( or how I see things through a camera! Click on "map this" to enlarge the world map )

Around the World

Your Bio

I am a hospital pharmacist and a photographer. That is why rxphotos/rxphotographer came about. I have graduated from University of California, San Francisco with a doctor of Pharmacy degree. I have taken numerous photographic courses through the University of California extension. As you will see, I enjoy many different aspects of photography- landscapes, wildlife, racing, surfing, and air shows. Each topic has their own degrees of difficulty but I love the challenge.

I hope you will enjoy these images because I really worked hard in getting these shots. I had to endure extreme heat, humidity, cold, bugs, sandstorms, a charging elephant, aggressive sea lions, running grizzlies(right at our group), a really mean Peruvian customs agent and a broken foot.
I use Nikon equipment-D3s, D3, D300, 3 xF5's, N90, Nikonos V, 15mm/3.5 rectilinear, 16mm/2.8 fisheye, 18-35mm(variable),24-70mm/2.8, 70-200mm/2.8, 300mm/2.8, 200-400mm/4,and 600mm/4.
I like to use the Bushhawk in certain situations where a tripods/monopods are useless. This nifty device enables me to pan with jets, birds and motorcycles with ease. I highly recommend this product. http://www.bushhawk.com/

If I make a mistake, please correct me. I am trying real hard to be accurate as possible in terms of identification of the animals and location of a certain area.
As to the format, I grouped the photos to the trip(area). If you want to see frigatebirds, type in frigatebird(singular) in the search field. I have activated the search function so you can filter the images but I am still adding keywords so it is not fully functional. And, after doing my own testing, the search function does not work perfectly. If you type in Big Sur, you get nothing since the word Big is one of the banned words by Smugmug. so, type in sur, then you get Big Sur. Go figure.

*****ATTENTION: Photo Explorers group- I am planning to do a slide show locally so that is why the Chinese galleries are locked. There is no point of doing a show if everybody can see them on line. I am still working on them. Once, they are almost completed. I will send out the passwords so you take a look. For those who are located far away(not part of China tour), email me for the passwords or wait after the slide show is over then the galleries will be open to the public.**************

If you are considering China, please take a look athttp://www.photoexplorertours.com/schedule.htm I highly recommend Dennis Cox and his tours.

Robert T "Bob" Higaki
PS: please do not use my images without written permission. I actually caught someone using one of my Easter island photos on her website. And, she is a British lawyer(Barrister)! Shame on you- Pauline!

Friends & Family

Featured Galleries

Slot canyons, Page AZ : Upper and lower Antelope canyons on Navajoland just east of Page, Az. I used Velvia and used exposures from 8-30secs. What you are seeing is sandstone. There are other slot canyons( canyon X, Water Holes canyon, etc) in the same general area. I have been to Canyon X; I do not recommend it. I would like to try Water Holes but I believe you have to use ropes to get in which makes it hard to do. I have been shooting slots since 1997. Please be careful, check the weather forecast- if it going to rain, STAY OUT OF THE CANYONS- YOU WILL DIE. These rock formations are a result of flash floods.Gallery complete;( unless I find more "missing" slides)

Slot canyons, Page AZ

Upper and lower Antelope canyons on Navajoland just east of Page, Az. ...

Updated: Apr 12, 2009 1:13pm PST

Antarctica/South Georgia : This is a "must do" trip. The Falklands is part of this trip but it only three hours on Bleaker. So, I really do not count this as an real visit. Please refer to the Falklands gallery where I was there for two full weeks.The ship I was on is called the Akademik Sergei Vavilov. Everybody had a great time on this trip which included fantastic landscapes and impressive wildlife photography. If you are thinking of going, ask me questions or contact: http://www.galapagostravel.com/SpecialTrips/antarctica.htm and ask for Mark, Julie or Deb to arrange this trip.(this gallery is complete)

Antarctica/South Georgia

This is a "must do" trip. The Falklands is part of this trip but it on ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2010 9:32pm PST

Polar bears( Ursus maritimus) : Churchill, Manitoba Yeah, it was very cold place in November but this is the place to be for Polar bears. They come to the shore waiting for the ice bridge to form so they can go after the ring seals. arctic hare and fox, and ptarmigan are included in this gallery. If you are thinking of doing this, ask me questions or contact: www.frontiersnorth.com; click on tundrabuggy

Polar bears( Ursus maritimus)

Churchill, Manitoba Yeah, it was very cold place in November but this ...

Updated: Apr 26, 2009 6:49pm PST

Easter Island, Chile : also known as Rapa Nui and isla de Pascua. If you are thinking of visiting Easter Island, please do not hesitate to ask me questions. There are not a whole lot of people who can say they have been there three times.(maybe, they do not want to admit it- just kidding!) or you can contact:http://www.galapagostravel.com/SpecialTrips/easterisland.html and ask for Deb, Mark or Julie for arranging this trip.(this gallery is complete) Moai=statue, ahu=shrines, mana=spiritual power

Easter Island, Chile

also known as Rapa Nui and isla de Pascua. If you are thinking of vis ...

Updated: May 18, 2009 7:18am PST

Galleries

Wuxi- the disaster, China : I had a bad trip here. Nope, you- flower power children of the 60's- it is not that type of a trip. I tripped over a cobble-stone walkway. This is the place where I fractured my left foot in two places( 3rd and 4th metatarsal). I kept on walking and shooting pictures despite having excruciating pain. I really do not remember much of this place. I do recall limping more and more until after lunch where I could not walk any more so I was carried out of the restaurant. From there, I went back to Shanghai and eventually went to the Emergency Room. My special thanks to Steven and Marlene Grueber who gave up their afternoon tour to accompany me back to Shanghai. By the way, I broke my foot on the second day of my twenty-one day trip. Yes, I hobbled around for the rest of the trip.

Wuxi- the disaster, China

I had a bad trip here. Nope, you- flower power children of the 60's- i ...

Updated: Oct 03, 2009 3:10pm PST

Hongcum Village, China : This is very picturesque village; located in Anhui province

Hongcum Village, China

This is very picturesque village; located in Anhui province

Updated: Oct 03, 2009 3:34pm PST

Huangshan, China : this has to be the toughest place for me to photograph. I had to climb between 6,000 to 8,000 steps. And, I found that finding the right composition is very hard here. Anhui Province

Huangshan, China

this has to be the toughest place for me to photograph. I had to climb ...

