Nothing really beats watching half naked men jumping off columns, buildings and leaping off benches with precision and nimble agility. If you have never seen parkour or experiences the art of jumping off things, here is a rather visually stimulating and awe inspiring introduction.

Photos are of the Parkour Los Angeles Meetup Group.

Gallery:

The Art of Jumping, by the Parkour Los Angeles Meetup Group

When you get a new camera, it is similar to the start of a new love affair.  There’s the shock and awe of obtaining your wish, the delight of feeling through things, getting to know each other, getting frustrated from stupid misunderstandings – and then finally finding peace in compromising and communication. Such began my weekend study of my new Canon 50D digital SLR camera.

With my 20D, I never really felt camera envy of other photographers. And yes, among the photo groups in Los Angeles, there is a lot of camera and lens, cock shop talk like comparisons. However, I don’t know if it was my female nature, but I never really cared to lust after other people’s objects. I felt comfortable with my sense of photography style, filter usage, shot visions and methods.  I would see a little of everything, camera wise, when I would visit Descanso Gardens or Bolsa Chica Wildlife Preserve. From 15k prime Canon lenses to point and shoots, I was a proponent of working with what tools you have to get the shot that completes your vision.

However, something changed within me when I received my 50D.

Maybe it was learning the amazing “Auto ISO” setting, completely different from my “Leave your ISO on 200 iso for the best shots and least film grain.” This feature alone opened my eyes to the awesomeness of nighttime, flashless photography. Or, it could be the “shiny new toy replaces any former model” complex. But, in exploring my first shots from my two low key photo walks this previous weekend, I am still left wondering the age old question:

Is it the camera that makes the difference? Or, is it the person behind the viewfinder that creates the magic?

Here is my foray into answering that question while on a photo inspired walk among the Friday night life in Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles’ Bunker Hill and Little Toyko. I’ve included the exposure information for each photo in the gallery.

Gallery:

Camera Bonding Time

Text from my original event post:

The crux of Los Angeles history and the merging of two distinct cultures, this Hidden LA walk will combine urban walking and photography with historical Olvera Street and Chinatown.

I still can’t believe how much work I put into this event, how much drama happened behind the scenes and the sheer madness that is life that came together to make this such a successful event.

The Great Outdoors Photography Group album: Hidden LA: Olvera Street and Chinatown Photographs: Album 1: http://bit.ly/KQEdE Album 2: http://bit.ly/2mts4x.

Gallery:

Hidden LA: Chinatown and Olvera Street

In my travels, I’ve seen the wild and unique beauty of the great outdoors of the United States. I’ve driven on the back roads and highways of roads less traveled and well traveled. Through it all, I’ve learned more about myself, my camera, and my connection with nature.

When I first purchased my first professional camera, I had no idea that less than a week later, I would be on a solo road trip that would take me to the Grand Tetons, Grand Canyon, show me me the beauty of Seattle and Oregon, and be amazed with the resulting images. Since then, I’ve traveled and photographed numerous National Parks, shared stories with locals and fellow travelers, led nature and urban hikes around Los Angeles and more.

Now, I want to share the prints and limited editions from my collections with you.

Below are the previews for my current collection, located in my Etsy.com store. You can purchase prints through clicking the “Boutique” link under the masthead or by visiting to http://daphotos.etsy.com. Please click on the images below to launch each collection’s gallery.

Text from my original event post: “Built in 1921 as an advertisement for the Hollywoodland real estate development, the towering letters of the HOLLYWOOD sign have beckoned millions to Los Angeles. From starry eyed Midwestern actors with their dreams packed in suitcases to the background to Hollywood based movies, the Hollywood sign has captured the hearts of millions and inspired more stranger than fiction tales than a jaded casting agent’s office can hold.”

I was so excited to do this hike as the first hike with The Great Outdoors Photography Group. Not only does the Hollyridge trail offer stunning views of the Los Angeles Basin and the Greater San Fernando Valley (plus parts of Pasadena in the far east), but it also offers the most up close and personal view of the Hollywood sign.

The group was ecstatic to see the sun set among the Hollywood Hills. I was excited that I was finally able to get a great night shot of the LA Basin framed by the letters of the Sign. Cheyenne was happy to just be out and sneak bites of horse manure.

Being my fourth time to the Hollywood Sign, it was great to take a member’s suggestion and go a little beyond my usual route and take a full frontal shot of the letters.

The drink and snack combo and payment toward the meetup.com group fee worked out much better than expected. Turns out that respecting people and being honest is truly the best policy.

I also introduced the group to some cool ideas that I’m thinking about, which went over quite well.

Best of all? Hiking and being in nature with a great group of people, my camera and my dog. It was a perfect way to end a rather interesting weekend.

More photos and original post at the group website here: http://www.meetup.com/outdoorphotos/calendar/11393434/

Gallery:

An Evening Hike to the Hollywood Sign

4,579 miles, 9 states (California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Utah and Nevada), 9 National Parks, 2.5 weeks with one happy and adventure seeking puppy.

