The Fearless Eye

My Bday Mosaic: my 40th!

2012-01-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

Each of us puts in one little stone and then you get a great Mosaic at the end. Here's "My Bday Mosaic" ... for my 40 years of Life's adventure and for another 40 years or so of Life ahead.

Another year has passed and I turned 40 today January 16. It is my moment of time to celebrate not just Myself but also Friendship, Love, God, and my late Mom.
My 2010 car accident had kept me grounded. Instead of wasting my energy of blocking my true self, I used that energy to fulfill my 2011 New Year resolution of becoming active again, fit and healthy. So, I started hiking last Sunday, day before my bday, with my hiking buddy and bestfriend Uma in Marin Headlands just outside San Francisco. Once again, I felt and breathed fresh air, witnessed the boundless beauty of Mother Nature and celebrate Myself & Friendship.
I celebrate God and my late Mom at the same time through prayers. Mom was the biggest influence in what I believe in and my Spirituality. Going to church is not only my obligation as a Catholic especially on my birthday, but also to re-connect with my Mom to thank her for giving me My Life and to let her know that her baby is now 40!
I celebrate Myself for a Bday Spa treatment today. The Nob Hill Spa at The Huntington Hotel (http://www.nobhillspa.com/) provides total rejuvenating massages and treatments with whirlpool and swimming pool the captivating skyline views of San Francisco. Besides, I was able to get extra 15% off Bday promotion and gift and an excuse to be in the city.
And now, I am finally feel and celebrate Love instead of fear, Joy in the place of worry and focus on possibilities instead of resentments. There is more hope and peaceful than ever before. Because today is the start to bring the best of My Life to Life!

[click the image to enlarge]

2012 Year Of The Dragon

2012-01-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

It's a New Year and I am back! Despite of being inactive here, I never stop taking and creating pictures (actually more pictures). 2011 has been good to me despite of the economy. I have a job to pay my bills and my photo travels, good health to keep me going, and a special person who gives me inspiration.

It's 2012 and it's the Year Of The Dragon! To start my year and my blog, I want to introduce to you "Neva", the pet in St. Louis Missouri.

The Year of 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, which begins on January 23, 2012 and ends on February 9, 2013. The Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 Animal signs. The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. In ancient China, the celestial Dragon represents an emperor and power.

Today, it is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness. May the celestial Dragon bring great good luck to everyone.

"I imagined a dragon inside myself. We all have one, in one form or another. To me, this dragon is both the wild nature of ourselves and our conscience in his embodiment of the Old Code ethical behavior and morality. At the same time, he's our unconscious, the place from which our dreams arise. I just spoke my lines to the dragon within me." ~ Dennis Quaid on "Dragonheart"

[click the image to enlarge]

Photo Exhibit 2011: an invitation

2011-09-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

An Invitation...

Livermore Valley Camera Club (LVCC) PHOTO EXHIBIT

at the

Livermore Civic Library ~ Art Gallery

September 1-30, 2011

I'm exhibiting the above images separately, not as a collage: "GATO", "The Psychedelic Walkway", and "KIDS PHOTO: Ball Ride & Silhouette". Please stop by at our exhibit and see not only my work but also images from my LVCC fellow photographers.

*Open to public. Free admission*
Address: 1188 South Livermore Avenue, Livermore CA 94550
Directions: from I-580 Take the N. Livermore Avenue Exit, head South toward the center of Livermore. Civic Center Library is 2.5 miles from the North Livermore exit on the left hand side of the street. College Avenue is the nearest cross street. City Hall and the Police Station are on the left immediately before the Library.

Library Hours: Mon-Thur 10am-9pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun noon-6pm

[click the image to enlarge]

Outdoor Photographer: about the light

2011-08-17T20:14:00.000-07:00

For a long time, I used to subscribe to Outdoor Photographer (OP) magazine where I learned a good deal about photography, camera+lens+gadgets. One night, while I was browsing OP website, their photo contest The Art Of Expression - All About the Light caught my attention. I told to myself, why not? let's see if l get a vote. At the very last minute, I submitted 4 entries...Eventhough I didn't make it to the Finals, the 1st two of my images (The Psychedelic Walkway and Kids Photo: Ball Ride and Silhouette) was in top100 Highest Rated ~ with that, l felt like a winner!

"The Psychedelic Walkway"
a favorite from my camera club as some photographers have taken the same shot but never captured the same color and without people.
http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/expressions/the-contest/all-about-light/717381-psychedelic-walkway.html#gal-img

"Kids Photo: Ball Ride and Silhouette"
A 1st placer and also a fave in our camera club. A prize winner shot as one photographer will call it, one says it's one of my best, then a Life Magazine material.
http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/expressions/the-contest/all-about-light/717341-ball-ride-and-silhouette.html#gal-img

"A Walk To Remember"
This is not rated as there was a problem in JPEG compression that it appeared flaky when downloaded in OP online. But it you click this image to enlarge, you'll see why I entered this. My previous blog talked about this cemetery that one photographer commented as an Outstanding B&W and if I will do this thing, I will kick their butts in our Monochrome competition.

"The Light In The Church Hallway"
an old fave of mine. Believe me, this is a raw image without any computer/photo editing software manipulation at all.

The People's Choice Voting has begun. Start voting for your favorite images but need to log in to vote. Vote for the BEST and if you think my images deserve your vote, help OP select the People's Choice Winners because these are four images where I expressed myself into an Art and captured a good deal About The Light.

"Dwelling in the light, there is no occasion at all for stumbling, for all things are discovered in the light." ~ George Fox

[click the images to enlarge]

MaryHill Cemetery: a walk to remember

2011-07-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

In this hot summer July, I am blogging my walk on a snowy cemetery.

Cemetery is a snapshot of time where soul must be remembered. It's quiet setting that has become a haven in the midst of a bustling city: for orphan to find refuge, for tourist to visit, for mourners to remember loved ones, for soul searcher to wander in quiet contemplation, for photographers to capture a different perspective. Our living presence provide company to the wandering and rested soul.

Winter brings a unique perspective to the arboretum at MaryHill Cemetery. The unusual bark and interesting forms of various tree species give the winter landscape a special character. The snow and the cross are the main attraction. Added bonus are the trees, shadow, wreaths, flowers, angels, etc. But the best experience of all is my walk on a snowy cemetery, A Walk To Remember...to remember a great mom on her birthday today 7/11.
Happy Birthday Nanay!...I will always miss you.

Me, niece Janel, and cousin Remy

Located in Niles, Illinois U.S.A., Maryhill Catholic Cemetery is the first Archdiocesan Cemetery to have a shrine honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. It has Interment Chapel / Garden Crypt Complex consisting of 1,800 crypts and three chapels.

"Years will pass before we see our Mother's face once more, the faith she taught us at her knee, will lead at last to Heaven's door. " ~ Unknown

[click the images to enlarge, click play I Will Remember You song]

ORD and SFO Airport: the terminal

2011-05-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Just thought of blogging my airport pictures for this month. Recently, I've been neglecting this site and even my photogallery because of my Facebook as I'm posting more photos there to share with my family and friends (so if you are on my Facebook - lucky you ;-), if not please understand my privacy).

Below are 2 of my winning airport images (more to follow, hopefully). One photographer in my camera club calls me "The Airport Photographer". Many professional photographers even the Master photographers and the judge complimented on how I was able to capture those images with such colors, lines, reflections and most of all, NO PEOPLE!

"Psychedelic Walkway, Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)"
1st place,Travel-Intermediate 03/07/2011

judge commentary: Wow! very colorful and l like the lines, reflections, and the way it is framed. The negative space in upper right is not a destruction at all, it worked actually on this image to balance the neon lights and the walkway. Well done!

my commentary: It was my 1st time to spend Xmas holiday in Chicago last December and my 1st time to take United Airlines. This is the United Airlines walkway from the baggage claim to exit door. The flight was delayed so arrived there at midnight. Coming down from the escalator to this walkway was magical for me: the xylophone music plays in the air while it is synchronized with the neon lights. Since we're on the last flight, I waited for the last person in the walkway and took this shot.

"Inside SFO"
1st place, Travel-Basic 01/04/1010

judge commentary: "This is an interesting image, a different perspective inside San Francisco airport. Very nice composition of the art work from the ceiling, the window, and the reflection on the floor. There is no people! I like it and never seen a composition like this of SFO."

my commentary: I was concentrating at first on the art work suspended from the ceiling but the sunset reflection on the floor caught my attention. So, I let my eyes opened with the bigger picture inside SFO. The airport was suprisingly not crowded that day (taken last October on a Monday sunset time) - so I was rushing to capture the sunset reflection on the floor and take advantage of no people in the background. Dead end from the wall behind me, I was lying down on the floor to capture the whole image using my 18-200mm lens.

I make frequent travels from SFO since I live in Northern California and ORD to visit my relatives. In all of my airport travels, I use my time wisely by simply walking and looking around for some photographic opportunity. Because, in any busy airport scene, I know that there's a beauty waiting for me at The Terminal.

"God had really intended men to fly, he'd make it easier to get to the airport.” ~ George Winters
[click the image to enlarge, click the play button to see the movie trailer The Terminal]

Easter Eggs and Bunny

2011-04-24T04:12:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of Easter, here's my very 1st Easter Eggs to wish you all a wonderful Easter!

Someplace in San Francisco: life in contrast

2011-04-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

The Spring season is about halfway through. This season has positives and negatives. It cools down the earth to the point where I need to wear a jacket in the evenings, and keeps everything lush and green. And it just changes your plans when it starts pouring. So I’m sort of looking forward to Summer.
San Francisco is different. Always cold and foggy. But once in a while, Mother Nature will reward you of a beautiful clear blue sky. It has a special significance for me: a place for photographic opportunity and a playground for Arts, Music & Food. Definitely a magical place, a place that always special in my heart. Always looking forward to go and and even hoping to live there someday.
The image of Me is taken somewhere somplace in San Francisco by a friend. Why I posted it here?...Stay tuned for my future blog to showcase both familiar and unfamiliar places around San Francisco. And why in color vs Black&White?... Ansel Adams once said "Our lives at times seem a study in contrast... love & hate, birth & death, right & wrong... everything seen in absolutes of black & white. Too often we are not aware that it is the shades of grey that add depth & meaning to the starkness of those extremes.”

Acknowledgement: GM thanks for showing me the heart and soul of San Francisco...will always be grateful. All the BEST!

[click the image to enlarge, click the play button to listen san Francisco song in French by Maxime Le Forestier]

Three Heads Six Arms: when buddha shines his light

2011-03-10T20:17:00.000-08:00

When you look into Buddha's eyes... what do you see? The above image is my winning image this early part of the year:

2nd place in Livermore Camera Club (LVCC) last month's competition

4th place for the monthly competition in Northern California Council of Camera Clubs (N4C) for Color Pictorial category. Competition-wise, I entitled My Buddha as "When Buddha Shines His Light", but it is popularly known especially to San Franciscans as the Three Heads Six Hands. It is the giant Buddha that sits in front of the San Francisco City Hall on loan since May 2010 through early Spring of 2011 (by the time you read this blog, The Three Head Six Hands is now gone reunited with the artist in Shanghai China). The city hall usually lits in yellow but because of the celebration week of San Francisco Giants championship for the 2010 World Series, the city shines in Orange that night! When I look into the Buddha's eyes, it allows me an unprecedented look into a world that lights up the journey of my Life! Chinese artist Zhang Huan Zhang hand-picked the city of San Francisco to debut his 2008 copper sculpture of Buddha - Three Heads Six Arms. It is the largest work that the artist has yet made, and weighs in at an astounding 15 tons and stands nearly 26 feet tall at its highest point. Zhang chose San Francisco because of the long-standing history being honored between Shanghai-San Francisco Sister City 30th Celebration last May 10, 2010. Inspired by the Chinese mythological character Nezha, Zhang replaced two of the three Buddha heads with human heads. Among the sculpture’s three heads is his self-portrait. The Three Heads Six Arms is now on display at the Joseph L. Alioto Performing Arts Piazza, which is located across the street from San Francisco City Hall. Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue. ~ Buddha [click the image to enlarge]

Old World Charm: big girl

2011-01-15T06:51:00.000-08:00

And this old world is a new world.
And a bold world. For me.
What is your old world?