Updated: Oct 10, 2009 8:56am PST

Hangzhou, China : There was not much to shoot around here- the west lake

Hangzhou, China

There was not much to shoot around here- the west lake

Updated: Oct 03, 2009 3:39pm PST

Huangluo Yao village : I guess the long haired women is main subject of this gallery. Depending how they fold their hair, one can tell( not me) if she is single, married with no children, or married with children. Guangxi province

Huangluo Yao village

I guess the long haired women is main subject of this gallery. Dependi ...

Updated: Oct 04, 2009 11:02am PST

Longii Terraces, China : This is one my favorite places to visit- the Longji Terraces which located near Longsheng, Guangxi province

Longii Terraces, China

This is one my favorite places to visit- the Longji Terraces which loc ...

Updated: Oct 10, 2009 8:52am PST

The Fisherman : Shot along the Li River near Yangshuo. I thought Iguassu Falls was hot and humid but this place takes first place. Yunnan province

The Fisherman

Shot along the Li River near Yangshuo. I thought Iguassu Falls was hot ...

Updated: Oct 04, 2009 11:28am PST

Hot Air Balloon ride, Yangshuo : Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon(x2), we could float among the stars together, you and I for we can fly, we can fly; up, up and away.... The conditions were extremely hot yet the air is hotter in the balloon so we floated away. It was a little tight but manageable in the basket. I felt it was worth paying for this just to get a different perspective. Guangxi province By the way, the opening line is from the song- Up , Up and away by the 5th Dimension( remember them???)

Hot Air Balloon ride, Yangshuo

Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon(x2), we could float amo ...

Updated: Oct 10, 2009 8:42am PST

Another harvest : I think we were on our way to Yangshuo and made a stop here.

Another harvest

I think we were on our way to Yangshuo and made a stop here.

Updated: Oct 14, 2009 11:38am PST

Yangshuo-in & around the city, China : Snapshots around the city

Yangshuo-in & around the city, China

Snapshots around the city

Updated: Oct 13, 2009 4:40pm PST

Gongnongqiao Bridge, Yangshuo : Same composition: different lighting and exposures. Since art is very subjective, not one single picture can make everybody happy. These shots are from the bridge in between the shaking from the big trucks. Guangxi province

Gongnongqiao Bridge, Yangshuo

Same composition: different lighting and exposures. Since art is very ...

Updated: Oct 14, 2009 10:56am PST

Shangra-La, China : The government re-named this place, Shangra-la . It used to be called- Gyalthang or Zhongdian. Tibetans live this area. You can say this is the closest to Tibet without being in Tibet. Yunnan province

Shangra-La, China

The government re-named this place, Shangra-la . It used to be called- ...

Updated: Oct 12, 2009 6:27pm PST

Lijiang, China : This is a historic town but it is too commercialized with shops selling anything you can think of.

Lijiang, China

This is a historic town but it is too commercialized with shops sellin ...

Updated: Oct 10, 2009 8:00am PST

Black Dragon Pool : This is located northern part of Lijiang. You have a view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background. Yunnan province

Black Dragon Pool

This is located northern part of Lijiang. You have a view of Jade Drag ...

Updated: Oct 07, 2009 9:29pm PST

Panda bear encounter- the video : This is an one and half year old male baby Panda bear named Shuang Qing which means Double Celebration. The nice lady next to me before transferring the baby is Jean from Nantucket. The voice you are hearing is Klangchol (Pipe) Suwanmongkol who is taking still pictures with my D3. You have to make a "donation" of 1000 Yuan(= $150.00) to have the baby in your lap. It was worth every second! Oh, and thanks to the woman(one of the bear handlers) who operated my camcorder. I gave her a crash course on how to use it in less than 20 seconds. As you can see, she did it right! Location: Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center

Panda bear encounter- the video

This is an one and half year old male baby Panda bear named Shuang Qi ...

Updated: Sep 20, 2009 5:23pm PST

Bunch of Pandas eating-the video : I believe these are "teenagers" having a feast. Sorry for the bad video-I really do not have much experience using a camcorder.

Bunch of Pandas eating-the video

I believe these are "teenagers" having a feast. Sorry for the bad vid ...

Updated: Sep 20, 2009 8:23pm PST

Baby Panda bear, Chengdu, China : Special thanks to Pipe Suwanmongkol for taking my pictures. This is the highlight of my trip. I talked about holding a Panda bear all summer long before taking this trip.

Baby Panda bear, Chengdu, China

Special thanks to Pipe Suwanmongkol for taking my pictures. This is th ...

Updated: Oct 10, 2009 8:26am PST

Panda bear breeding center :

Panda bear breeding center

Updated: Oct 10, 2009 8:16am PST

Open market, Chengdu : "Open market," is actually inside a building. I got too close to the meat section where the combination of the sight and smell made me sick. So, I headed to one of the exits to get some fresh air. I ran into a box of frogs and I almost threw up.

Open market, Chengdu

"Open market," is actually inside a building. I got too close to the m ...

Updated: Oct 09, 2009 7:36pm PST

People's Park, Chengdu, China :

People's Park, Chengdu, China

Updated: Oct 09, 2009 7:05pm PST

Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu : This is a Tang dynasty monastery which is the best preserved and the largest in Chengdu.

Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu

This is a Tang dynasty monastery which is the best preserved and the ...

Updated: Oct 09, 2009 7:34pm PST

Jinsha Relic Museum, Chengdu :

Jinsha Relic Museum, Chengdu

Updated: Oct 09, 2009 7:18pm PST

Cha Plantation : this is located right off the highway in between Chengdu and Leshan. Cha is tea in Chinese. Besides great tea, this is a very nice place to go to the bathroom. Sichuan province

Cha Plantation

this is located right off the highway in between Chengdu and Leshan. C ...

Updated: Oct 09, 2009 7:09pm PST

Fu Rong Guo Cui, Chengdu, China : Sichuan opera performed at the Jinjiang Stage. I was quite entertained by this show;especially the face changing.

Fu Rong Guo Cui, Chengdu, China

Sichuan opera performed at the Jinjiang Stage. I was quite entertained ...

Updated: Oct 04, 2009 12:42pm PST

Giant Buddha of Leshan : This is the world largest Buddha statue. Picture taken by Pipe Suwanmongkol

Giant Buddha of Leshan

This is the world largest Buddha statue. ...

Updated: Oct 10, 2009 7:50am PST

Tiger Leaping Gorge, China : This is the upper Yangize river below. Not much to shoot around here given about 30min to do it. No time to go down the stairs. Very harsh light. Yunnan province

Tiger Leaping Gorge, China

This is the upper Yangize river below. Not much to shoot around here g ...

