Title: Dark Dice
Changing gears back to shapes for a bit. Today's, 'Dark Dice', because... well, I don't know, sounds spooky and stuff. Just roll with it!
Subject: Cubes, with dots. And some spooky.
Enjoy!
Showing posts with label spooky. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spooky. Show all posts
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Photo 365 - Day 305 (Dark Dice)
Day 305 (May 4th, 2011)
Title: Dark Dice
Changing gears back to shapes for a bit. Today's, 'Dark Dice', because... well, I don't know, sounds spooky and stuff. Just roll with it!
Subject: Cubes, with dots. And some spooky.
Enjoy!
Title: Dark Dice
Changing gears back to shapes for a bit. Today's, 'Dark Dice', because... well, I don't know, sounds spooky and stuff. Just roll with it!
Subject: Cubes, with dots. And some spooky.
Enjoy!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Photo 365 - Day 299 (Steve)
Day 299 (April 28th, 2011)
Title: Steve
A quick Public Service Announcement from Steve Skalle:
"Hey kids! Don't forget, Halloween is only like 6 months away! I'm in Bermuda right now, getting some sun, but I'll be back to party, 'Skalle Style' soon! Peace out!"
Subject: The one and only Steve Skalle, Skull Superstar.
Techie: 43mm, f/5.0 at 1/60th with external flash
Enjoy!
Title: Steve
A quick Public Service Announcement from Steve Skalle:
"Hey kids! Don't forget, Halloween is only like 6 months away! I'm in Bermuda right now, getting some sun, but I'll be back to party, 'Skalle Style' soon! Peace out!"
Subject: The one and only Steve Skalle, Skull Superstar.
Techie: 43mm, f/5.0 at 1/60th with external flash
Enjoy!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Photo 365 - Day 260 (Going Down)
Day 260 (March 20th, 2011)
Title: Going Down
And now, the conclusion of the "Adventures Of Flying"!
"The captain has turned on the 'Fasten Seat Belts' sign, so if everyone could please return to their seats, fasten those darn things and hold on, we are about to land this thing! If anyone is in the lavatory, you really want to get back to you seat now, because its just not a fun ride in there when we head down. Thank you!"
Two lines came to me when the attendants said we were getting prepared for the landing: "Any landing you can walk away from, is a good landing." and "A landing is just a controlled fall." Neither of these helped my state of mind out much. I fastened my belt, securely, checking the latch and it's mechanical bits. My tray-table couldn't have been more 'upright' and all of my carry-on items were stowed (re: crushed) into the overhead bin. So, other than the panic and constant looking out my window for either flames, or to watch the propeller fly off, I was in my happy place.
I should mention, after we took off the attendants walked around and if they saw two people squished next to each other, they asked: "Sir, we have some vacant seats available, if you'd prefer to have a row by yourself?" Now when I heard this, I got nearly as giddy as the attendants - only because I like having room to actually breath. So, when I was asked, I quickly said "YES! I'D LOVE TO!" before the guy sitting next to me got the chance. I smiled as I was escorted back a few rows to a lovely empty row of seats all for myself. I sat down, thought to myself "Ahhh... if I pretend really hard, it's like being in first class." I nearly asked for a second beverage, I was so happy.
Then I looked out the window. Happy little clouds? No. Panoramic view of the Earth below me zipping by? No. Giant, spinning propeller of death that looked like it was barely stuck on with Elmer's Glue? Yep.
So, we begin our plummet to the tarmac, and I ponder all those things that flash before my eyes (like why do I still have remotes for TV's that I gave away decades ago?!) and can't help but wonder if ducks or birds laugh when they see planes like this coming in for a landing. After what seemed like 32 hours, we finally came down and bounced down the runway. I'm told this is normal for smaller planes, to bounce. Like a 3-year-old toy. Wee. We came to a stop, had a little assistance pealing my fingers out of the arm rest and disembarked from my exciting journey. As I walked out, two things struck me:
First, the attendant: "Thanks for flying with us, we hope you had a great time . We'll see you again real soon! "
I of course was about to tell her, please never utter a single tone ever again - until I realized that she was right, I would have to see "them" again - because at some point, I had to fly home. Sigh.
