MontereyJohn

OK, Moving Everything to BloggerBeta

2006-09-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

New Blog: MontereyJohn California Photography

Beta just has too many good features to remain on blogger.

Photoblog Has Moved to MontereyJohn California Photography

2006-09-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

I have been wrestling a bit with just what to do with a blog. My phtography is important to me, but so are other things in life, like family, humor and the like. I tried to do all that in one place over the last year or so, and it just did not work. It was neither fish nor fowl. The solution to this problem was obviously to have two different blogs, and that is what I did, at first.

At the same time my son Will fired up his own blog, and I lent a little assistance as to the mechanics of how that is done. I ended up making a minor contribution. So I guess I really am into three blogs... but wait, then there are the videos. I wanted them to have their own home. Now it is four blogs!

That's enough.

So here they are by subject matter:

Photography: MontereyJohn California Photography
General Interest / Family etc: Monterey/John
Videos: MontereyJohn II
Son Will's Blog: That's Life
If anyone is of a mind, feel free to visit any or all of them.

Lots of Ava Stuff Found at "That's Life"

2006-09-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

My son Will has put up all sorts of stuff with regard to Ava at his blog, "That's Life."

Will's Tribute to Ava's First Year

2006-09-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

Call the Vatican - Manu at San Francisco Daily Photo Nominated for Canonization!

2006-09-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Photoblog has moved to MontereyJohn California Photography.

Terrible Pun.

Just when I was thinking about acquiring a DSLR, actually dying of envy as my son just got one, Manu offers up his Canon Rebel at a great price because, as he says, I don't take pictures of birthday parties. As I'm "between jobs" I really needed a break if I was going to get a DSLR. My God has a great sense of humor and irony.

Saint Manu, has a ring to it, doesn't it?

Well, It seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time

2006-09-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

Photoblog has moved to MontereyJohn California Photography.

In California, you take signs like this seriously!

3000 feet up, 20% grade on a dirt road clinging to the side of a mountain. Trucks not recommended indeed. Think I'll walk next time.

Another Day in Paradise

2006-09-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Photoblog has moved to MontereyJohn California Photography.

Now that I have completed my obsessive/compulsive setup of the photoblog for which I expect tons of praise and admiration, I'll turn my hand to doing a bit of writing... about the obsessive/compulsive photoblog thingie.

You may have noted that I expect tons of praise and admiration for this wonderful creation. So what did I do? When I set up the comments section I "accidentally" blocked comments. I am sure my old shrink would have thought that something other than an accident. "Just another self-defeating behavior because you don't deserve success, happiness or love, do you, John? How does that make you feel? What do you need?" What an a-hole!

What I needed was to un-block the comments, so I did so. That's what I needed and now I feel fine. (How many visitors weren't able to comment before I fixed it? Aaaaah!)

New Direction(s) for MontereyJohn

2006-09-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

Photoblog has moved to MontereyJohn California Photography.

Welllllll... having removed the necessity for "professionalism" from this humble blog by opening the photoblog, I can now put more personal stuff here without detracting from my other work. That's good and bad. The good is that I can do it at all. The bad is that it needs to be somewhat interesting and artful. Oh, the burdens of creativity! As a buddy of mine would call it, "Creative Blathering." I will try and enjoy the experience.

Let's see how this goes. I'll give it a try. I'll put up links to things other than photoblogs. I'll try to relate life as it is here in California. I'll continue to post images apropriate to the subject matter.... like this one:

Click on photo for full sized image.

Welcome "That's Life" (My Son Will) to Ye Olde Blogroll

2006-09-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

Like father like son! Needless to say his first post is of his skydive last weekend. Pay him a visit here when you get a chance.

Postscript: Will has posted, along with his video, a wonderful narative of his experience.

ANNOUNCEMENT - Strictly Photography - MontereyJohn California Photography at Blogger Beta

2006-09-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

Well... Sedona Scenery has me curious about this, so I started formatting a new blog over there. It is actually interesting, but limited functionality at this point. I do like some of the additional bells and whistles, especially in the sidebar.

Take a look at MontereyJohn California Photography and see what uou think of it.

Portfolio - Day 7

2006-09-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

This is a re-post of recent effort but is in the lineup for the portfolio, so here it is again.

Click on photo for full sized image.

Son Will Jumps Out of Perfectly Good Airplane - Go figure

2006-09-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Never Forget

2006-09-11T11:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my friend Hick at Bee-mused in the Country. I could not have said it better.

