As Eye See Things

Surprises

2010-01-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

Skiing in Bear Valley. After 20 years of having not skied, yesterday I finally bit the bullet. While skiing with a friend, whose skill and grace on the mountain are beyond measure I might add, I was confronted with a few doses of fear...fear of muscle pain, of looking like a total buffoon, of not being able to keep up, of plain old injury. A couple of times I found myself stalled on a run, looking down over the next section trying to figure out the easiest way down without doing cartwheels or the dreaded rookie "snow plow." Thoughts of 'too fast' or 'icy spots' together with 'steer with toes' and 'open course' ran through my mind until I finally just said screw it and pointed downhill, even though I was scared stiff. Holy CRAP, AHHH....ACK.....AAHHHH....haha....haha....haha.....WOW! What a run! What a blast. And what a nice surprise.

Pardon us, coming through

2009-05-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

So there I was, happily scouting locations on a trail in Yosemite while I waited for the evening light. I'd walked off the main road and crashed through the thicket after crossing a stream and started to follow a well-worn animal path that led away from the bank and into the trees, just to see where it went. I had my tripod set up underneath a tree trying to decide if I should shoot some macro stuff or just take a break and enjoy the scenery. I was pretty well hidden and was enjoying the silence when I heard something rustling in the bushes. Of course my mind was automatically screaming BEAR! or AXE MURDERER! so I instinctively held my breath and tuned my ears while my eyes darted around trying to detect movement, when out of the shadows step two beautiful deer. They sauntered toward me without notice or care, stopping to nibble some greens and sniff the air. As they passed, and now that my blood started circulating again, I slowly unhooked my camera just for some grab shots, when this dainty little lady suddenly stopped and relieved herself! She looked over her shoulder at me as if to say "Yeah? What of it?" Gotta love it.

Two Thousand Nine

2009-01-05T20:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Few things get me more excited than planning fun things for the future, except living out those plans and savoring as much of it as possible. The New Year finds me filled with wanderlust so I’m lining up some fun outings to get myself through winter. First up is attempting snowshoeing. Reservations have been made and outfits/gear have been appropriated so the only thing that awaits is time and the hopeful thoughts of snow storms between now and then. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and serenity of snowshoeing. Hiking is one of my favorite things to do and winter is my favorite time of year, and snow is my favorite form of frozen things (next to yogurt of course) so what better way to experience them all at the same time? To get myself better prepared for the fun but physically demanding sport, I’ve embarked upon a workout regiment that I hope to be able to follow...time will tell but at least my intentions are good to start with. We shall see.

Being the optimist that I can’t help to be, I’ve already set up a reward for myself with a trip to the north coast for a dungenous crab feast! Rocky coastlines, wind-whipped hiking trails, crackling fire, good wine and fresh crab! Can’t beat that. With snowshoeing as a personal challenge and the coastal crab as reward I will hopefully be deposited at Spring’s door with good health and full heart.

May your 2009 be just what you want it to be.

Kidnapped!

2008-09-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I kidnapped my niece and we drove up the twisty thread of Highway 4 and over Ebbetts Pass and landed a couple hours later on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, a place she'd yet to see in person. It was a gorgeous day for a drive and we were treated to aspens just beginning their annual color change and the mild temperatures of the high sierra in early Fall. We took our time getting there with no regard to the clock and after poking around the beach for a bit we decided on the spot that we'd take the gondola ride up to the Heavenly ski resort. If you've never done this I highly recommend it...the views are breathtaking and the ride is smooth and quiet, almost serene. After gawking at the blue depths of the lake and wrapping our minds around the elevation of over 9100' at which we were standing we treated ourselves to delicious caramel apples at the bottom of the hill before heading home. The drive back was leisurely, stopping to snap pictures and once on the western slope of the pass, we pulled over to watch the sunset turn the countryside a rich shade of peachy-pink. Doing these simple things with my niece brings me so much happiness, I love spending time with her. She's a pretty amazing young lady.

Optimism in Circles

2008-09-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

Ever notice how life seems to go in circles? The older we get, the wider the circles become until at last we arrive where we began. Is life just made up of a bunch of circles, each of us going around and around, colliding into one another? If so then what is the point of it all? Perhaps we'll never know the answer, or maybe there's more than one answer to the age-old question of our purpose here, I don't know. I do know that each time I make a revolution on my own path of circles that I pick up some valuable information to take with me on the next go-round. The wider the circles, the longer the journey, the slower the pace, the smoother it goes.

