CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO VIEW THE ENTIRE GALLERY FROM THE EVENING.
Miguel Cotto makes contact with Floyd Mayweather
]]>
CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO VIEW THE ENTIRE GALLERY FROM THE EVENING.
Miguel Cotto makes contact with Floyd Mayweather
]]>
CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO VIEW THE ENTIRE GALLERY OR CLICK HERE.
Click on the thumbnail to enlarge.
Copyright Firemen's Grapevine/LAFRA - Reprinted with permission
Late last month I joined up with fellow photographer Ed Sherman and headed to southern Arizona for some storm chasing with another pal, and extremely talented photog in his own right, Paul Freeman. The monsoons were rolling in and brought with them some angry clouds which dropped some pretty impressive lightning. On one evening we headed down to the Mexican border and shot some lightning. A really friendly Border Patrol agent stopped by and we all chatted for a while as bolts were lighting up all around us. He shared some cool stories about his three years working the border so far. We ultimately had to get outta there because the lighting had surrounded us without us realizing it. (It's bad when you hear the thunder at the same time you see the flash right?) And, believe it or not, the "unfriendlies" were closing in from the border as well. It's like the wild west down there, no kidding.
We also chased some storms to the Grand Canyon but by the time we got there we decided conditions were better for photographing the sunset at the South Rim. I'd never been to the Grand Canyon so now I can say I stopped by and shot a sunset there. I had grown up hearing about the GC and thought I was burned out on the place thanks to the Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, etc. Not so much. Once I stepped foot on the rim my breath was taken away. Badda-bing, badda-boom - we spent about an hour photographing one of the most dramatic sunsets I'd every seen and headed back to base camp in Phoenix.
Paul brought us to a great old ranch, the Empire Ranch in Sonoita. That old place made for some cool pics too which you can see in the gallery!
It was a great three days of chasing, photographing, eating, drinking, chatting and driving. Good times indeed.
One discovery we made along the way was definitley a sign of the times. We spent quite a bit of time shooting pictures with our iPhones! Taking full advantage of the arrary of cool photo apps available, we shot panos, HDRs, etc. with our phones and got great results (for phone cams). Perhaps we saved our "real" cameras for the bigger scenes but even the quick phone images inspired us to really work a scene with the DSLRs. I've posted some of the iPhone images HERE. To view my entire gallery from the trip (sans iPhone images), including the lightning images, click one the images or HERE.
]]>
NASA's Liberty Star vessel returned to Port Canaveral on July 10th towing Space Shuttle Atlantis' right Solid Rocket Booster (SRB). The vessel and crew successfully retrieved the SRB after it splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast. The shuttle's left SRB did not return until the next day due to mechanical difficulties with it's towing vessel, Freedom Star. The SRB's help propel the shuttle into orbit in addition to the orbiter's main engines. Click on the image to view the entire gallery from the final launch.
]]>
The final launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis also marks the end of NASA's thirty year Space Shuttle Program. Thousands of media representatives and possible millions of spectators converged on central Florida and Kennedy Space Center for the historic July 8th launch.
Despite torrential downpours and lightning the day before, Launch Director Mike Leinbach decided to push through with only a 30% chance for favorable weather at launch time. To the surprise of thousands the launch countdown continued as weather cleared. Aside from a brief mechanical glitch which held the countdown at T-minus 31 seconds, the launch went off without a hitch. Many members of the media, several who had been covering the program for decades, could be seen with watery eyes as they said goodbye to an old friend.
Click on the image to view the entire gallery.
]]>
Manny Pacquiao (blue trunks) vs. Sugar Shane Mosley (black trunks)
I was recently given the opportunity to photograph the WBO World Welterweight Championship fight between Manny Pacquiao and Sugar Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event took place on May 7th, 2011 and I was joined by my buds Gene Blevins and Pat McWhorter. The fight went the distance with Pacquiao getting the unanimous decision, retaining his WBO World Welterweight Championship title. The image gallery includes images from the weigh-in, fight and post-fight press conference. Much to our surprise, Paris and Nicki Hilton were on hand for the press conference. Click on the image above to view the entire gallery.
