These were some of the most beautiful and dramatic rock formations I’ve ever seen. The rocks and the sun make an amazing combination of color and intensity. Canon 5D Mark IV, EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM, f/8.0, 1/100, ISO 8000.

Again in the Beautiful slots of Peek-A-Boo Canyon. The lines take your eyes from the beginning to the end on the photograph. You can’t beat the colors or intensity of the scene. Canon 5D Mark IV, 16-35mm f/4L IS USM, 17.o mm, f/8.0, 1/100, ISO 4000.

Ray and I went on a Harley vacation in September 0f 2018. We went an adventure group to Peek-A-Boo Canyon. We traversed a slot canyon which has unusual version designs because of water and wind. Canon 5D Mark IV, EF16-35mm F/4L IS USM, 35mm, f/16.0, 1/200, ISO 1250.

This picture was taken while exploring a slot canyon in Peek-A-Boo Canyon. I just love the colors of the Southwest, the reds, in particular, are amazing. Canon 5D Mark IV, EF16-35mm f/4.0L, 35mm, f/16.0, 1/200, ISO 1250.

While traveling on a photographic vacation in September of 2018 we stopped by Bryce National Park. Even though there are a lot of photographs of Bryce the beauty remains phenomenal. Canon Mark 5D Mark IV, EF16-35 f/4.0L IS USM, f/16, 1/200, ISO 1250.

While on a photo-vacation up in Mariposa, Ray and I went into Yosemite; we were following along the Merced River when this view occurred. From a bridge in the valley looking toward Three Brothers and Birdalveil Falls a fog rolled in. Actually it was morning so it was probably beginning to leave. But wow, what an awesome view.

Canon 5D Mark II, 24-105mm, 35mm, f/16.0, 1/30, iso800

While traveling on a small ship up to Sawyer Glacier in Alaska, we saw many unusual sights. The color of the glaciers was unbelievable. But one of the most beautiful sight was this waterfall coming out of the trees on a sunny day with fog. Only in Alaska.

Canon 5d Mark II, 20-200mm, 27mm, f/9.0, 1/320, iso 200

While on a small ship excursion in Alaska, we travelled south from Juneau to see Sawyer Glacier. This photograph does not demonstrate the size of the glacier. It was huge, dirty, white and deep blue. When calving, most pieces would rock the boat, but when a large piece fell, it felt like the ship hit a large wave. Beautiful and majestic, this was an unforgettable trip.

Canon 5D Mark II

Rayleen, my wife, and I were staying up in Point Reyes Station. Point Reyes has always been one of our favorite places to go. So from our lodge, we cut through the back and headed out to Point Reyes National Seashore. These Pussy Willows (?) contrasted so vividly with the sky. The blue cloudless sky made the picture perfect. Such a beautiful golden hue.

Nikon D810, 20-120mm, 24mm, f/13.0, 1/200, iso 125,

Ray and I were taking the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. We were retired and decide to go from Huntington Beach to Atlanta to Savannah to Key West to New Orleans and finally home. This was a 6200 mile long trip. While going from Key West to Naples, we went through the Everglades. We went on a swamp boat and got tossed all over, but Ray got this awesome picture of the Everglades with the clouds reflecting off the water.

Sont A5000, 16-50mm, 28mm, f/11.0, 1/160, iso100

In the southeast of Iceland we came across all these broken up Glaciers floating out to sea. We were actually in Jökulsárlón where they do boat rides out to the glaciers. Funny thing is the glaciers look so small, yet they are huge! I should have included a person to give perspective.

Canon 5D Mark IV, 16-35mm, 35mm, f/13.0, 1/100, 1so100

While hiking in Yosemite along the Merced River, I happened upon this view of Half Dome. It was one I had not seen before. This is more or less what it looked liked when I saw it, but by the time I had taken the picture, the sky had blown away. So this was my first attempt at adding a digital sky. It turned out pretty well and is pretty close to my original view.

Such an iconic picture. You really can’t improve upon perfection. Inspiration Point is exactly as its name implies. This view should inspire you to: protect Yosemite, love nature, breath fresh air, hike, swim, well you get the idea. So why take the picture? I thought the V, most likely made from rockets or planes, made this a bit more inspirational. The V is for victory.