Scene One, Take One - Action!

2008-09-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

You know that filming technique where they show someone walking down the street and there's music playing, setting the mood, giving you a glimpse of what's going on inside their mind? Picture Laverne and Shirley bouncing out of their apartment onto the sidewalk..."we're gonna make it!" Or Clint Eastwood standing in a dusty landscape, his gritty squint into the sun, with that dude whisting that famous ditty, a precursor to someone getting toasted in a gun draw. Now picture me standing in a clearing staring into the distance with a camera glued to my face. The music and scene has everything to do with taking a week's vacation in Yosemite next month, and I am ecstatic! One day will be spent hiking with my family, the following days will be all about oak trees and autumn colors and solitude, river scenes and mountain tops, and meadows. And photography. The song: Zippety Doo Dah!

I'm counting the days...

Good Things

2008-08-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

Good things are found everywhere, even when you're not looking. Today however, I was looking and they arrived with repetition. Once in the form of a lunch invitation to hit the local farmer's market where, aside from bags and bags of fresh produce, I also picked up a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Then I was on my evening walk underneath the most beautiful sunset, and I witnessed everyone else stopping to stare at it too. That was great! I'll count those as two separate items of goodness, why not. Which leads me to the end of my day, where I'm content and with dinner taken care of and relaxing to soon commence, I notice one of the sunflowers in my bouquet and enjoyed photographing it.

So the Good Things count for today is as follows:

1. Lunch invitation

2. Healthy food purchases

3. Bouquet of flowers

4. Exercise

5. Surreal sunset

6. Finding social people in a city

7. Creative outlet

...and counting...

I've Seen the Light!

2008-08-05T18:27:00.001-07:00

And lucky me, there's an empty socket.

I was thinking today about how nice the rain can be - a light afternoon storm at the beginning of Fall, the smell of damp leaves, the freshness of the air. My thoughts then turned to Yosemite. I need to get there before Summer is over, regardless of the crowds. A few years ago I told myself that I'd photograph it during all four seasons and I've got one more left. I anticipate it more this time because I have a vision, and go now with a keener eye and sharper skills.

Balance

2008-06-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

I try to live my life in balance. Balance between fun and hard work. Balance between vegetables and dessert, between the emotional highs and lows we all face from time to time. I look for balance with a hearty appetite, daily. But when things are off kilter life becomes difficult and not much fun at all. On the days when my balance is totally thrown out of whack I've gotten into the habit of internally rattling off a list of things I'm currently grateful for, which sounds so simple but it truly does help restore my equilibrium. Today was one of those days, and here is the list in no particular order:

Things I Am Grateful For

1. being barefoot
2. having a green thumb
3. having a J-O-B
4. opinions (mine and everyone else's)
5. iced tea
6. erasers
7. memory foam mattresses
8. friends
9. music
10. opportunity

I challenge you to add your list to the comment area. It doesn't have to be 10 things and they don't have to make sense to anyone else but you. I can guarantee you'll be able to feel the positive effect.

Time

2008-06-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

I knew it had been a little while since my last post but I had no idea its been months, and that a year ended and a new one began in the time in between. I've been busy the last few months...not the "crazy busy" I used to complain about, I just have more things occupying my mind. (that said, my journal is bursting at the seams but that's private) ;)

And speaking of time, and thinking about how so much of it gets wasted in our daily lives, I've since deleted my myspace account, cleaned up my address and phone books, and cut down on the amount of energy doing things for people who are perfectly able to help themselves. What has this brought me? Contentment, peace of mind, and a group of truly amazing friends. And I think because of clearing space and making room in my life I've been able to meet some amazing people and rekindle old friendships. The way I see it, we have a limited amount of time to carve out a life for ourselves and if we waste even one minute of it caught up in someone else's puckey and not taking care of ourselves then we deserve what we get. Harsh but true, take it or leave it.

Anyhoo, I hope to be back to posting more photos and adventures again and sharing life's little mysteries. Let the good times roll!

