The San Diego Photo Project

San Diego: A Golden City

2012-12-30T21:48:00.000-08:00

INTRODUCTION
During the early to mid-1500's, Portugese born Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo while exploring the coast of California ~ sailing under the Spanish flag ~ guided his flagship San Salvadore into what is now known as San Diego Bay. His goal was to discover a trade route between the North Pacific and the North Atlantic. In addition, like other explorers of his era, he hoped to find the fabled "Seven Cities of Gold," or the Seven Cities of Cibola. Little could he possibly know that his efforts would eventually result in the founding of a city that, by the twentieth century, can be easily perceived itself as a genuine "Golden City," and the destination of millions of visitors a year.

Mission San Diego de Alcala

2012-12-30T01:07:00.000-08:00

The Mission was founded on July 16, 1769 by Franciscan Friar Father Junipero Serra on the site that is now the Presidio. (See preceeding blog entry). It was relocated to its present site in 1774 to be nearer the existing Indian villages and to reliable water sources and farmland. It was the first in a chain of 21 missions along the coast of California and is consequently known as the Mother of the Missions. (Additional images, including historical photos, can be found further down in this blog.) For a complete list see California Missions.

Mission San Diego de Alcala: Historical Photos

2012-12-29T08:51:00.000-08:00

Here are images of the San Diego Mission at the turn of the century (circa 1885-1905) provided by local resident Richard Roppe. Some of the photos were taken by his great-great-grandfather.

Pelican Sunset 2012

2012-01-20T22:26:00.000-08:00

Winter Surf 2012

2012-01-20T22:08:00.000-08:00

Winter storms bring people to La Jolla beaches to watch both surf and sunsets.

San Diego Skyline

2010-10-23T23:08:00.000-07:00

October Sunset

2010-10-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

Sunset

2010-10-21T09:19:00.001-07:00

Homeless Shelter 2010

2010-10-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

Hooked on Photography

2010-10-01T23:18:00.000-07:00

Small treasures can be found almost anywhere. This fisherman's hook was observed just as you see it here near the Embarcadero on Harbor Island.

Clouds and Shadows: East County

2010-09-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

Taken from Mt. Helix looking east beyond El Cajon.

Summer Sunrise: Portrait of a Daisy:

2010-09-04T22:12:00.000-07:00

Here the lowly daisy flower is given a front and center treatment in color with black and white background.

Floral Collages: Balboa Park

2010-08-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

During the Spring and Summer, Balboa Park is a riot of color in the form of both wild and cultured flora natural to California. Here are two collages that offer several visually stunning examples. The graphic design "Rose Photography" is by RM Lewis.

La Jolla Sunset

2010-01-18T22:27:00.000-08:00

Visitors to La Jolla Shores watch the sunset among the waning storm clouds, enjoying the drama of the scene with its striations of color, reflections and silhouettes. This photograph is best viewed in its larger format by clicking on the image.

Watching the Surf: Part II

2010-01-16T21:09:00.000-08:00

La Jolla Coves is a favorite venue for watching surf following a winter storm. Note the seal family enjoying the salt water spray, and the pelicans resting on their roost.

Watching the Surf: La Jolla

2010-01-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

This series captures the flora and fauna, and interested people, who are watching the surf on a sun drenched day following a recent storm at and near La Jolla Coves.

Double Image: Father and Son Fishing

2010-01-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

Father and son engage in a time honored pastime during early morning hours at Lake Murray.

Early Morning Vistas

2009-09-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

While most viewers slept, these photos were taken in the early morning hours at Lake Murray, La Mesa, California. These photos are best viewed by clicking on the image to enlarge.

Spring Daisies: East County

2009-04-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

Following spring rains, yellow daisies come out in abundance, brightening the countryside and lifting the spirit.

Reflections

2009-04-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Looking more like a French Impressionism era painting than a photograph, this image, with water rippled by a breeze, was taken at the Botanical Garden reflecting pool in Balboa Park on a bright spring day.

