Ala Wai Moonrise.

We were out on Wednesday night for a quickie shoot. My original plan was to explore the yacht harbor and moorings but my timing was off. I was a little late. This area is probably one of the most overly photo’d on the island of Oahu. BUT, it was still a beautiful sunset and moonrise – I never get tired of those.

This image was made by doing a “vert-o-rama” with a Nikkor 28mm Perspective Control lens: my most favorite lens for serious landscape shooting.

Yosemite Weekend: Day 1.

We spent the past weekend in and around Yosemite National Park. I was pretty young the last time my family and I visited. I was again reminded of how awesome that place is! There is a tremendous amount to see. Literally, you can spend a lifetime exploring and still not see everything! (Never mind a weekend…) New to me was the town of Lee Vining and Mono Lake. (The two food shots were eaten there.) Also spectacular! However — “more time” — was my mantra this weekend.

Our drive from Santa Clara is about 5 hours (Google maps says less than 4 but that is baloney). The distance is only about 200 miles; once you hit the twisties on CA Hwy 120/Tioga Pass: traffic and a cautious pace are what slow you down. It is a fantastic drive though, if you enjoy driving.

I have too many words to describe our relatively brief experience. SO, please view my photos instead (click on the image above). I also have a gallery for, “Day 2″, coming soon. Next time we need to stay for at least a week! (Travel Buddies, you feelin me? One word: RV!)

Star gazing on Mount Hamilton.

We drove a little ways up Mount Hamilton last night. It was just high enough to get a sweeping view of the valley. I didn’t really care to see the city though. I was more interested in the sky above. Light pollution was pretty harsh but you can still see the center of our galaxy. (And, YES, overhead utility lines suck!)