Todd Beamer...One of the Heros of Flight 93

"We do know the final thoughts and words of Todd Beamer, a 32-year-old Oracle Corporation account manager from Cranbury, N.J., with a wife and two young sons (and a third child on the way), who was travelling to California for a September 11 business meeting on Flight 93. Somehow, Beamer's cell phone call from Flight 93 was routed to Lisa Jefferson, a supervisor with the GTE Customer Center in Oakbrook, Illinois. As Mrs. Jefferson proceeded down the checklist in GTE's "distress call" manual, Beamer relayed the details of their situation: number of passengers, number of hijackers, weapons carried by the hijackers, etc. As reported in Newsweek's "The Real Story of Flight 93," Beamer's last words to Lisa Jefferson included a recitation of the Lord's Prayer:

Up to this moment, Beamer had been all business. "Lisa," he said suddenly. "Yes?" responded Jefferson. "That's my wife," said Beamer. "Well that's my name, too, Todd," said Jefferson. "Oh, my God," said Beamer. "I don't think we're going to get out of this thing. I'm going to have to go out on faith." Jefferson tried to comfort him. "Todd," she said, "you don't know that." Beamer asked her to promise to call his wife if he didn't make it home. He told her about his little boys and the new baby on the way. Then he said that the passengers were going to try to jump the hijackers. "Are you sure that's what you want to do, Todd?" asked Jefferson. "It's what we have to do," he answered. He asked her to pray with him. Beamer kept a Lord's Prayer bookmark in his Tom Clancy novel, but he didn't need any prompting. He began to recite the litany, and she joined him:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed by thy name Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

"Jesus help me," Beamer said. He recited the 23d Psalm. Then Jefferson heard him say:

"Are you guys ready? Let's roll."

Oh, Here is a Whole Bunch of Stills for the Broadband Folks

2006-09-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy making these little movies and hope others enjoy them too. For those who are curious, I make them using Pinnacle Studio, the same program I use for regular videos (which are found here).

Something a Little Different... My son Will Practicing for Angelhood

2006-09-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

I opened my e-mail tonight only to find this photograph from my son Will in Roseville.

Now you need to understand that Will's Dad, moi, is a total acrophobe. I hate roller coasters and high places in general. I go wobbly in the knees sometimes on my beloved Big Sur cliffs. That a son of mine would do THIS boggles my mind.

As fate would have it, blotters and spatula were unnnecessary. The boy survived his experience.

Have I mentioned I really love that young man?

Click on photo for full sized image.

Portfolio - So What's with That?

2006-09-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

I have gone through many of my images and picked out the twenty or so I like best. For sure that does not make them the best... or even particularly good. They are just the ones I like best. I will add to this list as results warrant. Eventually, should it ever come to pass, these are the pictures I might try to market at some point in the future.

Portfolio - Day 6

2006-09-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Click on photo for full sized image.

Portfolio - Day 5

2006-09-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

Click on photo for full sized image.

Portfolio - Day 4

2006-09-08T22:06:00.000-07:00

Click on photo for full sized image.

Views from Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay

2006-09-08T21:30:00.000-07:00

Nothing artsy-craftsy here, just some snapshots of wonderful views of downtown San Francisco and The Bay Bridge.

It was beautiful and clear, but as can be seen in the third and fourth frames, the fog was not far away.

Treasure Island is an old Navy base and is still active. It is the link between the two halves of The Bay Bridge. In the second image to the far left you can see the new section of the link between Treasure Island and Oakland which is under construction. The final picture is of the more photographed section of the bridge between Treasure Isalnd and downtown San Francisco.

Click on photo for full sized image.

Yesterday at The Golden Gate

2006-09-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

I spent the last couple of days on the road. I went up to Sacramento for my granddaughter Ava's birthday and came back through the Bay Area on the way home to Monterey Bay. I only meant to spend a short while there and ended up staying for about six hours. I went to Treasure Island, where oddly enough I have never been, and was delighted with the views of the city from there. I then went on into the city and up to Alamo Square (see the previous post of the victorian homes and skyline) and then on over to The Golden Gate, Baker Beach and Lands Ends. It was a delightful afternoon

I shot a LOT of digitals and several film frames. I'll take the film in for scanning to disc later today.

Any idiot can shoot great pictures in this magical city.

Click on photo for full sized image.

Portfolio - Day 3

2006-09-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

Click on photo for full sized image.

Today is Ava Lee's First Birthday

2006-09-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

And Grandpa, that is I, got to be there for the occasion. She is the most beautiful child in the world, just ask me. She is happy, healthy and her family loves her completely.

Happy Birthday Ava!

Love, Your Grandpa

Click on photo for full sized image.

Guess Where I was This Afternoon

2006-09-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

Click on photo for full sized image.

Portfolio - Day 2

2006-09-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

Click on photo for full sized image.

Portfolio - Day 1

2006-09-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Click on photo for full sized image.

In The Redwoods of Big Sur

2006-09-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

In the canyons of Big Sur, nurtured by the coastal fogs, the redwoods thrive. Getting to them is another story. The mountains are exceptionalloy steep in this area. One way in is the old coastal road which was the main highway north/south before Route 1 was built in the 1930s. The other way is by foot. I drove.
In the first picture you see where the old road begins its ascent from Route 1. Big Sur Valley is in the distance to the left. It is a climb into glory. What a trip!

