52 Frames Submissions 2023

Sanatan Mandir, the oldest Hindu Mandir in Atlanta.

Welcome to Sanatan Mandir, the oldest Hindu Mandir in Atlanta. Our Mandir prescribes to the Sanatan values of Bharat (English: India). As an integral part of the vibrant Hindu way of life in Metropolitan Atlanta, the Sanatan Mandir serves as a platform for discharging one's religious duties as prescribed by Hindu scriptures. It strives to strengthen cultural ties by encouraging the study of scriptures and literature and celebrating religious holy days and festivals. It aims to foster harmony and unity in the family and the community. It seeks to facilitate the material and spiritual progress of the devotee and bring inner peace. You can learn more at their website: https://sanatanmandiratlanta.org 

Assignment

This week's challenge is about showcasing the facets of faith and Religion. We'd love to see scenes that show faith, joy, reflection, prayer and other emotions that embody religion (of course, not all emotions may be positive, depending on the story you are trying to tell). From quiet moments of contemplation to moments of joy in a procession celebrating a deity or perhaps poignancy at memorial services - it's about capturing an aspect of life that a vast majority of humans hold sacred. Of course you may also wish to highlight the issues of certain religions, or visually convey the viewpoint of those who choose to sit outside specific belief groups. You're not limited to portraits of people - some of the world's greatest architecture is seen at places of devotion and worship. You could also choose to get up close and personal with macro shots of items that are significant and used often: maybe well-worn pages of prayer books, or bells at a temple or perhaps some prayer beads or joss sticks. Whatever will help to convey the story you are trying to tell.

Barbiescape.

Wanted to do the EC but not with my body. Maybe some day. So I hired a model to assist. Extra credit is bodyscape.

Behind The Scenes

Assignment

Well, after last week's High Key challenge, what better way to complement it than with this week's Low Key. What is Low Key photography, you ask? Simply put, it means that most of the frame is dark! A great way to experiment with this technique is to use a single light source in a dark room. You can try positioning the light at different angles to create different levels of contrast and shadows. You can also play around with the distance between the light source and your subject to create different moods and emotions. Remember, low key is not about underexposed images, but rather about strategic illumination, so make sure your highlights are properly represented. Some ideas: a person reading by a dim lamp, a single apple on a dark table, a silhouetted figure walking down a dark alley, a young child holding a tablet.

Amazing Monstera Deliciosa Plant.

This is the most fascinating of all my wife's house plants. It is a Monstera Deliciosa, or a 'Swiss Cheese Plant,' and has the most distinct leaves with holes. You can read all about it at Wikipedia (below) and the two YouTube Videos. Original photo in first comment.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monstera_deliciosa
https://youtu.be/0CvjNNCv5_s
https://youtu.be/JSQN_xvja_0

Original Photo

Assignment

This week we're diving into High Key photography. What is high key, you ask? Simply put, it means that most of your frame is bright! Picture bright, airy shots with a fresh, dreamy vibe. Use natural light, artificial lights, or even reflectors to make your subject pop! But remember, balance is key - we want bright, but not flat. Ensure we still have rich blacks to add depth. Consider colorful outfits, vibrant flowers, or playful pets as subjects. Some other ideas can be morning rays through a window, a lively street scene, a close-up of kitchen utensils, or even a whimsical self-portrait. Push boundaries, experiment, and above all, enjoy the process!

Revival Art is Full of Details.

Revival Art is Full of Details

https://earlsmithstrand.org
https://goo.gl/maps/f5kW857LxduhUrtE9

The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre is a landmark steeped in history. We attended the Marietta Pops Orchestra Spring Concert in Marietta, GA http://mariettapopsorchestra.org Located on historic Marietta Square, the iconic building opened its doors on Sept. 24, 1935. Built in the elegant Art Deco style of the time, the opulent red and gold auditorium transports visitors back to the Golden Age of cinema. The first movie to be shown at the Strand was “Top Hat” starring Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Here is a Classic Clip and another https://youtu.be/jd_z3fpnNpc classic clip. The Strand closed its doors again in 2002 and the building fell into disrepair. It sat vacant and unused, but not unappreciated. Community leaders were determined to restore the building to its former glory and after years of fundraising, the space – now called the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre – hosted its grand opening in 2009. It has once again become the gem of the Marietta square and the go-to venue for concerts, theatre, and, of course, movies.

