Last year at this time I was buried under a couple of inches of snow in Wisconsin. Instead of sand between my toes, I had snow all over my boots.
I woke up cold, went to work cold, got my mail in the cold and went to sleep cold.
At night when I would shovel snow from my driveway, I would dream of returning to the Pacific Ocean. I envisioned the warm sun on my face and the sound of crashing waves.
This is why this photograph brings a smile to my face. A father and daughter spending time at the beach while watching a gorgeous sunset over the Pacific. Filled with Christmas spirit, the young girl rises above the setting sun. This is how one should spend a December evening.
Shoveling snow and freezing...Bah! Humbug!
One more last rant.
In Wisconsin when locals mentioned they were going to the “beach” they were referring to Lake Michigan.
The Pacific Ocean is a Beach.
The Atlantic Ocean is a beach.
Lake Michigan is just plain dirty and wrong!
I’m Sam Antonio and I approve this rant!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Wednesday, December 21, 2011
A Swingin’ Sunset at the Oceanside Pier
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Lunar Eclipses and Beautiful Beach Sunsets
I didn't photograph the lunar eclipse this past Saturday morning. Yes, I missed a rare celestial phenomenon: a total lunar eclipse when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, throwing the moon into shadow. On top of that I had the best seat in the house being here on the West Coast.
I did get up at 4:37 AM and witnessed the start of the lunar eclipse and I planned to get back out at 6:06 AM to photograph the total lunar eclipse when the moon would be engulfed in a bright red glow.
I went back to sleep.
I'll leave the lunar eclipse to Twilight movie fans and early risers. I'll take a sunset anytime.
Since returning to the West Coast and after two winters in Wisconsin, I decided to spend my time photographing sunsets at the beach. So later that day I headed down to Oceanside Pier and photographed your typical California sunset beach scene.
Surfer in the frame: check!
Pier: check!
Amazing color in the sky: check!
The next lunar eclipse to be seen in the U.S. will be on April 15, 2014. I’ll probably be sleeping in on that one too. Besides my taxes will be due on that day and Uncle Sam can be very unforgiving.
Happy Travels!
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Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Here’s a Shout Out to my Friends!
Breaking speed limits, eating fresh seafood and shooting (photographing) the gray whales in Baja, Mexico.
This photograph was from an amazing whale watching road trip I took with my friends, Randy and Florence, to the San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja, Mexico back in 2009. We broke speed limits on Mexico Highway 1 also known as the Transpeninsular Highway. The highway begins in the North in Tijuana and ends at the Baja peninsula in Cabo San Lucas.
It was a 14 hour drive from San Diego to the San Ignacio Lagoon. We divided the drive up over two days and enjoyed one too many cervezas and delicious seafood along the way.
On the first day one we stopped in Ensenada, Baja Mexico. Known as the "Cinderella of the Pacific,” Ensenada is located 70 miles south of the international border, a 90-minute drive from San Diego.
Just across from the fish market in Ensenada are a row of restaurants that serve (would you guess) fresh fish and shrimp tacos. Competition is fierce among the restaurants so they deploy barkers to grab potential customers from the street to come into their restaurants.
These two were dueling it out to see who would earn our business.
The guy with the big, fat mouth won.
Wishing all my friends a wonderful and blessed Christmas!!!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Buffaloed in Yellowstone National Park
Obviously this American buffalo (or bison if you prefer) was raised without proper manners. He stuck his tongue out at me and somehow expecting me not to respond.
So I shot him!
What he didn’t know was that I was armed with a Canon 7D camera and Canon 70-200 f/4 IS L lens. He was lucky I left behind my Canon 100-400 f/4-5.6 IS L lens at home or I would have really blasted him.
After the incident I felt hungry so I rewarded myself by driving to the nearest restaurant and having a nice, juicy buffalo burger.
In the battle between man versus buffalo...man wins!
Man = 1 Buffalo = 0
Next time keep the tongue to yourself!
Travel photography question of the day: What is your favorite U.S. National Park?
Happy Travels!
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
Sunset for my Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Many thanks for your comments, feedback and faves for I know most of you are online for Cyber Monday looking for deals. While you’re at it why not get your favorite photographer (yours truly) the new Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera? My poor Canon EOS 5D Mark II is over three years old and I’m in need of an update!
Photography question of the day: What is on your photography wish list for this Christmas?
Photographed with my aging:
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM Lens
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Stone Arch Bridge - Minneapolis, Minnesota
A former railroad bridge, it is now a pedestrian and biking trail with great views of St. Anthony Falls and the Minneapolis skyline. A couple on the river’s edge enjoy scenic views of the city.
