Unicorns and Fried Clams

Dendritic Connectivity

2011-08-06T04:35:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC
It's a captivating tree, it reminds me of tendrils or vessels. The "branching" dendrites reaching out, collecting, connecting. The effects of a single cause. The available life paths, full of choices within choices. The ultimate connection of all creatures, plants, and minerals. Seen through the experiences of one tree.

Craigdarroch Castle

2011-07-26T03:12:00.002-04:00

Victoria, BC

Surprising what too much school can do. Normally, I have been deeply committed in my studies, but this summer has been a bit of a flop for that as well as expressions of artistic merit. I've been content enough to work, shirk studying, and play a bit too many app games on my iPod.

On a whim, I thought to try again. This is the big mansion on the hill the locals like to call the Craigdarroch Castle. It means "rocky oak place" in Gaelic. It was to be the abode of the rich and powerful coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, only for him to die months before it was completed. I did enjoy my tour around the old building. A small slice of history to enjoy in the city that has been my home for the last couple years.

An Aside

2011-01-15T16:49:00.003-05:00

I've noticed my photo hobby on the side has of late become just plain put aside. My regrets to those who have enjoyed the regular photoage before my schooling started. My TCM program is rather taxing on time. A nice combination of never having enough time for study and not having any energy to concentrate on photo-editing. All of this is a wild and long excuse I'm aware; I droop my head in forgiveness.

In other news, I sold a print on Deviantart! The first in a year! (Before it was when I told friends about the no shipping sale.) This makes me happy and fuzzy inside!

I can see myself being rather busy until the semester ends. If I am able, I will create picture posts before that time. My apologies.

-A

Continuity

2010-10-04T20:15:00.003-04:00

Vancouver Island, BC
On our drive to Tofino we found a wonderful natural spectacle. Deep, clear turquoise water falling off glacier-softened rock. The cliff is steep. In the far bottom right corner I found a pair of flip-flops that had fallen there. There are naught but a tiny speck in this image.

It was pretty steep by the edge, and to pull off the shot, I had to tuck myself in this little dip.

Spaciousness

2010-09-27T23:59:00.000-04:00

Tofino, BC

I could get lost walking on this beach. It stretched so far. I didn't think somewhere so peaceful and stunning could be found in real life...

I left, yet a small part of me stayed, to perpetually wander aimlessly and carelessly through the gentle surf.

The Assembly

2010-09-20T00:04:00.001-04:00

Duncan, BC

I attended a Tibetan Buddhist retreat at the end of August. The experience was interesting, as I really don't know much about Tibetan style. I appreciated meeting the monks. Very kind souls. The two on the far right were the easiest to relate to and knew the most English. I liked how they seemed to joke around a lot. ^_^

Tofino Harbour

2010-09-16T23:59:00.000-04:00

Tofino, BC

As far as little towns go, Tofino is one cool place. I had an amazing time there. I forgot to play photographer and more just enjoyed where I was. Definitely the spokestown for Vancouver Island. Can I go back please?

Piper Princess

2010-09-13T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

What a fun shoot! I asked the innocent question, "Have you ever done your hair up in buns like Princess Leia?" And things progressed from there. Yay for being a geek on several levels!

Still Splash

2010-09-09T23:59:00.002-04:00

Parksville, BC

Alone, not forgotten, remembering.

Pending Sea Leaving

2010-09-06T23:59:00.001-04:00

Tofino, BC

The wave is approaching, trying to take me away. I can't resist. The lull of ebb and flow draws me in.

Moor Me Home

2010-09-02T23:59:00.002-04:00

Victoria, BC

The pull of the horizon continues to draw me ever closer to home.

Cellular Accessories

2010-08-30T23:59:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

"Look honey, our Nokia that we lost on our trip last year!"
"I wonder if it has any minutes left?"
"..."

Ask Yourself

2010-08-26T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

The question is not, "What is he thinking?"
But rather, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Ma Petite Libélule

2010-08-23T23:59:00.002-04:00

Victoria, BC

"Those who say, do not know.
Those who know, do not say."

-Lao Tze

Buttercup Lilies

2010-08-19T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

I'm getting better at brightening up only specific parts of the picture. The flowers were originally quite dark. A few options in photoshop and a stronger willingness to edit photos away from their "original form," and presto! Much more vibrant.

Between the Lines

2010-08-16T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

On a hike up Mt. Douglas, we couldn't help by notice the beam of light striking a young sapling in a clearing. The spotlight is on you.

Ethereal Calm

2010-08-12T23:59:00.003-04:00

Victoria, BC

Another time-lapse shot. This was actually pretty dark when I took the photo. I really liked the look from the blur of the waves. I really enjoy the rocks down on Dallas Rd. It doesn't have to be a sand beach to be peaceful.

