Uploads from Point & Shout

"Take Me Out To The Ballgame..."

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:01:53 -0700

Press "L" for larger view.

L.A. Dodgers vs. Padres at Dodger Stadium on this night and the winds were blowing so strong that I had to add weights to my flimsy tripod. Good thing I brought a bag to hold the rocks that I found to stabilize my tripod.

Here's my confession: I'm not really a baseball fan and I don't really care much for this sport. Ha! But at the 7th inning, I was waiting for the fans to sing the familiar song, "Take me out to the ballgame..." Instead, what I heard were loud gun shots from the nearby L.A. Police Academy as they did their target shooting drills. And as the police fired their shots, I did my own shooting of the photography kind using an 8 GB SD card as ammo.

Hope you enjoy the lyrics to the song:
Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, I don't care if I never get back. Let me root, root, root for the home team, If they don't win, it's a shame. For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game.

Thanks for the views everyone~

Passing thru Pasadena

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:10:53 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

Pasadena City Hall, completed in 1927, serves as the central location for city government in the City of Pasadena, California and it is a significant architectural example of the City Beautiful movement of the 1920s.

In 1923, the people of Pasadena approved a bond measure issuing $3.5 million towards the development of a civic center. City Hall was to be the central element of this center. The San Francisco architecture firm of Bakewell and Brown designed City Hall, which has elements of both Mediterranean Revival Style and Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture. It was completed on December 27, 1927 at a cost of $1.3 million. It measures 361 feet (110 m) by 242 feet (74 m), and rises 6 stories. There are over 235 rooms and passageways that cover over 170,000 square feet (16,000 m2). The defining dome, located above the west entrance, is 26 feet (7.9 m) tall and 54 feet (16 m) in diameter. On July 28, 1980 the Civic Center District, including Pasadena City Hall, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as listing #80000813.

The City Hall has long been a favorite shooting location for filmmakers. The courtyard was used in the 1995 movie "A Walk in the Clouds" to portray a Napa Valley town square. It has also been used as an embassy in the "Mission: Impossible" television series, and a villa in Charlie Chaplin's Oscar-nominated 1940 film "The Great Dictator."[2] Pasadena City Hall currently serves as the city hall of fictional Pawnee, Indiana, in the television show "Parks and Recreation." The dome is visible through the window of the main characters' apartment building in the television show The Big Bang Theory. Source: Wikipedia~

Shot Data:

One shot no HDR
Exposure: 25 seconds
f22
17mm

Urban Oasis

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:16:48 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

Just a stone's throw from City Hall ( white-lit building in the background ) is Grand Park, which opened in the summer of 2012. This beautiful park in downtown L.A. features a restored historic Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain with a wade-able pool that squirts water at preset intervals and amuses kids and adults alike. Scattered within this urban oasis are various species of drought resistant plants and flowers which reflect the diversity of Los Angeles. For civic gatherings, group exercises or live performances, a small stage was created and tables, chairs and benches abound so people can just relax. And with an on-site ATM, a coffee shop, convenient Metro Red Line connection within the park, Grand Park is truly a park for everyone to enjoy.

With regards to this shot, the fountain colors change at preset intervals. And I specifically chose red because I think it gives the best color contrast for this particular shot. The problem here is whenever the fountain is red-lit, it's either too early to shoot or too late to shoot because the sky already turned into a dreary black. Hence, I had to settle for this stunted fountain and shot this by boosting the exposure compensation to + 2. The other situation here is when the fountain is shooting water at its peak, water mist can get in the camera. Not to worry because I always have my low-tech solution--the reliable Ziploc bag! Thanks for viewing and I hope you too can visit this urban oasis.