Nikon D810, 24-120, 85mm, f/16.0, 1/80, iso640

Hiking around the coastal Pacific can bring you to some incredible places. Exploring the trails along the Pacific coast near Carmel, we stumbled onto this vision. Not really planned for, but certainly but once seen it had to photograph. The action of the waves, the blueness of the water and the formation of the rocks makes this a special place.

Nikon D810, 24-120mm, 24mm, f/11.0, 1/500, iso160

Ray and I took an off-rode adventure on Kauai. We went all the back toward the Napoli Coast and around to a not so secret Hawaiian beach, off limits to most, which is why we’re way above it. What I really liked is the inclusion of the Hawaiian Temple, moving clouds and secret beach. Oh, yes and the fact that it is so green and lush.

Canon 5D Mark IV, 16-35mm, 20mm, f/13.0, 1/100, iso100

On a family trip to Utah we went through several national and state parks. Utah is an amazing land. Some of the more famous parks include: Bryce, Arches, and Zion. This was in Canyonland. This “Three Peaks Up” is kind of a Three Brothers picture, but Utah style. Again I’m all about color: green, red, blue and white.

Nikon D200, 20-200mm, 27mm, f/8.0, 1/250, iso100

This was a trip I went on with my mom, sister and brother-in-law. As it turns out, it was my last trip with my mom. So this picture is rather special. My mom and I always talked about going and seeing where John Wayne shot many of his movies. This is Monument Valley. It has its own beauty.

Nikon D810, 24-120, 120mm, f/13.0, 1/125, iso400

Fell onto this beautiful and intriguing picture at Tomales Bay. It was morning time and foggy….seemed surreal.

Canon EOS 5 24-70 2.8: 1/125 sec at f/11, 70mm, ISO100

While visiting the Lost Coast or Shelter Cove we happened upon a back beach. This beach was covered more with pebbles than sand. We were struck by the way the wave would hit the rock. We wanted to include as much of the beach as possible to form this image.

f/13.0, 1/160, ISO 100, Canon R5 24-70 @ 50mm

While walking the beach in Camria. The Sun was setting and the mood was romantic There was a glow in the sky and from the path it was b breathtaking. How could one pass up this picture.

Canon R5, 50mm f 1.8, f.8.0, 1/250, ISO 200

This picture was taken in the Plitvice National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Canon R5, 15-35mm 2.8, 35mm, 1/10sec at f/13, ISO 50

Just found the colors fascinating.

While walking in Balboa Park in San Diego came across this beautifully twisted Banyon type tree.

While in Yellowstone viewing different hot spring we came across this striking view.

Ballooning in Albuquerque. What could be more iconic. A beautiful September day in 2018. Canon 5D Mark IV, EF 24-70 f2.8 II USM, f9, 1/250, ISO 160, 70mm.

The Church of Spilled Blood is an amazing church in St, Petersburg. It is as beautiful as one can imagine. There was a market held around it so my options to photograph were limited. I still think this is pretty amazing.

Sony A7R IV, 24-105mm, 57mm, f/9.0, 1/250, ISO 100

In Tallinn there are many Orthodox churches. They are all beautiful and amazingly well preserved. This church just suddenly appeared and I’m was stunned by it’d beauty.

Sony A7R IV, 24-105mm, 24mm, f/14.0, 1/30, ISO 1250

The smells, the babushkas, the offerings, things I’ve never seen before all add to the charm of this marketplace.

Sony A7R IV, 24-105, 59mm, f/13.0, 1/60, ISO 320

The houses on this island were just amazing. It was like somewhere you always wanted to live. Waiting for people to come out the door and wave you in. Norway is a beautiful country.

Amsterdam is a beautiful city. It has a beautiful train station, canals, architecture, Red Light District, cafes, sculptures, museums and so much more. A world class city to enjoy if you can avoid getting run over by a bicyclist.

Nikon D810, 24-120mm, 82mm, f/11.0, 1/100, iso180

My wife and I were enjoying a coffee and some wine on the Champs Elysees, and I decided to get up and go out in the street with my trusty Mamiya 645. And then I did it again and again. In fact took several out in the middle of the street. This is my favorite.

On a trip to Alaska with a friend in the Coast Guard, we went out on a boat. Alaska is a beautiful place to see by sea. Alaska is a scenic wonderland that has everything from oceans to towering mountains, amazing falls, glaciers, wildlife and much, much more. The composition of this picture is what I think makes it special. It has high mountains, solitary buildings, and bright red roofs.

