Category: Photo Excursion

I’ve lived in Southern CA area for over thirty years and had never made it to this fabulous museum. Until now ….If you haven’t been there – go now, take your kids, spend the day. The Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino has a very appropriate tag line: “Where aviation history lives”.

The exhibits and sights will have you hiking this sprawling complex. We weren’t able to take it all in during a single visit – we’ll be back.

If you fancy yourself a photographer, be sure to bring your camera. You’re bound to get some great photos. The colors will grab your attention and give you enough pause to get creative with your depth of focus & perspective.

The campus map shown below shows the main hangars.

There are plenty of planes to see, some old, some new, all historic.

There are plenty of sites to see outside of the hangars including some ground vehicles such as these tanks.

Don’t hesitate to get up close – there are few areas with any access restrictions.

Be sure to bring your flash – you’ll need it if you’re in the mood for some fabulous portraits. Read up on using your flash here & here if you’re not comfortable using it. With a little practice you’ll be getting photos like these.

Flash isn’t the only lighting option. This portrait of Benjamin was taken using only the available display-case light. The wonders of high ISO cameras and tips on how to take advantage of this new capability were discussed in this recent post.

There’s no doubt what Ben & Yahir will remember most – the B17 display.

They got to explore it both inside and outside. The gunner’s turrets, both rear and lower, drew their attention but ….

….the most memorable event was manning the port side gun.

The photos below aren’t possible without flash. Make that a secondary New Year’s resolution. It’s not too late – learn flash – you won’t regret it.

Both Ben & Yahir ran out of gas but had enough in their tank to pose for a few fun portraits.

Take our advice – get out to the Chino Planes of Fame Air Museum. You won’t regret it … and don’t forget to bring your flash.

Stay tuned for our next Photo Excursion. In the meantime, check back for our weekly Tuesday Photo Tips. Better yet – be updated automatically when we post Photo Excursions, Road Trips, Family Happenings or Photo Tips by “friending” our Facebook site. We also post favorite photos, along with an explanation of how it was captured, on our Pinterest page – follow us there and join in the fun.

You may also want to browse the resource articles on our site covering basic and more advanced photography topics. There are also tips covering topics such as preparing for family or infant/child portrait sessions. If you would like a topic covered just jot it down in a comment or send us a note. Also, if  you think your friends or family members would enjoy these photo excursions please pass them on by using any of the share buttons below.

Last week we drove north on Hwy 73 to Turtle Ridge and Summit Park for sweeping views of central OC. We had hoped to capture a dramatic, stormy sky. Mother Nature didn’t oblige but I captured some terrific photos of Destiny. We both enjoyed the hike and conversation.

This weekend we set our sights a bit lower. We had no allusions or expectations of a dramatic sky. But we did enjoy the view from Kite Hill.

The view included the iconic ziggurat building first erected by Rockwell International, my employer for over a decade. FYI – I looked up ziggurat on Dictionary.com and here’s what I found: ziggurat; a temple tower erected by several civilizations in Mesopotamia. We never would have expected to refer to Mesopotamia in any of our photography blogs but … there it is!!

It’s now the Chet Holifield Federal Building and is home for millions of microfilms documenting land agreements between the government and the original Indian Tribes of the southwest United States. It is also home to the Western Regional Department of Homeland Security.

Because of its unique architectural “look” it has been used for numerous Hollywood movies including Outbreak (1995) for which it served as the headquarters for the Center for Disease Control and in the final scene for the 1975 sci-fi movie Death Race 2000. How do I know this – Wikipedia of course!

There are other views as well including the sports complex and the parking area and mini landing strip at the top of the hill. I put together a sweeping panorama (25,000 x 5,000 pixels) of the local area but, alas, the 5×1 aspect ratio won’t show well given the pixel-constraints of websites. The Federal Building photo above is a small (~35%) portion of that panorama.

We enjoyed the short time we spent on Kite Hill. I took advantage of the abundant RC airplanes to hone my skills focusing on fast-moving objects.

Fortunately, our newest camera, the Canon 5D Mark III, is one of the two best autofocus cameras in the world – for now. That’s the great thing about competition. You can be sure Nikon will raise the autofocus performance of  their next generation pro camera bodies.

