Making the Journey

Lately I've been more willing to get out and find spots to photograph nature, whether it be a local college, a scenic park or the mountains not too far from me. I've already found some nice areas that I never would have discovered had I not ventured out like this, which motivates me even more to discover more of what's out there in my 'backyard'. Eventually, however, I'd like to take a bigger step and take a trip up north, preferably with my son who likes to camp, and venture into some real forests and wildlife and try to get some nice shots. Another goal of mine is to educate myself more on my subjects, or at the very least know the name of the tree or flower I'm photographing.


Even along the coast and homes in Corona Del Mar, for example, there are plenty of flowers to be seen, surprisingly, if you just look for them. Plus you have the added benefit of an ocean view rather than a foresty one, which is a nice change. The multicolored flower pictured here, from the Lantana plant, was actually taken near a home in CDM, although the angle I chose reflected lots of bokeh from the plant itself behind it, which is what I was aiming for. If there's one element I love in my photographs, it's nice bokeh and blurs that contrast well with the foreground subject. :)

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An unexpected photoshoot

So today I got out to do some photography, not sure where initially. I thought of the mountains or Claremont Colleges, which has a lot of nature to shoot. I finally decided to revisit CalPoly Pomona campus where the farm animals were. I went there before with my son and saw some different animals such as pigs & hogs, llamas and horses. However, when I arrived I didn't see many animals except for sheep. I thought they must be in the shade somewhere since it's been so hot. However, after driving a little further uphill, I discovered a trail that led uphill, so I found a parking space nearby and thought 'well, lets see what's in store for today'. Well, thankfully it turned out to be both a nice hike and photo opp. Mostly nature shots such as trees, flowers and plants. I took some photos of the trail and benches along the way as well. Pictured is just one of many photos I got in today. I post most of my photos over at 5oopx but I wanted to share at least one of them.


There are definitely some areas I would love to use for some future portrait shots I want to do with a friend. Hopefully we will make it before school starts this Fall, or on the weekend. :)