Solitude

2009-04-05T22:58:00.000-07:00

A lone visitor to the Embarcadero sits in quietude as he watches the setting sun, his only companions the tall ship and smaller sail boats at rest and moored at day's end. Click on the image for an expanded view.

2009-04-04T23:00:00.001-07:00

Storm Waves

2009-03-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

A brown seagull looks on, feathers ruffled by the wind, as storm waves crash into the coast and a Pelican roost near La Jolla.

Parasailing at Sunset

2009-03-30T23:28:00.000-07:00

Parasailors glide silently over the Pacific as they view the coastline at sunset. To the north (top) is Torrey Pines State Park. To the south (bottom) is La Jolla.

Coastal Flora and Topography

2009-03-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

The coastal area north of La Jolla consists of cliffs rising above the Pacific, beyond which are hills and canyons that boast unique flora, such as the Torrey Pine, not found further inland due to the coastal microclimate of warm, moist air. Here we see foxtail and bottle brush plants. The coastal view features Black's Beach, a famous clothing optional venue in the foreground, and North County beaches in the background. The images of flora were taken just west of the Salk Institute campus (see below).

The Salk Institute

2009-03-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

The Salk Institute, named after famed biologist Dr. Jonas Salk, who was instrumental in developing the polio vacine during the '40s and '50's, is located in the Torrey Pines area of La Jolla overlooking the Pacific. Designed by Louis I. Kahn (1965) , its so-called modern architecture has been lauded for its pristine minimalist beauty.

San Diego Skyline: View from Coronado

2009-03-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

This is a daytime photograph of the San Diego skyline taken from Coronado looking north.

Star of India

2009-03-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

The Star of India, described here in an historical plaque attached to its hull, is one of the most easily recognized iconic images representing San Diego.

Boats on the Bay

2009-03-25T18:27:00.001-07:00

Cruise ships, the San Diego Maritime Museum and Coast Guard Patrol Boats share docking space on the embarcadero adjacent to the Star of India.

Reflections on the Waterfront

2009-03-25T18:09:00.001-07:00

Reflections of multicolored lights on the Bay create a festive atmosphere for onlookers. The photograph was taken from Harbor Island looking southeast. Click on the image for a larger view.

Indian Gaming in San Diego County

2009-03-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

Indiginous to San Diego County, the Kumeyaay Indians, of which there are many bands, the Viejas Indians among them, have developed gaming, retail and hotel centers around the County. Here we see four images representing the Viejas Casino and Outlet Center in East County near Alpine. Notice in the second image the presence of a waxing daytime moon in the upper left corner; and in the third image the rainbow among the mists of the water display in the retail center. Although black bears are no longer inhabitants of the area, it was not long ago that they could be seen, especially in places like Valley Center east of Escondido, which previously was known as Bear Valley.

Colorful Old Town

2009-03-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

Old Town San Diego is a favorite venue for tourists, who are not only drawn to the historical past but to the colorful presentation of goods and services available in abundance.

Mexican Tiles: Balboa Park

2009-03-24T02:10:00.000-07:00

Colorful hand painted Mexican tiles are featured in the Spanish Village Art Center, Balboa Park. In the second image, the tiles are purposfully used as an abstract background for a pink Hydrangia flower.

Carillon Tower: San Diego State University

2009-03-24T01:50:00.000-07:00

This carillon tower was a central feature of the original San Diego State College campus library and central quad, and is now an iconic image of the University (SDSU).

Bee and Pink Flower

2009-03-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

A local honeybee dives head first into the pollen laden center of a Hollyhock flower in North County.

Pelican Swimming

2009-03-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

This image of a pelican swimming has elements of humor that often leave the viewer smiling. It is unusual in that it could almost be mistaken for a comic strip character. The photograph was taken at the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

Del Mar Race Track

2009-03-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

The world famous Del Mar Race track, founded July 3rd 1937 by Bing Crosby and Pat 'Brien, typically runs during the summer months of July and August, following the San Diego County Fair.