Photography question of the day:
Which do you prefer? Aperture 3 or Lightroom 3?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Monday, November 28, 2011
The Purple People Eaters of Minneapolis, Minnesota
This past Labor Day weekend I had the opportunity to visit Minneapolis, Minnesota. I did it for a number of reasons. One, to visit my nephew who just started college at the University of Minnesota. Two, after living next door in Wisconsin for two years, I’ve always heard great things about Minneapolis, but outside of changing planes at the airport I never had the chance to explore the city. Third, after giving notice at my work that I would be departing, I wanted to explore more of the Midwest before I headed back to the sunny shores of California.
Free accommodations were compliments of my nephew’s futon in his dorm room. Big mistake! You feel old real quick when you’re on a college campus.
Walking around campus, it was great to meet students with their youthful ideals and a lifetime of experiences ahead of them. It was a pleasant reminder of my college days. Those days are behind me now (way behind me), but I always look back at them as a time of great personal growth and the start of my love for travel.
So while I may envy being a college student, I do not envy their debt load!
Okay, so back to the photograph.
The title refers to a term for the defensive line of the National Football League team Minnesota Vikings from the late 1960s to the late 1970s when they dominated the league. Purple is also the color of the team’s uniform.
I took this photograph from Minneapolis’ famous Stone Arch Bridge with the Mississippi River flowing below. Nature provided a little tint of purple that evening when I took this long exposure shot.
The only thing that could possibly happen that evening to tie in another Minnesota theme is if it happen to rain...”Purple Rain.”
A tribute to Minneapolis native Prince and his hit song “Purple Rain.”
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Thursday, November 24, 2011
The Biggest Little City in the World gets a Little Hairy
The Biggest Little City in the World gets a Little Hairy, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
Full of hardcore gamblers, aging casinos and tacky wedding chapels, Reno bills itself as the “The Biggest Little City in the World” when in reality its the cheap, downmarket version of Las Vegas. The best thing about Reno is that Lake Tahoe is right over the hill.
As you can tell I’m no fan of Reno, Nevada.
I happen to be there back in September for a work related conference so I was forced to spend a couple of days there.
The photograph isn’t tack sharp due to high winds that were kicking up that evening. It also didn’t help that drunk bums kept running into my tripod (I just made up that last part). Actually, I wish there were drunk bums walking around because downtown was completely devoid of people.
Blame the bad economy or the simple fact that Reno is an armpit.
Happy Travels! Just stay away from Reno!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Sunday, November 20, 2011
Semper Fidelis
"The Yellowstone Park is something absolutely unique in the world..." -President Theodore Roosevelt
Located in the Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful is the most recognized landmark of Yellowstone National Park. While it is not the largest geyser, it is the most predictable, erupting about every ninety minutes or so.
Taken near the visitors center near the viewing benches, this is a popular spot to admire this symbol of Yellowstone. Just watch out for steam on your camera lens!
The sun was setting behind Old Faithful as it erupted much to the applause of the surrounding spectators and to this happy photographer.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Saturday, November 19, 2011
Seattle the Caffeinated City
I took this photograph about fifteen minutes after sunset at the Pike Place Market and before it started to downpour. I believe it embodies Seattle: a city built on trade and coffee beans.
They say that in Paris you're never more than ten minutes from a metro stop, well in Seattle your never more than ten feet from the nearest espresso bar. Empires such as Microsoft and Starbucks were built here, Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana hailed from here and Bruce Lee is buried here. Enjoy the photograph as you journey into the Emerald City.
So what's your favorite type of coffee?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Friday, November 18, 2011
Sleepless and Stuck in Seattle
This is the classic view of the Seattle skyline from Kerry Park.
I somehow managed to get this shot in between having spirited discussions with fellow photographers on lens selection, exposure and who Santa would be delivering the new Canon EOS-1D X camera to this Christmas.
The next morning I grabbed a cup of coffee in the original Starbucks at the Pike Place Market. Back in my car I headed south to meet my friend in Grants Pass, Oregon.
If you ever matriculated in higher education in America you would be familiar with the following question as seen on the SAT or GRE:
“If vehicle A is driving south on I-5 at sixty miles an hour and random brick B is coming toward vehicle A at seventy miles per hour what will be the cost of the damage to vehicle A?”
Answer: A broken oil pan, hundreds of dollars and another night in Seattle.
I didn’t mind spending another night in Seattle since it meant more photography opportunities and caffeine!
Here’s to lovely skylines, busted oil pans and to Seattle the caffeinated city!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Thursday, November 17, 2011
Monumental Times call for Monumental Action
Thank Tim Ferris, Chase Jarvis and the evil Midwest winters for my long absence from my blog. They have inspired me to take a serious look at my life and make some dramatic changes.
Long story short I made the executive decision to not spend another long, brutal winter in Wisconsin. So I packed up my things and headed back to the sunny shores of San Diego, California.
