Hovenweep: A Glimpse into the Ancestral Puebloans

Hovenweep: A Glimpse into the Ancestral Puebloans
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

Hovenweep National Monument is far from everything.

Located in the Four Corners area in a remote area on the Colorado/Utah border, Hovenweep (a Ute/Paiute word that means "deserted valley”), is both compelling and mysterious.

If you love long, dusty roads, solitude and ancestral Puebloans then Hovenweep is right up your alley.

I hope everybody had a great Christmas! Besides the fact that Santa didn’t deliver a Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens to under my Christmas tree, I still had a fantastic time with my family.

Have a wonderful New Year!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Obsession and Claustrophobia at Mesa Verde National Park

Obsession and Claustrophobia at Mesa Verde National Park
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

Mesa Verde National Park, located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, is a great interactive place. One of the more adventurous cliff dwellings of the ancestral Puebloan people is Balcony House. This cliff dwelling is only available on a ranger-guided tour and involves climbing a 32 foot ladder, crawling through a 12 foot-long tunnel, and climbing up a 60 foot open rock face with two 10 foot ladders to exit the site.

While on the tour I waited in line to crawl through a narrow 12 foot-long tunnel, a woman in front of me froze up and screamed she was claustrophobic. After making a scene she turned to me commanded that I go before her. I happily obliged and squeezed my way through the tunnel being careful not to damage my Canon 5D camera all the while listening to the woman behind me continue to whine and complain.

At the conclusion of the tour we had to climb two ladders to exit the site. I stayed behind the rest of the tour group to get some unobstructed views of the cliff dwelling before heading up. I then spotted the annoying and claustrophobic woman approaching me so I decided to get to the ladders before she did.

As I approached the first ladder, I paused for a moment to adjust my camera around my shoulder and not before Ms. Claustrophobia shrieked, “What’s the matter?! Are you afraid of heights?!”

“No, I’m just adjusting my camera so it won’t swing unnecessarily against the wall and break into pieces” I calmly replied, “you do realize the entire tour group scaled a 32 foot ladder to begin the tour?”

“Oh, you must be one of those types really obsessed with photography!” she snorted.

I turned my back to her and started to climb the ladder.

“By the way please stay behind me at least 150 to 200 yards. Annoying people make me claustrophobic. Thank you.”

She yelled back some expletive but I kept a smile on my face the whole time.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Keeping Strictly to the Straight and Narrow in Durango, CO

Keeping Strictly to the Straight and Narrow in Durango, CO
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

A couple of years ago I traveled to Southern Colorado that proved to be one of my most memorable and productive photo trips. It would open the door for further exploration to the American Southwest and begin a lifelong love of photographing this magical part of the world.

In the charming city of Durango a great trip I would recommend to anyone would be the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train ride. This spectacular train ride will take you through some beautiful forests and breathtaking canyons. Make sure you bring enough memory cards (or film) because the final destination takes to the photogenic historic mining town of Silverton.

Quick tips: Sit on the right hand side in one of the open box cars toward the end (this is for the train departing from Durango). The only downside is that you may get cold (layer properly) and get soot all over your clothes from the locomotive’s smokestack. Also, you have the option to take the train for the return trip to Durango or take a bus. I took the bus because it was much quicker (keep in mind the train trip from Durango to Silverton is very slow for scenic purposes (over three hours). With the extra time saved I was able to squeeze in an hour or so of camera time at nearby Mesa Verde National Park.

Now living in the Midwest I yearn for a return trip to the Southwest to photograph iconic landmarks and discover new ones.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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A Serenading Sunset in Baja California Sur!

A Serenading Sunset in Baja California Sur!
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

Baja California Sur has been labeled paradise between two seas since it is surrounded on both sides by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. It’s where the desert meets the sea and it is the sea that draws people to this magical place.

Our trek took us to the Kuyima Campground located at the San Ignacio Lagoon. Every year from January through March the waters off of Baja California serve as breeding grounds for gray whales before they migrate back up to Alaska.

In the morning we would head out on small Mexican fishing boat called “pangas” to have a close encounter of the whale kind. We spent the afternoon eating sumptuous scallops in Kuyimita’s palapa. In the evening, with our tents right next to the whale sanctuary, we were serenaded to sleep listening to the rhythmic sounds of the gray whales.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Having a Whale of a Time in Baja California!

Having a Whale of a Time in Baja California!
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

Mexican drug cartels! Shootouts in Mexican border towns! Violence toward U.S. citizens!

Yes, a perfect time to take a road trip to Mexico!

