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

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Featured Galleries

Racetrack, Death Valley : I just completed a trip to Death Valley. The most popular theory for the rock movement is the wind pushing it when the surface is wet and slippery. My theory: a bunch of wise guys coming here at night and push these rocks around. By the way, nobody has ever seen these rocks move.(*******this is a joke picture; I am pretending to push that rock*****) click on this link for possible explanation of this phenomena: http://geology.com/articles/racetrack-playa-sliding-rocks.shtml The locals will tell you it is an all day mission. Do not show up early unless you are trying an early morning shot. I suggest you show up at the Racetrack around 2pm and scout around for the best rocks. Most of the rocks are located at the southern end of the playa. Remember: the playa is surrounded by mountains so even though the sunset is 7:30pm, lights out around 6:15pm. Thus, you do not get the warm lighting because of the mountains.

Racetrack, Death Valley

I just completed a trip to Death Valley. The most popular theory for t ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:35pm PST

Mittens Shadow shots : This happens twice a year

Mittens Shadow shots

This happens twice a year

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 9:08am PST

Wat'Chee Expedition : A Mother Polar bear with her triplets. This place used to be a secret among wildlife photographers but not any more. I had to ask how the Chinese photographers heard about this place. The response is: word of mouth. And China is located on the other side of the planet. This particular trip is high risk because there is no guarantee that you will see bears. I had nine possible shooting days and got bear sightings for three days.(2 days bad weather and 4 days of nothing) I was very lucky. Remember: Wat'Chee provides you the opportunity to shoot the babies. Most of my shots were done at ISO 200 but did have to go up 6,400 in order to keep my shutter speed up. Some of the early shots were done in the shade(blue light) and high ISO. I do not own a drop in warming filter for the 600mm so I had to tweak the color in Lightroom. Wat'Chee is located about 40 miles south of Churchill, Manitoba. You have to take the VIA Rail and get off at Chesnaye which is a spot where the train stops. There is nothing there that would indicate it is an official train stop. From there, you ride in a modified vans and travel about 7 miles to the lodge. March 9th- The mother was just teasing us by peeking out of the den or sticking her nose up in the air. 10th- bad weather. March 11th- the Mother was comfortable so she came out of the den and eventually her cubs. the 12th- bad weather. March 13th, Mother and cubs already left their den. www.watchee.com Of note: these bears of Hudson Bay are going to be the first to die off due to climate change which is shortening their feeding season. The Mother bears must have enough fat reserves to provide nourishment for the cubs and for herself while she goes without food for about eight months. If you want to help these bears one way or another: Here is a link:http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/about-us

Wat'Chee Expedition

A Mother Polar bear with her triplets. This place used to be a secret ...

Updated: Apr 11, 2012 5:12pm 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

Your Bio

I am a hospital pharmacist and a photographer. That is why rxphotos/rxphotographer came about. I 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-D4, 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.

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

If you are considering a Polar/Brown bear (or other wildlife) trip, please contact Jenny E Ross. http://www.jennyross.com I highly recommend her.

And finally, contact Galapagos Travel ( http://galapagostravel.com/ ) if you are thinking of the Galapagos, Antarctica or Easter Island.

My images are not for sale. But, I will change my mind soon.






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! May a thousand fleas infest your armpits!

Galleries

Racetrack, Death Valley : I just completed a trip to Death Valley. The most popular theory for the rock movement is the wind pushing it when the surface is wet and slippery. My theory: a bunch of wise guys coming here at night and push these rocks around. By the way, nobody has ever seen these rocks move.(*******this is a joke picture; I am pretending to push that rock*****) click on this link for possible explanation of this phenomena: http://geology.com/articles/racetrack-playa-sliding-rocks.shtml The locals will tell you it is an all day mission. Do not show up early unless you are trying an early morning shot. I suggest you show up at the Racetrack around 2pm and scout around for the best rocks. Most of the rocks are located at the southern end of the playa. Remember: the playa is surrounded by mountains so even though the sunset is 7:30pm, lights out around 6:15pm. Thus, you do not get the warm lighting because of the mountains.

Racetrack, Death Valley

I just completed a trip to Death Valley. The most popular theory for t ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:35pm PST

Trona Pinnacles : Not a photogenic place but is it odd one so I made a detour to see this place.

Trona Pinnacles

Not a photogenic place but is it odd one so I made a detour to see thi ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 6:47pm PST

Darwin Falls, Death Valley : Believe it or not: there is a waterfall in Death Valley.

Darwin Falls, Death Valley

Believe it or not: there is a waterfall in Death Valley.

Updated: May 02, 2013 6:52pm PST

Devil's Cornfield, Death Valley : Not too exciting place but no hiking involved. Just park your vehicle and take your shot

Devil's Cornfield, Death Valley

Not too exciting place but no hiking involved. Just park your vehicle ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 6:59pm PST

Mesquite flats Dunes, Death Valley : Very nice sand dunes located near Stovepipe Wells. Main problem is the footprints. One day, there was a wind (dust ) storm like etch a sketch which erased all the prints but once the wind stops. Everybody came out and started to climb the dunes. During the wind storm, I decided to drive out to another section of the park instead of waiting it out in the motel room. Best decision I made that day, it was windy at the other place but not dusty.

Mesquite flats Dunes, Death Valley

Very nice sand dunes located near Stovepipe Wells. Main problem is the ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 7:07pm PST

Charcoal Kilns, Death Valley : Back in 1879, Swiss engineers designed the kilns. The kilns were built by Chinese laborers. Each kiln can produced two thousand bushels of charcoal after burning pinyon logs for one week. Best part of this place is acoustic properties inside.

Charcoal Kilns, Death Valley

Back in 1879, Swiss engineers designed the kilns. The kilns were built ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 7:12pm PST

Aguereberry Point, Death Valley : not as famous as Dante's View and not as popular but it is worth the visit.

Aguereberry Point, Death Valley

not as famous as Dante's View and not as popular but it is worth the v ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 7:18pm PST

Death Valley Wildflowers : I guess it is better to have some flowers here and there than no flowers at all. With the lack of rain this year, not much blooming.

Death Valley Wildflowers

I guess it is better to have some flowers here and there than no flowe ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 7:24pm PST

Rhyolite, Nevada : I was disappointed since most of the buildings are fenced off.

Rhyolite, Nevada

I was disappointed since most of the buildings are fenced off.

Updated: May 02, 2013 7:27pm PST

Titus Canyon road, Death Valley : The road starts in Nevada and finishes in Death Valley. The initial part is washboard but once you start to climb up the mountain, it has to be one of the best drives in the park. You need a high clearance vehicle but not four wheel drive as I kept my Jeep in two wheel drive.

Titus Canyon road, Death Valley

The road starts in Nevada and finishes in Death Valley. The initial pa ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 7:33pm PST

Scotty's Castle : Be sure to bring a flash or if your camera has a built-in, use it. Some of the interior are very dark even you if crank up the ISO. If you are going to Racetrack, you can combine this, and Uhebehe crater to be more efficient use of your time and gas.

Scotty's Castle

Be sure to bring a flash or if your camera has a built-in, use it. Som ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 7:41pm PST

Ubehebe Crater, Death Valley : If you are on your way to Racetrack, you might as well visit this place. You can be lazy and shoot from the parking lot or you can hike up the rim of the crater to get better view.

Ubehebe Crater, Death Valley

If you are on your way to Racetrack, you might as well visit this plac ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 7:44pm PST

Eureka Mine, Death Valley :

Eureka Mine, Death Valley

Updated: May 02, 2013 7:47pm PST

Devil's Golf Course :

Devil's Golf Course

Updated: May 02, 2013 7:53pm PST

Badwater, Death Valley :

Badwater, Death Valley

Updated: May 02, 2013 7:55pm PST

Zabriske Point, Death Valley : I was the first person to show up here. I guess I woke up too early for this shoot.

Zabriske Point, Death Valley

I was the first person to show up here. I guess I woke up too early fo ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:00pm PST

Mushroom Rock, Death Valley : I do not think anybody else knows about this rock or they know about it but did not care to take a picture of it. The rock is located almost right next to Badwater road so there is no hiking involved.

Mushroom Rock, Death Valley

I do not think anybody else knows about this rock or they know about i ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:02pm PST

Harmony Borax Works :

Harmony Borax Works

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:05pm PST

Mustard Canyon, Death Valley : I would call this place Mustard hills rather than a canyon.

Mustard Canyon, Death Valley

I would call this place Mustard hills rather than a canyon.

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:08pm PST

Mosaic Canyon, Death Valley : I do not recommend this hike at all. It was hot and the place was not photogenic in my opinion.

Mosaic Canyon, Death Valley

I do not recommend this hike at all. It was hot and the place was not ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:11pm PST

Dante's View, Death Valley : well, I was the second person to show up at five. The other person came at 4:30am. Sunrise was 6:07am. It was about a 30min drive from Furnace Creek Inn .

Dante's View, Death Valley

well, I was the second person to show up at five. The other person cam ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:13pm PST

Ashford Mill, Death Valley :

Ashford Mill, Death Valley

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:15pm PST

Jet Low Pass , Death Valley : I spotted the F/A-18 Super Hornet flying high. I kept on eye on the plane. I said to myself- "No, he is not going to do it; no, he is not going to do it." The plane dived down and leveled with the ground and it accelerated . He is going to buzz us as I ran to my Jeep to grab my telephoto lens. The jet was going to fast for me to ready my camera ready to shoot since the camera was set up for landscape photography. there was a good size group from New Zealand who were totally shocked by the low pass by the SOB. The pilot buzzed us. After the first pass, jet swung around and made another pass but a bit higher. This time I was ready and got my shot.

