Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to this photo blog of mine. It was one year ago today that I started it with this bee photo and I thought every year on the anniversary I run a picture of an insect. So from the warm summer days of New York at a pond in Central Park we feature this dragon fly as this year's entry. Next year, on February 27th, it might be an ant or a spider. I've used the blog to showcase my wide variety of interests and to share with you my take on the world around us. I hope you've enjoyed my adventure that has taken me from Los Angeles to New York. Later this year I hope to have some photos from foreign locales

Another Snow Punch

Almost looks like four beers with foamy heads waiting to be quaffed in light of the most recent New York City snowfall. 21 inches in Central Park - the record is 26 inches of snow in 2006. These trash cans are up the street from my house in Brooklyn. It looks like about 18 inches of snow on those cans.

This is a look over the back fence upstairs at my apartment. The sun was out, but a few flurries can still be seen.

This is a look at 7:30 in the morning at the deck upstairs of my apartment. The lounge chairs are full of snow although it looks like a couple of people could be covered from head to toe in white blankets.

Let's Have More Snow

This should be my final snow video since by the time I come back to NY in early April from a month-long stint in Tampa, Florida, snow storms like this will be long gone - we hope!

Why Cheerleaders Have Long Hair

It's for us photographers who shoot the dance routines and are looking for an interesting result - and long hair delivers the goods. This Los Angeles Clippers dancer - and her dance mates sported long, flowing locks and all you had to do was pick one performer then press the shutter button's motor drive to fire off 8 frames of pictures per second and hope something turns out.

A Rare Day in So Cal

It's not often that the sky in and around downtown Los Angeles is clear enough to see the snow capped San Gabriel Mountains, but this was one of those days. I was joined by many other photographers at an overlook in Kenneth Hahn park in the Baldwin Hills section of L.A. Those unobstructed views of the city acted like a magnet for those of us who like (and are lucky enough with our timing) to shoot cityscapes when the conditions are just right.

The Future Is Now for Wind Energy

Flying over west Texas gives one a great view of the many energy generating wind farms that have sprung up in the past few years. Because the terrain is flat and the constant winds in the region are dependable, these giant windmills (trust me, they're big) are helping to meet the power demands of wide open spaces of Texas and beyond.

There Will Be Oil And Kite Surfing

It had rained earlier in the day and the afternoon winds came up and made life very easy for this kite surfer who had the ocean all to himself. In the background, one of the many coastal oil drilling rigs continues a 24/7 search for black gold.

A Good Dog

Any animal that holds still for my camera will always be the subject of a photo attempt. This dog and his owner were next to me in the parking lot of a bookstore and I couldn't pass up the chance to get a portrait.

Waiting For The Snow

What better way to pass the time between New York snowstorms than to find a quiet spot in a park with the daily newspaper. Winter still has some punches to throw in this area and the next snow fall will be here in a few hours.

In Case Of Emergency

Who says newspapers aren't useful? One of our New York papers - The Daily News - is once again providing those forgetful folks a last-minute bailout on Valentine's day. The paper included a center-fold roll-up bouquet of roses to be used as a peace offering for not doing something better. The paper did suggest using the insert as wrapping paper for a nice, expensive gift instead of simply presenting a photo of roses as a way to stave off getting killed for not remembering Valentine's Day.

A Car Is In There

Here we are some four days after our most recent big snowstorm and the digging out process continues - for some - in New York. Obviously the owner of this car - just up the street from my house - is in no hurry to drive anyplace and is waiting for a thaw to get rid of of all the snow covering the car - which I'm pretty sure has a ticket on its windshield from the police for not moving earlier in the week for street cleaning. BTW, I sold my car before the srorm so I have no worries about snow removal.

The Olden Report: Big Snow Hits New York City

Paul's At The Pier

The Quiet Before Another Storm

This is how a street in my Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn neighborhood looked Tuesday. This amount of snow I can handle. But this weekend, a huge snowstorm is headed our way and the streets will be loaded with the white stuff. But you can bet that this guy along many others will still find the time to walk the dog ... but snowshoes might be needed.

Ready For 3-D TV?

Will.i.am. of the Black Eyed Peas sits in the Grammy Award audience with his 3-D glasses in place for the Michael Jackson tribute that was broadcast in 3-D by CBS (where I got this screen grab) at Staples Center in Los Angeles. My 3-D glasses didn't work ... a different format (there are at least three different 3-D formats and you need the proper glasses for each one). The 3-D version of Avatar was fine - but the novelty wears off quickly and, for me, the viewing experience is not enhanced because it's 3-D. But more TV's and movies in 3-D are on the way this year so get use to the glasses.

Biggest Full Moon of the Year

I'm posting much earlier than usual to give my western blog-viewers a heads-up to the Friday night full moon. It's said to be the biggest such moon of the year. I was tipped off by a friend who sent me this article. So I braved the 20 degree temps on the roof of my Brooklyn, New York home and got some shots including this one when a jet flew into the path of the bright moon light. My timing was a little off because my hands where shaking and I was using a camera that only allowed me one shot. The local TV weatherman just said this is called a "Wolf Moon."

