Monthly Archives: May 2009

P.O.T.D re-post week of May 24th, 2009

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Posted by Katie on May 31, 2009 – 9:04 pm
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This week had no theme, or rather, it had no theme until I discovered that the subconscious theme was “chaos”. Muahahahahaha! Perfect! That is the perfect description of my week this last week. These photos jump from subject to subject in a spewing format identical to my new found verbal stream of consciousness. (Dangerous, very dangerous.)

(Tip of the day from Kate: never develop a verbal stream of consciousness.)

BEWARE! I’ve been strange lately. I’m tired and I’m in some sort of artistic frenzy. It may be from lack of sleep or not enough thought or maybe too much thought, but I’m pretty sure I’ve started hallucinating.

That said, here’s this week’s re-cap.

As always, feedback is appreciated and thanks for watching the P.O.T.D. on Twitter. =D

Enjoy,

Kate

Sunday, May 24th, 2009 – “Where’s Katie?”

Where's Katie?

Is she here?  Is she there? Is she playing with chalk on the sidewalk?  Is she taking photos or swinging on a playground?  Is she jumping in shopping carts or baking cookies?  Is she working? (probably)  Is she breathing and living?  Is she feeling?  Is she in Oregon?  Um, yeah, she never goes anywhere.   Is she drinking coffee or flying a kite?  Where’s Katie?

Monday, May 25th, 2009 – “California”

California


Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 – “Me, Not Me”

Me, Not Me I have been having a particularly rough time with the merger at work, very stressful.  Bes says, “I’m going to give you a daily photo assignment as a distraction.  Today, take a photo of anger.”  Ta daaaaa!  Here’s what I came up with.  To be totally honest, this one scares the holy living me out of me.  What is it really?  A piece of parchment paper crumpled up on my kitchen counter with red food coloring dripping all over it.  Yeah, honestly raw and how I felt.  This photo has heavy post processing as well, but I’ll save that for a technical blog coming up soon.  Yes indeed, you too will be able to learn how to make paper and food coloring into an emo, Photoshopped piece of art!  I know, right?  You can’t hardly wait.

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 – “She’s On the Floor REmix”

She's On the Floor REmix

I really dislike taking pictures of myself.  It seems narcissistic and selfish.  That’s not what I’m here to do, display the physical me.  I’m here to show you what I see.  That’s what I do.  However, there are circumstances in which I have no option but to use myself.  I could have Photoshopped myself a larger chest but eh, I am what I am.  Not as hawt as Claire but, I believe my intentional mood was correctly and honestly portrayed.  Plus, pink rawks.

Thursday, May 28th, 2009 – “On the Tracks”

On the Tracks

Here’s my e-mail inbox this week : “Where’s Claire?”  “Do you have any more photos of Claire?”  “OMG CLAIRE IS SO HOT!”  “Will you please post more pictures of your model Claire?”  “Can you give me Claire’s phone number please?”

Oh my.  Oh dear.  Sorry fellas, (and lady) Claire is spoken for.  However, yes I have about 1,289,387 more photos of Claire.  Here’s one now.  =D

Friday, May 29th, 2009 – “Electric”

Electric

I took this photo in 2007 while riding in a car on the way to Portland.  My husband, The Pointgiver (FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER TOO OR THE SAMMICH IS REALLY GONNA GET IT!)  He had purchased these lovely, electric blue flowers for me at a Safeway during a pit stop.  I simply set macro, zoomed and clicked.  This is, to date, one of my most popular photos.  The color is lens natural, I have not Photoshopped or saturated this in any way.

Saturday, May 30th, 2009 – “Prickly”

Prickley

Really, I have no idea why I posted this photo I don’t really like it.  I just saw this tree a couple years ago while on a portrait shoot and it freaked me out so I had to take a photo of it.  I never want one of these things on my property, I can see far too many accidents occurring.  Ouch.  Ouchy ouch.  *cries*

(All photos on P.O.T.D. are available for viewing in the gallery. Thanks for visiting www.katiekapow.com.)