Riveting

2010-08-09T23:59:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

This is an excellent shot of my friend. He is often found climbing various things: mountains, structures downtown and private property including buildings in China Town late at night. I prefer to take pictures of people in a way that expresses a part of themselves.

Rainbow Garden

2010-08-05T23:59:00.002-04:00

Victoria, BC

A lovely nook in Beacon Hill Park. The original photo's colours were quite muted and didn't capture the scene particularly well (low light). I played with a few more features of Photoshop, like selective colour, to help bring out as much vibrancy as I could without looking too primary.

Silhouette Flare

2010-08-02T23:59:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

I actually like this shot because of the illuminated branch silhouettes, rather than the exploding colours of the fireworks themselves. At this point I've seen some exciting and beautiful things in the way of fireworks shows in China and Korea, so now I look for the subtle stuff ;)

Tucked Away

2010-07-29T23:59:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

On the sunny side of Beacon Hill. I've come to this field a few times to do some studying. Apparently once a burial ground for the first nations. For being in the middle of the city, one feels relatively isolated and quiet here.

Underbellies

2010-07-26T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

Play a little at scaring the seagulls to get a few fun shots. I once saw a beautiful shot from a woman's photography site of a sparrow's underbelly and it was amazingly detailed. I marvelled at how it could have been taken. This was back in the days before I had my own SLR. Now I just need to get diligent enough to go looking for other birds other than slow seagulls.

Backlit

2010-07-22T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

This photo was a difficult trial. All I had with my was my little camera, so the macro was limited, and to get the shot I wanted I was fighting at the edge of the focus. However, the moment did indeed present itself, and I happily squeed with the cute of the small petals.

Forest Lily

2010-07-19T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

From my walk with a friend up Mount Douglas. I like my new little P&S. It doesn't have some features that my first Pentax did, like a movable screen, but the lens and colour vibrancy is great. I still don't feel like I'm that good with my DSLR. It's a lot of work to set up the shot properly. Sometimes I'm better off to have the camera do the work for me - it leaves less to do later in Photoshop.

Long View Birch

2010-07-15T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

In tribute to one of my favourite shots back when I was using my 3.2 Megapixel Pentax. Nostalgia for the good ole days. Actually, I think the old picture is better:

Fresh Sprig

2010-07-12T23:59:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

Evergreens tend to be prickly and awful whilst trumping through the forest. Their needles whack you and make hiking difficult. Except when it is newly sprouting. Then the feeling turns 180 degrees and you treat it like a kitten of greenery. =^^=

Cafe Mexicano

2010-07-08T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

My friend came down to visit me, and we decided to enjoy some Mexican, Victoria style. Now for those who don't know, Victoria's full of OLD people who do not like spicy. SOOOO, in the Mexican place, we noticed a distinct lack of hot taste to the food. It was a nice, mellow flavour. Next time I go to have foods that are meant to be spicy I will stay out of the tourist area. Nice decor though. Totally fun with colours and indoor patio furniture :)

In the Ember's Glow

2010-07-05T23:59:00.000-04:00

Powell River, BC

Being lost in a moment. Hypnotized by the fire. Eyes reflect what is seen and taken in.

Guitar in the Sand

2010-07-01T23:59:00.002-04:00

Powell River, BC

One day my cousin's going to be really famous and more awesome than he already is. He already has his beach guitar routine down ;)

Check out his band's music video: Stix and Stones - Round the Point

Beachy Afternoon

2010-06-28T23:59:00.002-04:00

Powell River, BC

Ty and I were the only ones not working or otherwise busy at the time, so off to the beach! Just chillaxing and feeling fortunate to have some peace and quiet.

Twirling Orbit

2010-06-24T23:59:00.000-04:00

Powell River, BC

I discovered a neat feature on my little blue P&S. It's a version of time lapse which I believe it takes several photos and combines them together seamlessly. Either that or the time lapse is indeed a strenuous activity for the little guy.

Regardless, my cousin's friend twirled a burning stick around for a while and created this COOL shot.

Best Living Room Ever

2010-06-21T23:59:00.001-04:00

Powell River, BC

This is an awesome living room. My Powell River family spend a lot of time in here, as did I. It's so warm and inviting.

The Claw Remains

2010-06-17T23:59:00.006-04:00

New Glasgow, NS

I realize that my posting has gotten more and more sparse these days. It's not my intention to leave anyone hanging! I have gotten myself thrown into a really busy semester at school, to the point that I'm even dreaming about the stuff I study :P

That in mind, I don't often get out to peruse and ponder about the art in the things around me. I try, and I have a small amount of success. This picture is actually something I found that I'd done up but forgotten to post! Part of when I went to the beach with a friend of mine in New Glasgow. Really pretty sun and lighting, but really chilly to go to the beach in December!