The second thing was:
"QUACK" "QUACK" "QUACK"!
Damn ducks.
Title: Going Down
And now, the conclusion of the "Adventures Of Flying"!
Two lines came to me when the attendants said we were getting prepared for the landing: "Any landing you can walk away from, is a good landing." and "A landing is just a controlled fall." Neither of these helped my state of mind out much. I fastened my belt, securely, checking the latch and it's mechanical bits. My tray-table couldn't have been more 'upright' and all of my carry-on items were stowed (re: crushed) into the overhead bin. So, other than the panic and constant looking out my window for either flames, or to watch the propeller fly off, I was in my happy place.
I should mention, after we took off the attendants walked around and if they saw two people squished next to each other, they asked: "Sir, we have some vacant seats available, if you'd prefer to have a row by yourself?" Now when I heard this, I got nearly as giddy as the attendants - only because I like having room to actually breath. So, when I was asked, I quickly said "YES! I'D LOVE TO!" before the guy sitting next to me got the chance. I smiled as I was escorted back a few rows to a lovely empty row of seats all for myself. I sat down, thought to myself "Ahhh... if I pretend really hard, it's like being in first class." I nearly asked for a second beverage, I was so happy.
Then I looked out the window. Happy little clouds? No. Panoramic view of the Earth below me zipping by? No. Giant, spinning propeller of death that looked like it was barely stuck on with Elmer's Glue? Yep.
So, we begin our plummet to the tarmac, and I ponder all those things that flash before my eyes (like why do I still have remotes for TV's that I gave away decades ago?!) and can't help but wonder if ducks or birds laugh when they see planes like this coming in for a landing. After what seemed like 32 hours, we finally came down and bounced down the runway. I'm told this is normal for smaller planes, to bounce. Like a 3-year-old toy. Wee. We came to a stop, had a little assistance pealing my fingers out of the arm rest and disembarked from my exciting journey. As I walked out, two things struck me:
First, the attendant: "Thanks for flying with us
I of course was about to tell her, please never utter a single tone ever again - until I realized that she was right, I would have to see "them" again - because at some point, I had to fly home. Sigh.
The second thing was:
"QUACK"
Damn ducks.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Photo 365 - Day 259 (Da Plane, Da Plane!)
Day 259 (March 19th, 2011)
Title: Da Plane, Da Plane
(Yes, I know this was the longest "to be continued" ever, but I came down with a nasty flu after posting the previous post and couldn't spell my name, let alone post anything. But, I'm feeling better-ish now, so lets continue the fun!)
Phun On Da Plane, Part 2
So, after taking my seat and watching the maintenance folks hand-crank up the propellers, the pilot decided it was time to actually take off. Now, as the plane taxis onto the runway, the flight attendants indicate all the lovely information about what to do if the is an emergency and where the exits are and that your seat could be used as a flotation device, but our "attendants" must have been a bit tired. Now, the plane was so small that we only had two attendants on-board, which would have been okay, if they both hadn't snorted an entire canister of nitrous oxide (each) before boarding.
Everything they said, be it: "Now, we have two exits, one up here at the front of the plane and one in the back . If we lose air pressure in the cabin , masks will fall down from the compartment overhead and might bonk you in the head! " And lets not forget the "Apollo-Comedy-Club-Level" funny that was: "Also, this plane is equipped with only one restroom which is at the front of the plane, and be aware that it is very small, so if you really need to go, our suggestion is to just wait till we land! ."
After the little remark about the restroom I believe they both fell unconscious from oxygen-deprivation from laughing so hard. Looking back, I'm kind of glad they were drugged out their mind's, because it scarred us all so much that we never even noticed that we took off and that somehow we were actually airborne (and not plummeting to our death).