January is here and so is my birthday. The things I should have been doing are looming in front of me as new opportunities! I have chances to change the things I need to and start the things I need to. I can do things the right way and let the past mistakes go away. I have ways to find the motivation that I need, the intimacy, the courage and the commitment to live fully every day.

As I evolve into a more mature stage of my life, I realized that I need to do things that I regret of not doing in the past: to explore outside the comfort zone of my full time job, to experience life living in the big city, to be more creative in my photography (and perhaps in modeling) and to try going back to school (this time in Art School) ~ all of these are now work in process.

There were tough times in my life: death of a loved one, heart broken, hardships, failures but none of those will stop me from learning, from dreaming, from achieving, and from living. Because I am a big girl now that my father used to tell me when I was 7. I am a big big girl now... living and traveling in this big big world.

"I am good, but not an angel. I do sin, but I am not the devil. I am just a small girl in a big world trying to find someone to love." ~ Marilyn Monroe

[click the play button to play Big World, click the image to enlarge]

N4C: 2010 annual competition

2011-01-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

N4C is the Northern California Council of Camera Clubs, and is the governing body for over a dozen San Francisco Bay Area Camera Clubs. N4C collects slides, electronic images and prints from each club monthly and has judged competitions with awards going to first through fifth place in each category. Each local camera club has its own monthly judged competitions in several categories with winners from these categories that go to N4C for judge competition among all the other clubs.

http://www.n4c.org/

Each year N4C has an Annual Banquet along with its annual competition of judged winners from each category (the best of the best for the year).

I just got back from my holiday vacation and checked the list of photographers who'll represent our camera club. I saw my name with excitement and right away signed up for the big event. So, I am going to the N4C this Sunday! Not for winning but just to be a part of it is a big thing for me. Happy New Year everyone!

Mirror Reflection: New York Art Wall, 5th place N4C 05/2010, 3rd place LVCC Creative Projected 04/05/10

Bird's Electric Pole, 5th N4C Projected Color Basic 03/10, 1st LVCC 01/18/10

Red Mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium), 4th place N4C 04/2010, 2nd place LVCC Pictorial Projected Basic 02/19/10

California Adventure, Honorable Mention N4C 06/2010, 1st place LVCC 05/03/10 Travel Projected Basic

Earwigs (Forficula Auricularia) Hanging on the Grass, Honorable Mention N4C July2010, 1st place LVCC Nature Projected Basic

“Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory.”
~ Arthur Ashe

[click the images to enlarge]

Color Me Paint: playing with my magic crayons

2010-12-18T15:51:00.000-08:00

It's a wet Winter this year and it slows me down from any outdoor activities, confining me at my home playing with my images. This time, I'm playing with my crayons in Photoshop.

"Neon Central Park"
This is a shot taken last February in New York City. You'll never miss any golden photographic opportunities inside Central Park even after the snow storm.

"RainFALL At The Big Meadow canvas"
My FALL image for this year. A big surpirse from Mother Nature when I spotted this big FALL meadow while exploring Lake Tahoe backroad. I turned it into a canvas so l can present to you like a painting.

"Farm Night Colour"
For my cat "Buttons", the image that I shot on the the day she died. Drove to the farm to see for any interesting landscape despite of the rain. The original image is a lonely scenery but when I played with my crayons, I turned it into something ... magical.

"Artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons. " ~ Al Hirschfeld
[click the image to enlarge]

St. Clare Retreat Center: polishing my halo

2010-12-05T01:30:00.000-08:00

"Come apart and rest a while".
St. Clare Retreat Center will provide you a peaceful place to reflect, surrounded by nature.

St. Clare of Assisi is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan , and wrote their Rule of Life.

Located in Santa Cruz Mountains California, St. Clare Retreat Center has a beautiful chapel, library, lounge, garden, dormitories, large dining room, swimming pool, and a hiking trail with Station of The Cross.

The retreat is conducted by the Franciscan Fathers and the Franciscan Missionary Sisters. There are conferences, masses, individual counseling/confession with ample time for private prayer and reading. Added attraction is Bear the dog (he looks like a bear) who was rescued from Hurricane Katrina. And you'll never get hungry at St. Clare, the sisters and the volunteer chef always make sure that they will satisfy your palate.

Traditionally specializes in Silent Women's Retreat, St. Clare also offer other types of retreats; married couples, mothers&daughters, Secular Franciscan, men and women, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, AA-Alanon, and Legion of Mary. Members of all denominations are welcome!

The sun shines at St. Clare! I usually get up before sunrise for my meditation walk up on the hill, to witness the breaking of a new dawn comes the light of a new day and the endless possibilities of that day. Solitude is my companion on my way up there. The trail has Station of the Cross where each cross has a built-in prayer that you will feel like having a personal dialogue with God.

Retreat has been a part of my life growing up in Catholic School. It was in 2006 when I started going to St. Clare. Since then, it becomes my tradition: a 3 day Silent Women Retreat every year. Personal preference is the Palm Sunday weekend in preparation for Lent when St. Clare's magnificent plants in Spring bloom.

And when life's goodness is overshadowed by critical challenges, it is at St. Clare where I pick up my life, renew my spirit and polish my halo o:-)

St. Clare Retreat Center website:
http://www.nonprofitpages.com/stclaresretreat/

Life is not a series of gig lamps symmetrically arranged; life is a luminous halo, a semi-transparent envelope surrounding us from the beginning of consciousness to the end.” ~ Virginia Woolf

[click the images to enlarge, click the play button to play Beyonce's Halo]

Misty Glass Window

2010-11-27T01:52:00.000-08:00

As the High Sierra got snow today, I'm enjoying the RAIN from my window.

"Rain falls
Dark clouds are racing up above
I gaze in solitude
Looking through a misty glass window
‘Cause then it used to be the two of us

This empty room
Filled my thoughts with memories of you
I turned and looked around
Oh, but found no sight of you
I guess it'll never be as true, no no ooh

Starlight
All I need is you tonight
Oh, starbright
Grant my wish tonight
I'm beggin' you, starlight
All I need is you tonight
Hoh, starbright
Get rid of the spell tonight, ooh

Rain falls
Dark clouds keep racing up above
It's still in solitude
Oh, longin' for you
Guess my heart will always be with you
My heart will always be with you
Looking through a misty glass window" ~ Pido

[click the image to enlarge, click play button to play the music Misty Glass Window]

Water Mosaic: Best In Show

2010-11-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Creative Projected Images - Basic
Best In Show
First Place
November 1, 2010 LVCC

our camera club webmaster emailed me today:
Congrats on your "water mosaic" shot, it got best in show last night out of about 100 projected images! Beautiful shot!

My Water Mosaic is my 1st ever Best In Show winning image aside from being selected as 1st place.

I seldom compete in Creative competition as my full time job keeps me busy. Doing alot of computer/photoshop manipulation to create an image is cool, but for now, I want to capture an image that is already creative itself like my Water Mosaic.

Please check out the link below to see more of my Water Mosaic.
http://www.thefearlesseye.com/2010/10/mosaic-reflections-on-pool-winning.html

"Each of us puts in one little stone, and then you get a great mosaic at the end.” ~ Santiz Alice Paul
[click the image to enlarge]

My Blair Witch Project: happy halloween

2010-10-31T02:20:00.000-07:00

So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the forest. There is a chill in the air. The leaves are gone and what's left is the wooded forest and its Spirit.

Inspired by the movie Blair Witch Project, I took this shot from my tripod while taking a walk in a cold early Spring in Des Plaines Illinois. The Forest is the ideal setting and my hooded coat is the best wardrobe so I can create an image that will give you a li'l fright. But if you know me by heart, looking at my big round eyes will make you smile :-)

The Blair Witch Project is a 1999 American horror film; the narrative is presented as a documentary pieced together from amateur footage, filmed in real time. The film was produced by the Haxan Films production company. The film relates the story of three young student filmmakers (Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Michael C. Williams) who hike into the Black Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland to film a documentary about a local legend known as the Blair Witch, and subsequently go missing. The viewer is told that the three were never found, although their video and sound equipment (along with most of the footage they shot) was discovered a year later.

"It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

[click the image to enlarge]

October Winning Images

2010-10-30T23:40:00.000-07:00

"Reflections on the Pool"
1st place
2010-10-04 - Creative Projected Image, Basic

"Straight On"
2nd place
2010-10-18 - Color Prints, Intermediate

[click the images to enlarge]

Photographing Plumas: a photographer's heaven

2010-10-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

The recent trip in Plumas County covers the town of Portola, Graeagle, Blairsden, Maybe, and Quincy. For my 1st release 2010 Plumas Photo Trip images as Plumas County Official Photographer, I decided to blog Plumas as a place for photographers due to its versatile land features enhanced by a pleasant climate. The world of photography keeps on growing: its networks and influence. Hope that through this blog will create awareness to all photography enthusiasts that Plumas is another place that I can call A Photographer's Heaven!

"Photographing The Saw Mill"

The Siera Pacific Industries (SPI) in Quincy manufactures small and large saw mill and has a cogeneration plant. While they harvest trees, SPI uses high technology to lessen the overall impact on the environment while providing jobs to the community.

"Photographing Davis Lake"

Lake Davis (elevation: 5785 ft. and a shoreline of 32 miles) was created in 1967 for recreational purposes and as a water supply for the nearby town of Portola. It is well noted for its great camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, boating, mountain biking and wildlife viewing.

"Photographing The Canyon"

The drive from Highway #70 to Frenchman Lake takes you through the beautiful canyon of Little Last Chance Creek. This canyon was formed as the result of several geologic "volcanic" events .

"Photographing Frenchman Lake"

Frenchman Lake (elevation: 5,588 ft and a shoreline of 21 miles) offers a wide variety of summer outdoor experiences including: camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, boating, jet skiing, mountain biking, swimming and water-skiing. In the winter, ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are favored activities. It is my favorite lake in Plumas County and will definitely go back there to kayak and shoot!

"Photographing Wildflowers"
Colorful shows of wildflowers can be seen along major Plumas County roads during the late spring and early summer. Among the best places to spot color are: The Feather River Highway 70, Indian Valley, Lake Almenor, Chester, Bucks Lake Road (Quincy-Oroville Highway), Butterfly Valley Botanical Area, and Lakes Basin Recreation Area.

"Photographing Fall Foliage"
Go out and catch a glimpse of natures splendor while Fall is still here and enjoy the changing leaves and feel the crisp breeze of Autumn.

"Photographing Downtown Quincy"

Not known to many, the town of Quincy in Plumas County has the best California Fall foliage color. Recent media coverage and photography social network has attracted more visitors this year. The future looks promising, expect more visitors arriving in the years to come.

"Photographing The Farm"

Go to the farm before sunrise and catch the early morning light. And when the daylight breaks in with fog, you will feel you're in Photographer's Heaven.

"Photographing For Fun"

Whether traveling solo, with someone or in a group. Whether it's a disposable, film, digital point and shoot, or DSLR camera. Photography produces pleasure especially in the company of fun friends. And when birds of the same feather flock together, they stay together.

"Photographing The Good Earth"
Discover Plumas and let Mother Nature surprise you!

Acknowledgement:
John & Ed: America knows you got brains, talent, and models! and now, you are my models :D Such a priveledge to know and work/play with you. Had so much fun on this trip. More trips and modeling to come. Keep expressing yourself through your camera and lens. Thank you.

“Life on earth is the preface to the book, the warm-up to the concert! Heaven is the main event!” ~ Randy Alcorn

[click the image to enlarge]

Me...in Plumas County News

2010-10-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

From casual talk to published article...my fellow photographers told me that I am now a published pro and famous in "blogosphere". Below is the unsolicited article (which I was mentioned) in Plumas County News from Suzi Brakken, Plumas Visitor's Bureau director.

[from the left: Marichu Pereira, Ed Mestre, John Goyer, and Kari of Plumas County Visitor's Bureau]

****************************************************************
Photo bloggers are boosting Plumas County tourism
10/13/2010

Suzi Brakken - Plumas County Visitor's Bureau

The promotion of Plumas County’s fall foliage has attracted unprecedented numbers of visitors and inquiries this year, but there’s been an additional benefit, thanks to technology. The changing leaves have been attracting more and more photographers and photo clubs who post their pictures online via websites, blogs and Facebook, thereby adding to the viral marketing effort.