Back in 2009 my friends, Randy and Florence, and I decided to drive over 580 miles from the US-Mexico border to the San Ignacio Lagoon to experience Baja California’s friendliest whales.

It was a 14 hour drive from San Diego to the San Ignacio Lagoon. We divided the drive up over two days and along the way enjoyed one too many “cervezas” and delicious seafood along the way.

With my water soaked Canon G10 I captured this moment out in the San Ignacio Lagoon of another “pangas” (Mexican fishing boat) encountering two gray whales.

So what about the hype of the violence in Mexico?

I couldn’t tell you.

We were too busy breaking the speed limits on Mexico Highway 1( also known as the Transpeninsular Highway), eating fresh seafood, shooting (photographing) gray whales, and all the while laughing every minute of the way.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Brain Freeze in Winter Wonderland

Brain Freeze in Winter Wonderland
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

A pounding blizzard swept through Wisconsin and as a result I spent this weekend indoors. I was budgeting to get a snow blower this winter, but instead I decided to buy some new glass. I literally paid the price for that decision as I ended up shoveling my driveway all weekend.

Photography is not only an expensive hobby, but it is also responsible for sore backs!

So when I wasn’t shoveling or shivering I spent some time in front of my computer going through photos from some great trips I took. Going through my photo browser I stopped at a memorable road trip I took with my friends, Randy and Florence, down to the San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja California.

Many people go whale watching, but at San Ignacio you can touch these friendly whales in their own environment!

In the next couple of days I’ll be posting more photos from that trip and writing about the crazy Mexico road trip we took to reach the lagoon so stay tuned!

In the meantime, this is a sunset shot of Florence doing her yoga pose at the lagoon after a great day of experiencing the whales of Baja. I would write more to describe the moment I clicked this photo, but I’m having a brain freeze from all this cold weather.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Mission San Ignacio

Mission San Ignacio
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

The site for the future mission was discovered in 1706 by Francisco MarÌa Piccolo at the palm-lined CochimÌ oasis of Kadakaam·n ("arroyo of the carrizos"). The site proved to be a highly productive one agriculturally, and served as the base for later Jesuit expansion in the central peninsula. The impressive surviving church was constructed by the Dominican missionary Juan GÛmez in 1786. The mission was finally abandoned in 1840.

Happy Travels!

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Devil’s Doorway: Photographs from Hell

Devil’s Doorway: Photographs from Hell
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

Hiking in Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin I came upon this geological formation known as Devil’s Doorway. I don’t know the history behind the name but my assumption is that living in Wisconsin is hell! The freezing winters are hell! Shoveling back breaking snow is hell! The pesky mosquitoes in summer are hell! I think it’s an appropriate name.

I must be in hell because I’m think about returning here in the next couple of weeks to photograph the Devil’s Doorway blanketed in the winter snow.

I have photographed American Southwest icons such as Canyon de Chelly in Arizona, Bryce Canyon in Utah, Cathedral Rock in Sedona and I always wanted to go back there for a winter landscape photo shoot. I won’t be traveling to those places anytime soon so the Devil’s Doorway will have to suffice for now.

Oh hell!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Mariachis Playing in Ensenada, Baja Mexico

Mariachis Playing in Ensenada, Baja Mexico
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

Environmental portraits are an important key aspect in travel photography as it gives the viewer a "spirit of the place."

Taken at the Ensenada Fish Market in Baja, Mexico.

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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A Balancing Act at Devil’s Lake State Park

A Balancing Act at Devil’s Lake State Park
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

Winter is upon us here in Wisconsin and the thing that drives me crazy is that the snow here is perfect for snowboarding but there are no mountains! Elevation is something that is devoid in Wisconsin.

Devil’s Lake State Park is Wisconsin’s saving grace. The park is blessed with a scenic lake and 500-foot bluffs. It is these bluffs that provide excellent hiking and rock climbing opportunities. Along the way are some unique geological formations.

A short but steep hike will take you to one of those unique formations. Balanced rock has defied logic and the harsh Wisconsin weather. That in itself makes it worthy to photograph.

The fall colors peaked already by the time I got to the park, but you can see there was still some remnants of color.

The rock wasn’t the only one with a balancing act as I precariously walked toward the edge of the cliff to compose this shot.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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The Return of the Lion King!

The Return of the Lion King!
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

Located in Madison, Wisconsin is the Henry Vilas Zoo which is free to the public.

To my amazement this small, neighborhood zoo has an impressive collection of animals. From their Amur tiger to the grizzly bears to their African lions. As a former longtime member of the world famous San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park, I know what a first-rate zoo looks like.