Later in the flight, they were kind enough to wake back up and serve us our free beverage - a big ol' 1/10th ounce cup of any juice beverage we would like - as long as it was apple juice. I enjoyed my thimble of beverage, read my book and began building the mental stress and fear that would be "The Landing".
... to be continued...
(soon too, no "I had to wait a week to read this?!" wait either!)
Title: Da Plane, Da Plane
(Yes, I know this was the longest "to be continued" ever, but I came down with a nasty flu after posting the previous post and couldn't spell my name, let alone post anything. But, I'm feeling better-ish now, so lets continue the fun!)
Phun On Da Plane, Part 2
So, after taking my seat and watching the maintenance folks hand-crank up the propellers, the pilot decided it was time to actually take off. Now, as the plane taxis onto the runway, the flight attendants indicate all the lovely information about what to do if the is an emergency and where the exits are and that your seat could be used as a flotation device, but our "attendants" must have been a bit tired. Now, the plane was so small that we only had two attendants on-board, which would have been okay, if they both hadn't snorted an entire canister of nitrous oxide (each) before boarding.
Everything they said, be it: "Now, we have two exits
After the little remark about the restroom I believe they both fell unconscious from oxygen-deprivation from laughing so hard. Looking back, I'm kind of glad they were drugged out their mind's, because it scarred us all so much that we never even noticed that we took off and that somehow we were actually airborne (and not plummeting to our death).
Later in the flight, they were kind enough to wake back up and serve us our free beverage - a big ol' 1/10th ounce cup of any juice beverage we would like - as long as it was apple juice. I enjoyed my thimble of beverage, read my book and began building the mental stress and fear that would be "The Landing".
... to be continued...
(soon too, no "I had to wait a week to read this?!" wait either!)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Photo 365 - Day 258 (Prop Plane)
Day 258 (March 18th, 2011)
Title: Prop Plane
We recently had to go visit some friends about their upcoming wedding. It was decided that we would fly out to see them, and so tickets were purchased, bags were packed and general good times were had by all. At least, until we were on the wait to the airport when I was then informed that we would in fact, not be flying in a happy, safe and comfy jet (like I assumed), but a tiny, Wright-brothers era, prop plane. Now, "they" called it a "Turbo Prop" and they said it was extremely safe, would be just as comfortable as any jet, it was actually made in the 20th century, and many other lies. Once we got to the airport and I was dragged from the car, I decided: Okay, it has props - no biggie. Many military planes have props, and I'm SURE the government and military know what they are doing, so it won't be so bad. Besides, having 4 or 6 propellers (like all good military planes you see in the movies) doesn't sound so bad. Besides, perhaps I can bomb those darn Red Box machines that never have the movies I want it while we are taking off.
Then I saw the plane, or more specifically, I saw the deathtrap with two blenders stuck on the wings. Yep, only 2 props. Not 4, or 6 or 20. 2. They looked like Tonka toys. I was expecting to see a "pull string" sticking out that the ground crew would yank just before takeoff.
There was no ramp to the plane, just a few steps off the tarmac. I half expected the plane to be made of wood. I boarded the plane, took my seats, strapped myself in, pondered who would get my coin collection when they finally identified my remains, and waited for the "fun" to start.
... to be continued...
Title: Prop Plane
We recently had to go visit some friends about their upcoming wedding. It was decided that we would fly out to see them, and so tickets were purchased, bags were packed and general good times were had by all. At least, until we were on the wait to the airport when I was then informed that we would in fact, not be flying in a happy, safe and comfy jet (like I assumed), but a tiny, Wright-brothers era, prop plane. Now, "they" called it a "Turbo Prop" and they said it was extremely safe, would be just as comfortable as any jet, it was actually made in the 20th century, and many other lies. Once we got to the airport and I was dragged from the car, I decided: Okay, it has props - no biggie. Many military planes have props, and I'm SURE the government and military know what they are doing, so it won't be so bad. Besides, having 4 or 6 propellers (like all good military planes you see in the movies) doesn't sound so bad. Besides, perhaps I can bomb those darn Red Box machines that never have the movies I want it while we are taking off.
