Photography ... Breaking Out of My Boredom

So this past weekend, I was on-call, so there was no bicycling for me to be had. I had to be indoors the entire weekend. The weather outside was gorgeous, and yet what and where was I? I was indoors. So being that I had to be available on the Internet during this period, you can realize how bored I could get. So, I went ahead and posted on BF, about how my pictures seem dull and drab, while others jump out of the page. Little did I know what I started!

What started out as an innocent, god damn I'm bored post, turned into one of the most active threads on the forums. That brought all the creative types, photographers, and other artists, to quickly chime in on my topic. First of all, this was a Sunday ... what the heck was everyone doing indoors posting a reply to me?

Anyhow, I got all sorts of advise and opinions. They all ranged from "it's not the camera", "you gotta have an eye for that", "crop", "post editing, like enhancing the sharpness and saturation", and the last one was good ... "practice practice practice".

Now these are nothing new to me ... I know about all those suggestions ... but the responses were so fast and furious, that I wouldn't dare say that the thread was all tongue 'n cheek, and was not meant to be serious at all. But I am grateful for all the responses. But one thing I did mention was I was contemplating a digital SLR, not so that it would improve my pictures, but for when I do the Tour of Ca, I have a better camera, with better focal length.




I do want to thank Pete and Paula ... Pete replied back he likes my photos that I post, and Paula commented on how she is fond of one particular shot that I took ... of her ... actually, it is Paula who is the real star of this picture. She has no one to thank but herself.


I took heed on the last suggestions, and decided to start taking some shots on my ride home, and practice practice practice. I think part of my problem is my composition ... uh, that kinda requires some creative thinking, and as you all know, I have none of that.




So I took this as I was passing by the Yahoo building. They are situated at a pretty unique corner. They are just down the street from where I work (but boy, are they a pain in the butt customer to have). Yes, this picture could have been better if I was closer, but damn ... this is a busy street, and I can't just walk up closer.



I have no idea what buildings these are. I took this while on my commute home, as I went parallel to Hwy 237. They have this isolated bike trail, which is perfect for me, and getting away from traffic. On my way home, I did bump into an old friend who I haven't seen in awhile, and who I haven't ridden with in a while. It's most likely because she is way too tough and strong a climber than I am ... but then again, I ride with the Gladiators ... hmmm ... maybe I should try riding with her again.


My next turn is onto San Tomas Aquino bike trail ... it's a really nice bike path, that runs parallel to Bowers/Great America Pkwy. These sure beats riding on Bowers or Lawrence Expressway, especially during rush hour traffic. Would you rather ride this, or ride through traffic lights, and smog filled cars to contend with. It was nice and peaceful here, but the only hazard on this bike path are the ever present walkers, which can be quite dangerous ... so I have to be on my toes.

So I think I now have another activity aside from bicycling to occupy my time with. I get so many friends who tell me I need to diversify, and it's always biking this, and biking that ... uh, what's wrong with that? Well, photography is another great hobby to take up, so I think I will investigate this a bit further. Look at some local photo clubs, and check them out. Or am I just going to give that up for bicycling like I normally would? Well, we'll see where it takes me.