Jet Low Pass , Death Valley

I spotted the F/A-18 Super Hornet flying high. I kept on eye on the pl ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:17pm PST

Plain Hot, Death Valley : Too hot for me. Next time, if I were to come back, I would do it in late March or early April. Late April is too hot travel around. Superman has his Kriptonite. for me, it is the heat which weakens me.

Plain Hot, Death Valley

Too hot for me. Next time, if I were to come back, I would do it in la ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:19pm PST

TeaKettle Junction : A pleasant sight to see; knowing that I am getting closer to Racetrack. If I come back, I need to bring something here to hang.

TeaKettle Junction

A pleasant sight to see; knowing that I am getting closer to Racetrack ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:29pm PST

West Side Road, Death Valley : It is less traveled because the road is not paved and the scenery is quite boring except for the first seven miles on the north side.

West Side Road, Death Valley

It is less traveled because the road is not paved and the scenery is q ...

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:21pm PST

Humanitarian Mission to Cuba : As you know, American citizens are not allowed to do business, tourism, etc due to the Embargo dating back to 1960. In 1963, the Kennedy administration prohibited travel to Cuba. Some people have bypassed this by sneaking over from Mexico or Canada but will suffer consequences if they caught. In my case, I was able to get general license for travel into Cuba by providing Humanitarian Aid( over the counter medicines ) to a church in Havana. The license was granted by US Department of Commerce and US Treasury Department. How do I like this trip? Well, I would go back one more time. There is no such thing as the Way Back Machine(Peabody and Sherman), the Time Tunnel or the the DeLorean with the Flux capacitor. But, this trip is closest you can get terms of going back in time. The Cuban people are very friendly. The streets are safe to walk. I can say this because what I did in Cuba cannot be done in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile. I had two cameras hanging over my shoulders and nobody bothered me about my gear( except for the Custom agents at the airport but that is another story). Feel free to go through my galleries and see what I saw during this trip.

Humanitarian Mission to Cuba

As you know, American citizens are not allowed to do business, tourism ...

Updated: Apr 08, 2013 4:30pm PST

Cuba's dual currency : Cuba has two currencies: one for its own people(Cuban pesos) and one for foreigners to spend( Cuban convertible pesos or CUC). For US citizens, our dollars and credit cards are not excepted so you have to convert dollars to CUC which is one to one but you get charged a tax of 13-15% so it is not really one to one. One CUC is equal to 28 Cuban pesos.

Cuba's dual currency

Cuba has two currencies: one for its own people(Cuban pesos) and one f ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 7:04am PST

Jose Marti International Airport, Terminal 2, Cuba : This place caters to US flights only. When I stepped off the plane, I turned to someone and said, I am actually standing on Cuba. It was an odd feeling. Then, I had to deal with the Custom agent who did not like my camera gear. unlike Peru incident, my tour leader came to the rescue and I was able to continue with my trip. the airport is named after Jose Marti- a Cuban national hero. He was born Jan 28, 1853 and was killed on May 19th, 1895. Marti was a prolific writer and was exiled to a number of countries including Spain and the US. Marti supported for Cuban independence. At the Battle of Dos Rios, the Spanish troops killed Jose Marti. One of his poems was adapted to a folk song and became a song called, "Guantanamera." Pete Seeger did a nice version of this tune but I really like the Sandpipers' version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm1anurhbeg

Jose Marti International Airport, Terminal 2, Cuba

This place caters to US flights only. When I stepped off the plane, I ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 7:11am PST

Las Terrazas, Cuba :

Las Terrazas, Cuba

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 7:58am PST

Vinales Valley, Cuba : This is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like China, this areas has limestone outcroppings but not as good( as China) but it is a lot closer to US. The fertile soil supports many crops including tobacco. Plus, there are many caves in this area.

Vinales Valley, Cuba

This is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like China, this area ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 8:20am PST

Finca Paraiso tobacco farm, Vinales, Cuba : Earlier in the trip, we did visit a cigar factory but were not allowed to take photographs so this side trip made up for that. The farmer made a cigar from scratch. Once, a farmer met the quota from the government. He can sell on his own and make profits.

Finca Paraiso tobacco farm, Vinales, Cuba

Earlier in the trip, we did visit a cigar factory but were not allowed ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 8:46am PST

Indian Caves at the Murals, Cuba : Vinalles valley has a a lot of caves and this is one of them. I do not own a flash so I had to increase the ISO speeds. Some of the shots were done at ISO 51,200( not a misprint!). I guess I need to invest into one.

Indian Caves at the Murals, Cuba

Vinalles valley has a a lot of caves and this is one of them. I do not ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 9:01am PST

Hotel La Ermita, Terrazas, Cuba : This place has great views of the valley. But, my room was stinky and I had lukewarm water for showering. There are two explanations as to why the strange coloration: White balance and reciprocity failure. Well, in plain English: White balance has to do with light temperature which is expressed in Kelvin. So, direct sunlight is 5,200K and sodium vapor lamps are around 2,700K . For the life of me, I could not dial in on the right temperature of those lamps which leads into the other problem. Color distortion due to reciprocity failure is the main reason why the photos are the way they are. These are twenty second exposures.

Hotel La Ermita, Terrazas, Cuba

This place has great views of the valley. But, my room was stinky and ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 9:08am PST

Jardin Botanico Orquideario de Soria, Cienfuegos, Cuba : A very nice place to do flower photography.

Jardin Botanico Orquideario de Soria, Cienfuegos, Cuba

A very nice place to do flower photography.

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 9:19am PST

Shrine of the Virgin of Regla :

Shrine of the Virgin of Regla

Updated: Nov 19, 2012 5:21pm PST

El Morro Fortress, La Habana, Cuba : The fortress was built in 1589 by the Spaniards who were in control at the time and protected the mouth of the harbor by having a chain strung out across the water.

El Morro Fortress, La Habana, Cuba

The fortress was built in 1589 by the Spaniards who were in control at ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 9:39am PST

Ernest Hemingway Residence : This is my first time visiting a famous writer's home- of all places- Cuba His house is called Finca La Vigia which means 'lookout house.' This place is located in San Francisco de Paula. Hemingway payed $12,500 for the house in 1940. When he died, the government took over the house.

Ernest Hemingway Residence

This is my first time visiting a famous writer's home- of all places- ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 9:50am PST

Cienfuegos, Cuba : literally means one hundred fires. I was going to ask the guide the guide why but I did not get around to it. The city is located about 160 miles from Havana and is on the south side of the island. This was my first time to see the Caribbean Sea.

Cienfuegos, Cuba

literally means one hundred fires. I was going to ask the guide the gu ...

Updated: Nov 20, 2012 9:51pm PST

Cantores de Cienfuegos, Cuba : Wow- what a surprise! I thought we were going to listen to bunch of kids singing but instead a very professional, polished choir. The leader used a tuning fork to synch her voice.

Cantores de Cienfuegos, Cuba

Wow- what a surprise! I thought we were going to listen to bunch of ki ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 10:22am PST

La Habana, Cuba : most of the shots were done in La Habana Vieja ( old Havana) where our hotel was located.

La Habana, Cuba

most of the shots were done in La Habana Vieja ( old Havana) where our ...

Updated: Nov 19, 2012 7:06pm PST

Fuster's artist studio, Cuba : I never heard of this guy before. You have to see this house; Most of the pictures are around the house and others are from the surrounding neighbors.

Fuster's artist studio, Cuba

I never heard of this guy before. You have to see this house; Most of ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 11:08am PST

Farmer's market, La Habana, Cuba : this was interesting to see. The market is much smaller that than the one I saw in China plus I was not grossed out by the sight of the meats. In China, I nearly threw up upon the sight of their meats.

Farmer's market, La Habana, Cuba

this was interesting to see. The market is much smaller that than the ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 11:15am PST

Cuban Guide- Yaritza Barroso : I think she did a great job being our guide throughout the trip.

Cuban Guide- Yaritza Barroso

I think she did a great job being our guide throughout the trip.

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 11:18am PST

drug store in La Habana : I visited two pharmacies in Havana. No such thing as over the counter; everything is behind the counter or behind the glass.

drug store in La Habana

I visited two pharmacies in Havana. No such thing as over the counter; ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 10:55am PST

Havana's famous Hotels :

Havana's famous Hotels

Updated: Nov 17, 2012 1:58pm PST

Cojimar, Cuba : a little fishing village

Cojimar, Cuba

a little fishing village

Updated: Nov 19, 2012 5:24pm PST

Salinas Air Show :

Salinas Air Show

Updated: Sep 27, 2012 11:03am PST

Mittens Shadow shots : This happens twice a year

Mittens Shadow shots

This happens twice a year

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 9:08am PST

Upper Antelope Canyon : Unfortunately, this place is a zoo. The Navajos are packing people in as much as possible. There are yelling, bumping, etc.

Upper Antelope Canyon

Unfortunately, this place is a zoo. The Navajos are packing people in ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 1:34pm PST

Stud Horse Point : located west of Page; no hiking involved

Stud Horse Point

located west of Page; no hiking involved

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 10:42am PST

Owl slot canyon : located near Upper Antelope canyon; There are two Great Horned Owls in here

Owl slot canyon

located near Upper Antelope canyon; There are two Great Horned Owls in ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 9:24am PST

Glen Canyon Dam : if you some time, try the dam tour. Or if you are caught in a major rain storm, this is the only place in Page where you can go sightseeing and stay dry.

