Local flavor…

Mmmm. Ok, so it’s early, before breakfast, so maybe that had some influence on my choice of photo today. Those berries look mouth-watering! But the real reason I am posting this image is to mention something I love to do when traveling. Beyond the obvious sights–the skyscrapers, landscape vistas, and must-see tourist stops–one of my favorite things to do is isolate small aspects of a locale that really bring home its local flavor. In this case, I eyed these bountiful strawberries at  a produce stand near Pier 39 in San Francisco. I remember passing by these overflowing bushels of berries  and stopping to think of the rich history of farmland that the Pacific coast has long been known for, and that my favorite writer, John Steinbeck, loved so much. It was a nice moment, and one that these berries take me back to each time I view this shot. Now… for that breakfast! Hope you enjoy…

Blue view….

Photography is all about creativity, as well as documentation. And most of the time,  interesting images emerge at the intersection of those two aspects. I know some folks are purists, and feel photography should be documenting the truth; others feel it’s entirely a creative art, with no boundaries at all. For me, it’s all about creating emotion and mood–something evocative. I photographed the Golden Gate Bridge quite a bit on my visit  last year, and tried in my limited time to find many different ways to portray it. This shot has been processed to emulate twilight, although admittedly, the blue atmosphere is entirely of my own making. It does bring out a different essence to the bridge, however, and in the end, I quite liked the alternative portrayal. It’s not something I’d go overboard with, but it’s certainly interesting to push the boundaries within yourself, from time to time. Hope you enjoy…

A mighty span…

The Golden Gate is such a romantic bridge, and I’d daresay, one of the most photographed in the world. It’s unique color, and the beauty of the landscape it spans, makes it truly a magnificent subject. This view was taken from an aerial tour of the San Francisco Bay and the city; We had just made the incredible loop-de-loop over the top of the bridge and were ready to fly back under when I captured this shot. I’m proud of this one, as it portrays the length and breadth of this beautiful structure just as felt it at the time. For me, bringing a sense of both inherent truth and beauty to an image, via the photographic medium, is really what it’s all about. Hope you enjoy…

Sittin’ on the dock of the Bay…

Tourists may come and go here at San Francisco’s Pier 39, but to the area’s indigenous residents, it’s just another day on the Bay. I caught this guy eyeing the nearby minnows during a mid-day visit to the popular pier last summer. I particularly liked capturing the geometric patterns of the boardwalks, as they jutted in and out of the frame. More images from this fabulously rich area to come, as I am months behind on working on my San Francisco portfolio! So many photos, so little time! Hope you enjoy…