Through Google alerts, the Visitors Bureau is able to track these photographers and make contact, which has led to various photo sharing arrangements or purchases, future photo shoots and even friendships.

Tony Mindling is a great example. Mindling is a talented amateur photographer-geologist who was discovered by local photographer Richard McCutcheon when both were out shooting fall foliage in Indian Valley a few years ago. We contacted Mindling, who lives a few hours away, and asked if he could come back up to shoot some images with models. Mindling’s productive visits have resulted in cover shots for the Plumas County Visitors Guide for the past three years. Mindling’s shots also were featured in VIA magazine and led Tom Stienstra’s outdoors column in the San Francisco Chronicle this month. In exchange for Mindling’s talent, we’ve offered modest compensation and a couple of free RV camp spots donated by local businesses.

Last year, we found another photographer through Google, Marichu Pereira, who donated some images used in the Visitors Guide. In exchange, we arranged for a cabin (donated by Chalet View) last weekend, which she shared with two other photographers she brought along from her Livermore Valley camera club. Pereira is a delightful, talented photographer that we had the pleasure of meeting in person last weekend. Her fellow photographers – one of whom is a “master” (in the photo competition world) – shot images across the county all weekend, and will likely be back, perhaps even as a club field trip. Photography is a huge social network, and turns out there are some 30 camera clubs just in Northern California!

Meanwhile, Pereira, who works in a Stanford Hospital laboratory, herself used social media to spread the word about Plumas County. She was so excited to become an “official photographer” for us that she blogged and Facebooked the news, linked the online Visitors Guide, and encouraged her hundreds of friends and fans to visit Plumas County.

This upcoming weekend, two photo groups are coming to Lake Almanor/Lassen Park as the result of a web-based tool known as “meet up.” This worldwide social network allows people with common interests to organize group functions, in this case, a photo trip to Plumas County. The invite is illustrated with Pereira’s photos, so we know that’s how they got the idea. We’ve already been in touch with the group leader from Sacramento who’s gathering 30 photographers; the other group from Tehama County is bringing seven. Local tourism businesses will benefit of course, but we’re hoping to form some new relationships with photographers as well.

http://www.plumasnews.com/index.php/home/7443-photo-bloggers-are-boosting-plumas-county-tourism

“As I have practiced it, photography produces pleasure by simplicity. I see something special and show it to the camera. A picture is produced. The moment is held until someone sees it. Then it is theirs.” ~ Sam Abell
[click the image to enlarge]

Mosaic Reflections On The Pool: winning Creative Image

2010-10-08T01:30:00.000-07:00

"Reflections On The Pool"
1st place Creative Projected
LVCC October 4, 2010

Mosaic is the art of creating images with an assemblage of small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials. It may be a technique of decorative art, an aspect of interior decoration, or of cultural and spiritual significance as in a cathedral. Small pieces, normally roughly cubic, of stone or glass of different colors, known as tesserae, (diminutive tessellae), are used to create a pattern or picture.

My Mosaic WATER Images were taken from a swimming pool. The pattern and colors are from the dark blue sky, reflections of the house and the ripples from a boy swimming on the right side of the pool.

Our camera club defines Creative Photography as producing an image through the use of imaginative skill or originality of thought including the altering of reality. The Mosaic Reflections On The Pool are already Creative on its own!

Acknowledgement:

Merrie - for opening your beautiful house and pool.
Marek - Boy! you really are a good swimmer!

“We become not a melting pot but a beautiful Mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.” ~ Jimmy Carter

[click the images to enlarge]

September Winning Images

2010-09-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

"Fork Feather River Canyon, Plumas County"
3rd place
2010-09-10 - Travel Projected Images, Intermediate

"Color Of FALL"
Honorable Mention
2010-09-24 - Pictorial Projected Images, Intermediate

"Curious About Water"
Honorable Mention
2010-09-24 - Pictorial Projected Images, Intermediate

Plumas County Visitor's Bureau: official photographer

2010-09-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

Autumn approaching and hope you had a great Summer. Autumn is my favorite time of the year and it's time to plan a visit to Plumas County California to capture its dazzling displays of yellow, red, and golden leaves against a crystal clear blue sky.

The Plumas County Visitors Bureau appointed me as one of their official photographers(Unofficial through email March 20,2010; Official when I received the GUIDE June 8, 2010). And to fulfill that, I need to go and photograph their beautiful place at least once every year.

The 2010-2011 Plumas County Visitors GUIDE features 3 of my images (one on the left and the 1st 2 below), some were used for advertising and some became Travel winning images from our camera club competition.

To view the Guide online: http/issuu.com/mcondon/docs/2010_pvg_final-websmallest

"North Fork Feather River Canyon": 3rd place 09/10/10

"The Road To Lassen": 2nd place 08/31/10

"Manzanita Lake": 1st pl 08/31/10

This blog has really served me well ~ to express myself through my captured images, stories and information so I can share them to all of you...It is through this blog that the Plumas County Visitors Bureau discovered me... from my 2009 Fall Color trip: http://www.thefearlesseye.com/2009/10/fall-colors.html

Consider Plumas first in your Fall Foliage trip. It's in our own backyard in California/West Coast and let Plumas surprise you like it did to me!

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
- Albert Camus

On Exhibit "Altamont: The Gateway To The Wind Farm"

2010-09-01T01:12:00.000-07:00

Now on Exhibit

"Livermore Valley" by

Livermore Valley Camera Club

Livermore Civic Library - Art Gallery
September 1-30, 2010

"Altamont: The Gateway To The Wind Farm"

*Open to the public. Free Admision*
Address: 1188 South Livermore Avenue, Livermore CA 94550
Directions: from I-580 Take the N. Livermore Avenue Exit, head South toward the center of Livermore. Civic Center Library is 2.5 miles from the North Livermore exit on the left hand side of the street. College Avenue is the nearest cross street. City Hall and the Police Station are on the left immediately before the Library.

Library Hours: Mon-Thur 10am-9pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun noon-6pm

[click the image to enlarge]

The Meaning of Life

2010-08-27T02:00:00.000-07:00

So you keep on searching

... you keep on praying

... you keep on wishing

... you keep on dreaming

... and you keep on hoping.

Maybe one day you'll find it. Somewhere. Somehow....with Someone.

Inspired by the video presentation "The Meaning of Life" by Santé et beauté pour tous , here's some from my photo collection.

"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.” ~ Flora Whittemore

[click the images to enlarge, click the play button to see The Meaning of Life video]

Dreaming Of Love: a self-portrait

2010-08-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

I used to have many dreams, now there is but one...Dreaming of Love ♥

"Dreaming Of Love (self-portrait)"

1st place Intermediate Pictorial

05/17/10 LivermoreValleyCamera Club

April 27, 2010 Day 5 of Clinical Virology Symposium Daytona Beach Florida. I decided to go back to my hotel room for my lunch break nap. I couldn't resist the beauty and light infront of me. I got up from my bed, set up my camera and tripod and moved all the furniture (sofa bed, coffee table and floor lamp) away from the window. Imagine the window without me, empty isn't it?... So, I grabbed my Victoria Secret nightie and changed to add sexy-ness to the silhouette that I was trying to create. The long stem red rose was a great tool to emphasize my theme Dreaming Of Love...Photography is not just a serious hobby or a passion or a self-expression. Sometimes I call it Work, and sometimes I need it just to relax and stay connected with my authentic self.

"In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities."
- Janos Arany

[click the images to enlarge, click the play button for I Dreamed A Dream of Les Miserables]

Symphony: where music comes to life

2010-07-20T01:36:00.001-07:00

"Inside Davies Symphony Hall" - 2nd place Travel Projected Pictorial Intermediate, LVCC June2010

Fourteen years ago, onboard the 747 business trip searching for music that can wash away my stress....

For some, they think I'm old-fashioned because I listen to Classical Music. Yes, it is an old music but it 's makes me feel young at heart because it helps restore energy, uplift the mood, help the mind and body relax. Don't get me wrong, I go gaga over Lady Gaga's songs :D

After a long haitus, I decided to come back to see the Symphony performs.Budget and time-wise, I couldn't afford to go there as much as I want. So, I set two conditions on when to go: only if my favorite music or favorite artist is scheduled to perform. Last January, a birthday gift to myself, I went to see Yo Yo Ma (highlights: Ascending Bird) then last June 12, Grammy award-winner Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) conducts SF Symphony Beethoven's Violin Concerto (my favorite Classical piece!).

Completed in September 1980, Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall is the permanent home of the San Francisco Symphony (SFS founded 1911). The San Francisco Symphony and Michael Tilson Thomas' recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 8 and Adagio from Symphony No. 10 won three Grammy® awards - Best Classical Album, Best Choral Performance, Best Engineered Classical Album.

Go on a journey into the unknown with forgotten composers and their music. The Symphony is a place to discover works by lesser-known composers, and, occasionally, lesser-known works by well-known composers. Because at the Symphony, music comes to LIFE.

San Francisco Symphony: http://www.sfsymphony.org/

"Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life." ~Ludwig van Beethoven

[click the image to enlarge]

Happy Bday M♥M: you gave me LIFE

2010-07-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

7/11.....July 11 ~ my M♥m's bday.

For you M♥m: whereever I walk, whatever I see, I look and photograph for beauty and light to honor you. I miss you.

You Gave Me Life

Every time you looked at me
Every time you blessed me
Every moment I thought of you
You gave me life

Everytime you believed in me
Everytime you trusted me
With every loving gesture of yours
You gave me life

You nurtured my being
You freed my soul
You gave purpose to my birth
You gave me life

The instances have been many
When I faltered & you lifted me
Your attention made me special
You gave me life

You know me more than i do myself
You make the world notice me
Without you, I am nothing,coz
You gave me life

Then the actual moment
When you stood between death and me
With all your compassion and love
You gave me a new life

I don’t know why
I don’t know how
For a bigger meaning & a higher goal ?
You have given me a grand new life
~ by Rajita Kulkarni

Travel Winning Images: July 9, 2010

2010-07-09T01:02:00.000-07:00

TRAVEL Projected Basic: July 9, 2010
No judge commentary, as I missed the camera club. Here's my own commentary of my winning Travel images.

1st place: Daytona Beach
my commentary: This was last April 2010 when I attended a week of seminar in Daytona Beach Florida where I stayed at the Hilton oceanfront. That month, I was diagnosed with Vitamin D Deficiency, so the trip in Florida was a good timing so I can get my Vitamin D Sunshine in the Sunshine State. I was getting my suntan next to this group of women, when all of a sudden, one of them started feeding the birds. Taking from a low angle always gives a different perspective. Added bonus is freezing the flight of that gull getting ready to touchdown.

2nd place: Inside Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco CA

my commentary: I'm into classical music, so Davies Symphony Hall is a favorite hang out if I want to hear my favorite piece and artists. A bonus point is the elegance of Davies Symphony Hall. This was last June when the whole SF Symphony performed on stage while waiting for the conductor Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) to approach the stage. With the usher's permission, I got this last shot few seconds before they program started.

Slideshow of tonight's winning images. The 1st and 2nd images are mine:

http://lvcc.photoclubservices.com/SlideShow.aspx?C=3021831&A=True&CompId=35ef2897-ab87-46f7-b322-90504c38809a&T=2010-07-09

[click the images to enlarge]

1st Nature winning pix: earwigs hanging on the grass

2010-06-20T02:52:00.000-07:00

For a Nature image to be competitive, it must show animal behavior, portraits of wildlife in natural habitat, plant life, natural dramatic landscapes, weather or people interacting with nature. Photographs of pets or domestic animals and images of captive animals photographed in zoos and commercial game farms are also prohibited, however, photos from state and national wildlife preserves are allowed. Most of the time, the winning image often shows animal behavoir than a cute portrait of a bird or flower.

I have some Nature Projected winning image but never got a 1st placer... not until June 7, 2010 when I know that my Earwigs (Forficula auricularia) Hanging on the Grass will be a great entry for that night's competition.

