The Bridge

I seem to have this weird luck. Often, there will be construction happening near where I live that either causes great inconvenience, or that I look forward to for some other reason. The Folsom American River bridge (pictured above), is such an example. Towards the end of my first stint living near Folsom, CA this bridge was being constructed. I was really looking forward to it because it would've eased my commute.

It opened a couple of weeks before I left. The second time that I lived in the area, it was another bridge. I never got to see that one completed. I'm sure it's all confirmation bias on my part.

For other large things, cross over to Thursday Challenge where the theme is "BIG" (Massive, Tall, Roadside Monuments, Buildings, Trees, Animals,...)

Blue Monday: Abstract

This is my first post for Blue Monday. This abstract shot is of a very concrete (pun intended) object - the Folsom American River Bridge. While I was living near Folsom, CA last year, this bridge was the subject of intense photographic study. I had just obtained a near new DSLR. To learn the camera I decided to study this bridge from as many positions, lighting conditions and weather as possible. Taking on such a study is a great way to not only learn the camera, but also to learn to "see" differently and grease the creative wheels.

Happy Blue Monday!

San Francisco

On the day after xmas, the girls went shopping for brides maid's dresses in San Francisco. Meanwhile, David and I did the tourist thing in the city visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point National Historic Site, the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, the Musée Mécanique, Ghirardelli_Square, and, of course, eating clam chowder.

Here is a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge looming over Fort Point. Its an impressive view from this vantage point.

We meet up with the girls later and spent a good hour or so sitting in traffic downtown at rush hour. What a mob of people! We finished off the evening with a nice dinner and a little Jazz.

It's always nice to get back to the city, and I look forward to my next visit.

Off Balance

Here's fun shot of the American River Bridge. I've taken a lot of shots of this bridge (I really like the repeating arches). I like this shot, but I suspect that a square format photo would work better (not a crop - I don't want to lose the left edge).

Sunrise at the Lake

One morning, while driving over the Old Folsom Bridge, I noticed how cool the American River Bridge looked as the morning sun reflected off of the bridge onto the flat surface of Lake Natoma. So, I got up early this morning to catch the first rays of the sun.

I cropped this shot, and added some diffuse glow to try and capture the mood. I don't know if I did - what do you think?

Golden Gate Park

Today, I took a trip to Golden Gate National Recreation Area to shot the Golden Gate bridge. I set my alarm for 3:40 AM so that I could get to Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise. Unfortunately, I got there a bit late. The sun was just rising as I got to San Francisco - the best time to drive around San Francisco, by the way. Here's one of the shots I got.

American River

Here's a shot from the point where the American River turns into Lake Natoma with the American River Bridge in the foreground and the old Folsom bridge in the background.

The shot feels likes looming over you - which I like. I can really feel the bulk of the bridge. But, it also seems like the bridge is twisting. Off balance maybe?

What do you think?

Tower Bridge

I walked around on the east bank of the Sacramento River for a couple of hours looking for a good vantage point with which to take a shot of the Tower Bridge. I never quite find what I was looking for, although this shot isn't bad.

It was hopping in Old Sac tonight. Lot's of people, music spilling out of doors and off of boats.

Foot Bridge

Here's a photo of a foot bridge across the American River just west of Sunrise. This spot is also where local Raft companies put in.

While I was shooting this area, a overhead a little kid ask his mom "what is that man taking pictures of?" To which she responded: "he's probably taking pictures for a magazine."

In my dreams kid.

Three Oaks

While walking this evening, along the American River near the Old Fair Oaks bridge, I came across these three oaks growing on a cliff on the far bank.

There was a group of people jumping off the bridge into the river while another group on the bank near by banged on their drums (bongos, that is).  Lively area.

Bridgeport

I took the long windy road to the South Yuba State Park - the home of the Bridgeport bridge. It's on of the few covered bridges left in California and one of the longest in the world.

I got there early enough to scout out the area for some shoot late afternoon shots.

Unfortunately, the bridge, being down in a valley, had a hills to the west that would block the late afternoon sun.

Boy was it hot! I forgot to bring any water with me. The visitor center had a water fountain outside. The water coming out of it was also hot! But at least it was wet. Don't forget the water!