Yosemite Revisted

2007-12-02T09:48:00.001-08:00

It seems like I can never get enough of Yosemite. I thought for awhile that I'd had my fill, that I was taking a break from getting out in nature and experiencing the silence and serenity that only Yosemite can provide. However the wild hair returned and I found myself atop a wind-whipped granite outcropping overlooking the Valley below. I've spent a lot of time in the Valley, exploring the trails and falls, watching how the seasons bring new wardrobes to the trees and meadows. But this time I felt pulled to the higher country, to the places that take a little more time and effort to get to, places that are not crowded and people are in less of a hurry, and where you can actually hear the wind and the raven's call. Of course I had my camera with me but on this trip I didn't take very many pictures, preferring instead to just be there and to soak in everything Yosemite has to offer.

Come To My Show!

2007-10-08T17:30:00.001-07:00

When: Saturday, October 20th, 5p-7p

Where: Villa Mia Antiques, 237A Main Street, Murphys CA

Click photo for larger view.

Light refreshments and socializing...and my photography on display. How cool is that?

Come one come all, it will be fun!

So Cute!!

2007-08-29T23:28:00.000-07:00

How cute is this baby? I mean really, cuteness like this should just be illegal don't you think? Photographing babies is just too much fun, sometimes I can't believe I get to do it. It takes a lot of energy and patience working with the pre-toddler and toddler set, lots of funny noise making and wild gestures to get just the right expression from them, but it's not something I think about when I'm doing it. It's not until after the last frame is shot that I crack up at myself.

This darling's mother was my very first maternity shoot. I was honored to be able to photograph her from this side of the womb. What an amazing opportunity to have.

It's Been Awhile, and Yellowstone

2007-08-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted on my blog, I guess I've been a little busy this summer! I have two great things to report...first, I just returned from a week-long family vacation in Yellowstone Nat'l Park (which was visually stunning and overwhelming and beautiful and raw), and second, my website launches tomorrow!! (http://www.debbiecapizano.com/) Please cruise on over and check it out.

These two photos were taken at the same place even though they look totally different by comparison. (Perspective is a powerful tool!) I can't say enough about everything I experienced in Yellowstone...the geology and the sounds and the amazing feeling of power in nature. At times I was stunned into silence, staring down into crystal clear bubbling pools or watching steam and water blast from a hole in the earth's crust. Other times I was giddy and excited as I watched a bison roll itself in the dust, or a gigantic elk bull grazing in a meadow with antlers spreading four feet across. Amazing!! But perhaps the best part of this vacation was the time spent with family, learning more about each other, and realizing that no matter what happens in life that family is the most important thing.

Eye on the Ball

2007-06-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

I was strolling around Murphys Park and ran into this girl practicing her juggling routine just minutes before her performance. She was counting out loud and would quickly spin on the ball of her foot with the balls in the air then continue juggling. She dropped them a couple of times so I quietly asked if my camera was making her nervous, she said, "...2,3,4...not at all, it's a tough trick...8, 9, 10..." Guess that's why she was practicing.

Content

2007-05-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist...here's one more of Antonia relaxing in her swing.

Introducing...

2007-05-02T23:13:00.000-07:00

Antonia Gianna Antoniadis!

She's making her debut on my blog which I'm sure will be the first of many entries. I spent a very relaxing weekend with Kary and Jimi and finally met 6-month old Antonia. She's here using her "as a matter of fact I DO know how cute I am" pose.

So Long Old Girl

2007-05-02T23:04:00.000-07:00

Briana & Emma

2007-05-02T22:43:00.000-07:00

Had a GREAT time photographing Briana and her dogs tonight! She is giving her fiance a framed print of her and their babies as a wedding present...what a wonderful idea. I couldn't wait to get home and have a closer look at what we got, and while I know she'll choose some with BOTH dogs in it, I chose this as one of my favorites.

