Reflections of SF

ISO 200, 32 mm, f/5.0, 1/1250 sec

My last day in San Francisco and I had the opportunity to visit the Golden Gate Bridge.  Thanks to my cousin Bonnie and her family for giving me my last tour of the City. 

I traveled mostly on foot and with cable cars.  With a small pocket size street map, I had no trouble finding my way around.  The infrastructure of the City is organized and welcomes walking or taking public transportation. 

ISO 400,  20 mm, f/10, 1/100 sec

I hope to visit this City again for photo opportunities, culture, good weather, and the diversity of lifestyles. 

I'm now on route to head to the East Coast to face the harsh winter and start up the plow truck for more snow removal...  Transition time.

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

Nights in SF

The last couple of night in SF and I finally got to use my tripod.  I now feel better after having packed and traveled with the tripod all the way from NH.  One night up at Twin Peaks we were able to get Market Street and the Bay Bridge area.  It was a clear night and with just a little patience, the night was captured.

This photo is taken looking at Lori's Diner on the corner of Powell Street and Sutter Street.

With my poncho and tripod I was able to set up between the rain showers, traffic, and crowds of people on a Saturday night.

My main focus and attraction was 

the reflections the rain had left behind.

Inside Lori's Diner (ISO 400, 15 mm, f/5.6, 1/25 sec)

ISO 400, 15 mm, f/2.8, 1/6 sec

After lots of practice and encouragement from Jill, my next goal before the night's end was to try some panning.  The trolly car was my target.

Macworld 2011

Our agenda for being in San Francisco was to attend the Macworld Expo.  Today was the day. Software, accessories, food, music, demos, samples, give-a-ways, and creative ideas filled the Moscone Center for three days.

A remake of the Macworld Expo sign using Topaz Suite.

I was surprised on how organized the program was and how inviting the vendors were in letting over 20,000 people test their product/s.

Tourists

Today's weather was in the high 50's with an overcast until mid-afternoon when the sun decided to break through the clouds.
   Muir Woods and Alcatraz were on our list for today.  The day started at 8am and we didn't return back from the scheduled tour until after 6pm.

I didn't want typical postcard photographs of my experience.  So, my goal was to shoot casting different perspectives of the popular tourist attractions: Muir Woods and Alcatraz. 







Photos above is at Muir Woods.  The three photos below are at Alcatraz.

ISO 200, 11mm, F6.3, 1/500 Sec

ISO 200, 44mm, F5.6, 1/1000 Sec

ISO 200, 11mm, F6.3, 1/800 Sec

Scanning San Francisco

My second day in San Fran is a perfect day: clear skies in the mid-sixties. 15 degrees warmer than the average temperature for January.

I took the cable car to Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square. 
My day was filled with seeing the homeless, traveling by cable car, lunch on the Wharf, photographing the City Hall, and viewing the City from Twin Peaks (the highest point of the city) at night. 

Top photo: Dwayne is homeless and is taking life one day at a time. 

Lower photo: Fisherman's Wharf down by Pier 39.

My description of San Francisco... a hilly New York City with Boston's North End attitude.  I'm really enjoying my time here in the City with friends.

City Hall and Zhang Huan "Three Heads Six Arms" - Buddhist Statues in San Francisco.

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.