Day 50 - 34 and Chasing Dandelions

The last picture of my project, phew, I did it. Day 50 coincided with my birthday and it was a fabulous one. I got an awesome tripod as a gift from hubby, and its got me all excited to try out slow shutter speed and night time photography.

Got to click a picture of this dandelion before Kicky could blow the hell out of it. She loves chasing dandelions, so do I but she always beats me to it.

Day 49 - Lady Dog

Isn't she adorable? Kicky was at her friend's birthday party and I stayed back and clicked a few pictures. Didn't want to publish pics of the party but couldn't resist pics of Kaiser, at least that's what I think they called her.

The thing about "Lady Dog"; I've always found the word "female" a tad rude especially when referring to someone. And once while talking with friends the words "lady dog" just came out, I still call the grown up girlie dogs 'Lady Dog' and I think they deserve that kind of respect. And I kid you not, Kicky once asked me while looking at a dog, "Mama is that a lady dog?" I felt warm and proud, because I don't remember teaching her that phrase, it came out of her own sense of things.

To all the Lady Dogs!

Day 48 - Got my new shoes on

What I love about summer is just being able to slip on my shoes and get out. No tugging, pulling and tying up heavy winter shoes which in times of emergency can also be used as a lethal weapon, both on and off your feet. 

This winter whilst shopping for winter boots, I put on pair which needed two people to take off. While I held on to the bench sticking out my leg the shop assistant heaved and huffed and finally got the boots off. I told her I'd take a look around and come back later, but I knew that wasn't gonna happen and she was probably praying fervently that I didn't. 

The joys of easy slip on, slip off shoes!

Day 47 - Cheeky Girl

Sometimes I don't blame the little one when she complains about me taking too many pictures. If you notice the pictures on Day 43 she was actually quite unhappy that I was clicking away. And she didn't want to be in the pics. 

On this day however she actually asked me to take her pictures. Also, she's quite good at posing naturally, oxymoron I know, but she knows how to do it. We had fun doing this shoot.

Day 46 - Shine on You Crazy Diamond

Oh the joys of bright and sunny days. Kicky and I were out in the park enjoying the summer sun. Also, the ice lollies make it even better.

Day 45 - Fun in the Sun

The sun came out in its entirety over the weekend. It was almost 27 degrees and I almost got a sunburn. We were at the beach on Saturday. if you have an image of a beautiful shore, golden sand and sunbathers galore, stop right there. This beach was more like a cousin twice removed of a beach in Mangalore, suffice to say even Ullal beach could kick this beach's ass. But it's nice to be around a water body on a sunny day. 

We had a barbecue going which as usual was manned by Santhosh. With good food, cold beer and the warm sun it was an awesome way to spend a Saturday.

Day 44 - Basket Case

Well, guys may disagree but I think baskets are awfully cute on bicycles. Other than the ornamental value it's quite practical too. I loved how this lady's basket was decorated with flowers; though plastic, it just gives you the feeling that summer is here.

Day 43 - Rainy Days and Thursdays

Yesterday was a rainy day too and Innika was not too happy about the fact that I wanted to stop on the way to click pictures.

Day 42 - Trikken - The Tram

Within Oslo city, travelling by trams is quite popular. By means of right of way they trump even pedestrians, unless at a stop signal at a pedestrian crossing. 

Oslo's tramway has 6 lines with 99 stops and approximately 110,000 people riding it everyday.

Trikk is the Norwegian word for tram.

Day 41 - The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck

This was one of the first books that I bought for Kicky and she wasn't even born yet. Oh yes, we belonged to the crazy group who read to our child whilst still in the tummy.

At that time I could be found on a weekend in Blossoms or Bookworm on Church Street, Bangalore almost camping in the Children's section. I was thrilled to find Beatrix Potter of course, since I hadn't spotted them in the regular book stores at that time. Though now you do get Peter Rabbit, but still not the whole collection. 

The Beatrix Potter collection is highly recommended. The stories are simple, the illustrations brilliant and the characters so quirky. I have read this book over and over again to Innika since, well, she was in my tummy. And it's still a hit. 

Day 40 - Pop Goes The...!