Updated: Oct 08, 2009 8:05pm PST

Jiuzhaigou, China : Sichuan province

Jiuzhaigou, China

Sichuan province

Updated: Oct 08, 2009 7:43pm PST

Guantian Shan Village, China : Guantian Shan village of the Miao which is one of China's 55 ethnic groups. These women sang a song. In order to enter the village, you have to sing a song in return. Di saved the day by belting out, "Waltzing Matilda." Worse come to worse, I could have done Ticket to Ride or You're gonna lose that girl.

Guantian Shan Village, China

Guantian Shan village of the Miao which is one of China's 55 ethnic gr ...

Updated: Oct 07, 2009 9:37pm PST

Fenghuang, China : Fenghuang which means Phoenix in Chinese is a historic, ancient town located by the Tuojiang River. Yes, there is a lot of cobblestones- my favorite walkway! The best time to shoot is early morning to avoid the crowds. Hunan province

Fenghuang, China

Fenghuang which means Phoenix in Chinese is a historic, ancient town l ...

Updated: Oct 08, 2009 7:17pm PST

Harvesting- impromptu stop : We made a stop in between Fenghuang and Zhangjiajie along the roadway.

Harvesting- impromptu stop

We made a stop in between Fenghuang and Zhangjiajie along the roadway.

Updated: Oct 14, 2009 11:28am PST

Tima Shenge, Zhangjiajie : Some type of cultural show. We had great seats but it started to rain. I used my D3 at ISO 1600 to 6400 and my 50mm/1.4 wide opened. Oops, I forgot to add more photos. Personally, I think the lighting was the most challenging.

Tima Shenge, Zhangjiajie

Some type of cultural show. We had great seats but it started to rain. ...

Updated: Oct 12, 2009 4:49pm PST

Zhangjiajie, China : I was exhausted by the time we came to this place. My injured foot was telling me to stop. I knew I needed to go home. Hunan province

Zhangjiajie, China

I was exhausted by the time we came to this place. My injured foot was ...

Updated: Oct 09, 2009 7:28pm PST

African Safari : Zambia and Botswana This is the best trip for wildlife photography. I was blown away by the sheer numbers and variety of animals on this trip. This gallery is complete. If you are thinking about going, contact me or www.nathab.com

African Safari

Zambia and Botswana This is the best trip for wildlife photography. ...

Updated: Jan 12, 2009 9:30am PST

Air shows : These are a collection of shots taken at different shows- Moffitt, Edwards Air Force Base, Lemoore Naval Base, Travis Air Force Base, Salinas International Air Show, Reno Air races, San Francisco Fleet Week, and the Watsonville Fly-in. Shooting jet planes is the hardest in my opinion esp the ones flying too close. Since I have so much Blue Angel material, I may consider a separate gallery for them.

Air shows

These are a collection of shots taken at different shows- Moffitt, Edw ...

Updated: Aug 10, 2009 12:41pm PST

Polar bears( Ursus maritimus) : Churchill, Manitoba Yeah, it was very cold place in November but this is the place to be for Polar bears. They come to the shore waiting for the ice bridge to form so they can go after the ring seals. arctic hare and fox, and ptarmigan are included in this gallery. If you are thinking of doing this, ask me questions or contact: www.frontiersnorth.com; click on tundrabuggy

Polar bears( Ursus maritimus)

Churchill, Manitoba Yeah, it was very cold place in November but this ...

Updated: Apr 26, 2009 6:49pm PST

Galapagos, Ecuador : I have gone to this place twice which tells you something. It is a magical place to visit. For those who were with me, I mixed up the two trips together. If you do not remember or recognize something, it is because you were on the "other" trip. Overall, the places are the same just the animals maybe a bit different( believe it or not- I saw more animals on the second trip)! For those who are thinking about going, it is OK to ask me questions or contact: www.galapagostravel.com and ask for Mark, Deb or Julie to arrange this great trip.( this gallery is complete)

Galapagos, Ecuador

I have gone to this place twice which tells you something. It is a mag ...

Updated: Mar 09, 2009 4:55pm PST

Slot canyons, Page AZ : Upper and lower Antelope canyons on Navajoland just east of Page, Az. I used Velvia and used exposures from 8-30secs. What you are seeing is sandstone. There are other slot canyons( canyon X, Water Holes canyon, etc) in the same general area. I have been to Canyon X; I do not recommend it. I would like to try Water Holes but I believe you have to use ropes to get in which makes it hard to do. I have been shooting slots since 1997. Please be careful, check the weather forecast- if it going to rain, STAY OUT OF THE CANYONS- YOU WILL DIE. These rock formations are a result of flash floods.Gallery complete;( unless I find more "missing" slides)

Slot canyons, Page AZ

Upper and lower Antelope canyons on Navajoland just east of Page, Az. ...

Updated: Apr 12, 2009 1:13pm PST

Easter Island, Chile : also known as Rapa Nui and isla de Pascua. If you are thinking of visiting Easter Island, please do not hesitate to ask me questions. There are not a whole lot of people who can say they have been there three times.(maybe, they do not want to admit it- just kidding!) or you can contact:http://www.galapagostravel.com/SpecialTrips/easterisland.html and ask for Deb, Mark or Julie for arranging this trip.(this gallery is complete) Moai=statue, ahu=shrines, mana=spiritual power

Easter Island, Chile

also known as Rapa Nui and isla de Pascua. If you are thinking of vis ...

Updated: May 18, 2009 7:18am PST

Elephant seals-Northern( Mirounga angustirostris) : There are two places to observe the northern elephants here in California: Ano Nuevo north of Santa Cruz and Piedras Blancas near San Simeon. In terms of ease of access, Piedras Blancas is the spot to go.

Elephant seals-Northern( Mirounga angustirostris)

There are two places to observe the northern elephants here in Califor ...

Updated: May 01, 2009 7:41pm PST

surfing, Santa Cruz CA : These photos are not for sale. I did not obtain "releases," from these guys. All surfing shots were done at Steamers Lane, Santa Cruz CA. I consider Santa Cruz- the real surf city.

surfing, Santa Cruz CA

These photos are not for sale. I did not obtain "releases," from these ...

Updated: Nov 22, 2009 9:03am PST

Racing, Laguna Seca, Monterey CA : I hang out at Laguna Seca raceway since it is close to home. Some of these shots, I have done at as much as 1530mm(600mm x 1.7 teleconverter x 1.5 crop factor). From one of my photographic books, 1000m gives you an angle of view of 2.5 degrees. So, you can imagine what 1500mm will give you. Personally, I can tell you that it is very hard shoot a fast moving object with a tiny angle of view. I included shots that appear I have done on top of the bikers but what happened is that they are leaning so much in the turns. So, it is an illusion that "I am on top of them." I apologized that I did not nail theses shots perfectly; they looked fine small but when you "blow it up," - they are not tack sharp. I know exactly what to do next time and I will nail these shots. I consider these shots the hardest in difficulty.

