The things I see...

The Gondoliers

2012-01-25T15:19:00.000-08:00

If a year ago someone had told me that I would soon be shooting theatre, I probably would have laughed and skeptically raised an eyebrow. Its entirely possible I would have done the same if I had been told I would be shooting dance as well, yet after 6 performances last year, I realize how little I could see about my future and the work I would find.

As it turns out, the dance work lead to an invitation to shoot the recent production of The Gondoliers, put on by The Lamplighters at the Yerba Buena Theater in San Francisco. Given the unexpected success of shooting dance, and the chance to work and share with a new circle of people, I accepted.

The Lamplighters Music Theatre, founded 1952, have been performing the canon of Gilbert and Sullivan with great success. If their recent performance of The Gondoliers was any indication, I can see why. The production employed large and beautifully layered sets (including a 20ft sliding gondola), live orchestra, subtle but expressive lighting and a well directed performance from a passionate cast.

While shooting theatre isn't the same as dance, it prepared me for the fast pacing and constant movement I found there. I was able to sense shifts in direction and lead without being left behind, and was able to push the limits of my exposures by adjusting ISO and shutter speed on the fly. As I reviewed and edited the work, I found my percentage of acceptable images was consistent with that of recent dance work, a nice sigh of relief for the first time shooting something new.

Technically, I was a little disappointed at the depth of field I was forced to work with given the lighting conditions. On the better lit scenes, I was able to bring my ISO down for quality but was never able to exceed f4 for aperture. Most of the shots were done at f3.5 and 1/125" exposure, and given the depth and layers to the cast, sets and lighting, it was enough to render an aggravatingly high number of faces out of focus.

As many of the shots were taken at a distance of 40 ft, with an average focal length of 110mm and an aperture of f3.2, my depth of field was limited to about 7.5 ft. The average spacing of the cast was consistently double that, so it forced me to pull in closer to groups of people, which luckily ended up being what the producers wanted anyway. I could have pushed up the ISO higher to capture a larger depth of field, but the lighting tests I did pre-performance put a ceiling at ISO 1600 for my Nikon D700. I noticed a seemingly exponential growth of digital noise above that level, but was happy up until that point, given the colors and lights in the theatre.

As I look back at my photos from the last year, I am happy with the range of work I've been doing. Dance, portraits, weddings, and architectural/design have each presented great opportunities to grow and see what I like and don't like. Theatre, like the rest, brought me before people I would have otherwise missed, and forced me to adapt to challenging conditions in ways that can only improve and refine my skills. Yet, the repeated advice to specialize looms in the back of my mind each time I shoot something different. Over an over again, photographers I respect have told me to pick something and pursue it with wholehearted devotion and passion. I know the wide range of work Im doing is inconsistent to that end, but it has helped keep me in business at a time when many people are finding it hard to stay busy. So, as I look towards the future, I move forward in search of that which inspires me most, and when I find it, you can be sure to see a lot more of it here. Until then, enjoy these photos and check back again for another update soon!

Three and a half letters

2011-12-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to post this for a while now, but other projects and distraction has prevented me doing so, until now. :)

Chickenfoot, a "superband" composed of Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith, has completed their latest full length album, titled Chickenfoot III. To help promote the release, the band decided to make a music video for one of the standout tracks, "Three and a half letters".

The song's title refers to real letters written by Americans to a possible benefactor, asking for help. The characters represented are all hardworking individuals, faced with hard times.

Part of the production was handled by CLAi, a premier film production studio owned and run by Chris Lahye. I was able to help out doing some camera work for the film, in addition to a few cameo's. See if you can find them. :)

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

A few good reasons to see some dance this weekend!