Earwig is an insect that has elongate bodies and slender many-jointed antennae and a pair of large pincers at the rear of the abdomen. The tail is like a forcep that have been observed in use for holding prey and in copulation. The forceps tend to be more curved in males than in femalesEarwigs are generally nocturnal, and typically hide in small, dark, and often moist areas in the daytime. They can usually be seen patrolling household walls and ceilings. Some people erroneously believe that earwigs crawl into people's ears at night and make burrows. Earwigs are harmless to people.

So, here it is, my very first ever - 1st place Nature Projected Basic winning image the Earwigs (Forficula auricularia) Hanging On The Grass.

judge commentary: Very nice capture and very funny to look at them. Such small creatures appeared li'l bigger. But cropping this image will work best. Great focus on the earwigs and right depth of field.

my commentary: This was was taken last Memorial weekend when we went for 2 days 20 miles hike/backpack in Ohlone Wilderness from Sunol to del Valle Livermore. Half-way from Sunol to Rose Peak, we were hiking on a grassy trail where earwigs are everywhere. The 1st earwig on the grass was hard to photograph because of the wind - the grass kept on swaying and the earwig kept on moving. I decided to give up on that guy, moved on and I know that I will see more of them on the trail. Not too far from the first one, I saw two earwigs struggling to hang on the grass. Looking from my camera's viewfinder and trying to get a good focus (with my 25 lbs backpack on my back), the behavoir of the two earwigs caught my attention: the one on the right was looking to the one on the left as if saying " hold on tight, the wind is so strong, don't fall". While the one on the left was looking at me telling me that he's ready for my shot.

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein

Blue Dress: express your true nature

2010-06-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

Bold, Beautiful, and Blue... As I pour myself a cup of ambition in learning Portrait & Studio Photography, I also started building my own model pool. Rather than hiring a pro (budget-wise, I can't afford one), I listed some people that I know and set qualifications that I posted in my Facebook March 19, 2010:

"I'm looking for a female model to work with me this Sunday: Asian or Latina, tall, slim, long hair, expressive eyes, nice smile/skin. No make-up/hair style required. No restrictions. No allergy as it's Outdoor Portrait Pictorial...TFP / TFCD arrangements only."

Uma & Chi were the last on my list. Not because they didn't meet my criteria but because they are camera-shy. On a daily basis, you'll see them comfortably wearing jeans&shirts and no make-up, scrubs for Chi, and hiking pants/shirts/boots for Uma. But they are both beauty and brains.

Early Spring 2010 - the Mustard grass grows itself. We trespassed a private farm (that I've been eyeing for years) in the countryside, a perfect setting for my theme Blue Dress: Express Your True NATURE. To enhance my shot and to give extra layer of depth, I added some props for this pictorial: red hat, red daisies, orange-purple scarf, and simple jewelries. I had planned for an early morning or before sunset pictorial but didn't happen. The strong natural light during the mid-day is always a challenge.

Uma: Sanskrit name meaning "luminous or serene". Also a name of the Goddess Parvati. In Hebrew, it is "Peace of the World".

Uma is my hiking buddy and my bestfriend. We met while on a hike in Point Reyes in 2006. A native from India but (over)educated in the U.S. Her passion is hiking and her music (Indian Classical).

Uma is beautiful and poised. She didn't know that not until after our pictorial. While reviewing the images from my camera and on screen, she kept on asking me "Chu, is that really me?"... Her modeling reveals her true beauty and helped building her self-esteem that she is one beautiful creation.

Chi is Maria Azita. Azita is an Iranian-Persian Feminine name meaning quick-minded, sensitive nature. Also a name of an Iranian princess.

Chi is a former co-worker and a friend. We still work for the same company but in different department. As she moved up to higher position, I comfortably stick to my position and working myself out to the wonderful world of photography. Her passion is her family.
Chi is beautiful and gorgeous. Her serious look reveals more seductive alluring look. This girl can walk the model runway!

Bold, Beautiful, and Blue...I turned my camera-shy friends into super model and let them express their true nature in my Blue Dress Collection. As I build and create my own model pool, I also empower these simple ladies to bring out their beauty and let them shine!

"Blue color is everlasting appointed by the Deity to be a source of delight. The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love color the most." - John Ruskin

[click the images to enlarge]

Red Mums: for mom on Mother's Day

2010-05-08T14:02:00.001-07:00

Every two weeks or so, I dress up my living room with a bouquet/pot of flowers.

In Feng-Shui, any living plant/flowers will emit Chi (the universal positive energy) into the room.

I purchased a pot of this blooming Red Mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) during my 2008 grocery shopping as my Xmas flower and present for my mom (for her memorial altar in my living room).

One evening,while looking with admiration of it's vibrant red and yellow colors and the folded petals, I let my sense of Creativity kicks in: I cut one stem, used my iron to hold it and the ironing board as my stage, wrapped one night stand lamp with cheese cloth as my improvised studio lights and blackboard as my backdrop. First attempt was a failure. Second try was a success.

How far did the my above image Red Mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) go?
4th place: Northern California Council Of Camera Clubs (N4C) Pictorial Basic Projected March2010

2nd place: Livermore Valley Camera Club (LVCC) Pictorial Projected Basic 02/19/10

My mom is a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune.

Happy Mother's Day to all the MOMS!

[click on the images to enlarge]

May 3, 2010 Winning Images: never cease to grow

2010-05-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

I just came back from a combo work/pleasure trip in Florida but managed to upload and print my images for the competition meeting...Tired from the trip but that doesn't mean I will skip the camera club...When you have the passion for learning, no matter what it takes and no matter what you feel, you will never cease to grow.

May 3, 2010 Livermore Valley Camera Club

Travel Projected Basic
1st place: "California Adventure", Anaheim CA

judge commentary: This is a good sunset image. Your have all the details and the reflection is a bonus. The maker can also enter this in Pictorial competition. Very nice.

my commentary: This is an old picture taken 3 years ago. I don't ride rides anymore as I used to live in Disney area in Anaheim 8 years ago. I only go to theme parks now just for photography esp. sunset/night pictorial. Yes, this was taken at sunset.

Photojournalism Projected Basic

Honorable Mention: "April 22, 2010: Denver International Airport shutdown due to lightning and severe thunderstorm."

judge commentary: Date of event is not necessary. I like the mood of this image: dark clouds and foreground. Very nice.

What is important is to keep learning, to enjoy challenge, and to tolerate ambiguity. In the end there are no certain answers." ~ Martina Horner

[click the image to enlrage]

April Pictorial Competition: It's not all about winning

2010-04-20T00:57:00.000-07:00

April 19, 2010
Livermore Valley Camera Club

Everytime Color Pictorial Competition (Print and Projected Images) comes, it's always a big, busy and competitive night. As we get bigger (population wise), the competition gets tougher as well. More new pro are coming in and old timers getting better and better.

How do I pick what images to enter?...For me, competition is not all about winning, it's also about LEARNING. We are entitled to enter maximum of 2 images and my strategy is to enter one that will give favorable comments from the judge (and hopefully will win ☻) and a not-so-good one so I know where I can improve my skills.

PRINT Color Pictorial: Honorable Mention
Ventura Sunset

judge commentary: It's simple, though not a spectacular sunset, but I like it. It's something that you will hang on your wall and look at. It's relaxing. The clouds, the light on the water, and little bit of the mountain are interesting.

PRINT Color Pictorial: not a winner

Subway Light, New York

judge commentary: Someone saw interesting in the subway. I would just crop and focus on the light on the ceiling. Crop the fluorescent light and the lower part (floor) as well. But I like the fact what the photographer saw and made an interesting image of

the subway.

PROJECTED Pictorial Competition: Honorable Mention

The Silhouette Of The Foggy Tree, Mission Peak CA

judge commentary: The tree is sharp and stand out in a foggy day. I like the position of the tree and the sun. I also like the inclusion of

the hill below as foundation. Very nice composition. It's simple and yet well done.

PROJECTED Pictorial Competition: not a winner

Beach Comber, Pismo Beach CA

judge commentary: he's looking to the photographer and I don't know what he's doing. I would tone down the lights on the top.

A good balance of winning and losing is important. If you just win all the time, you won't get anything out of it; having some tough losses can be really important. ~ Andrew Shue

[click the images to enlarge]

Anything Goes: When I get to compete with the Masters

2010-04-13T01:37:00.001-07:00

For the first time in the history of LVCC - March 26 Anything Goes "Fun" Night Competition

not rated (no outsider judge, instead we judge other photographer's work)
new rules: we compete with everybody, one cannot vote their own work and can only vote once on each category.

[In a regular meeting competition, we compete based on our level: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and the Masters; we have an invited "outsider" judge to critique our work and any winning images will be sent to Northern California Council Of Camera Clubs N4C.]

Exciting isn't it?...but what's the chance of winning if you get to compete with the Advanced and Master photographers?....Then I thought "If I carefully review and select the best images from my collection and let Creativity kicks in, I will have the chance to get some vote and never think about winning. Besides, it's a Fun Night!"

How did I do?....

Architecture: Milwaukee Art Museum
1st place: Marichu Pereira
total #images: 19

comments from the photographers:
1. Wow!
2. It will draw your eyes to the Museum.
3. Good light!
4. I like the detail and the shadow...
5. I never thought that you can submit in Monochrome.

my commentary: I'm never good in Monochrome but I decided to do and submit in Black&White. This is the Milwaukee Art Museum in Wisconsin last Spring 2009 which I recommend that you add it in your list. If it's not windy, the roof will open up and will look like a sailboat. Inside it's like a Star Trek space ship.

Post Card: Plumas County: Fall Season
total #images: 16
comments from the photographers:
1. I like the inclusion of the Highway sign.
2. I love the Yellow flowers sitting on the red foliage. And the right Depth Of Field effect.

Not a winner BUT a runner up - a tight competition with the winning image from the Master (our club's president). Missed by one point for a tie-breaker (I voted on his image).

Fashion: Blue Jersey Dress: Express Your True NATURE
total #images: 19
comments from the photographers:
1. Wow! did you go to Napa for the Mustard?
2. You can enter this also in Creative Competition

Not a winner but a runner up - I get to compete with the Master (my photographer)! At the end of the night he came to me and said "Marichu, I thought you're going to beat me again!

Other Pictorial: The Wicked Camper
Not a winner. I just threw it in there...simply for fun :D

To win and to become competitive with the Masters (rated or not) means alot to me...To get the majority vote of my fellow photographers has a big effect in my self-confidence ~ an assurance that I'm capable of producing winning and competitive images especially when I least expect it (Monochrome:Black&White).

If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing ~ Marc Chagal

[clcik on the images to enlarge]

My CROSS Collection: Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

What's in my CROSS...

I started my CROSS Collection when I first captured "The Shroud Of The Missions", my 2009 fave cross photograph and was featured in my July 2009 blog. (Blog Archive for older posts can be accessed on the lower left of my blog main page).
http://www.thefearlesseye.com/2009/07/shroud-of-missions_12.html#comments

Then my "Sunset Cross", my fave cross this year. The position of the cross in this sunset photograph brings many thoughts of the meaning behind it. It's meditative and the clouds are so dramatic.

"Bird's Cross"
Some people are drawn to birds, some to palm tree, some to silhouette, and some to cross. If you can get all these 4 elements, you get the whole package in my "Bird's Cross".

"Simply Cross"

Cross is not always about a place of worship or a house of prayer. This is a cross from an old graveyard behind an old church. It's leaning but not attached on the wall. It's simplicity is a beauty.

"Mt. Soledad Memorial Cross"
A 29-foot cross dedicated on April 29, 1954 to honor Korean War veterans who have served our country and to educate the general public about service and the sacrifices that veterans make to preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

"Easter Cross"

Today is Easter Sunday. The date varies because it is determined using a calculated lunar calendar. It is the first Sunday approximately after the first full moon on or after the March equinox. Many Christians celebrate Jesus Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday.

So, what's in my CROSS....CROSS is a big part of me. It's about my Faith and about the most important person in my life. Everytime I look up and look down on the CROSS, it reminds me not only about Christ but also my mom who died five years ago on Easter Sunday.