I was midway updating my blog 2 days ago and my laptop (which functions more like a desktop) started giving me trouble. This prompted me to abort further blog updates and take refuge on the couch to watch senseless telly. But then I didn't want this huge back log piling so here I am again, praying that this bad excuse for a high-tech machine holds off for a bit before bombarding me with blue screens.

Coming back to the project, not motivated to go out in the cold and rain I was looking for things to photograph indoors. These white cottony looking things were actually yellow wild flowers. Kicky picked a few about a week ago and then they turned into this.  Probably should get rid of them before they start turning again.

Day 39 - Happy Days

Day 39 was a nice warm day too, We were out in the park enjoying a mini barbecue. We also played a bit of Frisbee and I realised that I have to work on my eye and hand coordination.

Day 38 - Summer Watercolor

This has been a long long weekend, which began on the evening of 16th May and ended last evening. Though I had the time to click photographs was too lazy to upload. 

Day 38 was a lovely lovely summer day. Actually it was hot, really hot, 27 degrees. It was good to get out the summer clothes and walk freely without jackets, sweaters, and all the cloth overload.

This picture was taken in the play area near our apartment. Kicky was there too with two of her friends (she's in the circle wearing red).

Day 37 - Gratulerer Med Dagen Norge!

May 17th is Norway's National Day, the day it's own Constitution was formed after 400 years of being part of the Danish autocracy. 

We went to the Palace where various parades were marching through. The Royal Family too were out on the balcony, waving. 

The children's parade in Oslo is the longest in Norway, and includes some 100 schools and marching bands. Our very own Vishaka, who plays the clarinet, was also marching along representing her school. 

The streets are filled with people dressed in their traditional attire called the Bunad. It's awesome to see them all dressed up and looking so proud. The pubs and bars were also filled with raucous laughter and loud music, people celebrating all around. 

Day 36 - Another Self Portrait

Don't ask me why the face. What was supposed to be a sexy inquisitive look now probably looks like... nevermind. But after an aching right arm that magically produced a bicep, this was the clearest and best composed shot I got. So yes, I wish I was wearing a different expression and the more I look at it, it does look like I am having acute trouble passing my lunch from the previous day. 

Day 35 - Tales from the Hip

On Day 35 was on my way to the supermarket and decided to do some 'from the hip' photography. If you want to shoot discretely, not the stalking kind but just discretely, then another way you can do it is to shoot from hip level. I know, at this point composition is not in your control. Also if people are involved in the picture is it good etiquette? But for the sake of the project and all for trying out a new technique (is this really? a technique? if people say so) I went ahead with it anyway. 

Day 34 - Cherry Tree Blosson

The cherry tree right outside my window is in full bloom. Didn't know it was a cherry tree until it gave fruit last season. Many were eaten by birds while others fell to the ground and  squashed. There are a few more up the street and last season we saw some people getting out their ladders to pick cherries. Hmm, unless I do a Tarzan style jump from my window not sure how I'm going to get my hands on those cherries.

Btw to click this photograph I climbed upon the window ledge and stuck my arm, also half of me out the open window. I am not sure how a large woman sticking out of the window looks; must've probably scared a few passers by and neighbours.

Day 33 - Evening Cuppa

I was first introduced to Rooibos Tea about 5 years ago. It's a red tea whose leaves come from a plant grown in South Africa. The leaves are oxidized or fermented in tea terminology and this is what gives the leaves its reddish colour, also enhances the flavour. 

Rooibos means Red Bush in its native language. I usually have this tea with a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon, like I drink my green tea. But apparently in South Africa they have it with milk and sugar like our normal white tea, should try it next time. 

And though I am currently using the Lipton brand here it's not the best Rooibos tea, I think Lipton is best for your evening chai. Have to scout around the organic stores for better tasting and probably more authentic of this kind.

Oh and that mug you see, is a Cancer Star Sign mug though "Moody" and "Impatient" can easily be transferred on to the Gemini mug.

Day 32 - And a Berry Good Day to You!

Yes, the strawberries are coming in, from other countries though. Jordbær season in Norway is sometime in July and you can apparently go strawberry picking in farms; this is going on the 'Things to do in Norway' list. And since we have a very small window to execute such a list I'm going to have to start planning soon. 