"Having been bitten by the racing bug, Crosby and a bunch of his Hollywood buddies (among them Pat O’Brien, Oliver Hardy and Gary Cooper) hatched the idea for a horse palace by the ocean where you could play all day, party all night and leave the cares of the world behind."

(See Del Mar Track history for more information.)

In the first image, Crosby and O'Brien are seen on opening day 1937. In the second image, by RM Lewis, one can only guess what the jockeys are saying to each other as they pass the finish line, one of the horses winning by a nose.

Monsters on the Midway: Fun at the Fair

2009-03-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

The Del Mar Fair (aka San Diego County Fair) attracts more than a million visitors a year. Here we see two views of the Midway rides that attract young and old alike. The Fair begins during the middle of June and ends on July 4th each year. These images are in black and white, which focuses attention on the geometry of the forms.

Play of Light and Shadow

2009-03-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here are two favorites that highlight the play of light and shadow at the dusk end of the day, where storm clouds provide a sense of drama to the images. These were both taken from East County looking west.

Woman in Window

2009-03-19T06:39:00.001-07:00

I like this image not only for its subject and its compostion, but for what it is not. The photograph is actually a sales poster in the window of a shop at Sea Port Village, a high end retail center on the shore of San Diego Bay, which is a popular venue for visitors. I had taken some time to set up the shot, positioning myself so that the outcome looked as real as possible, giving the impression of both exotica and mystique.

Treasure in a Daisy Field

2009-03-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

While photographing a stand of daisies in late afternoon light, I came across this unexpected treasure amidst the flowers. Rusted and in disuse, the form, with its sparkling spheres of glass, nonetheless creates a pleasing abstract design. These two images underscore the premise that the micro view can be every bit as pleasing as the macro, larger views of life. They are best viewed in larger format by double clicking on the image.

Sunrise Sky

2009-03-12T02:35:00.000-07:00

Many of us seldom see the sunrise. When we do, we are usually too busy or preoccupied with thoughts of the day ahead to take the time for aesthetic enjoyment much less photography. Here is the San Diego sunrise on the last day of February, 2009.

Wall Art

2009-03-05T15:56:00.000-08:00

I love these two examples of Southwestern wall art, of which there are many examples, in the San Diego area.

San Diego Skyline: View from Point Loma

2009-03-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

Visitors to the Cabrillo National Monument and Old Lighthouse on Point Loma view the San Diego skyline (background) and the North Island Naval Air Station on Coronado (foreground). The viewpoint is looking northeast. This is the location where the Pacific meets San Diego Bay. Double click on the photo for a panoramic image.

Downtown San Diego: Portrait in Black and White

2009-02-28T03:59:00.000-08:00

I like this three part series which, while not a comprehensive overview of the downtown area, offers a glimpse of the architechtural array the visitor will see. The black and white treatment helps to focus our attention on the interesting forms without the distractions one can sometimes encounter with color.

In the first image we see a secluded bistro on a side street near Horton Plaza. In the second, the Santa Fe Depot waiting room is viewed looking south toward Broadway. The third image is the fountain at Horton Plaza, a focal point on Broadway since the late 1800's.

Above and Below

2009-02-21T23:25:00.000-08:00

From the vantage of the Torrey Pines cliffs above the Pacific, we see both the parasailer and the hiker walking home from Black's Beach several miles to the north. I like both images for different reasons. The image of the parasailer offers a glimpse of the freedom he is experiencing in his silent glide above the Pacific; and the hiker seems unaware of the abstract graphic design of sand and water upon which he treads. The Scripps Institute of Oceanography pier can be seen to the south in the first image. (See Torrey Pines Glider Port.)