Assignment

What do you see when you look at a photo? Chances are your eyes instinctively lock on to a small part of the image before looking at the whole. That's "Details" for you - zooming in on the tiny stuff that often goes unnoticed and capturing those hidden gems in your shots. You'll need to channel your inner detective skills and keen observation. Get up close and personal with your subject, whether it's a bug, a flower, or even just everyday objects. Bust out that macro lens or get down low to the ground to capture those unique textures, patterns, and shapes that make your subject stand out. Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles and lighting to really make those details pop! Composition is key in this challenge, so get your artistic juices flowing. Play around with different compositions to create visually stunning images. Try using leading lines, the rule of thirds, and funky framing techniques to draw attention to those captivating details. And don't forget to consider the background – it should complement your subject without stealing the show. You're looking for a picture within a picture. So, take a moment or two and create visually captivating images that showcase the beauty and intricacies of the world around us.

So many options. Where to start.

A 52 Pick Selection

A Fancy Bearded Dragon (Pogona Vitticeps) surveys all the options for lunch at Pet Supplies Plus in Smyrna, GA (US). On the menu: Worms, Big Worms, Crickets, and Roaches. A gourmet meal for our friend. BTS and video at my website post.

Pet Supplies Plus, 3240 South Cobb Dr. Ste 750, Smyrna, GA 30080
https://goo.gl/maps/XhoXQ1yGUtubzEdU7

Behind the Scenes

Assignment

"Hungry" for a new challenge? Cool, let's try our hand at Food Photography. That's right, we're talking about capturing the beauty and essence of delicious meals in pictures. But it's not just about the food, it's also about the memories and emotions that come with it. Think about it - how many times have you tasted a dish that transported you back to a certain place or time? Maybe it was your grandma's apple pie or that unforgettable meal you had on your honeymoon. These food experiences are deeply connected to our memories and emotions, and that's what makes food photography so powerful. So, how do we capture all of that in a photo? Well, the key is to focus on the details. Zoom in on the texture of the food, the colors, and the way the light hits it. Use props that remind you of the memory or emotion you're trying to convey. For example, if you're trying to capture the cozy feeling of a family dinner, use a rustic tablecloth or some vintage silverware. Think of your lighting, composition and the inherent texture to bring out the best elements of a great food-themed photo. Ultimately, food photography is about more than just showcasing a pretty plate. It's about capturing the memories and emotions that make food such an important part of our lives. So, grab your camera and get ready to make your taste buds and your heart sing!

Money to Burn

52 Picks Selection

Disclaimer: No real money was harmed in the creation of this photo.

These are four types of cash that are no longer in circulation. They have an interesting story and you can read them here: https://www.investopedia.com/6-famous-discontinued-and-uncommon-u-s-currency-denominations-4773302

Behind the Scenes

Assignment

This week we are challenging ourselves to use a single light source to illuminate a subject. This is a practice in directing light and is the first step towards shaping, or at least identifying, quality light on your subject, as opposed to just grabbing a photo and hoping it looks good. But don't be intimidated! This can easily be achieved with household items like a flashlight, lamp, or even a window. By focusing on a single light source, we can create a sense of depth in our images, by controlling the light, and creating mood and atmosphere with the strong shadow side! The choice of light source can also help to convey the story or message behind the image, a hard light will give you a more dramatic look while a soft light will yield a softer, more tranquil feel. This is also a great opportunity to experiment with different lighting techniques, such as backlighting or silhouetting. Please note that while the sun is technically a single light source, we are looking for control and intentionality this week. We encourage the use of natural light by guiding the natural sunlight through a window, or a hole in the wall, so it's obviously a directional single source of light. But just going outside during the day, and rationalizing that everything is lit by the sun, is not the intentionality we are looking for this week.

Blue Neighborhood Rests

End of the day, lovely blue cast, time to kick back and relax.

