the potential American Girls. Instead, my sister and I continued following our regular path around the flea market. Within five minutes I had entirely forgotten about the American Girls I may have spotted. My attention had been grabbed by a massive green suitcase stuffed with hoards of mutilated Barbies (a bin we later named the "Ken Suitcase lot"). My sister and I spent about fifteen minutes sifting through the suitcase before purchasing it. As we headed up the hill towards the table with Lindsey, I was hauling the huge, ridiculously heavy luggage behind me (luckily it had wheels). Lindsey was easy to spot by then, so I quickened my pace until we reached the destination. Once again, I felt like I was in the presence of royalty. My sister and I swooped over Lindsey, studying her clothes, touching her hair, and feeling her limbs. I thought for sure that this seller (who was usually over priced) would want some absurd amount of money for her. But instead, she surprised me by saying that the doll was seventy five dollars. Lindsey was complete, except for her hair clip. Her hair was in beautiful condition--at least to me, a seasoned doll stylist, who could see the potential. It was still very shiny and soft, although it was slightly tangled. Lindsey's face paint was fresh looking, which countered her super loose limbs and grubby looking clothes. But I reasoned with myself that I never wanted a Lindsey doll before, and that I should save my money. So we thanked the seller and off we went to look around while I "mulled over" whether or not I should buy Lindsey. The woman warned us that several other people had also walked away to "think" about Lindsey and that at some point she would sell. I knew that this wasn't a sales gimmick, as I've seen elevated interest in any American Girl item at my local flea market (after all, Colleen and I narrowly managed to get my Bitty Baby named Jelly).
As we finished the last few rows of the flea market, I walked as fast as my legs could carry me, and haul the suitcase. I was breezing so quickly through the flea market, that I barely spent anytime hunting for treasure. I kept saying to myself, "I need to finish this quickly so I can get to the ATM and withdraw money for Lindsey." I chanted this line over and over again, until it occurred to me how ridiculous the situation was. Obviously, my heart had made up my mind, and had decided that I was getting Lindsey. When this dawned on me, I knew I had to get my butt over to the ATM as quickly as possible, and then book it back to the table before anyone else bought her. My sister went ahead of me to "reserve" Lindsey while I went to the ATM and withdrew the funds for her. I actually beat Colleen back to the table and had already paid for Lindsey by the time she found us (she had gotten confused). Later that afternoon, as Lindsey and I sat together in the Dunkin Donuts parking lot in my new Jeep, waiting for Colleen to buy drinks with a gift card we had, it suddenly hit me that I owned a Lindsey doll. Looking into her beautiful blue eyes, I knew I had made the right decision. That moment felt so right, and it truly felt like a new chapter in my life had just started.
Lindsey has come to mean so many things to me, many of which I never expected. She symbolizes my childhood, and a shift in the American Girl line. There really is quite the novelty in owning THE first Girl of the Year doll, the one who started it all (although she didn't sell well back then ironically). It is also refreshing to see a familiar face in my doll cabinets, one that I not only knew from catalogues, but also in person from the various friends I made over the years. Her similarities to my beloved Grace doll make me that much more fond of her. And of course there is the fact that I spent so much time reviving her. I slaved over removing the mold stains which covered parts of her arms, legs, and her neck, I scrubbed her body clean, I washed her already beautiful hair, and I restrung her cloth body, once again restoring her cuddliness. But most of all, Lindsey marks the beginning of a new journey--"The Great Unknown" as Rob Thomas would put it. Since losing my father in 2012, my sister and I have struggled to keep our heads above water and we have fought for our happiness. It always felt like a constant battle because with each step we took forward, some hurdle would send us back a few paces. But 2016 finally pushed us into the next chapter. For the first time in four years, it no longer felt like we were just fighting against the current, but that the river of life was actually taking us somewhere new. Lindsey was the first American Girl to ride in my new Jeep Angel, she was purchased on the first flea market day of 2016, she was the first secondhand AG that year, and for the first time looking into her blue glassy eyes the day we bought her, I knew that Colleen and I were really going to be okay, and that this newfound happiness was not temporary.
