Tilden Botanical 2004-12-30

We were supposed to go kayaking in Tomales Bay today. However, the weather did not cooperate and provide cold and rain. Both, Mother and Chip, were greatly relieved. Both were dropping broad hints about not wanting to after they signed up. I felt the same way for my first time kayaking but then loved it.

Instead, we went to the Tilden Park Botanical Garden. We had a few wrong turns including having to find a detour around the road closed for the newts. I had been to the gardens once before in late August. At that time, everything was very brown and dried out. Now that I see the gardens while they are green, it is a very beautiful place. I will have to return.

Light Painting

While attending a workshop in Wyoming, David Black showed his light painting work. The effect is very beautiful and reminds me of an old work master painting with deep rich tones and a glowing light.

The technique for light painting is simple. Choose (or setup) a scene in a dark room (or night). Set your camera for a long exposure and small aperture. Release the shutter and start painting the scene with your light source. If you have never light painted before, choose a small scene and a small flashlight. If you are shooting digital, you can fine-tune what you highlight and your exposure after each shot.

Point Reyes 2004-12-25

With all the nasty weather over the holidays. We delayed the holiday dinner for a day and went to Point Reyes instead. It was a lovely day. We started at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. However, could not stay because a lady told us that whales had been sited at the lighthouse. Chip was ready to roll immediately.

Chip did spot a whale while Mother and I were lagging behind. We waited around for another siting but Mother and I never saw a whale.

Sunol 2004-12-18

Went to Sunol on Saturday morning with Mother. When we started, it was still pretty cold with some frost. By the time we left, it was warming up and mist was rising from the ground. With all that photo magic, I only got one keeper shot. This looks like an infrared shot but is actually a straight conversion to black and white. The trees had bright yellow leaves that look very white in B&W.

Mother and the Mountain

Mother came for a 2 1/2 week visit over the Christmas holidays. We went for a hike early Saturday morning out in Sunol. Chip took the dogs to Lake Elizabeth so we went without the girls. We set a pretty good clip along the road. We veered off the trail for the "secret spot" and continued along the small trail along Alameda Creek. With the recent rains the trail was blocked and we could not ford the stream.

There was a questionable trail up a pretty steep bank (about 3 stories of height). I say "We will have to turn around." As a I turn around, Mother had already started climbing. I moved up behind her with the camera and tripod. About 2/3 of the way up, the climb became very steep. Mother had to climb along on her hands and knees. I had to guide her and eventually move ahead and pull her up. We did make it to the top but it did take a toll. After a while to recover, Mother decided she may want to try it again!

Sunol 2004-12-11

Missed last weekend's outing so went out early on Saturday morning to Sunol. When I arrived, it was foggy so I was hopeful about getting an oak tree shot. For this album, decided to include the color and black & white versions for each shot. This time of year, I prefer the black and white versions.

Did not go as far as I wanted because my knee is still sore from my spill into Alameda Creek on Thanksgiving. But, I did talk to a lady walking her dogs. She suggested that I go further down where there are boulders and waterfalls. That area is called little Yosemite. It has been quite a while since I have been there so now I want to to return..

Building Dreamy Roses

Lately, I was feeling antsy to tried out a creative image. My first thought was that I did not want to do a flower composite but as you can see I did. I bought an art review magazine and liked some acrylics and watercolors. Some of the images were very loose and gestural which I liked. So, I sat down with my laptop and started experimenting...