You’ve heard us talk about practice, practice, practice. Well it applies to professionals as well. When I chose my exposure settings I didn’t consider the high speed with which I would be panning to capture the fast-moving RC planes. I now know I’ll need to bump up the ISO to allow for higher/faster shutter speeds. This blog, from our Tuesday Photo Tip series, discussed the use of fast shutter speeds.

None of these photos are sharp enough to stand up to the requirements of a print quality file. They look OK on the web but the photo above clearly shows the unintended motion blur caused by a too-slow shutter. Like the saying goes, practice makes perfect. We’ll do better next time around.

I did capture a fairly sharp image of one RC as it approached for landing and touched down on the short runway.

As the sun was setting we headed down to the parking lot and chatted with some of the RC enthusiasts, a very  interesting group of folks that take their hobby seriously and have some real fun with it. Our hats are off to them and we look forward to a second visit in the near future.

Stay tuned for our next Photo Excursion.  In the meantime, check back for our weekly Tuesday Photo Tips. Better yet – be updated automatically when we post Photo Excursions, Road Trips, Family Happenings or Photo Tips by “friending” our Facebook site. We also post favorite photos, along with an explanation of how it was captured, on our Pinterest page – follow us there and join in the fun.

You may also want to browse the resource articles on our site covering basic and more advanced photography topics. There are also tips covering topics such as preparing for family or infant/child portrait sessions. If you would like a topic covered just jot it down in a comment or send us a note. Also, if  you think your friends or family members would enjoy these photo excursions please pass them on by using any of the share buttons below.

I had been checking this area out before in hopes of finding just the right “perch” to photograph from. I hadn’t found it yet but it appeared we had some interesting weather brewing so we set off for Turtle Ridge in hopes of finding some dramatic skies over Orange County.

A review of Google Maps suggested that Summit Park, nothing more than a circle parking lot off Summit Park road, would produce that bird’s eye view that I was hoping for. The “park” serves as the starting point for Turtle Ridge Pedestrian Path (a trail in most other folk’s parlance).

The trail begins paralleling the toll road. A short hike of maybe a mile yielded the vistas I was looking for. Destiny thought it would be fun to hike with her brother’s R/C car. After a few trips in the bush to retrieve it from off road expeditions she decided to carry it.

We stopped at the first vista looking to the north east toward central OC. I had hoped to hike a bit further but Destiny wasn’t going to go along with that idea. Plus, I could see that we weren’t going to be blessed with the kind of skies I had hoped for.

Mother Nature presented us with more haze than drama. After capturing some files that would yield a mediocre panorama I went with the flow and changed my subject from vistas to one of my all time favorites – Destiny.

This shot is a real keeper. Just dumb luck that Destiny’s clothes were well coordinated with the housing tract color scheme. The sweep of her scarf adds a flourish that just tops this one off for me. I titled it “Queen of OC”.

We headed back towards the car just around dusk. Destiny took a side excursion to retrieve some cottontails. The temperature had dropped a few degrees so I offered her my denim shirt. Similar to the scarf – a little flourish never hurts.

Once again, Destiny decided it would be easier to carry the R/C than attempt to navigate it within the constraints of the trail. She found a spot for rest which was fortuitous. When we made it back to the car she had found her “second wind” and allowed me to capture some poses with a reasonably dramatic sky.

So, we didn’t get the vistas I had hoped for but, we had fun, bonded on the trail, and came away with a couple of “keeper” shots that will reside in the family photo archives for many decades.

Now that I’ve found the bird’s eye view I was looking for I’ll return, looking/hoping for that dramatic sky that Mother Nature provides sparingly here in So CA.

Stay tuned for our next Photo Excursion.  In the meantime, check back for our weekly Tuesday Photo Tips. Better yet – be updated automatically when we post Photo Excursions, Road Trips, Family Happenings or Photo Tips by “friending” our Facebook site. We also post favorite photos, along with an explanation of how it was captured, on our Pinterest page – follow us there and join in the fun.