Nikon D200, 20-200mm, 195mm, f/13.0, 1/500. iso200

This just seemed so comfortable and relaxing. This was a sit down and enjoy what’s around you kind of moment. The chairs are as inviting as ferns, river and setting. This was a place you could sit at and never get up.

Nikon D810, 24-120mm, 35mm, f/11.0, 1/40, iso11400

I thought this was a very different view of the Eiffel Tower. When we were in France, we took all the typical pictures of the tower, but we searched for something different. This picture, I think, gives you a better vision of the power and impressive nature of the tower.

While in Greece and visiting Athens, you can’t wander around the beautiful city and not be impressed by the Acropolis and the Parthenon. It is right in the heart of the city. They do a nice job of lightening it up at night. I wanted to demonstrate that the Parthenon does not sit in isolation, but on a hill top, and you can still see some of ancient Athens around it.

Nikon D200, 20-200mm, 105mm, f/4.5, iso100

On an incredible travel experience on a Greek cruise, we went to Ephesus, Turkey. These are Roman/Greek ruins in that city. The library itself is a fascinating story of subterfuge and irony. Apparently there was a secret tunnel leading from the library to a brothel. So when men were going to the library, they weren’t necessarily going to read books.

Nikon D200, 20-200mm, 27mm, f/7.1, 1/200, iso100

On that beautiful Grecian cruise, we landed for a day and evening on the island of Santorini. It was beautiful with the hills, sea and everything painted white and blue. So obviously I liked the picture that showed an orange Santorini sunset.

Nikon D200, 20-200mm, 78mm, f/6.3, 1/160, iso100

On a trip to Iceland, my wife and I were so impressed by the beauty of the Island nation. So many falls, glaciers, single lane bridges and rivers. This is one of the falls you can walk behind. I bought a water proof camera so that I would be able to go behind the fall. This photo was actually taken with my regular camera. Going behind the falls is, well to quote the Jungle River Cruise, “The Eighth Wonder of the World, the back side of water.” It was an amazing hike.

Canon 5D Mark IV, 16-35mm, 16mm, f/20.0, 1/30, iso100

If you go to a far north country like Iceland you have to see the Northern Lights. We spent almost 10 days in Iceland and every place we traveled it was “You should see the lights tonight.” It never happened, so on the last day we decided to take a Northern Lights Excursion. On the boat out in the bay, we saw the lights. The best way to get Northern Lights is long exposure. That is something you can’t do on a boat; boats just won’t hold still on the ocean.

Canon 5D Mark IV, 35mm, f/1.4, .5, iso12800

On a family trip to Ireland, I tested out a new camera. It was actually a Pentax 645. It is a bad idea to test out a new camera while traveling. It was rainy, overcast and dour. The pictures were generally bland. I found a flare application and added something unusual to make the picture more interesting. I enjoy how the castle is nestled on the mountain. Even though such a grey picture, I think the spots of light add interest.

Traveling to other countries can be exciting. So often you have a list of what you want to see. Germany is like that. So many outstanding places to go, things to see and history. So on a fine warm day Ray and I decided to take a bike ride. Then we happened on this beautiful sight.

Nikon D810, 24-120mm, 105mm, f/20, 1/125, iso720

While in the Czech Republic, which was beautiful, amazing, with great people, “a journey I would recommend” we found cathedrals, clock towers, monuments, churches and castles. Along the Vlata River there were so many sights. On Castle Hill I got this picture from a boat on the river. I enjoyed the hill, river and the light on the castle although I wish I’d been a little closer.

Nikon D810, 24-120mm, 70mm, f/2.8, 1/80, iso8000

One of our favorite adventures was Denmark, mostly Copenhagen. The people were amazing, fun and interactive. The sights were colorful and well maintained. There’s such a variety of interesting structures, monuments and landscapes. I really enjoyed the colors. it is rare to get beautiful, warm and sunny weather as we did in April. Although we encountered the biggest snowflakes I’ve ever seen.

Canon 5D Mark II, 24-105mm, 40mm, f/10.0, 1/200, iso100

Iceland is a country of glaciers, ice, water and rocks surrounded by the ocean; Reykjavik is a beautiful city. From Reykjavik you can see everything in the picture and so much more: creative sculptures, interesting buildings, and some of the most unusual landscapes one could ever see. This is part of the Reykjavik Harbor.

