Pixzen

Enjoying the sunset

2012-01-31T05:32:00.001-08:00

I've been using an iPhone app called Camera+ and have to say that it's phenomenal. I does things that I didn't think I'd be able to do, like bring out the buildings in this shot, with a cell phone camera.

It certainly makes shooting with a cell phone a lot more fun and versatile.

Just another reason that more and more people will be leaving their DSLR's at home.

Pulled and Tossed

2012-01-30T05:30:00.001-08:00

If I wasn't improvising and working with limited resources, I don't I'd be processing these images. They've sat for six months. Time for them to see some light.

Pay in advance

2012-01-29T20:03:00.001-08:00

Disruption makes you rethink how you do things, just as necessity leads to invention. If you don't adapt and improvise, how will you overcome the challenges in life?

We need to have faith, be strong, and keep learning the lessons of life. That's what it's all about.

Locked Out

2012-01-29T09:43:00.001-08:00

Even the best of plans can't take into account everything to could possibly go wrong. In my case, one corrupt dll file has lead to a world of complications.

Forgot My Question

2012-01-28T09:43:00.001-08:00

A moment where nothing else mattered..... Wouldn't that be nice?

Still Working

2012-01-27T05:26:00.001-08:00

It's amazing how one little thing can have such disruptive results.

I'm still working on a plan on getting my desktop computer back up and running... I just need to make some time available to do that. In the meantime, I've been trying to maintain a certain level of productivity within the confines of limited capacity.

You can only do so much without the right software.

Morning Grub

2012-01-26T05:14:00.001-08:00

Pick carefully... it's a decision you'll live with for the rest of the day.

Yes, I'm still down and out... working from a mobile platform, but really in need of a machine that can do some heavy lifting.

Locked Up

2012-01-25T05:36:00.001-08:00

It's amazing how somethings can be so disruptive. I turned on my computer yesterday (or at least tried to) to find that I had a corrupt hal.dll file. So after working on repairing this issue, along with creating a new boot.ini file, I'm still dead in the water and working from my laptop.

All is not lost. The data still seems to be on the old hard drive, and I've got a back up of the programs, and external hard drives with my images on them. And yet, until I get the computer back up and running, my routine has been completely turned around.

It's like having your hands tided.

Brush Up

2012-01-24T05:35:00.001-08:00

I'm got a serious system problem and will need to dig deep to get it repaired. A setback of sorts.

Crossed

2012-01-23T05:22:00.001-08:00

We're ready this year... for whatever comes our way.

At the movies

2012-01-22T09:05:00.001-08:00

Just being out and about, the world speaks.

Cream of Wheat

2012-01-21T12:08:00.001-08:00

I've been having loads of fun just using my cell phone camera. A slice of life approach to photography if you will. Gotta love technology.

Scrambled

2012-01-20T05:25:00.001-08:00

Mix up your photography and have some fun with it. At the very least, try something different.

Drive Ahead

2012-01-19T05:09:00.001-08:00

It's good to move forward.

So far away

2012-01-18T19:38:00.001-08:00

If you're over fifty, you really need to start getting your affairs in order.

If you think about it, you're living on borrowed time. You've got more years behind you than ahead of you, and putting off making important decisions is putting an unfair burden on your family and loved ones.

You need to put a plan together in the event something happens to you. This should include having a will, specifying how your remains are to be dealt with, and having a DNR form completed. This is the minimum of what you should have in order.

Another thing I suggest is taking a look around at your surroundings. Get rid of things you don't use, donate them. Do your really want to leave behind a mess for someone else to clean up?

Simplify your life. Spend more time doing things you love, and less time accumulating material objects. You'll be happier.

You're running out of time... use what you have left wisely.

Ready to repair

2012-01-18T05:51:00.001-08:00

You just can't fix everything. The key is to know what you can fix, and being ready and able to do so.

Honey Lemonade

2012-01-17T05:44:00.001-08:00

A tasty distraction.

At the crossroads

2012-01-16T08:16:00.001-08:00

Where our choices change the direction of our lives.

Scattered Clouds

2012-01-15T09:41:00.001-08:00

The beauty of using the cloud is having access your data where and when you need it.

