The Reader...

Caption Needed...

Once again... nothing comes to mind.  Open to suggestions.

Social Media of Wheels...

I've noticed lately a bunch of cars running around San Francisco with Pink Mustaches.  Figuring it's San Francisco, I didn't think much about it... probably some sort of trend thing.  But the sheer volume of cars got me wondering.

These Pink Mustache cars are part of a social media / ride sharing / pseudo cab thing called Lyft.

What you do is use a phone app.  Locate the nearest vehicle and hail the car via phone.  The driver comes and pick you up.  Upon entering the vehicle, you do a quick hello fist pump (some sort of ritual thing) and off you go.  When you arrive at your destination, your phone receives a text message with the recommended donation (set rates are illegal without a taxi medallion ).  You pay via your cellphone.

Needless to say, the cabbies are not happy at all.  Having to pay thousands of a taxi medallion and following set fare rates.  However, there is a loophole on the rules and these Pink Mustache cars aren't going away anytime soon.  Cab service in San Francisco is not like New York and there's just not enough cabs to go around.

Ready to Steal Second....uh...stop light

This man must really love baseball !!

Hole...

Protesting...

Nerds and Freaks...

Did I miss something?  I don't recall Nerds and Freaks looking like this?  Spring and Summer is going to be murder to us guys.

The Art of Penmanship...

In a world full of computer generated text and fonts…. still nice to see someone being able to write with a bit of flare and style.

Good Doggie...

Behind the Lens...

Lovely...

Corkage...

International Orange Glow...

Talk About Clean...

To us fellow gear heads.  We understand.  Every nook and cranny and bolt and screw was clean.  Bravo!

Tools...

From a time when cameras were built to last.  There is just a lot of satisfaction in being able to create a photograph where it's up to you to put your knowledge to the test.  The feel of the controls and the feedback from these machines is pure heaven.

Morning Droplets...

Morning Coffee...

Signs...

Good to see that there's some artistic creativity around.

Priorities...

Instead of asking for food or money for shelter or clothing, the need for money is for weed.

I'm innocent I tell ya...

Getting Ready...

A Bit of Color...

On a grey day and out of a lump of soil on a chair…. life.

You lookin' at me ?

While scouting around for future photo shoots, I decided to take some pictures of this seagull.  After a few shots, this bird decided to look me square into the camera with that "you lookin' at me" stare.

Under Appreciated...

We all have our own opinions of our government agencies.  However, the US Coast Guard is one of those agencies that always seem to deliver a level of service to the public that is under appreciated.

All I ask is a tall ship...

Metal Crossing...

Considering all the security that is in place today.  Parts of the bridge is off limits.  I was surprised how there is a public trail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge with access to all the support structures.

Round Wheel...

The Old Guard...

Can you imagine what it must have been like at Fort Point before the bridge was ever built?

Lamp...

Started life as candle lamp perhaps.

Another Look...

Love those eyes...

Mouse at Night...

With only the glow of a computer screen.  

(Mamiya RB67, 90mm, f/4, 1/4s, NPC Polaroid Back, Fuji FP3000b film)

Mini Bridge...

It must just something wired into a guy's DNA.  Looking at models (including the human variety) is always a thrill.

If these seats can talk...

Imagine all the conversations that once occurred onboard this old ferry boat.  I expected to see a ghost wandering the deck.

Going Old School...

Ready to set sail once again.  I've been fortunate to have been able to try, play and even own and sold some really outstanding photographic equipment since this adventure that started again 3 years ago.

I've met a whole community of people who share the same love of photography from the Professionals to the Hobbyist.  My learning and growing curve wouldn't have been possible without all of you.

The advancements in photographic equipment technology is just amazing.  It's opened the door to the masses to be able to capture images.  However, all this technology and ability has also resulted in the erosion in the skill and art of making a photograph.

Having to not only create but to also put your mind to the test in order to make a photograph is what motivates and brings satsifaction to this author.  Don't get me wrong, I will always use the right tool for the right job and will never snub or dismiss technology to get the job done.

You've begun to see some work that comes from the old school - instant film.  You will soon see newer work coming from equipment that is even more old school.  It will be a test and adventure and hope you will enjoy the results.

The Photographer and Subject...

I met this group of young people visiting the United States while playing with my bag full of Polaroid Cameras.  I ended up taking their group photo after the guy with all the cameras was done.

One thing about using the Polaroid… I've had more people come up to me and have conversations with this camera.  To the people who ran Polaroid down and the current owner who seems to just want to use the name… you don't have any clue what you are missing !!

The Photographer...

Sometimes you just get volunteered to be the lucky guy to take all the pictures.

Dynamic Range and Technology...

Earlier in the week, I posted this same shot using the Polaroid 195 with the Fuji FP-3000b film.  This photo is shot with the Olympus OMD E-M5 w/ 20mm Lumix f/1.7 lens.

This image is far superior from the standpoint of the dynamic range of the shades of black and white when compared to the Polaroid.  Add to the fact that even using full manual controls on the Olympus took about 15 to 30 seconds to compose and shoot compared to about 10 minutes of spot meter readings, brain thinking (using Ansel Adams Zone system) , filter and camera adjustments, film development time.... modern technology is just a wonder.

However, the amount of human enjoyment of having to put all the effort to get the Polaroid to work is something technology can't offer.

So ends today's techie geek stuff rant.

Polacolor...

Well… sort of.  Fuji's version of Polaroid Type 669.

Iron and Wood...

From a time where this cannon was state of the art and the material of choice was just iron and wood.

From Another Time...

Being at Fort Point, I look at this and can imagine troops from the Civil War period walking around.

Lovin' It...

When a corner of your desk contains nothing but stuff related to photography... that's when you know you are lovin' it or have a serious addiction.       (Polaroid 195, Close-up Kit, FP-3000b)

Working in the Dark...

Considering that the only light in the room is the glow of the computer screen.  At 1/15 of a second, handheld.... I can't complain.

Foggy Harbor...

The glow of sun on a foggy day, the damp decks, the fog horn… the call of the sea.

Living Conditions...

From a time where if you served on a cargo ship, this is the type of accommodations you were going to get.

Valentines Day...

Although it's become more a commercial day - restaurants, flowers, candy, jewelry, etc....  Take this day a do something special for that important person in your life.  You don't need to go overboard and spend tons of money.  Do those little... personal things... and enjoy and spend time with those you are lucky to be in love with !!  Don't take things like this for granted.  Believe me, you'll miss it !!

From Sail to Steam...

The contrast at play

Dark Skies...

Considering the weather our fellow Americans are facing in the Northeast, I think I can live with the change of weather.   (Polaroid 195)

Ready to Set Sail and Instant Photography...

It's time for some changes.  Time to set sail to a different direction.

If you want "the rest of the story", click on the link and read the whole thing.  http://www.journey-into-photography.blogspot.com

The Big Dance...

Perhaps in a few short hours, the words - CHAMPIONS - can be added to this banner.