Canon 5D Mark IV, 24-70mm, 24mm, f/11.0, 1/60, iso100

So many of my photos seem to focus on light and color and hence have light or color in the title. As a photographer, I think light and color are two of the most important aspect of a photograph. The Reichstag as a long history, but what I like about this picture was the color. I liked the glass top, green foreground, bright blue sky and the hints of red, yellow and black in the flags.

Nikon D810, 24-120mm, 48mm, f/22.0, 1/50, iso140

One of those bucket list places for me was Pompeii. My mother-in-law and I have always been Anthropological/Archeologist people. We studied both at different universities. I leaned more toward the cultural part, but it was a shared interest we both loved. We visited Pompeii and this photograph of the ancient building with the flowers represented our love of understanding; the old with the new.

Nikon D200 20-200mm, 97mm, f/4.5, 1/25, ISO100

While walking in Copenhagen we can across this idyllic church and river. Reminded me of a masters painting, maybe a Monet? Anyway I really like the framing and color. The setting was so peaceful and relaxing

After settling into Venice while on a stroll walked out toward the Grand Canal in Venice. The moon was still in the sky and the canal still busy.

Canon R5, 15-35mm 2.8, 1/15 sec at f/11, ISO 100

While traveling in Malta and strolling we found this magnificent view of the Grand Harbor.

Canon R5 with a 24-70 2.8 lens.

On a group vacation through the Southwest, a good friend of ours was in front of a western style bar, and I was able to catch him completely by surprise playing with the props. I just like everything about this picture. Especially the color.

Nikon D200, 20-200mm, 36mm, f/2.7, 1/55, iso61

During a time of Covid I thought I would work a little more on my studio skills. Always awesome to have my beautiful wife Rayleen as a model.

Sony A7III, 35mm 1.8, f/4.0, 1/100, ISO80

During this Covid time I have time to continue working on my studio skills. I love brilliant color and this backdrop is pretty inexpensive and full of color.

Sony A7III, 35mm 1.8, f/4, 1/100, ISO 80,

This is my little grandson Cruz. I was doing family pictures and just fell in love with his beautiful little smile. So cute and charming. I love the turn of the neck. What a great pose. The colors matched and flowed so well.

Nikon D810, 24-70mm, 52mm, f/7.1, 1/60, iso800

I photographed the wedding of my niece, Kaleen, and her husband, Blake. When the wedding ceremony was over and I was just finishing up group pictures they asked me to take a picture of them in his truck. My first thought was no; not with that beautiful dress on. But this turned out to be my favorite picture.

Canon 5D Mark II, 24-105mm, 45mm, f/8.0, 1/200, iso400

This is my other grandson, Oliver. Whereas I like how the color flowed; in this picture I like the casual look and the mischievous expression. What was he waiting to do?

Nikon D810, 24-70mm, 46mm, f/7.1, 1/60, iso800

I really enjoy the flow of this picture with my Ray’s face close to the bottom left and front of the picture while the rest became unfocused away to the upper right. I like the mix of colors, the smile and those beautiful blue eyes. The eyes match the background and the outfit.

Nikon D810, 24-70mm, 46mm, f/7.1, 1/60, iso800

My favorite model, the price is right and the beauty is stunning. I’ve always liked Ray in Red. I actually have another favorite with Ray where the red is way overdone; I call it Fire Ray. The lighting, the shading and highlights seemed to coordinate together to make this perfect portrait.

Canon 5D Mark II, 24-105mm, 58mm, f/4.0, 1/60, iso400

In the city of Tiburon up on a hill there is a hippie swing.

Canon R5, 24-70 2.8F lens, 1/30. f11, 35mm

On a trip to the Everglades, Ray and I stopped for one of those Swamp Boat excursions. So much fun! The guy was awesome, as were the everglades. We saw snakes, alligators, birds and crocodiles. This alligator was cruising in front of the swamp boat. I guess the gators are pretty used to the boats. I really like the play of light between the swamp and foliage.

Sony A5000

Along the mid California coast near San Simeon (just down from Hearst Castle) there is a Sea Elephant preserve. The animals are huge and scary. They move faster than you would think. The odor is almost unbearable. These animals stink. Yet, there is something beautiful about the whole thing. They come back every year and mate.

Nikon D200, 20-200mm, f/5.6, 1/40, iso100

I did not have to travel far to get this picture. I have hundreds of roses on my property. I love roses. Some of my plants are over 35 years old. This is a beautiful yellow rose. I suppose I will have more soon, but for now just one.

