SF Chinatown

Walked SF Chinatown during the Pre-New Year Celebration.  The New Year starts on Tuesday, February 1st, the Year of the Rabbit (Xin Mao). 

Photo was taken at SF Chinatown and enhanced with the new software purchased at Macworld 2011

ISO 200, 16 mm f/6.3, 1/500 sec

ISO 200, 44 mm, f/4.5, 1/400 sec

Several blocks were blocked and businesses  overflowed onto the sidewalks and streets to display their products and try to draw people in.  Live fish, fresh meats, toys, trinkets, scarfs, produce, and flowers were intermingling within each block.  I was shutter happy with all the people, colors, and culture. 

Just by chance I was at the right place at the right time to see a Chinese New Year Parade.

Yes, I did jump in the middle of the parade to make this shot.

Thank goodness for hills in SF.  I was able to capture this performance since it was on a decline from where I was standing.

ISO 200, 75mm, f/11, 1/160 sec,  with SB-600

Chinese Laundry

I'm visiting the great city of San Francisco, CA (love it even more knowing I've entered 60 degrees from 1 degree in NH).  No shoveling or plowing here.
After sitting for over eight hours on a plane I couldn't wait to check in the hotel to settle my things and grab my camera for a hilly walk around the city. I walked up to Chinatown, North Beach, Telegraph Hill, and Lombard Street.  It's a start to the week.

This photo comes from the corner of Chinatown.