Glen Canyon Dam

if you some time, try the dam tour. Or if you are caught in a major ra ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 9:57am PST

Wahweap hoodoos : I woke up at 2:15am in order to get to the trail head by 3:30am. All, I had is a head lamp but I could not see beyond the light beam. In other words, I got lost. I spent about one and half hours going in a circle since I ended up at the parking lot. I was really bummed out-I could have slept in. Anyway, the Sun was coming up so I was able to see more. I will attempt this again since this is a early morning shot. There are two ways of getting there. The short-cut is no longer available due to BLM's policies(you can try to trespass). So, the only route is the long one from Big Water.

Wahweap hoodoos

I woke up at 2:15am in order to get to the trail head by 3:30am. All, ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 11:17am PST

Devils Garden Escalante : highly recommended place; the only complaint I have is that this area is a major airline corridor (just like Yosemite) so you get con-trails.

Devils Garden Escalante

highly recommended place; the only complaint I have is that this area ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 11:31am PST

Spooky slot canyon : I am not impressed with this place unless I went into the wrong canyon? apparently, I did miss the entrance so I will try again.

Spooky slot canyon

I am not impressed with this place unless I went into the wrong canyon ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 11:35am PST

Peek-A-Boo slot canyon : Highly recommended but it is hard to get in. You have to climb up a ten foot wall. There are foot holds so getting up to the first ledge is easy but getting up to the final ledge is the hardest part. A local photographer told me to try enter the slot from the top. Yes, it is easier but you will encounter an extremely narrow section. I did not try yo get through. If I try again, I will bring a some rope and enter the slot in the middle section. It is quite open and it is almost possible to walk in. By tying a rope to a tree, I can rappel in bypassing the wall and the narrow section.

Peek-A-Boo slot canyon

Highly recommended but it is hard to get in. You have to climb up a te ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 11:43am PST

password protected gallery

How to find Stud Horse Point

email me for the password; I am trying to restrict to serious photogra ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 12:08pm PST

Escalante Petrified Forest : if you have been to the petrified forest in Arizona, do not come here

Escalante Petrified Forest

if you have been to the petrified forest in Arizona, do not come here

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 12:14pm PST

Valley of Fire : nice place to visit near Las Vegas but is it very hot.

Valley of Fire

nice place to visit near Las Vegas but is it very hot.

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 12:52pm PST

Rattlesnake slot canyon : Another slot near Upper Antelope; I was in this canyon until we had to get out due to a flash floods(it was from another canyon but nevertheless we had to get out) And, there are rattlesnakes- the small kind but I personally did not see them.

Rattlesnake slot canyon

Another slot near Upper Antelope; I was in this canyon until we had to ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 1:07pm PST

Smokey Mountain Road Pictograph :

Smokey Mountain Road Pictograph

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 1:38pm PST

Lower Calf Creek Falls : highly recommended hike

Lower Calf Creek Falls

highly recommended hike

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 9:17am PST

Juno Ballistic Missile : I was about to shoot the sunrise at Monument Valley. It was cold so I decided to take a walk away from my camera.As I turned around, I saw something climbing up the sky at extremely fast rate. I ran back to the camera and shot these pictures. Juno Ballistic Missile from Fort Wingate, New Mexico. Our military was testing out the advanced Patriot Missile from White Sands.(When the contrail freezes, those little ice crystals act like prisms to reflect sunlight and that is what you are seeing)

Juno Ballistic Missile

I was about to shoot the sunrise at Monument Valley. It was cold so I ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 9:04am PST

Wat'Chee Expedition : A Mother Polar bear with her triplets. This place used to be a secret among wildlife photographers but not any more. I had to ask how the Chinese photographers heard about this place. The response is: word of mouth. And China is located on the other side of the planet. This particular trip is high risk because there is no guarantee that you will see bears. I had nine possible shooting days and got bear sightings for three days.(2 days bad weather and 4 days of nothing) I was very lucky. Remember: Wat'Chee provides you the opportunity to shoot the babies. Most of my shots were done at ISO 200 but did have to go up 6,400 in order to keep my shutter speed up. Some of the early shots were done in the shade(blue light) and high ISO. I do not own a drop in warming filter for the 600mm so I had to tweak the color in Lightroom. Wat'Chee is located about 40 miles south of Churchill, Manitoba. You have to take the VIA Rail and get off at Chesnaye which is a spot where the train stops. There is nothing there that would indicate it is an official train stop. From there, you ride in a modified vans and travel about 7 miles to the lodge. March 9th- The mother was just teasing us by peeking out of the den or sticking her nose up in the air. 10th- bad weather. March 11th- the Mother was comfortable so she came out of the den and eventually her cubs. the 12th- bad weather. March 13th, Mother and cubs already left their den. www.watchee.com Of note: these bears of Hudson Bay are going to be the first to die off due to climate change which is shortening their feeding season. The Mother bears must have enough fat reserves to provide nourishment for the cubs and for herself while she goes without food for about eight months. If you want to help these bears one way or another: Here is a link:http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/about-us

Wat'Chee Expedition

A Mother Polar bear with her triplets. This place used to be a secret ...

Updated: Apr 11, 2012 5:12pm PST

Aurora borealis : This is caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. I just happened to be here on the eleven years cycle with solar flares on the Sun.

Aurora borealis

This is caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with at ...

Updated: Mar 23, 2012 4:46pm PST

White-out : When the wind kicks up, it is harsh conditions. No bear shooting on this day.

White-out

When the wind kicks up, it is harsh conditions. No bear shooting on th ...

Updated: Mar 25, 2012 1:49pm PST

Polar bear den : Mother and babies had abandon their den. We all took turns going inside. It was an amazing feeling to know that those triplets were born here..

Polar bear den

Mother and babies had abandon their den. We all took turns going insid ...

Updated: Mar 24, 2012 12:38pm PST

Wat'Chee Lodge : Wat'Chee means:a hill covered with trees in the middle of the tundra(Cree language). The building is a former naval base but now serves as a base camp for photographing Mother and baby Polar bears as it sits near the denning areas. There is no running water but other than that it is quite tolerable place to stay. The food is excellent. This is not the Hilton but considering the logistics of bring in food/water/etc; it is a very warm place to stay. These are casual shots- I made no effort in terms of composition. I just want to convey what to expect if you are considering coming.

Wat'Chee Lodge

Wat'Chee means:a hill covered with trees in the middle of the tundra(C ...

Updated: Mar 23, 2012 5:17pm PST

Miscellaneous shots from Wat'Chee :

Miscellaneous shots from Wat'Chee

Updated: Mar 24, 2012 5:01pm PST

Churchill, Manitoba : This is a small town which has about a population of 1000. Michael Spence who is the co-owner of Wat'Chee expeditions is also the mayor of this town.

Churchill, Manitoba

This is a small town which has about a population of 1000. Michael Spe ...

Updated: Mar 23, 2012 5:52pm PST

Eskimo Musuem : I was just a tourist here. I had some time to kill in Churchill.

Eskimo Musuem

I was just a tourist here. I had some time to kill in Churchill.

Updated: Mar 23, 2012 5:45pm PST

MotoGP : MotoGP at Laguna Seca: I always have a good time shooting out here where your subjects are going very fast. Since I do not have a press pass, I have to shoot from the fences. My favorite spot is Turn 9(Rainey's curve). A nice place to shoot is the Corkscrew where you are standing above the fence line and you are in the shade to stay cool. Turn 6 is similar Turn 9 but the distance is further away. Another spot, I like to shoot but it is difficult is Turn 11. You are in the sun but you get some unique shots as the riders brake hard into the apex. Riders of both MotoGP and AMA are mixed up but you should be able to tell them apart. Plus, over the years, the riders have changed teams so if you follow MotoGP closely, you should be able to tell which photos are older vs newer. **********Marco Simoncelli #58 R.I.P.***********

MotoGP

MotoGP at Laguna Seca: I always have a good time shooting out here whe ...

Updated: Aug 13, 2012 12:09pm PST

Dancing with the Masai :

Dancing with the Masai

Tanzania-Serengeti Day 1 : This is my second trip Africa. Back in 2008, I went to Zambia and Botswana. This time, I went over to Tanzania to visit the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater. I felt that my 200-400mm was not enough in Botswana so I made up my mind to bring the "Big Kahuna"-600mm/f4. It was the best decision I made for this trip. I used the 1.4 teleconverter on the 600mm at all times(840mm). I decided to display the images on a daily basis so you can get a good idea what I saw each day. Mindful, I did not take pictures of all the animals that I have encountered. I will try to identify all species. If I have no idea what it is, you will see a question mark. I have a lot of trouble identifying birds. I only have a book on Birds of Southern Africa which does not help much when I am dealing with birds in Eastern Africa.

Tanzania-Serengeti Day 1

This is my second trip Africa. Back in 2008, I went to Zambia and Bot ...

Updated: Mar 08, 2011 1:03pm PST

Tanzania-Serengeti Day 2 : The long awaited Hot Air balloon ride. Once we were up in the air, I told the story about the three Dutch tourist who died in China when there was a gas leak and set the balloon fire. They died in that disaster in 2009. I think the people around me wanted to kill me for saying that . Overall, it was very nice flight. I was after a certain abstract shot involving zebras but could not do it because- no zebras!

Tanzania-Serengeti Day 2

The long awaited Hot Air balloon ride. Once we were up in the air, I t ...

Updated: Mar 08, 2011 3:18pm PST

Tanzania-Serengeti Day 3 :

Tanzania-Serengeti Day 3

Updated: Mar 08, 2011 3:23pm PST

Tanzania-Ndutu Day 4 : This is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation area and belongs to the greater Serengeti ecosystem.

Tanzania-Ndutu Day 4

This is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation area and belongs to the gr ...

