My Blind Eye

Photo - we bad

2011-11-19T11:02:00.001-08:00

I’m sure taking photos while I’m driving is a crime, but I can’t resist. People but odd stuff on the vehicles, I must shoot. I’m further compelled when I can capture some of the urban ugliness that makes up most of Los Angeles.

I shot this with my Nikon D7000 and a new AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED. I was testing the ‘active mode’ of the lens’ Vibration Reduction technology. It is supposed to reduce the blur associated with shooting while driving. I shot this at 1/60 while doing about 30mph (with one hand no less). I think the VR technology works just fine.

The lens runs about $585 and is an upgrade over the AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G ($179), which I had and beat to death over the last couple of seasons.

Technorati Tags: Photography,Nikon,Nikkor,Lens

Photo - donut ugly

2011-11-17T18:42:00.001-08:00

I picked up AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm lens yesterday. I took this photo of urban ugliness while breaking the lens in. I’m very happy with the Nikon’s vibration reduction technology. I was able to flip it over active and shoot from a moving truck (very slowly moving) and still got some good shots.

The donuts are outstanding. They are served with love by a group of Vietnamese woman who cannot possibly be over five feet tall. They take good care of their customers.

Technorati Tags: Photography,Donuts

Photo - a sad trashcan

2011-11-06T11:25:00.001-08:00

I took my camera on a brief foray into Culver City yesterday and came up dry. I shot this sad trashcan while passing through Cerritos on my way home.

Technorati Tags: Photography,humor

Photo - indifference

2011-10-26T21:50:00.001-07:00

Fuck me. I walked right past this sleeping man on the streets of Berkeley without even stopping to see if he was ok. I shot a photo on my way back after doing some shopping. Damn it.

Technorati Tags: Photography,Street Photography. Homelessness

Photo - Girl on iPhone

2011-10-26T21:39:00.001-07:00

I’m dangerous when it comes to photography. I shoot whatever I want. Even if it is invasive. Even if I’m driving. Even if my wife yells at me. I shoot and shoot and shoot. I know one that day somebody will punch me in the nose, but I’m pretty sure my size keeps the majority of people at bay anyway. So I shoot, and shoot, and shoot some more. Like this photo.

I was hanging out on Park street in Alameda while my family hit the shops. I hate shopping. It interferes with shooting. The young lady started to pull from her parking spot but stopped to make a text. She pulled part way out and then stopped again. She did it three more times (to the massive frustration of other drivers) before she finally pulled away. I could not help myself. I shot what I hopped was a not-to-creepy picture of youthful folly. Cause… you know I would never…

Technorati Tags: Photography,iPhones,Texting

Photo - grass at the beach

2011-10-24T22:00:00.001-07:00

I saw the most remarkable thing this weekend while walking on a beach in Alameda near San Francisco. A couple of thousand small sea birds took flight near me. Their coloring flashed white and gray in a great undulating wave as they danced over the water. It was like watching a National Geographic nature program, expect that it was breathtakingly real and happening with a few yards of where I was standing. I regret not having a good HDR video recorder.

I shot this on the beach in Alameda with my Nikon D7000, which has a good HDR video camera – only I was using a lens that made it impossible to shoot the flock in flight.

Technorati Tags: Photography,Nature,Birds,Alameda

iPhone photo - at the cupcake truck

2011-10-11T17:26:00.001-07:00

I visit a group of food trucks each Thursday night. The Lime Truck shows at this spot near Los Alamitos CA, near Long Beach. I must have a their lamb sandwich. I must! The food is so damn good. It’s no wonder the Lime Truck won the Food Network's great food truck race.

This photo is from the cupcake truck. I shot this busty cupcake maid serving the love of my life two cupcakes. What I like about the iPhone and photography is that I can get decent results with it and it’s various photography apps. Of course, I would still rather shoot with my Nikon, but hey, when in a pinch, the iPhone produces good results.

Technorati Tags: Photography,iPHone,Food Trucks

Photo: Girl at Starbucks

2011-10-04T20:07:00.001-07:00

This is a companion photo to Hip and alone, which I posted last week. I did not like my angle, but could not move for a better shot. I took a few shots of her while absorbed in her phone. I struck me as odd that a pretty girl setting across from her boyfriend would spend almost all of her time looking a a phone and zoning out. Is this how relationships work these days?

I shot this with my Nikon D7000 with the ISO set to 2000. It was handheld and extend out on to by table with a fast Nikor 50mm lens. This is my favorite of the series.

Technorati Tags: Photography,Cerritos

Photo: Hip and alone

2011-10-01T12:40:00.001-07:00

Cerritos, California has very little nightlife. A few tea and coffee shops serve in place of the normal city bars scene. Most of what is open is dark by midnight. I found myself alone at a Starbucks last week in the late evening waiting for a friend that never showed up. I turned my Nikon D7000 and 50mm lens on the locals while waiting. This was my favorite shot. This young hip teen had all the right gear, yet he was alone. Near the end of my stay his amazingly beautiful date showed up. They ignored each other while concentrating on their various electronic gadgets.

I was approached by 3 lonely men during my hour at Starbucks. Each only wanted to connect for a few minutes. It was an interesting experience. I’m not much of a connecting type, but I played along.

I carry the D7000 with a fast 50mm lens whenever I want to indulge my street photography jones. It’s a reliable camera with two programmable presets that give me a good chance to capture the moment. It’s hard in Cerritos though, as there is no street its all shopping malls and strip malls, all with no heart.

Technorati Tags: Photography,Street Photography,Cerritos

Photo - Jon Boxing

2011-09-17T13:42:00.001-07:00

I shot a few photos of my son Jon doing his boxing workout. He’s a remarkable man whose dedication to boxing is surprising given his gentle nature. Two years ago he decided to lose over 100 pounds and get in shape. A strict diet together with joining a real boxing gym up in Oakland have turned him into a hard hitting heavyweight. He’s 6’3” and about 210. He can hit the heavy bag hard enough to shake my whole house. I’m proud of him.

You can see 6 other photos here.

Technorati Tags: Photography,Boxing

Photo - a young smoker

2011-08-26T13:47:00.001-07:00

I try not to judge. I’m a former smoker myself. When I see a scene like this I automatically think, “Don’t do it.” I know there is no hope though. the odds that this beautiful young woman will turn into this old desiccated smoker are pretty high. When and how she quits is up to her.

I carry a camera where ever I go. I prefer urban ugly. In this case, I’m calling it ugly and adding it to my not so buena project.

This is an HDR black and white photo. I used the 3 shot handheld bracketed sequence on my Nikon D300.

Technorati Tags: Photography,Smokers,HDR

iPhone photo - Meaning

2011-08-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

I shot the photo today while waiting in a parking lot at the Target in Cerritos. I was waiting because I hate to shop, even at 9:00 am on a Sunday morning. After catching up on a short podcast I got out of my truck to shoot 2 things that had caught my eye. The pattern on this tree was the second item of interest. After I shot it, a security guard asked me what I was doing. When I told him I was shooting photos he scratched his head and asked to see my photo. I showed him this shot. He asked me, “What does it mean?” I was honest and said, “Hell if I know.”

Technorati Tags: iPhone,iPhone photos,Photography

iPhone Photo - A window

2011-08-21T11:10:00.001-07:00

I shot this a few weeks ago with my iPhone. It captures a moment where three very important woman in my life are enjoying the view from a café window. My wife, daughter-in-law, and mother were all tired after a long day exploring. I take shot like this to help me remember how I felt. I was happy and soon to be content after an outstanding meal.

Technorati Tags: Photography,iPhone

Photo - A California poppy

2011-08-18T21:38:00.001-07:00

I took 20 photos today. Each one sucked. That’s the way it is sometimes.

I shot this two weeks ago but had not had a chance to process it yet. It’s a flower I shot at the OC fair. It was a single point of beauty on an otherwise hot and muggy day.

I shot this with my Nikon D300 at f/4.5 and 1/1000. It was 2:00 in the afternoon on a hot sunny day. I was frustrated and hating life because of the throng of people sucking down beer and deep fried butter. I just wanted a moment of peace. I found it in the cactus garden with it sparse application of golden flowers.

Technorati Tags: Photography,D300

iPhone Photo - lamps

2011-08-17T22:09:00.001-07:00

I game myself a challenge this month. I’m trying hard to see the beauty around me. I read story after story of depravity. It’s hard to write. I can’t take it anymore. I’m in a down cycle right now in fact. There are no fewer that 12 new stories waiting for me and I can’t do it. Especially after researching this horrible example. One or two stories a night is all I can manage. But beauty… that I can do every day.

Yesterday it was a lamp fixture shaped like flowers in the Irvine Hilton’s conference center. I was attending a Manager Tools conference and took a few good shots on the short breaks allotted to us during the day. This was the best.

Let me say this about the Manager Tools conference. It was the best experience I’ve ever had at a professional developer conference. And I’ve attended conferences with Peter Drucker, Tom Peters, and the legendary Dr. Edwards Deming. Mark Horstman and Mike Auzenne have a good product and they know how to teach it. I hung on every word. Attend one if you can.

I’m writing a review for my real blog…

Technorati Tags: Photography,Management

Photography, Management

iPhone photo - Things Organized Neatly

2011-08-17T20:55:00.001-07:00

This is was taken with my iPhone and is a nod to my new obsession, Things Organized Neatly. Check it out.

Technorati Tags: Photography,Blogging,iPhone

Photo - A ghost

2011-08-13T17:51:00.001-07:00

One of the reasons I carry my camera is to capture that million dollar photo of a ghost. I came close with the Bay Area subject I found on the back of a sign.

Technorati Tags: Photography,Ghosts

Photo – Jeans

2011-08-12T21:16:00.001-07:00

I shot this photo while walking around the Orange County Fair. The theme this year was, “Let’s eat.” I passed on all of the fried food, like deep fried butter on a stick and bacon infused churros. Instead I went straight for the roast turkey legs. I love them so…

If had shot this using a real woman my wife would have killed me. It all falls under the heading, “try not to be creepy when you have your camera."

I should add that the photo display was impressive. I was particularly impress with the young photographers section.

Technorati Tags: Photography,County Fairs

iPhone photo - Ponch

2011-08-12T19:52:00.001-07:00

I shot this while walking with a friend in Hollywood. People who know me well understand that I might simply stop in mid stride or while talking and start taking photos. There was no need this time. My friend was smoking a cigarette before jumping in my truck so I took a few photos to keep my mind of smoking. Being a former smoker sucks.

This shot caught my eye because whoever put this tag up was so neat. It's like they stayed within the lines on purpose. I shot a few photos with my iPhone. This was the best.

It's been a long week folks. I've found it hard to do anything besides work and sleep. Plus I'm sick of pedophile pastors. I'll get back to blogging soon.

iPhone photo – stucco pattern

2011-08-07T12:29:00.001-07:00

I pulled into a drive through restaurant to get an ice tea and saw this stucco pattern on a nearby wall. Patterns and textures are one of the joys of iPhone photography. I can capture what I see in just a few seconds without carrying my professional gear around. I do it all the time.

Shot with the iPhone Hipstamatic app.

Technorati Tags: Photography,iPhone

iPhone Photo – Pinkberry’s Grass

2011-08-07T09:44:00.001-07:00

I keep my eye open for patterns while I’m out and about. This grass pattern came from inside a Pinkberry shop near my home. The shop features a backlit floral display behind frosted class. It’s large and subtly beautiful. I shoot something in the shop every time I visit. It’s a stimulating and tasty environment.

By the way, Pinkberry’s Salted Caramel flavored yogurt is crazy good. Give it a try and snap a few photos of your own.

Technorati Tags: iPhone Photography,Photography

Your past for sale

2011-01-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

Hanging out at the flea market drives home the fact that your past is on sale – your past, or in this case your parent’s.

Technorati Tags: Photography

Baubles

2011-01-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

Bright shiny objects capture my attention like a soup bone calls to a dog.

Technorati Tags: Photography

Watch collection

2011-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Some people hang on to the oddest things. The vendor wanted $15 each for these old clock faces and works. He wanted a few dollars from me for taking a picture too. I declined his offer.

Technorati Tags: Photogrpahy

Graffiti - Tags in Long Beach #2

2011-01-16T11:51:00.001-08:00

My second shot from Long Beach. Another van, another pissed of owner.

Technorati Tags: Photography

Graffiti – tags in Long Beach

2011-01-16T11:48:00.001-08:00

I found this tag on the side of truck in Long Beach. I love the layers color. I saw several panel trucks like this. It must piss the owners off.

Technorati Tags: Photography

Orchids #5

2011-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Orchids #4

2010-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

Orchids #3

2010-12-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Orchids #2

2010-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Orchids #1

2010-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

I lost myself

2010-12-27T21:12:00.001-08:00

Freeway art from the 91

2010-12-27T20:51:00.001-08:00

My matchbox from China

2010-12-27T20:48:00.001-08:00

Once was a face

2010-12-27T20:46:00.001-08:00

What is the point Jese?