Click on photos for full sized image.

Late Afternoon Fog - Big Sur

2006-09-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

The end to a perfect day. Too tired to write, or think, more. Suffice it to say, it was just grand.

Fuji S5000

Click on photo, other than videos, for full sized image.

B/W Castlerock, Monterey County - California

2006-08-31T21:25:00.000-07:00

Canon A-1
Tokina 100-300mm w/ polarizer
Kodak HD
Grayscaled
A little "curves" action

Click on photo, other than videos, for full sized image.

Holy Smokes, So That Is What 108 Degrees Feels Like! - In the San Juaquin Valley

2006-08-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

Summer in the San Juaquin, which is only an hour east of here, is an eye opening experience. On the coast, where I live, we consider 80 degrees to be quite hot, though on rare occasions we get into the 90s. Crossing over the coastal hills is like going from one planet to another.

In the distance signs of grass fires, the bane of summertime in California, can be seen. The waterway is the California Aquaduct which brings life to this the most fertile place on earth.

Photo:
Canon A-1
Canon 35-105mm
Kodak HD

Click on photo, other than videos, for full sized image.

Video Archive

2006-08-29T23:19:00.000-07:00

I created a second blog, MontereyJohn II (how's that for original?) and put up several of my videos so that they are in one place. This really is for the high speed connection folks. Even with them, allow the buffering to run out a ways before playing so that they will not be starting and stopping.

A Placid Sea

2006-08-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

Click on photo, other than videos, for full sized image.

An Angry Sea

2006-08-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

Click on photo, other than videos, for full sized image.

Big Sur Fog

2006-08-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

A foggy day at the shore can be magical. Watching the wisps of cloud crest the hills and pour over and down the slopes only to form a hazy ceiling a few hundred feet over your over your head is a strange experience. Looking out to sea to watch a miniscule sunset gives a sense of remoteness.

Photos
Fuji S5000 digital w/ polarizer
ASA 200

Click on photo, other than videos, for full sized image.

A Sunny Day in the Hills of Monterey County

2006-08-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

Toodling through the nearby hills to get a look at the aptly named "Castle Rock." Really does look like a castle, doesn't it? Some of mother nature's finest handywork.

Unfortunately this gem is buried back in a private development. We had a friend who knew somebody who know somebody, and well, we got in. Turns out the somebody was a retired Superior Court judge. Very nice guy he was. Fortunately Anita did not repeat any of the things I have been known to say about judges.

We went back up in there to see the old ranch house below. Anita is doing research for a friend who is writing a book about one of the pioneer families. This was their house back in the late 1800s.

Fuji S5000 digital
W/ Polarizer
ASA 200

Click on photo, other than videos, for full sized image.

Dreary Day at the Coast

2006-08-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

Took my beloved Canon A-1 and the Tokina lens in hopes of getting something nice with late afternoon light. Well, that did not happen. Now I realize that good things can be done on a cloudy day, and I'll wait to see what comes back after the film is processed.

Why do I like the Tokina lens so much? It is a 100-300mm lens and is very fast for something that large, f 3.5 constant. It also has very little distortion usually associated with such a lens. It achieves this with a whopping 77mm front glass. As an old timer, I am also partial to it being made of steel. It is rugged in the extreme. With all of that comes a lot of weight.

Anway, when I got there, the coastal fog was out in its full glory. I shot a few film frames and several digitals (ugh!) which you see here. I'll post the film later next week.

Photos
Fuji S5000 digital w/ polarizer

Click on photo, other than videos, for full sized image.

Off to Shoot Today

2006-08-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

Well, enough messing with the blog sidebar :-)

Time to go shoot. I now have my new polarizer and neutral density filters, so I think I will take the Canon with the huge lens down somewhere on the coast and wait for some good light.

Have a good weekend all.

Click on photo, other than videos, for full sized image.

Coastal Flowers - Lucia, Big Sur - California

2006-08-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Click on picture for full size image.

Minolta 700si
Minolta 35-105mm
Kodak HD

MJ Learns A Little Something About Code...

2006-08-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

Welllll.... I really wanted to put a link in the sidebar to a slide show, so I messed around in the template code until I got it. How satisfying is that?! I know program savvy folks will say "so what?" But hey, for me, it is my first baby step into this world.

Frankly, I was nervous that I'd ruin the whole blog.

It's up and running, and I am content.

Just Another Day in Paradise - San Francisco Video

2006-08-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

This one is for the broadband folks only! It's big.

For everyone else, let the buffering indicator run out a ways before letting the video play to avoid it stopping and starting.