Canon 5D Mark II, 50mm, f/8.0, 1/200, iso800

While up in Northern California, we went hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore. It is a beautiful place, full of animals, trees, birds and sea creatures. A stunning and seemingly unknown beauty. I was walking along the beach when all these birds starting going crazy. Rather then run, I thought I should pull out my camera. I like this confusion of birds.

Nikon D810, 35mm, f/16.0, 1/60, iso64

After a day at Patrick’s Point Ray and I went to Arcata. In the park was this beaitul group of poppies. Need I say more?

Canon R5, 50mm 1.8, f/3.5, 1/1000, ISO 100

A beautiful day in Yosemite and a clear view of El Capitan. That beautiful sun giving such a red glow.

Canon R5, 1/100, f/13 RF 24-70 2.8 at 24mm, ISO 125

Late afternoon picture looking up the valley. The reflection and late afternoon sun give a striking picture.

Canon R5, 1/25 sec, f/22, 24-70 2.8 at 29mm, ISO 100

I was working on trying to get that elusive perfect El Capitan picture when Ray said look down. Fantastic reflection.

Canon R5, 1/20 sec, f/11, 24-70 2.8 at 24mm, ISO 125,

There is nothing quite like going up to Glacier Point to get a picture of Half Dome.

Canon R5, 1/250, f/13, 24-70 2.8 at 70mm, ISO 125

A nice wide picture of Half Dome and Nevada Falls.

Canon R5, 1/250 sec, f/13, 24-70 2.8 at 24mm, ISO 125

On the Toley Lake Trail we view the wide open spaces in Petaluma.

Canon R5,RF 24-70 2.8 lens, 1/160 at f11, 28mm, ISO 100

While doing some exploring along the California coast. Up north near Muir Beach we discovered a Muir Beach Overlook.

Canon EOS R5, 24-70 2.8 lens, 1/160 at f11, 54mm, ISO 100

We went a short distance on the Redwood Creek Trail and found this lovely little creek.

Canon EOS R5, 24-70 2.8 lens, 1/20 at f/9.0, 35mm, ISO 100

Ray and I were out on a hike with a group in Plitvice a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for its falls and the ear beautiful.

Canon R5, 15-35mm 2.8, 24mm, 1/25 sec at f/11, ISO 100

Yellowstone

While walking in Copenhagen with my wife Rayleen, we were struck by the beauty of this building. This angle makes the building look like a skinny wall. I’m not sure if the reasoning of the design had to do with wind, but I find it interesting and unique. I find it interesting and unique.

Nikon D300, 18-250, 46mm, f/4.8

Sony A7R IV, 25-105, 27mm, f/10, 1/250

Baltic countries have many medieval churches. I really enjoyed how this angle made the church look like it was pointing to the sky.

Sony A7R IV, 24-105mm, 24mm, f/9.0, 1/125, ISO 100

The Orthodox churches are beautiful with all their colors and tangled colors. The pictures on the building are amazing and well maintained. This church is in St. Petersburg.

Sony A7R IV, 24-105mm, 24mm, f/8.0, f 1/250

Beautiful churches in Germany. This one is in Munster. Truly a large and overwhelming church. The inside was beautiful. Outside was amazing. I love the two major colors and how they work together.

So my wife and I have travelled over Bixby Bridge dozens of times. Even though we’re not from Northern California, Big Sur is one of our favorite places. When coming from the North, you have to travel over Highway 1 and Bixby Bridge to get to Big Sur. We have tried various locations to get a great picture. There are many great views, but this is my favorite picture.

Canon 5D Mark II, 14mm, f/2.8

While Rayleen and I were walking along a beautiful path in Copenhagen, we saw a couple of bubble domes sticking up which almost looked liked they were sticking out of the water. The interesting feature is the bottom; whereas there are apartments on the top there are none on the bottom. Not sure why, they remind me of the cob ending on corn.

Canon 5D Mark II, 24-105, 88mm, f/4.0,

While in Germany with the sun shining brightly and all the colors aglow, the clouds rolled in behind the Reichstag. You can see the Fernsehturm in the back ground, the beautiful blue sky, the vibrant greens in the foreground, the glass dome, and the flags that make this such an amazing photograph.

