Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

I went on vacation to Montana and Wyoming recently and visited Yellowstone National Park briefly. I took a lot of photos, sadly conditions weren't in our favor for most of the trip (dull overcast skies) But this day our luck changed and we had frequent breaks in the clouds. It is amazing how varied the terrain is: with cauldrons of fuming, bubbling water and chemicals that conjure Tolkienesque visions of Mordor while contrasted against immensely lush valleys teaming with wildlife. Yellowstone Lake is the largest lake above 7,000 feet in North America. And then there is the enormous thousand foot deep gash in landscape you see here on the screen which houses two impressive waterfalls...which we will get to in due time, but I figured we would start with a photo that displays the yellowish stone that is the namesake of this National Park.

Sailin On

High in the Sky

Pelican Vultures

Treefingers

Flock on Flock

Vertigo: Chapter 3

The Roots (of Photography)

I received Michelle Bates wonderful book Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity for Christmas this last year from a good friend (make that great friend). I was peripherally aware of the world of lomography and toy cameras but never investigated it. Well, the first book I read this holiday season was the aforementioned. By the end I was a convert and was trying to figure out how I was going to make use of this non-technology. Problem with being in the digital age is that it's been a while since I have shot film, let alone developed or printed in the medium. Knowing I would have limited to no access (or ability at home) to a darkroom I found a scanner that would scan medium format film and bought myself a Holga for about $20. I immediately fell in love with the oversized lightweight camera. I have taken to "showing" friends my new camera by tossing it to them, something I wouldn't even dream of with my Nikon D200. I had two rolls professionally processed and after the sticker shock investigated doing my own developing. I bought the equipment and chemicals today and hope to hand develop my first roll of film tomorrow. So, film is making it's way back into my digital life...beginning with this shot from my first day out and about with my Holga.

From Moro Rock Looking Norhteast

Plowing a Fallow Field

Out near Oso Flaco Lake in the Nipomo Dunes this last winter I stumbled upon this, while there are agricultural fields relatively nearby there was no apparent reason why or how it was left it what is essentially a barren wasteland.

Pipes for the Organ

Went down to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, here in San Diego, a few Sundays ago where they give weekly concerts. It was hot and sunny and there was some prerequisite Bach played...all in all it was enjoyable.

Fiddler

Be Still Now

Was walking through the Botanical Building in Balboa Park and came upon this gentleman muttering to himself and writing furiously. After the title line the first line in the notebook on this page is "Be Still Now..."

Grasshopper

Found this little dude just outside my apartment a few nights ago.

Kings River Canyon

Grizzly Falls

Among the Giants

Shooting the Peaks

The Prow