]]>
The Salton Sea is located in California's Imperial Valley and lies about 226 feet BELOW sea level. The "lake" is fed solely by runoff from agricultural drainage systems. The lake covers about 376 square miles making it the largest in California. Although the popular belief is that the lake is contaminated, scientists insist it is not. It does, however, have extremely high saline levels - so high that its water is saltier than sea water.
Due to the high salinity of the Salton Sea, the only fish able to survive are Tilapia, originally imported from Africa to keep the agricultural waterways clean. Although stressed by the salinity of the water they can survive. A couple months ago, a cold snap lowered water temperatures to a level which killed off millions of these fish. Washing ashore by the thousands, one park employee said you could practically "walk hundreds of feet out onto the lake on top of the fish".
The Salton Sea appears a depressing place at first but if you look hard enough you'll find it to be a fascinating place with a rich history. The local government is trying to revitalize the area, once a popular watersporting destination, by bringing back boat races and fishing competitions. My recent visit was a couple weeks after the most recent fish deaths began but some of the images I made should still tell the story.
Reference: Wikipedia
After being delayed for over three months, the oldest of NASA's Orbiter fleet climbed toward the heavens at 4:53pm on February 24, 2011. Space Shuttle Discovery embarked on it's 39th and final mission from Kennedy Space Center in central Florida. Originally slated for launch on Novemer 1st, 2010, a faulty GUCP and cracks discovered on the external fuel tank led to the long delay. Even as the countdown neared T-0 and glitch in the Air Force's command computer triggered a 5-minute hold at the T-5 minute mark. With only two seconds left before the launch would be scrubbed for the day, the launch was finally given a "GO" and the countdown resumed. Once the clock started ticking again sighes of relief and screams of joy permiated the press site three miles from launch pad 39A. Representatives of the worldwide media and spectators had been waiting months, some years for this moment. Some, like your's truly, had made the cross-country trek twice.
This was the second shuttle launch I've attended and been fortunate enough to photograph. With only two launches remaining (Endeavour in April and Atlantis tentatively in June) each makes history. I grew up with these shuttles. Only three remain in active service with Discovery being retired upon landing (or shortly thereafter). With this aging fleet being removed from service, no one knows for sure what will replace them. Will be again send manned rockets into space? Will be send unmanned cargo ships to the ISS (International Space Station)? I don't know. What I do know is I've been blessed with two "once in a lifetime" opportunities to be able to watch Atlantis (STS-117) and now Discovery (STS-133) take to the skies. I'll chaulk the flawless launch of Atlantis to beginners luck - some say I was the lucky charm. Discovery, not so much. Discovery didn't go up without a fight but when she did, it was breathtaking! GO DISCOVERY! GO NASA!
For a behind-the-scenes peak into my coverage of this launch stay tuned for the next episode of my webcast "Fireground Action Photography". Fellow photographers, and FAP webcast regulars Bill Hartenstein, Gene Blevins and Kenji Luster joined me in this adventure and help give an inside look into how we cover a shuttle launch.
Click on the pic above to view my entire GALLERY of images from this launch. Click HERE to watch my video!
]]>
Earlier in January 2011 I was in Las Vegas, Nevada to cover the largest consumer electronics convention in the world, CES (Consumer Electronics Show). This convention is so huge it takes up the entire Las Vegas Convention Center and even spills out into the parking lot. An estimated 140,000+ attendees showed up for the week-long event. CES is an opportunity for manufacturers of electronics - ranging from 3D televisions to refrigerators, remote controlled helicopters to bathroom cleaning robots - to connect with the vendors who sell them. This was my first CES and I was blown away by the enormity of the show. Hall after hall, row after row of everything electronic device known to man.
As far as camera equipment is concerned, I knew I wanted to travel light as I'd be walking for miles and for several hours at a time. I stuck with one camera body (Canon 1ds MKII) and two lenses (16-35mm & 70-200mm). I chose the MKII because I wanted a full-frame camera in order to get wide shots of products and crowds at booths, etc. I chose the two L-series lenses for the short depth of focus. CES is a crowded and visually noisy place and I wanted to be able to isolate my subjects from the busy backgrounds. I carried my spare lens, strobe (which I hardly used - I tried to use as much available light as possible) and extras in a Chestvest. This kept me and my gear as compact as possible while making my way through the crowds and booths.
I had a blast at CES, but it kicked my ass. Even though I brought some good walking shoes.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO VIEW THE ENTIRE GALLERY.