Moonscape with Stone Sculpture - Gorda, Big Sur - California

2006-08-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Playing with the capability of the Tokina 100-300mm lens. Here I
opened it up a bit to reduce the DOF. Wish I had my polarizer to put some pop in the sky. Next time. I have acquired a neutral density filter to open up the F stop a bit more and look forward to trying it out.

Stoney Beach - Gorda, Big Sur - California

2006-08-22T17:34:00.000-07:00

Not sure why, but this shot appeals to me. I think perhaps it is the clarity this lens delivers. It again makes use of the Tokina 100-300mm mounted on the Canon A-1 with Kodak HD film.

Amazing Grace or Something Very Much Like it - A Pacific Sunset Video - For Hick

2006-08-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

I have been experimenting with embedding Google Video. It is not as snappy as YouTube, it takes a bit longer to download which is not the best news for dialup connections. However, Google has a buffering progress bar, you can see how far the video has progressed in down loading.

Tip for Dialup Types: When the video starts to play, hit the pause button when it becomes available. Before playing let the bar get about 1/2 way or more to completion. When it has gotten that far, hit the play arrow.

Now, why is this for Hick? She is having a tough time just now. She is a wonderful blogger with a great sense of humor. Pay her a visit if you can at Bemused in the Country.

Late Afternoon at Gorda, Big Sur - California

2006-08-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

By golly, I love good glass on a good film camera. This is taken with the Canon A-1 and Tokina 100-300mm lense. My polarizer was broken, so what you see is what you get,

Big Sur Slideshow

2006-08-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

I had such a good time yesterday I thought I would fire up Pinnacle and make a slideshow and put some music to it.

Sunset Today - Lucia, Big Sur

2006-08-18T23:49:00.000-07:00

What can I say?

On this note, I do believe I'll go to bed.

Good night sweet world.

Girl Atop a Cliff - Mal Paso, Big Sur

2006-08-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

Ah, the film is back, my favored medium. But, alas, I made a mistake. The old Canon A-1 requires that you manually change the film speed (ISO). This picture is OK, but several others came out pretty grainy when Photoshopped to a proper look for exposure.

I was shooting out to sea over the cliffs when I looked over my shoulder and saw this girl on the cliff behind me. I turned and just pointed and shot. Lord only knows what she thought. But for me it was worth it to capture that moment.

Canon A-1
Canon 70-210mm
Kodak HD

And some advice from my brother: "Not a bad shot. Adding unidentified people finding solace or connection to the specific environment is excellent. Might want to keep a model release in the camera bag at all times. You'll never know when you might need it; or, like Sam Colt once said, 'when you need a gun, you need a gun.'"

A Quickie Movie Review - "World Trade Center"

2006-08-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

I went to see World Trade Center today. Like many, I was not sure what to expect from Oliver Stone, the dictionary picture boy found at "paranoid." I was quite surprised.

My surprise is summed up in the character of Dave Karnes played convincingly by Michael Shannon. Karnes is the Marine veteran who left his cushy job in Wilton, Connecticut when he saw what had happened at the World Trade Center on 09/11. He donned his fatigues that same day and headed for lower Manhattan. He is the man who with another Marine found the heroes of the story buried under the rubble.

Stone treats this man with respect, and therein lies my surprise. In the closing credits he references the fact that Karnes then returned to the Marine Corp and served two tours of duty in Iraq. For Stone to have done this, given his history, is remarkable.

Karnes is certainly an interesting character. One of the fire fighters at the scene asks him his name. Karnes replies, "Staff Sergeant David Karnes." The firefighter jokingly says, "I think I'll need something shorter." Karnes replies stone faced, "Staff Sergeant." Yep, pure Jar Head.

It is a movie well worth seeing. While Stone misses the overall horror we as a nation felt, he does successfully take the events of 09/11 to a very personal level. He puts us in the heads and hearts of the characters.

An excellent movie.

Route 1 - Big Sur

2006-08-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most spectacular drives in the world and also one of the most dangerous. The road runs often at 400 to 500 feet above the ocean. As you can see, it clings to the cliff faces. It can be quite thrilling.

Tuesday afternoon was a particularly lovely day. Wisps of fog clung to the hills under a bright sun. Waiting for late afternoon for the golden colors and pleasing shadows is a wonderful way to spend time.

Fuji 3000 digital.

My Granddaughter Ava!

2006-08-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

Is she not just the most beautiful thing?

Big Sur - Afternoon Fog in the Distance

2006-08-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

This is the view looking to the northwest from the location I was at yesterday. The previous shots were to the south. The incoming fog can be seen in the distance.

I was going to take the Tokina 70-210mm out today to the same location... but I broke the polarizer! Argh! I headed down to the camera shop to get another one, but they were out. So I went on E-Bay when I got back home and found one for $40 which is a really good price for a glass and steel filter of 77mm.

