Precious Time...

A friend of mine recently told me in passing, "Can you believe it's already June?  Where did all the time go?"

All of us have said that from time to time.  Time is too often taken for granted.  Time is given to us but cannot be saved.

Every second, minute and hour that passes by is time that is lost to history.

For most, we never know how much time is left.  For some, fortunately or unfortunately, we know about how much time we do have.

A message here is to try to use each minute to it's fullest.

Easier said than done in our never ending fast pace world.

If there's trip you've always wanted to take... take it.  Something you've always wanted... buy it.  Those golden minutes come and go.  You don't want to find yourself at the end wishing you had more time.

As my cousin once told me, "never get to the should of, would of, could of."  You don't want to look back and see how time has passed you by.

Leica M9,  35mm Summilux , f/6.7, 1/750s, ISO 160

Ambassadors....

Our country's only moving National Landmark - San Francisco Cable Cars.

One day, this Cable Car came to a halt on Lombard Street.  This woman called out the Cable Car Gripman and gave him a big gigantic hug.

Needless to say, everyone on the Cable Car and the crowd of tourists on Lombard Street cheered.

She quickly discovered that she was the center of attention and turned tomato red.  One thing is for certain, she'll alway remember her trip to San Francisco.  The look on her face and the smiles of everyone there that day is something that makes life wonderful.

Kudo's to the Cable Car Gripman for being a good will ambassador.

Nikon D300S, 70-200mm, 70mm,  f/13,  1/640s, ISO 800

Memorial Day...

Hope that everyone took time during this Memorial Day weekend to think about those who have severed or are currently serving our country.

Ladies...

We have ladies and ladies of the .... well, you know.

These three are actually weekend actresses to help add to the flavor of Old Sacramento.  The actors begin their run during the summer months.  So if you happen to have a few hours to spare... take a short drive over and have fun.

Nikon D300S 18-70mm 74mm f/4.5 1/500s

They're baack...

The Silver Man is back and now the visitors.  For a Street Photographer.... TARGET RICH ENVIRONMENT!!   Like the other time... a shout out to the person who can name what movie the phrase in CAPITAL print came from.

Arches and Walkways...

In the 80's (yes... I am dating myself here)... a management term MBWA was used.  It stood for Managed By Walking Around.  One of the things about Street Photography is that you have to walk around and keep your eyes open.  Overall there's nothing really special about this just that any discovery is just FUN.  I still MBWA..... but now for the sake of photography and my sanity.

We'll make an exception...this time.

While on my way to an appointment, passing Lombard Street in San Francisco, a pack of about 20 Harley Davidson's were lined up to go down the famous crooked street.

I didn't realize until later that this pack of people from Brazil traveled from Florida to California.  I guess we should make an exception for the traffic laws this time.

Makes my day....

Sometimes just a passing compliment such as "nice shoes" will go a long way to make someone's day.

In this world where everyone is in a rush and the "what's in it for me" attitude, think about someone else once in a while and even do something nice.

Humph...

I'm bored.  When is that human coming back.  

Neighborhood stores...

In a time... far far away.... neighborhoods existed.  Each one having character and characters.  Little by little these family owned businesses are vanishing from the American landscape and with it.... the simple things that make life whole.

This business makes Japanese confections and is a neighborhood hang out.  The drugstore formica type counter inside could have easily been lifted from those images we only see in old movies or magazines.  People walk in and the regulars are having those conversations (without texting or cell phones) about everything under the sun.  The word "CHARACTER" pops to mind.

Although I can't say this place was a hang out or part of the neighborhood I grew up in.... it has been a part of my childhood with so many brief and fond memories.

It scares me to think that an entire generation or two have grown up only to know of big box chain stores and malls.

I just hope that this place and places like these will always exist so that generations from now.... they will look back as I do with a smile.

All together now....

This is what we think about you humans OR How nice to have the sun out once again!!

Nikon D3S - 70-200mm@200, 1/1250s, f/5.6, ISO 400

Immortality and Legacy...

Not long ago, a friend asked me a question regarding the photographic work (we tend to call this "work" ) and what to do or happens with it?  All the time, effort, expense, love and expression we put towards our "work".  We aren't looking for fame or fortune, although it would be nice.  But... what becomes of this?

It's actually a really great question that has been on my mind ever since.

For me the word, "immortality and legacy" kept coming to my mind as perhaps an answer to the question from my friend about how I viewed it.

Before the days of cyberspace, immortality / legacy came from limited means.

For a vast majority of people, our offspring are our living legacy.

Other means come from published work, statues, buildings named, a plaque (such as the photo above), etc...

Got me wondering, how many Henri Cartier-Bresson's or other good/great photographers were out there who just didn't get a chance or connections to have their works publicized or immortalized?

How many great photographs have been lost just because they were discarded.

Technology has changed the world significantly - for good or bad, depending on your point of view.

I realized that the images that I've posted on my numerous websites and shared on social networks is living on in cyberspace.  I "Googled" my name and a whole bunch of my work appeared.

It dawned on me that when "the day" comes and I've shot my last image and posted it, that work along with the rest will remain in cyberspace for others to find and hopefully enjoy.