I'll try to catch up with my now reduced twice a week schedule. We'll see if it isn't just me yet again scrambling to backdate.

Stay frosty,
A

Milkman

2010-06-14T00:08:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

I wish the milkman would deliver my milk, in the morning...

Cafe Arrangement

2010-06-10T00:07:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

My seat is comfortable. The diner's music retro-70s. It's not a bad thing to spend a Sunday afternoon with you. I can enjoy the all-day breakfast until the sun sets.

Smoke Break

2010-06-07T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

She's posed, ready, waiting. It's been a long time, yet another cigarette. He'll come, he'll come. Eyes shiny, mouth tight. Break is over.

Small Packages

2010-06-03T23:59:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

These cute little sprouts of leaves reminded of me of chlorophyll-filled mushrooms. THEN! Then there was a second little secret. Tiny flowers hidden around the leaves! Joy! Smaller than my pinkie finger.

Drops of Butter

2010-05-31T23:59:00.002-04:00

Victoria, BC

Tiny little flowers I found at a small rest-stop on my way back from Powell River. I believe they be orchids.

Family Thai

2010-05-28T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

Yay Thai food. Double yay homemade with my awesome cousins Thai food! We worked hard together, making satay, phad thai, and green curry. Bon appetite!

Maple Plumes

2010-05-26T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

I love tree canopies. Nature's umbrellas. Fanfare flick of the tree's plumage.

Sunset Rains on the Horizon

2010-05-24T14:27:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

This is truly a beautiful view. My aunt and uncle are so lucky to see this every night. The rain is falling on the far islands. It is sunset. The wind hushes us into appreciation.

Des Champignons Sauvages

2010-05-21T23:59:00.002-04:00

Victoria, BC

Wild mushrooms dot the path I run. I run, run, run beyond breath. I can't help but force more painful air into my lungs. Each step is a stab in my shins. I mustn't stop, I can't ever stop...

Flower Bells

2010-05-19T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

The small tinkle tinkle of little bells in my mind. So delicate and fragile. So soft is their sound.

Forgetting Valentine Mountain

2010-05-17T23:59:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

For a moment, neither of us remember what we were doing. Then I remember, "Ah, the moment of forgetting. The time without memories." Hold on not to the feelings of past, present or future. It is this, now, for which we have come.

Slopes of Valentine Mountain

2010-05-14T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

Her thoughts travel to the water: "If this were winter, I'd have a toboggan. I would overtake the slopes of snow, flowing down, down, down. I would slide so fast no wind could catch me. I would fly my way to you."

My Rusted Perch

2010-05-12T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

I do enjoy decrepit structures. This little seagull and I must share this appreciation. I wonder if the cormorant knows I am watching.

Ferry Dock

2010-05-10T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

On the way to Powell River, there are two ferries. It is actually quite isolated though not actually far from Vancouver itself. I always enjoy wandering around on a boat. The traffic routes are full of water and mountains and no people. It's like we stole a trip out into the wilderness. There is no one around us.

An Ashley Kind of Smile

2010-05-07T23:59:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

I was taking pictures along my grandfather's walk, and this young lady asked if I was a reporter because of my big, fancy camera. Sadly no I smiled at her. She still liked the idea of me taking her picture. I promised I would put it online. To you, fair lady. ^_^

Rock Eyelets

2010-05-05T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

In tide pools, the barnacles sleep, waiting for the strong surf to overtake them. Eyes closed, they care not our passing, our whispers to each other not heard. No one is listening.

Rain Collector

2010-05-03T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

What a strange thing to leave behind. My work is done, leave these remains. Now all this little glove can do is sway in the wind, collecting water.

The Lines of Convergence

2010-04-28T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

This is actually a composite image. I do enjoy the larger depth of field. There's something to be said about investing in a wide-angle lens.

Bleached Thoughts, Driftwood Skies

2010-04-26T00:09:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

Patching pictures is fun! I like how the picture stitches together and has a greatly increased resolution because it is really several pictures. This one was about 15 or so. I like that it captures so much in one image. The observer can take in the scene more like how it was to actually be there.

Cerisiers en Fleurs

2010-04-23T00:05:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

My annual opportunity to photograph cherry blossoms has arrived once again. As Victoria has no real winter to speak of, the trees are really just waiting for enough light in the day to tell them when they can bloom. It's a few weeks ahead here than they were in Korea. I took this picture in mid-late March. I played around with highlighting some flowers to allow a more pop-out effect :P

Blue Bells Ringing

2010-04-21T00:07:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

In some ways I'm lucky to have a ground floor apartment - I can have flowers right outside my bedroom window.