Nikon D810, 24-120, 48mm, f/4.0

While my wife and I were taking a river tour in Prague, it was overcast and the colors were dull. We thought there would never be an opportunity for an inspiring photograph. Then the clouds opened for just a moment over the castle and the boat moved to a good spot and, like magic, the sun shone on the castle.

Another bit of history, the Colosseum construction was started around 70 A.D. We were there in 2005, one thousand nine hundred and seventy-five years later. I don’t believe you can still walk down this path or tour through the Colosseum, but we enjoyed this angle and could only imagine what it was like when the Colosseum was filled with water and epic sea battles were reenacted.

We landed in Rome and because of jet lag, we felt like getting out and walking. Just down from our hotel was the Colosseum, so we thought that would make a nice walk. There was also the Arch of Constantine and a pyramid. It was late and these lights were on. I loved it. The picture is from an early digital camera so there were only few mega pixels. You really can’t blow up this picture beyond 5x7. I’ve always found the picture to be intriguing, ghostly and thought provoking.

I have always enjoyed the simple yet striking looks of American architecture. The Jefferson Memorial is pristine and beautiful. The parallel columns make the white structure stand out with the beautiful blue reflecting pool and the touch of foliage around it. I should probably put in a digital sky with amazing clouds, but on this day there were none, so that’s the way it stays.

Capitola is a beautiful little coastal California community. It has a wonderful funky vibe. A great place to visit.

Canon R5, RF24-70 F2.8, 45mm, F/14, 1/200, ISO 200

I’ve taken several pictures of this covered bridge, but this is my favorite It doesn’t have too much sun or too many branches in the way.

Canon R5, 1/40 sec, f/13, 24-70mm 2.8 at 24mm, ISO 125

While hiking around Zagreb I found this interesting building. Just an amazing color wish I would have bought it with the sun.

Canon R5, 15-35mm 2.8, 21mm, 1/100 sec at f/11, ISO 125

It was so amazing to be alone in this room. This is part of Diocletian Palace in Split.

Canon R5, 15-35mm 2.8, 15mm, 1/5 sec at f/10, ISO1600

This picture was taken in East Jesus California with a Canon R5 and a 24-70 2.8.

While riding over the Golden Gate Bridge, my wife, Rayleen, snapped this amazing picture while riding behind me. She saw what was in the mirror, grabbed her camera, and took several pictures as we bounced along. I really like this one.

Rayleen Downes Sony A5000

Sony A7R IV, 24-105mm, 39mm, f/4.0, 1/40, ISO 800

While going through the Glyptothek in Copenhagen we ran into many noses on display. Actually a fantastic museum. That is where I found this lady.

While on a family vacation in Greece, I decided to take a solo walk around Athens. It was a hot day, and the rest of the family was melting away. I found a great plaza which offered Greek beers and all sorts of ancient structures tucked away here and there. Then, while walking, I came across a government building and there was a changing of the guard. I feel like I got this high step right in the right position.

Nikon D200, 20-200, 105mm, f/4.4

This picture was created by my niece, Lindsey. These are the children of Lindsey and Tommy. The children are Logan (on left) and Maverick. I used the green screen and we settled on this background because it looks like the wagon is on the steps. The child for sale wasn't my idea. Awesome models I must say!

Ray and I were vacation along the Columbia River in Oregon. While walking I came across these, actually two sets, of bright green pier pylons. Obviously the pier no longer exists and the algae was loving the left over pylons. No they weren’t quite this bright, but thanks to Photoshop they magically became a little more vibrant.

Canon 5D Mark IV, 16-35mm, 35mm, f/4.0

While driving on the secret road to Bolinas, California, we came across this barn with the large peace sign. Well, we both got out of the car and snapped a few pictures. Frankly I liked hers better.

Sony A5000

This was another picture staged by my niece, Lindsey. She wanted a picture of her two boys feet together. I really like the picture because it shows warmth. I should find a way to cut the hands out, but this also shows her involvement in the picture. I used an app to make the pencil lines and color, though I’m sure it would work just as well on Photoshop.

Nikon D810

This is an early experiment with Photoshop. I was trying to exaggerate the colors. I wanted more red in the arch and more blue in the sky. I got what I wanted, but since this was a pretty low resolution picture and there was a lot of photo manipulating, the photo is pretty blown out. But yes, I still like it.

Nikon D200, 20-200, 105mm, f/4.4

Seattle is a beautiful city. Seattle gives you ocean, clouds, weather, and a beautiful skyline. So what happened when you get all three and you want to include everything and then make it so the world can see it the way you saw it? Well this is my idea of Seattle, beautiful and vibrant.

