Archive for the ‘California’ Category

May

2011

Fountain at 1070

As I wandered around San Francisco at night, I came across a fountain situated in front of an apartment building numbered 1070.

Being intrigued I setup my tripod and took this shot.

I chose a slower shutter speed with the intent of creating a surreal “blurry water” effect. Instead, it appears as though ethereal columns of glowing dust are emanating down from the stones.

Even though this isn’t how I originally pictured the shot, I like how it turned out. But I’m more interested in how you think it turned out!

Subscribers to my free newsletter already got to have a look at this photo. I’m going to offer additional sneak previews or perks for subscribers in the future too.

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Just for signing up, you’ll get a link to the iPhone Photo Pack: 12 of my favorite and most popular photos (including this one!), optimized for your smart phone!

Tags: evening, fountain, san francisco
Posted in California | 3 Comments »

May

2011

The Crookedest Street in the World

The Crookedest Street in the World – View in Gallery

A trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without a visit to “The Crookedest Street in the World.” Officially called Lombard Street, this stretch features quaint townhouses and idilic gardens, intersected by the elegantly curving road.

Do you see the picture below, showing the street from Telegraph Hill?

Yeah, I walked all the way up that, thought I was going to have a heart-attack. But it was totally worth it, and I managed to soldier on the rest of the day anyway.

I can’t imagine living there as there is a constant stream of obnoxious tourists walking all over the place.

I want your feedback on this picture!

Have you ever been to Lombard street?

Do you think this photo captures the feel of being there?


“The Crookedest in the World”	Lombard Street from Telegraph Hill

Tags: california, crookedest street in the world, HDR, lombard street, san francisco
Posted in California, HDR | 8 Comments »

May

2011

Escape to Alcatraz

Have you ever seen such a picturesque federal prison? I haven’t.

In all fairness it has been a national recreation area since 1972. This capture of “The Rock” is a handheld, “pseudo HDR”.1 I was standing up by Coit Tower when I took it, and I couldn’t get a clear shot from any place where there was room for my tripod.

I didn’t get to go onto the Island this trip, but I remember going there when I was in 5th grade.

I can just imagine Al Capone hanging out there, smoking a cigar. I also remember being intrigued by the “most successful” attempt to escape from Alcatraz, which resulted in three inmates being lost at sea, or so the feds claim. I like to image they made it ashore. It is only a mile and a half from terra firma and you could probably swim that distance, even if the water is absurdly cold.

I didn’t set foot on Alcatraz this go around, so it’s just another reason why I’ll have to go back to San Francisco! Are you noticing a pattern here?