I had this idea for a while, and when the old-school 3D glasses arrived in the mail, I knew it was finally time to pull it off.

I did some initial research on Google images to find some other TV viewing photos. Generally, there were two typical vantage points: 1) behind the people, looking at the TV, or 2) behind the TV, looking at the people. Option 2 was the only one that really made sense, since I watched to show off the 3D glasses.

I knew that I was going to have to shoot with a fairly wide-angle lens, but after a few test shots I found that I had to shoot as wide as I could possibly go (at 10mm). I was hoping that I could get away with using another lens that went to 18mm (and that was a lot lighter), but that option wasn't going to cut it.

Since the TV was pretty close to the wall, this soon became the biggest challenge in making this shot happen.

Yep, I only had about seven inches of space. I did have some wiggle room, and was able to move the TV a couple of inches further from the wall (but that was it). I basically had the camera up against the wall, on top of a tripod (behind the TV). It was darn tight and made changing the camera settings and viewing test photos extra work as well.

I already knew that shooting at 10mm, the existing location of the couch wasn't going to be close enough for showing both the TV and us watching it. Magnus was willing to sit in the chair and watch what I was doing (it also served as a good test for where I planned to push the couch for the final shot). Basically, the chair was darn close to the TV. A good comparison would be sitting in the front row at the movie theater.

For the lighting in the photo, I knew that I needed light on the back of the TV and light on us sitting on the couch. Testing out a flash directly on the camera, gave me the typical flash on the camera with a wide-angle lens shot.

Not what I wanted, so I knew I would have to use two flashes to light each element (the guys and the TV) separately. To light the guys, I wanted to control where the light went (no spill on surrounding stuff), so I went with my handy-dandy DIY beauty dish. I plopped it on a light stand (in front of the TV - as close as I could get and as low as I could get) and took a test shot.

Hmmmm... Not exactly a good thing either. Even in this smaller version of the photo, you can see the beauty dish slightly obscures Magnus sitting in the chair.

So, I got out my Manfrotto Magic-Arm and rigged up something to drop the height of the beauty dish down about a foot.

I didn't want the light coming up from the floor, instead I wanted it as if it was coming out of the TV, so that's why I didn't just set the beauty dish on the floor. So, time for another test photo.

At this point I was happy with the light on Magnus in the chair, but it was easy to see that the back of the TV needed some light. I tried a couple of test shots with a flash being pointed directly at the edge of the TV, but that only spilled light into scene. So, I put the flash at the base of the TV (in back) and set it to full power to blast the wall behind the TV. Basically, the TV shielded the rest of the scene and it put just enough light on the edge of the TV.

Now that the lights were set, I moved over the couch and verified it was all working.

I knew there would be a slight issue with getting both Magnus and Lars to wear the 3D glasses (at the same time). Amazingly, it didn't take many shots (with glasses falling off, or heads turned the wrong way, etc) before I got it.

That shot is straight out of the camera. Considering I was posing with a two-year old and a three-month old, I couldn't have been happier. No swapping out heads, no body double-replacements, no stand-in models. It was all good.

For the final photo, I tweaked the white-balance (to give it a cooler light (as if the TV was actually lighting us), and cropped the photo tighter.

A larger version is on flickr: here. Check it out.

Now, I just need to plan the next epic photo with the boys.

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So, without further ado, let's keep it going! (days# 12-31 of Lars' 365 Day Project)

Christmas time!

Neither the monkey nor Lars did eat any tacos or hot sauce, but they sure eyed it.

Putting our heads together.

And that was the end of 2011 (one month down).

Of course if you want to see the final versions, with the extra witty text, go to my Lars 365 Day Project on flickr.

More to come as usual.

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This year, I backed off and continued with my Magnus 52 Week Project, which was much easier. It only meant taking one photo per week. During the 365 Day Project, I had to push myself on days I struggled with a concept, or had time limitations, or other challenges. This time around, only taking one photo a week, made it much easier. Of course I decided to take the concept to the next level and really tell a story.

So...before Lars was even born I was getting questioned if I would do the same thing for him, a shoot a photo everyday. It would be only fair, and you know how siblings get about things being fair. How would you feel if your older brother had a bunch of cool photos during his first year and you had only a couple? Nope, that would never fly.