My camera lens has always been attracted to the lions, I guess since they are the top predator of the animal world and thus on the top of the food chain. I could also say I like photographing them because they are the “King of the Jungle,” but that technically wouldn’t be right since they inhabit the savanna grasslands of Africa and not the jungle!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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So What’s For Lunch?

So What’s For Lunch?
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

I wish I could say I took this in the wild but it was taken in the friendly confines of the Milwaukee County Zoo. I decided to take a trip there since locals highly recommended it to me as a photography day trip.

The zoo’s felines are housed in a building called the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country. The exhibit has both an indoor and outdoor area. I would assume the cats spend most of their time inside to escape the cold Wisconsin weather.

This jaguar proved to be the perfect model as it remained still while posing for me and then it gave me the look, “I’m done and now I’m going to eat you for lunch!”

Having a “Rip-roaring” Time at the Henry Vilas Zoo - Madison, Wisconsin

Having a “Rip-roaring” Time at the Henry Vilas Zoo - Madison, Wisconsin
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

Some of the best things in life are free!

For example, taking the Staten Island Ferry in New York City where you have magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline and of the Statue of Liberty. There’s also the free light and water show at Buckingham Fountain in Chicago. Here in Madison, Wisconsin there is the Henry Vilas Zoo which is free to the public.

To my amazement this small, neighborhood zoo has an impressive collection of animals. From their Amur tiger to the grizzly bears to their African lions. As a former longtime member of the world famous San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park, I know what a first-rate zoo looks like.

My camera lens has always been attracted to the lions, I guess since they are the top predator of the animal world and thus on the top of the food chain. I could also say I like photographing them because they are the “King of the Jungle,” but that technically wouldn’t be right since they inhabit the savanna grasslands of Africa!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Milwaukee Art Museum "Flying" at Dusk

Milwaukee Art Museum "Flying" at Dusk
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

Moving from California to Wisconsin I knew I would be encountering small towns over big cities. As a native of San Diego (the eighth largest city in the United States), I grew up accustomed to large cities. Since moving to the Midwest I have become familiar with small size cities, towns and villages.

Naturally I was attracted to the city of Milwaukee which is Wisconsin’s largest city (population over 600,000). Milwaukee’s blue-collar imagery of “Laverne and Shirley” and breweries has evolved over the years to what is now a modern sprawling metropolis.

What really put Milwaukee on the traveler’s map a couple of years ago was the postmodern addition designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava to the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM).

The highlight of the museum architecture is the Burke Brise Soleil, a moveable wing-like sunscreen that sits on top of the museum. It acts as a sun shade throughout the day. The “wings” open in the morning, close/reopen at noon and close when the museum closes at 5:00 p.m.

I took this at dusk knowing the “wings” would be closing thus making for a dramatic slow shutter speed photograph. If it looks like the museum building is flying it maybe because the Burke Brise Soleil has a wingspan comparable to that of a Boeing 747-400.

MAM now serves as the iconic landmark for Milwaukee and a delight for photographers.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Apple iPhone Photography: Guimaras Island - Philippines

Guimaras Island - Philippines
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

The Guimaras Island is only a 15 minute pump boat ride from Iloilo City but a world apart from big city life. Relaxing beach resorts always put me at ease and offer great photo opportunities.

I took this photo with my Apple iPhone! Chase Jarvis said it best when he stated, "The best camera is the one that's with you."

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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The Ford Seasons! Carhenge, Nebraska

The Ford Seasons! Carhenge, Nebraska
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

Carhenge - Alliance, Nebraska

Built in 1987 as a part of a family reunion, it is a giant size replica of the famous Druid ruin, Stonehenge.

Some other enterprising artists have added their automotive works of art nearby such as this creative work of art: The Ford Seasons!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Come Fly With Me...The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Come Fly With Me...The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

This photo always brings a smile to my face. The Darth Vader balloon brings back memories of my youth when I would stand in a mile long line just to get into a single screen theater to watch Star Wars!

In the evening the special shape balloons put on a show called the glowdeo. The static display of the special shape balloons light up the night landscape when all the pilots turn their burners on to create a magical moment.

Canon EOS 5D,Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD IF

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A little history....

Every October the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico hosts a balloon fiesta that attracts people from all over the world. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta features over 700 balloon making it the largest ballooning event in the world. As a photographer I found this event a delight because of the bright, colorful balloons contrasted against the big blue New Mexico sky made for great photographs!

The Balloon Fiesta Park is spread out over a 78-acre launch field (that's 54 football fields put together)! This event is huge and in fact they claim that this is the most photographed event in the world. What I like the best was that there are no viewing stands - you are part of the action and can walk right up to the balloons. The crews are very friendly and accommodating to photographers.