Kieva

2007-04-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

Kieva is a 17 year old Chow/Shepard mix and in person resembles a big lovable bear. Her owners wanted to document her while she was in good enough health before the inevitable happened - a month prior we had to reschedule our session because of her health. I took quite a few photos of the three of them along the shoreline of a marsh and romping in the tall grasses as well as inside her home on her cozy bed. The cat even wandered in for a few frames. ;) But this one is my favorite of the lot not so much for the photo itself (which is quite nice if I may say so) but for the scene that I was witnessing while composing my shots. I was far away and out of hearing distance, watching them lovingly coax her to sit in the field for me, watching the patience they showed with her aging hips, watching the emotions cross their faces as they watch her sitting so stately, knowing why we're here in the first place. The whole scene touched me, moved me to blink away a tear. Riding back to the house with her across my lap in the backseat of a convertible (with my hair flying all over the place) she looked so content with the air blowing in her face, feeling the warmth from a stranger.

Bella

2007-04-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

This little cutie pie was so fun to photograph, she had personality plus! She was missing her right eye because of a degenerative disease but she didn't seem too shy about it. I wanted to sneak her into my camera bag and bring her home with me.

Go Fly A Kite

2007-04-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid I thought flying a kite was difficult, a task for those who were technically savvy or skilled in aerodynamics. I think I only flew one kite during childhood, I made it out of wrapping paper and pine tree limbs and no matter how many times I ran down the driveway or jumped off my slide or rode my bike down the hill I couldn't get it to take air. Which could explain why I've avoided them.

I've had this kite in my car since my camping trip with Sara last summer, we never got around to flying it so when she was visiting last it was windy enough to launch it. Imagine my surprise when the thing just took off without having to run, ride, jump or otherwise propel it into the sky, it practically launched itself!

On the outside I was calm and collected, happily taking pictures of my niece...on the inside I was giggling like a kid. I can't wait to fly it again!

Spring!

2007-04-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've paid any attention to my blog, I've been a tad distracted with some really cool projects! My portfolio is taking shape and I'm rounding the corner on launching my own website to showcase my current body of work. So exciting! I'm still a few months away but it's in sight and that's a great feeling.

In the meantime though please enjoy some snapshots of my usual favorite subjects.

Happy Spring!

Morning Mist

2007-02-16T22:10:00.000-08:00

I pulled this from my Yosemite photo archives while looking for images of Half Dome that were suitable for framing. *note: in an earlier post I mentioned that I'd be vacationing there in January, however life had other plans and I never made it* So while I'm giving my photos a twice over this particular image caught my eye and during the process that I go through while scrutinizing my work I fell in love with it. The angles of sunlight cutting a path through the forest, the rising mist and settling fog, the dew drops on the grass and pine needles, all of it. I loved it so much that I made a large print of it and headed for the frame shop and can't WAIT to see it on my wall. I was inspired enough to print and frame two others in the same series and plan to hang them all in my office so I can stare off into the trees whenever I feel the need and until I'm able to go back and take more photos.

Goliath's Whiskers

2007-02-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

Or just goliath whiskers.

Bisquetta Jones

2007-02-09T22:01:00.000-08:00

I had fun shooting some animal portraits tonight..two dogs, two cats and one hardwood floor. Fun times! This photo of Biscuit is quite serious compared to the others but I really like how it turned out.

Flower Girl

2007-01-24T19:20:00.000-08:00

While helping a friend shoot a wedding I noticed this little flower girl watching as the bride and groom were having their photos taken, the bride being her aunt. She seemed so happy, sitting there holding her bouquet with such a sweet smile on her face. So I tiptoed behind her, tapped her on the shoulder and quickly pressed the shutter before she changed her expression. I love capturing moments like this!

Sunday

2007-01-21T13:25:00.000-08:00

Today is a lazy day. Errands have been taken care of, domestic duties done, mellow music on the stereo, stocking feet. My favorite kind of day. After cleaning and organizing my camera gear I fired off a few frames of the creatures, who look to be just as relaxed today as I am.

Ice Capades

2007-01-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

It was soooo cold on our walk this morning! I thought I wouldn't need gloves but I was wrong, it was bitter cold. We ran across an ice patch which seemed to confuse Phoebe...she slipped and slid around, pounced on it, tried to lick it, paw it and bite it, wondering why she couldn't touch the grass frozen beneath. Pretty entertaining stuff!