The next question that always came after I said I would be doing a 365 Day Project for Lars was "what are you going to use (as a prop) with him?". The answer I always gave was "monkeys". I would be asked, "Why not something new?" Seriously, do you think I have a massive stockpile of stuffed chickens, porcupines, or anything else in addition to my monkeys? Nope, so it's monkeys again.

My other issue was which day to start it (besides January 1st). With Magnus, he was born on December 19th, so starting on January 1st was an easy day to start at while he was still very little. With Lars being born on November 5th, waiting until January 1st seemed like too long of a wait, so I went with December 1st. Not exactly day one of a new year, but I think it made more sense to start it then.

So, without further ado, let's get it started! (The first eleven days of Lars' 365 Day Project)

Of course if you want to see the final versions, with the extra witty text, go to my Lars 365 Day Project on flickr.

More to come.

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Yes, this weekend in Bend, the USGP The Deschutes Brewery Cup cyclocross races are on.

I'm a believer that cyclocross is a bike race you never want to miss if you are into photography. Simply put, it's that good.

A little over a month ago, there was racing here prior to Halloween. The good was there were more costumes than you could shake a stick at. The bad was it was dry and dusty as hell.

I'm hoping they water the course if it's still dry as a bone. The forecast calls for possible snow, but that probably won't be enough moisture to bring out the mud. Yes, cyclocross without mud is like pizza without cheese.

It's going to be cold too, so I'm doubting that people will be too scantily dressed (in regards ti costumes). It was darn good last time.

Check out my photos from last month on flickr, if you want to see more.

10-29-2011
10-30-2011

Cross your fingers for sleet.

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Huh?

Once again it was time for another parade of confusion and disbelief.

Newschannel 21's Alicia Inns was on the scene to capture it all. Of course it was probably highly edited down in the studio to paint a cute and innocent portrayal of today's details.

If the real parade didn't make you drop you egg nog and run away in terror, maybe you were simply desensitized by previous years.

Some didn't event want to be on-record for the terror they caused.

And yeah, there were the usual floats that were hard to explain.

Of course, the usual threats were there as well.

Yes, Happy Holidays AND A BLACK EYE, from the local roller derby teams.

Newschannel 21's Shanna Mendiola tried to pretend it was all good clean fun.

I mean, there were bubbles after all.

And....yeah...butts.

Of course the true highlight of the parade every year is everyone's favorite duo. Nope, not Santa and Rudolph, but instead...

Some dude in a red suit showed up as well, but I think he was in the wrong parade.

So, once again I brought you the recap of what really went down in downtown Bend last Saturday. I kept it clean, and didn't even mention how Alicia Inns walked right by me with a box of donuts and didn't offer a single one. Her mistake, as one of the bears jumped her in an alley.

Happy Holidays.

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Sure, the lazy dog days of Summer have passed us by...

I fondly recall getting out the hose and filling up the backyard pool.

No worries as you kicked back, watching the water slowly fill the inflatable pool. Of course, if it was really hot, you couldn't wait for the pool of cold water to jump in.

Or drink.

Magnus was always on cue to pose for a photo when I requested it.

Ummmmmm... yeah.

Really, he's such a cute boy, but really how can I not remember the real Magnus of last Summer?

Yep. It's hard to roll like that in the snow and ice.

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Of course the Little Monkey had to make a visit. He had to introduce himself, since there's a good chance the two of them will be working together in the future.

The Teacher was also doing quite well, after resting and having some real food.

So, with the first day with Lars complete, we headed off to bed. Nothing like trying to fit on a makeshift bed when you are 6'-10". And, of course, the little man, made his presence known during the night. So, in other words...

In the morning we were mostly refreshed (considering), and ready for a day of taking it easy.

Big sister Chloe visited for a bit and had her chance to hold Lars, while he still was easily under the 10 pound mark (trust me, it won't last long).

Of course I took advantage and also got a candid shot with some added lighting. Yes, The Teacher packed the toothbrushes, change of clothes and those sorts of things, while I had a bag packed full of camera gear.