Canon 5D Mark IV, 16-35mm, 26mm, f/4.0

You’re right, maybe too much digitizing, maybe? But sometimes beauty is in the eye of the creator. Here’s what I like: the beautiful blue, the flare of the sun, the lines, the wave hitting the rocks and the colors which are amazing.

While sitting at Pismo Beach, we put our drinks down on the ledge. The sun seemed to hit this whisky glass just right, so I took the picture. It did not reproduce well on the chip. So I searched around and found a light program that included flares. As seen in my previous picture, Wave with Flare, adding a flare can add interest to a photograph. This, more or less, recreates the scene as I saw it, and maybe just how I always see a good whiskey.

We found this hand sticking out of the ground on the outskirts of Copenhagen. We were going to Christiania, and before we got there, we found several unusual sculptures. This is one I really liked. I’m not sure what it represents, but I just like the hand reaching out, maybe for something?

Canon 5D MarkII, 24-105mm, 36mm, f/20.0, 1/1000, iso32000

Thought this was something interesting…way too saturation and vibrance, but maybe something interesting?

Canon EOS R5 24-70 2.8: 1/125 sec at f/11, ISO 100, 70mm

This photo was take near the Salton Sea in California with a Canon R5 and 24-70 2.8.

This image was shot in Bombay Beach California with a Canon R5 and 24-70 2.8 lens.

This image was shot with a Canon R5 and 24-70 2.8 lens.

This image was made in Mexicali, Mexico with a Canon R5 and 24-70 2.8 lens.

This image was discovered in Jacuma, California with a Canon R5 with a 24-70 2.8 lens.

I believe back in the 40’s, a small engine for the Pacific Coast Railroad fell off the tracks, and it was deemed too expensive to haul it back up. So when I came with my wife, Rayleen, in the 70’s, it had almost completely deteriorated. It has since been removed.

This is probably the newest in this collection. This picture is only about 25 years old. I just loved the birds against the orange sky. The birds stand out so well. Just for a moment, the sky turned to this beautiful shade of orange.

After Bill and I purchased the Yashica cameras, my friend Dwight, who also photographed our wedding, and I went picture taking. We were young, around 18, it was late, it was L.A., and we had a blast running around taking pictures. We thought we were pros. This one was taken from the overpass of the Santa Ana Freeway.

This is another picture taken with Dwight who had been out several times before honing his skills. He always seemed to focus on light. He had a way with light. His pictures always seemed to pop. Anyway, I like to think I’ve improved and that this was a learning experience.

So going back to that good old Yashica, this is my first attempt at a long exposure. I was 17 and it was 1969. From my bedroom window, you could see the flame from an oil refinery on Carmenita Rd. in Norwalk. I thought, wow, what if I sit my camera outside on a small tripod and hold the shutter down (with a cable) for a couple of hours? I laid down and promptly fell asleep. The next morning, I realized what I did, grabbed my camera, and let the shutter click. This is what I found in my negatives. Pretty wild!

In 1977, Ray and I were living in Long Beach. This was my second attempt at a long exposure, and the first one where I didn’t fall asleep. I actually planned this one out. I more or less calculated the time needed and tried to apply some photographic knowledge. This was my first and only attempt with this shot. I’m happy with it.

When I was young, my friend Mike and I decided it would be cool to race slot cars while they on fire, so with my trusty Yashica I got this picture which for a 17 year old I think is pretty good. A funny thing happened at the end of the race. When we went to blow out the fire, we were laughing so hard we couldn’t get much air out which nearly burnt down my room.

Again that great Yashica camera. This is a posed picture. I was down at Signal Beach. I had brought my camera but realized that I couldn’t just leave it out on the sand. I’d have to lock it up in the car, so after taking a few pictures of friends surfing, I placed my surfboard against my car. I loved that car eventually and sold it for more than I paid for it. The board went to my future brother-in-law.

I’d love to tell you all the amazing things I did to get this picture, but I can’t. Now you might think, OK almost 50 years later he forgot. Truth is I didn’t forget. I remember when the pictures came back from processing. I thought, wow, wonder what happened? Now that’s the truth.

