Red, White and Blue
Last year I made my first attempt to capture fireworks on the 4th. I have always been a fan and just wanted to give a try. After reading a post on the Internet a half hour before dark, off I went. I scoped out what I thought might be a good vantage point – the top of the parking garage at the Verdugo Hills Hospital (don’t tell anybody about my secret spot!!).
When I got up there I assumed I must have made a good choice since 30 or so of my new best friends had the same idea. The rooftop overlooks the Crescenta Valley and even a bit over the hill to Tujunga and Hansen Dam. I clicked away not completely convinced how things were going. Finished up after about 45 minutes and headed back home to look at the handy work. Looking at pics my assessment of my inaugural session – GROAN!!!! I didn’t get one that I really thought was a keeper.
Well this year I was determined to do better. Consulted my scribble book where I keep all my notes on shooting. After that I had my gameplan together and headed back to VHH. My new friends had returned along with some new ones. I clicked the camera in to the tripod, the sun went down, the fireworks went up and boy what a difference a year makes!!!!
Happy 4th of July America.
Click on the pic to see the galleries….
Central Park 2011
There is no place like New York. There is always something to do, something to see or somewhere to be.
Was in New York in June for the week working on my favorite project in the whole world (it shall remain nameless). It was a busy week as expected but I did have a chance to get out one night before dark. I was staying at the Essex House so on a coolish Wednesday night decided to head across the street and take a stroll through Central Park.
I am always amazed at how big yet small the Park is. I will admit it had been some time since my last venture in to the Park so in some respects it was new all over again.
I truly got lucky with the sun setting at just the right time catch the light as it settled in behind the skyscrapers. The long sun created many nice nice shadows and illuminations. The park was filled with people enjoying the extended hours of the day.
While walking across one of the bridges in the Park I passed by a couple that was enjoying the spectacular end of the summer day. I decided to walk down by one of the gondola boat docks thinking I might get a shot of the boat as it passed by. While waiting for the boat to approach I looked to my right and was treated to a beautiful scene of the sun sneaking under the bridge and reflecting back against the water. Also noticed the couple was still where I had pass them. A moment was captured!!
Thank you New York for a wonder night.
Click on the pic to see the galleries….
My Sunday Best Shorts
We had a strong winter storm (for California) come through the Valley the weekend after Valentine’s Day. The temps dropped well below freezing (52 degrees in CA) and after a couple of days of steady rain we awoke Sunday morning to a spectacular landscape courtesy of Mother Nature herself.
Since it is California and it was Sunday, I put on a pair of shorts, slipped on a shell over my shirt and off I went to Oakmont for my weekly bout of humility – around of golf with the boys. The ”bad” weather must have scared a few folks away, but Bob showed up as I knew he would and Art was looking for a game.
On a bit of a whim I grabbed my S90 as I headed out the door. Figured I might see something on such a stellar day. A year ago we had a simiar dusting in the foothills and I waited until late in the afternoon to come back and take a picture. Nothing remained that day to capture. Wasn’t going to take that chance this time!!
Boy was I glad I did. From the first tee it was a terriffic visual play right before my eyes. Got a picture of the boys off the first tee and shot a hand full of pcis as I meandered aroudn the course chasing the little white ball.
My game wasn’t spectacular that day, but the company and the day sure were. Yep, the winters in California can be brutal….no one said life was fair….
Click onthe opic to see the galleries…..
Get Your Kicks on Route 66
My fellow photo-fanatic Travis made his first trek to the US this past week. The lad is well traveled and frankly I was surprised that this was his maiden voyage.
So where does any self respecting tour guide take an experienced traveler to get a flavor of SoCal? Why Hollyweird, Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills (Thurs night), the Studio Lot and Commissary (Friday) and – of course…..the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach on Saturday.
As I mentioned he is well traveled. The trip to the beach was the capping of a journey started on the East Coast of Australia some years back. He took off his boots and walked in to the Pacific Ocean in Venice to complete the circle of putting his feet on both ends. As he told me, never did he think when he bought his new boots two months ago that they would be perched on the beach in California on a gorgeous sun splashed day in January!!!
The Pier and Venice were in true form with every sideshow and personality type on full display!! I dropped him off at LAX with a flush to his face and another story to tell.
Good to see you Travis. Come back soon.
Click on the pic to see the galleries….
Protected: Client view
Had the chance to play in a fund raising tournament for the Verdugo Hills Boy Scout Council.
We started on the back nine on hole # 10. Was kinda warmed up when we arrived at the 12th tee. Was first off the tee, so I stepped up let it fly. Wow, that ball flight looked pretty good. Yep, on the green – works for me.
The hole marshal and my playing partners all said, “that’s kinda close to the hole”. We’ll see I thought.
Got up to the green. OH so close. Still waiting for that 1st hole-in-one.
A warm sunny day, on a fun golf course, playing with good guys for a good cause. You know what’s coming next – “It’s all good”.
Happy Halloween
Carviing Creation 2010
We are busy preparing for the swarms of festive trick or treaters!!
Based on prior All Hallows Eves we expect to see more than 900 kids pass through the neighborhood. The big question is how long will the 14 pounds of candy last?
Should be fun!!!
Update: we made it to around 7:45. Unoffical count, 1000 plus kids (according to the Mayor of Sparr Heights). Dark in the hood by 9:30.
One pic only (for now).
Honey in my Tummy, Yummy
Some days the little things catch your eye. Was on the couch looking out the window and there was a humming bird sitting perched on a bush in the garden not moving a wing.
Quick go get your camera. I had the 70-200mm lens on the body so I knew I could get a good shot through the window. Off I went and returned in 2.6 seconds (OK, not really). The flighty bird had flown the coop. Walked out front to see if I could see it elsewhere in the garden. Nowhere to be found.
Now because of the recent heat the roses and other flowers were bursting with blooms. Saw this big honking bee loudly buzzing about. Tracked him from pod to pod and snapped this one.
Looking at it up close you can see the holes in the flower where his/her leg grabbed the bloom to hold on.
Just this one pic so click on it to get a closer view.
Angry Sky
Two days after the mercury hit a record high 113 degrees in Los Angeles summer decided it was ready to move on. Not so fast my friend!!!
Thunderstorms greeted Angelinos heading through the San Gabriel and Crescenta Valleys on the drive home. Leaving the parking lot and heading home at around sunset I (like so many others) noticed the clouds and sunset were putting on a vibrant display.
As I was heading down Orange Grove I looked due west seeing splashes of colors as I passed each block and had a clear line of sight. A couple of blocks before Colorado is really opened up.
I think you’ll agree, Mother Nature has quite the eye for colors. You go girl.
Click on the pic to go to the galleries (3 pics).
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