2011-12-02T21:58:00.000-08:00

1. Cabrillo College is hosting their annual Winter Program! 7:30pm Saturday, 1:00pm Sunday. Cabrillo Crocket Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. $12General Admission

2. Its got a great soundtrack.

3. Artists love it when you watch them perform!

4. The program is co-produced by the amazing Cid Pearlman and David King.

5. The dancers are lovely!

6. Its a great date idea.

7. I said so!

Rainbeau Pictures ©

The Rhino and the Antelope: First impressions of the RED One and the Arri Alexa Plus

2011-07-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

On my second day working with CLAi I was able to learn about RED's largest competitor, the

Arri Alexa Plus

, at an event for DITs, DPs and cameramen generously hosted (with fantastic snacks) by Videofax in

San Francisco

. The presentation covered the new features available with the 4.0 Firmware release, notably built-in wireless remote controls, lens synchronization for 3D, and a new lens data system. During a question and answer session, most of the discussion focused on the cameras large dynamic range, and the way it reacted to adjustment of ISO.

I begin to see why there is such a fierce discussion of their comparison... both cameras shoot beautiful footage for HD or film output, they are almost the same size and weight, and both brands have a loyal following of users. But these similarities are paired with significant core differences. The

Arri

has a dynamic range of 14 stops, and does an outstanding job at maintaining detail in its highlights; the

RED

shoots 4.5K footage in RAW giving huge post-shoot flexibility. It is by these differences that these cameras separate themselves.

The high resolution and flexibility of the RED's footage will appeal to some productions, just as the soft tones and latitude range of the Arri will appeal to others. Price will also definitely weigh in, as the Arri can be rather expensive to work with compared to the RED. The Alexa Plus' $80,000 price tag (plus $30,000 more for the CODEX

ARRIRAW

recorder and data-packs if you want to shoot in RAW) leaps above that of the RED One. Even to rent, the price on an

Alexa Plus

with RAW Recorder is twice that of a fully loaded RED One M-X. Of course, the choice between having two RED's on set compared to one Alexa Plus certainly warrants consideration.

But any true comparison of these cameras is always going to be problematic... the RED One was released 3 years ago. The recent release of the RED EPIC (with its boasted 18 stops of

HDR

range, and lighter weight) will shift the balance between these two companies yet again in an ever-escalating progression of cinematic power. As I reflect on the

Alexa Plus

presentation, and on my first week working with the RED, I am grateful to be working with such incredible cameras. They represent the best the industry has available for digital cinema, and are single-handedly drawing productions away from shooting on film. Is this the real beginning of the end for celluloid?

Japanese Cultural Fair

2011-06-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

I’ve lived in Santa Cruz for a number of years, and while I’d heard of the Japanese Cultural Fair, I didn’t expect it to be much more than some taiko drums and a sushi bar. These vague notions dissolved into an explosion of color, showering thousands of guests with song, dance and so much more. I was amazed at the size of the crowd, diversity of the events, and welcomed with smiles from all sides. The success of the day helped me see the power in our community, and the indelible influence of Japanese culture in our lives.
Walking among the vendors revealed beautifully made garments, delectable sushi and a joy of spirit that breathed life into my soul. I had only intended on stopping by for an hour, but I found it became harder and harder to break away. There were incredible performances by Watsonville Taiko, driving the crowds with the crash and roll of their many drums. Ikibana lessons were held adjacent to the plaza at the Santa Cruz Zen center, followed by the exhibition of fantastic Japanese kimono. Across the plaza Aikido of Santa Cruz hosted a range of martial arts demonstrations, including Iaido (the art of drawing, and handling the sword), Kendo (competitive sword practice), and Kyudo (Japanese Archery). Indeed, something could be found for almost every interest, as children wandered the crowd in equal excitement with their parents.

