New generation of photographers

First - Happy New Year! May 2009 be all you hope it will be.

At the San Juan Capistrano train station I came across this young aspiring photographer. Her parents graciously allowed me to take the following photos. I think my favorite part is how the neck strap became a body strap for her. I love shooting candids with a telephoto lens. It allows me to get up close without giving young subjects a case of the "shys".

"I got it Mom. Compose, focus and press the button"

"Ok, give me a big smile now"

"That's it, that's what I want. Damn I am good"

"Kiss the camera!"

More boats on parade

Christmas boat parade

Dana Point, California has an annual boat parade each Christmas season on the first 2 weekends in December.  Boaters compete by decorating their boats with lights.  Crowds gather all along the harbor as the boats parade up and down.  Here are just a few of them.

Another look at the Mission

I love to take photos at the San Juan Capistrano Mission - known as the "Jewel of the Missions".  There are ruins, gardens, stonework galore.  I have revisited the mission and used a technique called HDR (High Dynamic Range).  This techniques allows me to capture the brightest brights, the darkest shadows and everything in between.  I hope you enjoy these photos.

New, new, new

Wowwee, wowwee!  There are so many new things going on with my photography in the last few weeks I don't know where to begin.  New techniques, new places to shoot, new types of photos and new people to photograph.  I have been neglectful of my blog due to the number of photo projects on my plate.  I have made some exciting plans that will be in the works this next month and into the new year.  I will have a place to view my photos the way I have envisioned it for so long.  All of that is to come.  But today I want to share some photos from last months trip to Valley of Fire outside of Las Vegas.  It is a photographers dream and I am sure I will post more photos from there shortly.  Oh yeah, Happy Thanksgiving!

What the Duck!

If you haven't already discovered it, please check out my favorite on-line comic strip. http://www.whattheduck.net/

Jewel of the Missions

Mission San Juan Capistrano is known as the the Jewel of the California Missions. This was because of the beautiful locale as well as the beauty of the mission itself. The mission is in ruins now but to my eye that makes it even more appealing. It is one of my favorite places to shoot. Here are just a few samples.