Adventures of "The Legographer"

(c) Andrew Whyte

I can't remember how I got to this article, but I'm so glad that I found it!

This is a very clever way to keep yourself engaged with the world around you, and keep pushing yourself to see things from a different perspective with simple tools -- all important for a photographer to keep their skills sharp.

I love that this was a 365 project of a UK-based photographer, Andrew Whyte, who used his iPhone for the whole series.  He seems to have only used apps for lighting, which would let him separate focus from exposure, which makes sense. The effects are amazing.

I think it's funny that during that year, he never left home without out his pocket-sized companion, Legographer.

Andrew's work on this miniseries here: The Legographer.

Next time I take on a 365, I want to do something similar... not necessarily a Legographer, but something that will shift my perspective on the world... and keep me rethinking, re-engaging the normal everyday things.

Day 364 - Light and dark

Came home and saw this petal on drive way.... I saw it there sitting in the light, and the darkness  encroaching. The petal still was looked bright and defiant, even unattached from the flower from where it came.

Day 363 - Elections

Election day here and I hope many people will vote. I've had many conversations about voting. I really don't care who you vote for, but only that you go out and exercise your democratic right.  There are so many around the world who would do anything for this right, and the right to exercise it without fear.

Day 362 - Just a little shower

Camera not really cooperating today, so resorted to taking this on my phone.  It did a much better job of taking the close-up than my camera!  I liked the little drops of rain on the petals...

Day 354 - Set lists

Haven't had a chance to look at my camera, so today's entry is from the archives, sort of.  Here is some background:

I remember years ago I was at an album preview event that was part of a free summer concert series in the business core of the city.  As throngs of fans waited to meet the artist and the staff cleaned up the temporary stage, I walked aimlessly onto to the stage.  There I noticed that artist had a set list printed on a simple white 8 1/2" x 11" paper that was on the ground next to his mic stand.  Next to it were the lyrics to his newest song. Knowing this artist, I knew it was because he admitted that with new songs he often couldn't remember the lyrics new songs until he had performed them for a while.  I still have both of these.

Since I have been volunteering for arts and cultural festivals, I've had many more opportunities to observe artists and how they function.  One of the things I always take note of is where they keep their set list.  The following are two such lists.

This photo was from a couple year's ago. I was with the artist while he sat in the Green Room/Staging Area figuring out his set list. I was thoroughly amused as he wrote it on his wrist; he humoured me later and allowed me to take this picture of his wrist/list.

This set list was from the event last week. The performance came together sort of organically, as we chatted about life in the interview portion, so there was no fixed set list.  The artists did however want to remember a couple of requests that had been made, so he jotted them down on a piece of paper and laid them on the drum that was by his mic stand during the performance.

Day 351 - Director's Chairs

Part of the fun of hosting a conversation is that you get to do things that are out of the ordinary.  During our conversation, we hung out on these director's chairs. Fun to pretend that you are part of the entertainment industry!

Day 350 - From the stage

I posted this photo straight to Facebook yesterday evening, and wanted it to be the shot for the day.  At the dinner I attended I hosted a conversation with Dawud Wharnsby. We had a conversation and he sang a few of his songs.  I love hearing the stories of people lives, and Dawud has had some really interesting experiences which made for a really inspiring evening.

Yes, I've posted a few pictures of Dawud, a dear and wonderful friend and it was an honour to share the stage with him.

This was from where I was sitting on stage.

Day 343 - Solitude

I saw this sole dandelion and had to take a picture. This was an area that was on the side of the road, and the rest of this patch was covered in dandelions.  This one stood alone, away from the rest, as though he was shunned or wandered away from the group.

Day 334 - What place belongs to you?

This was on the ground in the Stockyards area.  Such a great reminder to take ownership and great care of the places we love.

Day 327 - Strawberry spinach salad

Lacking food shots recently, so this was lunch today... it was so yummy I had to share!

Day 326 - The power of nature

I was looking through some pictures on my phone, and found this one.  It was from a couple weeks ago, when there was still snow on the ground in some places around the city. I remember when I was walking past this "carnage" (it looked like someone massacred these trees, with branches strewn everywhere!), I thought about all the crazy weather we have had since the beginning of this project. With all the incredible weather, I'm surprised more trees didn't come come down.

Day 314 - Unvisited treasure

I was out running some errands, and with the weather as beautiful as it is, I was walking everywhere.  This is a view of the trail I sometimes run on.  I never stop here, and now that I've seen it from this perspective, I think I'll be heading to some time soon to take some pictures.

Can't wait 'til tomorrow.  Heading out to a new place to explore and photograph with a friend.

Day 313 - Needle pulling thread...

Was fixing a decorative pillow and I really liked the feel of the material and the lines on the fabric.  I thought it would make a good photo.  The lighting in the room was bad, so I settled for a close-up.

Day 312 - Visiting a new friend

Last day of the long weekend, and headed to see a friend and her new little one. Had to take a picture of the present for the little one.  I know it looks wedding-ish, but it was the best wrapping paper I had for this gift. Yup, made the card to match!

Day 311 - Moon rise

I do love the moon, and seeing it rise while the sun is up always fills me with wonder.  This is the way it looked a couple days ago.

Day 310 - Easter Bunny

Was out briefly running errands, and noticed the lines of children at centre court to take pictures with the Easter Bunny.  It was cute... the bunny was really nice to the children, and they all seemed to enjoy him!

Day 306 - Getting the shot

When I'm with other people, I'm cognizant of the fact that they might not care to watch me find my perfect shot, so often I make due with what I can get.  Even if this is the case, I will not "spray and pray".  I try to make the best of my situation, and get the best shot I can get in the given circumstances.

When I shot this picture, I was not with anyone, who may have talked some sense into me to not try and climb down to the water.  I had passed this area a few times earlier in the week, and kept wanting to take a picture, but didn't attempt it from the vantage point I wanted to... this day, no one was around, and it was pretty dry so, I climbed down close to the water tried to take my picture.  Unfortunately, I couldn't really see my phone screen because of the light outside, so I used my best guesstimate, and shot a few pictures.

I had taken a few shots from above where the trail was, and I have to say, I do like the ones from storm drain better.  Just a better perspective.

Day 299 - Fish eye

After a meeting today, I went to the bathroom before I headed out.  There were these vases with a solitary flower in each. I was looking at for some time, from different perspectives. From this view, it reminded me of a fish eye lense, not exactly, but sort of.

Day 298 - Qui est fatigué?

Moi, je suis fatiguée!  This on a natural energy beverage that I was very tempted to buy. Maybe, a good night's rest is better than working through the night tonight!

Day 295 - Fog over gentle waters

It has been raining all day, so it took me a while to get out the door.  I like the look of the fog over the river, but am never in a place where I can capture it.  So, when I went for a walk today, it was the perfect opportunity.