We were able to go home after dinner, which was nice since we had a much more comfortable bed and a better TV.

Magnus got another chance to spend some time around his new brother. He was very good, which meant Lars didn't have to sleep with both eyes open.

Of course it didn't take long for Lars to become more alert, which meant photo time!

Hey, I said awake.

At least he thought about it.

And finally.

The little man wants you to know, there will be plenty more in the near future.

He just needs to bulk up a little. The monkey suit still is a little too roomy. ;)

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(The Teacher on Nov 23, 2011 11:12 PM) Ok husband, a photo of me in a hospital nursing gown? You're killing me. :)

Robots beware (once again)! Robots beware (once again)! Here is a real look at the second future robot fighter named Lars:

Prior to arrival, The Teacher was reading up on the possible higher level mental communication that could be in her future with Lars' arrival.

Although, he did arrive kicking and screaming (like his brother), he soon came home and kicked back, ready for a sandwich with his name-brand mustard.

For now the robots have little to fear, but I'm sensing that like the rest of us, this 8lb 6oz, 21 inch long child (while smalled than his brother at 10lb 12oz, 22 1/2 inch long) will continue to live up to his name: Lars from Mars.

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(Jake on Nov 16, 2011 4:38 PM) Congrats on #2!

(The Teacher on Nov 16, 2011 8:10 PM) I love this. Beautiful and sweet.

Prior to Halloween, The Teacher, Magnus and myself made a visit to the Central Oregon Pumpkin Company's corn maze and festivities. The last time we visited was prior to Magnus' birth, so we figured it was time for him to experience it from the outside.

First up was the animal house.

This was a chance for us to get nice and close to chickens, goats, a llama and a sleeping pig. Magnus wasn't quite sure what to think about some of the animals he knew from books, but not in person.

I enjoyed the chance to get some interesting photos of the animals.

I think The Teacher enjoyed getting a chance to relax for a moment.

So after we had our fill of goats etc, we rode the circus train.

I crammed into one train car with Magnus while The Teacher had her own train car.

When we started moving Magnus wasn't sure about the lack of safety belts.

The Teacher soon noticed that the ride was very bumpy. Not exactly the best thing when you are in your final month of being pregnant. She held onto to her tummy, and kept on smiling, while enjoying the sites.

She was very happy when the ride was complete.

After the ride, we grabbed some kettle korn to snack on while sitting on some hay.

It was starting to get dark, so we knew we only had enough time for the maze (no pumpkin patch visit this year). There was a Star Wars theme (certainly unlicensed), which made it fun from the outside.

Once you were on the inside, it was just a corn maze.

Magnus loved running in it, and it was certainly a beautiful evening to be out here (wandering in a corn maze).

We never got lost in this maze, so no crazy stories to tell. It was just simple corn maze fun.

Halloween soon followed. Magnus was certainly ready to wear his second monkey suit for Halloween this year.

Trick or Treating was another matter. He's been using his pumpkin to carry around toys for the last month. So, when he brought it out for trick or treating, he still had some toys in it and wasn't expecting much else. Magnus was also very cautious when someone tried to put candy in it, thinking they were going to take his toys. No worries, next year he'll be an expert.

When he was trick or treating with other kids, it always seemed to go this way. Good candy for them (chocolate) and a sucker for Magnus. Seriously, half of the candy he got was suckers. Not a big deal for him, but The Teacher and I certainly noticed.

Overall, it was a fun Halloween.

So, with October gone, there's not much left to focus on but one thing.

Yes, don't you love it when you can be this organized?

It's on.

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(The Teacher on Nov 4, 2011 3:08 PM) Love it.

No more sun hats either.

So either you dress up warm, or spend more time inside looking over all of the photos from this summer.

Overall, it felt like a very busy Summer. Plenty of things going on in Bend and we made it out of town numerous times as well. One of my favorite things to do every Summer in Bend, is watch The Bend Elks play baseball.

Magnus and myself attended a good number of games. The Teacher had classes this past Summer, so she only made one game. So, usually Magnus and I attended with other family members.

While, the only baseball you can watch now is the playoffs on TV, I know Magnus is always ready for more.

Another brief moment from last Summer was Balloons Over Bend.