Have a meaningful Easter Sunday everyone!

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.

~Robert Flatt

[click on the image to enlarge]

My 1st Model: Venus

2010-03-24T00:50:00.000-07:00

Meet my 1st Model......

Modeling is an art and many models can express themselves like actors as they have to show feelings and emotions in front of the camera.

As I branched out from Outdoor/Landscape photography to Portrait, few months ago I signed up for Model Workshop organized by one of our top Master Photograher. It's a small pro-active group: the organizer, 3 male photographers, myself , and the model. We take turns and share images to see how one perspective differs from the rest and how lights (natural and studio) affect the model. One photographer quoted me "Marichu, you've captured the feminine side, the female perspective!"....That's the advantage of being a female photographer!

I was curious and excited having a real model in front of me. As I keenly observed the model - so beautiful, so sexy and so natural (no make up and hair style) with her "expressive" facial and body movements and oozing with sex appeal, I thought "This model is really an Artist!...She's gifted!...She's a real Model!....Then my attention shifted to my fellow photographers that ... we all have one thing in common, one passion. We don't take pictures, we capture the moments and make them into artistic images.

Available to you now..my very 1st model images. They are not perfect but I know I'll improve more as the time goes by....I am pleased to introduce to you my 1st "real" model. And I call her...

Venus ~ like the goddess.

"Oh! Languid goddess who sees the world from on high tempestuous Olympus, so presumptuous of your beauty...You skin has been threaded with gold and silver fibres.Your golden hair was wrought with innate refinement.You seduce every man with your slender silhouette, your enchantment increases..." ~ Goddess Venus poem by Silvina Castellano

[click the image to enlarge]

March Color Pictorial Winning Images

2010-03-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

March 15, 2010
Livermore Valley Camera Club
Color Pictorial Competition

Big night. Busy night. Full-house... so many good entries for both PRINT and PROJECTED Images competition. Just got lucky. Yahoo!!!

1st place PRINT Intermediate
"Pismo Beach Sunset

judge commentary: Off center works best - not too much sky, I like the sunset, the details on the reflections and ripples on the center and a small portion of the pier. Very colorful. Very nice.

my commentary: This was my bday sunset. Waited for sunset for the perfect time and spot. Everytime I drive down to Santa Barbara County/L.A. via 101-South, I always stop in Pismo Beach not only for sunset but also to my favorite Pier Side Restaurant for the best Fish&Chips.

2nd place PROJECTED Basic
"Post Surf Awe", La Jolla CA

judge commentary: There are so many stories here: you don't know if he's going to surf, or watching/waiting for the wave or someone. It will make you think about him. The sky, the light and the wave are very meditative. Maybe this was taken during sunrise because of the clouds and light. I like the details of the wave on the left side and the soft-touch effect of the wave by the shore and on the rocks. Very nice.

* both images will be sent to Northern California Council of Camera Clubs (N4C) to compete with the other winning images.

[click the image to enlarge]

Intro To Studio Lights: building my portfolio

2010-03-11T21:59:00.000-08:00

Never underestimate the power of recognition...

Just 2 days before I set to go to New York for vacation/photo trip, I received an email from a top Portrait-Glamour photographer:
Wed, February 24, 2010 10:33:28 AM
Marichu,
On March 1st, I am going to do a brief tutorial called an “Introduction to Studio Lighting”. I will be demonstrating the set up, placement and use of studio lights and taking a few shots to show how the placement of lights affects image of the subject/model. Can I prevail upon you to be the model for this tutorial? I could really use your help and it will be informative and fun. Thanks in advance for your assistance,
John Lankes

I had planned to spend one week (Feb 26-March4) of fun and adventure in the Big Apple. ..think...think...think...I can't turn down John Lankes' invitation (who would? He's one of the BEST!). But what about the pictures, the Met/MOMA/Broadway then I thought New York will always be there and I can come back anytime. Thanks to my New Yorker friends for supporting me in my decision (Yeng, Eda, Les, Sid, & Charlie):
Thursday, February 25, 2010 3:10 AM
Hi John,
Your Introduction to Studio Lighting is a great topic&learning especially coming from the Master like you (smile)... and to present it in a very informative and fun way ~ I'm willing to help and participate and hope l'll make a good model in your presentation.
Anything in mind that you want me to wear? black/colored cocktail dress OR ripped shirt&leggings to add more impact in your presentation?
see you on Monday,
Marichu

Marichu,
Thanks for being a good sport and I love your attitude! While the cocktail dress would lend itself to a more sophisticated look I think your idea of a ripped shirt and leggings will be much more fun. ~ John.

March 1st - the big night!
My fellow photographers were taken by surprise not only for breaking our dress code policy(joke) but Me as the model.

While John Lankes was busy setting-up his camera etc, I, on the other hand was busy self-motivating and fighting my stage-fright on the back corner seat. Few minutes later, I heard the cue ("The Model"), approached the center stage then bowed from the applause. I set aside the desire to learn John Lankes' presentation as I need to concentrate on what expressions and posing to do that will appeal not only the photographer's eye but also the 20+ photographers.

Pose...pose....pose...click!....I thought to myself "I am doing great and so relaxed. I can nail this! Just focus with my emotion and pose, eyes on the camera and listen attentively for any instructions and don't look at the audience".....Several shots were released to demonstrate different lighting effect and images. The camera was in synch with the lights, flash, computer then to the big screen projector (very high-tech, don't you think?).

After the presentation, photographers (including my photographer John Goyer) approached me and told me that I did great. But what a big surprise that evening was when our camera club's president talked to me about my modeling - he thought that I've been doing it for a long time. I simply told him ~ "I am just starting".

Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 10:40 AM
Marichu,
Thanks for being our model and I appreciated your comments on the images. I like the idea of a urban setting and maybe we can do that in the future. John G. did a nice job with your photos and you should be building a nice portfolio. I am attaching 3 of my photos to add to your collection.
Here are a few shots.
Regards,
John

Clothing with distinct patterns and design is not recommended for Portrait/Studio-type pictorial. Not unless if the intention is to promote the clothing. The photographer's intention here is to have fun presentation, so we decided to go with my ripped shirt and leggings (not shown, as the floor was not set for full body pictorial).
The pose, soft-focus effect, and Black&White are great. Look how the hair, skin tone, and the background blend-in so well.

Title: "Strike A Pose, Give Me The Attitude"
["The Attitude" is John Lankes' term to give him my seductive eye/look]

My favorite shot (not because it's me)...look how the orange background, the hair, skin tone, and eyes COMPLEMENT all together. The photographer did a great job bringing out the BROWN EYES in me!

Title: "Shhhh...I have a Secret!"
[I chipped my fingernail in New York...long sexy fingernail is preferred].

The type of shot and light that will draw your eyes first to the model (especially on her eyes) then to the whole image. This is where clothing with distinct patterns&design and bling-bling are acceptable.

I remember this was a quick shot....a more relaxed hand/arm will look better and sexier.

"Of course without a great model, all the equipment in the world won't get you a great portrait." ~ John Lankes, Intro to Studio Lights LVCC March 2010 Blog

March Winning Travel Images

2010-03-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

Livermore Valley Camera Club
March 1, 2010
Travel Projected Images, Basic

1st place: Manzanita Lake
Redding CA
judge comments: I like the reflections especially the bottom part where you see the clouds. I also like the inclusion of the twigs. Your eyes will draw to the guy fishing on the lake, where the image is very crisp.

my commentary: This was taken last year on Memorial weekend. We went to Burney Falls then decided to stop by at Lassen Volcano Nat'l Park since it's so close. This is one of the nine photos that will appear at Plumas County Visitor's Bureau website. They found my Fall color pictures and also picked some pictures of my Lassen trip including this one.

note: This will compete with the other winning entries in Northern California camera clubs.

4th place: China Basin
San Francisco CA
judge comments: Very nice. very crisp especially the water, all the boats and everything. I'm not sure about the sky as it is too tight, need extra sky. Since we don't allow cloning on Travel, the buoy can be cropped out below. But it's very nice, love the water and boat.

[click the images to enlarge]

Happy Heart's Day

2010-02-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

“Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it.”

~ Swedish Proverb

" A Heart On Fire"
Racheria Campground, Hetch Hetchy Yosemite CA

*our campfire during our 2 days backpacking trip in Yosemite last Fall 2009.*

"Tree Of Heartness"

Mt. Whitney, CA

*what a joy to see a heart carved in one of the world's oldest tree in Mt. Whitney Spring 2008.*

"Snow Heart" Tiltill Valley, Yosemite CA *a snow heart formed from a stone in Yosemite Fall 2009.

"Heart Collage"
*unfinished one...just playing, made this collage from my friend's engagement pictorial.*

[click on the image to enlarge]

02-01-10 winning images

2010-02-01T23:22:00.000-08:00

Livermore Valley Camera Club Feb. 1, 2010 Competition

"Light A Candle For Haiti"

1st place Basic Creative LVCC 02/01/10

judge: Right Timing. So many things to point out here that are good: The woman holding the candle shows compassion (heart) and praying; The Map of Haiti with the epicenter of the earthquake. Very nice.

my commentary: Purposely made this to increase awareness to help and pray for Haiti. I used 2 software to create this image.

For the Matte Canvass: I overlapped like transparencies 2 into 1 images (took a picture of Haiti earthquake map from a local newspaper and my dry farmland in Mexico) and applied Mosaic tile.

For the Heart: I stretch-out and over-saturated a rose petal image.

For the candle: that was a self-portrait with my bday candle taken few days after Haiti earthquake.

"Gull By The Shore", La Jolla CA

3rd place, Nature Basic

judge: Very sharp and detailed picture of a gull from the feathers and especially the head/eye. In Nature, scientific name also count and we always look for more behavior. This can make a good entry in pictorial competition instead. But it's a nice image and very detailed.

[click on the images to enlarge]

1st 2 Winning Pictorial Images For 2010

2010-01-18T23:09:00.000-08:00

January 18, 2010 LVCC Pictorial Competition.

1st place Projected Pictorial Basic: "Electric Bird's Pole: Behind The Fence", Erendira Mexico
judge comments: Very nice image and capture. I like the perspective of blurring the fence and focusing/sharpening the electric pole and birds. It's like it has digital effects on it. Well done.
my commentary: This is taken next door from my cousin's cabin in Erendira Mexico. Got up 4 in the morning for sunrise. I took couple of shots with different angle and perspective. I like this image.

1st place Print Pictorial Basic: "Hidden Beauty", Kenosha Wisconsin
judge comments: I like the composition, the reflections and the yellow colors from sunset and the blue colors from the sky. Very sharp as you can see the trees and branches and the reflections. Only one thing that I'll do is to crop both sides to draw your eyes to the center.
my commentary: This is taken at my friend's property in Kenosha Wisconsin last Spring but freezing. I was actually on the other side of the pond, walked around and wacking all the branches and twigs to get this image. I'm into reflections and I'll definitely take the judge advise to crop the image. Thank you.

“The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

[click the images to enlarge]

My Birthday Candle: for Haiti

2010-01-16T00:33:00.000-08:00

I offer my birthday candle for the earthquake victims of Haiti. Light a candle, say a prayer...they need our help.

To send your donation:
American Red Cross International Response Fund
online: www.redcross.org
phone: 1-800-RED-CROSS. Designate gifts to Haiti relief.
text message: donate $10 by texting “HAITI” to 90999.

To pray for Haiti online: http://light-a-candle.org/Prayers/92339

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
~ Winston Churchill

January entries: when my heart beats

2010-01-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2010 First LVCC meeting/competition.
I only participated in Projected Image (Travel&Journalism), skipped the Print competition (Nature and Sequence) as I didn't have anything prepared. Any 1st and 2nd placer will be sent out to compete with the other winning images from 20+ camera clubs in Northern California. The 1st place photographer is entitled to give a short commentary about the winning image.