That alone has given me some resolution to know that through this art form, I may have something of immortality and legacy to leave behind.

He's baaack....

The time between New Years and Summer is pretty dull around Fisherman's Warf in San Francisco.  This is when us San Franciscans can spend time there without all the visitors.  However, if you're a street performer... there's no money to be made.

This off season, The Silver Man decided to go to the Big Apple.
To my surprise, the New York City Transit Authority was welcoming to street performers and those New Yorkers tend to leave better tips.

Now that summer is just around the corner, The Silver Man is back in the City by the Bay and those big smiles he generates among the visitors is back.

The Boss...

While walking around Old Sacramento, ran into this sight.  This dog was just sitting at the front door of this establishment.  Just sitting there.

A couple of minutes later.... the dog was still there and still not allowing anyone to enter.  Not barking or acting mean.  Just sitting there.  Same expression.

Film is still magical...

Ok... nothing exciting here except this was shot on film.  If you understand what it means to drive a car with a stick shift, read a real paper book or newspaper, sitting down and enjoying a meal versus wolfing down food.... you know how shooting on film feels.

Special thanks to CameraWest for the use of a Leica M7

Oh oh...

No worries.... she landed safely on her feet !

Technical master hands...

Our love of photography isn't just limited to being creative, expressive, artistic, communicative, etc...  There is a side of us that also loves the toys associated with photography.  Every now and then we need skillful hands to make what we do come true.

Holdin' on...

Draw whatever conclusion or assumption.  There are just days when you want to hang your head and the only thing that keeps you going is someone holding you by your collar.... or in this case, the collar itself.

Follow the balls...

It could have been very tempting to just put up some ugly concrete wall or guard rail.  These balls serve now a dual purpose.  You will find people on BMX bikes use them as a jumping device.

Spread your wings and....

Summer is quickly approaching.  Time to shake out all of those winter blues and get ready to enjoy some great weather (hopefully last week was just a sample of things to come). 

I've always been fascinated with the skill and artistry that these guys can do.  I dedicate this pic to a former colleague and early skateboarder of some fame - Ray Meyer.

Shot w/ Leica M9  - 35mm Summilux

The joy on her face when we looked at the image - the surprise of how high up she actually jumped is something I'll never forget.

Shot w/ Nikon D3S  - 50mm 1.4

Conversation piece...

Any piece of art should do something to get an emotional response.  This piece certainly did it's job.

While waiting to attend a meeting, this piece of art was under a flight of stairs.  If the intent was to have a conversation piece... it worked.  I chatted with the receptionist for at least 5 minutes over this.

Street Photography - The Shot...

This is an update to my October 2010 posting of my thoughts about Street Photography.

Street Photographers thrive on capturing moments of daily life.  Each of us have our own way of going about it.  The series of photos are intended to give you a sense of Street Photography.

A special thanks to my friend and kindred spirit who allowed me to post these images of her in action.

There are times where you need sprint to get the shot....

Times where you have the good fortune of being able to compose the shot...

Times where you just got to bring the camera to your eye and take the shot...

Times where there's a story to be told.... a shot to be taken...

And times where you need to compose your image without raising the camera to.....

... Nail the shot.

I'm Insulted....

I can only imagine if birds can read.... how insulted he/she must feel.  One thing is for certain... no one was following the sign.

Friends...

We can only hope that these two will remember the days of innocence and carry on how they are as adults - where race, ethnicity, gender, etc... doesn't matter.

Unfortunately, I've seen how people treat each other diminish over the past decade.  Gains made have become gains lost.

Sweet sounds...

There is a side of me who wished I stayed with playing an instrument.... although odds are they will never get rich or famous, they play out of love and art.  What more can anyone ask for.  To me they are the wealthy ones.

But can you do this??

I miss the days when you can get away with doing just something silly....

And now if you look to your right....

While out shooting with a fellow Street Photographer & kindred spirit, we stumbled upon this..... I thought what an idea.... a stroller bus/car/buggy.  Just too cute!  

By the way.... the winner from yesterday's blog entry.... John B. from Dublin for guessing that the title of the blog came from the movie AIRPLANE!

The White Curb is for...

A shout out award to the one who can name the movie where the title of this entry came from....  I was trying to find some humor out of this shot.

Things change...

Not so long ago, you could find a bunch of shoe shine stands in the financial district.  But now that everyday is a casual day.... I fear this is just another scene of life that will be lost to our ever eroding ways....

If it wasn't for the light post...

Wanted to play around with an image.  Got what I wanted if only that pole wasn't there

Inspired by...

The colors she wore just seemed to blend so well with those Apple iPad2 cover colors.

Quick Silver...

If you are ever in a need for a bike messenger, there's a statue on Market Street in San Francisco where you can always find one.  Perhaps I'm just getting old or time has come where the bike messengers are  becoming a thing of the past.

You lookin' at me?

Another visitor

Unity...

What's that saying.... "the cloth that binds"

Liquid Emeralds...

Off My Base...

Yo... human.  Get off of my base.

Wonder...

Totally fascinated with the crabs in the tank.  Hope he'll retain the ability to take time and wonder about the world around him.

Hard Life...

There are always stories behind every person.  Wondering what he was thinking about.  Obvious that time has weathered him.