Lost

IMG_7543_2, originally uploaded by ecinoderm4u.

What is so wrong about being lost? If I were lost on an island with lots of beautiful women the last thing I would want is to be found. Of course, this is open for debate especially with my wife. The idea of being permanently stranded on a tropical island with all the provisions for survival sounds pretty good to me. They have houses, state of the art technology, food, and free health care. Where is the downside? For those of you with families it is easy to understand why you would want to get back to civilization, but if they were on the island with you; would it be so bad? To me it sounds like a dream come true. Reverting back to the days of hunters and gatherers, the man would become responsible for bringing home food. This replaces his typical nine to five job. Imagine the possibilities, no traffic, no boss, no meetings. The only meetings you would have throughout your day is at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, the tax benefits are phenomenal. No income, sales, luxury, property, estate, gas, automobile, or death taxes. What you make for yourself on the island is yours to do with as you see fit. I am not persuading you to move to an island and shun society, but the idea is pretty enticing.

Whispers of Summer

Whispers of Summer, originally uploaded by ecinoderm4u.

Lately, the views of Catalina have been nothing short of phenomenal. At times it has appeared close enough to take a leisurely swim to it. This picture was my first stab at creating an HDR image. I have not completely committed to the Photomatix software and that is why you see the watermark all over my beautiful picture. They will remove it when I spring for the licensed version rather than the free trial. This particular day was earlier in January when the temperature was in the mid 80's. It never ceases to amaze me how we can be on the beach with 80 degree temperatures. We are so lucky to live in Southern California.

My Review of Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM AutoFocus Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom Lens - USA Warranty

Originally submitted at Adorama

Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM AutoFocus Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom Lens - USA Warranty

Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM AutoFocus Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom Lens - USA Warranty

Great Price Great Lens

By ecinoderm4u from corona del mar, ca on 1/21/2009

5out of 5

Pros: Easily Interchangeable, Quick Focus, Sharp Focus, Consistent Output

Best Uses: General Use, Landscape Photography

Describe Yourself: Hobbyist/Enthusiast

This is the first lens I bought for my SLR after using the 18mm kit lens. I love the lens. It takes great close up shots and beautiful portraits. The auto focus is amazing. Fast and quiet. Adorama offered at over a 100 dollars less than the local Ritz camera store. I use it with a hood and can't wait to see the results using a polarizer. It does search in low light conditions. I usually use the 18mm for night long exposure type shots, but other than that this lens is a permanent fixture on my camera. shots are sharp and colors are solid. Great lens for the money.

(legalese)

The Spaat Treatment

The Spaat Treatment, originally uploaded by ecinoderm4u.

Having spared myself from the misery of having a hangover New Years day, I decided to take my wife to the Los Angeles zoo. I had not been to the zoo since leaving Omaha and was actually quite excited. I like to think of it as a poor mans safari. Unfortunately, it was not even a poor mans safari. Most of the exhibits were closed for remodel, it was unbearably crowded, and the animals that were open for viewing were in some obscure corner of their pens just out of site of the visitors. Many of them seemed to be plotting their escape and who can blame them for wanting out. I am not a crazy environmentalist that is against zoos keeping animals in captivity, but I know how I get after a couple of hours of being stuck inside the house. I can only imagine what it is like to go from living in a vast forest free to do whatever you want and then reduced to a structured life in a pen where your sole purpose is to be a display like a painting in a museum. I guess it provides a little insight into what people in prison feel like. We spent a few hours at the zoo and then went to Hollywood Boulevard for a few hours where we discovered that some of the animals had escaped from the zoo. Capping off the day, we came home and watched the Mummy Returns. All and all a great day and a great way to start off the new year. 

Marine Layer

IMG_7164, originally uploaded by ecinoderm4u.

Excited to try my new lens, I could not wait to get up this morning at the crack of dawn to see what I could produce with it. Unfortunately, my plans were spoiled by a thick layer of fog and drizzle. Needless to say I was pretty disappointing, but I decided to go anyway. Here is one of the images I ended up capturing. It came out somewhat decent, but was not what I had hoped for. However, I obviously can't control the weather. Nonetheless, it was a great way to start the day.

Dodger

Dodger, originally uploaded by ecinoderm4u.

As I take photographs, I can still hear the words of my Aunt echoing in my head, "Somebody has a new camera!" This was in response to me getting my first camera that could take solid pictures and me driving everyone crazy at the family Christmas by snapping terrible candids of them. I would post them, but it is not worth being excluded from next years festivities. That was three years ago and my passion for photography has only become stronger. I can't say that my skill level has improved much, however, I can say that I have finally found a hobby that I am truly passionate about. I guess that is all that really matters.

Just in Time

Just in Time, originally uploaded by ecinoderm4u.

On the way home today I had a pleasant surprise. The sun was setting behind Catalina Island today creating a dramatic silhouette. Honestly, I have not seen such a clear view of the Island all year. During the summer I forgot the Island was even there as there was not a single day clear enough to see it. I try to take in every moment by the sea that I can. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place. In the back of my mind I know that it can not last forever and so I try to make the most of it. Every night on my way home I take the long way, so that I can drive along the shoreline. Now in December, it is quite a contrast from what it was in the summer. The roaring bonfires and echos of laughter have been replaced with cold winds and a desolate beach. Although, the energy of the summer is a lot of fun it is nice to have this little slice of paradise back to just the local residents. Mostly because I can park in front of my house again.