Little Bird

2006-12-09T16:38:00.000-08:00

I was sitting outside enjoying the end of our first good Winter storm. It was short-lived, but faithfully delivered on the cold winds and soaking rain. I was just about to go inside when the sky started to glow with beautiful amber light, so I went inside for my camera and settled in to start dialing numbers and pushing buttons to try to capture it for practice - it's been almost a year since I've taken any landscape photos. (Which I'm going to need brushing up on since I decided today that a year is too long so I'm vacationing in Yosemite next month...yay!) So as I'm sitting in my chair wondering if I can make this scene look pleasing with the bird feeder in the way, a little finch flew into the tree and posed for me as if on queue, and I thought he did a fine job of completing the scene.

Columbine

2006-11-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

This beautiful columbine grew wild alongside a driveway in Mendocino.

Getting Down

2006-11-20T20:21:00.000-08:00

Getting down close to the ground with a camera yields some interesting patterns and shapes. This little guy reminds me of the Road Runner. Beep beep!

Fly Away Seabird

2006-11-20T20:19:00.000-08:00

Kicking Back

2006-11-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

My brother Mark, taking it easy on a Saturday afternoon.

Sara's Door

2006-11-04T20:16:00.000-08:00

What creative pursuits are lurking beyond this door?

Sara recently transformed her bedroom into a richly colored, artistically-minded space by using her two favorite colors. When she first told me her room was now purple and orange I didn't imagine it could look this amazing. Well done!

Happy Birthday!

2006-11-04T20:12:00.000-08:00

To the sweetest girl on EARTH. I love this kid to pieces!

Details...

2006-11-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

In my 8-5 job I manage details. The rest of the time I'm searching for them.

The Wedding Photographer

2006-11-04T13:59:00.000-08:00

Every time I hear the term wedding photographer, I always imagine The Wedding Singer and it makes me laugh. It also makes me laugh sometimes when I consider focusing my photography more towards weddings...imagining myself running around laden with a bevy of lenses and equipment, fretting over an uncooperative wedding party, wondering if I'm going to have time to eat dinner, hoping I've got my exposure set properly. Shooting weddings is a challenge but it can also be a whole lot of fun, and I've got to remind myself of that every time I'm approached because who knows if I'm meant to be a wedding photographer, but it wouldn't hurt to find out. So, from now on instead of shrieking in horror and imagining all the things that can go wrong whenever I'm asked "Do you shoot weddings?!" I'm going to try just saying yes then wait to see what happens.

Dancing With Grandpa

2006-10-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Slice of Life

2006-10-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

I shot my first real wedding today, and man what a surreal experience it was. I started the day in a jumble of nerves, checking and rechecking my gear, pouring over the bride's schedule and list of "must have" shots, even going to Costco to purchase 4 gigs more memory just in case. The question "Am I really ready for this?" crept up more than a couple of times as I drove to the site. But you were right Charr, once I got started I found my stride and whatever doubt or nerves I carried just went away. I really enjoyed taking pictures and being an observer, finding the little moments to document. That's just the icing on the cake though. I'm really happy with the batch of photographs I came away with, and I'm pretty sure the newlyweds will like them too.

Outtakes (is that one word?) Anyway...

2006-09-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had a blast shooting engagement pictures for these two. We went to a beautiful arboretum on the college campus where they met and fell in love. I have more than a few favorites from the shoot but these just make me smile. I love the expressions and interaction between them as they jump in the air indulging my request, probably thinking I'm a nutcase. They were great sports and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Friday Night, 9PM

2006-09-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

Checklist:

Stress over cat's vet trip. Check.
Stress over office relocation. Check.
Stress over organizing photos. Check.
Stress over car making funny noise. Check.
Relax in a steaming tub and let it all drift away. CHECK.

Chaka Khan ;)

2006-09-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, if you know me you know that I HATE having my picture taken. And if you know me and didn't know that, well you do now. I_HATE_IT.

But I have to admit that I like this picture, taken by my pal John who is an amazingly talented photographer. Anyone who not only gets me to pose for a picture but to actually ENJOY it ranks pretty high in my book. Thanks John!

Dear Liza, Dear Liza

2006-08-24T22:35:00.000-07:00

Better fix it, Dear Henry!

The Backroad

2006-08-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

Roadside view on the way to Etna, CA.

Bellisimo

2006-08-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

My beautiful friend Kary, relaxing during our photo shoot.

