Early in December, Rick suggested we start a photo blog in 2010 with the idea of each of us posting a photo every other day. Rick has the even days. I have the odd days. For me, it's going to force me to get creative every day - or at least every other day - and shoot. Which will be great because I love shooting but don't always make the time to do it. I've already warned my family that I'll be asking them to sit for a bunch of portraits.

So on January 1, we officially started our blog. The blog theme is still in progress, but we wanted to get going with posting photos. We have a few things planned to improve upon on the viewing experience but that will come later (hopefully sooner).

Here's a self-portrait that I shot last night in my living room for my post today. I would have photographed someone in my family, but they were all in bed already. Be kind if you're going to comment.

I used my Canon 5D Mark II with my favorite lens, Canon's EF 135mm f/2L. For the lighting, I used my Canon 580 EX II triggered remotely by a Pocket Wizard Mini TT1 transmitter and the Flex TT5 receiver. The light was reflected using a Westcott 60" umbrella. I just got the umbrella and the Pocket Wizards so I'm still experimenting with off camera lighting, but so far, I'm having lots of fun with it. And of course, I used the DSLR Camera Remote on my iPhone to trigger the camera.

If you have any off camera lighting suggestions or photos, please post them or links to your photos in the comments below. And be sure to check out our new photo blog at www.135f2.com. It's named after Rick's and my favorite lens. If you can put up with my photos every other day, you'll be treated to some beautiful photography from Rick who is a very talented photographer.

Finally, I didn't post anything over the recent Christmas and New Year's holidays. I was pretty much offline during those 2 weeks, but I'd like to thank all of you who read this blog, whether you own an onOne product or not. I appreciate you reading my blog here and for participating in photo contests, comments, etc. Thank you. I hope you had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.

So last night as the sun was setting, I went outside with my 5D Mark II, the 135mm f/2L and my tripod and shot some photos along with this short little video. Nothing fancy. Just having a little fun with the depth of field and thought I'd share it with you here.

Nothing fancy. Just a fun depth-of-field experiment with my Canon 5D Mark II and my new Canon EF 135mm f/2L lens that I just bought.

Shot at 9:15 pm. ISO at 3200. Aperture priority mode set at f/2.