Monday, August 8, 2005
La Jolla Evening

We were just marveling at an unseasonably beautiful sunset here in Santa Barbara tonight. Usually this time of year the air is too dry to make an interesting show. But, even with the beautiful show, we still didn't get anything quite like La Jolla in the winter. Partially because we have a south facing beach here and the sun sets over the mountains rather than the water.

Saturday, July 16, 2005
Seal Beach Sunset

Some days it is easier to get up and go to a photography show than others. This is one of the days that was really hard. Not because I don't like the shows. It is just an amazing amount of work to set up a nice display, basically from scratch, each week.

Fortunately, the people always make it worth the effort. I am always interested in what people like, and this photo is for the several people today who asked for sunsets. This beach is known for it's seals.

I really enjoy watching peoples' reaction to my photos. And, I get very excited talking to them about photography and the subjects. I'm not just talking about people who are interested in purchasing prints either. Almost every time I go out I talk to someone who is sure I have spent thousands of dollars on my equipment. And, wishes they had the money to spend so they could experiment with photography. I am always happy to inform them they can get the same camera (and lens) I use for about $70 on eBay.

Actually, these conversations always remind me of a joke I like...

A Photographer was at a dinner party. The hostess, while admiring some of his work, told him how much she loved his photographs. As she looked through the images she said "Wow, you must have an amazing camera!" The evening went on and as the photographer was about to leave he thanked the hostess for her hospitality and the delicious dinner she had prepared. As he left, he added "You must have some amazing pots!"

Friday, April 8, 2005
La Jolla Seal

There are a few places along the coast in Southern California that the Harbor Seals have claimed to raise their young. This guy was hanging out at one of the most accessible ones. The people in La Jolla have made attempts to re-take this small section of beach, but fortunately the Seals have won so far. You can see another of his friends here.

Monday, February 21, 2005
Sea Basset

There is a great spot in La Jolla where the Harbor seals take over the beach in the winter. There is a roped off section of the small cove called "Childrens' Pool" that allows the seals to bask with their young. You can get very close to them and watch their antics. Which, incidentally is why this picture is named what it is. These guys really know how to relax, and when they are not relaxing, they are total clowns. Just like my Basset.

Sunday, February 20, 2005
Evening Surf

I talked to a friend on instant messenger last night. He had just arrived in Europe for a week. It made me start to think it had been too long since I went on a nice trip. So I went to Sammy's today to stock up on film, my primary requirement for vacation supplies. ( Think... Hmmm, did I forget anything? nope, got film!... oh, I forgot to pack any shirts! )

In keeping with that thought, this is a shot from my first trip to La Jolla. Walking along the edge of the bluff by the beach gives you a great perspective on things happening at beach level.

Well Steve, I hope you are having a great time! Take lots of pictures!

Friday, February 11, 2005
Lucky Window

I really love these windows. They are common enough around California that I realized there must be something behind the design. This one is from a church in La Jolla, near San Diego.

After a little poking around Google I found out that this four sided circle design has a long history in Moorish Architecture and Celtic design. It is called a Quatrefoil. [Quatre: "Four" in French, foil: Old English meaning "leaf"]. Not a large leap then, once you know the root of the word, to realize why these designs are common.