Flower Parade

Photos taken at the San Francisco zoo

Red Passiflora (Passion Flower)

Red Rose

Of the succulent family.  Cannot remember the name.

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Sunflowers

Photos taken at the San Francisco zoo

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Macro Hippo Snout

Taken at the San Francisco zoo

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Big Bugs

Today marked the opening of the Big Bugs Outside the Box exhibition at the San Francisco zoo.  These life like sculptures of bugs and insects are simply amazing to see.  I am not a bug person so I didn't know if I would like seeing these so huge and up close but I loved it.  To see these creatures in detail gave me a new appreciation for the insect life.  

The exhibition also includes detailed information about each species along with history and interesting facts.  If you are in the San Francisco area, this is a must see exhibition.

Formosan Long - Armed Male Scarab Beetle

These beetles use their long arm appendages to fight for female beetles and tree branches.  They are losing their habitat in the wild and are currently fighting for survival.

Female Watanabe's Lanternfly

These critters were called lanternflies because it was thought that the golden appendage on their heads would light up in the dark.  However, they do not light up so there is really no use for the lanternfly - other than she is kind of cute :)

Female Leaf Grasshopper

This grasshopper is protected by it's color, leaf like shape and wings.  It remains still during the day to avoid predators and becomes active at night.

Hercules Beetle

Named after the Greek God Hercules, these beetle use their horns to fight over females.  They are claw like and grab their opponents, lift them in the air and slam them on the ground resulting in death.

Dragonfly

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The Rose Garden

More from the Rose Garden in Golden Gate Park

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Theme Thursday Doors

These photos were taken in Hollywood, CA back in July 2013.

This particular photo is one of the doors to the TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.  Formerly known as Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Door to the Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.

I am participating in THEME THURSDAY.

Seal Rock

Photos taken at Ocean Beach in San Francisco.

In short, Seal Rock was home to the sea lions who have relocated to the docks at Pier 39.  Seal Rock now houses seagulls, pigeons, crows and your occasional daredevil human who likes to climb rocks :)

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Views From Russian Hill

Coit Tower view from Russian Hill

A beautiful Waterfall/Seashell/Flower front yard near the Chestnut Street steps.

Golden Gate Bridge view from Russian Hill shrouded in fog

Of course I can never pass up taking shots of beautiful flowers.

View of the Bay Bridge from Russian Hill

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Rudbeckia

Photos taken at the San Francisco Botanical Garden

Rudbeckia

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and Macro Monday 2

Scenic Weekends Ocean Beach

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The Work of Photographer Jonathan Heierle

The Lighthouse by Jonathan Heierle

I seldom write reviews on this blog unless I find something that catches my eye and leaves me speechless.  Yesterday I was perusing Craigslist under the artist section in order to get an idea of what type of platform I wanted to use to create a small portfolio of my abstract art.  While viewing the ads I came across the photography of Jonathan Heierle who is a high school student in the Bay Area.

His lighthouse photo which is displayed above had me simply stunned.  The composition and perspective in this shot is something truly amazing.  It is very difficult, as a photographer to achieve an "in the moment" shot which is exactly what this photo displays.  Had I come across this photo and not known anything about the photographer I would have thought it was shot by a professional who has been in the business for years.

Jonathan's black and white photo gallery shows the ordinary captured in an extraordinary way and with an eye that sees beyond what is actually there.  I wish I had that same eye.  You can see more of his black and white shots by visiting http://jonathanheierle.photoshelter.com/gallery/Black-and-White/G0000vTx5ugln.rg/

Those of you who know me and my work know that I love beach and water scenes.  This particular shot is fantastic for many reasons.  First, the perspective and composition.  Most photographers would take a shot with the sun smack in the middle of the scene.  By displaying the sun at the side of this shot, it gives you a whole new meaning to the scene.  It has an air of action to it with the free flowing water and sky that goes on forever. You have a setting sun, waves, sky and footprints in one shot that looks as if it could be an oil painting - it's just that good. Most importantly the colors and hues are true and real.  It's not photo shopped to death as many photographers think they need to do.  Reality is the key.

It is monumentally difficult to capture action shots, whether it be bike racing, sports photography or simply a hummingbird flitting around the garden.  This shot is the perfect example of what an action shot should achieve.  You have a clear and crisp shot with a dreamy feel background which is important in these types of photos.  You want the action to stand out.  I think Jonathan would be able to capture some great action videos with his eye and lens.

As I mentioned, Jonathan's work left me speechless which never happens except on Wordless Wednesday.  Seriously though,  I see Jonathan as having a great career in photography.  He has begun at an early age photographing with heart and passion.  I predict he will achieve greatness with his chosen field.

For more information, details and photo galleries you can visit Jonathan's website at: http://jonathanheierle.photoshelter.com/

Thank you.

Floral Friday Fotos

Photos taken at the San Francisco zoo.

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