2011, Day 203 - Brick and pigment

I was looking through some photos from last year and I discovered this one.  It is not just about the graffiti but the texture of the concrete, bricks, steel bars, iron anchors and the like.  Unfortunately the original was a little flat so I added a little tone mapping and some color adjustments giving this more pleasing, if slight exaggerated, result.

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 17-40/f4L
17mm, f5.6, 1/80 sec @ 400 ISO

2010, Day 70 - Grand Central Market

The last day in Los Angeles and it isn't even a full day, in truth I expect most of the day will be devoted to travel. But staying in a hotel in downtown LA meant that I was just a short walk from the Grand Central Market. I love markets, I think they are exceptional reflections of the people who shop there. Generally they aren't frequented by out-of-towners because there are usually nicer, fancier, and more well known establishments where they are more comfortable. So, with only a little bit of time before having to leave for the airport I grabbed my camera and set out.

Herbs, spices and medicines.

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

30mm, f4, 1/50 sec @ 800 ISO

Fresh produce abounds.

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

50mm, f4, 1/50 sec @ 800 ISO

Seafood.

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

34mm, f4, 1/50 sec @ 800 ISO

And a line, the food must be good because the market had literally just opened.

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

34mm, f4, 1/60 sec @ 800 ISO

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

24mm, f4, 1/80 sec @ 800 ISO

Getting ready for a long day.

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

70mm, f4, 1/50 sec @ 800 ISO

Food from El Salvador.

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

35mm, f4, 1/160 sec @ 800 ISO

More spices.

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

28mm, f4, 1/60 sec @ 800 ISO

The grill seems to be another hot spot, they were cooking eggs, bacon and sausage when I passed.

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L

51mm, f4, 1/125 sec @ 800 ISO

When I returned from the market I had to finish getting my stuff together so we could catch our flight to Sacramento. This time I rearranged my camera gear so that I could access it more easily because when my flight arrived on Saturday the view out the window was beautiful.

Los Angeles at takeoff.

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 50/f1.4

50mm, f5.6, 1/1600 sec @ 200 ISO

The beach and a deep blue Pacific Ocean.

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 50/f1.4

50mm, f5.6, 1/2000 sec @ 200 ISO

A clear view of the agricultural land around Sacramento.

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 50/f1.4

50mm, f5.6, 1/1600 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 50/f1.4

50mm, f5.6, 1/800 sec @ 200 ISO

2010, Day 69 - Lucques

Our last full day in Los Angeles and while Laura was getting ready for the day I took a walk down 1st Street.


Past the Japanese American National Museum
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 50/f1.4
50mm, f5.6, 1/500 sec @ 100 ISO


Awesome fish graffiti found along 1st Street
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 50/f1.4
50mm, f5.6, 1/1250 sec @ 100 ISO


To the wrong side of the tracks.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 50/f1.4
50mm, f5.6, 1/640 sec @ 100 ISO


Across the river.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 50/f1.4
50mm, f5.6, 1/800 sec @ 100 ISO

And then back into downtown.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 50/f1.4
50mm, f5.6, 1/1250 sec @ 100 ISO

Then we set off adventuring into Santa Monica. Traffic was a little stupid at times and with the wind it wasn't especially pleasant so we had an early lunch, having skipped breakfast, and headed back into Los Angeles.

Then I had the bright idea to go to the Petersen Automotive Museum. Unfortunately they don't note on their website that you can't bring a backpack into the museum. I wasn't about to leave my camera in the car and they disclaimed responsibility for bags left in their care so screw them, we left but we did see an old flat-bed truck on the way out and I took pictures of it.


Cast iron wheel assemble on an old Mack flatbed truck.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
50mm, f5.6, 1/100 sec @ 800 ISO


Did you need a license for horse-drawn carriages?
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
50mm, f5.6, 1/100 sec @ 800 ISO

So, having given the Petersen Automotive Museum the finger, we decided to head back to the hotel for a little low-fat frozen yogurt and a siesta. For dinner we decided to see if we would get a table at Lucques, a new American restaurant of some renown.


Indoor patio seating at Lucques and a clear shot at the woman at the next table who was talking loudly about having her tubes tied. Was the a slutty signal?
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 35/f1.4L
35mm, f1.4, 1/10 sec @ 800 ISO


My dinner, sea bass with coconut rice, English peas and a citrus sambal.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 35/f1.4L
35mm, f2.8, 1/15 sec @ 1600 ISO


Laura's pork chop.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 35/f1.4L
35mm, f2.8, 1/10 sec @ 1600 ISO


Crepes with house-made nutella and caramelized bananas.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 35/f1.4L
35mm, f2.8, 1/20 sec @ 1600 ISO


Ricotta fritters with lemon and huckleberry sauce.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 35/f1.4L
35mm, f2.8, 1/25 sec @ 1600 ISO


The bar, we didn't order anything but I thought it was well presented.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 35/f1.4L
35mm, f1.4, 1/60 sec @ 1250 ISO

Full and completely satisfied, we headed back to the hotel to try to get some sleep before repacking our belongings and heading to the airport in the morning.


The Buddhist temple behind our hotel.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 50/f1.4
50mm, f1.4, 1/160 sec @ 1250 ISO

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.

2010, Day 66 - Another Day in LA

My first full day is Los Angeles got off to an early start. I wandered around Japan Town, where my hotel is, for about an hour and the city seemed to be asleep.