Universe

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Posted by Katie on May 31, 2009 – 1:41 pm
Filed under Kate's Blog

Universe

My shadow self is amplified.

It’s protection maybe, for my core.

My motivation is the ample doubt in me.

Revolving, whirling places, people, faces, masks and tastes of things of this and that shape me. I am this and that. We are this and that.

I wear myself gaping and jolting. I give humanity my breath.

“Here take me world, eat me up in pieces. Dismantle my core, devour me. I need you to.”

I’m learning, everyday. I’m yearning, everyday.

Here’s me, bathing in fire. It’s my trial, it’s my way.

Take me away.

Walk away.

Leave me here, you know I’ll stay. I’m always here.

Here’s me, screaming as usual.

Isolation, meditation, conversation, mediation, frustration, creation, temptation, convolution, adoration, irritation, moderation, habituation, animation, contortion, expedition, gravitation, levitation, transportation, condensation, admiration, destination, complication.

Not fatalistic, I’m realistic.

No, I’m not depressed and don’t ask me again. Don’t be so quick to dig into what you think I am.

Here’s me, singing.

Be careful, I’m on the outside. I’m here, you see me? I’m on my own skin. I’m on the stage and dancing, right here.

This is me.

Here’s me, speaking to you, asking you the why’s and how’s. Here’s me needing you. Here’s me looking to you.

Here’s me on the floor. I’m not crying, I’m sleeping.

Here’s me exhausted.

Who’s going to take me home and hold me?

Here’s me wondering?

Here’s my mother and father. Here’s my friends, humming their skin, their hearts, their breath.

Here’s me confused. Here’s me drinking. You love me to death. You’re scared of me but you still face me.

Here’s me reacting to you being vague.

Here’s a Midwestern girl. Here’s a polka dot skirt and perfume.

Here’s you breathing me. You breathe me. You hate me.

Here’s me smiling. Watching you move. You move. You touch me, you’re fingertips are cool on my neck.

Here’s me being kissed. Watch me kiss back. Here’s me euphoric. My heart sings in the dark. Here’s me lost in the dark, here’s me touching you to find my way.

I found my way and I do believe that we rely on each other.

Here’s me wondering when I’ll really know how to let it all go.

Here’s me raw. Here’s me naked. Here’s me whole.

I won’t conceal it. That’s not me.

I’m going to sing it out, possibly unintelligible.

Here’s you wondering what I meant by all of this.

= ) <——————— Here’s me.

P.O.T.D. re-post week of May 17th, 2009

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Posted by Katie on May 23, 2009 – 1:38 pm
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I have been overwhelmingly busy the last couple of weeks.  We’re going through some major changes at my work, full company overhaul and I’ve been working 12 plus hour days.  Even with this huge interruption to my time, I managed to post the P.O.T.D. Photo of the Day every day on Twitter for you!  Yay!  In addition to still managing to post, all of these photos were taken last Sunday, on my only day off from work this week.  I began at 5:30 am and didn’t stop until nearly 11 pm.  It was one of the better batches of randomness I’ve produced in a while.
Enjoy!

- Kate

Sunday, May 11th, 2009 – “Good Morning”

Good Morning

Early morning.  5:40sih a.m.  A pink travel mug of Starbucks breakfast blend, black with 2 Spelnda packets.  Polka dot slip on Converse.  Pink and white striped tank top.  A cool morning breeze pushing my hair around tickling my shoulders.  A brisk morning walk to the middle of the bridge.  Grants Pass, Oregon.  The Rogue River.  Parkway Bridge.  The sun just cresting over the mountains of the Rogue Valley.  Birdies a chirpin’.  Mosquitoes a buzzin’.  Fishies jumpin’ in the water below.  A sequence of sunrise pictures.  The finale = A piece of art.

Monday, May 18th, 2009 – “Bumble Skirt”

Bumble Skirt

I like color.  Obviously.  I like fluffy skirts I can twirl.  I found this one online while shopping.  It reminds me of a bumble bee so I wore it with a black top.  For the rest of the day, whenever I said something it was followed by the word “Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzz”.

