Hai Chiizu! (はいチーズ!)

Eyedea

2007-11-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

Moon

2007-07-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

Be sure to click on the photo for full resolution. Taken with my new telephoto.

Quacklings

2007-07-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

Quack

2007-07-07T23:46:00.000-07:00

California State Capitol

2007-06-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

While passing through Sacramento, I made a night stop at our state's capitol building. Unfortunately, I did not notice that this was the side of the building, and not the front! Oops!

Griffith Park Fire

2007-06-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

An apology to my returning visitors for not updating my site regularly as of late. I am back, and finally ready to continue posting content as it becomes available!

The Griffith Park Fire as viewed from Mt. Wilson on 5/19/2007.

Eyece

2007-02-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

Be sure to click on each image for larger versions. Reductions can not do justice to macro shots.

Macro shot lit through a sheet of ice.

A small reflection of the blue sky can be seen from this tiny particle of ice.

North End of Yosemite Park

2007-02-10T22:30:00.000-08:00

A few of the beautiful sites that can be found not to far off of Northside Drive.

El Capitan reflects off of a tranquil creek which feeds into the Merced River.

Yosemite Falls in the afternoon.

A leaking cliff. The melting snow feeds into the Merced River.

Forest in the Trees

2007-02-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

No, the title is not a typo. A hollow tree stump reveals its own private forest.

Yosemite National Park

2007-02-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

I frequently travel all along the Pacific, ranging from Southern California all the way up to interior Alaska in search of beauties that often go unseen. Finally I have arrived at Yosemite National Park, the photographers "Stairway to Heaven".
While the park is smaller than I imagined, it quickly became clear why Ansel Adams described Yosemite as "...an austere and blazing poetry of the real". My weekend here was well spent, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is in the area... or any California resident who has been telling themselves "I'll go see it soon" for the past umpteen years.

The images below are a short compilation of my first day.

Sentinel Rock illuminated by the morning sun viewed through the trees.

A small creek fed by Bridal Veil Falls. This effect results from a long exposure in low light conditions.

Interesting cloud formations viewed from Mirror Lake suggesting crooked sun beams.

Just after sunset, everything is darkened in twilight for a short moment. This however, is not the end of the show. The sun returns between the mountains for a spectacular encore. Half Dome becomes intensely illuminated in shades of red and orange for just a few moments.

Pacific Madrone

2007-01-17T07:23:00.000-08:00

This Arbutus menziesii (Pacific Madrone) can be found anywhere from Canada to California. It has a beautiful orange-red bark that peels away as it matures.

Dinosaur

2007-01-16T06:28:00.000-08:00

This Australian Emu has a face only a mother could love.

Lone Oak

2007-01-15T10:02:00.000-08:00

A lone oak tree silhouetted by the afternoon sun.

Waiting

2007-01-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

Iä `oe e `imi ana
I nä nani o ka `aina
Eia nö la`au ma`a nei
E kali ana i kou ho`i mai

While you go seeking
Among the beauties of the land
Right here I remain
Waiting for your return.

Laguna Beach

2007-01-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

An excellent place for swimming, surfing, skimboading, and pictures. Unbelievably blue skies and waters. Beaches like this are all we have left of the beautiful California coastline.

Rock Rose (Cistaceae)

2007-01-10T01:47:00.000-08:00

A beautiful Rock Rose.

Plant identification by Mrs. Social Butterfly (Thank you!)

Stream

2007-01-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

MacArthur Park

2007-01-04T09:51:00.000-08:00

MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark

All the sweet, green icing flowing down...

Someone left the cake out in the rain

I don't think that I can take it

'Cause it took so long to bake it

And I'll never have that recipe again

Oh, no!

A lost love remains here, sitting by himself, unable to forget all of the feelings shared at this park. As it gets dark, eyes begin to fill with tears (MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark). The sweet green icing begins flowing down refers to the green leaves on the trees flowing together as seen through tears. This love ended without reason (Someone left the cake out in the rain...), he will never love like this again ('Cause it took so long to bake it), and a love like this will never exist again (And I'll never have that recipe again...).

