The Compton Initiative

My report on the volunteer project, The Compton Initiative and photos were featured on the LA Works blog.  Check it out and read about the important stuff that matters that pertain to our community in need of your support.  Click on the image below.

Sharpness The Deadly Dozen | OutdoorPhotographer.com

I found this article in Outdoor Photography to be one of my favorites, particularly because it gives you good tips on how to master focus on a consistent basis.  People always come up to me and want to talk about camera and gear and usually elude the more greater concern in obtaining sharp imagery.

Sharpness The Deadly Dozen | OutdoorPhotographer.com

Vancouver 30 (30 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (29 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (28 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (27 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (26 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (25 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (24 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (23 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (22 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (21 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (20 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (19 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (17 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (18 of 30)

Vancouver 30 (15 of 30)

This urban sector known as Gastown, consists of older buildings that represents the city roots as an important trade hub in the northwest.  Today, the architecture, combined with the cobble stones roads makes this location an attractive night spot for residents and tourists.

Vancouver 30 (14 of 30)

This is the historic side of town in Vancouver.  Gastown is known as the commercial and trade hub as you can see by the cargo trains that wisps through this urban center.  Today this place is a busy hub for social night outs and great place to take in clean air by the sea.

Vancouver 30 (16 of 30)

 The surrounding city illuminates with a contrasting background of moving cloud and fog that is lit up by a nearby sky resort.

Vancouver 30 (13 of 30)

Prestine is how I'd describe Vancouver's skyline.  But unlike some of the other major North American urban centers, Vancouver seems to breath easier.  Its height doesn't overwhelm you the way Chicago does, nor the magnitude and complexity like New York appear escapeless.  For a small scale modern metropolis, you can sense the emergence of technology, commerce, and community.  By design, Vancouver doesn't really lack anything that other cities have.  You could not complain nor feel deprived by its beauty, instead get captured by its wonder.

Vancouver 30 (12 of 30)

Ever wonder what it would be like to live in a major city that belongs in the Northwest.  Rent is skyrocketing, and the cost of living is about 25% more than what you typically spend in LA.  Its not to say that LA is cheap, but more on the lines of having accessibility to cheaper things.



As depicted condo highrises dominate housing that are not intended to be flashy, elegant or elaborate in any style or context of fashionable living, but defined by modern and middle of the road.  Outside the modern barriers, a city surrounded by natural beauty is a better definition of this city because after all, time and time again, people will say; "Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities."

American Landscapes - Lake Tahoe, CA

Lake Tahoe is located in the alpines of the Sierra mountain range that borders California and Nevada.  On a perfect day, the water surface resonates the most vibrant blue of its kind.  And when you engage close to the water, you can actually see its vivid clarity, as its clear water is one of the lakes characteristics that is famous for.



Over the years the water has lost its clarity as it is decreasing at an average rate of .25 meters per year. 



The area around Lake Tahoe was originally inhabited by the Washoe tribe of Native Americans.



Watersports, from swimming, paddle boarding, jet skiing canoeing, kayaking, yachting, diving, and scuba diving are some of the recreational activities that take place on the lake.  During the winter, parts of the area gets closed off due to heavy snow storms.  However, Lake Tahoe remains to be a popular attraction for winter sport activities.



If you know that there are great landscapes in your area, I encourage anyone to flock over there and engage with it.  Take the trip or journey, and it will be worth it because of its powerful imprint it will have on your conscience and imagination.

Vancouver 30 (11 of 30)

I would of regretted if I had traveled across border into Vancouver and not have taken this photo on a perfect spring day when the Cherry Blossoms have bloomed.  At this particular vantage point in the West End neighborhood, you can see the bay nestled in the background, all the while the blossoms harmonizes this urban setting with spring colors.  I shot this photo with a narrow aperture setting in order to keep everything in focus and to allow the contrasting Spring colors of the blossoms to permeate a typical cool toned cityscape scene.

Vancouver 30 (10 of 30)

The feeling you get when you've finally arrived.  If you've never been to Vancouver, entering the city on Granville bridge is like a grand entrance into a scene.  A place unfamiliar can often feel out in the distance but that feeling can be absolved to greater heights during the first glance of a picturesque view that is just a moments pass from the bridge.  This place feels familiar, where the ideas of urban character have advanced into something positively fresh, safe, and promising.  I composed this shot to trace all the energy and directional space from the rail down the center core and using long exposure to generate streaking lights from passing automobiles.

Vancouver 30 (9 0f 30)

I shot this photo deep into the hour of the sunset.  The faint hues of the sun dissipates while casting a chill glow over the surface of the water.  The details of all the structures and objects are mostly hidden in the silhouette.  The beauty of this Vancouver scene is traced by the sun's natural lighting and the practical light sources from the interiors of the buildings and lamp posts.  What you see is what you don't get.

Vancouver 30 (8 of 30)

Vancouver has a modern high rise that symbolizes the modern city which is spectacular in sight, architecturally progressive, and a livable beauty.  The overcast weather softens harsh lighting during mid day, as a result, the reflective surfaces on the green glass and steel combined with its ocean surrounding enhances this city with marine charm.

Vancouver 30 (7 of 30)

The blue sky has such a strong effect.  Combine that with the historic downtown walk in Gastown, you are guaranteed a picturesque view of the city.  A storm is likely here to stay, rather than passing through.

Vancouver 30 (6 of 30)

This is another night scene depiction of Vancouver that again illustrates its clarity and the way the glowing night sky adds to its overall charm.

Vancouver 30 (5 of 30)

On many occasions the Vancouver sky provides a deep blue backdrop which allows the city to glow due to its regular wet seasons.  You can always picture the weather here as cool and clammy on a consistent basis and can sometimes be fun to capture.

Vancouver 30 (4 of 30)

This is one of my favorite views of the city from Burrard Bridge, an entry and exit point into downtown Vancouver.  The look and feel of the city's modern presence begins at one of these entry points, and into a place that is neither complex nor simple, but perhaps desirable as you get closer to its modern high rise lifestyle.  Glassy, steele, and clean to make it simple.