Our Silver Pacific

2009-02-21T23:12:00.000-08:00

The Pacific Ocean presents us with an ever changing kaleidoscope of rainbow colors depending upon the weather, the time of day, position of the sun and the presence or absence of clouds. Here, under a clear sky, the Pacific shimmers in sliver and crystal as we look upon it from the cliffs above Torrey Pines State Park. The view is southward, toward La Jolla.

County Administration Building

2009-02-14T23:22:00.001-08:00

This is an unusual treatment of this architectural centerpiece along Harbor Drive on the Embarcadero due to the anglular perspective of the photograph, the contrast of sky and clouds, the overall color saturation, and the angular relationship between the height of the tall palm tree on the left, the tower and lower portion of the building on the right, which mirror the angle of the clouds.

Sails and Rigging

2009-02-14T23:05:00.000-08:00

I like both the simplicity and complexity of this piece -- the simplicity of sails and yard arms combined with the complexity of this tall ship's rigging against the contrast of sails and the deep blue mid-day sky. The contrast in this photo was accomplished by using a circular polarizing filter designed for use with a digital camera.

Trees and Towers

2009-02-14T22:52:00.000-08:00

I like this treatment of tall palm trees and office towers along the Embarcadero, including the deep contrast between sky and clouds.

Mountain Snow

2009-02-10T17:19:00.001-08:00

Following a recent winter storm, as I drove east from San Diego State University to La Mesa, I was thrilled to see the eastern mountains covered with snow and glistening in the morning light. Immediately I drove with my camera to Mt. Helix to take these photos, looking east beyond El Cajon.

Mountain Greenery

2009-02-09T00:07:00.000-08:00

Following winter storms, the mountains surrounding San Diego become lush with greenery, creating a semi-tropical environment in contrast to the dry yellows and browns of summer.

Filtered Sunlight at Dusk

2009-02-09T00:02:00.001-08:00

Sunlight filtering through the storm clouds creates a peaceful vista for the viewer.

La Jolla Cove at Sunset

2009-02-08T23:55:00.000-08:00

La Jolla Cove is seen in silhouette from La Jolla Shores, creating a peaceful scene.

Downtown San Diego: A Panorama

2009-02-08T23:36:00.000-08:00

Downtown San Diego is viewed from Mt. Soledad at dusk, looking south. In the foreground is Mission Bay. Visible is the Coronado Bridge, while on the horizon is a mountainous mesa, major landmark of Baja California, Mexico. Double click on the image (as with all images) to obtain the full effect of the panorama.

La Jolla Shores

2009-02-08T23:26:00.000-08:00

La Jolla Shores at dusk, looking north toward Torrey Pines State Park, taken from Mt. Soledad.

Golden Sunset

2009-02-06T22:39:00.000-08:00

North County along the coast is a good place to photograph a wide variety of colorful sunsets.

Famous Photo Brought to Life

2009-02-05T22:11:00.000-08:00

On VJ Day (Victory over Japan) following World War II, photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt took this memorable photo in New York's Times Square, later published in Life Magazine, that soon became an iconic image of the euphoria at wars end. The photo is now immortalized as a 20 foot statue on the San Diego Bay Embarcadero adjacent to the USS Midway Memorial Museum.

(Additional images of the original WW II photographs can be viewed here.)

Dancing by the Sea

2009-02-04T01:45:00.000-08:00

Unable to contain her natural joy, the young girl danced by the sea at Bird Rock, unphased by the presence of onlookers.

Soloist: Balboa Park

2009-02-04T01:09:00.000-08:00

A musician plays his saxaphone for all to hear, hoping perhaps to receive some extra change from his listeners, who can place it in his open instrument case.

Spring Flora: Balboa Park

2009-02-02T00:13:00.000-08:00

As early as February, due to its moderate climate, San Diego flora begin to bloom. Here the white flowers, reminiscent of cherry blossoms, offer a stunning contrast to the deep blue sky on a Sunday afternoon in Balboa Park near the Natural History Museum.