I've been forced to be out and away, and having infrastructure in place to get things done has been a godsend.

Taking Steps

2012-01-14T07:58:00.001-08:00

Each day we move a little more on our journey of the unknown...

Divided Nation

2012-01-13T05:13:00.001-08:00

The era of discontent... never more obvious than during an election year. The news makes it obvious...

The lookout

2012-01-12T05:54:00.001-08:00

Keeping a quiet watch...

Vibrant Skies

2012-01-11T05:58:00.001-08:00

Clear your mind...
Face that which is to come openly.

Solving the World's Problems

2012-01-10T06:08:00.001-08:00

If only it was this easy.

Off duty

2012-01-09T05:29:00.001-08:00

There's never any real downtime...

Dessert

2012-01-08T09:36:00.001-08:00

I've been using my phone more and more to take, process, and post images.

I'm becoming more and more convinced that this is the future.

Why?

Well, because the cameras in the phones are getting better and better. The processors are getting incredibly fast, and the software can do many things that I used to have to do in Photoshop.

Not having to carry around a bunch of heavy gear is a real plus, as is being able to shoot HD video. But the real coup de grâce will be the fact that images can be processed and posted to the internet within minutes.

No more emptying cards, processing, and then posting. How do you compete with that?

No food

2012-01-07T09:05:00.001-08:00

If an image has a story to tell, it can say a lot.

Just look around you. You'd be surprised at all your surrounding environment has to say. Capturing the essence of those stories is where photography can take you on a road of discovery.

Unloading

2012-01-06T05:18:00.001-08:00

Sometimes it's good to get things off your chest. Much better than carrying that weight around all the time.

End of Days

2012-01-05T19:15:00.001-08:00

End of Days, a photo by Damian Gadal on Flickr.

Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now... Bob Dylan

I've been thinking a lot about the line about being deceived into thinking we've got something to protect.... other than our freedom (which we seem content on giving away in the name of security)... what are we trying to protect?

I bring this up specifically in terms of talent, creativity, and photography. Locking away your images because you think someone will steal them is silly, and foolish.

Gifts were meant to be shared, if they aren't shared then they're squandered. That's why they are called gifts.

So often I get exposed to people arguing about putting images on the internet, and how it's not a good thing, as they'll be stolen. How?

Sure people might download, use, and enjoy the images... even misappropriate them. So!

They didn't create them... and that group is so small compared to all who may find pleasure, or even be moved by an image.... not sharing images is lessening the online community, and punishing the many in order to spite the few.

Share! Make the world a better place!

When trees go

2012-01-05T05:44:00.001-08:00

All things have their time and place.

The mystic

2012-01-04T05:44:00.001-08:00

Not knowing what lies ahead forces to us face our challenges, which often requires a lot of faith.

The world burns away

2012-01-03T19:54:00.001-08:00

Don't expect life to be anything other than what's thrown at you.

2012 Sunset #1

2012-01-03T05:29:00.001-08:00

Always great when the year starts off with a stunning sunset.

Gas

2012-01-02T09:34:00.001-08:00

Time to refuel and find new roads to travel.

The easy chair

2012-01-01T09:27:00.001-08:00

Good day to kick it.

I just love the shadows in this. Makes for a good study.

Not selling any cars

2011-12-31T08:56:00.001-08:00

It's been one tough year, and the recession lingers on. This best we can do is to keep trying to move forward.

Off to the fire

2011-12-30T05:19:00.001-08:00

Having a camera at hand has enabled me to capture the unexpected... those random slices of life.

Trying my luck

2011-12-29T05:18:00.001-08:00

Moving along,
covering new ground...
with no clear indication,
what I'll find down the road.

Gang Henge

2011-12-28T05:55:00.001-08:00

When the world we live in falls in on itself...

near the end

2011-12-27T05:09:00.001-08:00

Where who knows what awaits us...

December Beach

2011-12-26T05:46:00.001-08:00

I've been playing with the much improved iPhone 4S. I have to say that the camera really has come a long way, as has the software available to process images.

This makes using phones as full time camera a much better option, and a lot more fun.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T12:02:00.001-08:00

Wishing you all the best. Make some happy memories with friends and family.

May the season bring you much joy and many blessings.

