September Winning Images

"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

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"

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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]