Tomorrow is spoken for, so I'll try to get down there Friday with the Bogen tri-pod and my six pounds of glass. Perhaps I'll get lucky and get a sunset. Then again...

Fuji 3000 Digital
Clone tooled out some refraction dazzling with Photoshop

Big Sur - A Wild Flower in Late Afternoon Light

2006-08-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

I will be taking the film in this morning. In the meantime, I'm playing with the digitals I took. They really are not all that bad. The wind co-operated for this macro.

It was a warm and glorious afternoon. I spent most of my time on an overlook about 10 miles south of the booming metropolis of Big Sur. The place was crawling with German, Japanese and French tourists.

I did not think about it at the time, but I was wearing my "Keep Them Flying" B-17 baseball cap.... hopefully the Germans did not notice. I doubt they have much interest in keeping them flying.

I took lots of photos for folks. "Would you mind..." Well, I'm sure you know the drill.

By five o'clock, I found myself alone on this beautiful clifftop. The fog was beginning to build out to sea. I knew there would be no sunset shots. But there there was the late afternoon sun with its shadows and colors. Hopefully the film picked it up and the phtographer did not mess them up.

We shall see.

A Big Sur Mental Health Break

2006-08-15T20:47:00.000-07:00

So, off I went, south on Route 1... I shot two rolls of film, a few frames of which will no doubt end up here. I also brought along the digital as I have this delayed gratification problem/thing. So here are some shots from this afternoon.

YouTube is Down / Heading Out to Shoot in a Bit

2006-08-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

Videos should be available a bit later... I think.

Taking the Canon out to the high cliffs of Big Sur. Being un-employed ain't all bad.

An Overcast Day at Big Sur

2006-08-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

Continuing the film series I shot last week. I took this picture on the cliff above the beach. The damp weather had brought out the wild flowers and it was quite lovely.

On the point of land in the distance, there is a house atop the rocks which can vaguely be seen. What a view they have! However, not sure I would want to be out there in a bad winter storms.

Photo:
Canon A-1
Canon 35-105mm
Kodak HD

Dusk in the Hills

2006-08-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Last night I went in search of a sunset at the shore. When I left home about 6:00 things were looking good. But when I got down to Monterey and Carmel the fog began to rear its ugly head. I headed south on Rte 1. The sun was still shining on the hills down by Bixby Bridge and Point Sur, so off I raced. By the time I got there, the Gods of Fog had closed in on me. So, I turned around and zipped back into the hills beyond the fog and was just barely able to catch the end of the day.

Wild Flowers at the Beach

2006-08-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

This shot is a continuation of the film images I took with the Canon A-1.

It was a foggy and the landscape was awash in wild flowers. The August sun of California completely shuts down the flora, so the fog was a blessing for them. It was absolutely beautiful

Photo:
Canon A-1
Canon 35-105mm
Kodak HD 400

US Air Force Thunderbirds - "Freedom's Thunder"

2006-08-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

I went to see this amazing display of flying last September. The video has had over 4000 hits on Google Video since I posted it last December and several hundred downloads. Now that I am on YouTube, I thought I would crosspost it here.

Welcome Victor Zhang and "One Frame at a Time" to Ye Olde Blogroll

2006-08-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

This is simply one of the nicest photoblogs I have seen and not just because it is in my backyard.

Pay Victor a visit and see for yourself.

Big Sur Video - Learn Something New Everyday, I Can Embed It Here

2006-08-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

A Little Site Scouting in Rural Monterey County

2006-08-09T22:39:00.000-07:00

Well, there's one thing about being out of work...

My partner in crime, Anita, put me onto a rural road that wandered over a ridge line above a small valley. Not trusting anyone's estimation of a potential site other than my own, I took the Fuji dijital (NOT my favorite medium) out there to see if there was some remote chance she has scoped out a good location. Much as it pains me to admit it, it really is quite a nice spot.

YouTube v Google Video for Videos - Will Be Using YouTube from this Point On

2006-08-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

I have tried both, and on balance YouTube is better.

YouTube has some disadvantages, most notably is the 100mb 10 minute limit. However, the uplaod is much smooother. The video is immediately available online. And perhaps most importantly, the play back is MUCH better and in higher resolution.

My latest video is at YouTube here.

Thanks to San Francisco Daily Photo for the tip.

Let's See, What Shall We Do Today?

2006-08-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

Not sure, but I'll probably think of something :)

New Video is Up YouTube or Google Video - Sunrise Sunset Big Sur

2006-08-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

Another of my labors of love is up and running at at YouTube here or Google Video here.

The video is about nine munutes long. My brother and I shot sunrise at Pt. Sur, the day scenes at Mal Paso and sunset at Pacific Grove. I used Pinnacle 9 to do the film editing. It is a fun thing to do.

