Photography-Mendocino, Sonoma Counties and beyond

2012-07-26T23:39:00.000-07:00

The Rockefeller Trail
While the rest of the country is sweltering in a heat wave, here in Inland Mendocino County, the weather has been beautiful in the high 70's to low 80's. I have been taking advantage of the cool weather walking the Rockefeller Trail. As I go along I often find myself spending more time drinking in the beauty of the woods than actual walking.

The Rockefeller Trail

The beauty of the woods.

Two minutes into my walk, the ravens start cawing. Obviously, my appearance is an intrusion. One raven starts and three others quickly join him. As the first sentinel sits in the tree closest to the trail, two others move from tree to tree. The three I can see call out in unison and a fourth answers. I stop to watch their antics, much to their chagrin. I don't know where the fourth raven sits, I wonder if a nest is nearby.

The Sentinel

The Watchers

I am only carrying a 18-55mm lens, which is not long enough to really see the birds, next time I will bring a longer lens.

Sea Ranch

2011-04-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

Sunset at Sea Ranch

Approximately ten miles south of the Mendocino County line in Sonoma County is the Sea Ranch enclave. Gray weathered buildings with angular architecture are arranged strategically across the landscape. This is a private community of vacation rentals and year round residences. Passes must be visible on vehicles or carried on your person, lest you be stopped.

The Writing Group with four footed friends

I was meeting my writing group for a weekend retreat where we could focus on our skills, give feedback and support each other without the trappings of daily life interrupting us. Cell service was limited or more exactly, service if you had Verizon or US Cellular, and no service if your carrier is AT&T.

Arriving late, I pulled off the highway into Sea Ranch and stopped to pull out my directions. Within a minute a young security officer pulled up to see what I was doing there. He was very kind and escorted me to my destination. I was impressed with the security.

The Deck

Sitting in the beautiful rental house with large picture windows, high ceilings, and a lovely deck complete with hot tub, I was at peace. Winds kicked up in the afternoon and churned the surf, however our little slice of heaven was calm. Just a slight breeze on the deck.

Ocean View

Sea Ranch, like the rest of the Northern California coast is beautiful. When I wasn't writing, I was out with my cameras. I carried my Canon G9, Canon 40D and my handy cell phone.

You can drive to Sea Ranch on California Hwy 1. From the south take Hwy 101 north to Santa Rosa and cross over to the coast on River Road. Go north on Hwy 1 from Jenner.

From the north take Hwy 101 south to Willits and cross over to the coast on Hwy 20 to Ft. Bragg and go south on Hwy 1.

Morning light

Window view

Newborn Calf

2011-03-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

For a brief moment Saturday afternoon the rain stopped. Feeling stir crazy with cabin fever Jain and I took advantage of the break in the weather to tour the valley for any photographic opportunities.

While driving by a group of cows, Jain spotted a newborn buried in hay.

Photos take with a Canon 40D.

COYOTES: KLAMATH FALLS

2011-03-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

Winter Wings Festival 2011

Coyotes on the hunt

Two fellow photographers and I attended the Winter Wings Festival based in Klamath Falls. As indicated by the title this is a birding event. However, the highlight of my trip was coyotes. Having no sense of distance, I cannot say how far away they were. However, I could not even see them with the naked eye and was barely able to locate them through my 300mm lens. On our tour we had access to an 800mm lens. These images were taken with that lens on my 40D.

Lying in wait

At the end of the day that revealed very little bird photo ops, I was still going on about the coyotes. The birders thought I was crazy. But, those who know me, know my passion for all things dog family, from the majestic wolf on down to man's best friend.

Strategizing

If you decide to attend Winter Wings nest year, dress warmly for the snowy landscape. I learned the meaning of cold. Invest in a good pair of insulated boots, gloves, hat and bring packets of hand and foot warmers.

For more information on saving our wild things:

Wolves:
Defenders of Wildlife,
NRDC: Natural Resources Defense Council,
Wolves & Coyotes environmental impact,
SAVE Wolves under Congressional siege

Coyotes:
Humane Society: Help outlaw the poisoning of coyotes & wildlifeHelp
Help Ban Compound 1080
The Case Against Poisoning Our Wildlife

Jelly fish

2010-12-10T20:30:00.000-08:00

I have found myself facinated by jelly fish after visits to Pier 39's Aquarium on the Bay and Monterey Bay Aquarium. My favorite jellies are the moon jellies (the last two photos) but, they do not photograph as dramatically as the others due to their delicate nature.

Turn the flash off and crank up your camera's ISO to 1600 or higher if you have the capability.