Travel Basic Projected
1st place: "Inside SFO", San Francisco CA
judge comments: "This is an interesting image, a different perspective inside San Francisco airport. Very nice composition of the art work from the ceiling, the window, and the reflection on the floor. There is no people! I like it and never seen a composition like this of SFO."

my commentary: I was concentrating at first on the art work suspended from the ceiling but the sunset reflection on the floor caught my attention. So, I let my eyes opened with the bigger picture inside SFO. The airport was suprisingly not crowded that day (taken last October on a Monday sunset time) - so I was rushing to capture the sunset reflection on the floor and take advantage of no people in the background. Dead end from the wall behind me, I was lying down on the floor to capture the whole image using my 18-200mm lens.

2nd place: "Overlooking Lake Tahoe From Mt. Tallac", Lake Tahoe CA
judge comments: The rocks, clouds, snow, and blue sky compliment this image. But the rock and Lake Tahoe on the right side is underexposed (dark) - need to brighten that a li'l bit. This must be taken during mid-day when the sun is up and strong but still the image is nice.

Journalism Basic Projected
1st place: "The Participants Of Radium Hot Springs Diving Competition", British Columbia Canada
judge comments: Very nice image. It will draw your eyes from one segment/row to another. I like all the diving shots esp. the center image is very interesting. The maker can also enter this in Sequence category. I also like the water as the canvas background. Very well done.

my commentary: After 7 days hiking in Canadian Rockies, I decided to skip the hike and drive around and check out Radium Hot Springs and get soaked. When we get there, these divers were having a goodtime diving. So I played with my camera to stop the diving motion. I used the pool water as my canvas to stay focus on the theme.

2nd place: "Young Fisherman's Catch Of The Day", Erendira Mexico
judge comments: The boy is very proud of his catch. I would cropped the lower part of the picture because of the shadow, same thing with the half-body man on the left as it is a distraction.

lub-dub...lub-dub...(my heartbeat pounding)...standing on the back while listening to the judge's comments, I always get nervous when I know that I am going to be picked...I knew from the time I've captured my "Inside SFO" and "The Participants Of Radium Hot Springs Diving Competition" they're surely are a winner!

[click on the images to enlarge]

My 1st Modeling: bring out the best in me

2010-01-01T17:18:00.000-08:00

Unimaginable...Unthinkable...

Few months ago, I signed up for Model Workshop organized by our club's top Master Photographer John Goyer for two reasons: I want to learn from him and I want to branch out from Landscape/Outdoor Photography to Portrait. At the conclusion of the workshop, we (4 male photographers, the model, and myself) decided that I play around and pose for them. Which I did, simply just for fun.

Then I started to receive emails from John asking me to model for him. At first, I thought "He's just teasing me". A month later at the club's Xmas Banquet with his beautiful wife, he told me "I want you to model for me so we will schedule our photo shoot soon". I agreed "OK, as long as no nude". More emails came...then the rest is history.

I was immortalized (based from John's email. Meaning: to make famous forever) on December 27, 2009. We did the photo shoot in my place. I chose my silk peach/black pajama, purple satin drape, my everyday jewelry as outfit/props with light make-up and curled my hair a bit - Not too fancy as this is not a Glamour pictorial. But what we both really want is to be more creative/artistic and to bring out the BEST in me.

To John: I've always admired your talent and work since my day 1 at the club. And you reciprocate by appreciating my photo images and now my "Naughty Secrets That I Don't Want To Tell You" LOOK. Will definitely model for you again. Thank you.

"Inside you there's an artist you don't know about...Say yes quickly, if you know, if you've known it from before the beginning of the universe." ~ Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi

[click the top 3 images to enlarge]

For The Last Day Of The Year: Blue Moon

2009-12-30T19:05:00.000-08:00

Once in a blue moon there is one on New Year's Eve. A full moon occured on Dec 2. It will appear again on Thursday Dec 31 in time for the New Year's eve countdown. A Blue Moon is not blue, it is the second full moon of the month.

May the Blue Moon on New Year's Eve shines above you that you may have a Happy, Healthy and Prospherous New 2010.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

"If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds? or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel. A star to discover. And a being within ourselves to bring to life." ~ Unknown Author

"May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,

The gladness of Christmas give you hope,

The warmth of Christmas grant you love."

Merry Christmas to ALL!

[click the image to enlarge, click play button to see John Lennon's Happy Christmas]

MIMOSA: early Christmas joy

2009-12-21T18:20:00.000-08:00

December 13 12:36 AM just before I went to bed, opened my laptop and checked my email. My photographer-mentor wrote: "whoo hoo! your shot made the cover of foto fanfare! nice!"... I didn't know what's that all about. Not expecting for any winning picture at this time of the year and I was not really active this year at the camera club due to conflict in my busy schedule.

So, I went back to my mailbox to see for any clue ~ Aha! The December FOTO FANFARE!...my MIMOSA is the winning electronic image for Basic Pictorial Dec 2009 Northern California Council of Camera Clubs (N4C) and made as the covershot of our FOTO FANFARE December issue.

Ahh my winning MIMOSA!...T'was my 1st MIMOSA drink on my birthday in my 1st Mexico Trip. What an early Xmas joy to share with all of you! And I will raise a glass of my Xmas Mimosa on Christmas Day to wish you all Felices Fiestas! Salud!

FOTO FANFARE Dec 2009 issue:
http://www.n4c.org/FF-2009/12-09/Foto%20Fanfare%20read%20only%20Dec%202009.pdf

"Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character." ~ James Wooden

[click the image to enlarge, click the link to view Dec2009 Foto Fanfare, click play to see How To Make A Mimosa drink?"]

2009 Holiday PHOTO Wish List

2009-12-07T22:58:00.001-08:00

Dear Photographer Santa,
As Christmas approaches, I hope life in North Pole still goes on despite of the economy. And that, you still make a list of children and photographers throughout the world and deliver presents on Christmas Eve through the help of your hard working elves and the reindeer who pulls your sleigh. Naughty or Nice, here's my 3 Holiday PHOTO Wish List:

1. More Model Workshop: As I turn my photographer's eye towards capturing people (Portrait): to learn how to produce "flawless" skin tone and work with artificial lights (flash, softbox, studio), I recently attended the Model Workshop organized by one of our top Master photographers from the camera club. Due to the Model Release Agreement and time constraints, I can not share the model pictures right now. Instead, the image on the left is ME taken by the organizer after our 5 hours Model Workshop.
possibility: early 2010. I need Santa's recommendation to the organizer.

2. Reflectors are a quick and easy way to open up shadows, change contrast, or direct the light. These collapsible reflectors are even more convenient for easy transport and storage. The gold reflector warms up the light with somewhat contrasty reflection. The white gives a neutral color temperature with a softer, less contrasty reflection.
possibility: Santa can get this for me as it's not expensive.

3. Zoom - Telephoto Lens is ideal for a discerning future telephoto photographer.
Pros: The 200-400 mm gives flexibility in composing shots for sport, wildlife and even macro photography.
Cons: expensive $6,000+, heavy and f/4 is not fast enough.
possibility: wishful thinking. Santa's broke so I need to win the lottery to buy this!

May the Christmas Spirit be with you all!

your photographer baby,
Marichu

[click on the images to enlarge. click on play button to see Eartha Kitt's animated Santa Baby]

Sunset Railway: life is like a train ride

2009-11-15T23:27:00.000-08:00

As Thanksgiving approaches and we consider what we are thankful for, I am thankful I was able to take my train ride at least part of the way with all of you. My Sunset Railway (sorry I missed the train) is more than a train+ride for me. So, I would like to share with you a very powerful poem Life Is Like A Train Ride by Angel Marie Schmidt.

Life is like a train ride. We get on. We ride. We get off. We get back on and ride some more. There are accidents and there are delays. At certain stops, there are surprises. Some of these will translate into great moments of joy; some will result in profound sorrow.
When we are born and we first board the train, we meet people whom we think will be with us for the entire journey. Those people are our parents! Sadly, this is far from the truth. Our parents are with us for as long as we absolutely need them. They too have journeys they must complete. We live with the memories of their love, affection, friendship, guidance, and their ever presence.

There are others who board the train and who eventually become very important to us. These people are our brothers, sisters, friends, and acquaintances, whom we will learn to love and cherish.
Some people consider their journey like a jaunty tour. They will just go merrily along. Others will encounter many upsets, tears, losses on their journey. Others still, will linger on to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. Some people on the train will leave an everlasting impression when they get off. Some will get on and get off the train so quickly, they will scarcely leave a sign they ever travelled along with you or ever crossed your path.

We will sometimes be upset that some passengers, whom we love, will choose to sit in another compartment and leave us to travel on our own. Then again, there is nothing saying we cannot seek them out anyway. Nevertheless, once sought out and found, we may not even be able to sit next to them because the seat may already be taken.
That is okay, everyone's journey will be filled with hopes, dreams, challenges, setback, and goodbyes. We must strive to make the best of it, no matter what. We must constantly strive to understand our travel companions and look for the best in everyone.
Remember, at any moment during our journey, any one of our travel companions can have a weak moment and be in need of our help. We too may vacillate or hesitate, even trip, hopefully we can count on someone being there to be supportive and understanding.

The bigger mystery of our journey is we do not know when our last stop will come. Neither do we know when our travel companions will make their last stop. Not even those sitting on the seat next to us.
Personally, I know I will be sad to make my final stop.
My separation from all those friends and acquaintances I made during the train ride will be painful. Leaving all those I am close to will be a sad thing. But then again, I am certain one day I will get to the main station only to meet up with everyone else. They will all be carrying their baggage, most of which they did not have when they first got on this train.
I will be glad to see them again. I will also be glad to have contributed to their baggage and to have enriched their lives, just as much as they will have contributed to my baggage and enriched my life.

We are all on this train ride together. Above all, we should all try to strive to make the ride as pleasant and memorable as we can, right up until the final stop and leave the train for the last time. All aboard! Safe journey!

My train ride is not always a smooth ride. Sometimes it is bumpy, sometimes I take the wrong turns but at the end of each life's journey, I always find my way home ~ that is LIFE and its adventure. But two things I know that are always with me and always have: HOPE and Blessings for which I am thankful for...Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

[click the image to enlarge.]

Veterans Day: we honor thee

2009-11-11T11:51:00.000-08:00

"They chose to serve the cause that is greater than self...So to all of them, to our veterans, to the fallen and to their families, there's no tribute, no commemoration, no praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service and your sacrifice"

~ President Barack Obama on Veterans Day 2009

Pumpkin Patch: Happy Halloween

2009-10-23T23:46:00.000-07:00

["Pumpkin Patch" song by Mr. I and the Rainbow Singers]
Pumpkin patch, pumpkin patch, Headin' out to the pumpkin patch. Pumpkins are pretty sneaky, they like to hide in the fields. Under a leaf, under a bush, they keep perfectly still. It's a good thing that they're orange, or they'd be hard to see. Gonna catch me one of them pumpkins, a special one for me.

Pumpkins aren't very scary, unless you give them a face, a smile or a frown, eyes up or down, teeth all over the place. Gonna carve me one of them pumpkins, put a candle inside to burn. Then instead of a pumpkin, it'll be a jack o'lantern. Hey hey, I'm goin' today, hay ride hang on... Hey hey, what can I say, Gotta catch 'em before they're gone.

So if you happen to see a pumpkin, When you're out on hallowe'en night, Don't stop and stare, you better beware. He'll give you an awful fright. Just keep on trick or treating, don't even say hello, He might jump up, and follow you home, You just never know!

Happy Halloween to all!

[click the images to enlarge, click play button to see CHARLIE BROWN pumpkin]

FALL Colors: Plumas

2009-10-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

We were not leaf-peeping. We rendezvoused to see the transformation of verdant hills into an autumnal furnace of yellows and reds ~ the leaves are really the only excuse to get out of the city for the day, drove 400 miles to the countryside on a potentially quixotic quest.

Fall Colors were caused by the breakdown of chlorophyll (which reveals the yellow beneath the green) and the release of anthocyanin (which makes red). Leaves, they said, were filled with several different pigments. The green pigment filled the leaves in Summer, but come Fall, that color drained - leaving behind brilliant reds, yellows and oranges.

Not known to many, the town of Quincy in Plumas County has the best California Fall foliage color. The long drive is a killer but as soon as you passed the long and winding mountain road, Quincy will surprise you. Its peaceful color is a sublime beauty!

