Shopping in the Recession

On the way to my studio each day, while on the 5, I pass over this giant drainage system. And each time, I catch a glimpse of this shopping cart way off in the back. I thought - "that would make an interesting shot", but what are the chances it would still be there if I ever went back? Well, after about a week of seeing it everyday, the shopping cart never left. I think at one point, it may have even called my name. So yesterday, I waited until the sun was nice and low, creating a softer, warmer light, and took the side roads on the search for the Shopping Cart in the Drainage. Eventually I found the spot. After jumping through dirt fields, crossing railroad tracks, and scaling the drainage walls, I was able to position my self to capture these interesting compositions. The best part - I was able to come out unscathed - despite slipping and almost falling many times, and train dodging twice. The worst part - that's not mud in the drainage system.

Photo of the Week

Would you believe me if I told you this photo actually took almost an hour of shooting to get the perfect pose, focus, and composition? I never knew just how shy a spider can be. You'd think with their ego and authority that they throw around they'd be a little more unperturbed. But, then, there I go stereotyping again. I guess every spider has his own issues to deal with, just like anyone. Fortunately, after a little positive reinforcement and flattery, I got him to open up a bit and relax.

Droplet Like it's Haute

Funny thing about San Diego - rain is rare. So when it does rain here, I find it a great opportunity to capture the local flora and fauna in it's unfamiliar and wet condition. A condition that most people in the rainy regions see all the time, and fail to appreciate. I mean, snails in the desert? C'mon - if this doesn't raise a brow..... I spent last Saturday morning capturing some of these wet and misty images up close and personal. I call it "Droplet Like it's Haute". Applaud here....  ;-)

 

Photo of the Week

This is a macro shot I created from a statuette of a sleeping Buddha. Using the close proximity of the lens to the subject, and a large aperture setting, I am able to selectively sharpen and blur. I then applied some post-production techniques to give it the hyperreal effect.

Photo of the Week

I saw this zany photo op while hiking at Torrey Pines Park. There were numerous people using these bathrooms, and for a split second, there was no foot traffic. Seeing the 4 doors open, and the one door shut, I visualized this moment that "tells a story". I quickly jumped to it, so I was perfectly centered in front of the doors and snapped away. In post production, I desaturated the colors, applied a warm tone, exaggerated the contrast, and gave it a gritty texture.

Photo of the Week

This was a photo I took in the Arizona Desert. I think it's some sort of old water or electric station. The lighting from the sky was very dramatic from the sun beating through the thick rain clouds.

Red Bull Air Races

Here are a few photos from the Red Bull Air Race last weekend. Basically, it's a bunch of pilots with a death wish that fly balls-to-the-wall through an obstacle course on San Diego Bay. Goose and Mav would be proud...

Here's a few of my latest photos. These photos were actually taken about a year ago, but I've just recently "digitally developed" them with a combination of RAW developing and Photoshop magic. They show a sample of the wide range of effects and styles that I love working with.

The above photo is a shot I was able to get while on a safari in Africa. Ok, I wish - it was at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. This photo was inspired by photographer Nick Brandt. I converted the image to a monotone with a warm tint. After applying several Photoshop adjustments and effects, I was able to create this piece, without waking him up.

The above photo is a stylized effect, achieved through a combination of methods of super contrast, blowing out the highlights, altering colors, and softening effects. Then a little splash of vignette to draw the eye to the subject, and voila!

The above photo is a shot I took in Ocean Beach, near Dog Beach. I applied color filters, color channel adjustments, and a vignette to achieve this 1960's beach feel.

Photo of the Week

Helicopter Hella Close

Ok, so I'm eating cereal this morning, and suddenly I hear a helicopter approaching. But not just your ordinary, distant-sounding helicopter. This thing was getting LOUD. Without hesitation, I drop my spoon in the bowl and leap for the camera. As I run out on the deck, sure enough, a helicopter is swooping by the powerlines just out back of the house. I begin to snap away. I only had seconds, but thankfully my camera settings were sufficient. This is what I caught.