Dinorsaur, Jurupa Mountains Culteral Center, Riverside, CA

Dinorsaur, Jurupa Mountains Culteral Center, Riverside, CA, originally uploaded by SoLostAndFound / Bill Lindsay.

So I am driving, you know I do a lot of that.  And for some reason I am on the 60 heading east.  I don't normally use that part of the 60, but i was.  And all my life I can remember going to the Jurupa Culteral Center and I never noticed this Metal Dinosaur.  I think it was the clouds behind.  I loved the idea of the shot, but the out come did not look like I had wanted.  The clouds had a smoggy tinge and the dirty look to them was not something I can remove in photoshop.  I am love the idea of photoshop, but I tend to live in Aperature and shoot to stay there.  Masking and such is just too much.  I want to play with it, I just don't want to play with it.  I know that makes no sense, but if I was speaking the tone of that would have come through loud and clear.  Here are a few out takes.

Thanks for looking.

EXIF Data,

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.001 sec (1/800)
Aperture:	f/6.3
Focal Length:	300 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Light Painting, Orange Groves, Riverside, CA

Light Painting, Orange Groves, Riverside, CA, originally uploaded by SoLostAndFound / Bill Lindsay.

Here are some of the images that Hannah did with me for her project. We went into the Orange Groves with our friends and used three different flashes. One with red, one with blue and one with green gels.

I think these are really cool. Now I want to try to get some shots like Troy did in his book, Night Vision: The Art of Urban Exploration.

Thanks for looking.
EXIF Data,

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	118 sec (118)
Aperture:	f/5.6
Focal Length:	31 mm
ISO Speed:	100
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Light Painting, Trampoline, Riverside, CA

Light Painting, Trampoline, Riverside, CA, originally uploaded by SoLostAndFound / Bill Lindsay.

I really like the work that guys like Troy Pavia has done with colored gels and hand held flashes and flashlights. He uses full moons and long exposures to get some of these cool images. This is my first attempt. I tried under the trampoline and the second story of our house. My oldest daughter stayed up to do this with me so that we could try it out for her school art project. She got the fun job of firing the flash about 60 times to paint the area under the trampoline and in my bedroom and bathroom.

I think these came out cool.

Thanks for looking.
EXIF Data,

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	106 sec (106)
Aperture:	f/5.6
Focal Length:	21 mm
ISO Speed:	100
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Down Town Riverside, CA, from Mount Rubidoux

Down Town Riverside, CA, from Mount Rubidoux, originally uploaded by SoLostAndFound / Bill Lindsay.

I thought that pic should be on its own and not part of the walk up Mount Rubidoux. I went Black and White to bring out the sunlight on the down town area while the sky was filled with the rain clouds.  I wish I had carried with me a split neutral density filter to bring out more of the clouds.  Well, shoot and learn.

Thanks for looking.
EXIF Data:

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture:	f/11
Focal Length:	18 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Daughters, Cross, Mount Rubidoux, Riverside, CA

Daughters, Cross, Mount Rubidoux, Riverside, CA, originally uploaded by SoLostAndFound / Bill Lindsay.

Living in Riverside, you can't miss the cross that is on top of Mount Rubidoux. I have hiked the road up to there countless times. When I am training, I will ride from my house to Mount Rubidoux and up to the top and then back home finishing with the climb up to my house from Victoria up to Lake Matthew's.

A Cross has been at the top since 1907 when the first one was installed after Frank Miller had a graded road put in that went to the top. He originally planned to develop the property for expensive homes, but that did not work out. In 1909 the first Easter Sunrise Service was held at the top and it has been held every year since. The Boy Scouts started a path lighting service project for the Sunrise Service in 1922. The cross that is at the top now, was dedicated in 1959 as the Serra Cross. President Taft was here in October 1909 and dedicated a second plaque to Father Serra.

There are other plaques on the mount commemorating the Boy Scouts, Col Shunzo Kido, Frank Miller, and the original dedication plaque that named it Huntington Park.