Racing, Laguna Seca, Monterey CA

I hang out at Laguna Seca raceway since it is close to home. Some of t ...

Updated: Jul 06, 2009 6:52pm PST

Bowling Ball Beach, California : This place is located in between Gualala and Pt Arenas. I believe its about eleven miles north of Gualala. You have go when its negative tide. At high tide, you will not see any rocks at all. More shots to follow

Bowling Ball Beach, California

This place is located in between Gualala and Pt Arenas. I believe its ...

Updated: Apr 13, 2009 6:59pm PST

At the zoo : I decided to borrow a Simon and Garfunkel tune for this gallery. As I went through my slides, I have realized that I have some decent shots from the San Francisco and San Diego zoos.

At the zoo

I decided to borrow a Simon and Garfunkel tune for this gallery. As I ...

Updated: Jun 28, 2009 8:03am PST

Glacier National Park : Bighorn, mountain goats

Glacier National Park

Bighorn, mountain goats

Updated: May 05, 2009 7:14pm PST

Sea Otters( Enhydra lutris) : Sea otter shots were taken in Moss Landing harbor, CA( in between Monterey and Santa Cruz)

Sea Otters( Enhydra lutris)

Sea otter shots were taken in Moss Landing harbor, CA( in between Mont ...

Updated: Apr 24, 2009 3:50pm PST

Falklands,UK : Also known as the Malvinas. Very cold, windy place- I have spent two weeks there- Sea Lion, Sanders,Pebble, and East Falkland islands. I came back and visited Bleaker for three hours during my Antarctica trip. The whole place is covered with dried bird poop. I really do not know why anybody wants to live there- too cold and harsh. The national pastime is gossiping. From what I heard, it is pretty bad. If Antarctica is too expensive, try this place. You can ask me questions or contact: www.falklandstravel.com and ask for Sally. This gallery is complete

Falklands,UK

Also known as the Malvinas. Very cold, windy place- I have spent two w ...

Updated: Jun 25, 2009 7:48pm PST

Victoria Falls : World's largest waterfall

Victoria Falls

World's largest waterfall

Updated: Feb 22, 2009 12:31pm PST

Alberta, Canada :

Alberta, Canada

Updated: May 11, 2009 7:27pm PST

Orcas( Orcinus orca) : Orcas or Killer whales; three types transients are mammal eaters, residents are fish eaters and third- offshores which are fish eaters too. As for the color of the water, it is reflection of the sky. So. if the sky is blue, the water is blue. If the sky is gray, the water is gray. I found that having an expensive lens can be a disadvantage during very rough seas. I have encountered huge swells from one of the latest trips and I could not hold up my 200-400mm with camera safely to take pictures.. If I had a cheaper one( lighter weight), I would have more better results. Take home message: keep it light and simple.

Orcas( Orcinus orca)

Orcas or Killer whales; three types transients are mammal eaters, resi ...

Updated: Nov 27, 2009 7:54am PST

The Wave- Coyote Buttes North : The first time I went to this place I got lost and almost ran out of water. Hiking boots are not allowed because BLM want the rocks protected from scoff marks. So, I wore my converse high-tops. This location is somewhere near the Arizona-Utah border. You have to purchase a five dollar permit through BLM to enter this area. This is such a groovy place- sorry for the bad pun. Gallery complete

The Wave- Coyote Buttes North

The first time I went to this place I got lost and almost ran out of w ...

Updated: Mar 17, 2009 7:45pm PST

Bike aerials, Watsonville CA : The local Yamaha dealership sponsored this. These guys were absolutely crazy.( this gallery is complete).

Bike aerials, Watsonville CA

The local Yamaha dealership sponsored this. These guys were absolutel ...

Updated: Mar 08, 2009 8:28pm PST

Cuzco and Machu Picchu, Peru : A quite a few things went wrong on this trip but it does not compare to my China trip which has the distinction of being the worst trip ever. I had major problems with the Peruvian customs agent when I first arrived. He kept on stating that I was only allowed to bring in one camera into the country. I had four bodies with me. To make a long story short, I was able to get my equipment back intact and left the country in a hurry.

Cuzco and Machu Picchu, Peru

A quite a few things went wrong on this trip but it does not compare ...

Updated: May 01, 2009 7:24pm PST

Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California : This lighthouse turn on it's fresnel lens once a year on its anniversary( mid November around the 17th). For the first five minutes, the lens is stationary which allows light beams to form. This shot is a double-exposure so you can see detail of the structures.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California

This lighthouse turn on it's fresnel lens once a year on its anniversa ...

Updated: Apr 13, 2009 7:30pm PST

Iguassu Falls : Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Very hot and humid place. This gallery is complete.

Iguassu Falls

Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Very hot and humid plac ...

Updated: Feb 15, 2009 9:50am PST

Tango Show in Buenos Aires : The shots go from ISO 3200 to 8000; when the dancers are directly under the lights, I got what looks like flash burns This show has both Tango and Folklore dancing( www.galatango.com/). Plus, I went to a show I went two years before( El Querandi; www.querandi.com.ar/) which goes through the history of the Tango. Those images follow my picture. This gallery is complete

Tango Show in Buenos Aires

The shots go from ISO 3200 to 8000; when the dancers are directly unde ...

Updated: Oct 14, 2009 8:39pm PST

Uruguay- vacation capital of the world : I am kidding; not a whole lot to see there in Colonia del Sacramento. I took a full day tour which was too long. They could have shortened the tour to quarter of a day. It was so boring I fell asleep in the city park.( gallery is complete)

Uruguay- vacation capital of the world

I am kidding; not a whole lot to see there in Colonia del Sacramento. ...

Updated: Feb 15, 2009 11:33am PST

Antarctica/South Georgia : This is a "must do" trip. The Falklands is part of this trip but it only three hours on Bleaker. So, I really do not count this as an real visit. Please refer to the Falklands gallery where I was there for two full weeks.The ship I was on is called the Akademik Sergei Vavilov. Everybody had a great time on this trip which included fantastic landscapes and impressive wildlife photography. If you are thinking of going, ask me questions or contact: http://www.galapagostravel.com/SpecialTrips/antarctica.htm and ask for Mark, Julie or Deb to arrange this trip.(this gallery is complete)

Antarctica/South Georgia

This is a "must do" trip. The Falklands is part of this trip but it on ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2010 9:32pm PST

Buenos Aires, Argentina : Buenos aires is the largest city and is the capital of Argentina.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos aires is the largest city and is the capital of Argentina.

