Dream Tomorrow, Live Today, Cherish Yesterday

Topaz Tuesday - Havana Overlook

Leica M9, 90mm F/2.8, f/9.5, 1/250, iso 160

From the top of our hotel we had a 360 degree view of Havana. I chose this image for today because I think it represents quite a bit of the overall Havana picture. In the foreground you can see how delapidated the buildings are. People live in these buildings. And you can see some more well cared for high rises in the background, and then the Gulf of Mexico. Can't forget that this is a Caribbean island.

With today's Topaz treatment, I wanted a bit more punch and detail, but not change the colors significantly. Adjust 5 makes it so easy, with the global sliders to get the look you want quickly. As always, see the original version on the Continue link below.

Luna Lobby

Leica M9, 35mm F/2, f/4.8, 2 seconds, iso 160

What a gorgeous scene! This was the lobby at the beautiful boutique hotel we stayed in while in San Miguel de Allende.

Boatin Sunday - the Legend

Leica M9, 90mm F/2, f/4, 1/250, iso 160

While I can't say I "grew up on boats," I did spend a fair amount of time boating. And when I was a kid, "Chris-Craft" was a magic brand. The best, in our area anyway. And look at this beauty, a 42 footer.

My boating memories are some of the best and most vivid I have. What are yours?

Of Ships & Shadows

Leica M9, 90mm F/2.8, f/4, 1/250, iso 160

At least for me, as a photographer, I'm always on the lookout for something different. Something no one else has captured. Those times are few and far between.

On my way to Vancouver by air recently I was treated to an amazing site, one I have never seen before. Long ship shadows in golden sunset light. The additional boat and its wake really livens up this image.

Not bad through the plastic and glass windows of a small commuter plane!

Fun Friday - Havana Self Portrait

Leica M9, 35mm F/2, f/2.8, 1/350, iso 160

Might not exactly look like I was having a great time, but I was!

La Lucha

Leica M9, 90mm F2.8, f/5.7, 1/60, iso 800

As I'm sure with many exotic locations, it turns out to be the people shots that are most compelling. They tell the story.

In the case of Cuba, the story is "La Lucha" - the daily struggle. Children are oblivious, of course. But from adulthood, the failure of communism really takes its toll. I talked with many Cubans about this. I think this image tells the story well.

Wordless Wednesday - from Havana

On Wordless Wednesday, you tell the story...

Topaz Tuesday - Havana Streets

Leica M9, 50mm F/2, f/4.8, 1/60, iso 160

I have mentioned here several times how much I enjoy street shooting. It's so dynamic. And unlike a shot of say "Half Dome in Yosemite," this particular scene will never happen again. I find the heightened awareness very stimulating.

I'm always looking for "that something extra" in a scene. In this case, it's the woman on the left. Love it.

For my B&W treatment, I used Topaz B&W Effects. I chose the Warm Tone II preset, then made some adjustments. I was thinking I should have done a GND in Lightroom before coming into PS and Topaz, along the top. Then I remembered the new edge tool in B&W effects. Dang that is great!

There is a bit more than meets the eye in this image, anyone see it?

As always, the original is on the continue link, along with a chance for you to comment on today's image.

Cuba, Land of Contrasts

Leica M9, 50mm F/2, f/3.4, 1/2000, iso 160

I'm back home! At least until tomorrow when I head to Cali for my day job.

Amazing trip. Number one was all the photographic opportunities. Number two was the cameraderie with my companions. Thanks again for the invite Dan! It was a special time. I especially apprecaite the chance to make new friends.

I shot about 4,500 images, and remember you don't work too quickly with a rangefinder like the M9.

As for today's image, you may or may not know that from an automobile point of view, Cuba is sort of frozen in time. American cars were shipped there until the embargo. They love the American cars from the 40's and 50's, and keep them running. It's really a trip. Shooting the cars is one of the most fun experiences there.

I'll talk more about what it is like when I post my Cuba images.

Red Hallway

Leica M9, 35mm F/2, f/4, 1/8th, iso 1250

I entered a few images into a competition for Leica images. This one took third place.