My photo does not do justice of portraying the awestruck sight of hundreds of balloons in mass ascension or bringing a smile to your face as you see for the first time the special shape balloons, but hopefully it will inspire you to book a flight to Albuquerque next year so you may witness this incredible event for yourself.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Crown Fountain - Chicago, Illinois

Crown Fountain - Chicago, Illinois
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

"A fountain is the memory of nature, this marvelous sound of a little river in the mountains translated to the city. For me, a fountain doesn't mean a big jet of water. It means humidity, the origin of life."
-Jaume Plensa

Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa and starring the people of Chicago, Crown Fountain in Millennium Park is a great place to take out of state visitors and to watch locals 'splish splash' in the water.

The fountain consists of two 50-foot glass towers that project images of 1,000 local Chicagoans. On a regular interval, water flows through a water outlet in the screen to give the illusion of water spouting from their mouths.

My friends from California, Jason and Kathryn, were in town to visit me over the weekend. I played tour guide over the next couple of days as I took them to the Midwestern hotspots of Milwaukee and Chicago. In Chicago, Millennium Park is a 'must see' stop for any tour guide's route. Of course, being a great tour guide my timing was impeccable as we arrived at Crown Fountain at dusk and while locals were enjoying a cool moment in the water.

This little girl happen to run into the frame as I pressed my shutter button of my Canon G9 camera. I think it added another dimension to the blue sky and reflection in the pool. My kind of photograph from the Windy City.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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The "Ghosts" of Upper Antelope Canyon - Page, Arizona

The 'Ghosts' of Upper Antelope Canyon - Page, Arizona
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

As much as the Navajo are a part of the Antelope canyon so are the hoards of people who visit, rather than experience, the slot canyon. Fortunately the guides try to shuttle the tourists through the narrow canyons so not to disturb photographers who are taking long exposures. I took this photo knowing a tour group would walk right into my shot, but I wanted to show the relationship between the slot canyon and the many tourists that visit it. A 20 second exposure turn them into 'ghosts.'

Canon EOS 5D, Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD IF

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In the last 20 years Antelope Canyon has rivaled the Grand Canyon National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park as a “must see destination” on a grand tour of the Southwest. For photographers it is a stunning visual paradise on earth. Besides the incredible light and remarkable colors of the Navajo sandstone, Antelope Canyon easily accommodates photographers due to the fact that there is no hiking involved to get to the entrance, the actual slot canyon is very short (about 200 yards in length), the best light is from mid-morning to noon (so no waking up early to catch the sunrise), and since all tours are guided you are given invaluable tips on the best places to position your camera.

What is known as Antelope Canyon is actually part of the Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park located right outside of Page, Arizona (located in Northwest Arizona near the Utah border). The tribal park consists of two regions: Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Upper Antelope Canyon (Tse Bighanilini’) is by far the more popular of the two as a result of its easy access and spectacular light beams that has made this slot canyon famous.

The best time to visit Upper Antelope Canyon is between April to October when the trademark light beams illuminate the slot canyon. I visited in the month of December knowing well I wouldn’t have the spectacular light but the tradeoff was I wasn’t going to deal with the maddening crowds that have characterized Antelope Canyon the last couple of years. Besides after a couple of intense days photographing nearby Monument Valley, I wanted to experience the slot canyon with my own eyes rather from behind the camera.

Enjoy the photograph and the accompanying travelogue! I would love to hear from you so please leave a comment.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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San Ignacio Whale Bone Sunset

San Ignacio Whale Bone Sunset
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California Sur is home to Baja California's Friendly Whales. The best place on earth to get close enough to touch these friendly, curious animals in their own environment (of course those are the whales in the water, this one is a little dried up)!

Happy Travels!

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Memories of Balboa Island - Newport Beach, CA

Memories of Balboa Island - Newport Beach, CA
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

I use to live in the lovely coastal town of Newport Beach, CA. If you have ever watched the television teen drama “The O.C.” that’s where the show took place (although due to union regulations the show was shot mainly in Los Angeles County).

One of my favorite places in Newport Beach to photograph, take a stroll, sip a coffee and read a good book is Balboa Island. On the island are million dollar homes with hundred million dollar views (that last part is my guesstimate)! The island sits on just 0.2 square miles so the homes are very compacted. In fact, my home basement here in Wisconsin is probably bigger than most homes on Balboa Island.

The island also features one of the few, if not only, car ferries in California. The ferry takes cars and pedestrians from Balboa Island to the Balboa Peninsula.