Matryoshka Shells

2010-04-19T00:06:00.002-04:00

Victoria, BC

What small and delicate shells! The one not much bigger than a thumbnail and then the tinier one nested within. The light was perfect and I was able to capture them under water. Doesn't look like it does it? This picture was taken with my new P&S Lumix. It takes pictures well considering it is not a brand new model nor a DSLR.

Tide Pool Blobs

2010-04-16T00:10:00.002-04:00

Victoria, BC

Playing at low tide, we found tons of these little fuzzy, gooey blobs on the rocks. Are they plant or animal? I wonder what they are called, and more importantly, can they be eaten?

Did I Forget You Here?

2010-04-14T00:04:00.006-04:00

Victoria, BC

This is the opposite side of Mt. Douglas facing away from Victoria. It was quiet and warm, with a little bit of wind. A nice place to sit for awhile and enjoy the late afternoon sun.

That I Can't Take With Me

2010-04-12T00:00:00.005-04:00

At the back summit of Mt. Douglas, overlooking the ocean. Victoria was hidden on the other side of the mountain. I could have been anywhere - any little small seaside town in rural Canada or another nondescript travel destination in the Pacific Northwest. I don't know where I am, but I can see everything from here.

Six-Points

2010-04-09T00:03:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

The forest floor was covered in these delicate little flowers. I hope they are orchids. They faced downwards, like they were too shy to have the tall trees around them see their faces.

Under/Over/Growth

2010-04-07T00:07:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

This was during my hike on Mt. Douglas. Hiking is always such a quiet affair. The trees above, ground and brush below erase most sounds into a quiet hushhhhhh. And at those times, it really doesn't seem necessary to talk anyways.

Inner Harbour Otters

2010-04-05T00:07:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

I was taking a break for lunch before I went to class, and I headed down to this cute warf off the Galloping Goose Trail that follows the Inner Harbour. I was just being a goof taking pictures near the edge of muscles growing there and I decided to head back - only to see this cute little lady sunning herself near the ramp. Her friends eventually came around after I'd been taking pictures for a bit and they went to play in the water. Hee! ^_^

Rose Aura

2010-04-02T00:07:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

I found the most wonderful lamp on one of my Value Village runs. It reminds me of more hippy times back when I'd go to my boyfriend's house in high school. I can smell incense and hear the soft purr of reggae.

The Red Door's Patina

2010-03-31T12:38:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

Just outside my school is a wonderful little alleyway. With all the rain and warmer weather, the sidewalk is a lovely glowing green.

Drops of Cold Sunshine

2010-03-29T23:59:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

I was at a Starbucks near Chinatown and it started to hail. It was bright sun shining and for the longest time I thought that it was rain. The people passing by seemed to act like nothing was wrong, and I started to wonder if the falling bits of light were my imagination.

Ascension

2010-03-26T21:05:00.003-04:00

Victoria, BC

I missed the ocean when I was living in Seoul. Now I just walk down the road and hit the water. I'm so lucky. Birds and water and SKY! See fluffy clouds and blue as much as your eyes could possibly take in. I feel like if I reached out I could brush them between my fingers.

The Dragon Looks On

2010-03-24T00:07:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

As taken from inside the small dragon: the big dragon observes the tai chi practitioners during their set. I find it quite interesting how it is so easy to lose sight of the people holding up the dragon legs and just see it as an independent animal in its own right.

Spiraling the Dragon

2010-03-22T00:04:00.000-04:00

Victoria, BC

Here is me and another happy dragon leg. We are waiting inside the dragon as the tai chi demonstration continues. We are all smiles. What a great event!

Chasing the Pearl

2010-03-19T00:00:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

The head of the little dragon. We are resting watching the main tai chi demonstration. I was actually more in the middle of the dragon, but we were spiraled and hiding inside the dragon ^_^

Painted Skies

2010-03-17T00:08:00.001-04:00

Victoria, BC

Outside the O Zone in Richmond during the Olympics. I was happy that the sky was so brilliantly blue. I remember the day being impressively sunny and warm for the middle of the Winter Olympics.

Shadow of a Giant

2010-03-15T00:03:00.003-04:00

Victoria, BC

Here I am, waiting outside the performance area ready to start our big dragon dance for a tai chi demonstration in Richmond for the Olympics. Go HERE for my blog entry on the event. I wish I was able to catch more of how impressively long this shadow was. I was lucky enough to have brought my little camera, but I couldn't hope for more than snapshots here and there when I wasn't busy carrying a leg of one of the two dragons.