Day 31 - 40 Winks Dada Catcheth

This was on the train, getting back from a friend's place. We had a nice barbecue, soaked in some sun and then some rain. But all in all a fun day!

Day 30 - A Heap of Crayons

You'd think little girls are the not the most destructive of creatures, I think otherwise. A box of crayons were opened and came to this state in under a minute. The little girl just went pluck, pluck, pluck on all the crayons and when asked why did she do it, "It was just a mistake Mama, don't worry I'll put it all back." All I know is that no king's horses or men came around to our house.

Day 29 - School of Broth

Remember I told you about the Frydenlund brewery now turned into a university / high school. This is it. Day 29 being a public holiday we lazed around at home and then decided to go for a short walk around the neighbourhood. Also, Kicky wanted to eat kebab for dinner so we walked down to the kebab place, Bislet Kebab. Their kebab is really awesome and usually this is where we do a takeaway from. Will post a pic of them the next time.

Day 28 - Wallflowers

These wallflowers were right outside adorning the side walk growing on the walls of our apartment. They are the harbingers of summer and all the bright lovely days ahead of us; for the next two months that is.

Day 27 - Row your boat

Day 27 we were at Tusenfryd an amusement park. Was too busy enjoying rides than clicking photographs. But I caught this one of one of our favourite families when they went on the Super Splash thingy. The boat goes around and then plunges down a watery slide. We did it too, super fun.

Day 25 Take 2 - Man With Cycle Selecting Music

Ok, I had to put this on the blog. I was quite sleepy last night while browsing, editing and uploading pictures. Quite pleased with the composition so this is going on the blog as well. And there's no rule about one picture for one day right? 

I am assuming that this guy was selecting music for his cycle ride, or checking messages. But since he's wearing headphones will go with music. Also, for lack of creative titles, I went with a style used by painters to title their paintings.

Day 26 - In Bloom

Yet another bright and sunny day; so I went to the park with a book and of course my camera. It's amazing to see how after an almost bare winter, the trees and plants come to life. 

Day 25 - A Very Sunny Day

Though Day 24 was cloudy and cold, Day 25 (Sunday) was wonderfully bright, sunny and warm. When the sun is out here, you just can't waste it. You have to soak in it as much as you can. Of course we were going to get our dose of vitamin D, so we headed to the park. 

St. Hanshaugen park is a jump and a skip away and that's where we usually are on a good sunny day. Apparently in the late 1800s people used this park for their Midsummer Eve bonfire and I guess that's how it got it's name. St. Hanshaugen means Midsummer Eve's Hill in Norwegian. 

Btw, Santhosh is in the pic too, can you spot him?

Day 24 - No 21

On Day 24 I didn't have the chance to actually venture out for my project. That evening we were off to a friend's place and while waiting for the bus I took shots of the bus stop, more of the sign rather. It was actually a gloomy and windy day, though no rain. 

Sofies Plass is the closest bus stop from where we live and there's just one bus on that route; yeah you guessed it... No 21 going towards Aker Brygge. Aker Brygge is a popular place to shop and dine or just hang out. It actually is an arm of the fjord so you can sit on the side of road and enjoy the water body.

Well we have another bus stop and a tram stop in close proximity to our apartment, so we're covered good transport wise. But now that it's summer we'll be probably walking more.

Day 23 - Oh Beer!

Oh yes, that's a beer can staved to the fence. 

Frydenlund Brygerrier (Frydenlund Breweries) founded in 1859 was one of the largest breweries in Norway. The brewery, which now houses Høgskolen i Oslo (University College), is about 2 minutes from where I live; and btw the street on which I live is called Frydenlundgata, obviously name after the brewery. Though the Frydenlund brand is still alive, the beer is now brewed by Ringnes Brewery which is owned by the Danish brewery Carlsberg. 

Pilsner or pils as we call it, is a pale lager which claims a 92% market share in the Norwegian market. Though the generic name for beer is "øl" (listen to the pronunciation here), if ordering a lager you just ask for "pils".

Day 22 - Self Portrait

All artists have to have their self portraits don't they? Today I was just running out of ideas, inspiration and creativity. So thought I'd try taking a self portrait. Notice that this one is slightly out of focus but I love it. I've seen some portraits which are out of focus and they render a certain air of mystery. Mine though looks like a psycho killer having a bad hair day, but I'm going to keep it. 