I took this shot many times when I lived in Newport Beach and I wanted to duplicate it again since I now have better photo equipment (back then I use to shoot with the Canon PowerShot G1).

I must have brought the Wisconsin weather with me because the whole time I was in California it was overcast including this evening when I took this shot. It’s not the best photograph I have taken from this spot, but it at least gives me a reminder of days past when I lived in Newport Beach, CA (the locals do not call it the “O.C.” - it’s simply Orange County).

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Catching Crabs in Johns Island, South Carolina (No! Not those type of crabs)!

Johns Island, South Carolina
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

My nephew catching crabs off the waters in Johns Island, South Carolina.

After spending most of the day admiring the beautiful architecture and acquainting myself with the wonderful hospitality of Charleston, my nephew and I headed back to my uncle's estate in Johns Island to spend some time on the water. The timing couldn't have been better as we went crabbing right as the sun was setting.

As my nephew was preparing his crab trap, the sun rays began to peek out from behind the clouds and I grabbed my Canon G9 to capture this moment in time.

After we got back to shore I had this photograph as a reminder of the wonderful time we had in South Carolina and delicious, fresh crabs for dinner!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Olbrich Botanical Garden's Thai Pavilion - Madison, Wisconsin

Olbrich Botanical Garden's Thai Pavilion - Madison, Wisconsin
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

The Olbrich Botanical Gardens serves as an oasis from the urban setting of Wisconsin's capitol city Madison or "Madtown."

In the far reaches of the gardens is the Thai Pavilion. Its serene setting gave me the opportunity for deep contemplation and at the same time recharge my creative inclinations.

This photograph is not HDR. This is a product of using my Singh-Ray graduated neutral density filter (I don't use it as much as I have had in the past, although I should since it cost me a pretty penny). That was stacked along with my Hoya circular polarizer to achieve this result. I'm dropping some big camera gear names to give the impression that I'm a professional photographer, which I'm not, only a weekend photography warrior.

Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to visiting your photostreams soon!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Sunset at High Cliff State Park - Sherwood, Wisconsin

Sunset at High Cliff State Park
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

"Photograph: a picture painted by the sun without instruction in art." ~Ambrose Bierce

"You don't take a photograph. You ask, quietly, to borrow it." ~Author Unknown


"Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter." ~Ansel Adams

High Cliff is the only state-owned recreational area on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest lake.

High Cliff gets its name from the limestone cliff of the Niagara Escarpment, which parallels the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago.

This is a great place to watch a sunset and enjoy the Wisconsin outdoors.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Revisiting the Past at the Tumacacori Mission in Southeast Arizona

Revisiting the Past at the Tumacacori Mission in Southeast Arizona
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

For the first time in a long time I spent the weekend in front of my computer instead of shooting out in the field. I was doing preventive maintenance by going through my photos and backing them up on various hard drives. In the process of doing so I went through my old photos from past trips that brought back memories.

In 2004 I took road trip through Southeast Arizona that gave me a flavor of a mix of the Old West, Old Mexico, amazing architecture, church history, and a reminder of the Cold War.

I shot this photo of the Tumacacori Mission with my first digital camera the Canon PowerShot S100 that had a whooping 2 megapixels, a far cry from my current Canon 5D MKII camera that shoots 21 megapixels!

I loved shooting with the PowerShot S100 and it served me well on many photo adventures. It was with me when I ran for my life when I did the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain (talk about a slow shutter lag)!

In the end, my photographic endeavors and creativity led me to outgrow that little camera and eventually lead me to getting my first digital SLR, a Canon Digital Rebel.

So many memories and so many hard drives to back them up on!

So what was your first digital camera? I would love hear from you in the comment section.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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This was not inspired by J.J. Abrams and his Star Trek Lens Flares

This was not inspired by J.J. Abrams and his Star Trek Lens Flares
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

This photograph was inspired by humanitarian photographer and best-selling author David duChemin. After digesting his books “Within The Frame” and “VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography” I got inspired by some of his photographs that incorporated artistic lens flare to them.

This unique lift bridge over the Menasha Lock is part of the Fox Cities Trestle - Friendship Trail. The local operator just got done lowering the bridge and I spotted these two bicycle riders ready to cross. I quickly set my Canon 5D MKII camera and knowingly was going to violate one of the first rules of photography that I learned: never shoot into the sun! But I wanted to shoot into the sun to pull off my David duChemin lens flare tribute.

Well, I pulled it off and the rules of photography be damned!