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 – “Swinging Me”

Swinging Me

After my morning sunrise shoot I stopped by a Dutch Brothers coffee stand and picked up a Vanilla Latte.  From there I drove to the park at HIghland Elementary School.  With my camera around my neck and my coffee resting snugly in the gravel below I had an enjoyable morning swing.  Weeeeeeeee!

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 – “If I Were a Shopping Cart”

If I were a Shopping Cart

I took this one outside of my work in Medford, Oregon.  They just moved all the shopping carts outside since the weather is nice now.  As I was walking out I thought it would make a pleasing, repetitive perspective shot.  I snapped a few on my Cybershot, got home and turned it into a Lomo style portrait.  I think it rocks.

Thursday, May 21st, 2009 – “KaPOW!”

KaPOW!

Okay. okay, okay, this is SERIOUSLY my favorite photo I have taken in a long time.  It is quintessential KatieKapow.  I was sitting on my front  porch playing with some chalk.  I made this little drawing just for fun and decided it needed to be photographed.  I love it.  It is my heart.

Friday, May 22nd, 2009 – “A Reflection of Me”

Reflection of Me

Also taken with my little Cybershot, this photo is near and dear to my heart.  I was sitting in my car, the sky above an amazing blue.  I was gazing at it through my sunroof and pulled out my cam to take a picture of the sky through it.  When I loaded it up in PSE at home I noticed a faint but still there reflection of my camera near the top center of the photo.  I spruced it up a little bit and fell in love.  This picture comes from inspiration recently received from meeting new people, good people, people like me that have a dream, have passion and heart.  Thank you.

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 – “Pushing Imaginary Me”

Pushing Imaginary Me

Back on the old play ground at Highland Elementary, here’s another fun perspective shot turned Lomoesque.  I threw in a little motion for depth.  The little girl Katie is actually in the swing playing right now.  Can you see her? (All photos on P.O.T.D. are available for viewing in the gallery. Thanks for visiting www.katiekapow.com.)

P.O.T.D. re-post week of May 11th, 2009

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Posted by Katie on May 16, 2009 – 8:04 pm
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This week I tried to post some of my older work on P.O.T.D.   With the exception of “Before Lucky” and the “Daydream” REmix, this weeks photos are from early to mid 2007 and taken on my humble 7.2 mp Sony Cybershot, before I purchased my Canon.

As always, feedback is appreciated and thanks for watching the P.O.T.D. on Twitter.  =D

Enjoy.

- Kate

Sunday, May 10th, 2009 -”Lucky”

Lucky

Lucky is one of my personal favorites.  It seems very Irish to me for some reason and not just because of the green.  There is an old building here on the Redwood Highway that used to be a Grower’s Nursery.  It’s been for sale for probably close to ten years now, empty and deteriorating.  It’s porch with peeling paint and splintering food was the setting here, featuring the lovely legs of the beautiful model Susanne.  Lucky seems like the perfect title.

Monday, May 11th, 2009 – “Daydream (High Contrast REmix)

Daydream (High Contrast REmix)

We’ve seen this one before and frequently lately.  “Daydream” is one of my favorite portraits that I’ve snapped lately and like all things that I favorite, I latch on and beat it until it’s dead lol.  I’ve REmixed this photo so many times now I can’t even count them anymore.  I really like this high contrast / color burn blend, it looks very horror movie poster – ish.  That and Claire is fracking gorgeous.

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 – “Before Lucky”

Before Lucky

Before we shot Lucky, we shot this pic.  Susanne was rolling up her pants to get a good view of her legs and feet for the “Lucky” shot and I took this photo when she was getting settled and not expecting it.  I don’t believe that “Lucky” would have worked as well as this one in black and white but, “Before Lucky” rocks it!

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009 – “Sarah’s Flowers”

Sarah's Flowers

My sister-in-law’s little sister got married in June of 2007.  I was not the wedding photographer, but I did bring my camera to snap a few while I was there.  This is my favorite out of that set.  Yes, the color on those flowers is natural, not punched in Photoshop like so much of my stuff is.  The only Photoshoping here is a vignette with saturation around the edges to give it a sort of Lomoesque look.

