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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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.
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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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Ready to meet and greet other members of The Great Outdoors Photography Group and share your favorite prints, photography tips while communing over a great Greek dinner? Join us at our second meet and greet event at The Great Greek in Sherman Oaks. We will talk about photography, review work, plan ideas and photography schedules for the group and continue to build our photographic community.

Please bring your favorite 5 images on a burnt CD ROM or USB drive. I will have my computer connected to an external computer monitor for the group to view. We will go through the images as a slide show, commenting, ooing and awing, while eating the fabulous delights of this great restaurant!

I will make a final RSVP confirmation inquiry closer to the event, for proper count at the restaurant.

More information @ The Great Outdoors Photography Group Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/outdoorphotos/calendar/11429747/

While at Bardsdall Park for the Thai Cultural Festival, I picked up a Save the Date postcard for the upcoming Beyond Eden art opening and art fair.

Unique and innovative, contemporary art fairs offer photographers and artist a chance to become inspired, motivated and discuss different art styles with other art appreciators. Barnsdall Park, home to the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, is a great venue for artists of all backgrounds (I am in the recent Open Call 2009, closing next week) and is a stellar location overlooking all of Los Angeles. From the open fair hours, art show, kick off event and opening night gala, this promises to be a fantastic opportunity to see work showcased from various LA artists and galleries. Network, eat great food, photograph urban life and watch the sun set over the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory and Metro Los Angeles.

More information @ The Great Outdoors Photography Group Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/outdoorphotos/calendar/11428525/

Sun, Oct 4 2:00 PM

Artistry in sand is beautiful, challenging and mesmerizing. The details and challenges of working with temperamental materials is at once exhilarating and maddening. If you’ve ever viewed sandcastle building competitions on television, you know that they are awe inspiring and massive. Capturing this process from behind a camera lens is at once a challenge. How can an artist capture the spirit, joy and creation posed by another artist? Let’s challenge ourselves in photographing the process and creation of this beautiful, fun and transient art form.

More information @ The Great Outdoors Photography Group Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/outdoorphotos/calendar/11423041/

Ready to meet and greet other members of The Great Outdoors Photography Group and share your favorite prints, photography tips while communing over coffee, tea and dinner? Join us at our first meet and greet event at the Coral Tree Cafe in Encino. We will talk about photography, review work, plan ideas and photography schedules for the group and continue to build our photographic community.

Please bring your favorite 5 images on a burnt CD ROM or USB drive. I will have my computer connected to an external computer monitor for the group to view. We will go through the images as a slide show, commenting, ooing and awing, while eating the fabulous delights of Coral Tree’s American Bistro style food.

More information @ The Great Outdoors Photography Group Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/outdoorphotos/calendar/11429362/

(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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