Assignment

Let's have some fun with Blue Hour photography! Everyone talks about "Golden hour/Magic hour" but in my opinion BLUE hour is even more magical! Blue Hour is that special time just after sunset or just BEFORE sunrise when the sky is not completely dark yet, the sun is down but there is soft light particles everywhere, and everything has a magical blue tint. Maybe you want to take a cityscape photo with all the lights starting to turn on or a picture of nature with the sky turning shades of pink and purple. Orange city lights are a fantastic way to grab some complementary colors. The soft blue light also adds a dreamy and romantic touch to portraits, while photographing animals in their natural habitat during the Blue Hour can create a moody and mysterious effect. It gets dark quickly at this time, so make sure to keep adjusting your settings, especially your ISO, if necessary. You can also experiment with long exposure shots to capture light trails from cars or create a surreal effect with water or clouds. This is a fantastic time of day to get long exposure shots!

Fear the Frank's Hog Stand

Our fearless heros confront the pig attack on San Antonio.

Frank's Hog Stand
1112 S St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78210
https://goo.gl/maps/gD1AX5prr2sCuNtw8

A remnant of the classic 1920s chain of Pig Stand restaurants, Frank’s Hog Stand reopened in 2010 and served all-American eats. The restaurant has since closed, but the building remains the last pig standing — even when man has left.

Behind the Scenes

Assignment

This week, let your imagination run rampant with the Dreamscape challenge. The theme of this challenge is all about capturing ethereal, creative, and transcendental types of images that transport the viewer to a world beyond the mundane - exactly what dreamland is all about. Anything goes - from fantastical and nonsensical stuff to something that's calm and peaceful or at the other end of the scale, something nightmarish that makes you jump awake with a start. To excel in this challenge, you might want to experiment with different photographic techniques, such as long exposures, multiple exposures, and intentional camera movement. These techniques can create surreal, dreamlike images that perfectly embody the "Dreamscape" theme. You'll also want to pay close attention to lighting, composition, and color, as these elements can significantly enhance the mood and atmosphere of your photographs. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and try something new. Maybe you'll capture a beautiful reflection that transforms a landscape into a magical world, or perhaps you'll experiment with post-processing techniques to create an otherworldly effect. Whatever your approach, remember that the goal is to create images that evoke a sense of wonder and transport the viewer to a place beyond reality. So start exploring your creativity and get ready to submit your most imaginative and transcendental photos. Feel free to add textures or to use creative distortion or even employ techniques to show levitation and flight (a common theme for some in their dreams). Things could take an abstract and surreal turn, if you prefer to show something minimalistic.

Fill the Frame Literally

Why not actually fill the frame while filling the frame? Here you go.  See behind the scenes below.

Print out, tripod, glass brick, frame, towel.

Click on the photo for a larger version.

Assignment

Do you struggle with composing for the background? Forget the background! This week we're asking you to Fill The Frame. This is more of a composition challenge - eliminate clutter, distractions and anything unnecessary in the background or foreground so that it's your subject that takes up the entirety of the frame to create an impactful and captivating image. The idea is to fill the entire frame of your photograph with your subject, allowing it to take center stage and draw the viewer's eye to its details. When filling the frame, consider using different perspectives, angles, and focal lengths to create unique and interesting compositions. Don't be afraid to get up close and personal with your subject or use a lens with a long focal length and zoom into your subject. Your subject should be clear and defined. Pay attention to details such as lighting, color, and texture, as they can make your subject stand out and enhance the overall impact of your image. Before you even THINK of pressing the shutter, run your eye along the edges of the frame. Is your subject overflowing the edges, or nearly touching it? Good, you have filled your frame. If there are any unwanted spaces, remove them by physically moving closer or zooming in. Remember, your legs are the best crop tool you have, so don't be afraid to use them.

Food View from the Belt

Ever wonder what your food sees when you check out? Now you do. Enjoy.

Assignment

Folks, we're about a quarter of the way through the year, so we thought we'd have a little rest and lie down.... well... not exactly. This week it's all about getting low... real low. So get ready to bend, squat, kneel or go full belly-hug on the ground. Getting low will allow you to explore the world from a different perspective, to capture unique and interesting shots that you wouldn't normally see from your usual standing height. You can find a point of interest, like a close-up shot of a flower, an interesting pattern on the pavement, or even a pet or child portrait from their level. You can also capture a wide angled scene more powerfully by getting a lower angle. In cinema, shooting a character from below is sometimes referred to as the "superhero angle" as it conveys this larger-than-life feel to the character. Pro tip: Look for leading lines on the floor, and use that to guide the viewer into the main focus of your frame.

