Getting Started: Take Pictures and Keep a Journal

I would like you to take several pictures following the good design, composition and layout principles we discussed in club last week (which we can revisit today).  Try to keep your subjects as the "center of attention" (i.e. simplicity, rule of thirds, powerful, meaningful, etc.).  You are welcome to do color, black & white, or both.  I'm looking for composition here more than anything else.

I also want you to begin a notebook (spiral is fine) to take notes on photo ideas, useful web sites, etc.  You should also use that notebook to begin scouting for good locations to take pictures.  These can be good subjects, good backgrounds, or even places with open air without power lines or busy roads.  You may even want to keep a photo journal to keep track where, when, and who you photographed.