Go out and catch a glimpse of natures splendor while Fall is still here. And let me take your eyes in the bursts of colors, enjoy the changing leaves and feel the crisp breeze of Autumn in my photo gallery...

http://www.pbase.com/marichupereira/plumas_fall_color&page=all

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."~ george eliot

[click the collage to enlarge, click the link to see my Plumas Fall Color pictures]

Still Life: Door

2009-10-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

They say, "When you dream of a closed door, it signifies opportunities that are denied and not available to you or that you have missed out on". Possibly true for New Orleans.

Although Hurricane Katrina did not deliver its full wrath against New Orleans in 2005, but the damage was massive. The historic city had lost a large number of its priceless old homes but the Antique Door: Spared From The Hurricane Katrina can still be found in French Quarter New Orleans. The life in French Quarter is back! Make a plan and visit.

The Orange Hasp, on the other hand, is the storage door of my cousin's cabin in Baja Mexico. The morning light creates an excellent colours and textures masking the door. Once an ignored beauty, the Orange Hasp is now getting attention ever since this image was created.

Stll Life: Where color and light gives life.

"The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes. If you foolishly ignore beauty, you will soon find yourself without it. Your life will be impoverished. But if you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life.” ~ Frank Lloyd

[click the image to enlarge]

Still Life: Glass Wine

2009-10-04T00:41:00.000-07:00

A s till life is a composition of lifeless objects - a great training in practicing composition and lighting techniques. It pictures the world of the contemporary human being.

I make pictures rather than takes them. Knowing that I have the "eye" coupled with my compositional skills, lighting is always a big challenge. In the end, I am capable of producing my Still Life photos. Every artists have a purpose in mind when they choose their still-life objects. I chose the GLASS WINE as I've got my wine-ism in place and enjoy the pleasure of drinking wine in the company of family and friends. Already well-known as heart healthy, wine in moderation might help you lose weight, reduce forgetfulness, boost your immunity, and help prevent bone loss - Cheers to that!

Sparkling (Prosecco ), Sherry , Rosé, white, red anyone?

"Wine is sunlight, held together by water." ~ Galileo Galilei

[click the image to enlarge, click play button to see the trailer of the movie Sideways and take a week-long road trip to the wine country of Santa Barbara.]

Grand Slam Night - winning vs. pride

2009-09-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

Is it luck or is it just getting better?...

Recently at the camera club (Livermore Valley Camera Club or LVCC), my 3 entries were all selected. People often ask "Do you get any price for winning?"

At the club, it is all about recognition. When selected as 1st, the maker will be entitled for short commentary about the image. Any 1st and 2nd placer will be sent to the council (Northern California Council of Camera Clubs or N4C) to compete with the other winning pictures for the monthly and annual competition ~ it's the club's rule but sometimes there are rules that need to be broken like this one:

John (my favorite Master photographer and club's events manager) told me that night: "You keep on winning Marichu. I know we have rules, but I need to promote you to the next level. "

Winning makes me proud and happy. BUT I'd definitely rather be proud of my work, more creative, $uccessful, happy and content than obsessed with winning. The real enjoyment is derived from the joy of creating something new and something better from the joy of my passion (photography). If I focus on creating fantastic photos then winning will take care of itself.

Wynn At Night

1st place Travel Basic Projected 09/07/09

The Road To Lassen

2nd place Travel Basic Projected 09/07/09

The Squatter's Living Situation In Mountain Province, 1st place Journalism Basic Projected 09/07/09

“A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.” ~ Larry Bird

[click on the image to enlarge, click the underlined above title Grand Slam Night to see all my winning pictures].

So In Love - when creativity kicks in

2009-09-05T00:36:00.000-07:00

So it shows, when two people are
So In Love...

One relaxing night, Ludwig van Beethoven's Violin Concerto in the air - the music that gives mental appeal whenever I want to start a project. My mind is already in tune with the music but the mood isn't there yet. So, I let my eyes wandered: looking to the earthtone colors in my dining/family room, the Diego Rivera's Flower Seller painting, the indoor plants as if they're also enjoying the music and my cat sleeping peacefully in her pink bed ~ with enough inspiration, I then, let my sense of Creativity kicks in.

My goal that night was to blend few pictures into one with such an impact and style! After grouping some images together with the same color (blue sky and the red rose) and same theme (the kiss, the hug, and holding hands), the So In Love collage was created not only as the wedding signature mat picture but at the same time as my 1st winning entry to the camera club Creative competition (August 3, 2009 LVCC 1st place for the Creative Basic Projected Image).

Today, September 5, 2009 Sam & Selam's wedding day in Ethiopia. I couldn't be there to "document" their matrimony as I am right now, in my biggest adventure for 2009 - a 10 day hiking trip exploring the wilderness of Canadian Rockies...Yet, the engagement pictorial is enough to witness two beautiful people who are So In Love.

To Sam & Selam: It's my great pleasure to take your pictures together. Best Wishes!

[click the collage to enlarge, click the underlined title So In Love to view Sam & Selam's Engagement Pictorial, click play button for I.Perlman - Beethoven Violin Concerto ]

Livermore Art Gallery Exhibit 2009

2009-09-01T02:09:00.000-07:00

An Invitation

Livermore Valley Camera Club Exhibit

Livermore Civic Library - Art Gallery

September 1-30, 2009

*Open to the public. Free Admision*

Address: 1188 South Livermore Avenue, Livermore CA 94550
Directions: from I-580 Take the N. Livermore Avenue Exit, head South toward the center of Livermore. Civic Center Library is 2.5 miles from the North Livermore exit on the left hand side of the street. College Avenue is the nearest cross street. City Hall and the Police Station are on the left immediately before the Library.

Library Hours: Mon-Thur 10am-9pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun noon-6pm

#28 The Light In The Church Hallway (27x30) - 2008 winning pix

#29 Orange Dusk In Baja Coast (16x20) - 2009 winning pix

#30 The Shroud Of The Missions (8x10) - a personal fave

[Click the above title Livermore Art Gallery Exhibit 2009 for Livermore Civic Library info. Click on the images to enlarge.]

Silhouette: in awe

2009-08-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

In photography, Silhouette refers to as Contre-jour, French word for 'against daylight ~ it refers to the sight or image of a person, object or scene that is backlit, and appears dark against a lighter background. This effect usually hides details, causes a stronger contrast between light and dark, creates silhouettes and emphasizes lines and shapes. The sun, or other light source, is often seen as either a bright spot or as a strong glare behind the subject. Additionally, the word silhouette is an eponym of Etienne de Silhouette, a French finance minister who in 1759 enjoyed making cut paper portraits.

I have taken quite a few of Silhouette. Don't hesitate to photograph an image just because you're directly facing the sun and that your subject is pitch-black, you'll be surprised that you will produce one.

Photography brings an inspiring awe to me ~ just like the photographer above who wants to capture the Sunset in Mona Kea Hawaii and the surfer below in his Post Surf Awe.

"Watch me at the window from your place on the couch, watch me pretending that I am really looking out. You say 'come here, I can't see you in this light,' but I'm much safer beside the moon tonight. 'Cause when I am a silhouette/ I have no fear.” ~ Unknown

[click the image to enlarge, click the underlined title Silhouette to play the song Silhouette from the movie Dying Young].

Shadow Birds: casted by the sun

2009-08-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

When the sun rises on the street of Calle 13 de Deciembre, Erendira Mexico

OR on the sandy beaches of La Jolla California

The Shadow Birds never fail to amuse me...their shadow casted by the morning sun.

"Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them?" ~ Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

[click on the images to enlarge]

Reflections: double the beauty

2009-08-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

Everyday we see our own mirror reflection. Looking into the clear water, you see your own reflection. ~ So often, we lock an image in our mind of who we are, never upgrading it as we change in the world. We upgrade our technology (cellphone, computer, etc.), and yet, we forget to upgrade our inner view of ourselves.

Reflections exercise an enduring fascination for photographers ~ but they are harder to photograph than to resist. But once you find the perfect spot, the perfect timing (in the absence of the Wind) and the perfect exposure (Light), you will feel like you are in photographer's Heaven.

Water Reflections is my fascination now ~ probably the most common type of reflection photography, but that doesn't mean that it's all just a cliché. Any reflections on water are a mainstay - the symmetry provides for "double the beauty".

My Reflections Collection:

http://www.pbase.com/marichupereira/reflections&page=all

"When will my reflection show who I am inside?" ~ Mulan lyrics

[Click on the image to enlarge. Click on the link provided for my Reflections pictures. Click on the above title to play Reflections song from the movie Mulan]

Orange Dusk in Baja Coast: color or hue?

2009-07-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

The image on the left is, so far my 2009 winning picture...still travelling and competing with the other winning pictures in Northern California camera clubs for Intermediate Print Pictorial category.

I stepped up by accident at the camera club on June 15 from Basic to Intermediate level competition. I hesitated at first because I did know I had a fear of failure BUT that fear compelled me to fight off anything that might support it. Then one member told me "It's OK, take the challenge! You shouldn't compete in Basic anyway since you produce such fantastic photos." So, I took the challenge of competing with 2 professional photographers and 1 photography instructor and got the 1st place.

Standing alone in a 100 ft drop, the colors of the sky and the sea changes from yellow to orange to pink to red orange to blue until it becomes pitch black. For 3 hours of non-stop sunset pictorial, I have witnessed and captured the phenomenon called Hue. To see it is a gift... during my birthday trip in Baja California Mexico.

The word color is the general term which applies to the whole subject - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, black and white and all possible combinations thereof. Hue is the correct word to use to refer to just the pure spectrum colors.

I'm a self-taught photographer. Never took a class but attended some seminar/lectures that I didn't really learn anything. I certainly think training is important: self-training and to learn from a pro. The Orange Dusk in Baja Coast can never exist without the "eye" and "passion", not just by the camera+lens alone.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my travel companions/my cousins Dollie&Jeff for showing me the beauty and light of Baja California Mexico ~ It is their 2nd home and the Orange Dusk is actually the view from their "El Muchacho" cabin.

“When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator” ~ Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
[click on the picture to enlarge, click the above title Orange Dusk in Baja Coast to see the colors of Erendira BC Mexico].

The Shroud Of The Missions: the cross

2009-07-11T00:11:00.000-07:00

"The Shroud Of The Missions" is a personal favorite this year. Though not a competition material, I BELIEVE this image has "something" on it ~ a different approach, a different perspective, a different concept...whatever it is, this image calls for attention.

The CROSS is not the church itself, it is the backyard door...Imagine yourself walking in a path surrounded by Eucalyptus trees. As you get closer to the door, you are walking under the wood-framed mosquito net. The net has a dual purpose: one as a shade from the sun and one to catch the fallen leaves. And just before you reach the door, you look up and "The Shroud Of The Missions" is what you see.

I am posting this blog today, July 11 to commemorate the birthday of my mom. How do I celebrate her? ~ just like the first time I looked up on the CROSS, I whisphered to God "She belongs to you now, please take care of her".

[click the image to enlarge, click the above title to play "Be Not Afraid, I Go Before You Always".]

TRUE COLORS: my exhibit

2009-07-01T02:24:00.000-07:00

Color is everywhere. Color can change our mood and inspire us. Color is an art, an expression, a beauty. Imagine our world as black and white...dull, isn't it? Look around you, what colors do you see? Have you ever seen the movie "Pleasantville"? ~ It is a richly-textured fantasy that dramatically plays out the clash of American values on a stage that gradually shifts from shades of black and white to vibrant colors.

True Colors is my photography exhibit title. It is to express my passion, to show what I have captured and to present the image as it is. I use natural light and weather to capture the mood and spirit of the mountains, the waters, villages, lighthouses, flora and fauna. Outdoor: my goal is to locate those timeless images and portray them in a way that encourages people to stop and appreciate the natural beauty. I like to shoot a variety of subjects that appeal to my "eye". Though I have something in mind, I don't fixate on it ~ I'm always open to whatever nature provides me, open to any possibilities. I prefer mix of weather and doesn't confine to the magical hour of sunrise and sunset but also shoots during the middle of the day and still try to be productive. Inspired by the sharpness and quality of light in Ansel Adam's black and white photos...line, texture, light, and composition becomes more important each day and each time I click the shutter in my camera.