Lens flares in your shot mixes up your artistic creativity but don’t overdo it like J.J. Abrams did in his Star Trek film. I thought the lens flare were great in the first couple of shots but in every frame? Simply annoying.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Fond du Lac Lighthouse, Wisconsin

Fond du Lac Lighthouse, Wisconsin
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

The city of Fond du Lac is about 35 minute drive south from my home in the Appleton area. The French translation means the "bottom, or far end, of the lake" since the city is located at the bottom of Lake Winnebago.

I photographed this lighthouse, which is Fond du Lac's most recognizable landmark, at sunset in Lakeside Park. The first time I photographed this lighthouse was back in the winter a couple of months ago when the weather was deadly cold. I didn't realized how cold it was because I kept warm in my SmartWool thermals and North Face down jacket. It was only when I took my gloves off to adjust my camera settings did my fingers experience frostbite from the dreadful Wisconsin cold!

I used the remarkable Canon 5D MKII full frame camera to capture this photograph. The camera lives up to its reputation for amazing image quality! This is perhaps the best camera Canon has in their current line up. Kudos to Canon.

This time around I didn't get frostbite, only a serene moment to enjoy nature's light show.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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America's Best Fall Foliage

Fall Colors at Lawrence University - Appleton, Wisconsin
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

Founded in 1847 Lawrence University is an internationally renowned college of liberal arts and sciences and a conservatory of music.

More fall colors around Wisconsin with another week before the peak season.

If I were still in college this is the type of campus I would love to study at! Small liberal arts college with beautiful surroundings. Of course, when the snow starts to fall I would quickly transfer to a warm weather college.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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I traveled all the way to Iloilo City, Philippines with my tripod and all I came back with is this lousy photo!

I traveled all the way to Iloilo City, Philippines with my tripod and all I came back with is this lousy photo!
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

On my third trip to the Philippines I brought with me something that I didn’t have on my previous two trips (to be fair I was only six years old on my first trip) - a camera tripod.

I wanted to engage in some serious “fine art” photography while on this trip and that meant shooting during sunrise, sunset and dusk all requiring a tripod. So I lugged my Manfrotto tripod from San Diego, CA to Iloilo City, Philippines.

In the end my tripod spent more time in my suitcase rather than being firmly planted on the ground supporting my camera. In between family get togethers, extended meals and getting to know Mr. San Miguel (a Filipino beer) very well, I was only able to squeeze in one night of dusk photography.

I shot this on a pedestrian bridge right outside my hotel. If you blink fast enough you won’t see the telephone wires obscuring your view!

Next time the tripod stays home.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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A Lovely Sunday Walk Viewing the Wisconsin Fall Colors

A Lovely Sunday Walk Viewing the Wisconsin Fall Colors
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

The Fox Cities Trestle - Friendship Trail is an old abandoned railroad trestle that now serves as a pedestrian and bike path. At 1600’ long is it the largest pedestrian bridge in Wisconsin crossing a body of water.

The trail is popular with families taking a stroll or, as you can see from the photo, taking a Sunday afternoon bike ride. It is also a great place to catch some Wisconsin fall colors, although we are still about two weeks from the peak colors in the Fox Valley.

I may have turned my circular polarizer a tad bit too much to get that deep blue sky, but with the fall season now upon us here in Wisconsin and with Old Man Winter waiting in the wings, we aren’t going to get too many blue skies in the near future. I have to enjoy the blue skies and somewhat warm weather while I can!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Lost on Michigan Avenue

The Michigan Avenue Bridge carries Michigan Avenue across the Chicago River. Michigan Avenue is home to famous landmarks such as the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the Magnificent Mile.

Since moving to the Midwest from Southern California, I have visited the city that Frank Sinatra sang as "My Kind of Town," numerous times. The first time I visited Chicago I took this same photo with my old Canon Powershot camera that didn't have image stabilization so it came out a little blurry. I always had the notion in the back of my mind to return to take that same photo. So over this past President's Day weekend I took the three hour drive from my home in Appleton, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois.

One quirky thing about photography is that sometimes a little gadget, rather than a new camera body or lens, can make a huge difference in your image quality. A couple of years ago I was photographing Bodie Ghost Town in the Eastern Sierras of California and I met a fellow photographer who had this strange square device on his hot shoe.

"What's that strange thing you have on your camera?" I asked.

"It's a bubble spirit level. You serious don't know what this is and you call yourself a landscape photographer?" he replied incredulously.

Okay I thought to myself....so after returning from that trip I ordered a bubble spirit level online and my photography has vastly improved along with less time fooling around with Photoshop in trying to straighten out my crooked images. What is a bubble spirit level? It's a little square that you put on your hot shoe that ensures your camera is perfectly level whether shooting in horizontal or vertical position.