Updated: May 14, 2009 7:19pm PST

Humpback whales, Monterey bay : Humpbacks( Megaptera novaeangliae) I have done the majority of my whale tours out of Monterey. I did one out of Moss Landing.

Humpback whales, Monterey bay

Humpbacks( Megaptera novaeangliae) I have done the majority of my wha ...

Updated: Apr 11, 2009 7:15am PST

Grizzly bears- Katmai, Alaska : ( Ursus arctos horribilis); I have included some bird shots since they were in the area but I have no clue as to what they are. If you are thinking of doing this type of trip, you can ask me questions or contact: www.photosafaris.com

Grizzly bears- Katmai, Alaska

( Ursus arctos horribilis); I have included some bird shots since they ...

Updated: Feb 22, 2009 9:10am PST

Stonehenge, UK : I had to see this for myself. The whole structure is fenced off but.......if you contact the Heritage organization ahead of time, you can enter the place before or after regular hours.The Sarsen stones are the large ones. They can weigh as much as 40 tons. The closest source for these types of stones is Marlborough Downs in north Wiltshire(about 19 miles away). The smaller stones are called Bluestones which came from Preseli Hills of west Wales( 150 miles away). You can see the Bluestones in the last photograph. Gallery complete

Stonehenge, UK

I had to see this for myself. The whole structure is fenced off but... ...

Updated: Mar 20, 2009 8:50am PST

Fly Geyser, Nevada : This is has to be the most psychedelic looking object I have ever photographed. You are out in the Black Rock desert which has very drab, boring terrain until you see this bright colorful object out of nowhere. You talk about extreme contrast. I think this gallery is complete- you can only take so much pictures of a single object and you can only display so much, too. The Burning Man festival is held very close to this geyser. This is on private property and I did get permission to photograph the geyser unlike others I know. If you have a chance, try to see it. The geyser looks totally unreal.

Fly Geyser, Nevada

This is has to be the most psychedelic looking object I have ever phot ...

Updated: May 01, 2009 7:42pm PST

Patagonia, Chile : This is a very cold, windy place.

Patagonia, Chile

This is a very cold, windy place.

Updated: Mar 15, 2009 10:11am PST

Havasu Falls, AZ : Located on the western portion of the Grand Canyon. You must enter the Havasupai Indian reservation. There are three ways to get to the village: one is hiking which is the hardest but cheapest, two is horse-back riding which is easier, three is helicopter ride which is the least amount of work but most expensive. I rented two horses- one for me and the other to carry my camera equipment. Others have done this: they rode the helicopter but the horses carried the equipment. There is a weight limit on the helicopter.( more shots will follow)

Havasu Falls, AZ

Located on the western portion of the Grand Canyon. You must enter the ...

Updated: Mar 22, 2009 9:16am PST

Victoria, BC Canada : This is one of my favorite cities to visit.

Victoria, BC Canada

This is one of my favorite cities to visit.

Updated: Jul 26, 2009 8:05pm PST

The Arches, and Deadhorse State Park, Moab Utah : This is one of my favorite places in the Southwest to visit. Using Moab as a base, you can visit all three parks.

The Arches, and Deadhorse State Park, Moab Utah

This is one of my favorite places in the Southwest to visit. Using Moa ...

Updated: Jul 12, 2009 10:04am PST

Canyon de Chelly, Chinle AZ : this is located way over to the east side of Arizona-

Canyon de Chelly, Chinle AZ

this is located way over to the east side of Arizona-

Updated: Jul 18, 2009 7:49am PST

Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River, AZ : This is near Page, Az. This little town is also next to the slot canyons, the Wave, the toadstools, Rainbow bridge, Glen Canyon dam and lake. So, you can see a lot using Page as a "base camp."

Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River, AZ

This is near Page, Az. This little town is also next to the slot canyo ...

Updated: Mar 22, 2009 8:54am PST

Monument Valley, AZ&Utah : What I did is I paid for a guide to gain access to trails not open to the public. If you have been there before, you can drive yourself on a certain path. Or, near the visitor center, there are a bunch of booths,. They are selling guided tours into restricted areas. Or the other option is pay more money to be on a photographic tour.

Monument Valley, AZ&Utah

What I did is I paid for a guide to gain access to trails not open to ...

Updated: Jul 14, 2009 4:52pm PST

Rainbow Bridge, AZ : As I recall, the Navajos consider this rock formation very sacred. It has been a few years, I would imagine that the water level is much lower than what you see in the photo.

Rainbow Bridge, AZ

As I recall, the Navajos consider this rock formation very sacred. It ...

Updated: Mar 16, 2009 4:38pm PST

Mono Lake, CA :

Mono Lake, CA

Updated: Jul 09, 2009 7:23pm PST

Bryce Canyon, Utah :

Bryce Canyon, Utah

Updated: Jul 11, 2009 8:50am PST

Toadstools, Utah : This is located in between the Wave and Page. It took me a period over three years to find this place. One year, I made a wrong turn. Next year, I did not walk far enough. If you are in Page and you already did the slots, the wave, rainbow bridge, horseshoe, you have some time to kill. Try to find this place. I am planning to go back because there are more mushrooms to be discovered(by me).

Toadstools, Utah

This is located in between the Wave and Page. It took me a period over ...

Updated: Apr 12, 2009 12:46pm PST

Bodie State Park, CA : This is a ghost town.

Bodie State Park, CA

This is a ghost town.

Updated: Mar 22, 2009 11:24pm PST

Cambridge University, UK :

Cambridge University, UK

Updated: Mar 20, 2009 1:31pm PST

Oxford University, UK :

Oxford University, UK

Updated: Mar 20, 2009 1:35pm PST

Monarch Butterflies( Danaus plexippas) : There are three places you can shoot these Monarchs(locally in Monterey Bay area)- Natural Bridges State Park, the trees near the Surf Museum( both Santa Cruz) and Pacific Grove. The best time to see them is around Thanksgiving. This year is bad for observing the Monarchs; populations are way down from previous years. The first five shots are from the 'good' year. Picture six to nine are from Natural Bridges(11/09) and the rest from Pacific Grove(11/09).

Monarch Butterflies( Danaus plexippas)

There are three places you can shoot these Monarchs(locally in Montere ...

Updated: Nov 22, 2009 9:05am PST

London, UK : If you are a Beatles fan, you must visit this store in London, here is the link: www.beatlesstorelondon.co.uk

London, UK

If you are a Beatles fan, you must visit this store in London, here is ...

