Today I got up a bit early and headed to Griffith Park Observatory to watch the sun rise. It’s roughly a 35 minute drive from the Westside and unfortunately, I got there after the sun already broke above the horizon, but still during the golden hour. Seeing downtown submerged in the fog was a great… Read More
Day 58 – Ummmm….
Driving down the road my 15 year old son spots this van and has to call his friend. Apparently, they’ve seen the van around town. I’m sure someone with a warped sense of humor finds it funny, but as someone with a very warped sense of humor, I just find it inappropriate. There’s a lot… Read More
Day 57 – The Georgian Hotel
Tonight’s photo comes by way of the stunning Art Deco Georgian Hotel which opened in the Spring of 1933, the result of Rosamond Borde’s dream of creating a secluded hideaway for the elite of its time. This was one of Santa Monica’s ‘first skyscrapers’ and one of Los Angeles’ first speak easies during prohibition. Legend… Read More
Day 56 – Camera Obscura
I’ve driven by this building 1,000 along Ocean Blvd. in Palisades Park above PCH, the pier, and the Ocean. I know it’s nestled in with the senior center, but have never researched it or gone in, so I didn’t know anything about. But… it says camera and the logo contains an old fashioned camera, so… Read More
Day 55 – Yucca
Yucca Plant. That’s about it. Not much more to say! 🙂 Shot with Canon 5DmkIII, 70-200mm f/2.8L, 182mm, f/4.0, ISO 6400, 1/160″
Day 54 – Baseball Season!
Baseball season is finally upon us. It’s hard to believe that Alex is now in high school and no longer is eligible for little league until high school is over. Once over, he will slide to Pony just in time for playoffs and All Stars. In the meantime, today was his first ever foray into high… Read More
Day 53 – North Venice
I went to go watch my son practice for his high school baseball team. This is his first year playing at this level. Generally, I tend to take action shots or something of that effect to practice, or catch a great swing or a catch. However, the entrance to the field had the most vivid,… Read More
Day 52 – Chillin’ Poolside
The kids got back from a church retreat this weekend up in the mountains and had a blast. Between devotional time, tubing, and building community, they really enjoyed themselves. Thanks to Demetrius, Estella, the Hornak’s, and everyone else who volunteered to make it a successful weekend! Upon our return, it was my niece’s birthday so… Read More
Day 51 – Self Portrait
Groovy baby! Love all of the 70s textures and patterns – Thought I would play with in camera HDR with this one. There isn’t a lot of dynamic range, so not really that interesting. Although I do love the funky patterns as I’ve mentioned. Shot with Canon 5DmkIII 50mm f/1.2L, f/1.8, 1/125″, ISO 3200.
Day 50 – Soccer Camp!
What a great day! It’s still hard to believe we were predicted to have a strong El Nino this year. Granted, winter isn’t over…yet. Today? Mid 70s or so, and the boys had soccer camp. As James said “I want to play with my friends!” and play they did. At the end, who doesn’t need… Read More
Day 49 – Moments
I’ve undertaken this daily challenge and have really enjoyed it. At a minimum, it forces me to take a picture every day, hold my camera, run through the ‘triangle’ of Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO. Also, determining the ‘creatively correct’ exposure, not just correct exposure. Do I want moody? Bokeh? Sharpness throughout? B/W? Color? Desatura1ted… Read More
Day 48 – El Nino
Will El Nino ever come? After a slew of 80 degree plus weather, we were treated with some rain tonight. The temps will be in the mid 60s for the remainder of the week, then climb back up to the low 80s by next week. I love the creaminess of Bokeh from a fast, wide… Read More
Day 47 – Bath Time!!
I love bath time with this little guy! He is so happy, loves to splash around and play with all of his little rubber toys. Did I say splash? Yes I did! He gets so excited to hop in the tub, doesn’t want to come out, but when he does, he loves to be dried… Read More
Day 46 – Alex n James
Today I tried to work with OCF (Off Camera Flash). Unfortunately, it was mid-day and I didn’t use quite enough flash power to ‘overpower the sun’ efficiently, so I moved on over to capture my two favorite young men hanging out in the tree! Shot with Canon 5DmkIII, 50mm, f/2.8, 1/250″, ISO 100
Day 45 – Los Angeles Marathon
Today was the Los Angeles Marathon and we are fortunate enough to live near the finish line of this great race that takes runners through some of the most historic, scenic, and cultural parts of this sprawling and diverse city. To see the speed at which the elite runners devour this course is truly remarkable.… Read More
Day 44 – Misty Night
It’s hard to imagine that we are still in the throws of an El Nino season. We started out with above average snow fall prior to the new year, yet we now find ourselves with 80 degree plus weather in Jan/Feb here in Santa Monica! Tonight, the mist and fog started rolling in. I love… Read More
Day 43 – Aero Theatre
The Aero Theatre is run by (owned by?) the American Cinematheque. From their website: “The American Cinematheque is a non-profit, viewer-supported cultural organization dedicated exclusively to the public presentation of the Moving Picture in all its forms. The Cinematheque presents the best of film and video – ranging form the classics to the outer frontiers of the art… Read More
Day 42 – Art Show
My daughter is taking AP Art in High School. She is most definitely ‘an old soul’ in a young body, and her creativity is really starting to blossom. I’m impressed by her continually forging forward, pushing herself. With her writing and art talent continually growing, I can’t wait to see where she takes it. Hers… Read More
Day 41 – Promenade
Took the kids down to the Promenade to get some treats and while waiting in front of the coffee bean, I saw this woman across the street. There was something captivating about her look, vibe, so I wanted to capture. Shot with Canon 5DmkIII, 50mm f/1.2L, f/4.0, ISO 400, 1/30″
Day 40 – Sick ‘n Sleepy
James and Momma Bear aren’t feeling too well – James woke up early so into bed with us he went. He then proceeded to practice his martial arts with a few swift kicks to the head, so on to the couch I went! 🙂 Then, he started pushing Momma Bear to the edge! In spite… Read More
Day 39 – Liquor Store, Santa Monica
Liquor store on Wilshire Blvd. Canon 5DmkIII, 50mm f/1.2L, f/4.0, ISO 3200, 1/320″
Day 38 – Kirk Douglas Theatre
Every other Sunday I take my older kids to their high school youth group in Culver City and always pass by this theatre. I just noticed tonight that you can actually see this off the 10 freeway. Anyway, I’ve always been attracted to neon signs and this marquee has captivated me for quite sometime, so… Read More
Day 37 – Sally
Shot with 5DmkIII, 50mm f/1.2L, f/1.2, 50mm, 1/1250, ISO 3200
Day 36 – Soccer Time!
What a great day! Got to spend a little time with my boy and his friends while they partook in a soccer camp today. I enjoyed being Mr. Mom and couldn’t resist firing off a few shots! He and friends were so cute! I don’t like posting pictures of other people’s kids, so these are… Read More
Day 35 – Humming Bird #2
I’m still challenged with these little buggars. The image isn’t completely sharp, could be due to shallow DOF and being so close shooting through a window. I won’t give up until I get a tack sharp image! Shot with Canon 5DmkIII, 70-200mm f/2.8L, 200mm, 1/2000″, ISO 3200, f/2.8