2010, Day 67 - A more flattering light

This morning Laura left me on my own so I had a day to myself after I dropped her off. I've had a couple lenses that needed a little loving attention so I decided that while I was in Los Angeles it would be worth driving to Irvine where Canon has their west coast service center so my neglected optics could get a spa treatment.

Located in a large industrial complex, Canon's repair center was in a small office but the staff was friendly and very helpful. Apparently the normal turn-around time is about a week so they will be shipped back to me. I'm very excited to get them into use again. One, the Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS is a venerable lens. It made the trip to Asia last year and ended up being crucial to some of my favorite shots. Unfortunately the focus was a little off so it should be ready for prime time when it gets back to me (although Canon has a new version of this lens coming out soon and it will have the new Image Stabilization technology that I've come to love in the 100/f2.8L IS Macro).

Anywho, when I finished being a photo nerd I picked up Araceli. I find it pretty funny that she's lived in the LA area all her life and she really doesn't know what to other than eat. It's pretty obvious from my portly build that I love to eat but that can't be the only way to fill a free day around here.

It was decided that we should visit the Wayfarers Chapel deigned by Frank Lloyd Wright's son Lloyd Wright. It's a small structure composed primarily of glass supported by a little bit of wood on a stone and concrete foundation and it's on a bluff overlooking the Pacific ocean.


Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
24mm, f4, 1/800 sec @ 200 ISO


Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
35mm, f4, 1/250 sec @ 200 ISO


Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
24mm, f4, 1/400 sec @ 200 ISO

A short time later it seemed prudent to forage for food. This chapel is not fare from where Araceli's friend Betty lives so we called her to get a recommendation and ended up joining her and some other friends for lunch in Huntington Beach. It was a nice vegetarian friendly place. Because it was a late lunch we headed back to Betty's place in Redondo Beach so that we could pick up the car and head back into Los Angeles but by the time we arrived the clouds had rolled in and ultimately forced us to change out evening plans. Instead of going to the observatory we decided to have an early night and tackle the observatory tomorrow night.


Betty's diminutive apartment is literally right across the street from the beach and this is how we were greeted upon our return.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
70mm, f5.6, 1/320 sec @ 200 ISO

With new found free time I decided to wander around and in to downtown LA. I can understand why cities become more dynamic and energetic at night, they look so much better when their flaws are hidden in shadow.


Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 35/f1.4L
35mm, f1.4, 1/6o sec @ 640 ISO


The sodium vapor light gives an eerie green cast.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 35/f1.4L
35mm, f1.4, 1/25 sec @ 640 ISO


This is a view looking straight up at the bottom of huge light fixture in the entryway of a bank building.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 35/f1.4L
35mm, f1.4, 1/6o sec @ 640 ISO


Jewelry Traders
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 35/f1.4L
35mm, f1.4, 1/8o sec @ 640 ISO


The Walt Disney Concert Hall by Frank Gehry
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 35/f1.4L
35mm, f1.4, 1/2o sec @ 800 ISO


Los Angeles City Hall from another perspective.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 35/f1.4L
35mm, f1.4, 1/6o sec @ 800 ISO

After a while I headed back to the hotel to find some frozen yogurt and to work on the day's pictures and blog posting. Here I am, having caught up to myself so I think I will head to bed.