"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
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.
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.
3. Zoom - Telephoto Lens is ideal for a discerning future telephoto photographer.[click on the images to enlarge. click on play button to see Eartha Kitt's animated Santa Baby]
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.
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.]
["Pumpkin Patch" song by Mr. I and the Rainbow Singers]
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.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...
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. 
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. "
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].
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 ]
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.]
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. 
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. 
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.[click the image to enlarge, click the above title to play "Be Not Afraid, I Go Before You Always".]