Two landmarks

When you first look at this photo it's not hard to miss the famous Brooklyn Bridge. However it might be harder to find the Statue of Liberty. But there it is ... on the far right standing against the light of the setting sun.


To see it better, just click on the picture for a larger version.


The sky is pretty much clear over the bridge and the rest of the waterway, but where I'm standing - on the Manhattan Bridge - a brief snow shower had just ended.

How Cold Is It?

The color blue - at least on the photographer's color wheel - represents cold. So when I saw this grouping of branches reflecting the downtown Brooklyn - Borough Hall -facade lights I thought a photo could convey the season. It's winter back here and after a day in the mid-50's, the highs will only be in the upper 20's by Friday. These twisted branches might not need any lights to be blue in those conditions.

Caught In The Rain

Here I am in a subway car seeking refuge from an sudden rain shower in Manhattan. It was rainy and very windy this morning (part of a fence surrounding my upstairs deck was blown over) but it wasn't supposed to rain later in the day when I was out and about. Wrong! But at least the mild January conditions continued. It was 58 degrees. And we'll take that in New York in mid-January any day.

Fast-Food Changing Fast

Earth tone colors, big screen TV's, flowers on the table and plenty of seating for the family. Where is this? ... none other than at a McDonald's burger joint in New York. McDonald's restaurants look like this in many parts of Europe and in a few U.S. locations. But soon, things could appear vastly different at the fast-food giant after it reported its first quarterly loss in the history of the chain. A promise of better food and friendlier counter personnel is on the grill for Mickey D's.

On The Run

I've started running again and I'm taking my small Panasonic camera with me in my jacket pocket (it's in the upper 30's and low 4o's when I go out - a mild January so far in Brooklyn, New York). I want to be ready for any photo opportunity that arises. And in this case, a great sunset behind the BQE - the Brooklyn - Queens Expressway - during rush hour. That big-rig truck (L) came along at the right time to give the viewer the information that it's a busy roadway. I just happened to be in a parking lot of a hardware store at the time when the light became just right. So it pays to be ready - camera set to go. After snapping a few frames, I resumed my run.

Prepping For The Pros

One of my favorite shots (November 2008) from my sideline days at USC football games is this one of former QB Mark Sanchez who was on his way to a rushing touchdown against the University of Washington. Now an NFL rookie, Sanchez will probably let others do the running against the Colts as his New York Jets look to shock the NFL world and get to the Super Bowl if they win their playoff game at Indianapolis.

When Do We Land?

From my window seat - 20F - I thought I might be in for a long flight from Florida because I had a two-year-old sitting in front of me in row 19. But, much to my surprise, the kid was quiet for most of the flight. As he gazed out of the window shortly after take-off, I was able to fire off about four frames before he found other things to do before falling asleep.

My Turn With The Trophy

While in Tampa to do the stadium announcing for the January Yankees Fantasy Camp, the participants and I were given the chance to be photographed with the coveted World Series Trophy. It commemorates the 27th title for the Yankees and it caps off a great year for me.

Didn't Get The Memo

While passing through the Union Square subway station in New York, I came upon hundreds of people not wearing any pants. It was 27 degrees up top, but very warm in the tube area where I learned Sunday was "Don't Wear Any Pants Day." This group was more than willing to pose for the cameras. Only in New York!

How To Handle Cold Weather

All those fancy window displays aimed at getting the attention of shoppers was topped by this simple, weathered paper sign that stopped many a frigid New Yorker in their tracks. Hot coffee on these very cold days here - it's fresh and it's delicious! That's a hard to beat combination when it's 20 degrees.

A Bright Light

I liked the simplicity of this window display. Nothing was being sold. Maybe it was an art exhibit along New York's Broadway near NYU.
I like all sorts of lighting fixtures from the elaborate to the mundane.

A Blast From The Past - Holiday Bowl Flag

Here's a shot from the Holiday Bowl in San Diego from 2007. I usually shoot this game but not this year since I'm in New York and the game is still in San Diego. The Marines look forward to the game because just before kickoff, a giant American flag is unfurled prior to the singing of the national anthem. I always wanted to get the unique view of what's happening UNDER the flag. The light fell just right on the Marine in the middle and I had a shot I really liked. By the way, this year's Holiday Bowl was won by Nebraska 33-0 over Arizona. It was the first shutout in the 32-year history of the normally high-scoring game.

Still Time To Celebrate

The African-American celebration of Kwanzaa began the day after Christmas. This photo was taken in December of 2007 at Los Angeles Valley College where I was a student at the time. I took many different photos, but I saw this one coming and I simply needed to be in the right position to capture the little girl and her mother as they lit one of the seven candles that represent the ideals of Kwanzaa. This photo ended up as the front page, above-the-fold dominant picture for the school newspaper.

It Pays To Look Up

While up on my deck to check on the snow melt after the big storm, I looked up and saw this jet approaching the moon. I've been trying to get a shot of a plane flying past a full moon for years with no luck. Bad timing ... or no camera in my hands. So this is as close as I've gotten to that money shot of the moon and a passing jet.

