Moooo

ved.


If you haven't noticed, I've moved on to my new domain. Check it out!

I've done this for many reasons, but know that my general photo-focused format will remain. This little blog has served me well, but it's time to continue on.




My reasons for moving:

1. Blogger doesn't have a very good support network, either from the service's owners or the community in general. Wordpress, on the other hand, has a large community actively improving both the basic blogging standard and the absolutely huge collection of plug-ins. Some consider Wordpress to be more for advanced users, but as far as setting up a regular blog, it's just as easy as Blogger. Those advanced options just happen to be there if you feel the need to expand or personalize more.

2. I've always wanted my own hosting. Although this does cost money, the flexibility offered is simply tremendous. Rather than have to resort to Blogspot for blogging, Picasaweb or Flickr for image galleries, Google Pages for website experimentation, I can do all of that within one domain, which makes things much more convenient and attractive for both visitors and me.

3. It's just more awesome to have a domain.



Once again, check out the new domain.

Skywatch Friday 50/16

Around Nevada Falls in Yosemite.



Do check out my new domain.

Pictures are bigger and yummier.

Watery Wednesday 41/16 - Love Those Lips

Followers: I have moved to my new domain at visualvictuals.com

I've released my first tutorial, a very easy, very quick technique to improve photos using an overlay layer. Perhaps best of all it uses a free image editor. Check it out here.

Camera Critters 63/13 - Butterfingerless Butterfly

From the rainforest inside the California Academy of Sciences.


Camera Critters.

As mentioned last week, I'm moving to a domain.

The blog, once launched, will focus on post-processing techniques that I've used over the past few months with a focus on free software (GIMP, Picasa, Photoscape, Paint.net, Photoplus, Picknik, and others). As I still consider myself a beginner, I figure this could be of help to other beginners looking to improve their photos.

I'm in the middle of setting up and modifying a Wordpress install using the very awesome Atahualpa Theme with emphasis on minimization. I still have work to do on the layout, but visits and feedback on my work so far will be appreciated.

Skywatch Friday 49/15 - Oro en Paz

Not exactly gold, but it's close enough. From somewhere in Potrero Hill. To think, I was standing a few blocks away from where O.J. Simpson grew up. A hop, skip, and a few dozen hundred steps in the opposite direction is the headquarters for Mythbusters.

Skywatch Friday.

Think Green Thursday 2/1 - Windfarm

I posted on Sunday about the windfarm at Altamont Pass, a source of renewable energy near the Bay Area. This is a slightly larger scale and better framed photo.

As an addition to what was mentioned on Sunday, the turbines here (originally constructed in the 1970's) are being replaced by newer, taller models, which reduce the risk to the local birds while increasing energy return and improving safety for construction and maintenance crews.

According to the 2008 World Wind Energy Report, wind power accounts for 1.5% of worldwide use of electricity, a twofold increase since 2005.

I find this to be an important trend. Greater usage of renewable energy means that more money goes into the development of the technology. Many of the problems associated with wind turbines are a result of mechanical design flaws (Example (youtube)). Research and better materials can only lead to advancements that improve efficiency, aesthetics, and safety to both humans and wildlife.

Think Green Thursday.

PS - No green in the photo. I'm wondering if that's okay, or if the meme is more of a St. Patrick's day-like thing in which case my post will be pinched.

Watery Wednesday 40/15 - Conversation Distraction

(Narrated in a strong, boring, yet weakly interesting monotone)

It was just another windy Wednesday afternoon down by Crissy Field.

Engaged in a friendly conversation about last night's game with one of the locals, I noticed a large object creeping into view.

"I had nosebleed tickets, but yeah, Cain threw a great game."

The conversation followed my eyes.

"She's a beauty, isn't she?" said the amicable local whilst staring longingly at the vessel.

"No, not rea.." Before I could finish, the conversation had flown away, leaving me with my own thoughts of ugly boats.

Watery Wednesday.

Mellow Yellow Monday 23/11 - Two Tone

Inside the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California, there is a four story rainforest. Inside, many exotic plants grow, critters are kept climatized, and birds and butterflies fly happily around visitor heads. As the exhibit ages, the plants are expected to grow into the multi-tiered levels of a typical rainforest.

Mellow Yellow Monday.