Now it is a Riverside City Park, Mount Rubidoux Park. Great views of Riverside and the surrounding area can be found at the top. Every year there are fireworks from the top. It is a landmark and if you are out here, worth the walk.

Thanks for looking.
EXIF Data:

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture:	f/8
Focal Length:	18 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Day 201, This guy is playing a guitar autpgraphed by Kerry King of

Day 201, This guy is playing a guitar autpgraphed by Kerry King of Slayer, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

My kids and I went to the local chili cook off. (Arlington Chili Cook off and Car Show) and they had live bands and some cool cars and motorcycles. They had some live bands and we went with our friends all on our Electras. As we are cruising through, I noticed that this guy was playing a guitar that seemed to be autographed. Sorry, I didn't catch what the name of the band was. They were playing covers and were pretty good.

When I got home and was looking at the pics, I figured out that this was signed by Kerry King of Slayer. If I had a guitar signed by a guitar legend, it would be hanging on my wall, not out doing gigs. Speaking of guitars hanging on walls, I really need to pull mine down and learn a song. I just never seem to have time for it, let alone to play with the pics that I want to post.

Here are a few more from the Chili Cook Off. Thanks for looking.

Day 153, Engagement Portraits

Day 153, Engagement Shoot, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

Here are some shots from an Engagement photo shoot. They wanted something for the announcements. This holding hands shot is one of my favorites. It never makes the announcement, but I like it none the less. In fact, my favorites never make the announcements. They usually end up on the table at the reception. This is a great couple and they will go far.

Thanks for looking.
EXIF Data,

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture:	f/2.5
Focal Length:	50 mm
ISO Speed:	100
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Flash fired, red-eye reduction

The LA Times Blog picked up one of my picks.

Just a quick note, if anyone wants to see this, the Picture from the Mission Inn Rotunda was used for the LA Times Local Blog.  Thanks LA Times for posting it!

Here is the link,

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/04/a-stairway-to-r.html

Day 142, Mr and Mrs

Day 141, Mr and Mrs, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

So to continue the thread of out of order. After the wedding the Bride wanted to get some pictures of the two of them at a park here in Riverside, Citrus State Park. This round were of the Bride in her dress and the Groom in his dress blues. It is a perfect time of year for this, the flowers over the trellis were perfect. These were the set that I had to correct the huge blue cast and the way they came out underexposed. I will take that with the light orb over the harshness of the flash without the light orb since the blue cast and slight underexposure was an easy fix as long as I shoot in RAW. I set the white balance to auto the next day at the reception and it came out really well.

By the way, I am really proud of this Bride and Groom since I have known her since she was born. Her uncle is my best friend since we were 11. Her parents and grandparents are some of the closest people in my life. She is brilliant and can make much of her life and his. The groom is one of this countries best, a two Iraq tour Marine who comes from a great family. They have one of the best chances to make a happy life. I hope it for them.

Thanks for looking.
EXIF Data,

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture:	f/4
Focal Length:	30 mm
ISO Speed:	200
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Day 137, First Congregational Church Bell Tower and Cross, Riverside, CA

Day 137, First Congregational Church Bell Tower and Cross, Riverside, CA, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

The cross on top of the bell tower for the First Congregational Church in Downtown was glowing. To get this, I went up to the forth floor of the Mission Inn and caught this as the late afternoon sun was almost setting.

This is another example of some of the great architecture in Riverside.

Thanks for looking.
EXIF Data,

Day 136, Mission Inn, Riverside, CA, Daytime, Hall of Arches

Day 136, Mission Inn, Riverside, CA, Daytime, Hall of Arches, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

Here is the other entry to the Day and Night comparison shots that I wanted to try. This arched walkway is on the 4th floor and leads to the patio on the north east corner where the moorish style orange dome is. There is a little patio there and a room that is surrounded in all glass that looks out on the main courtyard and the patio. There are rooms along this walkway with beautiful entries and a little stained glass.