Seahorse

2010-11-24T10:19:00.000-08:00

I became captivated by seahorses at Monterey Aquarium's extensive seahorse exhibit. Watching these fragile creatures clinging to gentle waving sea grasses, I try to find the best angle to photograph them without glare or reflections. The lighting stinks and the seahorses are not willing to move in to the light just because I will it to be so. I crank the ISO up to 1600 and hope for the best.

Dolphins at Sunset

2010-10-31T22:33:00.000-07:00

Dolphins at Sunset

Four dolphins frolic in the surf off Carmel Beach at sunset. Dolphins had been spotted all day off the coast. The sky was clear with optimum conditions for viewing the sunset. Spectators filled the beach awaiting the the sunset. As the sun sunk lower in the sky a hush came over the crowd.

Sunset on the Pacific

As the last sliver of sun disappeared below the horizon, applause broke out among the crowd.

The End

Photos taken with an EOS 40D on a tripod. ISO 400, aperture priority f 14, shutter speed automatic.
70-300 zoom lens.

Golden Gate Bridge

2010-10-25T00:30:00.000-07:00


Golden Gate Bridge

I went looking for a view to see the whole bridge, but couldn't find a good vantage point on El Camino del Mar. There were places that once had a view, but trees now block sight lines. This is a typical tourist shot, but I was playing tourist that weekend.

I liked this view of the west tower with Treasure Island in the background and a hint of the East Bay hills to the left of the tower. This was my view on the way home from work for eight years. I never tire of seeing it.

The evening before I had been shooting in low light and I forgot to change my ISO back. Therefore this image was shot at ISO 1600. It has a bit of noise, but as an iconic image it works. I have not saturated any colors, but I did reduce the gamma to take out the haze. It was a beautiful day.

Bikes for rent-Market St., San Francisco

2010-10-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

At the entrance to the Hyatt on Market Street bicycles line the street awaiting tourists. Passing by, I was struck by the perspective of the bikes with the Ferry Building clock tower in the distance at the Embarcadero.

I can't tell you anything about the bike rental other than it was a great photo op. But, if you are planning to visit San Francisco, renting a bicycle might be a nice way to get around. If you travel along the water front, you can avoid the hills.

Photo taken with a 40D, exposure 1/100 s at f/5.6, ISO 200, focal length 17mm.

Fog rolling in on the Sutro Baths

2010-10-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

Weather at the coast is always changeable. As the fog rolled in, the cool breeze was a welcome change to the uncharacteristic hot weather that had settled over San Francisco.

I stood above the baths on the trail leading down just below Louie's Seafood, I reminisced back to my college days when my friends and I would come down to Sutro Baths late in the night with the weight of the world on our shoulders. Something about the ruins, the vastness of the ocean and the crash of the waves would remind us how insignificant we were, and our troubles would be put into perspective.

The building on the right in the center of the photograph is where the history of the Baths had been painted before it was painted over with gray cement paint.

Sutro Baths

2010-10-11T20:44:00.001-07:00

Follow Geary west until it branches off into Pt. Lobos Ave. towards the Cliff House. Below Louie's Seafood is the ruins of the Sutro Baths. It is hard to image the baths that once stood here. I used to stare at the posters taped into the window at Louie's and in the Cliff House gift store and marvel at how the pools and bunkers used to be the buildings in the posters.

I having been hanging out at the Sutro Baths on and off since 1979. I must say the city is doing a great job of ruining the ruins in the name of safety. New paths, rails, and cement filled holes seem to sanitize the hillside and stairs.

This was my first time back in at least ten years. Much has changed. The biggest disappointment was the bunker that had the whole history of the baths painted in 1.5 inch green letters around the walls, covering every square inch of space. It is now painted over with gray cement paint.

Steve and I sat on the wall. The day was beautiful, uncharacteristically hot for the San Francisco coast. Lone hikers, couples, and families explored the area, some like us just came for the serenity of the ocean.

If you go, "leave only footprints and take nothing but photographs."

Looking Down Market St., San Francisco

2010-10-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

Looking east down Market Street towards the Embarcadero.
The Muni's F line transports me back in time with a feeling of nostalgia.

Photo taken with an EOS 40D. Exposure 1/200 s at f/7.1. ISO 200. Focal length 32 mm. Desaturated in PhotoShop.

Union Square, San Francisco

2010-10-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Situated downtown in front of the St. Francis Hotel, artists set up booths for tourists and locals in Union Square.

Photo taken with a Canon EOS 40D. Exposure 1/250 s at f/8. ISO 200. Focal length 17 mm. Image desaturated in PS CS2.

Boonville Road

2010-09-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

On the Boonville Rd, Sunday September 18th.
After morning rains and unsettled weather, vultures ride the thermals.

Photo taken with a Canon EOS 40D. 1/500 s, f 3.1, ISO 200, focal length 32mm.

2010-09-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Steam engine boiler and crane at the Roots of Motor Power open house September 12th.