What does this have to do with this photograph?

As I walked out of my hotel I put the bubble spirit level on my Canon 50D camera hot shoe. When I got to this location and put my camera on my tripod I noticed the bubble spirit level was missing! I didn't have time to retrace my steps to look for it since I would miss the "blue hour," so I did without it and continued to take a couple of frames for the next ten minutes before my 50D completely froze up! The wicked Chicago cold melted down my 50D! On the LCD my menu screen was on, but I couldn't navigate out of it in addition to my shutter button not working at all.

So once again I turned to my backup camera, the always reliable and phenomenal Canon G9! I am constantly amazed of the incredible image quality that comes from this compact camera (The photograph you see here was taken with the G9). Since I lost my bubble spirit level, I used the G9's grid view to ensure the horizon was level. After freezing in the cold and cursing at myself, I retraced my steps to my hotel looking for my bubble spirit level but to no avail.

So somewhere on Michigan Avenue is my lost bubble spirit level. Somebody probably found it and asked the question, "What is this strange square looking thing?"

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Sunset over Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin

Sunset over Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

The memorial statue of Red Bird, chief of the Winnebagos, stands guard over the lake and waves goodbye to another sunset at High Cliff State Park in Wisconsin.

High Cliff is the only state park on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest lake. High Cliff gets its name from the limestone cliff of the Niagara Escarpment. It's also the nearest state park to my home and a great place to experience a sunset. It was a great reminder that Spring has officially arrived here and that this native Californian survived, endured, and suffered through his first Wisconsin winter!

I can finally put away my down jacket, snow shovel, and ice scraper. Now the only thing I have to get use to is that the locals call the coastline along Lake Michigan the "beach." Yes, there's sand, sun and water, but it's lake water and that's not a beach in my book. Give me sand, sun and the Pacific Ocean and we have a beach!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Door County, Wisconsin Sunset

Another photograph from my Wisconsin series as I take a break from posting my photos from my Philippines trip.

Some of the best sunsets in Wisconsin are in Peninsula State Park located in Door County. It gets very cold in this part of the world so much that bodies of water freeze over (as a native Californian I just find this fascinating). The frozen body of water you see here is Green Bay (yes, as in the Green Bay Packers football team).

As I was driving through the park, on a road that was parallel to the frozen bay, I noticed people walking on the ice and admiring these strange ice formations. They are called pressure ridges which are long cracks in the ice that occur due to repeated heating and cooling. They are also a sign that winter is ending and spring is beginning as temperatures begin to rise.

I have never walked out on a frozen body of water before, but I thought it would be a great experience and besides there were other people on the ice so it would be safe. It was only after I started walking on the ice did I realize that with 45 degree weather (warm for Wisconsin) and the pressure ridges in front of me did it dawn upon me that the ice was thinning out and maybe I shouldn't be out here.

I quickly put that notion aside when I scouted a perfect location that would make for a great sunset shot. When I came back that evening, I was the only one walking around on the frozen bay among the pressure ridges. I was risking death in the event if the ice cracked and I fell in the icy, cold water!

The things I do to get that perfect shot. Please remember I am a professional and do not attempt this on your own!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Dinagyang Festival 2010

Dinagyang Festival 2010
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

On the streets of Iloilo City, Philippines the Ilonggo people erupt in an annual celebration on the fourth weekend in January in a colorful spectacle called Dinagyang.

Colorful costumes, captivating drumbeats, and spirited dancing can best describe this festival, but in reality, Dinagyang must be experienced in person. To be in the middle of all of this excitement: to smell the aroma of Filipino food, hear the drums crashing, and to see the visual display of dancing tribes is why I travel.

The main focus of Dinagyang is a religious festival to honor the Santo Nino, but Dinagyang is much more than that. Its a cultural hodgepodge of Roman Catholicism, Animism, and Islam all mixed into one.

This was the second time I have been to Dinagyang and it surely will not be my last. Photographing during large festivals is always a challenge, but that is what makes it all the more exciting. On the other hand, photographing Dinagyang in the Philippines is far more easier that photographing festivals in the United States. For example, there were no restrictions in getting in the middle of the parade route and photographing the different tribes. It was common for spectators to step off the sidewalk and join the tribal dancers for a photo opportunity.

This is what makes Dinagyang so exciting, to be in the middle of all the action and excitement. To be an active participant and not a spectator.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Having Fun in Tigbauan!