The Eli & Edythe Broad Plaza, I like the clean lines against the cloudy sky.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 17-40/f4L
23mm, f4, HDR of 1/5000, 1/2000, 1/800, 1/320 and 1/125 sec @ 400 ISO


City Hall, I think...
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 17-40/f4L
17mm, f4, HDR 1/2000, 1/1250, 1/800, 1/500 and 1/320 sec @ 400 ISO


The Los Angeles Times building.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 17-40/f4L
17mm, f4, HDR of 1/4000, 1/2000, 1/1000, 1/500 and 1/250 sec @ 400 ISO


This gentleman was having a heated argument with the building and I don't blame him because I had just finished yelling at it myself.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f5.6, 1/500 sec @ 400 ISO


Weirdo Rippers?
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 17-40/f4L
40mm, f5.6, 1/500 sec @ 400 ISO


Some graffiti I found down a narrow alley in what was, in retrospect, probably a bad neighborhood.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 17-40/f4L
17mm, f5.6, 1/25 sec @ 400 ISO

When I arrived back at the Miyako the bellman, Jesus, noticed the camera in my hands and, as I was entering the elevator, chased me down to offer access to the roof. Of course I accepted with some alacrity and up we went.


Downtown Los Angeles from the roof of the Miyako Hotel.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 17-40/f4L
39mm, f5.6, HDR 1/8000, 1/4000, 1/2000, 1/1000 and 1/500 sec @ 400 ISO


Dodger Stadium(?) from the roof of the Miyako.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f4, 1/4000 sec @ 400 ISO

Having completed my 360 on the roof Jesus took me back into the public part of the hotel where I thanked him profusely before he ran back downstairs to his post at the door. Back at the room I talked to the groggy but conscious Laura to see what she would like to do with the day. The rough plan was the my friend Araceli would give us a bit of a tour but that we knew was going to be later in the day.

With time to kill we opted to head to USC to check out the campus. It was rather impressive but with what they charge for tuition I had expected it to be.


The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Courtyard at the University of Southern California.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
24mm, f4, 1/1250 sec @ 400 ISO


USC's administration building. I wanted to do the Asian thing and let myself in to have a wander but the doors were lock. Damn!
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
70mm, f4, 1/1250 sec @ 100 ISO

After our brief visit to USC we hopped into the eco-mobile (our rental car is a Prius, I kind of hate it) and decided to drive aimlessly around the city to see if anyone would shoot at us.


This seemed a likely place to be shot at but we weren't blessed with lead precipitation.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
70mm, f4, 1/2000 sec @ 100 ISO

From there the aimless driving recommenced until I asked Laura if she would be interested in seeing the La Brea Tar Pits. It seemed like a good way to while a way the time so we entrusted the handy-dandy GPS to provide us with directions.

When we arrived the museum wasn't very busy but by the time we made our way out the other side it was packed!


The skulls of wolves found in the tar pits. Apparently they thought the tar's other victims would be easy prey but were themselves caught. Good idea but poor execution.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
51mm, f2.8, 1/200 sec @ 400 ISO


There were a number of complete skeletons on display including this sabre-toothed cat.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
38mm, f2.8, 1/100 sec @ 800 ISO


Laura was impressed by the care it must have taken to locate the toe bone of a mouse in the expansive tar pits.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
70mm, f2.8, 1/320 sec @ 640 ISO


One of the archaeologists getting tags ready to label their finds.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
59mm, f2.8, 1/100 sec @ 640 ISO


A robotic display of a sabre-toothed cat attacking a ground sloth. Too bad the ground sloths are extinct, they look awesome!
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
64mm, f6.3, 1/100 sec @ 640 ISO


An open research site. It doesn't look like the kind of job that you wear a suit to work.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
70mm, f4, 1/125 sec @ 200 ISO


Laura enjoying the refreshing scent of tar.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
70mm, f2.8, 1/2000 sec @ 640 ISO

During our exploration of the tar pits Araceli called and she opted to meet us at the tar pits. When she arrived we set off for lunch in Melrose and then toured West Hollywood and Hollywood. With today being the Oscars a large section of town was closed and there were some interesting characters out and about.


This guy wanted to make a point, one that become clear when you see who was to his left (shown below).
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f4, 1/400 sec @ 200 ISO


And these were the crackpots protesting the Oscars. I wonder if they're paranoid? Oh, and they didn't only have a problem with Jews, apparently gay people are evil too.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f4, 1/320 sec @ 200 ISO

As our tour completed Araceli took us back to our car at the tar pits and we both drove to the hotel to meet up and decide what to do next. Despite leaving before us we arrived at the hotel first and right on our doorstep a commercial for AT&T was being filmed so I snapped a couple pictures while we waited.


The camera man focusing on the actor across the street (by Chop Suey).
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f4, 1/60 sec @ 400 ISO


And the actor, across the street, phone in hand.
Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f4, 1/250 sec @ 400 ISO

Upon returning to our room we chatted and decided to explore the San Gabriel Superstore, a large Asian market. It's always fun to visit Asian markets, they remind me of my grandparents. We found taro toast and had a nice dinner of Chinese food composed of all kinds of faux meat. Afterwards it was back to the hotel, score a little frozen yogurt and a little blogging before bed.