Jimi and Troy

2006-08-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

Troy, the Master of all Control, including terriers. Troy the cat spared all fear when he met Phoebe and made sure she knew who the boss was in THIS house. After two days of relentless psychological torture and intimidation he finally allowed Phoebe in the same room, albeit under high-pressure and missle-lock eye contact.

Here he's showing his alter ego, Troy the Loveable Kitten!

Baby Love

2006-08-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

Kary and Jimi are awaiting the birth of their baby girl, who will be arriving in November.

More to write/post soon, stay tuned.

Good Lord, Woman

2006-08-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

Phoebe agrees...I need people to photograph. It's to the point now that when I start setting up my lights that she automatically goes to brush her face . haha!

Photo Art

2006-08-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile I wonder what it would feel like to be a talented painter. To be able to look at something and render it to life using brushes and canvas, to pull something from memory and paint it the way you wish to remember it, using what you have to work with within easy reach.

Ho Hum

2006-08-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

Camping Trip

2006-07-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

I took my niece Sara and her friend Nicole camping at Lake Alpine over the weekend, gladly swapping the 110* heat for thunder, lightening, and rain at night and wonderfully moderate temperatures during the day. We walked to the lake, roasted marshmallows, had a great scavenger hunt, and visited by the fire.

I love waking up in a tent, listening to the birds and the quiet stirring of other campers, smelling bacon cooking and coffee brewing, and thinking ahead to when I can sit next to a stream and read a book or just relax. It's such a chore getting everything ready for the trip, but quiet moments like those sure make it worth it.

Submerged

2006-07-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

On The Banks

2006-07-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

Summertime Fun!

2006-07-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

Since we're all dying in the heat wave I thought I'd post something that looks cool and refreshing. My niece and her friend Nicole keeping cool in an alpine stream.

Lifestyle of Motivation

2006-07-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

I’ve realized that I do my best when under pressure. There’s something inside me that gets triggered when I’m against a deadline for something truly important, and I feel alive when I’m challenged to produce, whether producing results at work, or producing a photograph for a client. The more challenged I feel, the more I get done.

But what I realized is that it’s okay to feel that way because I’ve learned how to stop and relax any time I want to, and man does that feel nice.

(Phoebe's just here because I couldn't find a suitable photo to post.) :-D

Peanut Butter?

2006-07-15T16:37:00.000-07:00

Works every time. haha!

360

2006-07-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

I just noticed while posting this image that it's my 360th post. Three-sixty. That's a full circle speaking in matter of degrees. Speaking philosophically it can either mean ending up where we started, or starting where we stopped.

The Wish

2006-07-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Warmth

2006-07-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

I know she doesn't like her photograph taken, but sometimes I just can't help myself. Sorry Lis. (not really) :)

CT Cruiser

2006-07-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Phoebe is a Cairn Terrier. They're Scottish hunting dogs, and if left alone in a field they will no doubt rely on their instincts and ferret out anything that makes a rumble underground. Their claws are anvil-hard which aid in digging holes, scampering in slick conditions and moving aside large rocks. (In fact the word cairn literally means a pile of stones.) They're also adept swimmers and love to scurry along the water's edge hoping to uncover something stimulating. I thoroughly enjoy watching her when her instincts kick in, and even though she completely tunes me out while on the prowl with her selective terrier hearing, I wouldn't have it any other way.

One...Two.......THREE!

2006-07-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

Sara and I thought it would be fun to take a picture of each other at the same time.

It's so nice to vacation with family, it's even nicer that they're tolerant of my photo-ocity (yes, I invented that), but it's pretty great that we're all into photography...and all four of us had a camera to ourselves. That's heaven!

Whatcha Got?

2006-07-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

Can I have some? What's that? Smells good! Aw, please?

Get A Grip

2006-07-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

Funny little candid of my niece and her toes.

Pondering Chocolate

2006-07-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

Sara studying the remaining chunk of white chocolate with fresh raspberries on the table. Man, that was some GOOD stuff.

Puppy Love

2006-07-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

The night before we left for vacation I asked (begged) my family to be my subjects so I could get some practice using my lighting equipment. While my technique still needs a lot of work, it can only get better and I'm happy! It also helps to have such lovely subjects to work with.