Sushi by Aikira Sushi

In another amazement, it seemed like EVERYBODY had to have at least one or two green tea ice-cream cones. They were everywhere. There were so many people that I even found people who laughed at my horrible “OOOOO wasabi ice cream?!?” joke. Bobbing like green gold, the battle to race the sun was fought over and over during the day to enduring delight. Maybe next year I’ll have to try one. I was too busy stuffing down 2 for $1 inari’s, delectable sushi rice stuffed inside a tender soy pouch.
Anyway, I digress. Here are some photos from the day. Please enjoy them and come out next year to see for yourself! I hear there will be wasabi icecream…

Cabrillo Spring Dance Concert

2011-05-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight is opening night for the Cabrillo College Spring Dance Concert, the first of three shows planned for this Memorial Day Weekend. The performances will take place at the Crocker Theatre (Building 4000 for those of us who will get lost and look at the campus map), a recent addition to the Cabrillo campus in Aptos California.
I was invited to join the ensemble cast for their dress rehersal last night, and was treated to a fantastic performance. I was thrilled to see and hear a diverse number of pieces during the evening, exceeding any notions I had about dance being stuffy. The performances were energetic and free spirited, rising and falling in waves of color and intensity. It was inspiring to watch people who so obviously loved what they were doing. Smiles could be seen twisting, leaping and bending across the stage, flowing in and out of carefully choreographed and executed movements.

These are a few of my favorite shots from the evening. Please enjoy the photos and head on down to the Crocker Theater this weekend to check out the show yourself! Friday and Saturday nights shows are at 7:30 with Sunday's at 3PM. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, and online.

Love to Japan

2011-05-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

All photographs are of Natori, Japan.

On May 20th, I will be photographing a benefit in support of the people of Natori City, Japan. The "One World Many Voices for Japan" benefit is by Co-sponsored City of Santa Cruz Sister Cities Committee, Santa Cruz Sentinel, Aikido of Santa Cruz, Aikido of Monterey, First Congregational Church, Watsonville Taiko, Santa Cruz Zen Center, Poetry Santa Cruz, and Japanese Cultural Fair. The evening will begin at 7PM at the 1st Congregational Church, 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA. The evening will include:

Poetry: Len Anderson, Kate Aver Avraham, Dane Cervine, Carolyn Brigit Flynn, Lea Haratani, Peggy Heinrich, Linda Holiday, Joan Zimmerman

Bamboo Flute: Emily Bording

Japanese classical dance: Ikuyo Conant

Children's Song: Cheryl Anderson & Cabrillo Young Chorus

Community Singing: Coleen Douglas

Japanese Prayer Chants: Santa Cruz Zen Center

Sister City Message from Santa Cruz Vice Mayor Don Lane

Suggested Donation: $20-$30. Higher amounts gratefully accepted.

100% of proceeds benefit Natori City, devastated by March tsunami.
Natori is Sister City to Shingu, Japan–the Sister City of Santa Cruz.

Please make checks payable to “Santa Cruz Sister Cities Support" with "Natori/May20" on the memo line.

To avoid any wait or line at the event, it is possible to prepay a donation and reserve tickets at the Aikido of Santa Cruz dojo (ask for Jay or Rai), or via Paypal through their website, which you can find at this link.

You may also mail a donation to:
Santa Cruz Sister Cities Support
323 Church Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Sister Cities Support is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, charitable organization. Contributions are tax-deductible. Tax ID# 77-0575231..

It doesn't take too much imagination to see Santa Cruz Harbor and the Monterey Bay in the background.

Maui Stock Images

2011-04-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

A client recently asked me for 8 stock images, all themed Maui, all 880x220pixels. To meet the request, I dug through my stock archive, looking for images that would meet the wide format. I greatly enjoyed looking through old work; watching for images I could crop into and showcase a section of. I ended up preparing 15 images for the client, of which you can see below.

Also added is the Smiling Dog and The Garage.

Honolua Bay Snorkeling

Honolua Bay Barreling

North Coast

Rainbeau

The Slot

Coastline

Beachfront

View From Haleakala

Ono

Kapalua

Paddlers

Little Makaha

Sunset Behind Lanai

Molokai

The Garage

Smiling Dog

The Outer Bay fades into The Open Sea

2011-04-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

August 31st, 2010 was a bittersweet day for aquatic lovers in the Monterey Bay Area. The Outer Bay, a one million gallon saltwater exhibit, closed its doors to the public to begin a massive renovation. One of the centerpiece attractions at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the exhibit provided visitors a close look at marine life living in the outer reaches of Monterey Bay – and beyond.