Three Musical Skills

I was a music major and grew up in a musical family. I learned to play piano from a new orleans dixie piano player in a group called "Sons of the Whiskey Rebellion." Later on in college I had to actually learn to play. I started trumpet in 5th grade and played all the way through my sophomore (second) year of college before traveling for 18 months with Christian singing group called "His Ambassadors." I learned simple guitar to make up songs for my children. So now it's time to dust everything off and get back to music.

His Ambassadors: This is where the album I am on starts. I'm the third guy from the right.
https://youtu.be/aZlW7xH-hOQ?t=4404

These are the trumpet players that influenced me.

Maynard Ferguson: Went to so many concerts. Extraordinary talent.
https://youtu.be/zHd3vzyM1fw

Bill Chase: His fusion of jazz and rock still rings true today over 40 years.
https://youtu.be/dBogxn5ObgA

Rafael Mendez - Flight of the Bumble Bee
https://youtu.be/pNnoTqvmdM4

Louis Armstrong with Duke Ellington "In A Mellow Tone" on The Ed Sullivan Show
https://youtu.be/UGIYaqz5rI0

Assignment

Get ready to rock 'n' roll! It's time for Music. Don't worry, you don't need to know your Bieber from your Beethoven to take part in this challenge. Whether it's a garage band in your neighborhood, a busker on the street, or a world-famous rockstar on stage, the challenge is all about capturing the energy, excitement, and emotion of music performances or anything connected to music - instruments, the audience and listeners and more importantly the emotions and feelings that music evokes in us all. Fun, peace, happiness, comfort during troubling times - music binds us and lifts up our souls. A great photo will try to capture some of that. Now, here's the fun part - all you need to do is stick to the theme! You can shoot in black and white, color, with flash or without, from the crowd or up close and personal with the performers. You can focus on the musicians, the audience, the lighting, or any other aspect of the performance that catches your eye. The key is to let your creativity run wild and capture a moment that truly encapsulates the spirit of the music. Whether you're into metal, pop, hip-hop, jazz, classical or anything in between, there's something magical about capturing the energy of musicians that transcends genres and speaks to the universal language of music. Music and photography are creative arts - show us how you bring them together.

Shoot out at High Noon (Solar)

Shot exactly at solar noon in Smyrna, GA, US. If you look carefully you can see the bullet in the air.  FYI it is a NERF gun.

Assignment

Yo! Here's a brand new challenge for you to explore your creative and technical sides - "High Noon". No, it doesn't have anything to do with horses and cowboys (unless you add them in). This challenge focuses on capturing the beauty of light and shadow during the time of day when the sun is at its highest point and the light is harshest. It's a great time of day for some high key work. Noon is often considered a difficult time for photography, as the light is intense and can result in harsh shadows and high contrast. Mind you, this also presents an opportunity to create unique and striking images. When taking photos at noon, it's important to pay attention to the direction of the light and the angle of the sun. For some added creativity, you could try shooting from an angle can produce interesting effects like lens flares and sunbursts, by changing your shooting angles and getting low.In addition to direction and angle, the color of the sky is also an important consideration. The deep blue sky during noon can provide a beautiful backdrop for your photos. To make the most of this, try to find a subject that will stand out against the blue sky and play with the shadows to add depth and interest to your image. Of course, if the weather remains uncooperative, then do your best to "simulate" the harsh overhead sun by setting up a lamp or flash directly above your subject. So, grab your camera and get ready to embrace the harsh light of high noon! Whether you're shooting portraits, landscapes, or still life, the goal of this challenge is to capture the beauty of light and shadow during one of the most challenging times of the day for photography.

Wheel of Markers

More technical fun. Bought a set of 100 markers and matched them up with a 12 slice color wheel. And captured the extra credit for this week: Product Shot.

Setup and remaining markers.

Assignment

Complementary colors photography is a fun and different way to capture the world around us. It's all about finding pairs of colors that are opposite each other on the RYB color wheel, and using them together in a photo to create a visually striking image.

