danielincandela.com

Flickr has again created the yearly group, Your Best Shot. Members of the community are invited to submit their best shot of 2011. Here are 10 photos I’m considering – not sure which one I’ll pick, but please feel free to chime in.

Sit back and enjoy. Mostly pictures here on out. Thanks!

1) Some images are down to luck and timing. This is one of them. An adoring fan looks on as Takuma Sato signs autographs. It was one of the few times the lensbaby lens actually did what I wanted it to do.

Happy fan

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Filed under: Flickr, Photography by Daniel
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My neighborhood is rather special. I live behind Kurt Vonnegut’s High School. And like his books, the neighborhood provides lots of stories – funny, real, sometimes sad.

I often pass the same woman selling bootleg DVD’s. I’ve chased thieves in bare feet, after they broke into my car. People have knocked on our door in the middle of the night asking for money. I’ve also been given delicious cookies by a stranger. I coached the St. Richards Dragons to an undefeated, Championship winning soccer season. And I’ve run every conceivable route in my neighborhood. I know it well.

The top of Indianapolis

My number one destination? Crown Hill Cemetery, just a few blocks from my house.

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Filed under: Photography, Video by Daniel
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My days in Las Vegas are coming to an end. I’m not sure when I’ll be back again, so I decided to make some time to remember this part of the country – something outside of the buffets, black jack tables, bachelor parties, late nights, bad bets, high rolling, and the Strip.

I wanted to honor this region in some way. And I wanted to do something healthy, creative and thoughtful. So I grabbed my camera.

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence. ~Ansel Adams

I’m not even an Ansel Adams fan, but this quote spoke to me. It’s perfect.

Here are some of my images from the Las Vegas area, along with links to lots more. There’s more to this city than just pool parties. I hope you see a new side to it.

Red Rock Canyon – 30-45 minutes from Vegas and a very easy escape. Rich colors where blues and reds collide. You can see all of my pics here.

Putting the red in Red Rock

Valley of Fire – about an hour from Vegas, but quite simply, a magical place. The light constantly changes, creating a beautiful visual experience. Lots more pics, here.

Simply magical

Neon Museum Boneyard – just near downtown Las Vegas – a small, up and coming museum devoted to restoring and celebrating the neon signs of Las Vegas. It’s great design, nerdy and right up my alley. Full gallery, here.

Luck be a lady...

Three wonderful experiences, done in 12 hours tops. Each visit was uniquely beautiful, therapeutic, healing, and inspiring.

And with that, I’ll let the photographs speak from themselves. Another pic from the Valley of Fire below.

Moon peaking through

Thank you Las Vegas.

Filed under: Photography, Travel by Daniel
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I visited Nikko, Tochigi earlier today. It was a 40 minute train ride from Utsunomiya – a very short trip, and well worth it considering what it offers: The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shrines and Temples of Nikko. In my travels, I’ve ended up at lots of shrines, churches, temples and other religious sites.

I’ve stood in the shadows of Notre Dame, marveled at the Sagrada Familia, wandered through St. Peter’s Basilica, stood in the heat at Ephesus, documented the holy week procession in Navalcarnero, discovered Hindu temples in Singapore, witnessed the call to prayer in Turkey, and visited the Creation Museum in Kentucky. Regardless of the location or type of religion, it’s always an unforgettable experience.

The Sacred Bridge at Nikko

Shinkyo – the Sacred Bridge (above), was the first thing I encountered today. It’s across from the 38 buildings of Rinnō-ji temple, surrounded by streets and modernity. But it still stands out. And it’s much more beautiful in person.

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Filed under: Japan, Photography, Travel by Daniel
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Konnichiha.

I’m in Japan for a bit and I came prepared to document. That means as many blog posts as possible – or as an internet connection will allow.

I brought some good gear. A Canon EOS-1 Mark IV. A wide angle lens, fisheye and lensbaby. I also have a GoPro HD camera. I also have lots on my mind – so I’m hoping to capture my thoughts on travel, the people, the food and the sights. I always have a tough time with Jet Lag in Asia, so I might come off a little loopier than normal. Oh, I’m also here for work, so expect some cool racing stuff.

So get ready for my take on Japan. It’s my favorite place.

Shooting from the window of a bus

Filed under: Japan, Robots by Daniel
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