First opened to the public in January 1996 (after 7 years of construction), the exhibit awed guests with its vibrant marine life. Schools of tuna and bonito, California barracudas, pelagic stingrays, a giant ocean sunfish and a blue shark were among the first residents to greet guests. The exhibit sparked a tremendous public interest and has been drawing almost 2 million guests annually. The American Zoo and Aquarium Association was also impressed, naming the Outer Bay the best new Aquarium and Zoo exhibit of the year for 1997.

As in nature, the exhibits inhabitants changed over the years. The giant ocean sunfish grew from 57 to 880 lbs during its first year, necessitating its removal and release into Monterey Bay. In 2000, an oceanic whitetip shark was added to the exhibit, a world first for the Aquarium, followed by mahi-mahi and pelagic stingrays. In May of 2001, the Aquarium added “Vanishing Wildlife”, a second viewing gallery located below the main. Angling up into to the exhibit, the view allowed guests to gain a truly underwater perspective. The addition received the Munson Award for aquatic conservation the next year.

2002 saw the launch of the Aquarium’s White Shark Project off the coast of Southern California. It’s goals included “exhibit research and development, juvenile white shark research, adult white shark research and the study of white shark genetics”*. During the projects second summer, a 5 ft great white was sequestered in their 4 million gallon open ocean pen, allowing for the team to study its condition. Prior to the shark’s release, it was fitted with a tracking tag, allowing researchers to follow its movements.

The study of these sharks prepared researchers to receive a 5 ft juvenile female great white accidentally caught by commercial fisherman the next year. She was quickly moved to the open-ocean pen for study where her behavior and health were monitored. After establishing her health, the shark was transported in a mobile containment facility up the coast to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Outer Bay exhibit. The shark would live for nearly 200 days at the facility (a world record), before being released back into the Pacific Ocean. Over the years 4 more great whites and countless other species were introduced into the exhibit, continuing the Aquarium’s commitment to education and research.

As months of renovation draw to an end, the exhibit’s transformation nears completion. The 56’x17’ main viewing window is shining under its recent polish and the new gel coating casts a rich deep blue from the edges of the tank. Soon the Aquarium will begin filling the exhibit with carefully balanced saltwater in preparation for the marine life that will soon call it home. Many of these species have been living at the Aquarium’s Animal Research and Care Center in Marina. The facility and its 3 tanks (350,000 gallon total) were completed just prior to the closure to the Outer Bay, and will continue to support the Aquarium into the future as a research and veterinary facility.

The exhibit is scheduled to re-open July 1st as the Open Sea. Guests will be invited to look beyond the Monterey Bay and into the surface waters of our world’s oceans. Various species of tuna, jellyfish, rays, turtles, seabirds and sharks will share the galleries; a vibrant selection of marine life to greet the Aquariums guests. For more information, check the Aquariums Website, or call (831) 648-4800.

Partitioning Paradise

2011-03-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

Growing up in Hawaii I was fortunate to explore many parts of the islands that visitors rarely see. I waded up streams, jumped over waterfalls and scaled up mountains, escaping into a world of fascination, interest and adventure. Yet, I was constantly aware of the fences and trespassing signs I would inevitably run into. Much of the islands are privately owned, and unauthorized access to numerous beaches, forests and waterfalls is vigorously enforced. Fortunately, I found none of these barriers in the ocean and spent countless hours fishing for ahi, mahi-mahi and ono. From its wide expanse, a different perspective of the islands came into view; the band of constructed buildings and shops shrank to a tiny ribbon on the horizon as the majestic mountains rose up towards the heavens.

As I gazed at the mountains of my home island of Maui, the explorer inside me wanted to scale its peaks and enjoy the majestic views of its hidden valleys. While I drove to the summit of Haleakala many times, taking overnight hiking camping trips through the crater and out through Kaupo gap, the summit of the West Maui mountains remained elusive. I attempted a summit of one of its lesser peaks back in 2005 (above Launiupoko Valley), making it up 3,000 ft in elevation before I could pass no further into the dense ferns. This was far shy of the 5,780 ft summit at the top of the Pu’u Kukui Nature Preserve. But even from the high point I had just scaled, I realized that without a proper trail before me, the chances of heading up any further would not only endanger myself, but the fragile ecosystem of native plants that exist in the upper mountains.

