Up Close

Los Angeles (The Theater District) -- Sometimes engaging people in conversation on the street gets you a little too close for comfort....

Fünf Männer

Los Angeles -- Disney Concert Hall is a giant magnet for tourist and photographers. I noticed the five men above taking photos and overheard their German accent. As an American and LA-born native, I've always thought of myself as an ambassador of sorts. Welcoming people to LA is easy to do, and giving people a small memento of their trip is always fun.

Welcome to Los Angeles!

Marketplace in LA

Los Angeles -- Today, I spend a few hours wondering the streets of Los Angeles on my 3rd annual, After Christmas Photo Safari.

The streets were alive with interesting people to talk to as well as to shoot. Today, I shot while recording audio for the purpose of creating photo video shows. I use ambient sounds as well as interviewing people. This time, however, I was the one interviewed.

Stephen Haffman, Associate Producer/Director of Marketplace, approached me and asked if I would be willing to tell him (radio audience) what I had in my wallet. I told him, explaining each facet of my black, leather wallet. He also asked what one item I could not live with and without, as well as a few other questions.

After the interview, we exchanged cards and went about our business. You see, you never know who you might run into in the City of Angels.

A Christmas to Celebrate

Altadena, CA -- This year, Dave and Beth have a new addition in a red dress in their home. Truly a blessing. My wife, Amber and I had the honor to shoot their portrait this year.

It's OK to Be a Little Goofy

Pasadena, CA -- Last weekend we did a photo shoot for Crystal Lance, who is creating a new website, "Waking Up is Fun." It will be a daily video inspirational. Despite the cool air and cold water, Crystal had no problem jumping in.

Bad Hair Day

Redlands Orange Groves

Redlands, CA -- The combination of weather, setting and inspiration forced me to pulled over for this shot. Unfortunately, it was taken during the 12-o'clock hour and the light was flat. Nevertheless, this is a classic California agricultural shot, typical of the early 20th century.

Redlands is located about 90-minutes east of downtown Los Angeles. The snow-capped mountain is Mt. San Gorgonio, one of the highest in Southern California at 11,503 feet (3506 m).

Hadley Fruit Orchards

Banning, CA -- Many who live in Southern California are familiar with Palm Springs. Those who visit Palm Springs regularly definitely know about Hadley's Fruit Orchard off Interstate 10.

The "Hadley" sign looms high above the highway linking LA and Palm Springs, tempting travelers of all ages. I go for the Banana Date Shakes. For less than $5, I can run in, grab a shake, ask the friendly staff of any recent celebrity visits, and be on my way.

While visiting, I met Tracy, Richard and Debra (pictured above). Together, they pointed out the a few movie stars who recently stopped by. Hadley's walls are lined with more than a hundred autographed 8 x 10 photos. Both of the fun-loving ladies say they are sometimes a little shy to ask, but they still manage to get some of the Hollywood stars to autograph their picture and hang it up in the store.

Dogs Best Friends

Best friends

Robin

Lake Arrowhead, CA -- A Robin red breast sings atop a roof hip on this cold morning. I took nearly 30 frames of the bird, trying to capture frost billowing from its beak with each chirp. It didn't work.

Snow Blankets Mountains

Second year in a row, Lake Arrowhead, near Los Angeles, received another dose of snow for the Thanksgiving weekend. Weather forecast calls for another possibility of snow tonight!

What Are You Thankful For?

What am I thankful for? I am thankful for my new family. This will be my first Thanksgiving with my new wife and 11-year-old son! How cool is that?

Happy Thanksgiving from Los Angeles, California!

Santa Fe Dam

Irwindale, CA -- I admit..., yes, I was driving while shooting. But when you see an opportunity for composition forming, you have to take advantage. I did, and two important settings on my camera body were wrong: white balance and focus points. Oh well. It made for an interesting shot anyway.

By the way, I was moving, but only about 2 mph, while waiting for the signal to turn green.

The man cycling is enjoying a cool, but sunny day on the rim of the Santa Fe Dam in Los Angeles.

