Inspiration

Creativity won't be stopped by technical limitations. The new iPhone hasn't even been out for a week and already somebody has shot a short film on it. Not only shot, but EDITED! The iMovie app allows for titles and transitions to be added right on the phone. I was inspired by this to shoot and edit a little something. It's not gonna win any awards, but the potential that this hardware/software combo has is pretty awesome. So, without further ado, "Evening ride".

Drive Time

This was my view on the way to work a couple of weeks ago. Not a bad way to start the day!

Summer Night in San Diego

Here's a time lapse that I shot over several night during our recent trip to San Diego. It's so much fun being downtown and feeling that energy and excitement! Have a great Monday!

Arboreal Ethiopia

Flat topped acacia trees taken in a national park in Ethiopia. I have so got to get back there.

Midway Magic

Here's a different perspective of the USS Midway from my evening on the docks. I decided to go a bit further with the post processing on this one because it seemed to suit the image better. Lemme know what you think!

Father's Day #2

And now, the boys. I think these two portraits perfectly capture who they are. My older son is quieter, stands where I tell him and gives me that warm smile. My younger son is like a tornado. It's a wonder I can even keep him in the frame, much less in focus most of the time. But I love them the same, each in their uniqueness.

My boys.

Father's Day #1

For Father's Day I wanted to take a portrait of each of my kids. After all, they're what made me a father in the first place (and second, and third)! I will be posting images of them all, but today I wanted to start with my baby girl. She had just gotten a new dress the day before when she was out for a "special time" with mama and daddy. I'm sure she'd look stunning in any outfit, but this one was especially beautiful.

My daughter.

For those interested in the technical details, I used a Canon 430EX flash at half power and 42" shoot thru umbrella at camera right. The back/hair light was provided by good 'ole late afternoon sun. The little streaks above her head are lens flare that I allowed to creep in. This was intentional to give the image a somewhat angelic quality. Lens flare is not something that needs to be avoided in every situation. It is simply a physical reaction that can be controlled and sometimes used for creative effect. Break the rules sometimes, because following the rules does not guarantee a great picture!

US Grant lobby, revisited

Here's a different view of the US Grant lobby than I showed last time. They did such a beautiful job on the restoration and modernization of this historic hotel, and staying there has been a pleasure each time.

deep thoughts

A bit of color and depth to get your day started. Have a great Sunday!

Progress

I saw this scene as I was walking back to my hotel after shooting time lapses all evening. This is the site of the new jail in downtown San Diego. My kids had a great time watching this crane work out their hotel window. We had a great time in San Diego, but we're all glad to be back in our own beds tonight. Many more pictures and stories to come.

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Point Loma Lighthouse

Yesterday we drove out to Point Loma and the Cabrillo National Park to check out the lighthouse and museum. You can get a spectacular view of San Diego and all the Naval operations from there. We saw countless helicopters flying to and from the Naval Air Station, and it just so happened that a Los Angeles class submarine was putting out to sea. Seeing that sail out just as a Guided Missile Destroyer sailed in was just awesome. They were a bit far away for any really good pictures, but that didn't stop me from taking a bunch! For now, though, I'll leave you with a shot of the business part of the lighthouse, tilted.

moon over construction

USS Midway Museum

I had a fantastic time last night walking around the USS Midway. I didn't go on board, but captured it from every angle that didn't require a boat! I probably said this before, but if you're in San Diego this is a must see.

We are all very worn out after an exciting day at Sea World, but the San Diego trip is going great. Looking forward to more days of beautiful weather and time with the fam.

Vacation time!!

Greetings from beautiful downtown San Diego! We are once again staying at the historic US Grant Hotel and looking forward to a week of tourist-y stuff and general convalescing. Hopefully my internet will be consistent and I can post an image every day. To kick things off, here's an HDR image of the hotel lobby that I took last night. Have a great Monday!

Empty Walk

I took this in San Diego not far from the Santa Fe Depot picture. We're heading back to San Diego next week for a little vacation, so I hope to get a lot more shots to share. Have a great weekend!

Building and Sky

I took this from my car while driving home from work. Keep those cameras with ya!

Yosemite Falls Creek

I took this last Fall along Yosemite Falls Creek. It was so beautiful to walk along the babbling creek amongst the Fall colors. I can't wait to get back there.

Santa Fe Depot

This is Union Station in downtown San Diego. It's also known as the Santa Fe Depot. You can read more about it here. Pretty cool building that I thought I'd give the 'ole HDR treatment to. You can see it in the background of one of my previous shots in this area.

Power to the Moon

I looked up and saw this while I was stopped at a light. Always pays to have a camera with you! Have a great week!

Toasty Birthday

When to a birthday party yesterday that was enjoyed by kids and parents alike. Thank you Mia for a wonderful time!

Lower Yosemite Falls

Sorry for the sporadic posting lately. Things have been a bit hectic around here, but I should be back on a regular schedule starting Monday. Have a great weekend!

double the awesome

Taken at the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area. Click here for larger version.

embrace the moon

Early morning

I took this early in the morning on my parent's farm. I love the freshness and newness of the day.