Steam Engine

2010-09-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

Roots of Motor Power in Willits staged an open house September 11th & 12th. This steam engine was one of the engines on display Sunday.

Photo taken with an EOS Canon 40D, focal length 17mm. Exposure 1/250 s. f/2.7, ISO 200.

Pink flowers

2010-09-11T01:34:00.000-07:00

I would like to tell you the name of the flower, but I have no idea. Thought they were real pretty. I will update as soon as I find out.

Photo take with Canon EOS 40D in Mendocino. Exposure 1/500 s at f/2.8. Focal length 48mm.
ISO 125

Pirate's treasure

2010-08-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

Even fairies cannot resist pirates treasure.

Photographs taken with a Canon 40D. Exposure 1/100 s at f/8. ISO 200, artificial light source. Focal length 24mm. Setting is Montgomery Woods.

Dry-dock

2010-08-21T21:38:00.000-07:00

Dry-docked boat at Noyo Harbor.

This photo was taken with a Canon EOS 40D. Ft. Bragg, CA in Mendocino County. Exposure 1/160 s at f/5.6. ISO 125. Focal length 28 mm.

Young Warrior

2010-08-20T20:21:00.001-07:00

Deep in the forest
where the dragons dwell
lives a young warrior
Gabriel
stout of heart
pure of mind
courageous as a lion

Gabriel waves his sword
ready to do battle
dragons tremble
flames lick Gabriel's shield
he stands strong
roars of pain fill the air

All is quiet
the dragon flees
Gabriel stands alone

Photo taken in Montgomery Woods, Orr Springs Rd.
Exposure 1/60s at f/3.5 with pop-up flash. ISO 200

Coast at Ft. Bragg

2010-08-18T23:06:00.000-07:00

Every time I go to the coast, I am reminded that I live in a very special part of California. I must confess, I do not know the exact name of this spot of beach. All I can tell you is that it is just north of Pudding Creek Bridge and is a popular spot with surfers.

I ended up here with the Willits Photography Club after we visited guest speaker Ron LeValley at the Mendocino Coast Photographer Guild and Gallery in Ft. Bragg. Ron directed us to this portion of coast as a great place to take photographs. Club members Steve, Jain, Josh, Gary, Erin and I went to check out the wave action.

We had a lovely day.

On the Eel

2010-07-29T23:23:00.001-07:00

Sun-rays gently beating down
grasses swaying in the breeze
cool clear water
darting fish flashing rainbow colors
butterflies fluttering
bees buzzing
lizards doing push-ups on the rocks
all part of the experience of the Eel River

This photo was taken with a Canon EOS 40D north east of Willits, CA in Mendocino County. Exposure 1/200 s at f/10. ISO 100. Focal length 28 mm.

In the Mystic Woods

2010-07-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

I walk, daydreaming as I go
Drinking in the mystic woods,
When to my surprise
She appears before me
sitting by a pool,
unaware of my approach.

I stop, excitement swelling in my chest
not daring to breath,
Real, or a figment of my imagination?
I am afraid to blink
lest she disappear.

Safety at the Carnival

2010-07-25T10:46:00.001-07:00

Ring of Fire, assembled by a master mechanic.

The carnival run by family company Johnston Amusements arrives every year like clockwork the week preceding the rodeo. Like modern day gypsies, the carnies move from town to town six months out of the year, setting up and taking down enormous rides with skill. Gordon Johnston proudly asserts that his company has the safest record in California, eight years without an incident. I believe this, for I have watched and documented his workers for the past two years transform misc. parts into magnificent rides rising above the trees. To watch, you have to have a lot of time and patience. Hurry up and wait sums up the experience. Like a giant transformer emerging from a sleep, each piece is unfolded from its cramped position, workers inspect and grease every joint and movable part. Smaller parts are unpacked, inspected and attached to the ride.

I have never seen people who work as hard as the carnies do. One young man told me, I make a decent paycheck, and I have a job in this economy.

Johnston Amusements will return to Mendocino County in the fall at the Mendocino County Fair in Booneville.

Photo taken with a Canon EOS 40D.

2010-07-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Special Effect

Swirling lights and long exposure. I wanted all of the rides to be going at once. While waiting for a ride to get going, the first one stops to let riders on or off. It is like a juggling act. So, to combat boredom while waiting, I decided to play with the zoom ring during exposure. Emboldened by my first clumsy attempts, I kept playing with the shutter speed and degree in which I turned the zoom ring. It took many attempts. I was happy with this one. I never did get all the rides going at once.

When taking long exposure shots, make sure you have a very steady tripod.
This photo was taken with a Canon EOS 40D on a tripod. Exposure 6.0 s at f/22. ISO 100. Focal length 16mm.