Some popular color pairs are:

• yellow with purple
• blue and orange
• red and green

The challenge is to find scenes in the real world that feature complementary color pairs, and then to capture them in a way that showcases their relationship. This could mean finding a red flower in a green field, or an orange street lamp against a blue sky (blue hour is a no-brainer for this combo). The key is to look for those bold, contrasting hues and make them the focus of the image. Of course, you can create your own scene with lighting, flash gels, colored backdrops, or fruit loops. Maybe you could paint a wall blue and place an orange bulb in front of it. Or, you could even use props like fruit, clothing, or balloons to bring in those contrasting hues. The possibilities are endless, and the result is always a fun, eye-catching image that's sure to turn heads. So grab your camera and get ready to see the world in a whole new light!

Mobile Macro Is Amazing

Just experimenting this week with my Google Pixel 7 Pro's macro settings. Just insane.

Assignment

Macro photography is all about getting up close into the teeny tiny (technical term). It's about the intricate details of flowers, fabric, insects, and other small objects that often go unnoticed. It's about capturing tiny details in a beautiful way. Macro photography allows you to see the world in a whole new light. Macro is a technical term generally implying a 1:1 ratio, but for the sake of our project, we are taking a looser approach and just inviting you to get as close as you can to something small. If you're new to macro photography, you might want to start by using a lens that has macro ability, which simply means you can get close to something and still focus on it. Mobile phones can do this very well also, and that’s a great way to start with what you have (use the flower icon setting). You can also experiment with other techniques like extension tubes, close-up filters, or reverse macro trick. You might be surprised at the unique results you can achieve. Macro photography is a lot of fun and it's a great way to get creative with your photography. So, grab your camera, get going and start exploring the tiny world around you. Who knows, you might just discover a whole new world of beauty right in your own backyard.

An old man and his wife were holdin' hands

T & G have been married for nearly 60 years. Their marriage has raised successful children, a number of successful businesses, and their generosity has benefited their community and many individuals and families. Now they are there to care for each other as a perfect illustration of the covenant of marriage and their commitments to their vows of nearly 6 decades earlier. I had this wonderful photo because I had the privilege of interviewing them for their 50th anniversary celebration. They are among my very best friends.

Listen to this song:
In Our Old Age
Kenny Rogers
https://youtu.be/diJuIRSoMZ8

Then watch this video
Interview with Bill and Ellie who have been married for 60 years.
https://youtu.be/RlLxC-tf4XY

You can cry now.

Assignment

Music and photography share similarities in many ways. Both are forms of artistic expression that appeal to the large audience but leave enough room for everyone to make sense of it in their own way. This week we are marrying these two art forms by shooting a photo inspired by a Line From A Song. This is one of those challenges where the only rules are to take the photo yourself the week of the challenge. The rest is wide open! You can recreate a scene from a lyric, or display a feeling that you feel embodies that lyric or song. This is a line from a song, it doesn't need to be the Title of the song. Also, remember that we're a global community, so feel free to take a photo that's relevant to a song in a language of your choice - local or otherwise. Naturally, please write a little in the description so your fellow Framers have an idea about how the image and the song lyric speak to you. Music encompasses all aspects of life - the fun, the romantic, the crazy, the melancholy, the thoughtfulness, and, oftentimes, socially relevant topics. So, have fun with this week's theme. Okay, now get out there and rock this challenge!

No Fear

This is the true test of courage. To sit in the middle of the interstate north of Atlanta. The Terminator sunglasses help.

Assignment

Please have a seat. Yup - this week it's gonna be a Chair that will be your shot's subject. You see, it's not about what exactly you are shooting, but about the story you can create from it. What comes to mind when thinking about this ordinary subject? Who is sitting on this chair? Or standing? Where is the chair? What story can you create from this simple item. Chairs come in all sizes and shapes - sofas, executive chairs, ornate antiques, busted up rocking chairs that have seen generations of a family. Park benches, bus stops, some weird looking chairs straight out of the mind of Tim Burton - it's all fair game. You can show the close-up wrinkles of a chair, or make your own small chair out of paper clips. Think about the story a chair can tell - a chair in a barbershop that can be the focus of a neighborhood or perhaps the small feet of a toddler reaching up to grab something. The poignancy of a wheelchair and the strength of the people who sit in them. You can have a subject ON the chair be the focus as well, but remember that the chair ought to be a strong and clear element in your image.