Anyone who has experienced young love can relate to this. Unpredictable, often blinding, and without mercy are probably the best ways of describing the only emotion that can feel perfect in one moment, and like the end of the world in the next.

Warner Center v2

2006-12-15T12:47:00.000-08:00

A view through my eyes.

Warner Center

2006-12-14T17:16:00.000-08:00

Late Fall in Southern California

2006-11-23T23:43:00.000-08:00

The last of the leaves clutch to their branches before giving way to winter.

Good Morning!

2006-11-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

As the sun began to rise on a foggy day, morning dew clings to a Cannas plant.

An Uncommon Site (1,000 Years Ago)

2006-11-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

The ginkgo tree and pomegranate shrub both came from far away lands to find themselves feet apart in Southern California. The Ginkgo plant is said to have originated in the mountains west of Shanghai, while the Pomegranate is believed to have originated in in eastern Iran and southern Afghanistan region. It's amazing how places apart can come together and exist side by side. Provided the right circumstances and climate.

Ginkgo Leaf.

Dwarf Pomegranate Blossom.

Los Angeles County Arboretum

2006-11-20T18:27:00.000-08:00

Small collection of images from my day at the LA County Arboretum. I specifically was looking for shots that were geometrically similar.

Fall in Southern California

2006-11-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Autumn is my favorite season of the year. Unlike our neighbors to the north that experience the real Fall Colors, we in Southern California have quite a different experience. Autumn in Southern California translates as "less hot" than the previous months. While further north, Autumn is apparent anywhere you go, you usually have to hunt for it in Southern California.

Note: The sky in this image has not been enhanced.

The Grid Blues

2006-11-15T09:18:00.000-08:00

Surrounded by the Metropolis, with its streets and canyons of buildings, all designed in grids, the hustle and bustle of a city can bring many of us down, feeling so boxed in, detached from the natural world of our origins. This image reaches out to me as a literal representation of "The Grid Blues".

Mt. Wilson

2006-11-09T12:17:00.000-08:00

A place visited often by myself in good times and bad. This is a special sanctuary for me where I can reminisce. It is quiet, remote, and peaceful.

Both of these shots were taken in full manual with slightly different techniques. The horizontal streaks in the sky are commercial aircraft. The shorter diagonal streaks are star trails due to the longer exposure.

El Matador Beach (Sunset & Twilight)

2006-11-09T01:30:00.000-08:00

A wide shot of El Matador's coastline. Notice the gull that lined up perfectly for this shot? ;)

As the sun began to set, I snapped away at the rock formations with focus on the beautiful reflections in the sand.

As I begin my departure from El Matador, the twilight bids me farewell.

El Matador Beach (Day)

2006-11-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

A local painter recreates a wonderful view of El Matador.

As you climb down to the beach the beautiful rock forms, amazing lighting, and interesting textures are all breath taking.

The intense oranges in the local rock formations create an intense contrast with the sky.

A tall formation side lit by the low angle sun.

The Lonely Leaf

2006-10-30T08:21:00.000-08:00

A leaf lit directly by the sun providing a perfect black background.

Note: Click on the image for a larger version. The reduced thumbnail version does not do justice to the level of sharpness this image displays.

Grasshoppers & Mediterranean Praying Mantid

2006-10-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

This grasshopper's eye is reminiscent of the tiger's-eye gemstone.

I prefer Mediterranean "Preying" Mantis. I understand that officially it is a Mediterranean "Praying" Mantis, but I am not quite sure how a bug can be religious.

Beelieve It!

2006-10-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

A female worker bee pollinates the autumn blossom of the South American Pink Silk Floss Tree. As she collects the pollen, she stores it with her pollen basket.

I have posted these images near full resolution. Click on the image you would like to enlarge. These are an absolute must for viewing in full resolution!

Colors

2006-10-10T23:36:00.000-07:00

Updated: 10/13/2006

Various plants that had intense, yet pleasing colors to the eye.

Ceratostigma Abyssinicum

Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe Thyrisflora)

South African Honeysuckle (Turraea Obtusifolia)

Harvest Moon

2006-10-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for full resolution.