To my good fortunate, I was recently invited to join a team of ecologists who periodically check a USGS rain gauge high up in the West Maui Mountains. The opportunity to venture beyond the locked gates was the realization of a lifelong dream.

When I met the team we loaded into a four-wheel drive vehicle, soon leaving the small town of Napili behind. The 45 minute long assent took us through the now abandoned pineapple fields, past the zip-line course snaking up the mountain, and through a series of locked gates before we arrived at the base-camp for our journey. We unloaded next to a small cabin located at the crest of a large incline. I was told the cabin was built by D.T. Flemming, a local turn of the century businessman. I can only imagine what it must have been like getting up there without the help of off-road vehicles.

We unloaded from the truck and began the hike at 2,952 ft above sea level. I was amazed to find that I would be traveling on a boardwalk during the hike, and not trail-blazing through the bushes as I had so many times in the past. Our route entered the Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve, the largest and most pristine of all protected areas in the Hawaiian Islands. This land is managed by Maui Land and Pineapple Company, Inc. and their subsidiary the Kapalua Land Company, Ltd. They invested over a year having a private contractor build miles of boardwalk along the narrow spines of the West Maui Mountains, up to the summit. The path rises just under 3,000 ft, with each rise happing 12inches at a time. As a result, each plank laid is perfectly level, allowing for safe passage through the delicate ecosystem. Normally, the privilege to this passage is reserved for the 5 full time conservationists who steward the reserve.

Up, up, up the mountain we went, gradually leaving the familiar behind and penetrating deeper and deeper into the closely guarded land. My guides were very helpful, identifying all the plants and trees along the way, giving special emphasis to the native species we saw. In the beginning, the native plants were the minority, under heavy competition against the non-native and invasive species that battle for resources. This competition creates chaos as the plants crowd together, tangling and choking each other off in their bid for survival. As we headed up the hill, I became aware that the invasive species slowly reduced in number, while the native plants became more and more prevalent. It was unmistakable that as the non-native plants receded, the plant life became more spread out, each comfortably occupying an area without fighting with another.
A good ways up the trail (and deep into native plant habitat), we arrived at an outlook that offered spectacular views into Honokahau Valley. To our right we viewed the gently falls as they plunged down 2 tiers and 1,100ft of sheer cliff into the valley below. There was a tremendous wind that rushed up the cliff face of the valley and blew into our position.

At this point, the vegetation changed dramatically. The larger trees and plants abruptly ended as we passed into a moisture rich bog. To either side of the boardwalk were ancient native plants whose growth rate is measured in millimeters per year. To step off the walkway would trample plants easily over 100 years old, even though they were only a few inches tall. I admired the tiny blossoms of the Ohia tree, so tiny and delicate, yet older than most buildings on the island. It seemed a perfect location to stop for lunch and we enjoyed a snack and a rest after our climb. As we ate, the wind we had noticed coming up out of the valley had brought with it rapidly approach clouds, making quite clear that our journey to the summit would be cut short.

We had reached aprox. 5,400ft of elevation, just 380 vertical feel and a half-mile from the summit. The area is one of the wettest places on earth, averaging almost 400inches of rain per year. My guides told me we were lucky to have gotten this far, as it is often socked in from the cabin on up. A record of the rain is collected and administered in cooperation with the USGS and provide a rainfall record dating back to 1928.

I was surprised to find that the journey down the trail was a bit more challenging than the way up. As all elevation is gained and lost in 12-inch stair increments, the 2,448 stairs I had climbed were quite an effort to descend. The scale of the project was on my mind the entire time, and was overwhelming for me to imagine in those elements. Most days it was the team leader and one helper in the pouring rain, hammering metal rods deep into solid rock to safely build the foundations of the boardwalk. Each day they had to travel up the completed pathway carrying wood, steel, chainsaws and their water before toiling through the day. I was told that the team managed to average the same number of linear feet completed through the entire project, a huge task considering the distance they had to travel increased each day.