Sisters Reading Act 2

Our neighbors, C (age 5) and B (age 2) are reading more than ever. This is the third reading photo (others linked below). Shot with my amazing 1960s NIKKOR F1.4 50mm lens.

Previous Reading Photos
2021
https://52frames.com/albums/2021/week-6-single-focal-point/photo/1069
https://52frames.com/albums/2021/week-12-window-light/photo/1069
2022
https://52frames.com/albums/2022/week-30-single-focal-point/photo/1069

Family Portrait 2021 
https://52frames.com/albums/2021/week-19-iso-100/photo/1069

Assignment

Let's brush up on some technical fundamentals, shall we? What is a Shallow Depth Of Field. You know those "professional" photos where the subject is in sharp focus and the background is all blurred? This is a photo with a shallow depth of field - the plane of focus is very thin, and everything behind it (and in front of it) is fuzzy, or soft. This fuzziness is often referred to as "bokeh", and the type of bokeh will change with lenses, aperture settings, and a few other things. This is the fastest way to achieving more "professional" looking photos and it's as easy as setting your Aperture value in Manual mode or in Aperture Priority mode (often referred to as Av on your camera dial). When your Aperture is set to a low value (like f/1.4 or f/2.8) you will get more of this blur (shallow DoF) while high values like f/22 will keep your whole scene in focus (better for landscapes). A shallow depth of field will eliminate clutter in your frame and help to focus the viewer on your subject and your subject alone. Think of portraits, food photography, product shots, wildlife and of course macro photography. All of these genres work very nicely with this week's theme, but don't let anyone force your creative vision into a particular channel - you can even shoot landscape and nature shots with a shallow DoF. It's all about how you compose things and among other factors, your lens and aperture choice. Do keep in mind that lower aperture also lets more light in, so you may have more success with this in darker conditions.

Changing Future Lives Since 1860

This is the headquarters of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in midtown Atlanta. From this building comes guidance for more than 4500 locations and more than 4 million kids and teens and more than 500,000 staff and volunteers. From its beginning it reached out students who are underserved an often lacking the resources to succeed. Through a combination of mentoring, innovative programs and courses, great facilities, and accessible schedules, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America has motivated millions of young students to achieve what would otherwise have been impossible. Their motto is "Great Futures Start Here." Learn more here: https://bgca.org.

Assignment

It's time to CLEAR our world of COLOR. While it's easier to think of Black And White photography as something old-school, modern cameras and devices with their higher pixel counts, densities and high dynamic ranges help make it really easy to get striking images filled with contrast and tonal ranges. But that's just the technical side of things. Black and White photography makes it easier to cut out the "distraction" of color noise - which better allows your viewer to take in shape, form, and of course, light (and shadow). Composition is critical here, because a great deal of emphasis in a black and white photo comes from the interplay of light and shadow. That's what gives many black and white photos depth and structure. You may start to "see" the world around you in terms of shapes and structure more than the overall color while considering what to shoot. Look at where the light hits. Look at where the shadows lie. Look out for textures as well, that may add more dimension to your shot.

Jean, My Virtual Concierge

I'm staying at a hotel in New Orleans that is all virtually controlled. We use PIN codes for everything. Even the front desk staff is somewhere else in the world (in this case, the Philippines). This is Jean. A real person but not physically present. She greets us each day by name and answers our questions. Where will this lead? Who knows.

Assignment

Take a deep breath. And repeat after me: This is NOT as difficult as it seems in your head. As with any challenge, you can make it as easy or as difficult as you want. If you are an introvert like me, you can muster the courage to ask ANY service person, such as: your local barista, your mailperson, cashier person, uber driver, toll-booth willie, street performer, anyone that's already out there interacting with people and already giving you a smile! Most, if not all, will say SURE! Remember, this is a portrait, not street photography. You aren't hiding in the bushes. All you need is a smile (or a serious pose), but take a moment before you take the photo, preferably before you even ask the stranger, to think about composition, framing, and story. Have your camera settings basically ready before you do anything. We encourage everyone to always be courteous and move on politely if the strangers do not want their photo taken. Never take photos of strangers’ children or in a place where people expect privacy.

Me and My Robots and Global Influence

My interest in youth robotics has become more than a hobby.