A Real Big Snow Fall

New York City dwellers are waking up to a lot of snow. 12 to 18 inches of snow fell on the region in the last 12 hours. This is a typical scene no matter the conditions - the dog must be walked even if there's snow on the ground. This is a shot from my bedroom window looking across the street from my Brooklyn home.

It looks like snow is growing from the planter on my deck. That appears to be 10 inches of snow right there.

A close-up shot of the arm rest of the deck chair on my deck follows its contours.

The deck of my apartment has plenty of snow.

How To Kill Time On Broadway ...

Spend a few hours (and get paid) being a "live" window model. This guy was striking various yoga poses for passersby. I think he was in a clothing store window ... but to be truthful, I don't actually know what was being sold inside. This is is a great way to get people to stop and take pictures. I'm not sure it works at getting folks to go inside and buy your wares.

This security guard is passing the time by staring at the store mannequin in an otherwise lightly trafficked afternoon in this clothing store.

But business was brisk on Broadway as the street vendors who are selling the designer knockoff purses, scarves, watches and perfumes had a lot of people stopping to look AND buy.

Mountain View

I think the best mountain views from any airport in America (that I've been to) has to be the vistas seen from the Salt Lake City airport. That's where I was during a layover on my way home to New York after my latest visit to southern California. I'm in the Delta terminal and using a long lens to compress the scene, I was able to join the mountains, the jets and the people waiting to hop on one of those planes into a tight composition.

When In L.A. Shoot Basketball

While out in southern California for an early Christmas celebration with the family, I had a chance to shoot an NBA game: The Clippers hosting the Wizards. These are two of the worst teams in the league, but when you're seeking interesting pictures, the won-loss records don't matter. From my end-of-the-court seat I was looking for make some artful photos with a little edge to them. The cheerleaders' shot came together when the hands of the one on the left meshed nicely with the dancer in the background. The basketball shot might have been a foul by the guy on the right, the Wizards Caron Butler who looks like he's punching the Clippers' Rasual Butler in the mouth. But that's the kind of conflict I was looking for to lift the photo above the ordinary.

A Blast From The Past

I've been shooting pictures of people, places and things for several years and this one dates to July, 2005. This guy was waiting for an in-store performance by a band whose name escapes me at the moment. We were waiting near the stage at the Amoeba record store in Hollywood, California. In an effort to bring in customers, Amoeba - to this day - still stages several live, free shows each month. Needless to say, if I wanted an eye-catching image, all I had to do was point my camera in his direction. Can you imagine the pain he had to endure to look the way he does?

Trimming The Tree With Ornaments

Here's more evidence that New York City is the most unique city in the world. In what other place are cabs such an recognizable part of the scenery that they're sold not only as souvenirs for the millions of visitors to town but also hawked as holiday tree ornaments. Check out the detail on this vehicle: the dusting of snow on the bumper wreath is a nice touch. Our cabs are pretty modern - they all have video monitors facing the back seat. You can touch the screen for a variety of channels and you can also pay for your ride with a credit/debit card.

And So It Snowed

The show went on. The annual Christmas Spectacular staged by the famous Rockettes drew the expected big crowds despite the first snowfall of the season in New York. It was pretty wet and slushy in mid-town but some of the suburbs got up to 8 inches of the white stuff. The Rockettes Christmas shows started in 1933.

Sitting in the 11th row gave me the chance to get some good shots since the stage was so brightly lit. It was a great show highlighted by the use of 3-D for a trip over Manhattan by Santa Claus at the start of the show. Since they put on six shows a day on the weekends, there are two sets of Rockettes to handle the demand from locals and tourists alike.

Empire State Building - 2009

One of my favorite places to photograph is New York's Empire State Building. A trip to the 86th floor observation deck always provides awesome views of the city and the surrounding areas.


During the holiday period, the management at the Empire State Building joins other businesses by putting up special display windows. This is one of four attractive window displays in the lobby of the iconic structure.

One Way To Make Money In New York

This lady is walking up and down Broadway in Manhattan collecting empty soft drink cans. Her timing is perfect because it was a Coke give-a-way night on the street - anybody who walked by giant tubs of ice filled with soft drinks, got a free one. So there were a lot of discarded cans to be collected and she's on the job and soon will be turning in those empties for the deposits. It pays to recycle!

And as usual in New York, what might be an eye-catching sight in many places - goes unnoticed here.

While Out West

While in southern California for the Thanksgiving holiday, I got out and around to photograph some favorite subjects.








Here's a lighthouse at Marina Del Rey. I waited for the birds to fly into the scene to add some interest. I'm a big fan of the color blue, so this worked out just right.

I also photographed my first NFL game: San Diego hosting Kansas City. Here's star Chargers' running back Ladanian Tomlinson scoring a touchdown as he led his team to a one-sided win. It's sunny here, but it was hard to shoot this game because of the big shadow spots covering the field that made getting the right exposure between the bright sun and the shadows very tough. In this case, a nice cloudy day would have been better for getting consistent shots.