Thanks for looking.
EXIF Data,
Day

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture:	f/5.6
Focal Length:	40 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Night

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.5 sec (1/2)
Aperture:	f/4
Focal Length:	30 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Day 135, Mission Inn, Riverside, CA, Daytime interior cupola

Day 135, Mission Inn, Riverside, CA, Daytime interior cupola, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

Today, the same shot, just one in daylight and one at night. This little dome is actually on the second floor in the east central part of the hotel. It is a little court area that leads to one of the nicer meeting rooms with a stage and this beautiful old pipe organ.

Since the property was built a little bit at a time, there seems to be always something new to see. And it is always a little different in each part. There are Spanish, Moorish, European, Oriental, and Pueblo influences through out the property. No two towers or domes are alike. The rooms in different areas have different styles of entries, different layouts and different architectural styles. Some rooms are unique to that particular room for architectural style and decoration. Some rooms have huge amounts of stained glass, windows and grand entrances, while others have only a little entrance and a single window.

Every time I come back to shoot, even though I have lived in Riverside for almost my whole life, I notice something a little different that I missed before.

Thanks for looking.
EXIF Data,

Daylight

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.04 sec (1/25)
Aperture:	f/5.6
Focal Length:	48 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Night

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	2 sec (2)
Aperture:	f/5
Focal Length:	42 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Day 134, Mission Inn, Riverside, CA, Dome

Day 134, Mission Inn, Riverside, CA, Dome, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

Just before the dinner that after which I took those night pictures, I walked around the roof a little to take some pictures. I will soon post some day/night shots of a few spots. But for now, a late afternoon shot of the dome on the north east corner.  I have always thought that if you did not know you were in Riverside, you could very well think that you were somewhere else. Some other country or exotic city, maybe Islamabad or Istanbul. But Riverside? Yes, Riverside. That is our smog imported directly from Los Angeles and Orange County! It all gets trapped up against the San Bernardino Mountains.  Maybe there will be a clear day that will afford another opportunity.

The Bench and Boganvillas are from the roof terrace of the Mission Inn on the south side looking east over the entrance.  It was beautiful.  But I had to rush off and meet my clients for dinner.

Thanks for looking.

EXIF Data,

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture:	f/10
Focal Length:	80 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Day 133, Mission Inn, Riverside, CA, Terrace Patio, Night Time

Day 133, Mission Inn, Riverside, CA, Terrace Patio, Night Time, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

More from the Mission Inn. This terrace is on the second floor and over looks the courtyard that you come into as you come out of the main entrance. There is a little dinning court to look over. On this floor from here there are some meeting rooms and then you are just below the clock. The church is up a level and two to the top floor. It is probably one of the more peaceful of many peaceful places in the Inn. Especially at night.  This church is where a few of my friends have been married.  There is a flyers wall dedicated to the flyers from and who flew out in the IE.  The courtyard is so serene, a little to lit, but serene.  Maybe one day I will get in again and have the chance to shoot inside.

Thanks for looking.
EXIF data,

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	1 sec (1)
Aperture:	f/3.5
Focal Length:	24 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Day 132, Mission Inn, Riverside, CA, Rotunda Stairway, Night Time

Day 132, Mission Inn, Riverside, CA, Rotunda Stairway, Night Time, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

This is an image that I have wanted to take for a while. After dinner at Marios with some of my clients, I walked through the Mission Inn and had a chance to just walk through with little to no people around. The last few times that I have been by with time to walk for a little bit, there have been a lot of people around. This time I was mostly on my own. The only thing that has ever been said to me about photography there was no tripods. This is then all handheld. I did lean against posts, walls and whatever to steady the long exposure time. This rotunda is really cool, but it does not seem that I have enough wide angle to get all that I want of it. I will try again some time, with a tripod and see if I can't get wider then the 18 mm that I have now.

Did I mention that I am really digging Aperture 2.0?  These shots are a great example of why.  The controls are great.  Since different types of artificial light have different color casts to them, it can be hard to get the shot that you want at night.  Our eye does not always note the difference.  But florescent is a little green and incandescent can be very yellow.  These were very yellow and I could reduce the saturation of the yellow and green (some bulbs have been changed to the compact florescent and so there is a mix) and increase the reds and magentas to get a more true to my eye pic.  In iPhoto all I can do is increase or decrease the saturation.  I also have control over the white balance and can move the black point to save blown highlights and rescue shadow.  