Well Camouflaged Beach Critter - Mal Paso, Big Sur

2006-08-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

Can not believe this little guy stood still long enough to get a shot up on the cliffs above the beach. But he did and I did.

Canon A1
Canon 35-105mm f 3.5-4.5
Kodak HD ISO 400

Girl on a Rock - Mal Paso, Big Sur

2006-08-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

I was up on the cliff above the beach. There were several young folks playing below. This one girl struck a winsome pose in a fabulous setting, and I just pressed the shutter.

Canon A-1
Canon 70-210mm
Kodak HD ISO 400

Mr. Macro Goes to the Beach - Bee at Big Sur

2006-08-07T16:31:00.000-07:00

I had a great time last Thursday at the beach. I never cease to be pleased with the results I get with my old Canon A-1, in this case with an inexpensive Vivitar 50mm macro. It was warm but foggy that day, no doubt keeping the critters placid.

Canon A-1
Vivitar 50mm macro
Kodak HD ISO 200

Continuing with the Big Sur Riff...

2006-08-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

This is another shot from my archives while I wait on picking up my film today.

I shot this using Tri-X which is grainy but which has a nice effect.

I have put up a new video on Google which should be available for viewing later today. It is about nine minutes of a day at Big Sur from sunrise to sunset. I am reasonably pleased with it. I am learning a thing or two about editing.

Photo:
Minolta 700si
Quantaray 70-300mm
Kodak Tri-X 400ISO

Dawn at Mal Paso

2006-08-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

An oldie but a goodie while I wait on my film to be processed.

Down to Mal Paso This Afternoon

2006-08-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

Shot some film there this afternoon. It is one of my favorite spots. I'll take this film in for scanning tomorrow.

Photo:
Fuji S3000 digital

Blogger is Having One of Its Periodic Hissy Fits - Today's Plan

2006-08-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

Have tried multiple times to get a pic up this morning, but no luck. Nothing new there. Guess I can not complain too much as Blogger usually does work and it's FREE.

Today I am off to see the skin doc for final viewing of what is left of my hide. Then I'll cross my fingers and hope the phone rings or my e-mail box fills up with job prospects. I have my fingers crossed and put it in the Lord's hands. I'm taking a day off from searching. I'll see if anything appears from the search I have done.

Then I am going to haul my Canon A-1 film camera and the eighty pounds or so of lenses off to a nice cliff over the ocean. No, I'm not going to throw it into the sea or jump. I'm going to try to shoot some nice pix. I'll haul along some Tri-X B&W and Max color. Depending on the fog situation, I'll choose which to use.

Well, have a nice day all.

Wild Flowers on a Cliff Face in Big Sur

2006-08-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

Minolta 700si
Quantaray 70-300mm
Kodak HD

Julia Pfeiffer State Park - Big Sur

2006-07-30T05:01:00.000-07:00

This is probably one of the most scenic places along the Central Coast. This was all part of the Pfeiffer home once upon a time. The ruins of the house sit high up on the cliff. It is amazing that whenever I have been there, there are few people. I guess for some reason folks don't know it is there. It also is pretty remote.

Minolta 700si
Quataray 70-300mm
Kodak HD

Wild Flowers in Big Sur

2006-07-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Shot this down at Julia Pfeiffer State Park about 30 miles south of here (Salinas) in Big Sur. A more beautiful place is hard to imagine. The area is prone to fog, so timing is everything. In the summer months the fog sometimes does not clear out until noon and can return as early as 4:00 in the afternoon. None-the-less, it is well worth a long visit. I'll post more on this place over the next few days.

My Sanctuary

2006-07-28T23:43:00.000-07:00

Here is where it all happens... such as it is.

I retreat here to job search, to write, to work with photographs and video and indulge a video game or two.

This week I did a total cleanup and repainted this space. I also hung shelving and now have ready access to all my resources. I am enjoying this.

So, now Ms Bella (The Attack Kitty) and I will be off to bed to read a good book.

Good night world, and thank you God for this good day.

East of Eden

2006-07-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

For you Steinbeck fans, this is the place that inspired the book. His love for The Salinas Valley was a lifelong affair. He was born, raised and is buried here.

This picture again captures what a polarizer can do. The sky could very well have been totally washed out let alone show the wispy sirius clouds. I am a big fan of polarizers and they are mounted permanently on most of my lenses.

Photo:
Minolta 700si
Quantaray 70-300mm w/ polarizer
Kodak HD
Photoshopped to grayscale

Freedom

2006-07-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ah, this just appeals to me.

Today I choose to soar rather than wallow.

Now I think I will lay down and take a nap :)

Photograph:
Fuji 3000 Digital
ISO 100

Up The Salinas Valley - Sometimes It All Just Seems Worthwhile

2006-07-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

Even with all the stress of life in the last number of weeks, there are certainly worse places to be while going through it. Then there is the peace that surpasses all understanding. Yes Sabu, God is good.

