In Edmonton, when the weather is too cold outside to do outdoor activities, sometimes the best resource we have is one of the largest malls in the world. This “used” to be the largest mall in the world, but no more. We usually spend the weekend circling the mall on both levels to get some exercise in.

Sometimes, we wish that this scene was from a tropical location in warm weather, instead of inside a concrete mall. Sure would be nice to go fishing right now in the warm sun. Fortunately, we are only a few more weeks away from summer.

Christmas Santa Bokeh, originally uploaded by Melvin Tan.

Earlier this week, I discovered Zack Arias and his photography through a Charlie McDonald’s blog. I have to admit that even though I know quite a bit about photography since picking it up in 2007, I have never thought I could learn so in one day just going through Zack’s blog and workshops. The few sample workshop videos posted on YouTube was enough to make Zack my new mentor in photography. Without hesitation, I purchased Zack Arias’ OneLight DVD and within 15 minutes into the video, I had relearned things I had forgotten. Simple things like using exposure and aperture to control light differently than I was used to. For the first time in 5 years, I actually feel connected to the camera and understand why it manipulates the light the way it does.

This photo of Santa Claus in front of a bokeh Christmas Tree was my first attempt at applying Zack Arias’ techniques of using one light source. I had a vision of how I wanted to the photo to look like under off-camera lighting and I was able to achieve the results I was going for. I am sure there will be many more photos to come as I dig deeper into Zack’s workshop DVD.

whateverittakes.org, originally uploaded by Melvin Tan.

This is an Armani designed and signed watched created for whateverittakes.org to raise money for global development in poverty areas, environmental conservation, and children protection.

Fancy Water Bottle, originally uploaded by Melvin Tan.

According to the description, this is a Nathan Human Propulsion Laboratories. It is a fancy straw water bottle to replenish my fluids on long road trips.

Santa Pushes, originally uploaded by Melvin Tan.

Santa helping Frosty get over the top of the fridge. But oh my, me thinks Frosty crapped his snow pants in the effort.

My Little Pony, originally uploaded by Melvin Tan.

Christmas present for one of the kids.

Christmas Tree, originally uploaded by Melvin Tan.

What to do when it is -40*C outside? Turn on the fireplace, setup the Christmas tree, prepare a mug of hot chocolate, and take photos. Merry Christmas!

Amanda packed up and put away all the Halloween gear, but because these pumpkins were on our window hidden behind the curtains we NEVER open, she forgot them. While Amanda was away, I opened the window to allow some natural sunlight to come in for Mojito and saw these cute lanterns. Took of a photo of course.

Just some odds and ends from my walks from today.