Point Reyes Images #1

Tomales Point above the Pacific

Point Reyes Images is a series of shots from my recent exploration of one of the most remote and beautiful parts of the Pacific coast of California. The allure of Point Reyes comes from its isolation, gorgeous waters, access to roadside oysters, and surprising to me, its wildlife.

I captured this first image of the Pacific on a typically easy hike along the trail of Tomales Point. Tomales Bay is the bit of inlet water where some of the finest oysters in America are harvested on a daily basis during the season. I enjoy very much the succession of coves each with their own patterns of sea break and craggy rocks.

Tomorrow's image  - a hidden Point Reyes beach.

Here is a reminder of my upcoming instructional workshop for iPhone photography.

The iPhone and Creative Imaging Workshop -The iPhone and Creative Imaging is a 2 day workshop April 13 and 14, 2013 in San Francisco hosted by Michael Housewright and conducted by the extraordinary Sam Krisch. This workshop limited to 10 students is the premier introduction to the power of iPhone photography currently offered. Learn to compose, shoot, and process outstanding iPhone images from an iconic voice in iPhone fine art photography. iPhone photography has been recognized by the New York Times, Macworld, and the San Francisco Chronicle as breaking the mold of outstanding photography. Join us be part of an artistic revival and share in the joy of creating with the iPhone. - See more at: http://theblissfuladventurer.com/the-iphone-and-creative-imaging-workshop/#sthash.cEDjTWOm.dpuf

Lakewood, CO - Sunrise

I had planned to write about another great hike Juliet and I made yesterday; however, nature had another plan and as soon as I got home from dropping Juliet at work I grabbed the D7000 and headed out in the street.

These shots were all taken just outside my back door in our Belmar neighborhood. I am really excited about today as I will meet the legendary Mike Fiveson author of Mike's Look at Life for lunch. Mike is one of my favorite bloggers and his view of life through his camera lens is one of the most authentic on the web. Mike is no bullshit and that is just how I like my human beings.

Enjoy the sunrise Blissful Adventurers!

Now some stylized shots where I took a little artistic liberty with nature :-)

iPhone 4 - Recommended Photo Apps and Snow Shots

I have been enjoying my iPhone 4 camera since our trip to Asia in the spring. Now I am finding more and more that I prefer using it to my very expensive DSLR. While the iPhone 4 camera cannot compete with the overall capacity of my Nikon D7000; for portability, ease of use, excellent blog shots, and small prints I find the iPhone 4 cannot be beaten.

The iPhone 4s has just hit the market and its camera is 1 step better. I imagine I will have this new phone/cam by Xmas.

Here is a short list of my favorite iPhone 4 Camera Apps

Hipstamatic - The original cool camera app that has multiple lenses and films (pieces of software) that age, enhance, and cool-ify your everyday shots.

Pros - Photo Contests, Ease of use, and fun to play make it a winner.

Cons - Not enough manual control and too much guesswork sometimes on how it will develop

Camera+ - This is now my go to app for creating controlled shots from the phone.

Pros - Multiple processing options and the ability to use the LED as a constant (great for dim lights food shots)

Cons - The HDR settings are dodgy

True HDR - My newest app and I am just experimenting with this. I have seen some amazing work on Google+ with this app

Pros - True HDR photography and processing with an iPhone

Cons - You must have a little tripod to do this correctly otherwise your shots will not align

Instagram - It looks like Instagram is taking over the social-media component of iPhone photography

Pros - Universally accepted standard for social media photography

Cons - My least favorite of the iPhone apps for ease of use and getting my photos on the computer. Not a big fan, but I see the Appeal

In the meantime, enjoy some of recent iPhone 4 snow shots and stay tuned for more iPhone shots in the future.

1st Colorado Snow - At Home in Parker

Like a transplanted Texan and crazy photographer I was up at 5am today to shuttle Juliet to work and go out on a gorilla photo shoot of the freshly falling snow. Sadly, there was no usable light till 8am so I had to chill out to a relaxing episode of Boardwalk Empire before I hit the streets.

I found the very low visibility made for more interesting stylized shots versus standard color so you will see quite a few B&W shots as well as Sepia, Cyan, and my own darkroom customization :-)

SEE ALL MY PHOTOS (CLICK HERE) FOR MY FLICKR PAGE

HDR - Inspired fusion of Photography and Graphic Art

My wonderful friend, Loren J Root and his pursuit of photographic excellence has inspired me to begin creating in HDR photography. This high dynamic range is right in line with my interest in the dramatic.

Please find me on Picasa and Flickr