In the coastal town of Tigbauan lies a beautiful church whose design was inspired by Churrisgueresque architecture, a form of Baroque.

After admiring the inside of the church with its unique mosaics depicting the Stations of the Cross, I stepped outside to photograph the facade. Behind me were children playing and they were intrigued with my digital SLR camera. These girls jokingly asked me if I could take a photo of them so I turned my camera in their direction and took a photo. They were embarrassed and were about to run away when I stopped them and showed them the photo I took of them on my camera LCD. Their eyes grew big and they screamed, "another one!" After a couple of snaps they got comfortable and began have fun in front of the camera and I eventually got a winner!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Pineapple Girl

An example on how you make photos, not take them.

On the island of Guimaras, we stopped at a roadside pineapple stand and I met this young lady who was managing the stand. After a brief conversation I asked her if I could take her photo and being shy she declined at first. Before leaving I asked her one more time and she agreed.

She was in the direct sunlight so I asked her to move into the shade under the awning of the stand. I had to direct her a couple of times because the yellow rope keep getting in the way of her face. Finally, she moved to the left and I got one shot and that's what you see here.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Dinagyang Festival 2010

On the streets of Iloilo City, Philippines the Ilonggo people erupt in an annual celebration on the fourth weekend in January in a colorful spectacle called Dinagyang.

Colorful costumes, captivating drumbeats, and spirited dancing can best describe this festival, but in reality, Dinagyang must be experienced in person. To be in the middle of all of this excitement: to smell the aroma of Filipino food, hear the drums crashing, and to see the visual display of dancing tribes is why I travel.

The main focus of Dinagyang is a religious festival to honor the Santo Nino, but Dinagyang is much more than that. Its a cultural hodgepodge of Roman Catholicism, Animism, and Islam all mixed into one.

This was the second time I have been to Dinagyang and it surely will not be my last. Photographing during large festivals is always a challenge, but that is what makes it all the more exciting. On the other hand, photographing Dinagyang in the Philippines is far more easier that photographing festivals in the United States. For example, there were no restrictions in getting in the middle of the parade route and photographing the different tribes. It was common for spectators to step off the sidewalk and join the tribal dancers for a photo opportunity.

This is what makes Dinagyang so exciting, to be in the middle of all the action and excitement. To be an active participant and not a spectator.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Pinoy Transportation

For the traveller the Philippines doesn't have an extensive highway network like the United States nor a public rail system like Western Europe. Instead you have an eclectic choice of getting around and within the Philippines over 7,000 islands by boat, bus, private car, jeepney, or my personal favorite the tricycle.

On my short list of photographs to get while in the Philippines was a panning shot of a tricycle. Throughout my trip I attempted many panning shots but I found them unsatisfactory. Finally, on the day before I departed to go back to the United States I got this shot during the Feast of Our Lady of Candles in Jaro.

Patience and drinking many San Miguel beers to pass the time pays off!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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All Smiles, No Teeth!

All Smiles, No Teeth!
Originally uploaded by Sam Antonio Photography

In Jaro, Iloilo City in the Philippines, the Feast of Our Lady of Candles (Nuestra Senora dela Candelaria) is held every second day of February. It is the most vibrant religious festival in the Western Visayas.

The festival is centered around the Jaro Cathedral and the town plaza. Due to the enormous crowds, all local traffic was closed down in the town center. As a result my nephew and I had to walk toward the cathedral. On the way I happen to notice this street vendor and his curious "smile." I waved a friendly hello to him and walked on to the festival.

After the parade procession I saw the street vendor again and I raised my camera up to indicate a photo. He responded with his warm smile and friendly personality.

This photo breaks one of the cardinal rules in that it has a distracting background, taking the focus away the main subject. But the woman walking in the background and laughing made everybody smile, including the photographer behind the camera.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Drummer Boy

After a day of touring around the Guimaras Island lead by our extraordinary tour guide, Daisy Yanson from Panay Adventures Tours, I mentioned to her that I wanted to stop at a local market to shop for the famous Guimaras mangoes.

With my nephew, Jeran, riding a top the roof of our private jeepney (he wanted to ride like a local), we pulled over at a local market where there was not only an abundance of fresh produce, but also photo opportunities.

After I bought my mangoes, I wandered about the marketplace meeting and photographing the locals. One that really caught my eye was this young boy playing drums on an empty can. Knowing I had a brief window of opportunity, I quickly adjusted my camera settings for a slower shutter speed to capture the motion of him playing “drums” with his improvised drum sticks.

As an added benefit he stuck his tongue out at me! This photo quickly became one of my favorites from my trip.

Happy Travels!