Then I saw the plane, or more specifically, I saw the deathtrap with two blenders stuck on the wings. Yep, only 2 props. Not 4, or 6 or 20. 2. They looked like Tonka toys. I was expecting to see a "pull string" sticking out that the ground crew would yank just before takeoff.
There was no ramp to the plane, just a few steps off the tarmac. I half expected the plane to be made of wood. I boarded the plane, took my seats, strapped myself in, pondered who would get my coin collection when they finally identified my remains, and waited for the "fun" to start.
... to be continued...
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Photo 365 - Day 127 (Circus Mirror)
Day 127 (November 7th, 2010)
Title: Circus Mirror
When I look at this picture, I'm reminded of strange, dark tales, like Something Wicked This Way Comes (Ray Bradbury) and The Thief of Always (Clive Barker). Sinister events that occur with children and the act of growing up and what might be even worse than getting older. I've always enjoyed stories where the "monster" is more ethereal and you have to use your imagination to create what the evil really is. As descriptive as great authors can be, I think ones own personal imagination can be even more frightening and scary.
Enjoy!
Title: Circus Mirror
When I look at this picture, I'm reminded of strange, dark tales, like Something Wicked This Way Comes (Ray Bradbury) and The Thief of Always (Clive Barker). Sinister events that occur with children and the act of growing up and what might be even worse than getting older. I've always enjoyed stories where the "monster" is more ethereal and you have to use your imagination to create what the evil really is. As descriptive as great authors can be, I think ones own personal imagination can be even more frightening and scary.
Enjoy!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Photo 365 - Day 112 (Kiddie Van)
Day 112 (October 23rd, 2010)
Title: Kiddie Van
I saw a lot of strange things during the Halloween festivities in Tahoe (lets just say, in a casino they really don't care what you wear - or don't wear for that matter, as long as you are gambling!), but nothing comes close to the icky/disturbed feeling I got seeing this van. Now, I want to preface this by saying I'm sure all the observations that I noted are completely coincidental and I'm sure the owner of said van is a nice, kind person who feeds ducks and squirrels and would in no way be a psychopathic killer... I hope.
First of all, this van is the quintessential "kids, stay AWAY from that!" vehicle. Lets break-down the "joy" that is this Kiddie Van: Matte black finish, perfect for hiding in the dark alleyways. An "Ice Cream Truck" look, because all kids love ice cream. High windows, so small folks can't see out, but light still gets in. Cute pink window shades for that friendly "I-have-candy" look. The small hand-prints of other children decorating the outside. And, and a lovely little phrase: "We've got our eyes on you.", just to cause that extra bit of trauma.
Yeah, that just screams "friendly" all over it. Why this thing wasn't followed by 12 police cars and a helicopter I'll never know.
Enjoy (ish).
Title: Kiddie Van
I saw a lot of strange things during the Halloween festivities in Tahoe (lets just say, in a casino they really don't care what you wear - or don't wear for that matter, as long as you are gambling!), but nothing comes close to the icky/disturbed feeling I got seeing this van. Now, I want to preface this by saying I'm sure all the observations that I noted are completely coincidental and I'm sure the owner of said van is a nice, kind person who feeds ducks and squirrels and would in no way be a psychopathic killer... I hope.
First of all, this van is the quintessential "kids, stay AWAY from that!" vehicle. Lets break-down the "joy" that is this Kiddie Van: Matte black finish, perfect for hiding in the dark alleyways. An "Ice Cream Truck" look, because all kids love ice cream. High windows, so small folks can't see out, but light still gets in. Cute pink window shades for that friendly "I-have-candy" look. The small hand-prints of other children decorating the outside. And, and a lovely little phrase: "We've got our eyes on you.", just to cause that extra bit of trauma.