Updated: Mar 07, 2011 4:37pm PST

Tanzania-Ndutu Day 5 :

Tanzania-Ndutu Day 5

Updated: Mar 07, 2011 5:18pm PST

Tanzania-Ndutu Day 6 :

Tanzania-Ndutu Day 6

Updated: Mar 07, 2011 8:02pm PST

Tanzania-Ngorongoro Day 7 :

Tanzania-Ngorongoro Day 7

Updated: Mar 30, 2011 7:05pm PST

Tanzania-Ngorongoro Day 8 :

Tanzania-Ngorongoro Day 8

Updated: Mar 08, 2011 5:19am PST

Tanzania-Ngorongoro Day 9 : I got really sick on this day. I just had enough energy to do the morning safari but I had to be in bed in the afternoon. The three cubs provided great entertainment. They played and played. Overall, what a great trip!

Tanzania-Ngorongoro Day 9

I got really sick on this day. I just had enough energy to do the morn ...

Updated: Mar 08, 2011 5:45am PST

snapshots of Tanzania : I was shooting from inside the Rover so I had to deal with sun visors, dashboard and glare. I made no attempts to clean up the photos. They are shot as is. This is at the very end of the trip where we traveled from Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha. From there, we headed home.

snapshots of Tanzania

I was shooting from inside the Rover so I had to deal with sun visors, ...

Updated: Apr 02, 2011 10:21am PST

Stanley Hotel- Room 217 : This is the place where Stephen King stayed in room 217 and was inspired to write the Shining. 217 is one of the haunted rooms at this famous, historic hotel. I, Bob "the daredevil" Higaki stayed one night in the same room. I did not see any ghosts but I did not sleep well.

Stanley Hotel- Room 217

This is the place where Stephen King stayed in room 217 and was inspir ...

Updated: Oct 11, 2010 4:32pm PST

Aspen : This is very nice, little town. Someone had their private fireworks show so I took pictures. There is a round- a- bout just outside the town which gave me fits because I am not used to it. In fact, it is my first time using the round-a -bout.

Aspen

This is very nice, little town. Someone had their private fireworks sh ...

Updated: Oct 11, 2010 1:17pm PST

Maroon Bells, CO : What a magical spot! You have to get there early so you can drive in your vehicle and get a decent spot for your tripod.

Maroon Bells, CO

What a magical spot! You have to get there early so you can drive in y ...

Updated: Oct 11, 2010 2:20pm PST

Ashcroft ghost town, CO : A nice, little ghost town- worth the short drive over but you have to use that dreaded round-a-bout outside of Aspen.

Ashcroft ghost town, CO

A nice, little ghost town- worth the short drive over but you have to ...

Updated: Oct 11, 2010 1:05pm PST

Kebler and Ohio Passes, CO : What a spectacular drive!!!!! Ran into a herd of sheep at the beginning of the drive. If you are in Colorado in late September, this is the place to be

Kebler and Ohio Passes, CO

What a spectacular drive!!!!! Ran into a herd of sheep at the beginnin ...

Updated: Oct 11, 2010 3:08pm PST

Mesa Arch, CO : Well worth the early wake up call for this shot. Take note: it takes about one hour drive/hike from Moab to the arch. I recommend you show up on a weekday vs weekend. I heard that on Sunday morning at 5am the place was packed with photographers. I showed up on Monday at 5:45am and there were plenty of spaces to pick from to set up the tripod.

Mesa Arch, CO

Well worth the early wake up call for this shot. Take note: it takes a ...

Updated: Oct 11, 2010 2:24pm PST

Deadhorse State Park :

Deadhorse State Park

Updated: Oct 11, 2010 12:48pm PST

Moab Petroglyphs :

Moab Petroglyphs

Updated: Oct 11, 2010 2:31pm PST

Wilson's Arch : Nice arch south of Moab- easy access from the highway. Not as famous as Mesa Arch but it has the similar orange glow on its underside.

Wilson's Arch

Nice arch south of Moab- easy access from the highway. Not as famous a ...

Updated: Oct 11, 2010 4:16pm PST

The Needles- Canyonland :

The Needles- Canyonland

Updated: Oct 11, 2010 2:58pm PST

Newspaper Rock- petroglyphs :

Newspaper Rock- petroglyphs

Updated: Oct 11, 2010 3:19pm PST

Mexican Hat, Utah :

Mexican Hat, Utah

Updated: Oct 07, 2012 8:27pm PST

The View- the hotel : As you can see why they call this the View. Kind of pricey but you pay for the location. The only reasonable alternative is Gouldings which is exactly ten minutes away.The hotel is still fairly new so it is in very good shape. The rooms are clean and nice.

The View- the hotel

As you can see why they call this the View. Kind of pricey but you pay ...

Updated: Oct 11, 2010 4:22pm PST

Navajo National Monument : do not bother to come here unless you have time to kill.

Navajo National Monument

do not bother to come here unless you have time to kill.

Updated: Oct 11, 2010 2:47pm PST

South Coyote Buttes, AZ : You need a BLM permit for this place. Woke up around 3am in order to get ready for 3:30am pick up in Page. Pictures #10 to 14 were done right at sunrise. I have been here twice so far.

South Coyote Buttes, AZ

You need a BLM permit for this place. Woke up around 3am in order to g ...

Updated: Feb 11, 2012 4:07pm PST

Lake Powell, UT&AZ :

Lake Powell, UT&AZ

Updated: Feb 11, 2012 3:56pm PST

Oslo, Norway : This is a very nice city with very interesting architecture. My sincere thanks to Dr. Jon Langeland who gave me tour of the Kon-Tiki, Viking ship, Fram, and Edvard Munch paintings(Madonna and the Scream) after the Svalbard trip. And, he is a great room mate during the trip. If you are in Norway and you have a skin problem,need tattoo removal or even getting rid of those 'love handles' see Jon- he is a dermatologist and he does it all.

Oslo, Norway

This is a very nice city with very interesting architecture. My si ...

Updated: Jul 29, 2010 5:51pm PST

Rost, Norway : pronounced- Rust! this is a very remote place. Unfortunately, the only boat tour operator lost his license about one or two weeks before I arrived. I had to hire a fisherman to take me out to the other islands but he told me he hates doing bird tours. At least , he was honest. I managed to see the Atlantic Puffin( Puffinus puffinus ) I hired a local bird expert( Steven Baines) who is an Englishman but is a citizen of Norway. He convinced me in less than two hours that there is not much to see on this tiny island. Talk about small- I walked from one end of the island to the other in 1.5 hours while taking pictures. So, I had to look around real hard to find subjects to photograph.

Rost, Norway

pronounced- Rust! this is a very remote place. Unfortunately, the only ...

Updated: Dec 16, 2010 11:09pm PST

Bodo, Norway : pronounced- buddha; this place has a really nice air museum. If you go, try out the F-16 flight simulator. it is pretty coo ride.

Bodo, Norway

pronounced- buddha; this place has a really nice air museum. If you go ...

Updated: Jul 29, 2010 8:29pm PST

Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway : this is where you fly in from Oslo, Tromso, etc.. This place is a village- very small. But, this is the staging area for cruising around the islands. I have been to Churchill but honestly, I have to say viewing Polar bears in Svalbard is at least hundred times better. The only catch is that you are not guaranteed to see bears since you are out in the wild. Where as in Churchill, the Polar bears show up to wait for the ice bridge to form. On this particular trip, I was very lucky to have seen 31 Polar bears. The company I used is called Oceanwide Expeditions which is a good company. Galapagos Travel ( www.galapagostravel.com ) is another excellent company which offers similar tours. The only reason why I did not use Galapagos Travel because they did not offer this tour when I wanted to go.

Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

this is where you fly in from Oslo, Tromso, etc.. This place is a vill ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2010 3:37pm PST

Blomstrandhalvoya, Svalbard : Site of an old mining camp; I did to get see some Reindeer

Blomstrandhalvoya, Svalbard

Site of an old mining camp; I did to get see some Reindeer

Updated: Aug 15, 2010 3:34pm PST

Ny Alesund, Svalbard : The northern most permanent settlement of the world which is an international science village.

Ny Alesund, Svalbard

The northern most permanent settlement of the world which is an intern ...

Updated: Jul 30, 2010 4:18pm PST

Buchananhalvoya, Svalbard : Buchananhalvoya is located between Chauveaubreen and Raudfjordbreen.( if that means anything to you)

Buchananhalvoya, Svalbard

Buchananhalvoya is located between Chauveaubreen and Raudfjordbreen.( ...

Updated: Jul 30, 2010 7:18pm PST

Fuglesangen, Svalbard : This was a tough hike because you had to climb over boulders in order to gain access the the Auk colony

Fuglesangen, Svalbard

This was a tough hike because you had to climb over boulders in order ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2010 3:37pm PST

Holmiabukta, Svalbard : Our guides knew about a dead whales carcass in this area so we headed over to see if there are any Polar bears. Our very first sighting- sleeping bear- the first of 31 bears.

Holmiabukta, Svalbard

Our guides knew about a dead whales carcass in this area so we headed ...

Updated: Jul 30, 2010 7:42pm PST

Phippsoya, Svalbard : the northernmost Svalbard- 80 degrees

Phippsoya, Svalbard

the northernmost Svalbard- 80 degrees

Updated: Aug 15, 2010 3:40pm PST

First ice floes-first bear kill : In order to see Polar bears, you to get into the ice floes. They are not called Ice bears for nothing. Polar Bear: Ursus maritimus

First ice floes-first bear kill

In order to see Polar bears, you to get into the ice floes. They are n ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2010 7:13pm PST

Lagoya, Svalbard : I am the Walrus: remember that tune??? This happens to be the only encounter with the Walruses. There suppose to be another site but it was canceled because of a Polar bear. Walrus: Odobenus rosmarus Plus, remember Chumley from Tennessee Tuxedo??? He was a one of a kind South Pole Walrus; that is how he was paired up with a penguin. learn something new every day!