Friends: Balboa Park

2009-02-01T23:41:00.000-08:00

Balboa Park, on a Sunday afternoon, is a place where friends and families congregate for rest and relaxation. I like these three photos because they seem to speak of an earlier, simpler time.

Orange and Pink

2009-01-31T22:47:00.001-08:00

These two roses, taken at different times in Balboa Park, offer examples of the subtle color variations often seen in the flora of San Diego. Notice how the orange and pink reflect the colors of the sculpture in the following entry.

Sculpture and Reflections: Mission Beach

2009-01-31T22:37:00.001-08:00

Located near the Life Guard Station at Mission Beach, the sculpture captures the regional emphasis on surf and sun. Also captured is the effect of sunlight shining through the sculpture and reflected on the sidewalk below.

Ocean Beach "Cathedral"

2009-01-31T22:28:00.000-08:00

This image, taken beneath the Ocean Beach Pier during a storm looking west, offers the illusion of a European cathedral 1n 1945 following WW II. The effect of foreshortening from a zoom lens adds to the illusion. I purposefully waited until a wave came crashing into the pier before taking the photograph.

Mormon Temple, San Diego

2009-01-31T22:20:00.000-08:00

The Mormon Temple, easily visible from Interstate 5 near University City, is the most exotic example of modern architecture in the San Diego area.

Coronado Islands at Dusk

2009-01-25T21:45:00.000-08:00

The Coronado Islands, a rich sport fishing area 17 miles due south of Point Loma, are seen here using a 250 mm lens from 30 miles northeast on a clear day at dusk. The land in the foreground are the cities of Chula Vista and Imperial Beach, which are 7 to 9 miles due south of San Diego. Historically shrouded in veils of myth, mystique and mystery, the grouping of four Islas Coronados lies 12 miles off the coast of Mexico, southwest of Tijuana.

(See also an excellent story about the Coronado Islands by Peter Rowe in the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper.)

San Diego Skyline

2009-01-23T04:14:00.000-08:00

The Embaracadero and San Diego skyline are viewed from Harbor Island, near Lindberg International Airport.

Natural History Museum: Balboa Park

2009-01-23T03:48:00.000-08:00

Children play near the fountain adjacent to the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.

East County Vistas

2009-01-18T22:19:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons I love the San Diego area is the surrouding countryside. East County is my favorite region to visit and photograph. Here is a series of images that accurately portray the summer countryside 30-45 miles east of Downtown San Diego. In the fourth image, one can see the wind moving the wild oats, while the background remains in sharp focus.

Summer Clouds

2009-01-17T23:16:00.000-08:00

During the summer months, hot moist air from the Sea of Cortez often crowds northward into Arizona and Southern California, creating towering thunderheads over the Laguna Mountains east of San Diego.

Desert View

2009-01-17T15:24:00.000-08:00

Stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the west, Mexico to the south, Los Angeles to the north and the Borrego Desert to the east, San Diego County is the most ecologically diverse county in the US. Here we have a view of the desert from 7000 feet looking north and east from Laguna Mountain.

Geometry in Black and White

2009-01-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

The hand of man, when superimposed upon nature's creations, results in form-constrained-by-geometry readily seen against the apparent background of natural chaotic structure. Here, in these three black and white compositions, taken on Mount Laguna 45 miles east of San Diego, one can easily discern human created form-as-function amidst the fractal beauty of nature.

Tall Ships on the Bay

2009-01-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

One of my favorites, this image was taken from the Embarcadero looking southwest with lighting from the golden late afternoon winter sun. It offers a hint of what might have been seen during the early years of California exploration. No indications of contemporary civilization are visible in this photograph.

Giraffe: A Gentle Giant

2009-01-11T22:12:00.000-08:00

An 18 foot tall curious giraffe approaches the photographer at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. The natural food of the giraffe is the leaf from the Acacia tree. When one has a supply to offer, the gentle giant will feed willingly from one's hands. The Acacia plant has many thorns on its branches, and the long eyelashes of the giraffe are designed to alert the animal when the points become too close to its eyes. (Image of the author feeding giraffe by Richard Roppe).