You may also want to browse the resource articles on our site covering basic and more advanced photography topics. There are also tips covering topics such as preparing for family or infant/child portrait sessions. If you would like a topic covered just jot it down in a comment or send us a note. Also, if  you think your friends or family members would enjoy these photo excursions please pass them on by using any of the share buttons below.

Yahir had spent the night and it was time to drive him home. We had planned to leave early and explore Upper Newport Bay on the way.

But, it was raining all day. As we drove from Laguna Niguel, in a driving rain, we could see a small opening in the clouds in the general direction of Newport Bay. Sure enough, we stopped, parked and took our chances. And we’re glad we did.

We explored the trail from the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center before heading out.

Everyone got their chance to explore the bay and pose for photos.

What we weren’t ready for was the mud.

Benjamin took a high position to check out the scene. What a great pose he presented – I took full advantage of it.

Destiny joined in and, along with Ben, added a little (fun loving) attitude to the scene. Yahir was willing but he, like me, was focused on getting some keeper photos.

The other two pressed on until Destiny took a spill in a mud puddle and the rain began to fall

It wasn’t a long hike but it certainly was fun. We took full advantage of the short window Mother Nature offered. It  rained heavily again as we drove to Yahir’s house but we had accomplished our mission.

Stay tuned for our next Photo Excursion.  In the meantime, check back for our weekly Tuesday Photo Tips. Better yet – be updated automatically when we post Photo Excursions, Road Trips, Family Happenings or Photo Tips by “friending” our Facebook site. We also post favorite photos, along with an explanation of how it was captured, on our Pinterest page – follow us there and join in the fun.

You may also want to browse the resource articles on our site covering basic and more advanced photography topics. There are also tips covering topics such as preparing for family or infant/child portrait sessions. If you would like a topic covered just jot it down in a comment or send us a note. Also, if  you think your friends or family members would enjoy these photo excursions please pass them on by using any of the share buttons below.

This past week I had another opportunity to add a photo excursion to a business trip. I had been to the New England area this past Spring and posted some earlier photos of Boston landmarks and neighborhoods and some distinctly New England architecture including historic buildings at Dartmouth College. This past Summer, as part of a business trip to Boulder, CO  I spent a day photographing the Rocky Mountains including a short excursion to Rocky Mountain National Park.

This trip was special due to both location (New England) and timing (fall colors). I was in Keene, NH and got location tips from business colleagues. On the day I flew back I had several hours to get from Keene to Logan Airport in Boston. I took advantage of them with camera & tripod in hand.

The first stop, Goose Pond just outside of Keene NH. I arrived at the trailhead, shown above, shortly after sunrise to capture the best light of the day – the golden hour just after sunrise or just before sunset.

The early morning hour also afforded a placid pond resulting in reflections that doubled the fall color effect. Reflections can also be used to creative effect as shown in the photo below. The trees in the background are only shown in reflection adding an interesting perspective.

When the breeze kicked up and the light became harsh I headed to the scenic Franklin Pierce Hwy west to Route 63 near the NH/Vermont border. I used the few hours I had to capture some distinct New England scenes.

Chesterfield is a small town just south of Franklin Pierce Hwy on Route 63. The town hall was first constructed in 1851 and includes a war memorial, erected in 1924, In Memory of Those Who Served in the Other Wars of This County.  It includes over 70 Civil War vets and 20 vets of  WWI. The town includes a staple of New England, an old cemetery.

Just up the road I found this beautiful brick building selling antiques and old books. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to browse – I still had a long, colorful and interesting drive ahead of me.

A few miles down Chesterfield Rd/Route 63 I stopped at Pisgah State Park. The park, located in southwestern NH, occupies portions of three towns: Winchester, Chesterfield, and Hinsdale.

Given more time I would have enjoyed a leisurerly stroll along any of the many trails but the airport was still many miles away.

I headed further south on Route 63, along the NH/Vermont border, and stopped for few photos Hinsdale. I took two perspectives of their waterway and spent a few minutes chatting with a CA expatriate that has lived in the area for a few years.