A problem with Yosemite is everyone has done it. I loved the original of this picture, but in truth, so many people had done this same picture. I’ve taken same picture many times, so I kept it around and thought nothing would ever come of it. As the digital age approached, I began to realize that old pictures can be made new again, so I pulled this one out of the file and tried different applications and eventually used a watercolor app. I don’t remember the name, but Photoshop does it as well now. Now I can enjoy this picture without thinking of all the other ones I’ve already seen.

This picture was taken in Durango in September 2018. Definitely looks like a post card picture. I think the colors and sky stand out. The Locomotive looks powerful. Canon 5D Mark IV, 35mm, EF16-35 f4 IS USM, f8, 1/320, ISO 1250.

This is the front of a California Western Skunk locomotive. Many years ago, we took a family vacation up to Fort Bragg, California and discovered the Skunk RR. We’ve been there several times since. Always a good time in Northern California.

The train ride from Durango to Silverton is along the Animas River. The scenery is some of the most beautiful in the world. The small train moving slowly along the river, then on the mountain side and on the cliff edge over the river is scary and exciting, even exhilarating. It is an amazingly beautiful train ride.

Nikon D200, 20-200mm, 105mm, f/6.3, 1/160, iso100

The Durango and Silverton is among the most beautiful steam train rides in the world. The steam, the smell, the majesty of the engine make the ride something special. We’ve ridden the Durango trains several times, and they never lose their thrill. The first few times we stayed there we stayed right over the yard. The small of coal fired steam engines is so cool.

Someday I may have to change the name of this photo. I’m pretty sure this train is following Pudding Creek to Willits, California. This a beautiful, green, wooded and forest filled ride through the mountains in Northern California.

Colorado

On a recent trip up to Point Reyes National Seashore, we took one of the short hikes. We walked by these white trees (maybe Birch?) with the dark background and I thought about Ansel Adams. Both Ray and I took several pictures; this was my favorite, and it was shot by my wife with her Apple phone.

I’ve always liked this black and white picture of a large tree in Yosemite Valley. Funny how time moves on; you move houses and sometimes negatives get lost. I truly wish I had the original negative for this picture; scanners are so much better today than they were 20 years ago. I think it is still a great picture, but I wish I could start over with it.

This is a picture I took of Half Dome around 30 years ago. I really enjoyed this as a color picture. Then I thought I would try it as a black and white. The storm seemed to pop off the photograph. I don’t change many pictures from color to black and white, but this is one where monochrome made a big difference.

This picture was shot back in 1973. I always loved the thoughtful expression on Ray’s face, but for some reason the black and white never did justice to the picture. So around 2010 I changed it to Pen and Ink on Photoshop. I think the Pen and Ink really draws out the thoughtfulness of her expression. I also think the composition is very well spaced. At the time, I didn’t think about the composition, but as I look at it now, I’m glad she wasn’t in the middle of the picture.

This is a picture that started in color and showed great contrast of light tones, blue eyes and red. As a Black and White it focuses more on the face with her beautiful smile, complexion, eyes, eyebrows and nose. It’s a perfect arrangement. The black and white allows her smile and eyes to jump to the forefront. Black and white can be difficult with picture because of shadows and lines. Oh and yes the hair falls to the back third of the composition.

While in San Diego at Balboa Park we ran into this beautiful. It appears to be a Banyon tree. I just love the perspective in this picture.

Canon EOS R5 with 15-35mm 2.8, ISO 125, 1/100 @ f/3.5, 15mm.

I though this was beautiful. Again in Balboa Park looking toward the arboretum.

Canon EOS R5 with 15-35mm, 2.8 lens, ISO 125, 1/100 sec at f / 3.5, 20mm

This is the same Lily Pond as seen before but from the other side.

Canon EOS R5 with 15-35mm 2.8 lens, ISO 125, 1/100 sec @ f/3.5, 15mm.

In San Diego at the pier for the USS Midway you had to mover around to find the right perspective to get the whole ship in the picture.

Canon EOS R5, 15-35mm 2.8, shot at ISO 125, 1/100 sec, at f/3.5, 15mm.

This picture was taken on a very windy day at the Salton Sea with a Canon R5 and 24-70 2.8 canon L Lens.

This image was taken at Salvation Mountain, Slab City, California with a Canon R5 and 24-70 2.8 L Canon Lens.

This image was taken at La Quinta, California with a Canon R5 and 24-70 2.8 L Canon Lens.

This image was taken in Bombay Beach, California with a Canon R5 and 24-70 2.8 L Canon lens.