The road was filled with strange interactions with relatives, a speeding ticket in Phoenix while driving to Sedona, managing my sanity while listening to awful audio books (and many good ones, as I’m an audio book junkie) and text messages to loved ones. But, through it all, I made it through smarter, with a better photography portfolio and a deeper sense of who I am and what I want.

These are the photos. Enjoy!

Gallery:

Favorite Photos	Selected Photos from the Trip

Yet another Sunday packed with goodies: The Local Coffee and Tea Scene Meetup at Dola in Venice + the 48th Annual Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest: “The Magic of Sea Creatures”.

Sunday began with a fantastic morning chat at a place I’ve always been curious about: Dola Coffee and News in Venice on Abbot Kinney. A no nonsense oasis from the daily bustle of Abbot Kinney and life, Dola offers $2 teas, $3 coffee and a plethora of current issue magazines for browsing / purchase. As always when I double stack events, I brought my camera along to photograph the morning’s scene. Coffee flowed, tea was had, stimulating conversations flowed. After two hours had passed, we ventured down the street to Abbot’s Habit and the Abbot’s Sandwich shoppe adjacent for light fare and even more talking. It was a fantastic morning spent with the usual The Local Coffee and Tea Scene participants.

Leaving Venice, the drive down to Newport Beach was an easy. After finding easy free parking on the streets surrounding Corona Del Mar beach’s entrance (the advertising information said that parking would be free – but they were charging $10), I walked down to the beach. Meeting up with other members of The Great Outdoors Photography Group, we walked among the sandcastles, breaker line and fire pits, photographing the sights of a memorable day at the beach.

All and all, another great packed day of photographs and events. Enjoy the gallery!

Gallery:

Newspapers, Coffee and Tea at Dola Coffee and News + Sandcastle at the Beach at Corona Del Mar

The Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival 2009 / The Local Coffee  and Tea Scene Meetup at Venice Grind and Mar Vista Farmer’s Market / Thai Culture Festival 2009

The Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival 2009  – When I first heard of the Port of Los Angeles’ Lobster Fest, I had no idea what to expect. I was excited – as I enjoy lobster. Plus, I loved festivals in Los Angeles. So, with that very promising  combination, what could go wrong?

Turns out, a lot.

While standing in line for our $17 lobster dinner, my fantastic festival partner, Justine and I commented on why anyone would come to a lobster festival and get fish and chips. Of course, we were drinking our $6 beers and commenting about a lot of things. When you’re in line for and hour, you have to pass the time somehow, right? But, we just didn’t get it.

After we got to the front of the line and our tickets were scanned, we waited for our customary school counter style delights of boiled lobster, a cup of potatoes, the weirdest looking chemical produced butter solution I have ever seen (remember those old Carnation ice cream cups? That’s what it was in), a sealed container of cole slaw, a bread roll, butter, lemons, napkins, fork and knife and sanitary wipe. However, we were told by the servers that they were out of potatoes. Which, would make the ration of “things made in a lab processing plant” vs. “food cooked here” rather dim on my plate. After saucily telling them that we’d wait for the potatoes (I had seen them throw some more on the grill. And, I was determined to get my $17 worth), we waited and were soon gifted with potatoes.

The next problem? Seating. There was none. Even with two huge tents of chairs, people watched like hawks, waiting with glee to swoop down and potentially take any seating that was available for their party. So, we stood.

Still wondering why anyone would visit a lobster festival and not get lobster, Justine and I stared at our newly secured plate of foodstuffs. We were happy that we had braved the line with beers in hand, but confused as to what exactly to do next. Justine went first, cracking the lobster’s upper body by stabbing it with her knife. She cracked the shell alright – and the stomach. Green looking bile quickly poured out of her lobster, soaking her cardboard tray. We both stared at it in confusion, slightly revolution and speechlessness. Suddenly we knew why people would visit lobster festivals and get fish and chips or nachos: People that had been there before and knew how completely odd, out of place and downright disgusting cracking and eating your own lobster can be.

Plus, for the small amount of lobster tail meat we got for $17? I am so happy that I know how to cook and have a Costco card for the next episode of “Kim has a Craving for Lobster”.

So, after we both purchased $8 nachos to wash the epic fail of lobster from our palettes, I drove us home.

The Local Coffee  and Tea Scene Meetup at Venice Grind and Mar Vista Farmer’s Market - I’m an organizer in another group, The Local Coffee and Tea Scene on Meetup.com. The next day, Sunday, was a planned meeting at a lovely coffee spot in Venice, The Venice Grind. After our semi weekly meeting, my friend Kate and I visited the Mar Vista Farmers Market.

Thai Culture Festival 2009 – Still reeling from our Lobster Fest 2009 edition FAIL occurrence, Justine and I ventured over to the Thai Culture Day 2009 at Barnsdall Park. A very cute festival, it was host to various games, interesting Thai culture vendors, a vegetable carving area and more. It made up for the previous day’s festival – and then some. Plus, our festival food was only $8. Oddly enough, it was Chinese food. But, definitely worth it.

So, with the stories behind the images done, enjoy the gallery!