Daisy Fields

2009-01-11T21:22:00.000-08:00

Following the winter rains, often in San Diego can be seen thousands of acres of daisies and mustard flowers, creating a vibrant yellow landscape pleasing to both the eye and psyche.

Dancing the Sails

2009-01-09T14:15:00.000-08:00

San Diego Bay has a flotilla of tall ships moored at the Embarcadero near the foot of Broadway. Here we see two crewmen working the sails of one ship, while in the second image we see two tall ships, one of which (the larger of the two) is the HMS Surprise, which starred in the movie "Captain and Commander: Far Side of the World," a near-exact replica (1970) of the British frigate HMS Rose (circa 1770). It is now maintained by the San Diego Maritime Museum.

Festive Lights

2009-01-09T01:11:00.001-08:00

Each Christmas Holiday Season the Hotel Del Coronado dresses itself up in its finest and becomes a favorite destination for visitors who seek out its visual thrills. The Hotel's turn of the century architecture adds to its appeal.

Sunset Filigree

2009-01-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

I love this image, taken from East County looking west toward the city and ocean beyond, because it captures the beauty, balance and delicacy often found in nature. The tree limb in the foreground is both tack sharp and positioned so that the lower portion is pointing directly at the setting sun, which is the subject of the composition. It has become a favorite of viewers, as well.

East County Eucalyptus

2009-01-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

Imported years ago from Australia as agricultural windbreaks, the Eucalyptus tree has flourished in the San Diego area, often growing wild where once it was only domesticated. Here we see the Eucalyptus framing four views of East County mountains at dusk. The first two images are looking south; the second image is looking north; and the fourth image is looking west toward the Pacific.

Orchid Collage

2009-01-05T16:16:00.000-08:00

Due to its moderate climate, orchids are easily grown in the San Diego area. Here is a collage of orchids available for viewing and sale in the region.

Red Desert Flower

2009-01-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

Although San Diego now has much greenery due to massive irrigation projects bringing water from the Colorado River and Northern California, its natural climate is Mediteranean and the flora is mostly desert-like. Here is one example of a small shrub tree with its exquisite red blooms, often seen as decorative plants in public places.

Butterfly Resting

2009-01-01T19:16:00.001-08:00

Sea Port Village, a favorite shopping and eating destination for locals and visitors alike, has a plethora of fine shops, some of which feature fine art and sculpture. I like this piece of ultra realism, featuring a sculpture that stands outside the shop door, because of the image composition and bright sunlit colors contrasted with the subdued and slightly out of focus background.

Young Girl Watching

2009-01-01T19:02:00.001-08:00

A young girl is seen watching the Mallard ducks at Sea Port Village.

Surfing the Storm

2008-12-31T04:03:00.000-08:00

The San Diego coastline offers prime locations for the dedicated surfer. Here, the sun shines its morning light through the breaking clouds of a winter storm off La Jolla Cove where surfers hope to catch the curl as the wind sheers the tops of breaking waves. In the far background is the pristine beach of La Jolla Shores, just to the south of Torrey Pines State Park.

Reflections on a Winter's Eve

2008-12-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

The New Year comes to us in brilliant colors, ushered in by sunsets as we reflect upon the past and plan for our tomorrows.

Season's Greetings

2008-12-28T23:49:00.001-08:00

Here is a photograph of the Bascilica (Church) door at the Mission San Diego de Alcala taken during the Holiday Season 2008. In addition to the seasonal symbolism, I like the detail and the shadows from the mid-morning sun.