]]>
When winter storms hit Southern California they come in the way of rain...lots of rain. On December 18, 2010 I headed out into the floored intersections of the San Fernando Valley as motorists unexpectedly drove through. This post will be updated as storm-related events unfold. Click on the image to view the entire GALLERY.
]]>
Space Shuttle Discovery sits atop launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on November 3, 2010 awaiting its final scheduled launch at 3:04pm EST on the November 5th.
Click on the image above to view the entire IMAGE GALLERY.]]>
Based on the persistent recommendations of friends in LA (that means you Tim), I recently took a drive up to central California to visit the eastern Sierras as well as Mammoth Lakes. I'd heard of the beauty of the area but had no idea what the area had to offer until I got there. About a five hour drive from Los Angeles, this community is worlds away from the city. Primarily a winter community known for skiing and snowboarding, this resort town is teeming with outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Fishing, mountain biking, hiking and boating to name just a few, this place is an outdoorsman's dream. I made the trek in mid-September which is considered off-season so many businesses and restaurants were closing early or shut down for the season. At times it seemed like a ghost town but, then again, that's why I pretty much do all of my traveling off-season.
Armed with a handfull of recommendations to occupy my time I immediately starting working at the top of the list. Taking in the beautiful mountain air (believe it or not it was in the 70's most of the time) I set out for Devil's Postpile and Rainbow Falls on Friday morning. About a 6 mile hike roundtrip, these features are not to me missed.
Saturday morning I drove about an hour north (just past Mono Lake and Yosemite National Park) to the world famous ghost town of Bodie. Once a thriving "metropolis" stemming from nearby gold mines, most of the city was destroyed long ago in two large fires, many years apart. Ruins as well as existing structures dot the once crowded dirt roads and California State Park Rangers give tours and historical briefings which bring it all into perspective. The Park is classified as being in a state of "arrested decay" meaning that they are not actively renovating the structures or exhibits but have rather frozen time and allowed dust to collect. Aside from reinforcing structures so they don't fall down - books, clothing, silverware and even poker chips were left where they were found. I actually prefer this over renovated historical locales as it lends authenticity to the experience. Bodie himself (or Bodey - no one knows for sure) is buried in the nearby cemetery overlooking the town.
To wrap up the week I hired a fishing guide through a local outfitter who introduced me to the sport of fly fishing. Not knowing exactly what I was getting into, I had a fantastic time and hooked plenty of Rainbow and Brown Trout while practicing my casts and "sets" in Hot Creek. Thanks to Josh and the guys at The Trout Fitter for their hospitality. I'll be back!!
After five days of fishing, photography and running from bears (sort of)...I returned to LA refreshed and energized. I hadn't really planned to take many photographs while in Mammoth but this area just begs to have it's picture taken. I spend a lot of time visiting out nation's parks and natural areas. I realized I spend a lot of that time being an observer, experiencing these wonderful places from behind a camera. The camera took a back seat on this trip and I truly engrossed myself in what this place had to offer. Hell, I went fishing!!! I can't tell you the last time I did that...I'll bet I was about twelve.
On this trip I accomplished much more than I had set out to...perhaps the most satisfying accomplishment was reintroducing myself to nature (without seeing it all through a viewfinder). Success.
PLEASE VISIT MY GALLERY FROM THIS TRIP AND SHARE THIS WONDERFUL PLACE WITH ME.
]]>
]]>
After almost seventeen years of living in Southern California, last weekend I finally made the trip up to Lancaster, about an hour north of Burbank, to photograph the infamous spring flowers blooming in the desert. Needless to say, I've been missing out! Just driving west from Lancaster I could see the hills glowing orange with California Poppies. I stopped several times and drove many a dirt road, finding photo-op after photo-op. Taking care not to step or drive on any flowers, I found myself unable to stop making images of this beautiful landscape. I've never considered myself a flower guy but I couldn't stop finding new angles, perspectives, compositional elements. One of my favorite finds, as you'll see in the gallery, was a a log amid thousands of Poppies. Just a log to the naked eye until I walked closer, only to find rusted barbed wire loosely wrapped around the log creating a wonderful and dramatic subject to incorporate into my images of the Poppies. Please click on the image to the right to visit the entire gallery.
]]>