Ukulele on My Mind

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 23:19:25 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

Although I've lived in L.A. for many years, I must admit that this is only the second time that I've been to this alley called Olvera Street. It is here where you will find the first house that was built in L.A. And while you are visiting, you might as well sample the authentic Mexican cuisine from casual to sit down dinner while listening and watching the musicians and dancers from Mexico and beyond. Furthermore, you can also bring home authentic souvenirs such the colorful Ukuleles on the photo which sell for $9.95 each. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about this place:

Olvera Street is in the oldest part of Downtown Los Angeles, California, and is part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument. Many Latinos refer to it as "La Placita Olvera." Since 1911, it was described as Sonora Town. Having started as a short lane, Wine Street, it was extended and renamed in honor of Agustín Olvera, a prominent local judge, in 1877. There are 27 historic buildings lining Olvera Street, including the Avila Adobe, the Pelanconi House and the Sepulveda House. In 1930, it was converted to a colorful Mexican marketplace. It is also the setting for Mexican-style music, dancing and holiday celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo.

Easter Blossom

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 23:23:02 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

The last few days, I've been looking for a decent shot of these lovely Cherry Blossoms that bloom in the Spring. The light was on my side this afternoon as I saw these on my way home. Thankfully, I had my camera with me because I wanted to do some street photography.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. And we celebrate it because 2,000 years ago, Jesus, who is the Christ ( Savior ), rose from the dead. And to those who would repent and continue to repent of their sins and put their trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross alone, eternal life with God in Heaven is promised. Happy Easter everyone!

Here's Looking at You

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:57:55 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

I grabbed an early dinner in Chinatown and a few blocks from where I bought food, there is this pet shop. I haven't been to a pet shop in years and I thought that shooting fish would be a good way to test this lens. This is the biggest fish I could find and he looks happy being photographed. I wish I had cleaned the aquarium glass before shooting this because I'm seeing spots on the glass as I view this shot in large.

Bird of Paradise

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:57:52 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

The flower above is what is aptly called Bird of Paradise because it does look like a bird. I shot this one wide open to see what kind of bokeh I will get. Not bad, huh.

Santa Monica Beckons

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 14:47:52 -0800

Point & Shout posted a photo:

The first time I shot this world-famous arch was on a Friday night in August and it was too busy to get a decent shot. Back then, I used a cheap lens and the image wasn't as sharp as I'd like it to be. So I knew I had to go back and take a better shot. And on a not too busy night in October, I did a re-shoot, this time from a much better angle and using a top notch lens. I like to shoot long exposure shots and with the help of the Metro bus, I was able to create decent light streaks which I think enhanced the visual stimulation of this image. I have fond memories of Santa Monica and I love the history of its boardwalk, the variety of dining options and the fun activities that this city has to offer. And whenever I have visitors, this place is always on the list to visit.

Christ is Born

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 22:54:58 -0800

Point & Shout posted a photo:

"Behold the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, God with us." The great truth of Christmas is that the Father loves people whom He has chosen from eternity past that He sent his one and only Son to become man and live among us, He died for our sins and suffered for our iniquity, and declared that the kingdom of God is at hand. This same Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day, conquering death and sin. And there is salvation, full pardon from sin, and life everlasting to those who believe and trust in Him. ~May we all have a Merry Christmas.~

Click on the youtube link below to watch the video:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfHkDnWtpVY

Photo credit to www.morethings.com/god_and_country/jesus/christmas_photo_...

The grass is greener

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:15:40 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

While the East Coast was being battered by Hurricane Sandy, we are fortunate to have good weather in the West Coast. This night was supposed to be a full moon and my new shooting buddy invited me to shoot these lovely Malibu shores. I still couldn't figure out why these long green grass would grow on one rock while the two adjacent rocks to the left don't have them. And to make this scene more interesting, I used a long exposure so the ocean appears to be silky smooth. Is the grass greener at the other side? I used to have this view, but as I've matured, I am learning that it's all a matter of attitude. And often times, I need to check on my attitude.

Shot Data:
1 shot, no HDR
Focal length: 86 mm
Exposure: 6 seconds
F13
and this time, I didn't get wet. Ha!