Lagoya, Svalbard

I am the Walrus: remember that tune??? This happens to be the only enc ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2010 3:42pm PST

Russoya, Svalbard : One word can describe this place: rocks;;; this is an example of a polar desert.

Russoya, Svalbard

One word can describe this place: rocks;;; this is an example of a pol ...

Updated: Jul 31, 2010 1:42pm PST

Alkefjellet(Hinlopentretet) : I have never witness so many birds. I was getting a little nauseated from the smell but to add insult to injury- we were being "bombed" by the birds above. These birds are Brunnich's guillemots.

Alkefjellet(Hinlopentretet)

I have never witness so many birds. I was getting a little nauseated f ...

Updated: Dec 12, 2010 1:18pm PST

Second ice floe-Olgastretet, Svalbard : Warning: there are some very graphic and disturbing photos. The photographer(me) is not responsible for nausea/vomiting or nightmares. For those who have demented minds, you are already fast forwarding- enjoy! We are dealing with cannibalism.

Second ice floe-Olgastretet, Svalbard

Warning: there are some very graphic and disturbing photos. The photog ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2010 2:18pm PST

Rindedalen :

Rindedalen

Updated: Aug 15, 2010 3:49pm PST

Boltodden :

Boltodden

Updated: Aug 15, 2010 3:52pm PST

Bird shots off the bow : I had some free time to screw around.

Bird shots off the bow

I had some free time to screw around.

Updated: Jul 31, 2010 3:14pm PST

Gashamna, Svalbard : This is a site of a whaling station where the Bow whales were hunted down.

Gashamna, Svalbard

This is a site of a whaling station where the Bow whales were hunted d ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2010 3:52pm PST

Alpinistsletta, Svalbard : I did a hike up moraine where I was able to photograph the glacier.

Alpinistsletta, Svalbard

I did a hike up moraine where I was able to photograph the glacier.

Updated: Jul 31, 2010 4:06pm PST

Nathorstbreen(Van Keulenfjord) : A zodiac ride through the ice.

Nathorstbreen(Van Keulenfjord)

A zodiac ride through the ice.

Updated: Aug 15, 2010 2:33pm PST

Ingeborgfjellet(Bellsund) : After the Fox: remember that Peter Sellers film??? Barnacle geese were running down the hill because an arctic fox was chasing them. The fox caught two birds. Finally, I got a shot of an Arctic Fox. Even though, the pic is very small; it is better than nothing. I had a great chance to photograph foxes in Ny Alesund but I had my camera gear in my bag when two foxes came out from under a house. Arctic Fox- Alopex lagopus

Ingeborgfjellet(Bellsund)

After the Fox: remember that Peter Sellers film??? Barnacle geese wer ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2010 2:37pm PST

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 with a broken foot. 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: Aug 09, 2011 7:00pm 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

Botswana & Zambia : 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

Botswana & Zambia

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

Updated: Dec 17, 2010 11:19am 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 the gallery is getting so big, the Blue Angels, the Thunderbirds the Snowbirds, the F-117, B-2 Bomber, B-1 Bomber, B-52 Bomber and the Prandtl-Glauert Singularity(vapor clouds) have their own separate galleries.

Air shows

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

Updated: Oct 03, 2011 7:29pm PST

Polar bears of Churchill( 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 of Churchill( 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: Feb 11, 2012 3:13pm 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: Aug 13, 2011 3:19pm 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. ******Note: O'Neill Cold Water Classic 2010 pics are posted on 'New Materials for existing galleries *************

surfing, Santa Cruz CA

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

Updated: Nov 07, 2010 2:04pm 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."

Racing, Laguna Seca, Monterey CA

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

Updated: Jul 24, 2011 10:32pm 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. Having been to Africa twice, I have not gone back to a zoo since then.

At the zoo

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

Updated: Jun 19, 2011 5:45pm PST

Glacier National Park : Bighorn, mountain goats

Glacier National Park

Bighorn, mountain goats

Updated: Jun 14, 2010 4:35pm 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: May 17, 2012 6:35pm 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: Jul 01, 2012 10:16am PST

The Wave- Coyote Buttes North : The first time I went to this place I got lost and almost ran out of water. This location is somewhere near the Arizona-Utah border(really Arizona). You have to purchase a five dollar permit through BLM to enter this area. But, with the lottery, it is much harder to get a permit. Back in the old days, it was much easier. I am fortunate that I have been here three times. I would not mind going back one more time. This is such a groovy place- sorry for the bad pun. The photos with more red color had to do with white balance because those particular shots were done in the shade.(almost same effect as the shots you get in Antelope canyon)

The Wave- Coyote Buttes North

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

Updated: Feb 11, 2012 3:37pm 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.( it is number three)

Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California

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

Updated: Nov 14, 2010 9:57am 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 : 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. There is separate gallery for South Georgia and Elephant islands. 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

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

Updated: Jan 03, 2010 9:32pm PST

South Georgia Island : In my opinion, this is the best part of the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica trip in terms of wildlife.

South Georgia Island

In my opinion, this is the best part of the Falklands, South Georgia a ...

Updated: Feb 03, 2013 6:45am PST

Elephant Island : After going through a Force 10 storm, we arrived at Elephant Island with very calm weather. So calm, the trip leader decided to make a landing which was followed by a huge roar of the passengers. Elephant Island is part of the South Shetland Islands. This island was made famous by Ernest Shackleton and his crew. They came over after their ship, the Endurance was crushed. They made camp at Point Wild which is the exact same place where we made our landing. It was a special feeling knowing that these men were in here.

Elephant Island

After going through a Force 10 storm, we arrived at Elephant Island wi ...

Updated: Feb 03, 2013 6:47am 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: Jul 20, 2012 6:46pm 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: May 05, 2010 4:11pm PST

The Arches, 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, Moab Utah

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

Updated: Nov 07, 2010 1:45pm 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: Sep 26, 2012 12:58pm 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. Please to Hunt's Mesa for a different view of Monument Valley.

Monument Valley, AZ&Utah

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

Updated: Oct 07, 2012 8:26pm 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: Nov 07, 2010 2:01pm PST

Mono Lake, CA :

Mono Lake, CA

Updated: Jul 09, 2009 7:23pm PST

Bryce Canyon, Utah :

Bryce Canyon, Utah

Updated: Feb 11, 2012 3:32pm 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: Oct 07, 2012 8:28pm 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: Dec 11, 2011 9:10am 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: Jun 15, 2010 8:17am 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: Jan 15, 2013 5:11pm PST

Common Dolphins, Monterey Bay : I think these are common dolphins with one shot of an albatross and other sea birds

Common Dolphins, Monterey Bay

I think these are common dolphins with one shot of an albatross and ot ...

Updated: Jul 23, 2011 10:37pm 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 25, 2013 7:00pm PST

Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing CA :

Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing CA

Updated: Jun 11, 2012 9:30pm PST

Zion National Park, Utah :

Zion National Park, Utah

Updated: Oct 07, 2012 8:26pm 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: May 29, 2010 3:16pm 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. Remember: blue sky- blue water- reflections; gray sky - gray water. There are some bird shots which were part of the tour.

Blue whale( Balaenoptera masculus)

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

Updated: Jul 27, 2012 6:03pm 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: Sep 26, 2011 2:58pm PST

Antelope Valley, Lancaster CA : You need 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 flowers, you have to wait for the sun get up so the petals open up but when the sun is up ; the wind kicks in and the whole world (people) show up. This is classic Catch-22 situation. Addendum: I hit the poppies perfectly this year esp with all the rain we had. The reserve itself is OK. The place has it's amazing patches of poppies but also has its bald spots- like a man's head. The best places are actually just outside the reserve especially to the west.. Addendum: I went back again a week later; I saw the peak last week; Taking a closer look at the flower petals, they have started to decline. Note: first seven pictures are older- scanned(hint: click on photo info) Early morning shots- the petals are closed- no people. As for composition- not much at all, I am using color as brute force to get your attention. Try to come over about mid April. Call the recorded hot line: 661-724-1180 to get the latest information The California Poppy Eschscholtzia califonica; state flower

Antelope Valley, Lancaster CA

You need to have good timing to photograph this place. So far, I do n ...

Updated: Apr 25, 2010 4:37pm 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 14, 2012 10:00pm 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: Oct 11, 2010 12:41pm 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: May 03, 2010 11:47am 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 N.P.Island in the Sky, 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 N.P.Island in the Sky, Utah

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

Updated: Nov 07, 2010 1:47pm 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 06, 2010 2:21pm PST

Black Canyon of the Gunnison River, CO :

Black Canyon of the Gunnison River, CO

Updated: Jun 06, 2010 2:25pm PST

Ouray, 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, CO

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

Updated: Jun 11, 2010 2:38pm PST

Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah : 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, Utah

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: Feb 11, 2012 3:46pm 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: Feb 11, 2012 3:58pm 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: Jun 06, 2010 3:33pm 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: Jun 06, 2010 3:27pm 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 is 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 is a long range single seat fighter plane which was i ...

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: Jun 06, 2010 2:12pm 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: Oct 31, 2011 4:10pm 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: Jun 06, 2010 2:14pm 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: Jun 06, 2010 3:14pm PST

Big Sur : This is a must drive if you come to the central coast of California Four spins offs from this gallery: Rocky Ridge trail, Garrapata state park, Soberenos canyon and Soberenos Point.