Updated: Mar 21, 2009 8:13am PST

Fireworks :

Fireworks

Updated: Apr 20, 2009 6:57pm PST

Gray Whales(Eschrichtius robustus), Monterey Bay : These whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California around November. After having their calves, they migrate back up. The whales tend to hung the shore knowing that the killer whales do not like shallow waters but once they reach the Monterey Bay, the whales cross the deep waters. And, the killer whales are waiting. So far, I have not been able to photograph the attacks but from what I heard- it is pretty sad. The killer whales will go after the calves They do it by "sitting" on top to drown the calf. One mother desperately tried to carry her young on her back to avoid the killer whales. This tactic did not work.

Gray Whales(Eschrichtius robustus), Monterey Bay

These whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California around November. A ...

Updated: Mar 21, 2009 9:04am PST

Dolphins, Monterey Bay : The black and white are Pacific White-sided dolphins. To witness this was a magical moment- a whole school of dolphins( Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) The other kind is Risso's Dolphins( Grampus griseus); it is the bigger gray ones

Dolphins, Monterey Bay

The black and white are Pacific White-sided dolphins. To witness this ...

Updated: May 10, 2009 8:05am PST

Yosemite, CA : Yosemite National Park: The photos before the Horsetail shots were done in late spring. The ones after the Horsetail shots were shot in the winter. The majority of the winter shots were modified by HDR(Photomatix) by merging the highlights and shadows due to the high contrast situation in the valley. Unfortunately, Yosemite is located in the middle of a major corridor for airlines. So, if you fly in California, odds are you have flown over Yosemite.

Yosemite, CA

Yosemite National Park: The photos before the Horsetail shots were do ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2010 7:41pm PST

Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing CA :

Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing CA

Updated: Nov 01, 2009 10:02am PST

Zion National Park, Utah :

Zion National Park, Utah

Updated: Apr 12, 2009 12:34pm PST

Grand Teton, Wyoming :

Grand Teton, Wyoming

Updated: Apr 12, 2009 3:40pm PST

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming : This is my favorite park to visit: good combination of wildlife and landscapes. The park is what left of a super volcano which erupts every 600,000 years. Unfortunately, we are in the window for an eruption. Last, I heard- the ground is rising which in turn pushing Lake Yellowstone. As you can see, I have done a lot of abstract shots which is one of my favorites to do.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

This is my favorite park to visit: good combination of wildlife and la ...

Updated: Jul 25, 2009 10:11am PST

Blue whale( Balaenoptera masculus) : It is the largest whale and the largest living animal. I have done a lot of whale watching and it is very uncommon to see these particular whales.

Blue whale( Balaenoptera masculus)

It is the largest whale and the largest living animal. I have done a l ...

Updated: Mar 31, 2009 8:30pm PST

Dry Forks Petroglyphs, Vernal Utah : Also, known as McConkie Petroglyphs; these are almost life size and are considered one of the best in the U.S. The petroglyphs are on private property but all you do is make a donation and is on a honor system. In others words, if you are a cheap-skate, you can get in without paying!

Dry Forks Petroglyphs, Vernal Utah

Also, known as McConkie Petroglyphs; these are almost life size and ar ...

Updated: Apr 12, 2009 3:25pm PST

Monterey Bay Aquarium : Nice place to visit. Fairly hard to shoot pictures- deal with thick glass, no flash, smear marks, and elbow to elbow of people. I just found out no monopods(it was ok five years ago)- I got a verbal warning not to use it.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Nice place to visit. Fairly hard to shoot pictures- deal with thick gl ...

Updated: Feb 06, 2010 4:21pm PST

Antelope Valley, Lancaster CA : You have to have good timing to photograph this place. So far, I do not have it. This place needs rain at a certain part of the year for the seeds to germinate. When you have the floweres, you have to wait for the sun get up so the petals open up but when the sun is up ; the wind kicks in. This is classic Catch-22 situation.

Antelope Valley, Lancaster CA

You have to have good timing to photograph this place. So far, I do no ...

Updated: Apr 21, 2009 4:26pm PST

Garrapata State Beach, CA : This place is locate just south of Carmel. I have seen two excellent photographs by David Muench and Larry Ulrich. This place is not easy to shoot. Garrapata is a Spanish word for ticks. Come here with shorts and you will find out why. Plus, there is a lot of poison oak ( yes, wear your shorts- just kidding). It seems like other photographers(like me) are trying to duplicate the photographs so you see plants being trampled( not me) and again you need to timing to catch the Calla Lillies blooming.

Garrapata State Beach, CA

This place is locate just south of Carmel. I have seen two excellent p ...

Updated: Apr 21, 2009 4:40pm PST

Monterey Bay area, CA : I have some shots which do not fit any of the current galleries so I made one up

Monterey Bay area, CA

I have some shots which do not fit any of the current galleries so I m ...

Updated: Dec 05, 2009 3:25pm PST

The Lynx- tall ship :

The Lynx- tall ship

Updated: Apr 28, 2009 5:31pm PST

Santiago, Chile : Very big and modern city. I consider this place the gateway to Easter Island, Patagonia and the Falklands.

Santiago, Chile

Very big and modern city. I consider this place the gateway to Easter ...

Updated: May 10, 2009 12:03pm PST

Quito, Ecuador : Quito is the capital of Ecuador which has its own charm.

Quito, Ecuador

Quito is the capital of Ecuador which has its own charm.

Updated: May 10, 2009 1:36pm PST

Hale-Bopp comet : This was discovered by Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp. I could not pass on this opportunity to photograph this object. I know I have another shot of this comet but I cannot find it(odd image). If I find, I will post it. This is my futile attempt at astrophotography.

Hale-Bopp comet

This was discovered by Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp. I could not pass on ...

Updated: Jun 08, 2009 8:53am PST

Chiricahua National Monument, Az : These unusual rock formations were caused by erosion of ash layers deposited by the Turkey Creek volcano 27 million years ago.

Chiricahua National Monument, Az

These unusual rock formations were caused by erosion of ash layers dep ...

Updated: Jun 05, 2009 4:53pm PST

bike stunts : I shot this at the Watsonville air show. I guess the organizers needed some fillers for the show.

bike stunts

I shot this at the Watsonville air show. I guess the organizers needed ...

Updated: Jun 08, 2009 7:48am PST

Near Area 51, Nevada : I had to drive through Nevada so I picked Highway 375 known as the Extraterrestrial Highway. The road goes by Area 51. The People are strange( a song by the Doors) here. They have to be to live in the middle of a desert surrounded by nothing or in their minds- UFO's.