Thursday, May 14th, 2009 – “While Reading”

While Reading

Early June 2007, I was laying on the couch, (camera on tummy) reading, I believe Chuck Palahniuk’s “Diary” when I noticed the light coming in the sliding glass door was quite bright and lovely.  I took this one handed and carelessly, then continued reading.  =)

Friday, May 15th, 2009 – “Polka Shoes”

Polka Shoes

My friend Ilea had these shoes that I adored!  I worked with her at a bank in Grants Pass, before I became a manager.  One beautifimous summer evening, after closing the bank doors I had her quick run out to the grass with me and kick off her shoes.  This is the result.  I went out and bought these same damn shoes I loved them so much.  I still have them too.

Saturday, May 16th, 2009 – “Potted Flowers”

Potted Flowers

My parents porch.  A summer evening.  Sitting on the deck with my camera.  Waiting for cars to drive by and the sun to set so I can take night shots of them driving by.  I took this while waiting and tweaked it to look Lomoesque.  Katie likey.

(All photos on P.O.T.D. are available for viewing in the gallery. Thanks for visiting www.katiekapow.com.)

P.O.T.D. re-post week of May 4th, 2009

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Posted by Katie on May 10, 2009 – 5:18 pm
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Wow a whole month of Photo of the Day! It’s been pretty easy to keep up with so far, even with working so much lately! I had an odd mix of photos this week, not really a theme here just random fun. Like the P.O.T.D. on Twitter? Like the weekly re-post here? Tell me about it! =)

Here you go peeps.

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 – “Love”

Love

This photo was a surprise more than anything.  Claire and I were out on a portrait shoot.  I stopped in this alley to snap a few and we noticed there was some graffiti on the brick that had been painted over.  I thought it would be cool to play with the shadow and then see if I could pop out what the graffiti said in Photoshop.  We had  no idea it said “Hate”.  It also had a person’s name on there, which I took off but I thought it was fun that what we chose to do with the shadow puppet was a heart.  Ironic, or something….

Monday, May 4th, 2009 – “Shadow and Flair”

Shadow and Flair

Here in the alley, playing with shadow again.  Caught some nice lens flare and exaggerated it in post processing.  Quite fond of this one.

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 – “Kitteh Nose”

Kitteh Nose

I think I just took this one with my Cybershot when Penny was being excessively cute.  I like the contrast on her whiskers and how they really pop.  Chose a more square format to give it some extra personality.

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 – “Happy Corn”

Happy Corn

“Happy Corn” is right up there on my list with “Death of a Gummi”.  It’s just so happy and it was fun to shoot cuz I ate it afterwards.  Nom nom nom!

Thursday, May 7th, 2009 – “Driving Off”

Driving Off

Okay, seriously?  “Driving Off” is probably one of the best pics I’ve ever taken.  Just a slight bit of post processing here.  I added a Gaussian Blur and a Diffused Glow minus the noise to the background.  There’s miles of emotion in this pic.  I love Claire’s profile here, her eyelashes are to die for.  /jealous.

Friday, May 8th, 2009 – “Applegate, Spring”

Applegate, Spring

This is part of a four part photo remix series I did in 2008 that suddenly became popular again.  I think my next task is a photo blog for the gallery featuring this series.  I’ll even post the original, (which sucks).

Saturday, May 9th, 2009 – “Zaumbie Kitteh”

Zaumbie Kitteh

Haha, my cat has a thing with shower doors.  When you’re in the shower she likes to jump up and paw at the water running down the inside of the doors.  After a morning shower one day when Penny was really into water chasing, I quick grabbed my Cybershot and snapped a few pics of her from the inside of the shower.  Some turned out really cool and artistic.  This one, however I made into a LOL cat on ICHC.  lol.  True story.  See it on ICANHASCHEEZBURGER here. (All photos on P.O.T.D. are available for viewing in the gallery. Thanks for visiting www.katiekapow.com.)