In 2003 we formed a FIRST LEGO League team with our home school community. This grew into two organizations with global influence. Our robotics club became TechBrick Education at https://techbrick.com . This organization provides out-of-school robotics and STEM education for 50-100 K-12 students per year. More than 1000 students have been challenged to pursue STEM and education careers and roughly 80% of our students have done so. The website gets global traffic every day.

As part of my work in directing TechBrick I saw the need for standardized training materials for youth robotics and started designing and selling vinyl mats with a range of skill exercises and problem-solving scenarios. This became Robot Mats at https://robotmats.com and is now manufactured and distributed by Geyer Instructional at https://geyerinstructional.com . We have designed more than 400 mats for tabletop robotics, drone landing, and wide range of classroom robotics systems. These are now available in the US, Canada, the EU.

Assignment

You're a Framer, so obviously photography is something you love and care about doing. But maybe there's another passion of yours on the side - cooking, skateboarding, basket weaving. Tell us more about Your Hobby. Perhaps its not so much an activity but your comfort zone - tucked away in front of a fireplace with a good book or perhaps you're a collector of stuff - lunch boxes, stamps, autographs, human fingers. There are so many ways we find to enrich our lives and make it just a bit more colorful. Hobbies can be freeing, allowing us to channel our creativity - bring us into that world with your photograph! You could opt for close-up macro shot or an environmental portrait or even a freeze frame of you dunking a basketball. The ways to share what interests and hobbies you have are just as varied as all the different kinds of things that make us, us.

https://52frames.com/albums/2023/week-3-your-hobby/challenge

Look at Me!

Every truck that passes our house causes our Morky, Hemingway, to go crazy and run back and forth at high speed until he is exhausted. Especially when the US Postal Service truck comes by. Here he is in full run mode taking a second to smile for the camera (Best of 273 photos taken in three minutes).

Click here to see an image with all 273 shots.

Assignment

Right - let's get cracking with a bit of a hybrid challenge involving technical as well as creative skills. This week, we want photos that Blur The Action - or to put it another way, photos that tell a STRONGER story with motion blur. While most photos are shot with the intent of being as sharp as possible, photos with intentional blurring of motion give an added sense of movement to the viewer. This could be a dancer on stage, a car passing by, or stars in the night sky. The obvious method of blurring movement is to make your shutter speed slower. Panning or even combining multiple exposures in one shot are other advanced methods you could try out if you wanted. But paying attention to the technical aspect is just one facet of this challenge (of every challenge, really) - your photo should be telling a story or capturing a moment in time that works well and resonates with you and your viewer. The basics of composition, framing and creativity are something you should always keep in mind. So start looking up at cloud movements, or look down at the tides. Maybe kids on a playground swing will grab your attention. Star trails, ICM (impressionist photography), sports photography, light painting, there are so many cool ideas and subjects for you to try out with a slow shutter. But do remember, we're not looking for out-of-focus shot or bokeh blur - we're looking for motion blur, which is the blur caused by the passage of time.

https://52frames.com/albums/2023/week-2-blur-the-action/challenge

Self Me

So many things to do after getting back from two weeks away from home! Great time to do some selfy's!

Assignment

Hello and welcome to your new year! Your new life! 2023 - a brand new year for you to explore new things, learn new skills and, of course, have fun. But the road towards these goals runs through one thing: Embracing imperfection. And it starts right now. As is tradition, the very first challenge of the year is Self-Portrait. We do this for a number of reasons - first - we want to see you! We want to say hi! We also want you to drop the insecurities and be wonderfully vulnerable to this creative process. We want to help you overcome a hurdle that many of us as photographers find hard to conquer - standing in front of the lens, rather than behind it. We always encourage all our community members to get creative and tell a story, so this week, take a shot that tells the world all about you - blemishes, imperfections, vulnerabilities and all. Look at it this way - you're never going to have a more willing and able model than the one this week. You can make your self-portrait vibrant, moody, wacky and funny, imperious and any other set of adjectives you want to show off to the rest of the community. So, go ahead, have fun and say hello to all your fellow Framers. You will find we are a very non-judgemental, friendly bunch! 

https://52frames.com/albums/2023/week-1-self-portrait/challenge