Near Area 51, Nevada

I had to drive through Nevada so I picked Highway 375 known as the Ext ...

Updated: Jul 09, 2009 7:28pm PST

Caves : In my younger years, I actually did some serious spelunking. I crawled on my stomach or back, repelled, and swung across a cold underground pond(did not make all the way). I cannot believe I did that because I get a bit claustrophobic.

Caves

In my younger years, I actually did some serious spelunking. I crawled ...

Updated: Jun 28, 2009 9:59pm PST

Goblin State Park, Utah : This neat park is located in the middle of nowhere in Utah. After getting off the main highway, you have to travel on a washboard, gravel road for miles whiich was an absolute torture. If you are big fans of Galaxy Quest(sci-fi comedy, 1999), this place will look familiar because part of the film was shot here. Unfortunately, I was very ill( with a fever ) when I came here so I did not take much pictures. Instead, I slept for a bit until I had enough energy to move about before falling asleep. Then, I repeated the cycle again. This is one of the places I need to come back to re-shoot under better conditions.

Goblin State Park, Utah

This neat park is located in the middle of nowhere in Utah. After gett ...

Updated: Jun 28, 2009 10:18pm PST

Mesa Verde National Park, Colarado :

Mesa Verde National Park, Colarado

Updated: Jun 30, 2009 8:35pm PST

Canyonlands National Park, Utah : Canyonlands National Park is huge; made of three sections: the Island in the sky, the Needles and the Maze. I have been to the first two. The Maze is the hardest one to visit because of its remoteness. You can use Moab as "base camp" for visiting the Island in the Sky. Monticello or Blanding are the closest towns to the Needles

Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park is huge; made of three sections: the Island ...

Updated: Jul 13, 2009 4:11pm PST

Durango&Silverton train : It is a nice train ride going from Durango to Silverton. You can either take the train back or take a bus back to Durango( I found this out later).

Durango&Silverton train

It is a nice train ride going from Durango to Silverton. You can eith ...

Updated: Jun 30, 2009 7:40pm PST

Black Canyon of the Gunnison River, CO :

Black Canyon of the Gunnison River, CO

Updated: Jul 08, 2009 7:00pm PST

Ouray,(& jeep tours), CO : Ouray is a beautiful, little town situated up in the San Juan Mountains. I believe the name came from an Indian chief. I took a couple of jeep tours. the best one is called, "Black bear pass," which goes from Ouray to Telluride and back.

Ouray,(& jeep tours), CO

Ouray is a beautiful, little town situated up in the San Juan Mountain ...

Updated: Jul 08, 2009 8:48pm PST

Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utal : This is a little state park locate east of Bryce Canyon near a tiny town called Tropic. Yes, it is named after Kodak's Kodachrome film.

Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utal

This is a little state park locate east of Bryce Canyon near a tiny to ...

Updated: Jul 11, 2009 8:49am PST

Fisher Towers : This is located east of Moab off of UT 128. They rise 900 feet above Professor Valley.

Fisher Towers

This is located east of Moab off of UT 128. They rise 900 feet above ...

Updated: Jul 12, 2009 9:07am PST

Gooseneck of ths San Juan River, Utah : Very unusual river; it runs in a shape of a sine wave so it travels over five miles in a linear mile.

Gooseneck of ths San Juan River, Utah

Very unusual river; it runs in a shape of a sine wave so it travels ov ...

Updated: Jul 13, 2009 7:08pm PST

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah : This is not the most exciting place to visit. I would not make the effort to come here unless it is in your way while your are going somewhere else.

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah

This is not the most exciting place to visit. I would not make the eff ...

Updated: Jul 13, 2009 9:44pm PST

Grand Canyon, AZ : As you can see, smog is a problem here. Yes, I said smog. The pollution is coming from a coal burning power plant upstream near Page, AZ. I think you are better off visiting Canyonlands because the air is clean(clear).

Grand Canyon, AZ

As you can see, smog is a problem here. Yes, I said smog. The pollutio ...

Updated: Jul 16, 2009 7:15pm PST

Castle Air Museum, Atwater, CA : This is a very nice air museum. It does get very hot out there.

Castle Air Museum, Atwater, CA

This is a very nice air museum. It does get very hot out there.

Updated: Aug 09, 2009 2:44pm PST

Astoria, OR : Astoria dates back to 1805-06 when Lewis and Clark expedition camped at Fort Clatsop.

Astoria, OR

Astoria dates back to 1805-06 when Lewis and Clark expedition camped ...

Updated: Jul 18, 2009 12:13pm PST

P-51 D ride : The P-51 Mustang was a long range single seat fighter plane which was involved in World War ll and the Korean war. The name of this plane is the Ridge Runner. This particular plane had been modified to carry a passenger right behind the pilot. So, I got a ride in it.( payed for it) I had a great time; this is a kick-ass plane.

P-51 D ride

The P-51 Mustang was a long range single seat fighter plane which was ...

Updated: Jul 18, 2009 10:27pm PST

B-17 Flying Fortress bomber ride : I flew on the Sentimental Journey. The best part of the ride is the takeoff. Since Watsonville's runway is not too long, the plane was parked at the edge of the runway with its brakes on and engines at full throttle. When the pilot released the brakes, wow -what a ride! But, once in the air, the plane was very slow.

B-17 Flying Fortress bomber ride

I flew on the Sentimental Journey. The best part of the ride is the ta ...

Updated: Jul 18, 2009 10:44pm PST

Hey Little Cobra : Remember that tune by the Rip Chords? Well, this is my favorite car and I own it. I wish I can say it is the real thing but I cannot. This is a replica of a 1966 427 Cobra SC. My car has a fiberglass body which is powered by a Ford 427 side-oiler with 2 x 780 Holley carburetors. The engine is mated to a high output Top-loader 4 speed transmission. The suspension is all Jaguar XKE series 1 plus it is all independent front and rear. The car is physically small but feels big when you sit in it. Because of the combination of the no top and cut down doors, you feel like you are sitting in a wind tunnel but that is part of the fun.

Hey Little Cobra

Remember that tune by the Rip Chords? Well, this is my favorite car an ...

Updated: Jul 19, 2009 11:04am PST

Goldsmiths Seed company : This flower seed company is located near Gilroy. If you are driving from Watsonville on 152, you cannot miss this place on the right hand side.

Goldsmiths Seed company

This flower seed company is located near Gilroy. If you are driving fr ...

Updated: Jul 19, 2009 3:04pm PST

Point Lobos State Park, Carmel CA :

Point Lobos State Park, Carmel CA

Updated: Jul 19, 2009 5:18pm PST

San Francisco, CA : If you're going to San Francisco; Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.- remember that song? No- I did not have flowers in my hair but I went to school here at University of California at San Francisco(UCSF).

