The Beauty Of Yosemite

I love traveling to our National parks.  There is something about them that instantly relaxes me.  Just driving up to the gate fills me with excitement with the anticipation of what I'm going to see, especially if I haven't been there before.  This was my first visit to Yosemite and despite the crowds, it is truly a sight to see.  As with every park, there are places you can find to get lost or stay with people if you want to drive around the valley.

Since Max isn't allowed on the trails, I had to stay near the road and even doing so brought me to some amazing views.  One of the best investments I've made was purchasing a National Park Pass.  For $80, you can travel to all parks for a year without paying admission.  If you plan to visit several, it's well worth the price.

I plan to visit as many National Parks as possible this time around and I look forward to seeing many I haven't explored before.  This is the perfect time of year to dust off your tent and equipment, get in the car and take a road trip to see the most beautiful acres of property in this country.

People Of Venice Beach

Yesterday I took a stroll on the Venice Beach boardwalk with several other people doing the same.  I wanted to take some photographs of the locals in the area and practice approaching strangers with a smile and asking permission to take their photograph as well as having them sign a release to use the photograph.

I find it easy to hide behind the lens and be a watcher of sorts to the surroundings around me.
I find it more interesting to capture people in a relaxed state doing what comes nature to them.  Approaching strangers to pose can be a little daunting.  However, I approach it as challenging and fun.  You never know what will happen when you start a conversation, since the moment might disappear once they are fully aware that I am taking their photograph.  I am really low key in general and I hope that lends to a relaxed model.

I strolled the strip and when I saw someone I thought looked interesting, I approached them and started a conversation.  Some wanted money, some didn't care, I was rejected once and overall it was a great learning experience.  I look forward to doing this more on the road and I have a few personal projects that I look forward to sharing with you.  Here are some of my favorite models of the day living their life and crossing my path in Venice beach.  To see more portraits, click HERE.

Piers and Pelicans

There is something about a pier that brings everyone together. People walk on the pier, under it, surf alongside it, fish off of it, grab lunch on it, and of course...take pictures of it. Yesterday, I took a stroll on the pier in Oceanside and took pictures of things that I found on it, around it, and under it. People enjoying the day...just being in the moment.

As you know, I love birds and water so I had a nice time taking pictures of both, along with people doing what they love. I walked along the beach to find a young man playing his guitar and singing while an older gentleman was looking for treasure in the sand. As I walked on the pier, I was shocked to see pelicans sitting on the rail watching the people walk by. They didn't mind people getting close to take pictures so I took the opportunity to snap a few for myself.

As I looked away, perhaps I approached one too close (or he was hungry) and I felt a slight pinch on my arm as if someone was grabbing me arm from behind. Looking back, I realized that the pelican was biting my arm. Not once, but twice! So, I took the hint and scooted away.

Pelicans are amazing creatures. Their wing span is longer than a teenager and they can soar across the water so gracefully and effortless. Wouldn't it be great to be a pelican for a day? They are so beautiful to me.

Here is a moment in time of people and animals enjoying the day together in Oceanside, California. For more, click HERE