Sundown

Sometimes I am amazed at the view from my house. I am really going to miss it.

Night Sky

Rain + city skyline + clouds equal greatness. Fortunately I managed to get a few shots on from the moving car I was in as we travelled over the freeway. 

Sunrise

Yes - I did say sunrise. Every Wednesday now I have to get up at the wonderful hour of 6 am in order to get ready and make it to the class I am observing. I must figure out a way to have my first period be a prep period or invest in a really good coffee brand or I am never going to make it as a teacher.
On the bright side - I do actually get to see sunsets. This is only because it doesn't get light until 7 am. Once daylight savings time ends though, it will back to waking up after the sun rises (I can then pretend it is later than it actually is).

Top Ten

Since today is 10.10.10 - I've decided to name my top ten photos of all time that I have taken. These are either places that are important to me on a sentimental scale or best showcase my talent. They are in no particular order. 

1. Yosemite National Park - Elizabeth Lake. This was taken back in 2005 and the two hikers in the background are my sister, Katie, and my cousin, Wyatt. I love this picture because of the snake-like river and the color contrast. 

2. Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park. Also taken in 2005. I love this picture because of its sharpness and brightness, even though it was taken before I owned my digital SLR. I love how good this picture still came out, only proves how amazing Yosemite actually is. 

3. Surfers at Huntington Beach. This is one of my first action shots on my Nikon D40. I believe it was Christmas 2008, right after I got my first Nikon digital SLR and upgraded from my Fuji Finepix. 

4. I love this picture because I loved my trip to England in 2004. This just happened to be one of those pictures that I wasn't thinking about when I took it, and it later became my favorite picture from the whole trip. 

5. Fresno, 2007. This is one of my all time favorite photos. This was taken during my first time at FUI and we are all having a quiet retreat day. After about an hour of journaling I decided to travel the Fulton Mall and take pictures. This became my iconic picture for all things relating to Fresno and became the start of worship through photography.

6. The Big Island, Hawaii in 2006. This trip was my high school graduation present from my grandparents. They have a time share condo on The Big Island so it turned into a family vacation. This was a random drive that turned into a rainy day that turned into the best pictures from the trip.

7. Jamey and Eric's Wedding, Bakersfield, CA in April 2010. This was the first wedding I was ever a photographer for. I was so excited to be included in this celebration but also thrilled that I was one of four photographers. It really takes the stress off.

8. Jimmy and Kari's wedding in Washington. May 2010. I wasn't a photographer for this wedding but I still love how this picture turned out. Jimmy and Kari were the first InterVarsity friends of mine that are my age to get married.

9. I love taking pictures of flowers. And of the hundreds I probably have this one is by far my favorite. First off, the rose is in perfect bloom. Second, it just rained, which makes all flowers look fantastic. Third, this was right outside my house so I got to see this every day.

10. Finally the last favorite. This is also from the 2006 Hawaii trip. Not to re-state my weakness for flowers, I do love the color combination of the white and purple flowers. Another picture where I wasn't expecting it to turn out as good as it did.

Through the Eyes of a Lens

I see the world through pictures. I have seen the world through they eye of a lens since high school when I joined the yearbook staff. I recently was told by a friend who I hadn't seen in several years that he was excited to see my photography stick. He thought it would just be a phase. Clearly its not just a phase and moving from a hobby.
But I write too. Little recently but I do. Now if I could be inspired enough to combine the two in this blog, I might have more than just three readers.

Quiet Times in Fresno

Today was my first day in Fresno for my six week urban internship project with FIFUL. We started out our staff orientation with a retreat of silence in order to get our hearts and minds in the right place, which was necessary because when Sarah and I moved into our apartment, we found it to be completely unfurnished. We had a feeling this might happen but there aren't even lights in the bedroom. But it's ok to not be in control and to not have lights in the bedroom. All my posts for the next six week will contain a story about FUI so far and of course a picture. Want to read about other stories? Well go to the FUI 2010 blog to find out more.

Lupin

You may be wondering where is the amazing and lovable werewolf from Harry Potter (before Twilight fever hit of course) -but that is not this kind of Lupin. It is the beautiful wildflower found in Yosemite - where I am not going this year. But I will find a way. Plans are being set in motion to make it happen. You see I have this streak - I have been to Yosemite every year since I was born. Even the year it was snowed in - I still managed to go. I am not ruining my streak by any means... just how to I do it?

To Ireland? Or not to Ireland?

I wish I was here - I know its not Ireland but even more special.
Although Ireland would be nice - as long as it includes a pub. It seems like the Irish thing to do.

That's as festive as I get for St. Patrick's Day.

Rejoice

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:6-7)

Creator

This is the reason you know there is one.

Background

This is my background to my computer. Catalina Island. Spring Break Camp. God's beauty at work and really there is not much else I need to do as a photographer. I love looking at this every time I turn on my computer.

Vista Point

Every time I drive home, I always want to stop and take pictures. On my ride home today, I finally pulled off to a Vista Point and snapped away. It was worth it, and made up for the future horrible traffic I was about to endure.

Pathways

I love pathways. The are one of my favorite things to photograph ever. Especially cobblestone or brick paths. There is something so artistic and meaningful when taking a picture of a pathway - and something hidden in the picture. The question as simple as "where does the path lead to" must be asked when looking into this picture and it draws the audience within their own imagination of what is beyond the scope of the lens. 

Winter?

This is what winter in California normally looks like. The rain was putting a cramp in my style so I'm glad its over.