I was looking at this picture thinking "wow, how perfect is this?" A bucket of ice & beer. Some fresh limes. My book. My backpack (in the chair there) with swim fins, snorkel and my Leica gear (not to be used at the same time, mind you).
We got your sandy beach, we got your crystal blue Pacific ocean and we got your million dollar yacht.
Perfect, no? And then I realized "hey, where is the guacamole?"
Leica M9, 35mm F/2, f/5.7, 1/15, iso 1600
"Dan the Man" (the reason we went to Cuba, it was his birthday) is such a friendly guy that while we were out shooting he made friends with a guy who is a Cuban champion in MMA and Boxing. So of course he invites us to his dojo to see and photograph one of his classes.
When I took this shot and looked at it on the LCD, it immediately said to me "the last thing I remember." Because if he connects with that right hand, I'm out. Gone. Finito.
Mi Amigo here is not the actual champion guy, it's his friend. But equally bad. Click on the continue link if you want more Fun Friday.
Canon 5D Mark II, 400mm F/5.6, f/5.6, 1/2000, iso 250
Long time readers know I have taken lots of airplane pictures, and many while flying myself. I haven't been close to a C-17 for a long time though. These pilots were evidently in a holding pattern and flew by our house several times. Doing a little investigation, they are from the local McCord AFB (wikipedia page).
In a couple of shots, at extreme magnification, I can actually make out the copilot!
One of the aspects of the Photowalk that I really enjoyed was taking our time along the way to the park, noticing our environment and photographing it. Left to my own devices I think I would have just walked directly to the park.
Our group was taking a path at one point, walking behind this sign. I noticed it was kind of interesting, waited for people to go by and shot images accordingly. A couple people that saw this liked it and said "it's like me, my head can't make up which way to go!"
Bonus images! There are two more Fun Friday images on the continue link below.
Canon 5D Mark II, 15mm F/2.8 fisheye, f/13, 1/500, iso 400
When most people think of flying they think FAST! Get there as fast as they can. Me? I like low and slow. Like a bird. It's a wonderful feeling. Like this fall day in 2009, flying along the Sacramento river with my buddy Ben. I so much enjoy photography from a plane like this. Windows that open! Or no windows! Definitely fun.
Canon 5D Mark II, 14mm F/2.8, f/7.1, 1/125, iso 100
On Fun Friday, I try to lighten things up a bit. Maybe not a fine art photo, but something that makes me happy. Nostalgic in this case. This was in Astoria, Oregon. Our hotel had these cool bikes to borrow. Was out here for the sunset and just tried to get creative.
For me, one of the most gratifying feelings in my photography is knowing that a print of mine is hanging on someone's wall. On the right side of my blog you see the "Yes, any image can be yours!" phrase, but sadly not too many people have taken me up on this offer.
But Gloria did! She and her husband are from the Sacramento area, saw this post and wanted their own Bob Towery hanging on the wall. And just look at that framing work? Isn't it amazing? I just love it.
Thanks Gloria. And to the rest of you, remember I'm not that famous yet, so prints are pretty reasonable...
Canon 5D Mark II, 180mm F/3.5 Macro, f/6.3, 1/200, iso 500
Last year, up in The Palouse, heading back to the hotel from yet another great dinner after a day of wonderful photography.... the conversation went something like this:
Ellery: Bob, what the heck are you doing?
Bob: Shooting a few pictures El.
Joe: But Bob, you are driving.
Bob: Didn't you guys hear I'm into car photography?
Ellery: Yes Bob, but we thought that meant taking pictures of cars, not from cars while you are driving.
Joe: [dialing mobile phone] "Honey, I'm in a car with a guy taking pictures while he is driving. Just want to make sure you know I love you."
To be clear, with passsengers in the car I don't actually look through the viewfinder while I'm driving/shooting, that's very disorienting. I only do that when I'm alone. Increases the sporting factor significantly. And if you are worried that I might "run into you" along my way, no worries, I can easily just text you and let you know where I am!
Really, how can I resist a scene like the one above?
Canon 10D, 70-200 F4.0, f/6.7, 1/250, iso 100
I don't often get to shoot "figures in the landscape" so this one is kind of a treat for me. We are reaching into the past, my one trip to Joshua Tree N.P. many moons ago.
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