Goodbye Friends

lake tahoe

ice textures

Took a trip to Tahoe.  Frustratingly enough, there was very very little snow.  It got cold though. Cold enough to freeze the top 8ish inches of Eagle Lake.  Walking on the lake was a trip.  When the sun came out it groaned and shook as new cracks formed. There was a hockey game going right before we got there.

lens surgery

About a month ago I took a spill on the skateboard on my way home one night.  It was dark, didn't see the crack, sprawled out on the pavement. No big deal...  There conviniently some attractive chick there to see the event unfold. 

Anyways, I'd been carrying the k1000 with me all over the place just in case. The next day in class, a buddy of mine asked to see the camera. He then asked why it wouldn't focus.  It dawned on me that I probably smashed it on the ground during the skateboard accident. Great. New project.  

The lens was an SMC-A 50mm f/2.0. Online I found the exploded view of the f/1.7 version (which I also have). Out came the tiny screwdriver and curiosity took over. It turns out that one of the three little screws (closest to the top left of the diagram) had dug into the plastic and kept the focus ring from turning.  Something else was a little wonky too.  Even when I chiseled away a bit of the plastic allowing the ring to rotate, the elements wouldn't move in and out.  I think a makeshift repair would have been possible but the motion of the focus ring would never be the same. Oh well, now I have some cool little pieces of glass.

It was interesting deconstructing the lens. Many things were attached by threading them on the lense body.  Someone online suggested using a rubber crutch bottom as a friction wrench.  I ended up using some anti slip mat and a Mrs. Dash seasoning bottle.  It worked great. The aperture mechanism was pretty cool to see up close. A very delicate and precise little function.

time to find a new 50mm for the film camera...

chillin' time

relaxation

three eggs each

I love my job.

when it rains, it pours...

ditched the old ball and chain for about a month

Finals week was the usual hurricane once again. Miserable. Like I said a while back, it may be personality incompatibility but studying engineering really takes its toll on a person's mind, body and soul. Studies make me forget about other, normally very important things. I've forgot special birthdays, had friendships fall on the wayside, lost communication with family at points, and got extremely out of shape. When I do something, I like to do it right. To do and succeed in some of this school stuff, I need to let it completely consume me.  Naturally,  this brings me to ask myself "why do I do this? why do I keep coming back?" I was thinking about it today and I think it boils down to long term satisfaction. In theory, I think/hope I may be happier in the future. I truly enjoy many things about what I'm learning and I think there are a handful possible opportunities relating to this field that may be just as enjoyable.

The fingers are always crossed.

I believe that there is one thing that is very important to remember: the super fun things. Remember the fun times, the fun places, and most importantly, the fun people. You can look back on these things when things are shitty.  Taking pictures helps me do this.

On a different subject, I've always had this strange personal dislike of taking pictures of other people's artwork. It is their work, and I refuse to take any credit for it.  Not even for any personal satisfaction. BUT, there is one thing that IS ok with me.  Taking pictures of other peoples artwork that represents a similar belief of your own.  Not to take credit for it, but to simply spread the word. No, trout flying out of a computer screen are not a specific belief of mine but every once in a while you've got to think out of the box and be creative. Keep things interesting.

On yet another subject, I've really been enjoying these little fake polaroids. Faking the funk is something that goes against my beliefs but I suppose I'm not trying to fake the funk with these. I'm accepting the funk and creating new funk.  These little photos are easy to process and require a small terrible camera.  This is easy for me and is convenient when I don't have a lot of time. I may use the big DSLR to make what some people might call 'beautiful' pictures in terms of detail and craftsmanship but the small square format allows me to dial in on other things.  Things like ideas, feelings, and special moments. The fact that every one is a little different is cool too.

the bicycle industry

keeping things interesting...

(generic photo pulled off the internet)

hometown brew

Thanksgiving

I drove home for Thanksgiving to see friends and family.  On the way there, I saw a Mini Cooper smashed in half on the curves by the Smith River.  Whoever was in that Mini Cooper did not make it home for the holiday. They did not get to see their family and friends. I am incredibly thankful that I wasn't in that Mini Cooper and and I got to spend time with the people I am close to.  I am also thankful that I have so many good people in my life.

 

Early Holiday Decorating

holiday octopus

fake tree

mustache

giant 47 pound rooster

Never check your phone for text messages when you're out at dinner with people you care about

be genuine.
thats that.

Summer to Fall

Finally got around to seeing what was on my little ghetto camera.

recycling 

summer evening

 

on the way to school

treasure map

Refridgerator Door

life's wear and tear

"No matter how well we build things. 

No matter how hard we love them. 

Like everything else, for whatever reason, 

there are forces that aim to take it all away."

-Life Cycles Film

"fun"

Updating my resume today.  Don't ask why I was looking up synonyms for fun.

Ironically, this is what I found:

fun - /fən/

Noun:

This summer was fun.

October Veggies

Senior Design Project

the redwoods

"Spent some time in the Redwoods today. We always try and do that when we are out here. I'm always amazed at how few people are here. Every mall is packed and today we were alone with the trees again. If you've never been here I highly recommend it. There is nothing like it."

-Mason [Jennings]

I'm glad to see some other people are enjoying the big forest as well.

marigold?

the rain has hit corvallis...

home

carrots anyone?

Friday Morning

"I feel genuinely lucky to hand-on-heart say I love what I do.  Though I may never be a rich man, if I live long enough, I'll certainly have a tale or two for the nephews, and i dig the thought of that."

-Mickey Smith

Career wise, if you like something and it can keep you afloat, do it.  Sanity and happiness can reside in other things besides money.  Mickey Smith is a surf photographer.  Kind of a weird, wordy dude but he's apparently enjoying his job and has some beautiful stuff.