A Night at the Beach

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 22:55:29 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

As I waited for everyone to leave, I found what I thought would make an interesting foreground. It was too dark to see and I had to use my flashlight to see where the seaweeds were. Looking up to the skies, I love the masterpiece of God's creation. You're an amazing God and You never disappoint. Thanks to DiscoverLA.com for choosing this as your photo of the day on 10/26/12

Sea Quell

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:36:30 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

( Sequel to the Malibu shots ) On a warm and sunny late afternoon, a new friend and I drove to PCH to shoot this stretch of beach in Malibu. It was the first time for both of us to shoot here and I learned of this place from looking at shots from photographers who shoot here on a regular basis. When we got here and saw the rock formations and sea caves, we both got excited and my friend's first reaction was, "Oh yeah!" It didn't matter to him that we had to hike down a trail to reach this stretch of beach as I learned that he can be as rugged as me. We walked around to find a good spot to shoot. And there were many but in the shot above, I thought that the green weeds would make for an interesting foreground. I wanted to move closer to the green weeds but the water was deeper than I thought and I was already submerged in knee-deep water from where I shot this. I also found it difficult to get a steady shot even with the use of my tripod because the waves were quite strong. If only I could quell the sea to get a better composition...Partly seen at the right side of the photo is a Seagull. He was at the center of that rock when I got there, but decided to be camera shy when I took this shot.

Come Fly With Me

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 22:00:05 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

On my last visit to Lake Balboa, this White Heron flew to my left while I was framing a shot of the waterfall. He was with another Heron trying to look for food as they fed for about fifteen minutes before he decided to fly across the lake and land to my far right. The whole time he flew, he was looking at me as if he knew that he was being photographed. And if I can read his mind, it seems that he was inviting me to fly with him. Look at his streamlined body and you can see that he is designed for flight. And notice when Herons or other birds fly in groups, most of them instinctively fly in a V-formation for less wind resistance. Clearly, where there is a design, there has to be a designer. And even in nature, God has manifested Himself. " For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse."

Fire in the Sky

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 01:03:26 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

I love shooting sunsets and especially beach sunsets.

Hide & Seek

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:59:01 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

This white Heron knew that I was photographing him and he would dock and then re-appear and look me in the lens. We played this hide & seek game for about five minutes till he got bored with me and flew away.

Twins

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 22:48:51 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

It was the day before we had the rain in Los Angeles and I was itching to go to Santa Monica to shoot the sunset. On the way there, the clouds appeared to be a bland gray and I thought it would be a bust. But when I got to Santa Monica, the colors suddenly changed into a beautiful brownish gold hue. After the sunset, the colors changed a bit and I was able to capture the silhouette of these twin Palm trees along Ocean Blvd. And that gave a smile on my face.

Looking To Catalina

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:09:41 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

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Over the weekend, I was with my photography group to shoot a lighthouse in Rancho Palos Verdes. After we toured and shot the working lighthouse, a few of us decided to hit the beach and look for a spot to shoot the sunset from. I was excited to learn from a lady named Diane that there was a sea cave in the area. So three of us decided to see where that is. But when we got there, we learned that the sunset wouldn't be visible from that vantage point. So we looked for another spot and we found one just beneath Terranea Resort where we could have an unhindered view of the sunset. The waves were crashing the rocks and I got wet, but I didn't mind it at all as long as I get the shot that I wanted. Thanks for the views and the faves. BTW, the land that is visible in the background is Catalina Island.

Clear Skies

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 00:04:07 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

DiscoverLA.com Photo of the day 10/15/12

I don't have Photoshop so I can't remove the two distracting dots, which are airplanes, from the image.

A clear night in Downtown LA the day after it rained.

Lone Tree Sunset

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:34:55 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

It was the day before we had the rain in Los Angeles and I was itching to go to Santa Monica to shoot the sunset. On the way there, the clouds appeared to be a bland gray and I thought it would be a bust. But when I got to Santa Monica, the colors suddenly changed into a beautiful brownish gold hue. And that gave a smile on my face. Taking that risk and going through the traffic was well worth it after all.

500px.com/photo/15644629

"Let there be light"

nobody@flickr.com (Point & Shout) — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 23:25:37 -0700

Point & Shout posted a photo:

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DiscoverLA.com photo of the day 10/11/12

To buy this photo, click on this link: 500px.com/photo/15520667

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.