Neighborhood Watch

Irwindale, CA -- A guardian of the liquor store parking lot walks his beat during the business doldrums.

Early Winter Hits L.A.

The foothills of Los Angeles had a nice sprinkling of snow this morning. Temperatures were below normal, yet still way above what most states and countries consider "cold."

Shoe Factory

Los Angeles -- A woman leaving after a day at work.

Waffling on Breakfast

One of our favorite breakfasts: waffles and orange juice. This is what Saturday mornings are all about.

Skywatch Friday In LA

Pasadena, CA -- A view from a trail above Pasadena. The yellow strip behind the LA skyscrapers is the sun reflecting off the Pacific Ocean. Old Pasadena and our beloved City Hall is in the foreground.

Even after nearly 50 years living here in Los Angeles, I never get tired of our views. Happy Skywatch Friday!

Chevy Fly Found in LA

Los Angeles, CA -- There is nothing artistic about this shot, but the fly is a masterpiece and it had to be posted.

This photo was taken in a neighborhood, overlooking the Pasadena Freeway in LA. I wonder what the neighbors think? There is no question what kids think about a blue Diptera in the front yard! Oh, and by the way, the mouth is made out of the grill of an old, Chevy truck, and the antennae are two golf clubs.

Chasing Seagulls

California Pacific Ocean -- How many shots does one need of seagulls? I have more than enough. Rather than shoot another portrait of a gull, I thought I would sneak up close, then run toward them and shoot away.

On Safari in Monrovia

Monrovia -- (Not to be confused by Monrovia, Liberia, Africa). Diversity is no stranger to Los Angeles. Even our landscape can change from the congestion of downtown LA to the secluded woods of Monrovia Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Today ended a weekend of camping with the Scouts. There were about 40 of us spread throughout the campground above LA. Pancakes, eggs and of course a combination of Starbucks and Pete's coffee rounded off this mornings sunrise breakfast.

My friend Ed, pictured above, is loading up his 1983 Land Rover 110 for the drive back to reality. Although, who can complain about living here in the foothills of Los Angeles?

Creepy-Looking Kelp Lines Bay

Half Moon Bay, CA -- Our goal was to find Mavericks; home of some of the world's largest waves. Surfers risk their lives riding 60-foot monsters a half-mile out from shore. Although today's surf was considered "flat" by locals, we still got to see 11-footers crashing on the rocky outcroppings.

The walk out to Mavericks made quite an impression on me. The kelp was thick and mostly dried by the sun. Colors I'm not used to seeing on the Southern California beaches. It was a beautiful display of an ecosystem in process. Flies and all!

Man's Best Friend Bears Ring for Wedding

Universal City, CA -- A few weeks ago I had the honor of being 2nd shooter for a wedding next door to world-famous Universal Studios Hollywood. Photographer Neil Vance gave my wife and I the opportunity to team up and cover a rather large gathering of friends and family.

The entire wedding party were great to work with, especially the ring bearer: he walked on all fours....

Happy Veterans Day

Venice Beach, CA

LA Foothills

Corona, CA -- On a clear day, viability can be more than 100 miles. Winds from the North/East help as heated, desert air whisks up and over the mountain into the LA basin, making for picture-perfect days.

Beautiful Central California

Pinnacles, CA -- During our seven-day road trip up to and around San Fransisco, we took side roads in search of worthy photo subjects. Amber and I stopped at barns, cows, rainbows, and even unique road signs. People are the coveted choice for subjects but we took what we could find. We were on a quest with no restrictions other than daylight.

One of our goals was to capture as many windmills as we could. After a while, the windmills started looking the same and lost part of their mystique, accept this one. Like most good photographs, the subject is nothing without an outstanding background.

Backyard Windmill Experience

Cambria, CA -- Although Cambria is a four-hour drive north of Los Angeles, it still counts as an "LA experience" since one could drive there for the day. Okay..., 287 miles (462 km) is a stretch, but we were on our way back to LA from our honeymoon! (one reason I haven't been posting for the last month)

One of the challenges we set for ourselves on our seven-day road trip was shooting every windmill we saw. Some turned out well while others where a faint blur while driving 75 mph. All in all, we captured a fair amount of classic, Americana style mills. Some were a bit more difficult to get to, but we managed.

