Check out Dan's slideshow from the PSU vs. Temple Game

I got the chance to shoot the Penn State vs. Temple game on Saturday. Being on the field during a Division I football game is quite the experience, and being in Beaver Stadium brings it to a new level.

Compared to the game I shot against Akron last season, I was much happier with these photos. I will be on the field again in two weeks for the homecoming game! Keep a look out for that post.

Taken inches from the mirror...

Taken inches from the mirror..., originally uploaded by Daniel Bott.

I haven't really been keeping up with the blogging lately, but I did recently get a new lens, so I figured I'll keep my readers (basically my Dad) updated.

I picked up a Sigma 12-24 f4.5-5.6 for my D700. This is currently the widest lens you can use on an FX sized sensor without going for a fisheye. I have taken a handful of shots with it so far and its holding up really nicely. It seems to be sharp and gives a great wide perspective.

I plan on going out to shoot a bit with it this afternoon, so maybe I will update after that goes down.

This shot was taken in front of a mirror. The lens is actually about 2-3" away from the mirror if that gives you any idea of how wide this thing actually goes.

Day 8 - My First Self Portrait

Day 8 - My First Self Portrait, originally uploaded by Daniel Bott.

So I have officially completed my first week of Project 365. I almost slipped up a few times, but I am glad that I was able to push myself to go out and shoot.

My MB-D10 and EN-EL4a battery came yesterday so naturally I made the obligatory portrait. I really like the grip so far, it feels very solid on the D700 and gives the body a bit of extra balance (although mass as well). The EN-EL4a is the Nikon rechargable battery that allows me to use the camera at 8fps, which is SUPER FAST by the way! I can't wait to take sports shots with this beast.

One thing that I have noticed with my project is that I need to resist the urge to take the easy way out. It has been eight days and I already have two photos of the kittens. Although they are great subjects and have constantly changing poses, I want to make sure I don't end up with 1/3 of the project being photos of the cats. I guess the desire to shoot will come and go in waves?

Anyways, its Wednesday, the week is almost over and I am ready for another adventure-filled weekend!

Day 1 - Franklin the Cat

Day 1 - Franklin the Cat, originally uploaded by Daniel Bott.

I have always been interesed in the "Project 365" movement. For those unfamiliar with the project, it is an attempt by a photographer to take a photo everyday for 365 days....and I am going to try and do just that.

I should have some very unique experiences within the next 365 days and hope to capture the memories through photos. This is going to be a pretty had undertaking for me, and I will have to really keep it as one of my top priorities (right along with brushing my teeth).

The reason I decided to start this project came with the arrival of my D700. I have been waiting a few years to finally upgrade from my D50 and decided to "go big, or go home." Having a camera like this is going to take a lot of getting used to, but I think the Project 365 should really help with that.

You can track my progress by checking out my Project 365 album here. Rather than clutter the blog with daily posts, I will do my best to blog about some of the more interesting shots that I take throughout the project. If you want more information about the shots, I am going to do my best to add a short description or story with each photo that I upload on Flickr.

Here's to me not forgetting to shoot!
-Dan