With My Guitar

2010-03-12T23:51:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

What a fun thing to do: head down to the beach with your guitar, pick up a coffee, and listen to music on a bunch of driftwood. Makes me wish I knew how to play guitar :)

Aero Bubbles

2010-03-10T23:59:00.003-05:00

Victoria, BC

I wonder how these bubbles got into the rocks. Small air bubbles of crabs hanging out in the sands? Thought bubbles of the ocean waves? Perhaps they are the erosion from thousands of countless hours of young people idly swirling fingers in the depths hoping for small fish to pass under.

Thoughts Adrift

2010-03-08T23:59:00.001-05:00

Victoria, BC

The seagull let me get only so close until he decided to fly off. In the meantime, I imagine he was watching me climb on the rocks tenderly hoping I wasn't going to slip and crash into the water :P

Murky Depths

2010-03-05T23:59:00.007-05:00

Victoria, BC

I kind of like this one for the colours on the rocks and in the water. I was showing a friend how to frame pictures based on the rule of three.

Atop Gold Mountain

2010-03-03T22:00:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

I saw my friend sitting a ways a way and I enjoyed how comfortable he was on the rocks. I like to try to get pictures of people where they're just being themselves. I know it's hard to do because of how often my boyfriend tries >_<

My Red Hat

2010-03-02T23:59:00.002-05:00

Victoria, BC

I have a splitting headache right now. I wish I could provide something more insightful. I appreciate that this shoot from Dallas Rd was such an intense grey day. The sky made me feel like I was falling sideways.

Distant Dreams

2010-02-26T23:59:00.002-05:00

Victoria, BC

I like boats; who doesn't? Maybe it would be fun to take an extended trip by boat. The world is different out there. The sea moves in a slow lullaby rock. When I get back to the shore, I always feel like the earth is still moving below me.

The Next Move

2010-02-24T22:14:00.006-05:00

Victoria, BC

Some of my favourite things to photograph are paths. I like the idea of a direction, of moving toward or away. The fact is the destination can't be seen around the bend, that there are bumps, and overhanging trees covering up what a traveller sees of the sky. Many people can walk the same way, but the experience as it is right now can be there for only one person.

Trace the Surface

2010-02-22T00:00:00.003-05:00

Victoria, BC

I was trying to get a close-up of this birdie on the rocks by carefully walking closer. My zoom's not amazing. He decided to take off flying and I followed his progress. Lucky me I tend to leave my camera on cascading shots ^_^

Veiled Radiance

2010-02-19T10:39:00.001-05:00

Victoria, BC

A decent sky shot. I was playing with my tripod and I learned why it's so important to have it level: the horizon after I stitched it together was more S-shaped. Oh well, I learned how to use transform properly. ^_^

Brim of the Ocean

2010-02-17T09:55:00.001-05:00

Victoria, BC

From a photo shoot down Dallas Road. This is my first time using Burn and Dodge. I was really excited to learn how to use it. I used this tutorial HERE to create a more uniform look because I was having trouble in the regular Photoshop application; you can continue to "burn" or "dodge" right to black or white and the sky was looking messy.

Times they are a changin'

2010-02-16T20:35:00.002-05:00

So it finally happened that my daily blogging is probably too much for me. Being in school keeps me kind of busy. I say kind of because I imagine my internet addiction is probably moreso. Regardless, I will have to lighten the number of entries I do BUT I have a fun idea! With the entries I post, why not I give some short commentary somewhat associated with the post to insure full blog enjoyment?

Stay tuned for re-organized awesomeness!

-A

Whale of a Time

2010-02-11T00:05:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Old Village

2010-02-10T00:04:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Of Sea and Sky

2010-02-09T00:03:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

In Tergum Delphinus

2010-02-08T12:05:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

What's on TV?

2010-02-07T12:04:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Sprout Out

2010-02-06T12:01:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Vanishing Point

2010-02-05T12:09:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Perpetuity

2010-02-04T12:05:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Evaporation

2010-02-03T12:02:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Stretch Beyond Limits

2010-02-02T12:01:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Sappy Drippings

2010-02-01T12:01:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Fern Gully Thoughts

2010-01-31T12:08:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Bridge Across

2010-01-30T12:07:00.002-05:00

Victoria, BC

Honeycombed

2010-01-29T00:06:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Old Growth Patina

2010-01-28T00:45:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Fern Touch

2010-01-27T23:59:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Alien Encounters

2010-01-26T23:59:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC

Striations

2010-01-25T23:59:00.000-05:00

Victoria, BC