Yeah, that just screams "friendly" all over it. Why this thing wasn't followed by 12 police cars and a helicopter I'll never know.
Enjoy (ish).
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Photo 365 - Day 111 (Spooky Sconce)
Day 111 (October 22nd, 2010)
Title: Spooky Sconce
First of all, this is the first photo that I've taken that I've got to use the word "sconce"! So, bonus points for me! This is another shot from The Fat Lady bar, particularly the sconce (twice!) inside by the front door. I really like this shot, because it really does have a nice "spooky" effect going on, whereas in the bar its more cute than spooky, because the 'fire' is really just some crepe paper blowing up from a small fan (no candle - its just an electric light). I think the low-lighting really brought out the best in this shot. I took this using my 50mm f1.4 lens without any flash, just so I could try and get that uber-high contrast feel. I did very little post-production on this shot.
Enjoy!
Title: Spooky Sconce
First of all, this is the first photo that I've taken that I've got to use the word "sconce"! So, bonus points for me! This is another shot from The Fat Lady bar, particularly the sconce (twice!) inside by the front door. I really like this shot, because it really does have a nice "spooky" effect going on, whereas in the bar its more cute than spooky, because the 'fire' is really just some crepe paper blowing up from a small fan (no candle - its just an electric light). I think the low-lighting really brought out the best in this shot. I took this using my 50mm f1.4 lens without any flash, just so I could try and get that uber-high contrast feel. I did very little post-production on this shot.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Photo 365 - Day 110 (Halloween Faces)
Day 110 (October 21st, 2010)
Title: Halloween Faces
We had a great "pre-Halloween" dinner last week and we went out to a really fun place in Oakland called The Fat Lady. It's a nice restaurant/bar in Jack London Square (right next to the parking garage - so easy to get to). Now, normally a restaurant/bar wouldn't be something to really get excited about, but the one thing that The Fat Lady does that is really cool is they LOVE decorating for Halloween. Every year they do something completely different - and they REALLY get into it. This year they did a great "Greek Tales" motif, including cyclops, minotaurs, Greek gods, and all kinds of other fun (and spooky) stuff! The only problem (at least in a photogenic sense) was that the place was really dark (added a lot to the atmosphere tho)! I tried to get a much out of my 1.4 lens as I could, but the shots are still a bit "off". I really didn't want to use the flash because the place was packed and I thought blinding other patrons might not be the best idea. Course, as soon as I saw others taking pictures using flash, I immediately regretted bringing mine. Still, I think the shots came out okay.
Enjoy!
Title: Halloween Faces
We had a great "pre-Halloween" dinner last week and we went out to a really fun place in Oakland called The Fat Lady. It's a nice restaurant/bar in Jack London Square (right next to the parking garage - so easy to get to). Now, normally a restaurant/bar wouldn't be something to really get excited about, but the one thing that The Fat Lady does that is really cool is they LOVE decorating for Halloween. Every year they do something completely different - and they REALLY get into it. This year they did a great "Greek Tales" motif, including cyclops, minotaurs, Greek gods, and all kinds of other fun (and spooky) stuff! The only problem (at least in a photogenic sense) was that the place was really dark (added a lot to the atmosphere tho)! I tried to get a much out of my 1.4 lens as I could, but the shots are still a bit "off". I really didn't want to use the flash because the place was packed and I thought blinding other patrons might not be the best idea. Course, as soon as I saw others taking pictures using flash, I immediately regretted bringing mine. Still, I think the shots came out okay.
Enjoy!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Photo 365 - Day 88 (Ladybug Graveyard)
Day 88 (September 30th, 2010)
Title: Ladybug Graveyard
Clearly, some people need entirely different hobbies. I saw this "lovely" exhibit at the San Francisco Academy of Science (kick booty level 9! - Go there!). Now, while its creepy factor might be a tad high, the really amusing part was this was on the wall leading into a "Global Warming" exhibit for kids. Now, I should preface this by saying, the full sized exhibit of this "graveyard" is a triptych (3 framed boxes), with each box being 3 foot x 5 foot.