Salinas Valley - The Salad Bowl of America

2006-07-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

Barn could use a little work...

Storm Clouds Over the Salinas Valley

2006-07-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

It was hot again here today, upper 90s. It was 97 in San Francisco... San Francisco! Anyone who has been to San Francisco knows that is an amazing temperature for The City by the Bay. Mark Twain may have spent his worst winter one summer in San Francisco, but I guess the exception proves the rule.

About mid-afternoon storm clouds gathered over the Gabilan and Santa Lucia mountains. I was hopeful for rain but afraid of lightning. This place is a tinderbox this time of year. One good lightning strike and we would have had a real problem on our hands. As fate would have it nothing happened, no rain, no lightning.

What the Heck?! It's 95 Here! WE Don't DO 95 0n the Central Coast.

2006-07-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

Really, darling, this is just outrageous. We Oh-So-Social types of the Central Coast just do not DO hot. Think of the persperation stains!

Be that as it may... here is a harvested field on a HOT day, like today. Our median high is around 75. We don't even have air conditioning. Man, this is not fun.

Laguna Seca, which sits totally open on a hilltop about a mile from here has it's big international motorcycle race this weekend. I can not imagine what it must be like up there. We also have The California Rodeo here in town this weekend. Do believe I will pass on that.

Could be worse, my old buddy Kp A advises me the temp will top 120 in Palm Springs.

Pass the iced tea!

Photograph:
Minolta 700si
Quantaray 70-300mm w/ polarizer
Kodak HD

Down to the Sea - Malpaso

2006-07-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Here we are back in Clint Eastwood country again just south of Carmel. This is where Play Misty for Me was shot. I can see why he likes this area. His ranch is in the hills close by.

The beach is just marvelous. The hills above the beach are rugged and pristine, maintained by Big Sur conservation. I have spent a lot of time here. It helps that it is only twenty minutes from our house.

Minolta 700si
Quantaray 70-300mm w/polarizer
Kodak HD ISO 200

In Loving Memory of July in Missouri

2006-07-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

I was just flipping through some pics this morning and saw this one I shot up in the Sierra last winter. That for some perverse reason brought to mind July in Missouri. I hear they have had some rather warm weather back there for the past number of days. So I fired up Paintshop, which has some very nice effects, and gave it the old colored pencil treatment.

It's been hot here too, it got all the way up to 80 yesterday

In The Pinnacles

2006-07-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

This national monument is a few miles "up-valley" from us. It is a strange place. It is one half of an ancient volcano. The othe other half is 300 miles south of here near Los Angeles... on the other side of the San Andreas Fault. Yep, that sucker moves okay. Happily, it took a few hundred thousand years to make the trip.

It also is one of the homes of the California condor, a h-u-g-e vulture like creature. I saw one once. A very large birdy indeed, about a 9' wing span I would guess.

Temperatures in this place can get pretty warm, 110 not being all that unusual this time of year. "But it's dry heat" goes the joke around here. So is an oven. It is amazing what a difference a few miles from the ocean can make.

The lava flows provide a seemingly endless variety of structures. It is a geologist's dream. Walking through the park is like a walk on the moon in many respects.

Photo:
Fuji 3000 digital
Polarizer
ISO 100

California Condor (not my photo).

An Interesting Weed

2006-07-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

I found this thing kind of interesting, not sure what it is.

Fuji 3000 digital with polarizer
ISO 100

Mr Macro's Day Out

2006-07-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

I seldom have the patience for macros, they require... well, like... work. Being as I am a blend of Maynard G. Krebs and a kid with a rampant case of ADHD, the concept of work and standing still is unfamiliar to me. However, occasionally I screw up the willpower and bolt on the old macro, and voila!

Minolta 700si
Minolta 24mm macro
Kodak HD

Happy Anniversary MontereyJohn Blog Thingie

2006-07-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

I do not think that a year ago I would have supposed that I would still be faithfully posting away now. But this has been a great outlet for my more "creative" side. A lot of life's comings, goings and just sitting still have been captured in that time. There also has been some time of just jotting down what is going on in the moment, some of which have been kind of traumatic and others beautiful.

In the last year I became a grandfather, I have dealt with professional ups and downs, I have continued a spiritual journey, I have dealt with health issues and never in all that I have I let go of my love for photography.

Well, what will the next year bring?

Fort Ord and the Salinas Valley

2006-07-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

Just back from Ft Ord where I was running a short errand. Of course I had to shoot a pic or two. It was a lovely afternoon, and about five o'clock the fog started to roll in. I'll put up a few posts of the scene overlooking the Salinas Valley.

These are for my friend Tarty over at IlluminousJon and her Mom, who I am told went to Bezerkley and knows this area well.