San Francisco, CA

If you're going to San Francisco; Be sure to wear some flowers in your ...

Updated: Jul 20, 2009 8:40pm PST

Pinnacles National Monument, CA : This is located east of Soledad which is south of Salinas/Monterey. It gets really hot out there esp around summer.

Pinnacles National Monument, CA

This is located east of Soledad which is south of Salinas/Monterey. It ...

Updated: Jul 20, 2009 6:19pm PST

Concorso Italiano : Because of the tight space, I had to resort using a wide angle lens to get the whole car so I have to put up with some distortion.. Lots and lots of very expensive sports cars.

Concorso Italiano

Because of the tight space, I had to resort using a wide angle lens to ...

Updated: Jul 26, 2009 11:29am PST

Big Sur :

Big Sur

Updated: Dec 21, 2009 8:47am PST

British cars :

British cars

Updated: Jul 26, 2009 11:51am PST

Wilder Ranch State Park, CA :

Wilder Ranch State Park, CA

Updated: Jul 26, 2009 1:28pm PST

Snake River, Idaho :

Snake River, Idaho

Updated: Jul 26, 2009 1:29pm PST

Carmel Mission, Carmel CA : Technically, it is called Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo. Carmel Mission is much easier to say.

Carmel Mission, Carmel CA

Technically, it is called Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo. Carm ...

Updated: Jul 26, 2009 1:33pm PST

Oregon Coastline, OR :

Oregon Coastline, OR

Updated: Jul 26, 2009 1:45pm PST

Wetlands of Watsonville : There are sloughs in and around Watsonville. The city just grew around the swampy areas as houses were being built. The trails are pretty nice so it is nice place to visit since it is so close and it is free. I was just playing around with my new 70-200/2.8VR lens; could have used the 600mm since the birds are quite skittish.

Wetlands of Watsonville

There are sloughs in and around Watsonville. The city just grew around ...

Updated: Aug 21, 2009 3:44pm PST

Robosaurus : It is one of the silly things you see at an air show. This a car eating robot.

Robosaurus

It is one of the silly things you see at an air show. This a car eati ...

Updated: Aug 10, 2009 12:26pm PST

Butchard Gardens, BC : Some of you may know that Butchard gardens is located away from Victoria. I felt that Butchard gardens should have its own gallery

Butchard Gardens, BC

Some of you may know that Butchard gardens is located away from Victor ...

Updated: Aug 06, 2009 3:37pm PST

Mountain Lion and the Bobcat : This is the only time I paid to shoot captive animals. I almost was not able to do this because I was in Canada on 9/11 and the borders were closed. Fortunately, I was able to cross the next day but the whole shoot was very subdued. The mountain lion was a four year old female .The Bobcat kitten was the biggest kitten I have ever seen. He was big as a fully grown house cat but acted just like a kitten. At the end of the shoot, the photographer from Oregon wanted to pet the lion. The owners said OK. Then, I wanted to do the same. So, I got to pet the mountain lion on the head.

Mountain Lion and the Bobcat

This is the only time I paid to shoot captive animals. I almost was no ...

Updated: Oct 25, 2009 2:25pm PST

Bob's unofficial D3s ISO test : This is my music room. Yeah, yeah- you can tell I am a big Rolling Stones fan! Sorry about the yellow light; I tried to manually change the Kelvins degrees( I was guessing around 2,800) but it was worse than auto white-balance. I shot these at 6400, 12,800, 16,000, 20,000, 25,600, 51,200 and 102,400(if you hit photo info; it says 65,000- wrong it is 102,400; Smugmug is addressing the issue). I am impressed with the performance of the D3s. You can decide for yourselves. these are big files so you can scrutinize them. For those who are curious, from left to right: Fender Stratocaster(Strat), Rickenbacker 360 12 string, Paul Reed Smith(PRS) custom ordered, Gibson 335, Yamaha FG-460SA, Yamaha C-100A classical, and the Martin J-40. Additional testing at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I have concluded that noise is directly proportional to the amount of light available.And I think there are some other variables but I cannot deduce them. The lighting at the aquarium is poor so this I think is a good extreme test for this camera's abilities. The use of tripods/monopods are not allowed. Plus, most of the subjects are moving so it is nearly impossible for me to duplicate the same test I did for my music room. So, I just randomly shot at high ISO speeds. Again, for this gallery only, I have uploaded large file so you can scrutinize the shots and make your own conclusions. Overall, a tough place to shoot since you are dealing with reflections, super thick glass, seams between the two sheets of glass and kids bumping into you. I did another test using an old Rolling Stones album(yes- they look very young). I can barely see the album with my own eyes. Using a Pentax digital spot meter, all I got is zero(EV) reading. Again, keeping all variables the same except for the ISO speed. One more test: keeping all variables the same except for the lighting. I want to prove that noise is directly proportional to the amount of light. I have a lamp which has a dimmer. I used a Pentax Digital spotmeter to give me objective information. All the Iron Butterfly shots were done at ISO 20,000. You can see that there is more noise at lower light.

Bob's unofficial D3s ISO test

This is my music room. Yeah, yeah- you can tell I am a big Rolling Sto ...

Updated: Feb 28, 2010 2:27pm PST

Elkhorn Slough Safari tour : Keeping my theme for retaining galleries specific for area and or tours. I realize there is redundancy where I have a sea otter or Elkhorn Slough galleries but I want to show you what to expect if you were to take this tour near Moss Landing. I was quite pleased with the tour. www.elkhornslough.com You will be on a pontoon boat so it was awkward to bring a 600mm/F4 lens. Plus, I also used a tripod which I needed to support the lens but the drawback is the vibration from the boat is being transferred directly to the lens. Another drawback for bringing a big lens is the tripod is attached to the side of the boat with a bungy cord. So, I was stuck on the left side of the boat. If there is "action" on the right side, I am out of luck. The close up shots were done by using a 600mm x 1.4 tele x 1.5 crop factor(D300)=1260mm

Elkhorn Slough Safari tour

Keeping my theme for retaining galleries specific for area and or tour ...

Updated: Feb 14, 2010 6:44pm PST

Seymour Marine Discovery Center : This is no Monterey Bay Aquarium but you have to place to yourself. The center is closer(to my house) and has a complete blue whale skeleton which is rare. I believe this is one of four known skeletons in the world.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

This is no Monterey Bay Aquarium but you have to place to yourself. Th ...

Updated: Mar 07, 2010 8:09pm PST

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