Coming this Fall: TRUE COLORS 2009

[click the play button to see the movieclip Pleasantville and see what colors can do to the World.]

The Light In The Church Hallway: lucky charm

2009-06-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

When I first joined the competition at the Livermore Valley Camera Club (LVCC) in October 2008, I wasn't sure what picture to enter. So, I did the "Eeny, meeny, miny, mo" from my 8x12 print in 10x14 mat collection...and wished that I will get at least a favorable review."

After seeing colorful and Photoshop-touched pictures in the club, I started to have doubts in my work. But there was John, the competition's manager and my favorite "real" professional photographer in the club, who had expressed his appreciation in my work from the very start.

.....Lights off, the judge approached the center stage, looked at the picture on display, carefully examined it and gave her comments.

Much to my surprise, the judge, a professional photographer from Sunnyvale California said:
"This picture has caught my eyes from the moment it was put on for display from where I was seated at the back. The light in the hallway coming from the window is true photography. True photography is all about light. It's perfectly framed, very detailed - the lines on the floor, the walls, and the plants. Very relaxing and meditative. I like it."

The Light In The Church Hallway picture was chosen 1st place for the Basic Print Pictorial that night and was sent out to compete with the other winning pictures from the other 20+ camera clubs in Northern California - became 2nd place for November 2008 competition at Northern California Councils of Camera Club (N4C). It will be competing for the N4C for 2009 annual competition.

Not only that I gained recognition and customers support from this image (as this was my 2008 bestseller), I also gained my self-confidence back. A friend from work (Nancy) once told me that The Light In the Church Hallway picture is my lucky charm...I think it really is!

[click the above title The Light In The Church Hallway to know Livermore Valley Camera Club (LVCC) and the NEWSLETTER Valley Zoom lists the monthly competition results, click on the image to enlarge].

Fabio: the fibroid

2009-06-29T00:21:00.000-07:00

Five years ago, I had a nasty fibroid removed through Myomectomy surgery. It was a small muscle, for unknown reason, grew right beside my uterus. I, later on gave my fibroid a name Fabio [yup a guy's name].

Highlights of my Fibroid Crisis:

5 months in pain (4 months pre-op, 1 month post-op).
Drank >10 bottles of water in one-sitting and not allowed to void until l have my ultrasound done.
hot flushes at age of 32 as side effect of my hormone "buttocks" shot (to shrink Fabio before surgery).
was in general anethesia.
spent 3 days in hospital dosed with Morphine and other pain relievers.
had the tiniest "bikini cut" which wearing my two-piece swimsuit didn't bother me at all.
it's my priviledged that the doctor who operated me is one of the top Reproductive Endocrinology Infertility surgeons in the country.
Fabio was as big as a baseball and there were other li'l ones found and removed during the surgery.

My friend Emma was with me during the surgery (thanks sis'!). When she was about to take this picture, she paused laughing at me and said "Chu of all the sick people here in this hospital, you're the only one who wants to have your picture taken and all-smiling!"...I replied to her "Despite of my pain, I am happy as it's my 1st US hospital experience, so can you please take my picture now for "documentation".

"Documentation" ~ is what photography means to me. To document LIFE and anything that catches my eye.

At present, Fibroid is back ~ let's call him "Fabio Jr." this time. It doesn't bother me right now and hoping he'll just shrink as the time goes by...

[click the above title Fabio The Fibroid to get to know him]

Mt.Whitney: scaling the peak

2009-06-27T00:28:00.000-07:00

I decided to add this article that I wrote to document my 1st hike in Mt. Whitney in 2008. Hiking and Photography comes together ~ they're both my life's passion. If it's about hiking, you'll see names such as Uma, James, Saurab, and V on this blog - they're all my hiking buddies. But if it's just plain photography trip, my travel companions, my cousins Dollie, Jeff, and Remy are my supporting characters. Let me now walk you through to Mt. Whitney...

Rising to 14,494 feet, Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states and the crown jewel of California's Sierra Nevada. It encompasses one of America's most beautiful alpine settings and provides a variety of aesthetic routes on superb granite. Interestingly enough, the lowest point in the United States (Badwater Basin in Death Valley at -279ft) is only about 90 miles from Mt Whitney—quite a contrast don’t you think?I've been hiking for 3 straight years and have thought that it's about time to take the big leap. For some, they'll hike up Whitney in one long and grueling day from the parking lot at Whitney Portal, situated at 8,360' above sea level. This involves an aggregate elevation gain of approximately 6,400' (including about 300' or so on the descent) in a 22-mile round trip.

We set out to fulfill a goal that started as a notion. In February, we put in for our permit using the lottery system and were lucky enough to have our first choice granted. Early this year, we began to train as hard as we could by working out at the gym and by taking long hikes in Mt. Carmel, Mt. Diablo, Mt. Tam, Yosemite's JMTrail and and as far as Hawaii. The Whitney trail is obviously very strenuous and most people take a couple of days to hike the entire length. We decided NOT to join the death march of tackling the trail as a day hike – we did it for 3 days. There are lots of switchbacks, beautiful lakes, meadows, waterfalls and wildlife encounters and most exciting of all were the creek and snow crossings. Slow in the ascent, l was left behind from 99 switchbacks to the summit. I never felt alone in that journey as l have my way of connecting my spirituality to the Divine Person and to Mother Nature. We all agreed that we are responsible for ourselves, concede when necessary and reach the summit no matter what. So l took my time not rushing, kept on hydrating myself and kept self-motivating as much as l could. I set aside my hobby for photography on my way to the summit so l could make it there at a decent time. I even once questioned my existence "Is this really me getting close to the summit or did l fall off those cliffs and died? Is it my spirit who is climbing?" - So I pinched myself , l felt the pinch and convinced myself that it was really me. I even tested myself to rule out pulmonary edema from altitude sickness by spitting. If there's no blood then l was clear. I was convinced again that I was doing great so l kept on going even though l was really tired on those endless ascents. Then l let my "sense of spirituality" kick in. I found myself praying for my family and for myself. Then l thought about my "late" mom and let my emotion got carried me away. I was surprised to see my friends Uma & James waiting for me before the summit. James was worried about me all along but Uma was not because she knows that I am persistent.

Compounding the difficulties associated with the length and elevation of the trail is that timeless scourge of the mountaineer -- altitude. Because the Mt. Whitney Trail ascends to the highest point in the continental US, oxygen is a priceless commodity. Much of the trail -- including the last several miles to the summit -- where every step is a challenge - I reached the summit on June 27, 2008 and embraced the "blinding" beauty of the wilderness. I survived this adventure for a lifetime and am looking forward to doing it again.

So, l would like to share with all of you my favorite quote from John Muir which l was able to share with Uma. It answers the question what it drew me to endure the hardship of scaling the peak and why l ventured into the vertical wilderness of this earth:

"Everybody needs beauty and bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul."

[click the above title Vertical Wilderness to see Mt. Whitney pictures]

Yosemite Accident: Is life a joke?

2009-06-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

If i have to remember all the good things in my life, my February 2008 Buckmeadows-Yosemite accident always kicks in. Irony?...you'll know why later. Somewhere along the road, I believe that a companion Spirit is protecting us every step of the way.

Lessons from my Yosemite Accident:

Never take Hwy120 in Wintertime esp. during Chinese New Year!
It's safer to take hwy140 Mariposa - better drive, better view and that's where I can get free decorative rocks for my backyard project.
Never trust a high mileage car (100,000+).
Do not pollute the mountains, Mother Nature has its way to curse you back. [Uh uh...not me, it was somebody else].
Make sure the accident site is accessible to landline phone. [Verizon: Can you hear me now?]
If you see the white sky, it's the airbag that deflated...You're not in heaven yet Baby!
Keep sane so you can salvage all your belongings. Otherwise, they'll be finder's keeper.
Trust a stranger. Good Samaritan still exists!
If your car is wrecked, it's OK as you'll get a new one (and a new car loan - oh boy that sucks!). All material things are replaceable. LIFE is not.
Legalize your Will esp. if you're in the US.
Enjoy and cherish LIFE, even though at times you want to give up. Living is important and everyday is a GIFT.

Is life a joke?...because I had planned to attend a photography class in the park but ended up photographing my own accident. It's inconceivable!

"I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely, miserable, racked with sorrows, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing." ~ Agatha Christie

[to view pictures of the accident, click the above title Lessons From My Yosemite Accident]

The Spirit In Me: wind

2009-06-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

The picture below was taken way back November 1972 of me and my mom at my grandmother's house. [though l appreciate what digital photography can offer, l am until now attached to the Old World feeling from any old photograph]. On the back (not shown) has mom's handwriting for dad, which she sent this to him, who at that time finishing his contract as an overseas merchant marine/seaman oveseas [dad was not around when l was born]. So, this picture travelled somewhere, travelled back home with dad, and now it's with me!

Until now I keep on wondering if there was any occassion on that day (how l can remember, l was that "cute li'l innocent" 10 months old baby). Maybe we were just visiting grandma or maybe that was the day l was released from the hospital after getting sick. Mom told me her ordeal when she almost lost me and how frightening it was going out to take me to the hospital during the Martial Law [Former President Marcos declared Martial Law in Sept 1972]--- well my friends, l made it, alive and kicking and still surviving!

We didn't have anything "extra" in life. But she was always around despite her busy schedule as a working mom and filling in for dad (when he's overseas) making sure we're all (3 children) healthy, safe and educated. As the closest child , l saw and shared life's happiness and hardships with her. For what l have thrived and learned in life, it's all because of her.

Mom never found out about my "serious" photography. How l wish l discovered it sooner but deep inside l know that she knows. She's like a Wind ~ l never see her but feel her for her spirit lives in me. I lost her in 2006 but it opened the door to my talent...my passion...my happiness.

[click the above title "The Spirit In Me" to play "Gone Too Soon" song that l lovingly dedicated to her. click the picture to enlarge - sorry was not looking, camera shy at that time]
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." - Helen Keller

About Me...

2009-06-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is my 1st blog and hope l can keep up doing this. In 2008, l wrote my short-bio when l launched my 1st photography exhibit. It's about my self-discovery that led to a passion ~ photography. It does not contain anything about my life growing up in Manila, nor about the cheers and tears of migrating and living in the United States, nor about my family, and nor about the X-men in my life. So, here it is and hope "About Me..." and my future blog and pictures will inspire you and pick up the good things that l learned in LIFE.

About Me...

My purpose in life is to live, to love and to experience life in a way that is uniquely mine. I discovered my passion ~ photography, and soon realized it is a blessing from Above. This talent which allows me to recognize what it is to capture, to treasure, and to share moments of pure beauty for which there are no words. Photography has been in my blood since l was a child. Growing up, l used to borrow a camera from my cousin because our family could not afford one. Finally in 2001, l got my first real camera as a gift, went digital in 2006 and upgraded to DSLR in 2007.

I started taking landscape photography when l also started my other passion ~ Hiking allows me to discover hidden wonders that very few find. And now, I am extending that wonderful sense of discovery and excitement and turning my "photographer's eye" towards capturing people, by including Portrait and Wedding photography in my repertoire. I am thankful, thankful for God's gifts, I am thankful for the wonders of the world, and most of all l am thankful for my family and friends who support me.

In Yosemite National Park in February 2008, I had a life changing experience. I had planned to attend a photography class in the park focused on the magnificence of nature, akin to the techniques used by Ansel Adams. Instead, on the way, l barely escaped death in an automobile accident that dramatically changed everything. I thought deeply about what is truly important in life. No accident will stop me from returning to my favorite park and taking pictures. I have become more inspired and passionate about photography and the magic it allows me to "Express Myself".

To improve my skills and to advance my knowledge and experience in the wonderful world of photography, l have joined the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and Livermore Valley Camera Club (LVCC). I also attend Nikon School every year. I continue to read everything I can about photography and take special joy in practicing and endlessly experimenting, seeking new angles to illustrate the wonders of life.

I do hope my pictures will intrigue you and express a small part of the beauty I see in our World.It is honorable to be an Artist ~ spreading beauty and light is as necessary as oxygen and food.

[click the above "About Me..." to view some of my pictures]