Big Sur

This is a must drive if you come to the central coast of California F ...

Updated: Dec 17, 2011 4:49pm 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: May 04, 2010 6:53pm 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. (better known as Struve slough)

Wetlands of Watsonville

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

Updated: Jul 01, 2012 10:17am 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: Oct 03, 2011 7:14pm 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: May 03, 2010 12:44pm 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

Gorman Hills- wildflowers : Where is Gorman? I call it a spot on I-5 as you travel to(or from) Los Angeles over the mountains. The majority of people drive by unless there is a good wildflower display or they have to the restroom. For me, I pulled off the freeway to photographed the colorful hills.

Gorman Hills- wildflowers

Where is Gorman? I call it a spot on I-5 as you travel to(or from) Los ...

Updated: Apr 25, 2010 4:53pm PST

Arthur B Ripley Desert Woodland state park : This is a "hole in the wall' park which is located about seven miles west of the Antelope Poppy Reserve. I even drove past it because the sign and entrance is so inconspicuous. This place is OK to visit but to photograph is another question. trying to photograph is hard because it was hard to find good composition.

Arthur B Ripley Desert Woodland state park

This is a "hole in the wall' park which is located about seven miles ...

Updated: Apr 25, 2010 6:56pm PST

UCSC Arboretum : UCSC( University of California, Santa Cruz); They ask for a five dollar donation but for you "tight wads out there'- you can just walk in for free. I hope you feel guilty

UCSC Arboretum

UCSC( University of California, Santa Cruz); They ask for a five doll ...

Updated: Apr 30, 2010 4:30pm PST

Museum of Flight, Seattle WA :

Museum of Flight, Seattle WA

Updated: May 03, 2010 4:47pm PST

Columbia River Gorge, OR :

Columbia River Gorge, OR

Updated: May 03, 2010 10:03pm PST

Vancouver, BC : If you want to eat the best, authentic Chinese food, come to Vancouver which is much cheaper than going to China.

Vancouver, BC

If you want to eat the best, authentic Chinese food, come to Vancouver ...

Updated: May 03, 2010 1:25pm PST

Craters of the Moon, ID : I would not go out of your way to visit this place. I found this place to be very boring.

Craters of the Moon, ID

I would not go out of your way to visit this place. I found this place ...

Updated: May 04, 2010 7:07pm PST

Shoshone Falls, ID : This is near Twin Falls- the city.

Shoshone Falls, ID

This is near Twin Falls- the city.

Updated: May 03, 2010 5:09pm PST

Milagra Ridge, Pacifica CA : Watch out for ticks. I found one crawling on top of my head while driving on the highway. I calmly pulled off the road and killed the little bugger.

Milagra Ridge, Pacifica CA

Watch out for ticks. I found one crawling on top of my head while driv ...

Updated: May 04, 2010 4:04pm PST

LR3 lens correction extreme example : I used a 16mm fisheye lens. Using LR3's lens correction, I get the next picture( I do not bother to correct the horizon).

LR3 lens correction extreme example

I used a 16mm fisheye lens. Using LR3's lens correction, I get the ne ...

Updated: Jun 21, 2010 5:06pm PST

Jackson Hole, WY :

Jackson Hole, WY

Updated: May 05, 2010 3:49pm PST

Bondurant Race Car School : Based on the cars(& my looks), you can figure out that I did this back in the Nineties. I did two courses. The first one was the 2- day High Performance driving and the second one was the 4-day road racing course. I highly recommend anybody to take some type of driving lessons to make you a better, and safer driver.

Bondurant Race Car School

Based on the cars(& my looks), you can figure out that I did this back ...

Updated: May 26, 2010 5:04pm PST

Sequoia/King National Parks :

Sequoia/King National Parks

Updated: May 11, 2010 5:10pm PST

Bullwinkle and his pals- my paintings : I used my garage door as a giant canvas. I sold my townhouse years ago so I do not know if these paintings still exist or not. I did Snoopy, Calvin and John Lennon. The Bullwinkle show is still my favorite cartoon show.

Bullwinkle and his pals- my paintings

I used my garage door as a giant canvas. I sold my townhouse years ago ...

Updated: Jun 07, 2010 8:59am PST

Black Bear and Imogene Passes Jeep Tour :

Black Bear and Imogene Passes Jeep Tour

Updated: Jun 06, 2010 2:19pm PST

Moss Landing, CA : Some old shots- the water tank tower is longer there. And some newer shots.

Moss Landing, CA

Some old shots- the water tank tower is longer there. And some newer s ...

Updated: Apr 28, 2012 6:50pm PST

Big Sur Lighthouse, CA :

Big Sur Lighthouse, CA

Updated: Jun 03, 2010 3:56pm PST

Mendocino Botanical Gardens :

Mendocino Botanical Gardens

Updated: Jun 02, 2010 9:01pm PST

Ft Bragg, CA : Nice little town on the northern coast.

Ft Bragg, CA

Nice little town on the northern coast.

Updated: Jun 02, 2010 9:08pm PST

Crater Lake, OR : If you lucky with the weather, the place is great to visit. But, if it is overcast, it is like driving in tule fog. You can barely see the brakes lights of the car in front of you.

Crater Lake, OR

If you lucky with the weather, the place is great to visit. But, if it ...

Updated: Jun 03, 2010 4:12pm PST

Lassen Volcanic Nationa Park, CA : It is no Yellowstone but the place is much closer to home.

Lassen Volcanic Nationa Park, CA

It is no Yellowstone but the place is much closer to home.

Updated: Jun 03, 2010 6:41pm PST

Making of the 427 Cobra : I built this car from scratch. With a lot of help from Myron Chin and some from David Toriumi, I was able to complete this car. I do not recommend doing this- a lot of time and money must be devoted to this project. I did document this project from the very beginning but I think I have lost the negatives. Worst come to worst, I took a pictures from my photo album so you can see what I did.( picture of a picture= poor quality).

Making of the 427 Cobra

I built this car from scratch. With a lot of help from Myron Chin and ...

Updated: Feb 16, 2013 7:30pm PST

Loma Prieta Earthquake(1989) : We had a 6.9 earthquake in the central California. I found my negatives but they are in poor condition. I tried to clean them up as much as possible. I apologize for the quality of these shots- very early in my career. By the way, all these shots were in Watsonville.

Loma Prieta Earthquake(1989)

We had a 6.9 earthquake in the central California. I found my negative ...

Updated: Jun 03, 2010 6:53pm PST

Cement Ship, Capitola CA : The ship is called the Palo Alto which was built for WWl but never saw action. Someone bought the ship and used it as a dance hall until the Great Depression stopped all that.

Cement Ship, Capitola CA

The ship is called the Palo Alto which was built for WWl but never saw ...

Updated: Jun 06, 2010 3:37pm PST

Monster trucks :

Monster trucks

Updated: Sep 23, 2011 7:59pm PST

The Navy Blue Angels :

The Navy Blue Angels

Updated: Nov 16, 2012 6:52pm PST

USAF Thunderbirds :

USAF Thunderbirds

Updated: Jun 07, 2010 10:00am PST

Canadian Snowbirds :

Canadian Snowbirds

Updated: Oct 03, 2011 7:25pm PST

motocycle jump : This is Robbie Knievel( son of Evil Knievel) making a jump over a bunch of trucks. He made it look real easy.

motocycle jump

This is Robbie Knievel( son of Evil Knievel) making a jump over a bunc ...

Updated: Jun 07, 2010 7:04pm PST

Noise Ninja vs LR3 : this is a comparison between Noise Ninja and LR3. I shot this picture at ISO 102,500. 1st) shot as is 2nd) Noise Ninja 3rd) LR3 There is no need for 3rd party noise reduction programs in my opinion. I have uploaded 'huge' files so you can examine closely at the details.

Noise Ninja vs LR3

this is a comparison between Noise Ninja and LR3. I shot this picture ...

Updated: Jun 13, 2010 7:05pm PST

Prandtl-Glauert Singularity : Also known as the N- wave: this can occur under the speed of sound. Because of the FAA rules, these planes are not allowed to break the sound barrier. The only exception where I was at Edwards and a couple of F-16's broke the sound barrier in a tribute to Chuck Yeager. The Prandtl–Glauert singularity is the position at which a rapid change in air pressure takes place, commonly acknowledged is the reason of condensation of water droplets in the atmosphere that frequently surrounds a fighter plane traveling at transonic speeds.( under the speed of sound). In other words, there is low pressure thus low temperature. If there is enough moisture, the condensation occurs. You need to go to an air show near the ocean to see the Prandtl-Glauert Singularity. Here is a list of ones I have witnessed and photographed: Moffitt, Salinas, Watsonville, Travis, and San Francisco air shows. When they announce: the plane is going to do high speed pass, get your camera ready! Personally, I have seen this a lot with the F-18 Hornet. There are other shots in this gallery where you see left generated condensation, and vortices which has to do with Bermoulli equation. You have to interested in fluid mechanics to appreciate what goes on out there.

Prandtl-Glauert Singularity

Also known as the N- wave: this can occur under the speed of sound. Be ...

Updated: Oct 17, 2010 8:23am PST

F-117 Stealth "fighter" : Actually, this is a bomber. Now, the plane is retired.

F-117 Stealth "fighter"

Actually, this is a bomber. Now, the plane is retired.

Updated: Oct 17, 2010 8:35am PST

B-2 Bomber : The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit (also known as the Stealth Bomber); The story goes: an engineer was at Disneyland with his daughter. They were at the Tea Cup ride. That is how he got the ideal of smooth lines for the plane.

