Car On a Lake

North of Los Angeles -- Some towns have dirt roads, other prairies, but we have nothing but large parking lots, surrounded by a concrete jungle. But if an Angeleno ever wants to teach their 12-year old son to drive, take him to a dry lake bed in the middle of the desert. Both of you will never forget the experience!

Trails To Scouting

Los Angeles -- Each year, our Troop offers an opportunity for younger Cub and Webelo Scouts to come out and see our program. Each patrol shows off their skills; cooking, knife, axe, camping and first aid are among the skills performed. Here, Scouts demonstrate how to make a sling from a neckerchief. Troop 4 of Pasadena is celebrating it's 100th consecutive year in scouting in 2013.

Commuting Along The LA River

Los Angeles -- One way to avoid traffic with a little more esthetic scenery.

Veterans Day

Los Angeles -- "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

If Picasso Designed a Cake...

Pasadena, CA -- I think the name "Dr. Seuss" came to mind when my wife, Amber, made this cake for our son. The goofy birthday confectionery was in fact supposed to tilt, wobble and give a Pisa-esque feel. Once the candles were lit, we had about three seconds before the top section slipped and performed a full flip onto the table--with candles still sparkling.

Perhaps the cake is a reminder that here in Los Angeles, we tend to bend the rules and have a little fun!

Breaking The Rules

 

 Won't Say, CA -- The paparazzi drive me nuts. They break all the rules for that one money shot that, quite frankly, not only can make them a small fortune, but can also ruin one's reputation. This shot defiantly doesn't equal that of those taken by a lens snake, but it sure is fun breaking the rules, even if it's a meaningless, worthless photo like this.

Waiting for Autumn

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.

--John Muir

Whitewater Preserve

Palm Springs, CA -- It may be a dry year but most days there is a raging river tumbling down the white rocks of this Southern California desert bed. A short drive north leads any semi-adventurous motorist up a mountain road to the Whitewater Preserve. Check it out on DayTripping.com!

The Candid Frame

Altadena, CA -- The mission of Daily Photo LA is an attempt to capture a glimpse of life in or connected with Los Angeles. As any daily photography blogger knows, inspiration is either a gift or a daily struggle.

I work full time at my career, which is not photography, yet when I am inspired, it's amazing how subjects present themselves to me without taking time away from my day job. When I have time, I listen to podcasts--especially those that focus on business and of photography. I learn best from listening and imitating others like Ibarionex Perello of The Candid Frame.

Ibarionex is a photographer, writer and an adjunct professor at the Art Center College of Design and teaches several online photography course through Better Photo.com. His articles and photographs appear regularly in magazines including Digital Photo Pro, Outdoor Photographer and Shutterbug magazines.

Check out his website and listen to his interviews with other photographers. I think you will enjoy it.

Ultralight Backpacking Dog Tackles LA Trails

Mt. Wilson, CA -- Andy is a 14-pound chiweenie (dachshund and chihuahua mix). This little dog loves to hike. For a small "designer dog," he knows how to put on the miles.

An average backpack for us, like the one above, we will hike up to 20-miles or more a day. He does great and never complains. The secrete is in pacing and obedience; my wife and I taught Andy to walk behind us and not run ahead. By doing this, we estimate he saves more than twice the energy than most off-leash dogs, chasing squirrels, sniffing out holes and sprinting after deer. As for the leash violation: I take my chances with the authorities, but only remove the leash once we are well into the wilderness and away from people. Plus, being an ultralight backpacker, every gram counts. The same goes for the dog, a leash actually weighs a few ounces and pulls on his neck. I even made an ultralight collar my little buddy!

This photo was approximately mile 10 on a 17-mile day with about 3,000 vertical feet of climbing.I estimate he has at least 300 miles logged. Not bad for a wiener dog.