Day 21 - See Through Your Heart

I made my friend model for this one and the poor thing obliged. She said felt like she was posing for a tacky wedding shoot. But this didn't turn out so bad did it?

Day 20 - His Sister's Keeper

This was an impromptu shot at the bus stop. My friends daughter was cold and her little brother was trying to keep her warm by hugging her legs. How sweet is that.

Day 19 - Return of the Squeegee Man

I was at my computer while the window cleaner lowered his lift to my window. For a few seconds I pretended to be busy, staring at my computer, not sure if I should acknowledge his presence. Then from the corner of my eye I saw that he had soaped the glass and it looked wonderful. By instinct I grabbed the camera and clicked a picture. It was like he was in and out in under 60 seconds, not actually in per se, but you know what I mean. 

In those 60 seconds I wondered if he could see the mess my house was in and was judging me by the half eaten piece of bread lying desolately on the dining table. Oh well, in the next 60 seconds some rapid tidying up took place and the bread in question binned. 

Day 18 - Put Your Feet Up

Didn't have to step out of the house for this one. But these feet could do with a good scrub and polish.

Day 17 - Peek a Boo

On day 17 we were at the park because it was such a lovely day; bright and sunny with no risk of getting a sunburn. Decided to take some portraits and who better than family to pose for you eh? I am not sure if strangers will be that obliging, will probably have to ask the next time. 

Anyway, Santhosh and Kicky had no choice but to be my subjects. Though I did get some good shots of Santhosh, Kicky won hands down; kids are way cuter aren't they? Contrary to her demure poses she surprised me with this one by jumping in front of my camera. I think this makes a wonderful portrait.

Day 16 - How To Catch Butterflies

Was experimenting with custom bokeh's on Day 16. As always loads of tips available on the net to achieve custom bokeh effects, look it up. 

I actually made three shapes, a heart, butterfly and star. But decided to go with the butterflies since hearts and stars have been clicked in plenty. The images had a lot of noise though, which I tried rather unsuccessfully to remove during post processing. Not sure if it was because of my camera or whether the paper I used for the bokeh shape was not black; probably both.

Have to try this technique again with better drawn shapes. This butterfly of mine looks like the result of a genetic experiment in a lepidopetra lab seriously gone wrong.

Day 15 - Purple Haze

Tried some smoke photography today, at the risk of burning the house down. Candles are rubbish for this kind of photography, so don't use them. Incense sticks are apparently the best, but if you don't have them then we've got to improvise. Presenting the humble cotton bud. This effect was achieved with about 4 cotton buds lit both ends, talk about your rear being on fire.

I had fun doing this. You can google and you'll get loads of tips on how to do this. It's best done with a black background. So I propped Santhosh's black t-shirt on a a laptop bag, so that it could stand on it's own, lit the cotton buds, laid them on a metal plate and clicked away. Have your flash on when clicking the photographs. If you want to come up with this  effect you have to post process a bit. I used lightroom. Darken the background, tint the photograph and you can have any colour smoke you want.

Btw, what do you think this looks like?

Day 14 - Ghost Tram

On day 14 I was at the tram station playing around with slow shutter speed. I wish I had a tripod for this one. My hands are not the steadiest. However, the result was not too bad, though maybe I could use a little more creativity.

Why didn't I post this yesterday? Well, yesterday was I-wont-startup-the-laptop day. Yup, every morning after I slide off the bed, I move towards the laptop in a sleepwalking motion and start it up. Coffee and breakfast is usually consumed hunched over the machine and so are other beverages and eatables. So I decided to get out, breathe some fresh air, catch up on my reading and thought that this post could definitely wait a day. I did click this photograph yesterday though, no cheating on my project.

Day 13 - Run With The Wind

It was quite a blustery day today; bright, sunny and blustery. The leaves were swirling around in mini-hurricane like motions which was reminiscent of autumn, but no it's spring. So I was trying to get a picture of the swirling leaves from my window and this runner lady zooms past. This is also a reminder for me to put on my running shoes and get out in the sun.