B-2 Bomber

The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit (also known as the Stealth Bomber); Th ...

Updated: Apr 09, 2011 3:54pm PST

B-1 Bomber : The Rockwell (now part of Boeing) B-1 Lancer is a four-engine, variable-sweep wing strategic bomber.

B-1 Bomber

The Rockwell (now part of Boeing) B-1 Lancer is a four-engine, variabl ...

Updated: Apr 09, 2011 4:01pm PST

B-52 Bomber : The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber

B-52 Bomber

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered ...

Updated: Apr 09, 2011 4:12pm PST

F-22 Raptor : The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation fighter aircraft

F-22 Raptor

The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine f ...

Updated: Apr 09, 2011 4:21pm PST

Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival : I rarely "machine gun" my subjects but I did it at this event. I shot 15 GB in three hours.(approx 1,400 shots) I was quite impressed with the performance from these kids. Location: the bike 'park' is located near the Post Office in Aptos, CA. This is my second time shooting but I am a bit wiser. I shot about 6-8 GB in a limited 'machine gun' style(not a fair comparison since I used my D4 which has more pixels than the D3s). This place is tough to shoot because of all the distractions in the background including a remote control helicopter and a stupid banner placed right in the middle of the competition.

Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival

I rarely "machine gun" my subjects but I did it at this event. I shot ...

Updated: Apr 15, 2013 3:34pm PST

Shell Creek Road Wildflowers : I found this place by accident. But, apparently, Shell Creek Road is well known with wildflower followers and photographers.

Shell Creek Road Wildflowers

I found this place by accident. But, apparently, Shell Creek Road is w ...

Updated: Apr 18, 2011 8:56pm PST

Carrizo Plains Wildflowers : Carrizo Plain National Monument which is located in the middle of nowhere( OK in between Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo which is nowhere). You will find this place by traveling on Highway 58. Be sure to fill up the gas tank before coming over to this place.

Carrizo Plains Wildflowers

Carrizo Plain National Monument which is located in the middle of now ...

Updated: Apr 18, 2011 9:05pm PST

B-17 Bomber : Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a four-engine heavy bomber aircraft.

B-17 Bomber

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a four-engine heavy bomber aircraft.

Updated: Apr 15, 2011 4:23pm PST

P-38 Lightning : he Lockheed P-38 Lightning is a World War II American fighter aircraft built by Lockheed

P-38 Lightning

he Lockheed P-38 Lightning is a World War II American fighter aircraft ...

Updated: Apr 15, 2011 4:14pm PST

Rocky Ridge Trail : This trail is located off of Highway One on the Big Sur Coast. I rate this hike as fairly difficult since you are climbing up( 1,200 feet elevation change) the trail. If you are totally out of shape and overweight, do not try this trail. And it is difficult going down because of the loose soil; constantly 'braking' because you do not want to lose your footing or else- you go down sliding. If you are going to try this trail, come early around 7:30am to get a nice parking spot and to take advantage of the cool temperatures.

Rocky Ridge Trail

This trail is located off of Highway One on the Big Sur Coast. I rate ...

Updated: May 14, 2013 9:27pm PST

Carmel Valley Road : This road starts west of Greenfield(CA) and heads west to Carmel. If you miss the wildflowers, the drive alone is worth it- esp if you have a nice sports car. You can test the cornering abilities of the car on this road.

Carmel Valley Road

This road starts west of Greenfield(CA) and heads west to Carmel. If y ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2011 6:52pm PST

Mission San Juan Bautista : If you are in the area, might as well check this place out. Plus, you need to go to the local bakery- great food!

Mission San Juan Bautista

If you are in the area, might as well check this place out. Plus, you ...

Updated: Apr 17, 2011 10:33pm PST

San Andreas Road : Odd name for this gallery but oh well. The initial picture was taken on San Andreas Road. Since I have images from many different places, I decided to consolidate images into a single gallery instead of having galleries with one or two images. I guess I should have called this gallery- Here, There and Everywhere.

San Andreas Road

Odd name for this gallery but oh well. The initial picture was taken o ...

Updated: May 06, 2012 4:53pm PST

Garland Ranch Regional Park, : This is located about eight miles east of Carmel. This is my first time at this place but I was not wearing proper hiking boots so I made it a short trip. From what I have heard, there are suppose to be wildflowers here. As I further investigate this park, I will update the gallery with more pictures.

Garland Ranch Regional Park,

This is located about eight miles east of Carmel. This is my first tim ...

Updated: May 02, 2011 4:33pm PST

Wind Surfing : This event was shot at Waddell Creek which is about eight miles north of Davenport, CA.( north of Santa Cruz)

Wind Surfing

This event was shot at Waddell Creek which is about eight miles north ...

Updated: May 07, 2011 9:22pm PST

Soberanes Canyon Trail : This is a much cooler trail since you get the shade from the redwood trees. Plus, this is also the start of the loop that connects with Rocky Ridge trail. In my own opinion, doing the loop is much harder than going up and down the front side. The trail is a lot steeper but the big benefit is more wildflowers( see Rocky Ridge; pages 5 and 6.) This is part of the Garrapata State Park.

Soberanes Canyon Trail

This is a much cooler trail since you get the shade from the redwood t ...

Updated: May 14, 2011 5:32pm PST

Pacific white-sided dolphins : (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) found in the cool to temperate waters of the North Pacific Ocean.

Pacific white-sided dolphins

(Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) found in the cool to temperate waters of ...

Updated: Jul 01, 2012 12:51pm PST

Risso's dolphins : Grampus griseus) is the only species of dolphin in the genus Grampus.

Risso's dolphins

Grampus griseus) is the only species of dolphin in the genus Grampus.

Updated: Jan 20, 2013 6:57pm PST

Northern Right whale dolphin : (Lissodelphis borealis) a small and slender species of marine mammal

Northern Right whale dolphin

(Lissodelphis borealis) a small and slender species of marine mammal

Updated: May 30, 2011 10:12am PST

Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens : What a nice place to photograph plus you can pick up some plants for your house.

Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens

What a nice place to photograph plus you can pick up some plants for y ...

Updated: Jun 03, 2011 7:03pm PST

Merced Falls Lichens fields : Well, I did not see any waterfalls but I saw a lot of Lichens which is a symbiotic life form consisting of a fungi and algae. As I recall from my Botany class, the fungus provides water for the algae ; algae byproducts provides food for the fungus. I think that is right- correct me if I am wrong. If you are visiting Yosemite, you need to stop by this place especially if you are traveling on Highway 140.

Merced Falls Lichens fields

Well, I did not see any waterfalls but I saw a lot of Lichens which is ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2011 7:36pm PST

Jason-Stephens Winery flowers : What a cool winery- they planted wildflowers in between the grape vines. I did not sample the wine because I was tired, hungry(empty stomach) and I had drive over a mountain pass to get home.

Jason-Stephens Winery flowers

What a cool winery- they planted wildflowers in between the grape vine ...

Updated: Jun 12, 2011 7:57am PST

Pro Disc Golf Championship :

Pro Disc Golf Championship

Updated: Aug 24, 2011 4:21pm PST

Soberenos Point : This place is part of Big Sur(Garapata State park) but that particular gallery is getting too 'big.'

Soberenos Point

This place is part of Big Sur(Garapata State park) but that particular ...

Updated: Jul 04, 2011 7:13pm PST

Old Tractors : Why tractors??? I grew up on a strawberry farm. As as very young kid, my father had a Ford tractor like the one in photo #3. I used drive a off set Farmall like the one in picture number 4.

Old Tractors

Why tractors??? I grew up on a strawberry farm. As as very young kid, ...

Updated: Sep 23, 2011 7:58pm PST

Tora! Tora! Tora! : Re-enactment of the attack on Pearl Harbor. These planes are from the movie- Tora! Tora! Tora! There were over forty planes made( modified) for the movie. The Commemorative Air Force acquired 18 of the planes. Eight showed up for this show.

Tora! Tora! Tora!

Re-enactment of the attack on Pearl Harbor. These planes are from the ...

Updated: Oct 03, 2011 7:27pm PST

Fleet Week : Navy celebrated 100 years of naval aviation with the Carl Vinson showing up. Three jets teams performed- the Patriots, the Canadian Snowbirds and the Blue Angels. For more shot of the Snowbirds and the Blue Angels, they have their own galleries.

Fleet Week

Navy celebrated 100 years of naval aviation with the Carl Vinson showi ...

Updated: Nov 16, 2012 6:53pm PST

Farallon Islands :

Farallon Islands

Updated: Oct 30, 2011 7:39pm PST

Nike Missile Base SF-88 : If you are in the area of the Marin Headlands, please take the guided tour of this missile base. What a piece of history! The Nike missile system was the last line of defense against the Soviet bombers. There were two missiles- the Ajax and bigger brother the Hercules. All the Hercules were armed with nuclear explosives. There were no micro-chips or transistors. The computer ran on vacuuum tubes( if you want to call it a computer). The missile system can only fire one missile at a time because the radar tracking system can only handle one missile. The way the system works is that the missile is designed to explode in front of the incoming bombers. The shock wave from the nuclear explosion is suppose to bring down the planes. So there is no need for direct hits.

Nike Missile Base SF-88

If you are in the area of the Marin Headlands, please take the guided ...

Updated: Oct 30, 2011 8:09pm PST

Pt Bonita Lighthouse : Unfortunately, the suspension bridge is closed for repairs so I could not visit the lighthouse. so, I took the a picture from a boat.

Pt Bonita Lighthouse

Unfortunately, the suspension bridge is closed for repairs so I could ...