Under Cover

2006-07-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

Marco!

POLO!

hahahaha!!!!!

I love this picture so much. Yes, the greens are gorgeous and colorful, the lighting is soft and diffused, but what I see is my older brother playing along with my imagination...as he's always done.

Growth

2006-07-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

The light in this forest was amazing! And the ferns and foliage were waist-high. And the path was damp and cushioned. And the birds were calling and echoing. And all was right with the world.

Pinky Swear

2006-07-01T17:02:00.000-07:00

Blue Hues

2006-07-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

This triangular peak fascinated me, it seemed so out of place. The rocks on the left were linear and seemed barren compared to the lush angular shape that looked like something from the Philippine Islands. I composed lots of shots with that peak, and if I'd had my tripod with me I know I could've gotten it right. Alas, you are stuck looking at this snapshot until I can get back there again with my tripod.

He-Man

2006-07-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

My brother Mark, flexing his muscle!

Golden Girls

2006-07-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

Sara and Tia get in some snuggle time.

Wheeeee!

2006-07-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

Any concern we had about Tia's first time at the beach was quickly dissolved.

What'll It Be?

2006-06-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

Sengthong's Market

2006-06-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Rachelle and her Grandma Laura are standing in the doorway of the shop that Laura runs everyday except Sunday, and that's the day she gets together with friends for breakfast, works at her spinning wheel, and rests. Not that she seemed tired when I met her...she kept up with us for two days while celebrating her 89th birthday. It was truly a joy to finally meet this woman.

Inside View

2006-06-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

Southern view from inside an abandoned dome house.

Outside View

2006-06-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

Western view from inside an abandoned dome house.

Humility

2006-06-14T23:29:00.000-07:00

These beautiful poppies had the misfortune of growing right along the edge of a sidewalk, gracefully and silently adorning the pathway for people who walk by without casting a glance their way.

Assay Office

2006-06-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting around to sifting through the photos from my trip to Etna last weekend. Rachelle and I drove 5 hours up to visit her grandma, meeting up with her dad Mike along the way.

After arriving, our first stop (well 2nd if you count checking into our rooms...) was out to visit Mike's brother and his wife at their home which MUCH to my delight was nestled amongst pine trees and snow-capped mountain vistas that covered their 400+ acres. *sigh* A truly beautiful chunk of land, and very hospitable hosts.

Rachelle told me of a ghost town on the property and that we could have access to it so "bring your camera!" What a cool spot, and immediately my gears start turning and I can't wait to get out and tromp around the dusty buildings and machinery...belt-driven wheels and old soda cans and creaky old luggage trunks, even an old Royal typewriter, a myriad of old tools and equipment. The last inhabitants appeared to have simply walked away one day.

I'll be posting a few more from the trip. There's so many good ones I don't know which ones to share...so you may end up seeing all of them! *wink*

Fresca

2006-06-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

Insulation

2006-06-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

Fetch!

2006-06-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

The white dog in the back is waiting patiently for her turn, they call it "honoring." I could have watched these dogs launching into the pond all evening. Keep an eye out for more pics, I had a ball!

Sara Jessica

2006-06-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

Atop the slide at Murphys Park. She's finally comfortable in front of the camera...yay!!!

Evening Flowers

2006-06-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

Little shoots of joy at the Garcia residence.

Big Head Tia

2006-06-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

We laughed so hard looking at this picture!! Every chance I get I'm going to take this shot of Tia until I get it perfect. Too funny!!! HAHA!

On The Fence

2006-06-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

This is my niece's cat, Fiona. I love animals of all kinds, but I'm partial to cats and dogs. They make excellent companions and are a lot of fun to have around. Then there's Fiona. She is the weirdest cat I've ever known. I would even venture a guess that perhaps she is a reincarnated thug with a big chip on her shoulder...she even scares me sometimes! But sometimes she shows the softer side of her personality, shown here. Or the times when she, while biting you, decides not to puncture your skin. She's such a sweet kitty. Ahem.

Vogue

2006-05-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

Someone's been watching too much America's Next Top Model. I think the judges would advise a face wax and a mani/pedi. :)

Alison

2006-05-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

I took a bunch of pictures of my friend Alison...she was gracious enough to sit and talk to me while I tinkered with my new lights. I really like how soft the light is and how relaxed she looks. Best viewed by clicking on the photo.