Hope you can live through a few days of Mission Inn posts.

Thanks for looking.
EXIF Data,

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.25 sec (1/4)
Aperture:	f/3.5
Focal Length:	18 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Day 116, Staff Sergeant Ismael R. Villegas Statue, Downtown Riverside

IMG_7159 (1).jpg, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

Well, I have a few more from the downtown area to post. I am really fascinated that there are not any statues of any of the presidents of the country downtown. There Ghandi, MLK, and Ahn Chang-Ho. At least there is this tribute to a hero. He was killed as he repeatedly attacked enemy positions in the Philippines, drawing fire away from and saving his squad. Sergeant Villegas died on March 20th, 1945 one day before his 21st birthday. He was the first person from Riverside to receive the Medal of Honor. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 19th, 1945. It is so great that this real hero has a statue that commemorates his bravery.

I am not saying that the others were not brave, in fact, far from it, they were all very brave men, but where is the tribute that makes us proud to be from Riverside, or California, or even the USA? MLK surly reflects that. I just find it an interesting evolution of the newer side of the country. Many times when they were putting up those statues and memorials, California was not yet a state. There were no great battles fought here to establish or preserve the country. No president was born or died here. A few were married here, but I don't know that a marriage could be merit for a statue.

I know some of the local history, but it is not a well taught subject in the schools here beyond the citrus industry. I will do some more research and get back to you on that.

Thanks for looking.

EXIF Data,

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture:	f/5.6
Focal Length:	45 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Flash fired, auto mode, red-eye reduction

Day 115, Self Portrait, Downtown Riverside

IMG_7294.jpg, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

Today you get a few self portraits along with my new pic today. It seems that I like to take pictures of myself. So I have a few of the self portraits that I have done over the past few years to follow up on this one from a walk in downtown Riverside during my jury service. This by the way was my last day of Jury service. I was the last alternate, so I got cut free, mostly, while the jury deliberates. I have to stay within an hour of the courthouse until they call me and tell me that it is over.

Included in this post are pics from Orlando Universal City Walk, the lower narrows in Zion National Park, in front of Bethesda Bridge in Central Park New York, me and my bike in the tunnel of trees on Kauai, and lastly, my wife and I from on the steps of the Lincoln Monument looking out onto the National Mall.  These are all true self portraits that I set up the shot and then got into using a timer.  

Thanks for looking.

EXIF Data,

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture:	f/6.3
Focal Length:	31 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Day 110, Reflection From Across the Street.

IMG_7298.jpg, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

This was really cool to see, although it is not as strong on the picture, but this is the reflection from the building across the street onto the walls of this building. It just made the whole block glow. It was really cool to see.

Thanks for looking.

EXIF Data,

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture:	f/9
Focal Length:	31 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV

Day 109, The Worst Place To Plant Trees Possible, Riverside, CA

IMG_7293 (1).jpg, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

I was walking during lunch again, and I came across this. It is heavily adjusted in Aperture. I could not get it to expose right. Probably for the same reason that the trees are bare when everything else around here is blooming and blossoming, the trees are planted in a space that is constant shade. There is no chance for these guys to ever get any sunlight. Riverside is a small town, this is the kind of thing that happens in New York or somewhere there are so many buildings that the only thing to do is plant them anyway.

Thanks for looking.

EXIF Data,

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture:	f/8
Focal Length:	18 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Flash did not fire

Day 108, Brick Building, Market Street, Riverside, CA

IMG_7297.jpg, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

OK, back to jury duty and a nice walk during lunch. I remember when they built this office building, right across from the old Fox Theater. The contractor did a bad job with the brick facade and they kept falling off. Finally they fixed it. I want to come back when it is either overcast or, early morning to get away from that shadow.

Thanks for Looking.

EXIF Data

Camera:	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure:	0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture:	f/9
Focal Length:	18 mm
ISO Speed:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV