Holiday Lights 2011

On December 26, 2011 ... I had the opportunity to shoot at the Mission Inn "Festival of Lights" in Riverside, CA.  Here are a few of the images I took of the lights, street photography and just stuff that caught my eye!

 

Even without a tripod, I was lucky to catch the moon!

All the children enjoyed the outdoor skating rink!

They even had horse drawn cartridges!

Horses on the move!

Day of the Dead 2011

A great event and a truly family celebration. Dia de los Muertos is an annual tradition throughout Latin America and is a large part of many US homes.  The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. On October 22, 2011, I was able to photograph several people to came to Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

 

 Many people dressed depicting their native heritage.

 Each one is individual and special to the person.

 

 Skulls dress up the various alters;
each one memorialize a loved one.

 

Families of all generations particpate in this celebration.

 

 Red roses and marigolds are part of the celebration.

 

 Some couples dress as brides and grooms.

 

And as in LA, some dress in "Old Hollywood" style.

 

 Other people use old family scarfs and shirts to commemorate the day.

 

 Detailed face make-up is a standard for this celebration.

 

Thousands of families gathered in LA to listen to
music and enjoy the day.
Children of all ages got into the celebration.

 

Hollywood glamor was clearly part of
several outfits of the day.

A few people went with a more Spanish flare,
while others felt the pirate in them come through.

 

Friends also enjoyed dressing up too!

Other people just placed skulls (or Catrinas) 

around their alters.

 Each person's face dressing is as individual as they are.

  

Even the youngest ones got into the celebration.

 A war memorial alter was created by a family who's served in the military for several generations.

 

Dance is large part for several people.

And ... there is no shortage of photo opportunities throughout the grounds.

 Everyone is creative in how they showed off their spirit!

Oceanside Harbor Days

Harbor Days is always a fun event in Oceanside.  Lot's pirate running around, way too much food and many booths looking to separate you and your money.  But through it all, it's a great place for street photography. 

Here's a few images from today's adventure.  

 A standard fixture at the harbor!

You never know what you'll find on the beach ... a Pirate's Cove or the Titanic.

Some of the littlest "survivors" look to be having way too much fun!

 Aarrr ... beware!

 The military was on hand smiling faces. 

A great way to explore the Harbor.

In San Diego, Sprinkles = Umbrella

Just 30 miles south of Oceanside is San Diego. On Labor Day 2011, I drove down to see the Tall Ships docked for the festival. But something more fun to shoot was all the people who immediately grabbed for their umbrellas after a few drops of rain.  Look closer ... you can even count them if you wanted to.

Well ... it didn't even rain.  Just sprinkled and all of a sudden people for running for shelter.  I enjoy street shooting. It's getting a little additive in a "safe" way. At this point, no one has approached me to ask "why am I shooting them".  I know someone will at some point. I'm still deciding what I will tell them when that happens?

September Pet Workshops ... room for more!

For dog owners, their dog's a member of the family; so of course, they need to be part of the family portrait. You'll create your own individual and special picture of your dog.

You don’t need to be a photographer. Whether you use your camera phone, a point and shoot, or a SLR; you've learn on how to pose your pet, various “points of view” to take the picture, backgrounds, formal and informal positions, props, costumes and when/how to use treats. We'll review lighting, composition, the rule of thirds / and depth of field and F-stops. These are important basics of photography. We will cover when to use "the rules" and when to break them for better photographs. 

The group is limited to ten participants, so you will get plenty of personal instruction. The workshop will be held in the North County (Oceanside) and your dogs are invited to attend.Only $84 Limit on only 10 students per class. Your dog must be well mannered and have all their vaccinations.

 

2. Learn to USE your camera - Beginning Photography

• What those buttons on your camera mean

• How to use them and their purpose

• Learn composition

• The rule of thirds

• Photography as an art

Only $84 Limit on only 10 students per class.

Individual and/or group workshops can be arranged. Please contact me if you are interested. 

Sign up NOW! 

Pirate Freddy

Earlier in August, I had a great time hanging out with my Grand-Nephew Freddy.  From swinging to rumping around the playground, he always gives me interesting poses and loves the camera. Gee ... I wonder where he get's that from???

What a great afternoon and an awesome little boy!!

Two pirates, but Pirate Freddy has won the swing!