The magnificent Retablo da Expectación da Santa Virxe (Altar of the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin) is a masterpiece of Galician Baroque art and one of the most outstanding artifacts in the cathedral. It is located in the Capela de San Pedro on the western side of the transept. It was created in 1722 by the master Antonio del Villar from Redondela.
The Virgin is represented pregnant, her hand resting over her womb. The statue of the Virgin dates back to around 1600. The ensemble is flanked by niches with hagiographic representations and medallions with scenes from the history of Salvation, constituting a visual delight for the senses full of historical and symbolic significance.
Well, here we are then. I suppose with shot 365 it is compulsory to give some kind of reflection on the project as a whole, and I warn you - this could get philosophical ;) Skip to the end if you get bored. :)
Firstly, I can honestly say that I started the project with little expectation that I would finish it. It has, however, proven to be easier than I expected. I know that Laura spent many frustrating days trying to think of something to snap, but I had a rather easier time of it. She had no mobile phone camera, and a very camera unfriendly job. I'm just the opposite. I'm blessed with a job where I'm often taking photos every day, even if they're ones that I can't post in public places. A school is a place of life though - even though individuals may find their own days boring there's always SOMETHING going on somewhere, and with such a large building there's often things to see if you look closer.
I've never kept a journal or a diary, and have now realised how terribly life affirming it all is. 2009 is a year in which I will have some kind of memory of every single day, and it won't be a forgotten year like so many others. I can't remember a damn thing I did in say...1998. I could probably come up with one or two things if I REALLY tried, but not more than one or two.
So, what have I hated? Not a lot really. I haven't found it too strenuous and it really hasn't been a chore.
What have I loved? Well, getting the camera out more is always a good thing. I'm also looking around a lot more, and being more aware of the wonderful things around me. The things that can make an interesting photograph are often strange and wonderful.
I like also that the project gives the tiniest little hint of an insight into the pressures that professional photographers face. It's dead easy to take photos when you're feeling inspired and creative. In a 365 you quickly discover that when you're tired, grouchy, sick, stressed, hung over or a combination of all of them it becomes very difficult to take a shot that's even technically competent - never mind one that has any kind of artistic merit! Spare a thought for that photographer trying to take beautiful photos of two families that he doesn't really care about at the next wedding that you're at!
One thing that I've really loved is that my photographs are littering the net all over the place. There are probably three reasons for this:
1. My photos are by and large reasonably ok from a technical viewpoint. There's not many with appallingly bad focussing, exposure, etc.
2. I give my photos away, and everybody loves free stuff! I generally put all my photos under a creative commons licence that lets people use them for whatever they want. I didn't take them to make money, so I'm happy to put them out there.
3. I take lots of very, very generic photos. I think this is largely because lots of people around me aren't comfortable having their photo on the net, and I'd never take a people shot from my workplace. So very few of my shots feature people, and that makes them ideal for illustrating blogs, tutorials and other concept pieces.
My Ryanair 737 on approach to Liverpool can be found in many travel blogs. My exam desks illustrate lots of topics about exams and nerves. My crossed fingers end up in the unlikeliest of places. My smiley face biscuit illustrates a spiritual presentation on ignorance. My pebbles on Llandudno beach are probably going to be published at some point in a book. My stuff is all over the place - and I love that!
It's interesting to see what people do like, and so how about a quick run down of the top ten photos based on view. Thanks to the Flickr statistics module, here we go!
In tenth: #6: A Little Prick with a Needle
With 158 views, this one just scraped ahead of the approaching Ryanair 737 to get tenth place. This is a very average shot of some dental equipment taken with a mobile phone. Why it's proved so popular is a mystery to me, even if it has had the longest time to be viewed. I can only put it down to the words 'little prick' in the title. People do look for the funniest things ;)
In ninth: #74: The Eyes Have It
This one has had 159 views, and is a favourite of three people. It wasn't the easiest shot, and it turned out quite well so I'm rather happy with it. And we won't even start about what colour the eye is - there could be blood on the carpet.
In joint seventh: #140: Hell's Kitchen
With 164 views, I'm really pleased with this very dramatic shot, and I'm not surprised that it's earned a good few views.