Just Like That

2011-12-24T08:13:00.001-08:00

The scene unfolded before me...
The gentle fog catching the sun,
as the day began to warm.

The Defender

2011-12-23T05:46:00.001-08:00

She pulled anchor and headed out to sea... it was the last we saw of her.

Just waiting around

2011-12-22T06:04:00.001-08:00

I just don't see the point in dead tree analog media anymore. Now more than ever, it needs to go away.

The Narrows

2011-12-21T08:21:00.001-08:00

Sometimes you just feel like life is squeezing in on you.

Lonely Heart

2011-12-20T05:21:00.001-08:00

Lonely Heart, a photo by Damian Gadal on Flickr.

We tear down our bridges
and build up walls instead...
lock up our doors and gates
and hearts...filled with lead
We take love and seal it
away... in a room somewhere
and know how to care.... only
for friends and children...there
is no love anymore...to share
with the billions of others
who need it so much...
no one can penetrate our
locked up world...no touch
of another is welcomed... I
am a rock...hard and solid
we say... I will not cry...
or be vulnerable...but
of all the commodities we
could have...love is the only
one lost when kept...when freely
given it increases and grows
but locked in our hearts
we bemoan our woes...
never giving to those who need
never filling the need we
have ourselves...by allowing
them to give...Here I'm empty
give me love...and I'll return
that love to you... I do not
have so many friends I can turn
one away... I dot not have so
much love I can let one micron
of it go... I'd love to love... I know

Ready to roll away

2011-12-19T05:50:00.001-08:00

A lot has changed and rolled away.... funny how things just slip on by.

Please Help

2011-12-18T10:29:00.001-08:00

Count your blessings everyday, and never forget those less fortunate.

Remember that life can throw anyone a curve, and often faith is the only thing we've got.

iOS5

2011-12-17T22:56:00.001-08:00

Just upgraded devices and have been testing out iOS5. I'm impressed.

Calling it a day

2011-12-17T09:15:00.001-08:00

I've got to set some time aside for photography before the month gets completely away from me.

As one

2011-12-16T05:45:00.001-08:00

Those moments when we forget the world.

Heading Home

2011-12-15T05:17:00.001-08:00

Like a thief in the night.

Jumpy

2011-12-14T05:27:00.001-08:00

Should the need arise,
I'm gone in the blink of an eye.

Half Sweet

2011-12-13T05:54:00.001-08:00

Like half memories,
the best parts are on top.

Before we broke

2011-12-12T05:59:00.001-08:00

When the world was ours,
to mold and shape...
our sight was the skies,
destination the stars...

Near Complete

2011-12-11T07:41:00.001-08:00

As close to a dream come true as one can get....

Guess I'm Doing Fine

2011-12-10T09:15:00.001-08:00

Just trying to keep things together,
for a little while longer...

before he smiles

2011-12-09T05:15:00.001-08:00

How we see the world makes a big difference

Send me away

2011-12-08T05:13:00.001-08:00

some far away place in my mind...
where worries are none,
and the weather's fine...

Dusk Piles

2011-12-07T05:20:00.001-08:00

Clouds part and clear away...

Ripples along the way

2011-12-06T05:44:00.001-08:00

Marking the moments in our lives

Over the yellow

2011-12-05T05:28:00.001-08:00

Falling off in color,
I'll reach you at the bottom.

Boots and Rope

2011-12-04T10:22:00.001-08:00

but if you stay...
together, we'll share...
another day....

Twist Up

2011-12-03T05:18:00.001-08:00

Like the paths of our life,
taking us from here to there,
each turn leaving its mark

Boats and Power

2011-12-02T09:46:00.001-08:00

The world doesn't run on wishful thinking.

Before they bloom

2011-12-01T09:29:00.001-08:00

A cleansed heart,
and renewed spirit,
await their final journey...

You win again

2011-11-30T05:47:00.001-08:00

It's surprising how a turn of events can end.
Days start and never finish...
Dreams bourne...
Their fires quenched...
Treasures are friends...
That time takes away...
You win again.

and I wonder why

2011-11-29T06:20:00.001-08:00

Things just happen they way they're meant to happen.... thinking about them too much won't change that fact.