I knew I was running short on time so I crossed into MA and found Northfield Drive-In. This drive-in will celebrate its 65th year when it re-opens next Spring. It website boasts that: “The Northfield Drive-in, serving MA, NH, and VT, exists in the spirit of old fashion family fun; a place where families gather for an evening of clean, fun filled entertainment, children play in care free anticipation of the show, and the buttered popcorn still tastes as delightful as it did when you were a kid.” I didn’t have to look far for some remanants of other popular drive-in activities as shown in the right hand panel below.

Time was short so I drove nonstop to Logan airport for my 6+ hour flight back to LAX. Given the time change, I was home by 10PM with photos that will help me remember this long, interesting, colorful day.

Stay tuned for our next Photo Excursion. In the meantime, check back for our weekly Tuesday Photo Tips. Better yet – be updated automatically when we post Photo Excursions, Road Trips, Family Happenings or Photo Tips by “friending” our Facebook site.

You may also want to browse the resource articles on our site covering basic and more advanced photography topics. There are also tips covering topics such as preparing for family or infant/child portrait sessions. If you would like a topic covered just jot it down in a comment or send us a note. Also, if  you think your friends or family members would enjoy these photo excursions please pass them on by using any of the share buttons below.

Some things are so special that they only occur every few decades. A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in CO is just such an experience. I’m happy to say that I ended a 30+ year drought this month and escaped for a quick trip to the Park.

I worked in three photo sessions around one short business meeting held in Boulder. I flew in Thursday afternoon, checked into the hotel and made a bee line to Chautauqua Park.

The sky was interesting and I had a few hours in which to hike and photograph the Flatirons. There are numerous trails maintained by Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks and they do get used. I was amazed at the level of activity on a Thursday afternoon.

I chose the less-traveled Bluebell Road trail which connected with the Enchanted Mesa trail. Enchanted is a terrific description of this area. I had time for a loop hike of maybe 3 miles total with multiple views of the 1st and 2nd Flatiron peaks.

At one point along the trail a friend called to say he was stuck at LAX. I was amazed to find that 1) I had inadvertently brought my cell phone, 2) there was terrific coverage (Can you hear me now??), and 3) I felt very guilty talking on the cell on a Rocky Mountain trail as runners passed by. Did that one shake his head in disbelief??? I can’t blame him if he did.

I ended the hike with another shot of the vista that is clearly visible from the free parking lot (corner of Grant and Baseline street) near the SW corner of Boulder.

The meeting was over early afternoon Friday so I headed to Estes Park. I stopped at an overlook of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain NP. What a view – this couple clearly relished it as well.

I had no trouble finding a motel/cabin along Fall River about halfway up the road from Estes Park to the Hwy 34 entrance to Rocky Mountain NP.

I took this photo a short distance from my cabin on the way to the NP. When I entered the park I asked the Ranger for hints on locating elk. My goal for the afternoon shoot was to photograph a bull elk. He pointed me to Moraine Park (see intro photo) and I scouted for elk. I was told by folks that they had shown  up in large #’s the day before. I was only able to find this female elk and a few of her sisters.

Not to worry – I enjoyed the few hours I had, took some photos of families fishing the creek and then headed back to the motel

The next AM I had a 2+ hour drive from Estes Park to the Denver airport so I packed for an early rise. After stopping for breakfast I decided to take the long/scenic route down Hwy 7. That was a great decision. I was treated to Lily Lake ….

Long’s Peak …..

and Saint Malo Center with Long’s Peak in the background….

I could have easily spent the entire day on the trails near Lily Lake but I barely had time to stop for the photos of Long’s Peak.

So – after a 30+ year absence I left CO with some great memories and photos of Rocky Mountain NP and other scenery. If I didn’t already live in paradise I would have to give this area consideration – it’s just gorgeous and invigorating to the body and soul.

Stay tuned for our next Photo Excursion. In the meantime, check back for our weekly Tuesday Photo Tips. Better yet – be updated automatically when we post Photo Excursions, Road Trips, Family Happenings or Photo Tips by “friending” our Facebook site.

You may also want to browse the resource articles on our site covering basic and more advanced photography topics. There are also tips covering topics such as preparing for family or infant/child portrait sessions. If you would like a topic covered just jot it down in a comment or send us a note.