Butterfly and Lilac

2006-05-13T00:15:00.000-07:00

Pale Swallowtail ( Papilio Eurymedon )
Purple Lilac ( Syringa Vulgaris )

Signs of Spring

2006-05-13T00:14:00.000-07:00

This one's for you, Alison!

Strumology

2006-05-13T00:11:00.000-07:00

Practice makes perfect.

Hope

2006-05-13T00:07:00.000-07:00

A rose
for Amy and Mike.

Rose

2006-04-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

If the rose puzzled its mind over the question how it grew, it would not have been the miracle that it is. ~ J B Yeats 1871-1957

Wanna Piece of Me?

2006-04-16T16:48:00.000-07:00

Come any closer and I'll bloody your shins. Got that?

These two were actually very sweet, albeit vocal.

Canine Survivor Skills

2006-04-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

The first one to fall from these stilts wins the Immunity Challenge prize and can't be voted off Dog Show Island! *grin*

I asked the lady grooming this show dog why he was standing on stilts. She said it prevents him from walking away because he knows if he moves he'll fall. At first I thought this was a little cruel, but then I saw that the dog was just hanging out, relaxed and comfortable and neither his feet nor legs were trembling.

I think they should be judged on their common sense.

Happy Easter!

2006-04-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

I was rummaging through a bunch of old photos yesterday. While going through the box I found this one of my brother and I in front of my grandma's house on Easter Sunday and thought it a fitting entry for today.

Even though I was only two years old, I vividly remember that little pink purse. It was covered in pink plastic beads that I'd chew on, pretending they were candy, and when one of them finally broke free I remember spitting it out, sad that I now had a gap in my purse.

Weird, the things you remember.

Mush

2006-04-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

I just need to say how much I love my friends. I'm feeling so grateful to have such wise, loving, honest and loyal people in my life. It sometimes amazes me how important these relationships are to me and every once in awhile I feel like shouting it!!!

Wildflowers

2006-04-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

Who knew I could find these wildflowers growing right across the street?

Relief

2006-04-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

I couldn't take it anymore, I needed to get out of the city and away from the noise and populous so I could basically regroup and recharge my batteries. Usually spending a few hours on country roads in the middle of nowhere satisfies me. So Saturday morning found me jumping in the car and driving aimlessly until the pavement ended and I could no longer see telephone poles and power lines.

Finding something worthwhile to photograph during these outings in a bonus.

This photo was taken on Bald Mountain Road in Calaveras County after a pretty heavy rainstorm the day before. There were deer everywhere, and the only sounds I could hear were singing birds and flowing water. Green moss carpeted the rocks and trees all the way up this little oasis in the forest. I decided to really take my time surveying the area before unloading my gear so I scrambled up the rocks and around the trees for awhile until I had a few ideas to play with.

Today I am back in the concrete jungle, amid the hustle and bustle of city life. But peace has been restored to my soul and I feel relaxed and happy, and looking forward to what the week has in store.

Doppler Green Blues

2006-04-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

Will this rain ever stop? I've often heard people say that lack of sunshine over a long period of time can affect their mood and can even lead to depression. I never understood how that was possible since I'm usually the one who can't wait for summer to be OVER with so I can get back to the rainstorms and bad weather. However......after enduring the relentless Northern California storms and copious amounts of rain we've had the last couple of months I find myself able to relate to those who suffer from not seeing the sun, however it hasn't quite gotten me down - just tired.

I'm so tired of wiping off my dogs feet after every walk (and walk I must since I am lacking a yard). I'm so tired of the annoying squeak my wipers make when there's not quite enough water on the glass. I'm so tired of the view from my balcony, since that is the only place outside that I have been able to relax during the past 62 days. I feel like Jimmy Stewart in Rear Window, and I'm not kidding. I'm so tired of frizzy hair! I'm so tired of forgetting my umbrella at work, and forgetting my umbrella at home. I'm so tired of my dirty car with it's dirty wheels.

But what I'm most tired of is not being able to go outside and play with my camera. And that, my friends, is bringing me down.

So here is a photo. Of the rain. From my balcony.