A Little Faith

2011-11-28T06:21:00.001-08:00

Some days we need more it more than others.

on the way home

2011-11-27T09:40:00.001-08:00

We stopped to take in the glory of it all.

Capturing the Sunset

2011-11-26T07:51:00.001-08:00

Always one of my favorite times of day.

Empty Mall

2011-11-25T09:57:00.001-08:00

Isn't it time we cut up the credit cards? So many better things to do than acquiring stuff.

Going off to sea

2011-11-24T08:28:00.001-08:00

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone. Stay safe.

Wish I Knew

2011-11-23T05:44:00.001-08:00

What happens next is anyone's guess.

Thus Far

2011-11-22T06:10:00.001-08:00

Things become clear,
like a light in the night,
to show us our way...

Lillian G

2011-11-21T05:36:00.001-08:00

In service...
she waits.

Rough Weather

2011-11-20T09:18:00.001-08:00

Clear skies give way....
from blue to grey....
stars yield too...
rain...

The Last Day Of Our Acquaintance

2011-11-19T10:28:00.001-08:00

We just never know when that day will be,
reason enough to treasure all the days between.

Open Door

2011-11-18T05:43:00.001-08:00

A threshold waiting for us to cross.

All Lines

2011-11-17T06:01:00.001-08:00

Stand in formation,
serving freedom,
protecting a nation...

Back in the day

2011-11-16T05:34:00.001-08:00

Some memories shine brighter than others.

Ship and Shine

2011-11-15T06:25:00.001-08:00

My challenge was to try and get a shot in very difficult situation.

What do you do when you're on a moving boat and losing light quickly?

One solution: crank up the ISO.

Keeping you in memory

2011-11-14T06:19:00.001-08:00

Sacrifices not forgotten.

Nothing's Changed

2011-11-13T07:22:00.001-08:00

Some things stay delightfully the same.

Back Again

2011-11-12T09:35:00.001-08:00

It's been a week of challenge with equipment failures. The equipment has been upgraded and replaced, so I'm back again.

Just getting old and falling apart....

With clouds

2011-11-11T05:54:00.001-08:00

we count the passing,
flickers and wisps,
in silent mourning,
the time just slips...

to take us away

Morning Row

2011-11-10T05:40:00.001-08:00

Things seemed so simple then,
the storm hadn't hit...
dreams were fresh and alive...
taking life in stride was easy.
One day to come around again.

A turn or two

2011-11-09T05:01:00.001-08:00

something to make the trip interesting.

Sailing Away

2011-11-08T05:01:00.001-08:00

on an afternoon breeze

Off in the distance

2011-11-07T04:51:00.001-08:00

where all your dreams await you...
still reflections of things...
so soon to come true...

Cattle and Clouds

2011-11-06T08:42:00.001-08:00

Floating, onward, upward,
in every direction,
yet nowhere at all,
together they roam...

Tired of waiting....

2011-11-05T09:44:00.001-07:00

I'll try to tell you...
wait...
It was night....
I was going somewhere...
No, I was running...
wait, I'll tell you, wait...

Off exploring

2011-11-04T05:32:00.001-07:00

when I can...
where I can...

Storm Break

2011-11-03T05:26:00.001-07:00

Rays of light when they were needed.

Feast of Dust

2011-11-02T05:08:00.001-07:00

The collected scraps of memory were his life.

When you call my name

2011-11-01T05:40:00.001-07:00

I'd like to send you the mysteries of the sea,
as I watch the ocean lap rocks with wet,
slowly breaking,
shadows in between....

Moving Forward

2011-10-31T04:59:00.001-07:00

it's our only option.

Telling Tales

2011-10-30T09:27:00.001-07:00

Another day slowly fades into night,
the sinking sun showcases the sky...
in golden light.

Behind the sea the sun hides,
darkness rolling forth...
nocturnal mystery springs from ocean tides.

Distorted View

2011-10-29T14:07:00.001-07:00

Bring on the night,
colors of the day,
gone, red
out on the streets of the city,
L.A.
The city about, the city obscene
brown bag joy, old men
attack dogs attached to blind...
and corner street women,
mothers of sin,
brown air...
I'm on the streets...
it was a dare...