I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film; no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

I almost failed this week. On Friday, I had only shot a handful of pictures on a 36-frame roll of 35mm film, and I was thinking about quitting the Photo Game. My daughter was sick, I was sick, and I wasn't in the mood to "do the work."

I started writing this post, explaining that I was taking a week off but couldn't. I didn't want to give up and admit defeat. So, instead, I took the camera out and made some photographs. They could be better, but I made them and submitted one before the deadline, which is what counts.

This photo shows a glass half full, a metaphor for optimism.

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film; no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

The photo game took us to Berthoud, CO for their annual Oktoberfest last weekend. We started and ended our outing at the dance floor with Irish step dancing in the morning and traditional German waltzing in the afternoon. It was remarkably family-friendly for an event loosely centered around drinking beer.

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film; no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

This week's prompt arrived just in time, with all the decorative grasses in my suburban neighborhood blooming. I like the look of the "fluffy" yellow grass tops. It finally starts to feel like fall once the grasses flower.

We planted some of these grasses in our yard this summer. They're doing okay but not thriving–at least not yet. Here's an example:

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film; no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

Remember the scene in Mean Girls when Cady sees Regina George running her hands through her love interest's hair? Cady narrates, "Regina was dangling Aaron in front of me on purpose. I knew how this would be settled in the animal world." Then she snarls like a jungle cat and lunges across the lunch table at Regina.

This week, I visited a high school to watch a gymnastics meet. Before I went, I expected to see feral teenagers, acting like animals. I imagined it would be like the scene from Mean Girls, with lots of growling, screeching, and snorting. Of course, there was some of that. There was also hugging—lots of hugging.

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film; no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

This week's submission is a bit literal. It's a picture of the man who made me. See what I did there?

Last weekend, my dad and I rode our motorcycles to Black Hawk, Colorado. It's a short ride from Denver to Golden, then Golden to Blackhawk via Clear Creek Canyon–about an hour each way. I love riding my motorcycle, and I quickly accepted the invitation when Dad asked. There's something therapeutic about spending a couple of hours in your helmet, focusing on the road and the scenery.

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film; no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

This week's photo shows two cape buffalo at the Denver Zoo. My wife and I have been planning a trip to the zoo for weeks. We were excited to take our daughter, who's been diligently practicing her animal sounds daily. "What sound does an elephant make?"

This trip to the zoo was our third with our daughter. I love watching her get excited about the animals. Her enthusiasm is infectious. It makes me feel excited, too. We read books about these animals. We watch them on TV, but it's not the same as seeing them up close. Seeing the animals through her eyes makes me feel like a child again.

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film; no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

This week, I'm submitting a photograph of my first digital camera, an old, inexpensive DSLR. It's a Canon EOS Rebel T5 with an 18-55mm kit lens. It's special to me because my parents bought it for me in preparation for my study abroad program in the Czech Republic. I carried this camera across several countries, making photographs and recording memories as I went.

I've bought newer, fancier, more capable cameras since this one, but I like to keep it close because it takes me back to that exciting time whenever I see it. I've got a lot of shared history with this old camera, and I'm unwilling to let it go.

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film; no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

This week's photo shows a heavily textured tree trunk. I wanted to include a picture of a tree trunk as soon as I read this week's prompt. It's the perfect subject for a contrasty black and white photo.

To paraphrase one of the many YouTube photographers I watch (I can't remember which one), "It's called black and white photography, not gray and gray." So, with that in mind, I darkened the shadows, brightened the highlights, and called it a day.

Adding contrast like this is the same method I used to edit most photos for a long time. It doesn't require much skill, and it's overdone, but I like the look. I can't be bothered to do much else. I prefer capturing photos more than editing and retouching them.

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film; no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

This week was special because I went to a friend's wedding. It was a western-themed event with burros, llamas, a horse-drawn carriage, and an old-timey prospector. I've never been to a wedding like it. It was one of a kind, just like my friend.

I took the Rolleiflex, hoping to document the occasion, and I wasn't disappointed. The photo below shows the beginning of the procession that went from the church to South Park City (yes, that South Park).

I made this photograph using my grandfather's Rolleiflex and Ilford HP5+ film.

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film, no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

This week I enjoyed driving around country roads, looking for photographs. I love the routine of seeing something, doubling back, and checking it out. It's spontaneous.

I made this photo using a Nikon N90s and Ilford HP5+.

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film, no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

This week's photo game took the family to the Colorado Scottish Festival at the Denver Polo Club. We loved watching the bagpipers, the traditional Scottish games (I.e., throw this big, heavy thing as far/high as you can), and the polo match taking place on the next field.

Although the festival was fun, there was a noticeable lack of stairs. So, we ventured over to the Rueter-Hess Incline to make some photos and get some exercise.

I made this photo using a Rolleiflex 2.8E and Ilford HP5+.

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film, no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

This week's assignment took me to the Douglas County Fair. This event promises fun for the whole family, from a petting zoo to an exhibition of senior citizens' crafts.

My submission shows the Douglas County High School football team's float in the parade opening the fair. They were larger than life, singing, flexing, and throwing candy to the onlookers. They were on top of the world.

I made this photo using a Canonet G-III QL17 and Ilford HP5+.

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film, no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

I spent most of this week in a conference room in San Diego—lots of listening, talking, sticky notes, etc. However, despite all of that business-y stuff, I had a fairly luxurious experience.

My hotel room (pictured below with dirty laundry) was a corner room overlooking the bay. It was a "free upgrade" that made me feel special even though it probably had nothing to do with my specialness.

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film, no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

This week I was inspired to make a lot of photographs. I shot most of the roll before Monday, creating images of the lush greenery along my daily walk and my daughter playing dress-up in Mom's shoes.

These things spoke to me. They caught my eye in a way that compelled me to photograph them, which is the magic of the Photo Game. It forces me to pay attention, to notice things I might miss otherwise.

My submission for this week is an image of a wheel loader parked at a residential construction site, resting on four giant circles (i.e., wheels).

Other Photos from the Roll

Background

I joined Kenneth Wajda and a small group of photographers in a weekly photo game a while ago. Kenneth wrote a prompt each week and tasked us with creating a photograph that met the prompt. Unfortunately, Kenneth's photo game is taking a break.

Since I'm not prepared to give up the game, my wife graciously agreed to provide me with a surprise prompt each week so that I can continue.

The rules are still the same:

• All submissions must be scans of film, no photos from digital cameras
• Images must be captured, processed, and submitted by 8 AM each Saturday
• Miss a week, and you're out

My goal in playing is simple. Get out and shoot film.

This Week

This week I finally got the roll of Ektachrome slide film back from the photo lab. It took slightly less than a month to process, but I'm pleased with the results.

I've never used slide film before, so seeing my positive images when I hold the developed film to the light is fantastic! It gives me the same feeling I had when I developed my first roll of film at home. Pure F***ing Magic!

Note: Pure F***ing Magic is a term I borrowed from a pilot describing how airplanes work. It's the only phrase I've heard that captures how analog photography feels. Freezing an image of a moment in time using chemistry sounds like a potion lesson in Harry Potter.

Anyway, this week's submission show's the local Rotary Club's Ducky Derby, a fundraiser where rubber ducks float down a river in a race for cash prizes. With all of the green foliage, it's hard to tell that this scene is in Colorado, not a tropical rainforest.

Other Photos from the Roll