I can just imagine little Suzy walking towards a giant room with lots of fun interactive exhibits and ready to learn all about global warming! Then, just as she turns the corner to the happy times, she sees 45 feet of small, cute, ladybugs speared to the wall. Each little ladybug lovingly spiked to the field with their own individual spear.
Yeah, good times for the kids...
Ticket to CalAcademy - $25.00
Kids ticket to CalAcademy - $18.00
Micro-small bottle of water - $15.00
Therapy for little Suzy - $4500.00
Years of mental trauma - Priceless.
Enjoy!
Title: Ladybug Graveyard
Clearly, some people need entirely different hobbies. I saw this "lovely" exhibit at the San Francisco Academy of Science (kick booty level 9! - Go there!). Now, while its creepy factor might be a tad high, the really amusing part was this was on the wall leading into a "Global Warming" exhibit for kids. Now, I should preface this by saying, the full sized exhibit of this "graveyard" is a triptych (3 framed boxes), with each box being 3 foot x 5 foot.
I can just imagine little Suzy walking towards a giant room with lots of fun interactive exhibits and ready to learn all about global warming! Then, just as she turns the corner to the happy times, she sees 45 feet of small, cute, ladybugs speared to the wall. Each little ladybug lovingly spiked to the field with their own individual spear.
Yeah, good times for the kids...
Ticket to CalAcademy - $25.00
Kids ticket to CalAcademy - $18.00
Micro-small bottle of water - $15.00
Therapy for little Suzy - $4500.00
Years of mental trauma - Priceless.
Enjoy!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Photo 365 - Day 81 (Howling Moon)
Day 81 (September 23rd, 2010)
Title: Howling Moon
I know I'm a few days behind, but I am currently hacking up vital organs (aka: I have a nasty cold), so I will try and get back on schedule as quickly as I can.
I got this just as the Harvest Moon was cresting over the tree-line behind our house. I was just playing with the camera settings (f/stop and shutter speed) while watching the moon rise. I didn't really think that I would get any particularity good shots, but this one I really liked. It reminds me of the old B-Grade horror movies, just before the man turns into a wolf the scene cuts to a shot of the moon looking extremely spooky, before jumping back to the guy (who now really needs a shave). Or perhaps some sort of "Lovecraft-ian" moon just before some unnamed monster (or lawyer) grabs you from another dimension to eat your brains (or sue you - both are equally scary).
From a technical view, I have no idea how I got that cool "green-moon" effect to happen. I'm guessing it something reflecting off on of the internal lens elements, due to the brightness of the moon. But, I'm just guessing here.
Or its Cthulhu's lawyer! Ahhh!!!
Title: Howling Moon
I know I'm a few days behind, but I am currently hacking up vital organs (aka: I have a nasty cold), so I will try and get back on schedule as quickly as I can.
I got this just as the Harvest Moon was cresting over the tree-line behind our house. I was just playing with the camera settings (f/stop and shutter speed) while watching the moon rise. I didn't really think that I would get any particularity good shots, but this one I really liked. It reminds me of the old B-Grade horror movies, just before the man turns into a wolf the scene cuts to a shot of the moon looking extremely spooky, before jumping back to the guy (who now really needs a shave). Or perhaps some sort of "Lovecraft-ian" moon just before some unnamed monster (or lawyer) grabs you from another dimension to eat your brains (or sue you - both are equally scary).
From a technical view, I have no idea how I got that cool "green-moon" effect to happen. I'm guessing it something reflecting off on of the internal lens elements, due to the brightness of the moon. But, I'm just guessing here.
Or its Cthulhu's lawyer! Ahhh!!!
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