Fiery Skipper - Fighter Butterfly

2006-10-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

The Fiery Skipper butterfly is named for the resemblence of its wing to the appearance of flames. The slightly curved "tail wing" also bears a striking resemblance to the dual vertical stabilizers of an F-14 fighter plane (pictured below).

F-14 - Images courtesy of United States Air Force.

The Fiery Skipper shows off his tongue. Butterfly tongues are really a hollow tube, like a straw. The flower responsible for all the beautiful purple is a Verbena Bonariensis which all insects alike seem to enjoy.

The Fiery Skipper begins a mid-flight refuel.

Early Evening in the Valley

2006-09-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

As the sun dips lower into the horizon, beams of light peak through creating ideal illumination for these dramatic colors.

Vivid Dancer & California Spreadwing (Damselfly vs. Dragonfly)

2006-09-27T19:26:00.002-07:00

The Odonata ("toothed ones") includes three groups of species. The two groups that interest us for this post are Zygoptera (which includes damselflies), and Anisoptera (which includes dragonflies).

The Vivid Dancer is a member of the Zygopetera. Observe how it's wings are held above the body while at rest. This is the quickest way to identify whether you are viewing a damselfly or dragonfly. The body of damselflies are also much more slender by comparison.

The California Spreadwing is a member of the Anisoptera. It's body is quite stout in comparison to the previous Vivid Dancer. We can also quickly identify it as a dragonfly by noticing that it's wings extend to each side of the dragonfly while at rest.

Bugs

2006-09-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

A busy day in the insect community as they prepare for winter and consume lunch.

A lady bug, hornet, and bee gather for a lunch meeting.

A Syrphid Fly. These flies are known for their bee or wasp mimicry.

Woodland Skipper.

Painted Lady.

Patience rewards us with a rare treat. A Gray Hairstreak butterfly stops for a short rest.

Fall into Descanso Gardens

2006-09-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

As another summer passes, dahlias at Descanso Gardens provide a grand exit to the season, a botanical version of fireworks.

As our fall season begins, beautiful reds and oranges are beginning to be displayed by plants.

Midnight Roses

2006-09-16T01:44:00.000-07:00

Roses lit by street lamps at midnight.

A spider wanders on this delicately lit rose searching for his midnight snack.

All in a Day's Work

2006-09-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

A female bee visits a flower combing the grains of pollen into her baskets. Pollen from the flower also sticks to the bee’s hair.

Crop for Detail:Full Resolution Crop:

Life At Punchbowl Crater

2006-09-13T23:38:00.000-07:00

Punchbowl Crater is an extinct volcano located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is the location of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The crater was formed around 100,000 years ago during the Honolulu period of secondary volcanic activity. A crater resulted from the ejection of hot lava through cracks in the old coral reefs which, at the time, extended to the foot of the Koolau Mountain Range. Although there are various translations of the Punchbowl's Hawaiian name, "Puowaina," the most common is "Hill of Sacrifice." This translation closely relates to the history of the crater.
When walking up at the top of the crater, you are first greeted with a view of Diamond Head.A flower lit by the low angle sun.Hidden between the plants, a bug munching on the local flowers.A Mountain Dove. These doves are commonly seen with Zebra Doves.
A Red-Vented Bulbul. These appeared on Oahu 50 years ago when it was reported as an un-authorized cage release. One problem with the bulbul is that it likes to eat everything from insects and lizards to many fruits and orchid buds, making it an agricultural pest.
A Red-Crested Cardinal. These beautifully colored birds were brought from South America around the 1930s.

Leahi From Punchbowl Crater

2006-09-13T23:27:00.000-07:00

Diamond Head Crater was originally named Laeahi by the ancient Hawaiians. The name meant "brow of the tuna" and looking at the silhouette of the crater from Waikiki, you can see the resemblance. The current name came was given to the crater by British sailors in the 1800's. When they first saw the crater at a great distance, the calcite crystals in the lava rock appeared to glimmer in the sunlight. The sailors mistakenly thought there must be diamonds in the soil. Diamond Head is a crater that has been extinct for 150,000 years. The crater is 3,520 feet in diameter with a 760-foot summit.
Unfortunately our day for viewing Diamond Head was a very hazy one. Also pictured is Honolulu and Waikiki providing a sense of how crowded our islands have become!