Pigeon Point Light

2006-07-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

This shot pleases me. It amply demonstrates what a polarizer can do. That filter brought out the wispy clouds that would not otherwise have been captured.

Minolta 700si
Quantaray 70-300mm w/ polarizer
Kodak HD
Phtoshopped to gray scale.

And Speaking of Trevails... One Down

2006-07-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

Just because the job went away, that does not mean the cancer went with it. So, off to the skin cancer guy this morning. It was called a MOHS procedure, and I never thought it was going to end. Ended up having an egg size hunk of me taken off. The suture line is about two inches long.

But hey, at least that is over with!

Time for bigger and prettier things.

Aye Laddie, Sometimes Life Deals Us Trevails... Now Let's Move On!

2006-07-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

Well, darn, it's hapened again!

Two years ago I was laid-off from an insurance company in a down-sizing. Never mind that, I decided to make lemonade out of a lemon and move to California to be near family and return to my place of birth which I love so much.

I got here and found a spot with a small law firm. It seemed a perfect fit. The day after my birthday the firm shut down. So much for the perfect fit.

So it's time to strike up the band again. Time to hear the skirl of the pipes and the beat of the drums. The Wilsons are coming. We Scots-Irish are not known for faintness of heart.

Carnival of Film - Day 11 - Yosemite

2006-07-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

This really isn't fair, is it? So many of my blog-buddies have to go around searching for subjects and I just have to go out my back door, or get in the car and drive a few miles, and then point and shoot. Jeeze, what a place to live.

Here is Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite.

This weekend, fog permitting, I'll head up to Pigeon Point Light and try to catch a sunset.

Minolta 700si with a Quantaray 70-300mm Kodak HD 200.

Happy Birthday to Me! (?)

2006-07-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

Jeeze, 59 years old! If I had known I'd live this long etc...

Well, today will be lunch with a good friend who happens to share my birthday, so that will be fun.

But before that, I have to go beat some sense into an attorney for one of those rapacious insurance companies. They are resisting, frivilously, a subpoena. This gets so old. the judge is going to make them give me what I want.

Now if you want to know the truth, for many years I defended insurance companies against unscrupulous and over-reaching widows and orphans. I have got to tell you, being on this side is a LOT more fun. Still, it's frustrating to fight the same battle over and over again. I'm getting too old for this stuff.

And that brings me back to my birthday...

Carnival of Film - Day 10 - Point Bonita

2006-07-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is the end of the line, as far west as you can go. On the north side of the Golden Gate are the Marin Headlands and the Point Bonita light. This is the path out to the lighthouse.

Small Town 4th of July

2006-07-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

An old fashioned 4th of July here in California, who would have thought it? A very pleasant surprise. I won't bother to tell you what was going on up the road in San Francisco. But here it was flags, ice cream, strawberries, kids, dogs, fire fighter review, old car parade and good music. America lives! God bless the USA. Happy Birthday!

On the Road Again... Happy 4th of July!

2006-07-01T04:57:00.000-07:00

Or Felice Quatro de Julio as we say here in California.

On the way out of town to spend a couple days with my younguns and granddaughter.

Have a great holiday.

The British Are Coming, The British Are Coming - Welcome "Smile and Wave Boys, Smile and Wave" to Ye Olde Blogroll

2006-06-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

We have a new addition here, someone living on London no less, with an interesting story to tell. I tell you what, if this picture is any indication of what we can expect, this will prove to be a worthy BLOG to visit. Welcome a lovely young lady, Panthera and her "Smile and Wave Boys, Smile and Wave."

A Neat Piece of Photoshopping from My Bro

2006-06-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

The "Old Fool" (aka Bro Mike) is playing with Photoshop... a lot. I really HATE to give him credit for anything let alone post something on my sacred blog, but this truly was rather good.

Here you see the raw photo and the finished product.

Carnival of Film - Day 9 - High in the Sierra

2006-06-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

Took this up in Yosemite above the valley floor. This is not a great exposure and could stand some manipulation. However, I liked the low shutter speed effect.

Shot this with the trusty-rusty Minolta 700si using Quantaray 70-300mm and Kodak Porta film.

BTW - I don't think Portra is worth the greatly increased cost over something like Kodak Ultra Color for my purposes. Perhaps there are uses where Portra shines, but for me I am content with Ultra Color or HD.

Carnival of Film - Day 8 - A Bridge to Nowhere Over the Merced River

2006-06-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

This spot on the Merced River below Yosemite brings out memories of my Dad who was an engineer. He would have loved this old suspension bridge. It now goes nowhere, probably an early Ted Stevens R-Alaska project :-) A lovely spot.

The light was bad when we went past this place with the setting sun being just on the other side of the bridge. I had to take some pretty tortured positions and exposures. But, I just did not want to leave there without something to remember it by.