Gallery:

A Weekend of Festivals, a Farmer’s Market and Coffee

Rich from the Northridge Photography Group set up this wonderful opportunity to work with Carl Palazzolo, a noted landscape photographer for a select few at Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Newport Beach, CA. When he also stated that we would be able to work with Carl’s equipment, Canon 1D Mark III, 1Ds Mark III,  a 500 mm f/4 lens and a 300mm f/2.8, I immediately signed up with a ecstatic yes.

However, I learned something from this experience: I’m not a bird person.  I walked around the wetlands, capturing different shots of the flora and fauna of the area. Sometimes, I focused on the rocks, the minor beach specific plants and smaller birds closer to the shores. Other times, I looked at other nature photographers with their huge, mostly Canon lenses, positioned at key birding spots around the trail.

My Tamron 70 – 300mm was clearly nowhere near the size, weight and look of the Canon 300mm that I tried. The 500mm was hella impressive. so was using the Canon D / Mark cameras. Did I have a pinch of equipment envy? Happily,  nowhere near that I thought I would. In fact, after the whole experience, I felt better about my equipment as a whole.

Sure, I don’t have a huge Canon lens with a state of the art current D / Mark series camera. But, I know how to make my equipment work for me to get the images that I’m looking for. Art comes from you. It’s not created with the fanciest camera, the longest lens or an air of arrogance that you spend money. It just is an extension of who you are, in print.

Gallery:

Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Newport Beach, CA

My most recent completed event with the Los Angeles Hiking and Photography group was a group potluck and photographing the sun setting at El Matador State Park.

Clear skies, a great food choices and a great location helped make this a fantastic way to end my planning streak and close out July.

Comments:

“ Great idea for an event. It was really memorable. Thank you, Kim. ” – Eliza

“ Clean, quiet and secluded beach. Nothing to complain about. Well, except for the blue stalls. But that’s a whole different story. ” – Kenny

“ The best part was food, of course the company was great. There was a variety of gourmet salads and more fancy salads. Wow, it was like a food festival. One member brought human models for anyone who wanted to practice photography. Most of us went down to the beach, took pictures and got wet from the high tide. This was my first outing with this hiker photographers’ group. I plan to attend many more. Kimberly was a gracious hostess. ” – Rashid

“ Fantabulousness ” – John

“ Excellent event! Really beautiful location. Sunset was amazing! Awesome to meet other photographers! ” – Kai He

“ very scenic area – just wish I was more prepared to get wet. I didn’t realize how high the high tides really were! ” – Freddie

“ Kim did a fine job as per usual! ” – M

“ Great to catch up with veteran members and meet new members as well. Great location and thanks everyone for pitching in with the food and beverages! Good times! ” – Ray

“ This was a beautiful spot and the weather was amazing! ” – Carla

“ Great food, great people, great-great. ” – Jeff

“ amazing location! thanks Kim for finding it~ ” – Cindy

Gallery:

Beach Picnic and Photo Gallery

Information:

Potluck and a Beach Sunset Over Malibu at El Matador State Beach

El Matador State Beach
32215 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 377-0360

Please Review Updated Event Guidelines:

Personal Responsibility, Event Organizer Responsibility and Individual Involvement: http://www.meetup.com/photohike/boards/thread/7276462

“Maybe” and “Waitlist” Policy: http://www.meetup.com/photohike/messages/boards/thread/6990375

Full of beautiful sea caves, large beach rocks and relaxing and dynamic waves, El Matador State Beach will set the background for what is likely to be a great time of community and a luscious beach sunset. So, come along, bring a friend, blankets, tripods and chairs and enjoy the fellowship with your fellow friendly photographers before snapping photos of the blazing sun as it moves below the horizon.

As this is pretty much a “car camping” type event, feel free to bring chairs, tables, non alcoholic beverages, food, etc.

Please indicate what you will be bringing in your RSVP. If you plan on eating, bring food to share.Any amount of food is appreciated. Freeloading is not. Also, if you would like to share recipes of your dish, please bring a copy so that those interested can write it down. Or, you can save paper and write it in our bulletin board area for potluck recipes.

We will be eating and enjoying each others company at the five picnic tables next to the parking lot, overlooking the ocean. The area is easy to spot, just after the bathroom on the right hand side. Once food sharing has commenced, we will walk down the steps to the beach to set up for the sunset photo event.

Please be aware that the park “closes” at sunset. Please plan accordingly and don’t expect to stay much longer after the sun goes down.

Hope to see you there!

Distance:

None. It’s at the beach.

State Beach Rules:

• No dogs or fires on beach
• No alcohol
• No glass containers
• No diving

Parking:

The parking fee is $5.00, self registration at a meter box for an all day pass. There is NO FREE PARKING ON PCH at this area.

Plates, Cups, Forks, etc:
To cut down on waste and the ecological impact on the environment, I highly suggest that you bring your own plate and eating utensils. I will bring a small amount, just in case.

Dogs:
As this is a state beach, dogs are not allowed.

Additional Resources and Websites:

• LA Mountains: http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=145