Foster Botanical Gardens

2006-09-13T22:54:00.000-07:00

A section of the famous Pali viewed from below.A Pacific Golden Plover. These birds are also known as the "Kolea". During the summer they nest in Alaska. Their travels from Alaska to Hawaii is a non-stop 50 hours flight. Females will leave first, followed by males and the young are often left to migrate on their own. These birds do not stay the same color for the entire duration of their stay in Hawaii. In August - September when they arrive they are mottled colored. Males will attain a dark black patch on their breasts before leaving the islands in early May. Females also get breeding plumage but look very different from the males.A black swan rests in the sun.

Kaena Point

2006-09-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

The beautiful view from Kaena Point. In the distance you can see the famous North Shore.
A dirt-biker catches some nice air. Normally the backdrop for dirt bikers is...more dirt.
Looking towards the most western point reveals the perfect canvas for the setting sun.
As the sun enters the clouds, intense sun beams begin to emit creating a beautiful view.The setting sun begins to dip below the horizon.As the sun disappears over the horizon, beautiful oranges are still visible, reflecting off of the clouds.

Cattle Egrets

2006-09-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

Updated: Sept. 14, 2006
While touring Oahu, you will see these graceful, yet shy birds. These small white heron are often found in dry grassy habitats, unlike most herons which are associated with shallow water. Cattle egrets feed on insects, especially grasshoppers, and are usually found with cattle and other large animals which disturb small creatures which the egrets then catch.
A bird with a sense of humor. After firing about 15 shots, he decides to show me his good side!According to the rangers at Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens, these birds often chase the lawn mowers, and perch on top of the seats awaiting their food. They believe this may be because the gardens have no larger animals to disturb their food thus rely on the lawn mower to scare the smaller creatures out which they eat.

Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens

2006-09-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

Through Likelike Highway, stopping just short of Kaneohe reveals a beautiful garden open to the public. Be sure to check the weather before going. It can go from beautiful sunny to cloudy in a few minutes.

Sand Island During Twilight

2006-09-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

The beautiful view from Sand Island in Oahu just after sunset.

The famous Aloha Tower in the distance.

The Pride of America cruise ship docked next to the famous Aloha Tower. For size reference, Aloha Tower stands proud in it's 10-story height.

El Matador State Beach

2006-09-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

A seagull digs for sandcrabs looking for a snack.The gull shakes the water out of his nose.Sunset at El Matador. An elderly seagull makes a final pass looking for dinner in the distance.
A seagull makes a graceful touchdown silhoutted by the setting sun.
A sandpiper gets curious and investigates this photographer ;)

Sunset During the Ventura Fires

2006-09-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

Recent fires in the Ventura area had left particulates in the air which turned the sunset intense reds and oranges.

Look! In the Sky!

2006-09-04T23:39:00.000-07:00

Seagull 483 is cleared to John Wayne airport as filed. Fly runway heading, climb and maintain 500 feet. Departure frequency is 137.275, squawk 5422...We often forget to look overhead as we walk down California's coastline. These particular shots are from Corona del Mar.
We often forget to look overhead as we walk down California's coastline. These particular shots are from Corona del Mar.

Ripened Jalapeno

2006-09-04T23:01:00.000-07:00

A ripe jalapeno lit by the setting sun.

E Hula Mau 2006

2006-09-04T22:34:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite times of the year. Southern California's biggest hula competition. This Halau (hula group) is Na Hoa O Ka Hale Kanu. Their kumu hula (hula teacher) is Kapua Hollands.

A Day At Descanso Gardens

2006-09-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day using a new lens for my macro photography. Featured is a small compilation of the beautiful things I saw this day.

New Beginnings

2006-09-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

Aloha no,

My name is Daryl. I have been doing photography for about 5 years. Recently with the assistance of close friends and family, I have begun doing this as a more serious hobby. In my future postings I will share my travels, experiences, and life through my eyes.