In joint seventh: #145b: They Meet At Last
I'm delighted that this made the top ten, as it's one of my favourite shots of the whole year. Anything tagged 'Red Arrows' gets lots of views, and something that isn't a plane in the air is always interesting. A lovely moment. This has had 164 views...I'm guessing that 160 of them were by Laura ;)
In sixth: #44: A Bit of a Mix Up
Do you remember me talking about generic photos? This mixing desk shot fulfils the basic 'lights, knobs and sliders' requirements that have led it to be used in lots of 'techie' type blog posts all over the place. It made sixth with 198 well earned views.
In fifth: #4: Crossed Words
It's right back to the start again as this perfectly boring photo of a crossword chalked up a whopping 232 views. It's back to generic illustrations again.
In fourth: #147: Testing Times Ahead
This photo of a very large exam hall has proven really popular with bloggers, and has also been included in a commercial product that someone is putting together. I'm not sure why it does so well, but the geometry is nice and the sheer scale is huge. 251 views.
In third: #25: It's Good to Talk!
Why, oh why, oh why do 343 people think this is a great photo to use? It's just a phone! Nevertheless it's very popular and has been used to illustrate a lot of articles about VOIP telephony.
In second: #237: Fingers Crossed!
This is a weird one. It's the newest photo in the top ten, and it has racked up 454 views, and yet it's a not particularly attractive photo of a bloody unattractive hand (mine). Strange, strange, strange. It also has the honour of having been used for one day on the front page of the Yahoo directory. It's a small claim to fame, but one that pleased me very much. :)
In first place, the winner is... #133: Lost Luggage?
Yes, an unlikely winner, but not without good reason! This five minute bit of fun was a visual gag based on an incident at LAX airport. The reason for the huge popularity is that Laura posted it as a link on one of the aviation forums that she uses and hence it got a whole pile of views from there. About 545 in fact. :)
And with that analysis done, it's time to have my Oscar moment and make some very important thank yous.
Firstly, to all the wonderful people who have appeared in or helped me create my photos. You know who you are, and you have been a source of inexhaustible patience, tolerance and kindness. I thank you.
Secondly to you. Yes you - reading this post! A body of artistic/journalistic/observational/documentary work still has a place without anyone reading it, but an audience - even an audience of one - gives the whole thing validity. Pretty much all of my 365 posts get between ten and twenty views, and it makes me really happy to think that there are ten people out there reading my daily photos - but I don't know who all of you are! If you're reading this then drop me a comment, even if only to say hi. :) Thanks, and I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have. :)
Thirdly I give a nod to all the folks on the h.tv board who started this project together - and a very big nod to the handful of us left ;)
Now on to two very special thank yous.
The first is to Keith, my former colleague and good friend who is now resident in sunny Spain. Keith is living proof that a good teacher may hang up his chalk but he can never, ever retire. Keith's often seemingly throwaway references to great photographers, his dropping of technical terms and his acute observations have allowed me to view my own humble efforts in the context of some of the artistic greats of the twentieth century. Each journey prompted by such a comment has been a learning experience and of more interest than he can possibly know. He also manages to diligently produce a meaningful and cogent comment on even my poorest efforts. Thanks Keith, it's been a joy.
And my final special thank you goes out to Laura - my inspiration (let's not forget that she finished a 366 long before I started mine) and constant companion in the journey. I can also tell you that there has been at least one, and probably two, occasions when the absence of Laura's timely reminder to take a photo would have led to failure in this project. Thanks honey!
I did give Laura a bit of stick about the huge number of photos of cups of tea in her 366 collection. She sternly warned me that I'd be doing the same thing in mine. And so in a moment of true male pig headedness, having satisfied myself that I actually CAN complete a 365 without taking a photo of a cup of tea/coffee, that's exactly what I'm going to do in tribute to my sweetheart. So here it is - my first cup of the day which is a Christmas coffee from Finland!
So there we are, against all odds I did it. I didn't miss a day (which I thought I would) and I didn't - much as I was tempted to - borrow a photo from another day to fill a space.
Having completed it, one is left with the dilemma of whether or not to continue. Given that I don't feel the overwhelming sense of relief that many people get on reaching #365, I think I'm going to carry on. I won't beat myself up if I miss a day, and I might even borrow from a different day without feeling bad about it. And as the account is paid for for at least another year, I might as well.
A very happy New Year to all of you, and if you read all of that crap then I thank you once again. :)