20. Smokestacks

19. Lions and dragons, oh my.

It's monday and I'm not dead tired? I must have adapted to the lack of sleep, or it could be that my first photo essay printed today! Well, I won't consider it a full photo essay, since it's not the usual two pages, but that was a formatting issue that was out of my hands. My original plan had around 6-7 photos for a two page spread, so when I was told we had to cut it down to 4 photos I admit, I had a little panic attack. Nevertheless, what's done is done, and my goal to get a photo essay published before the end of the year is complete. But of course, there's always some other setback that stopped me from fully celebrating. The caption underneath the bottom left picture should read two "lions," not "dragons." How many times have I seen these things in my life? Enough to know they're lions. I knew my carelessness would come back and bite me one day, but why did it have to be today?? Oh well. Learn from your mistakes. Life goes on.

To see the entire January 30 issue, go here: http://dailyuw.com/documents/2012/jan/30/jan-30-2012-pdf/

18. Just for now...

I do not have a picture to post for today...but trust me, I have a really good reason. I got to use The Daily's Canon 5D Mark II (omgomg, more on this later) for a photo essay, and lent another photographer my camera so that he could take video of the event we were covering. And now since I don't have a card reader for Canons, I can't show you any of the pictures that I took. But the show must go on, and I won't leave you empty handed.

[EDIT] I was able to get some pictures out of the Canon today (Sunday), so here's a sneak peak of what's to come for the next week.

If this doesn't make you excited I don't know what does.

17. Tea Partay

Got to spend some time with the family today. New Years is always a good time to catch up, move forward, sit down, relax, and sip some tea.

16. Reach

15.

Today was...gray.

14. The Silver Lining

Mondays are brutal, but at least after 7 straight hours of class I get to sing?

And Happy Lunar New Year!

13. Primaries on Neutrals

Did this week even exist? One holiday, one school day, and three snow days later, and we are magically at the weekend again. Hopefully things will get back to normal next week because this one-photo-a-day thing was struggling to stay afloat. Today's picture is from last week's trip to the Earth Corps headquarters in Magnuson Park. Sorry there's no new content... Pictures of snow all end up looking alike, and nothing exciting happens when you're trapped at home for 3 days straight!! Let the thawing begin.

12. Afternoon Fuel

11. Stop Internet Censorship

There are two bills in Congress known as the SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act) that if passed, would drastically change the way the Web works. This is not how we should go towards protecting intellectual property rights. Google explains, "The most effective way to shut down pirate websites is through targeted legislation that cuts off their funding. There's no need to make American social networks, blogs and search engines censor the Internet or undermine the existing laws that have enabled the Web to thrive..."

Many websites such as Google (sort of) and Wikipedia have voiced their opinions against SOPA and PIPA by blacking out for a certain amount of time. Please go to AmericanCensorship.org to learn more about the bills and what you can do to let your local congressmen know what you think.

http://americancensorship.org/

10. You Say Yes, I Say Snow

9. (6.2) Manic Mouths and Feet?

This was the first time I had been to a poetry slam, and woah! They're a lot of fun! I suppose I was spoiled, though. Since this was the round to select the top 5 finalists who would move on to compete in a national competition, all the performances were top notch.

The thing with these types of performances is that you get to see the artist settle into the zone. They become serene, focused, and simultaneously aware yet unaware of the audience. It's hard to explain. You see it with sports too. Athletes have rituals they go through before a race or a game, just like musicians have warm ups that they do.

It's always refreshing to see people perform in such a genuine way. The audience is delivered something that is very tangible and real.

Check out music from Feet.

8. Obligatory Snow Pictures

The final post of the mini series will be up tomorrow!

7 (6.1) Altimeter

One of the reasons why I love working for the paper and why I love photography is general is that I often get to capture people doing what they do best. There is something so hypnotizing and compelling about people when they are in their "zone." They are completely absorbed in their work, you can see it in their eyes, and you can hear in their voice. This guy was no exception.

He is the project lead for the NASA University Student Launch Initiative (a national rocket building competition) at UW. The writer and I were being shown around the lab where the team built their rocket when I noticed the project lead was opening a package that contained a small chip which I suspected was for the rocket. Not knowing what the piece was, I asked, "What is that?"

I wish you could have seen his reaction! He was so excited that I seemed interested in the project. All I could do was try my best to capture his excitement as he explained to me that the chip was an altimeter, a device that measures the altitude of the rocket and triggers the release of the parachute.

Why did I chose this picture? Out of context, it's a pretty crappy picture. Ideally, the chip and his hands would be in focus. But how do you prepare for spontaneity? I never expected to get such a positive reaction from such a simple question.

6.0 The Communal Sweater Closet

You know you've had a good day when you can't decide which picture to post because so many good things happened. That is why I am going to cheat and have multiple posts about the same day. Like a mini series type of thing.

The first of three posts introduces the Communal Sweater Closet.

Everyone contributes, and everyone shares. Here's one of my favorites.

But sweaters are meant to be worn, of course. And they look especially good when paired with a guitar and capo.

5. Wall Quoting: A Dangerous Business

What is wrong with this picture?

Is it that one of the people holding the ladder is laughing uncontrollably? Yes.

Don't worry though, our Arts and Leisure Editor got down safe and sound.

4. Lost Kitty

A lost kitty was last spotted in the Quad, trying to climb a tree near Savery Hall. Someone please come take him home because he is probably very scared and confused. Thank you.

3.

Only three days into the project and it turns out having your camera around all the time really does pay off.

A giant wooden tripod was raised this afternoon in Red Square by Occupy Seattle supporters as part of a training session for non-violent protest.

2.

One day at a time.

1. Cop's Photo-Op

New Project: One photo. Everyday(ish).

I realize I just set myself up for a crazy challenge, but since I'm carrying my camera around more often for Daily purposes, this project was probably going to happen inevitably. We will see how long I can keep this up!

Let's make it clear that everyday will more likely mean hopefully every weekday because let's face it nothing is going to get done over the weekend.

Cool, here it goes!