On the left is our finished product. This is someone's backyard.

One Big Donut

La Puente, CA -- The art of vernacular architecture is somewhat lost. I would image one reason for not building structures in the form of their product or service is due in part of city inspectors. It practically takes an act of congress to have a home addition approved in Los Angeles, let alone a two-story shoe-shaped building selling Nikes.

I happened upon this place by accident. I am a sucker for doughnuts (sometimes spelled "donut") but this time I fought my weakness and took the shot rather than a chocolate-covered glazed.

Poo Poo Paper

Who ever thought toilet paper one day would be made of elephant dung? Learn more from poopoopaper.com.

Another LA Icon

Cotton Candy

LA County Fair -- "Pleeeese, can I have some cotton candy?"

When I was a kid, I later regreted eating the junk. These kids couldn't get enough.

The Fair

The LA County Fair -- A classic example of the old-time fair. These days, however, the fair seems to be more about the food. Ever have chocolate-covered bacon?

Free Ride?

The LA County Fair -- One drawback to winning at the arcades: having to lug huge plush toys around the fair grounds for the next five hours. ...and what about that ride home? Better have a big car.

Elvis Sighting

The LA County Fair -- He is alive!

Walking in LA

Peace

Two Geese

Deep thoughts permeate their minds as the other two-legged animals pass by.

Fair Skys Above

A slice of American Pie.

A Piece of Heaven Above The Heat

Yosemite National Park -- Los Angeles is experiencing a heat wave this week. Palm Springs was 115f degrees while suburbs in LA was a cool 107. What better way to beat the heat than to rise above the traffic, the concrete and menagerie of people and just be...?

At the bottom of the trail leading to Cathedral Lake is a sign with the words of John Muir after visiting this area in 1869, "This I may say is the first time I have been at church in California."

Loved

The love of Mother...

Red Saturday

Azusa -- Some say that the city of Azusa has everything from "A to Z in the USA..." Today all I saw was red.

Hike In Style

It's not often that I "steal" a shot. I didn't have time to engage the person and ask, plus I was on a mission to get to the top. Hiking in skinny jeans must be miserable, especially during a heat wave.

Motel Along Route 66

There is a romance about sketchy motels. Route 66 has many a vintage motor hotel. If only there was more time.

Poseidon Turns in it's Grave

Los Angeles -- In 1972, a film trailer came on TV, advertising The Poseidon Adventure. I was 11-years old and had never seen a "PG" movie. My folk's asked if I be interested. Dumb question! This would be my first "Parental Guidance" film.

The Hastings Theater in Pasadena is empty now, but I will never forget the thrill of the curtain opening to one of the biggest screens of it's time and watching in horror as the ship was toppled by a rouge wave and capsized. I was not disappointed with the film but mourned the loss of such a great ship.

Well, I found it! The ship is stored on display at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. It is a replica of the Queen Mary and was built as a model for the film, The Poseidon Adventure.

Tinseltown Lives

"I want to grow old without facelifts. I want to have the courage to be loyal to the face I have made." --Marilyn Monroe

Of course, the Princess of Hollywood was not only famous for her little quips, but for being an actress, singer and model. In her time, Marilyn was Hollywood. So why not feature Norma Jean on the date of her tragic death on August 5, 1962.

This photo of Marilyn was taken near the famous, Grauman's Chinese Theatre. It is a life-like statue facing Hollywood Boulevard, positioned for tourist to have their photo taken with a star. I was amazed at how real she looked. Yet then again, isn't most of "Hollywood" a big charade?

Amber and I had a "date night" and decided to head out to Hollywood for diner and a walk down Hollywood Boulevard. The street was buzzing with excitement from tourists from all over the world. No stars to be found except on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For a few bucks, you can take a tour and really get to know Tinseltown as shown below (www.ehollywoodtours.com).