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.

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

The oldest part of Downtown LA, Olvera Street is a hubbub of Mexican American artistry, stories, craft works and social space. Day of the Dead creations will more than likely be on display, making an even richer cultural experience. We will walk through the Paso de Los Angeles and among various shops of Olvera Street before making our way to North Broadway. Walking up through New Chinatown, we will pass a large collection of colorful Chinese herb, seafood, stores and curio shops before stopping at New Chinatown Plaza. Infamous in various movies, the main plaza is a haven of color – and one of the oldest neon signs in Los Angeles.

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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”.
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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.
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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.

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(Photo of Watts Towers taken from Wikipedia page)

Watts Towers, photography, music and the African American soul of Los Angeles. Come join fellow music lovers for a great opportunity for urban performance photography. This historic outdoor jazz festival will feature performances from seasoned and upcoming musicians in the surrounding area. Paying homage to the different musical inspirations of Latin, Jazz, Gospel and Blues scene in Los Angeles, this event will offer urban and live event photography. Also, if you’ve never seen or explored the famous Watts Towers, this festival will offer a great opportunity for some fantastic photographs.

More information @ The Great Outdoors Photography Group Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/outdoorphotos/calendar/11415078

To join, please visit: http://www.meetup.com/outdoorphotos/calendar/11393434/

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.

But, did you know that you can hike to the top of Mt. Lee and view Hollywood and the surrounding landscape amidst the sign? Come join fellow photographers and experience the expansive landscape of Los Angles and the San Fernando Valley, culminating at the top of Mt. Lee at the Hollywood Sign.

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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.

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Over 300 people voted. One winner was selected. Winning with 42% of votes, congratulations and advancement to the international final round of the Scott Kelby World Wide Photo Walk contest goes to….

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I love to travel.

Period.

There are no exceptions to this rule. There is nothing that makes me happier than the feeling of being on an airplane or being at the helm of my car with my maps and the puppy. It just makes sense.

So, when we decided that the most logical and completely reasonable thing to do after I came back from a three day trip from Cabo San Lucas was to go up North and escape Los Angeles, it seemed perfect.

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