Although our trip had been cut short, I had already seen more this special place than I could have imagined. The Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve is a delicate and rare remaining example of native habitat in Hawaii. Very few people ever get to see this area and to do so is almost next to impossible. Kapalua hosted the Pu’u Kukui Nature Walk in 2004, and charged 11 lucky guests $1,100 per person to fly by helicopter to the summit and guided them down the boardwalk.

The issue highlights the ongoing challenges of private ownership in Hawaii. Ancient Hawaiian's believed that no person could or should "own" land, only that they take care of it as they live on it, preserving it for future generations. Modern society has imposed its own values on the islands, leaving little room for the old ideas and traditions. Hopefully this will change in time as awareness shifts and we move from an attitude of dominating nature to living in harmony with it. Feel free to email Kapalua Land Company and Maui Land and Pineapple and inquire about the preserve… enough public interest might see things change. Until then, please enjoy this account of my trip and the photos I took. Aloha!

Spring Flight of the Gyrfalcon

2011-03-24T16:54:00.001-07:00

As I looked over the weather forecast for the next 10 days of rain, I realized I needed to spend the day outside under the beautiful blue skies while they lasted. I had the opportunity to join a good friend of mine while he took his Gyrfalcon out for training just north of Santa Cruz, CA. I had never seen one of these wonderful birds in person, and she was just a pleasure to see. I expected her to be agressive and skittish, but found her (Zeufie) to be friendly and quite calm. It was also a great opportunity to take a few photos of such a magnificent animal.

We drove out to a lovely plain set back from the ocean and set up a spool and kite which we used to raise a quail up to about 700ft. Her owner has been been using the kite to train Zeufie to fly at higher and higher levels, gradually raising the celling she flies at. He told me that Gyrfalcons like her could be trained to fly as high as 7000ft.. WOW! As her hood was removed, she scanned the plain, looked over her shoulder at the kite and quail, then stretched her wings and lifted off into the sky.

I expected her to begin circling us, gaining altitude as she prepared to strike the quail. It was hanging from a separate 20ft line that was attached by a ring and a clip to hold it in place. As Zeufie would strike the quail, the clip would detach from the main line and she would be able to drag the bird down the line to the ground. But, as fate would have it, she decided she wasn't very hungry and would rather fly down over the ocean cliffs and swoop over the massive waves that were rolling in. I cant say I blame her... I would love to fly out over the waves and back up into the sky.

I tried to remember that while we waited, and it offered a great opportunity sitting up on the hill to have a lite snack. Zeufie is equipped with a transmitter, and every so often we checked the directional receiver to see where she was at. After a while, she returned from her afternoon flight and began to mount up towards the quail. I was slightly disappointed that the longest lens I had brought was my Nikkor VR 70-200mm f2.8. A 400mm would have been great to capture the moment of attack, but

even at 200mm, you can see her just as she strikes the quail, tallons outstretched. She took the quail and darted down the line, dragging the quail to the ground for the kill. While less dramatic then seeing her hit a live pheasant or duck, it was amazing none the less. I understand why they have been considered noble creatures over the centuries. Her posture, presence and personality all commanded a respect. As she began to eat the quail, the two Salukis waited patiently for the little bits she was willing to toss them. It was clear that there was an important bond between dogs, bird and owner, each helping the other in the hunt.

At the end of the day, it was a very special experience. As someone unfamiliar with falcons, I was very grateful to see one at work, even if it was just on a training day. It was also great to enjoy the sun up in the meadow, watching the surf crash into the cliffs. While I wasn't able to fly with Zeufie, my spirit certainly did.

Big thanks to Dr. Alberto Palleroni with Avian Safety Research and Zeufie for humoring a new admirer.