2010-12-27T20:45:00.001-08:00

School’s Out

2010-07-03T20:04:00.001-07:00

Chocolate Diva

2010-03-07T14:31:00.000-08:00

Hipster in San Francisco

2010-02-20T14:35:00.000-08:00

Dirty window

2010-01-08T14:38:00.000-08:00

Mark

2009-04-12T09:51:00.001-07:00

blond baby

2008-09-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

Disc Golf in the afternoon

2007-08-29T20:41:00.001-07:00

Technorati tags: Disc Golf, DiscGolf, B&W, Long Beach, California

Dolphin on PCH

2007-07-22T17:48:00.001-07:00

Jogging at the beach

2007-07-22T17:44:00.001-07:00

A boy and his dog

2007-06-16T13:53:00.001-07:00

Technorati tags: Photodriving, Cerritos, sculpture, Public Art

Hoodie

2007-06-02T21:53:00.001-07:00

I love his smile - so full of life.

Technorati tags: Photography, casual portrate

Cassie in the window

2007-05-28T21:23:00.001-07:00

Beer and Peanuts

2007-05-28T12:33:00.001-07:00

A new bar, beer, peanuts and no people. Yum.

Roberson playing cards 2

2007-05-26T23:00:00.001-07:00

Technorati tags: Photography, Mojoey, lighting

Robertson playing cards 1

2007-05-26T22:57:00.001-07:00

Technorati tags: Photography, Mojoey, lighting

Lowrider

2007-05-05T15:06:00.001-07:00

Cars are a gas. The fat dude who rolled out of this was full of pride and attitude. I love LA.

Technorati tags: Photography, Lowrider, Cars

A duck at the party

2007-04-07T19:13:00.001-07:00

I went to a princess party today. So did this duck.

Technorati tags: Photography, duck, nature

Do you want flowers with that shake?

2007-03-31T10:28:00.001-07:00

Shot this morning in a Burger King parking lot in La Palma. Another is posted here.

Technorati tags: Photography, spring, flowers, yellow, vines

Gutter Flowers

2007-02-18T19:12:00.001-08:00

Technorati tags: Photography, Flowers, Macro

hood ornament

2007-02-18T19:10:00.001-08:00

Technorati tags: cars, car culture, photography

View from Safeway

2007-02-18T19:06:00.001-08:00

Technorati tags: Photography, Trees, Sunset

Grandma Banos

2007-02-10T11:18:00.001-08:00

Had brunch with Mom and Dad the other day. We had good seats.

Technorati tags: Photography, Family

Red Arm

2007-02-10T11:00:00.001-08:00

Poor bastard - some superhero died in my driveway last night. The only thing left was a mangled right arm.

Technorati tags: Photography

skulls

2007-01-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

Bambo at LACMA

2007-01-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

Rich is not here

2007-01-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

John smoking

2006-10-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Carwash

2006-09-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

Kenny Smoking

2006-09-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

At the airpot

2006-09-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

A truck I followed

2006-09-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

Ride

2006-09-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

Young couple playing video games

2006-09-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

I shot this today while playing video games with my wife and son. This couple reminded me of my wife and I 20 years ago.

Some Hightowers

2006-08-28T23:42:00.000-07:00

Palm Reader

2006-08-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

First post

2006-08-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

My Blind Eye

Photo - we bad

Photo - donut ugly

Photo - a sad trashcan

Photo - indifference

Photo - Girl on iPhone

Photo - grass at the beach

iPhone photo - at the cupcake truck

Photo: Girl at Starbucks

Photo: Hip and alone

Related articles

Photo - Jon Boxing

Photo - a young smoker

Related articles

iPhone photo - Meaning

iPhone Photo - A window

Related articles

Photo - A California poppy

iPhone Photo - lamps

iPhone photo - Things Organized Neatly

Photo - A ghost

Photo – Jeans

Related articles

iPhone photo - Ponch

iPhone photo – stucco pattern

iPhone Photo – Pinkberry’s Grass

Related articles

Your past for sale

Baubles

Watch collection

Graffiti - Tags in Long Beach #2

Graffiti – tags in Long Beach

Orchids #5

Orchids #4

Orchids #3

Orchids #2

Orchids #1

I lost myself

Freeway art from the 91

My matchbox from China

Once was a face

What is the point Jese?

School’s Out

Chocolate Diva

Hipster in San Francisco

Dirty window

Mark

blond baby

Disc Golf in the afternoon

Dolphin on PCH

Jogging at the beach

A boy and his dog

Hoodie

Cassie in the window

Beer and Peanuts

Roberson playing cards 2

Robertson playing cards 1

Lowrider

A duck at the party

Do you want flowers with that shake?

Gutter Flowers

hood ornament

View from Safeway

Grandma Banos

Red Arm

skulls

Bambo at LACMA

Rich is not here

John smoking

Carwash

Kenny Smoking

At the airpot

A truck I followed

Ride

Young couple playing video games

Some Hightowers

Palm Reader

First post