How to get Seagulls to Pose for you (in 6 easy to follow steps)

Step 1. Go to the beach (or a zoo with seagulls) and bring some bread.  Seagulls apparently like wheat bread.  A lot.
Step 2. Set up a camera on a tripod (or set it somewhere stable).  Hook up a remote.  You may want to cover your camera with a shopping bag as seagulls poop a lot.
Step 3. Have one of your kids spread bread pieces all over in front of your camera.  Manually focus on them while they're doing this.

Step 4. Walk away so that the seagulls will come closer to your camera.  Unlike in the movies, seagulls really don't like people and they won't land on your arm when you hold it out.

Step 5. Wait for the seagulls to come.  Take advantage of the time you're sharing with your kids to talk about life.

One seagull is always the first and the bravest.  Once the brave seagull comes and takes a piece of bread, it's on like Donkey Kong.  Its like seagull popcorn.

Step 6. Take a bunch of photos with your remote and then show your kids!

*note: some people have said that bread isn't good for seagulls.  Don't worry about that, there are plenty of them.

Photoshop Fun - Halloween Scarecrow

Here's a fun shot of my son in his scarecrow costume I shot on Halloween.  A somewhat neglected (it's hot here in the summer!) church garden made for a great backdrop during our trick or treat route.

This was taken hand held at 128,000 ISO with a nearby fluorescent street lamp as my only source of light.  It was pretty much near dark and I was surprised to see how much the camera picked up when I looked at the lcd.  That's why people pay big bucks for the D4!

After brightening his mask, removing the block wall and a nearby roof and some street lights, I had a much spookier image:

Add some creepy fog and a scary crow and you've got a spooky Halloween image!  Jeepers!

Happy Halloween!

Día de los Muertos - Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it is a national holiday, and all banks are closed. The celebration takes place on November 1, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. They also leave possessions of the deceased.

The Phoenix Public Library is among many of the places around Phoenix that showcases these altars.  "Stories of Our Lives" artist-made altars inspired by Día de los Muertos runs from Oct. 22 - Nov. 3 at the Burton Bar Central Library.  Here are a few photos of the exhibit: (thank you artists for letting me photograph your artwork!)

Not all altars are dedicated to people - this one is dedicated to a lost pet.  Tim Burton would be proud.

I admit the deed! --tear up the planks! here, here! --It is the beating of his hideous heart!"

Wait a minute - the beatniks are alive and well.  I know, we live in the Melrose District.

If I can get out to a few more exhibits around town I'll upload more photos.  Very interesting stuff and great inspiration for my new tattoo.

Our Lady of the Rosary - San Diego/St. Mary's Basilica - Downtown Phoenix

I love to photograph churches.  We were at a farmer's market recently in San Diego and I happened to walk by an interesting looking church so, camera in hand of course, I stepped in for a look.  Well, it turned out to be one of the most beautiful churches I have ever visited.  Not only did I receive permission to photograph, I was told all about the history of the church, building stories,  all kinds of interesting stuff about the first Italian church in San Diego.  The church is stunning with ornate stained glass and detailed wall murals throughout.  The farmer's market outside quickly took a backseat to my new find.  Here are a few photos of Our Lady of the Rosary:

Our Lady of the Rosary - San Diego (Little Italy)

St. Mary's Basilica - Downtown Phoenix

I've driven by St. Mary's Basilica in downtown Phoenix a million times.  After visiting the San Diego church I figured I'd grab my camera and see what was inside this church - and I'm glad I did.  The couple working at the gift shot couldn't have been nicer and once again I found myself admiring the architecture and artwork of a beautiful church - an inspirational place for people of any denomination, especially photographers.

 

 

Mural Art -Roosevelt Row

We love living downtown for a bunch of reasons.  Its cool to see such a thriving area where there was once (not that long ago) run down neighborhoods and crime.  Specifically, "Roosevelt Row" has become quite the showcase for wall murals for local artists.  On my way home from a photo shoot the other day I stopped and took a few shots.  These were all taken within about a one mile area.

Tacos De Juarez - yep, great tacos and excellent shrimp ceviche!