In a world of so many great photographers and writers, I am venturing into some unknown territories, leaving comfort zones, finally very willing to practice the art of seeing. By maintaining the practice of posting daily photos, I hope to continue learning about the possibilities that I trust are out there for the taking.
Checking out different light with Jen tonight.
Before the sun set.
After the sun set behind San Jacinto.
Yogi and her boyfriend Matt have been staying here until they leave tomorrow for the ADZPCTKO annual backpacking event this weekend at the Lake Morena Campground, located on the PCT, 20 miles north of the Mexican border. I’ll be headed down on Thursday, and Melissa and Jen arrive on Friday, late afternoon.
Here is a photo of this year’s Class of 2013 PCT bandanas.
I’ve known Yogi since April of 2002 when I met her at the beginning of our thru-hikes that year. I’ve never known Yogi to have a boyfriend. She’s waited for the right one…..And….she found the right one in Matt when they met, Yogi’s 3rd day doing a thru-hike, on the AT.
Yogi!
Matt!
The 6:40am light falling on Jen near the end of our hike was too good to pass up. Jen came up with the idea of posing like Mother Theresa.
Yesterday I took a day for myself and finally started looking at Doug Gordon’s Workshop DVDs I’d purchased in March at WPPI. I learned a lot. This morning in overhead sun while hiking I took the photo below of Jen in the shade. I got in as close to Jen’s face as I could to gain focus, using the widest aperture, f 1.2 on the 85mm lens. Tilting the camera a bit is new for me too. I always shoot so literal and linear!
I wanted everything except for Jen’s lips to go soft…out of focus. In the past I’ve had trouble knowing how to use this wide open aperture, but today I liked what I got coming in close on Jen’s face. Lastly, while editing in Lightroom, I brought the photo into Nik Efex B & W software applying (and adjusting a bit) the High Key preset for the final look and feel.
Jen, shot this morning, in the shade, on our bump & grind hike, using the Canon 5d Mark 111 and 85 mm 1.2 L lens.
Rest in peace my friend. Photo of Susan taken at our Ranch in 1989.
Sandi is a friend who will go to any lengths for me. I appreciate her and sometimes forget to let her know. I love the mischievous look in the twinkle of Sandi’s eyes.
I brought my camera fitted with a 100mm macro lens and shot some candid photos of the ladies I had dinner with last night. It’s the first time I’ve used this lens as a portrait lens as opposed to close up macro shooting.
Sandi at California Chicken Cafe in Encino.
Waiting for Jen to pick me up this morning, I couldn’t believe I wasn’t out hiking for this sunrise!
Unbelievable color this morning.
My friend Ann and her boyfriend Rob ran the Lake Cachulla Triathlon today. Ann ran this Tri last year too. Today she bettered her time and Rob came in first in his division and 3rd OVERALL!!!
I’ve uploaded 200 Triathlon photos to my Portfolio website. Click here to view photos. Click on Slideshow after following the link to see the photos full screen.
Jen and I went out and photographed the swimming and biking portions, focusing on Ann and Rob, of course.
Rob and Ann. Congrats to you both!
After a morning and early afternoon up in Hemit I got home and couldn’t keep my eyes open. I went to lie down for a nap when I noticed a butterfly on the newly budding yellow flowers outside. The butterfly wasn’t around when I went out with my camera but the sun and balmy day felt so good I lingered outside looking for photo ops.
Ron Cukier’s sand shot a couple hundred yards from our back door.
Watching Ron on the 17th hole on this incredibly beautiful 80 degree afternoon.
And here come Keenan and Carol walking the course by our home.
Meeting Bob as he arrived at the restaurant.
The birthday boy Bob and, Pat in Cabezon.
More diners, our friends Matt and Cat.
Jerry and Sandi too.