P.O.T.D. re-post week of April 26th, 2009

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Posted by Katie on May 3, 2009 – 3:45 pm
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It’s the end of week three of the Twitter “Photo of the Day” (P.O.T.D.) posts and aggregate views to my Flickr stream are up by more than 200 views a day.  My experiment is working.  =)  I’d still like to increase my Flickr contacts and gain some testimonials so please, feel free to friend me on Flickr, I’ll friend you back!

Now, for your weekly re-post.

Sunday, April 26th, 2009 – “Daydream”

Day Dream

Modeled by the beautiful and talented Miss Claire, Daydream is one of my current favorites.  My intention with this photo was to create an environment just as the title states.  I think I accomplished it.  The subject is still here in reality, but the color burn to the sky and the over saturation of the grass creates a new world, a daydream world.

Monday, April 27th, 2009 – “Oregon II”

Oregon II

Oregon II was just plain fun for me.  My lovely sister in law Karen accompanied me on this shoot.  We had some terrible lighting problems as the sun was very bright and high in the sky creating some harsh shadows on her face.  We went with it though, and came out with some nice photos.  The location is actually the elementary school that Karen and I both attended as children.  Ever since we can remember, there has been this colorful map of the U.S. painted on the asphalt of the playground.  She’s sitting on Portland, Oregon, her current home and I had her gaze out toward Florida.  My favorite part of this one is the little whale painted close to Alaska.  I think I will be using this map and location again in the future.

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 – “Under the Umbrella”

Under the Umbrella

Here’s Claire again.  This damn umbrella is one of my favorite possessions!  I’m a big fan of shooting through textures.  One of my most beloved textures is a simply piece of lightly frosted fiberglass (like from a shower door) and I liked the effect that the plastic of the umbrella had so I gave it a shot.  It’s kind of like shooting through plastic wrap only more clear.  I know it’s odd to shoot an umbrella pic when it’s not raining outside but we really thought it was going to rain. lol  We kept waiting but, no rain.  I think this is still one of my best.  I’m quite fond of the light glow radiating from the upper left corner.

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 – “Waiting for Rain”

Waiting for Rain

Here we were, waiting for rain…. The picture speaks for itself: beautiful girl, crisp, clean focus, just a tad of post processing on this one, an all around lovely portrait.  This is my currently most viewed portrait on Flickr.

Thursday, April 30th, 2009 – “Grandpa’s Watch”

Grandpa's Watch

This is an old still of mine that I’ve remixed several times.  With all of my editing I never placed it in a simple black and white.  Out of all of my edits on Grandpa’s Watch this is my favorite.  The black and white is just so classic.

Friday, May 1st, 2009 – “Nom!”

Nom!

It’s a photo shoot day.  It’s warm outside, sun is shinning bright and you and your model are getting hungry.  What do you eat???  ICE CREAM of course!  It was tasty AND that chocolate chip mint looks lovely in the portrait.  This is a fun one, always makes me smile.

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 – “Swing Art”

Swing Art

Grrrr.  Swing shots are my nemesis.  I have taken sooooo many of these and I ALWAYS have trouble with them.  I’m using Al Servo AF, laying in the gravel (which is digging into my flesh at every breath) battling the sun and it’s damn glare and shadows (I REALLY wanted the mountains and field in the background) hoping, just hoping that out of the 80 bazillion of these shots I’m taking, one will turn out the way I want it to.  No bueno, no luck.

So, pissed off and on a mission, I’m determined to make something, anything out of one of these shots.  Post processing for the win!  I actually really like this one.  The mountains align perfectly, the sky blends seamlessly, the jagged mis-alignment of the railroad ties is intentional (I thought it lent homage to motion and sort of makes me dizzy).  I added some even more vivid light, saturated the color (of course) threw in some noise and voila!  I call it, Swing Art. (All photos on P.O.T.D. are available for viewing in the gallery. Thanks for visiting www.katiekapow.com.)