While I never got up early enough for any morning launches this year, they at least had the night glow event on a non-windy night in July.

Another brief encounter was with the Deschutes County Fair .

We only went one night and the experience could be summed up in a few words. Eat, Pet & Ride. Yes, first we ate and checked out a few art & photos exhibits.

Then it was time to check out the animals and pet a few. And finally, some rides.

Yes, we did find a ride that Magnus could go on, and he loved it.

Chloe was not as thrilled when I forced her to ride the ferris wheel. At least towards the end, she popped up her head for a photo with me.

Of course there were plenty more big adventures, but the simple, goofy and fun things you do during Summer are what makes it Summer. It's the simple things that always hang around in our fond thoughts of the warmest season of them all.

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Yes, time for The Teacher and Magnus to experience the joys of Roller Derby.

All of my previous experience was watching the Lava City Roller Girls at the Indoor Sports Center. This match was with the Renegade Roller Girls at the old roller rink downtown. I basically knew that the lighting would be challenging for getting some photos, so I decided to bring my flash and use it off-camera.

When we arrived it was loud and dark. Magnus was ready to jam. I spotted a ledge in the right corner that was perfect for placing my flash. It was a stretch for me to reach the ledge, which meant it would be safe during the bout.

I decided to take a test shot without the flash to see how bad it was.

Even though my lens was at f2, this shot took 1.3 seconds at ISO-200. Not exactly a fast shutter speed for capturing action.

So, with my flash in the corner firing, I took another test shot.

Ahhhh...much better. So, the action started and I was ready to capture as much of it as I could.

There was certainly plenty of action. There was a theme of Zombies versus Vampires which also made this a must-photograph event.

There were plenty of fights and pushing and shoving. I felt like it was a bit over the top, compared to the Lava City Roller Girls, but it certainly kept it from getting boring. There was one major crash that stopped the action. Thankfully, the skater was fine.

The other interesting aspect of the Renegade Roller Girls, is that some of the girls shave their faces.

No, not bearded ladies. I thought the mix of men and women made it interesting, considering the blatant violence.

Overall, it was a fun event with good culture for The Teacher and Magnus. I mean, what toddler wouldn't appreciate Roller Derby?

You can see my complete set of photos of the Zombies and Vampires on flickr.

Until next time.

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There's a unified theme here of togetherness. At least that's my take on it. So, after getting up early and heading over to The Teacher's Aunt Patty's house, we had our shirts on and yogurt, bagels and coffee in our tummies. So, off to The Max to ride together.

There's nothing like the feeling of togetherness when your extended family and you ride mass transit. After 30 or so minutes we arrived in downtown Portland to lots and lots of pink.

Within a few moments the race was on and togetherness was off. This is my mini-rant. The Teacher is 8 months pregnant, so it's sort of a given that she wouldn't be traveling at warp speed during the race. Did anyone besides me pay attention to this? Nope, everyone else left us behind and took off.

So, with Magnus in his stroller (now snoozing), The Teacher and I, walked together.

As you can see, there were plenty of people here.

There is plenty of supporters on the sidelines cheering you on.

Of course, the best part is the costumes.

And if you hadn't noticed already, the theme is pink.

Onward we pushed in the sea of pink.

The Teacher was truly a champ. This was not a short walk. She was pretty crushed when she realized her water bottle didn't make it into the stroller. At least there were water stations along the route that were a major blessing.

Obviously there were other themes besides pink.

Besides the costumes and people, the old buildings are awesome to check out along the walk.

Eventually, the end was in sight.

And we finished in record time (for an 8 month pregnant woman).

Trust me, the view from the other side of the finish line is much better.

Since the rest of the family finished before us, they were pretty much ready to leave once we arrived. "Not so fast," The Teacher proclaimed. That meant a small rest and a few more photos of some other people finishing.

Magnus had it the easiest (being pushed the entire way), but nevertheless we did it together.

I'm sure we'll be back next year. It's our family togetherness tradition.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Since all of the cousins were all together, I thought it would be a great idea to get a group photo while all of them were tired, cranky and distracted by everyone else in the room. Sort of par for the course for the day.

Hmmmmmm..suggestions for next year?