Updated: Oct 31, 2011 4:15pm PST

Lunar eclipse : Well, this was shot under not-so-good conditions. High clouds came in. Plus, the totality was happening near sunrise so I could not get a deep orange colored moon- I wanted to get. The "fuzzy shots"(glow) were caused by the clouds.

Lunar eclipse

Well, this was shot under not-so-good conditions. High clouds came in. ...

Updated: Dec 11, 2011 8:45am PST

Moss Landing State Beach : There is a slough in this area

Moss Landing State Beach

There is a slough in this area

Updated: Jan 15, 2012 2:54pm PST

Alstrom Point, Utah : Definitely worth the drive! A high clearance 4WD is a must to drive around so you are standing north of Lake Powell looking southeast.

Alstrom Point, Utah

Definitely worth the drive! A high clearance 4WD is a must to drive ar ...

Updated: Feb 11, 2012 3:07pm PST

Cliff Dwellers, AZ : I stayed at Cliff Dwellers motel as a staging area for exploring North and South Coyote Buttes and White Pocket.

Cliff Dwellers, AZ

I stayed at Cliff Dwellers motel as a staging area for exploring North ...

Updated: Feb 11, 2012 3:34pm PST

Grovesnor Arch, Utah : This arch is located east of Kodachrome state park. What is really amazing is the walkway is paved which makes walking easy.

Grovesnor Arch, Utah

This arch is located east of Kodachrome state park. What is really ama ...

Updated: Feb 11, 2012 3:49pm PST

House on Fire, Utah : If you are near Blanding, Utah, you need to shoot this place. The first time I wanted to photograph this place but I could not find it. Apparently, I walked right pass it. I found it on second try. In order to shoot this place, you should arrive by 9- 10am. The light has to bounce off the ground onto the ceiling. I believe I started to shoot around 10:30am

House on Fire, Utah

If you are near Blanding, Utah, you need to shoot this place. The firs ...

Updated: Feb 11, 2012 3:52pm PST

Hunt's Mesa, AZ : I highly recommend this tour- Hunt's Mesa which is located in Monument Valley. The ride was extremely rough as i bounced around with my seat belt on. If you get Ray as a guide, not only he is helpful with the best spots to shoot ; the guy knows how to cook. http://www.monumentvalley.com/Pages/english_tours.html

Hunt's Mesa, AZ

I highly recommend this tour- Hunt's Mesa which is located in Monument ...

Updated: Feb 11, 2012 3:55pm PST

White Pocket, AZ : no special permits here but it is hard to get to because of the sandy soil. In other words, people have gotten stuck out in the middle of nowhere. This place is located east of the Coyote Buttes South.

White Pocket, AZ

no special permits here but it is hard to get to because of the sandy ...

Updated: Feb 11, 2012 4:05pm PST

Palace of Fine Arts :

Palace of Fine Arts

Updated: May 03, 2012 6:55pm PST

Northern Saw-Whet Owl : Actually, I walked past this little guy. I was about a quarter mile into the hike and was told to go back to see the owl. These pictures were taken at Garrapata/Soberenos entry at Big Sur.

Northern Saw-Whet Owl

Actually, I walked past this little guy. I was about a quarter mile i ...

Updated: Apr 29, 2012 8:07am PST

California Sea Lion : Zalophus californianus

California Sea Lion

Zalophus californianus

Updated: May 17, 2012 6:34pm PST

Hollister Air Show : This is a very small air show which started when Watsonville moved its air show from Memorial weekend to Labor day. I decided to create its own gallery for two reasons: one- the airshow gallery is way too big and two- give this air show some publicity.

Hollister Air Show

This is a very small air show which started when Watsonville moved its ...

Updated: May 26, 2012 8:30pm PST

Moon Glow Dairy : Nope- no cow pictures but birds instead. The birds are nesting on this dairy farm. Mixture of Blue Herons, Great Egrets and Cormorants Hopefully, next time, I will have blue skies instead of overcast. As you can see, the blue sky can make a big difference.

Moon Glow Dairy

Nope- no cow pictures but birds instead. The birds are nesting on this ...

Updated: Jun 10, 2012 3:37pm PST

Harkins Slough : This place is located west of Watsonville. there are two sets of Osprey shots: one is when they were little chicks(1-23) ; the second is when they have grown as juveniles(24-54)

Harkins Slough

This place is located west of Watsonville. there are two sets of Ospre ...

Updated: Jul 15, 2012 7:58pm PST

Pinto Lake- birds :

Pinto Lake- birds

Updated: Jul 01, 2012 10:15am PST

Black Footed Albatross :

Black Footed Albatross

Updated: Jun 17, 2012 2:59pm PST

Turkey Vulture :

Turkey Vulture

Updated: Jun 19, 2012 9:49pm PST

Woodies on the Wharf : Finally, I made it to this event. A free event where you can see a nice collection of Woodies in one spot which located on Santa Cruz Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA.

Woodies on the Wharf

Finally, I made it to this event. A free event where you can see a nic ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2012 10:00pm PST

Minke whale : northern minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) I have been doing whale watching tours for about twenty years. This is my first time with a Minke.

Minke whale

northern minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) I have been doing ...

Updated: Jul 20, 2012 6:50pm PST

Basking Shark : The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is the second largest living fish. The biggest one is the whale shark. I have been doing whale watch tours for about twenty years. This is the first time encountering a basking shark.

Basking Shark

The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is the second largest living fi ...

Updated: Jul 20, 2012 6:49pm PST

Monterey Motorsports Reunion Races :

Monterey Motorsports Reunion Races

Updated: Aug 19, 2012 2:38pm PST

Monterey motorsports Reunion Paddock :

Monterey motorsports Reunion Paddock

Updated: Aug 19, 2012 3:25pm PST

Watsonville Fly In : my air show gallery is getting too big so Watsonville should have its own gallery. The air show used to be on Memorial weekend but the powers to be thought the weather would be better on Labor day weekend. Well, this year- the weather was perfect but the military jets were a no-show which was very disappointing.

Watsonville Fly In

my air show gallery is getting too big so Watsonville should have its ...

Updated: Sep 02, 2012 3:09pm PST

Bob's unofficial D4 ISO test : well, I finally got around doing this. I have enough free time- I can do a comparison vs D3s. But, someone else on the net has done a comparison between the D4, D3s, and the D3. I can do the same since I own all three cameras the files are full size for you to examine the images closely for noise.

Bob's unofficial D4 ISO test

well, I finally got around doing this. I have enough free time- I can ...

Updated: Sep 29, 2012 2:26pm PST

Commom Cuckoo : (Cuculus canorus); this bird is a summer migrant to Asia and Europe. Somehow, the bird found its way to Watsonville(of all places). Here are a couple of shot of the bird; If it hangs around longer, I will attempt to get a cleaner shot(no leaves or branches in the way). I guess it is better than no picture. The bird is gone. the last sighting was on October 2nd.

Commom Cuckoo

(Cuculus canorus); this bird is a summer migrant to Asia and Europe. S ...

Updated: Oct 04, 2012 6:50pm PST

password protected gallery

South Plaza Cacti

Updated: Oct 08, 2012 9:22am PST

Bald Eagle : Bald Eagles in Watsonville?? yes, there is a breeding pair but I could only find one of them. On my fourth attempt, I ran into the mating pair.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagles in Watsonville?? yes, there is a breeding pair but I coul ...

Updated: Jan 14, 2013 5:29pm PST

Pfeiffer Beach Arch : I was told by a local photographer that this place is a 'secret' spot. But, every time I show up there is a huge crowd. The parking lot almost full. I do not think this place is a secret anymore as I see people from other states and other countries. I am after the horizontal light beam as it shoots through the arch. The conditions were almost perfect except for the clouds out over the ocean which blocked the Sun's rays as it sets down. So, I will try again next time.

Pfeiffer Beach Arch

I was told by a local photographer that this place is a 'secret' spot. ...

Updated: Jan 14, 2013 5:26pm PST

Chrysaora : This thing looks familiar if you are a regular visitor to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Yes, it is the same jellyfish in that blue tank but I shot these at Monterey's fisherman's wharf. ;s

Chrysaora

This thing looks familiar if you are a regular visitor to the Monterey ...

Updated: Jan 20, 2013 6:48pm PST

Northern Shoveler : Anus clypeata

Northern Shoveler

Anus clypeata

Updated: Jan 22, 2013 4:59pm PST

Black Panties.....the boat : I figure this title would grab your attention. Somebody named this poor boat- the Black Panties???? I could not pass on but to take a picture of this.

Black Panties.....the boat

I figure this title would grab your attention. Somebody named this poo ...

Updated: Jan 22, 2013 5:09pm PST

White-tailed Kite : Elanus leucurus This bird hovers while hunting. Feeds mainly on rodents. A small hawk; long-tailed and slender.

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus This bird hovers while hunting. Feeds mainly on rod ...

Updated: Feb 03, 2013 8:39am PST

Anna's Hummingbird : Calypte anna

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

Updated: Feb 02, 2013 7:17pm PST

House Finch : Carpodacus mexicanus

House Finch

Carpodacus mexicanus

Updated: Feb 03, 2013 8:44am PST

American Robin : Turdus, migratorius

American Robin

Turdus, migratorius

Updated: Feb 02, 2013 7:22pm PST

Red-tailed Hawk : Buteo jamaicensis

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Updated: Feb 10, 2013 2:00pm PST

Pan Starrs Comet : Originally, I wanted to shoot at Seacliff State beach but when I saw the fog bank. I made a U turn and headed up to Mount Madonna.

Pan Starrs Comet

Originally, I wanted to shoot at Seacliff State beach but when I saw t ...

Updated: Mar 16, 2013 9:06pm PST

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