Mission San Diego de Alcala

2008-12-27T17:05:00.001-08:00

Presidio Park

2008-12-26T20:53:00.000-08:00

"The Junípero Serra Museum, in Presidio Park, is one of the most familiar landmarks in San Diego. As a major symbol of the city, it stands atop the hill recognized as the site where California began. It was here in 1769 that a Spanish Franciscan missionary, Father Junípero Serra, with a group of soldiers led by Gaspar de Portolá, established Alta California’s first mission and presidio (fort)." (Courtesy of the San Diego Historical Society.) Photography by RM Lewis

The Mission San Diego de Alcala was later moved a few miles further east to a location more amenable to sources of water and agriculture, where it exists today and is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.

Mt. Helix

2008-12-24T22:20:00.000-08:00

Standing atop Mr. Helix, the dominant geological feature 15 miles east of Downtown San Diego, one has a clear 360 degree view of San Diego west all the way to the Coronado Islands, the City of La Mesa, south to Spring Valley and beyond to the border with Mexico, and north and east to El Cajon and beyond to the mountains of the Cleveland National Forest. Also located here is an open air amphitheater that hosts summer theatrical productions and Easter sunrise services. The top is accessed via two spiraling roadways, hence the term "helix" in its name. The cross at the pinnacle can be seen for miles in every direction. The land is owned and maintained by a private trust. To learn more, click here. Also, see a short summary in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

After the Storm

2008-12-22T20:40:00.001-08:00

Although not common, San Diego County occasionally is the recipient of heavy snowfalls coming from the north. This image was taken from atop Mt. Helix looking northeast to the mountains beyond El Cajon, where it glistens like crystal in the morning light.

Fishing on Golden Pond

2008-12-22T19:50:00.001-08:00

A golden sunset casts its warm glow on the water of Lake Murray in East County as two friends are seen fishing during the waning hours of a summer's day.

Table for Two

2008-12-21T00:23:00.001-08:00

San Diego has literally hundreds if not thousands of fine eating establishements dedicated to every palate and culinary desire. Many are four star. Here is a table setting at La Valencia Hotel in downtown La Jolla, which once was a favorite of Hollywood celebrities, often when visiting the Del Mar track during racing season.

San Diego Balconies

2008-12-20T23:57:00.001-08:00

I like balconies because they offer not only a sense of local architecture, but also a public view of a private space, where the mind is free to wander and speculate about the mysteries that might lie within without the voyer's guilt.

San Diego Dusk

2008-12-20T23:01:00.001-08:00

San Diego at dusk is a favorite time for photography. The soft tones convey a sense of solitude and serenity, and the promise of a new tomorrow.

Tree Hugger

2008-12-20T22:45:00.001-08:00

Entranced by the large size of this bamboo grove, I waited for a young boy to position himself, unaware of the photographer, before taking the image. The size of the boy offers information about the relative size of the bamboo. The location is Quail Gardens in north San Diego County.

Cactus Pattern

2008-12-20T22:38:00.000-08:00

I find the repetition of pattern pleasing, especially when it occurs in nature. "Cactus Pattern" was taken in Balboa Park.

Rough Pine Siding: East County

2008-12-20T22:35:00.001-08:00

I like this piece not only for its simplicity of subject but the complexity of the veritcal texture and repeating pattern.

Ranunculus: Carlsbad Flower Fields

2008-12-17T22:40:00.000-08:00

San Diego County is reknown for both the beauty and variety of flowers that are grown here, both domestically and commercially. The Carlsbad Flower Fields attract thousands of visitors each Spring to view the riot of colors on display by the acre. Displayed here is the variety known as Ranunculus.

All in a Row

2008-12-17T22:20:00.001-08:00

When on a photoshoot, I often look for repeating patterns in nature or those created by man. Here is a series of images that all have something in common. 1) "Ducks in a Row," 2) "Beached Dingys," and 3) "Turtles in the Sun." Can you discern the commonalities? By the way, "Ducks in a Row" and "Beached Dingys" were taken on Coronado Beaches. And, surprisingly, "Turtles in the Sun" was taken while shooting a graduation portrait at San Diego State University.