After two weeks on the road, four thousand miles and a broken car oil pan I made it back to my beautiful hometown of San Diego. For now I am doing some freelance work for my former employer and as a result I’ll have more free time to spend on Flickr. In addition, I’m doing research for what Tim Ferris calls a “mini-retirement” for my journey to South East Asia next year. For my South Asia contacts I would love to get together with you when I’m in your town for a photoshoot, to grab a cup of coffee or to just say hello. Please drop me a line.
This is Mount Rushmore National Memorial located in the Black Hills of South Dakota featuring four United States Presidents (from left to right: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln).
Nature provided me with two opposing elements the day I was there: the fall colors and snow! Shortly after I took this photo I walked along the Presidential Trail when it started to lightly snow. Snow is why I left Wisconsin and now it was following me out West!
Happy Travels!
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Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Having a Grand Time at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Having a Grand Time at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
Being in Yellowstone National Park is amazing.
Being in Yellowstone National Park in the Fall is simply spectacular.
Being in Yellowstone National Park and being paid for it is awesome!
I just came back from a very quick trip to Yellowstone National Park. I was there for a work related project to capture still and video stock footage.
This is Artist Point in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. As I arrived there with my co-worker there were already hundreds of people fresh from their tour buses snapping photographs. I simply made my way were they weren’t congregating and found this viewpoint. The trees were a perfect framing device and added depth to the overall scene.
Sometimes it pays off to venture on your own and not follow the herd mentality.
Happy Travels!
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Sunday, November 13, 2011
Feeling Alive at Dead Horse State Park
Although Dead Horse Point State Park is not part of Canyonlands National Park, its vicinity to the park (its near the entrance to Island in the Sky), amazing panoramic views and solitude makes it a must see stop for any landscape photographer.
I’m getting writer’s block so I’ll “borrow” some lines from the official description of the park: The legend of Dead Horse Point states that around the turn of the century the point was used as a corral for wild mustangs roaming the mesa top. Cowboys herded them across the narrow neck of land and onto the point. The neck was then fenced off with branches and brush. One time, for some unknown reason, horses were left corralled on the waterless point where they died of thirst within view of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below.
Personally I find this place much more intriguing than the Grand Canyon. Hollywood has found this place intriguing too.
It was here at Dead Horse State Park where Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon drove off a cliff and into a canyon in the classic road movie "Thelma and Louise" (in the movie they were supposedly at the Grand Canyon).
[last lines]
Thelma Dickerson: [with a cliff in front of them and cops behind them]
Thelma Dickerson: OK, then listen; let's not get caught.
Louise Sawyer: What're you talkin' about?
Thelma Dickerson: Let's keep goin'!
Louise Sawyer: What d'you mean?
Thelma Dickerson: ...Go.
Thelma Dickerson: [Thelma nods ahead of them]
Louise Sawyer: You sure?
Thelma Dickerson: Yeah.
Happy Travels!
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Finding the Truth at False Kiva
Canyonlands National Park offers visitors sweeping vistas, interesting rock formations and less crowds (as compared to nearby Arches National Park). The Park consists of three areas: Island in the Sky, the Needles and the Maze.
False Kiva, along with Mesa Arch, was another area of the park I wanted to photograph. This is one of the "secrets" of the park and the location is not found anywhere in the park literature. The park rangers will not volunteer the location unless you ask them. It is a fragile area and they do not want hordes of tourists trampling all over the place. Earlier in the day I met Bob, a retiree traveling around the Southwest taking photos, and we agreed to hike out to find False Kiva (he attempted to find it the previous day but with no luck). After much scrambling we did find it and we were rewarded with an amazing view!
Equipment used:
Canon EOS 5D ,Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Happy Travels!
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Saturday, September 24, 2011
A Window into Turret Arch
Arches is a great little National Park to photograph. Unlike Yellowstone, which requires hundred of miles of driving, Arches is a manageable park with most of the classic sites within reach of parking your car.
Photographing Arches is also made very pleasant since nearby is the handy gateway town of Moab, Utah. This also makes it a great base to photograph nearby Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.
Some photo and travel tips regarding my trip to Arches National Park and vicinity:
Think small: Fly into a smaller regional airport. Rather than flying into a big airport hub like Salt Lake City and driving five hours to get to Moab, I flew into Grand Junction, Colorado and drove an hour and half along a scenic highway to get to my destination. In addition, the much smaller regional airports are a breeze for travelers as opposed to the behemoth airports that require miles of walking and tons of headaches.
Get an alarm clock: Many people have e-mailed me asking how I get such brilliant colors in my photographs. Get up early and stay out late to photograph at sunrise and sunset when nature's light returns the favor of your early rising with deep saturated colors.
Read before you see: Before I even click my shutter button I do extensive research of the places I photograph. I read guidebooks, magazines and photo website forums for advice on the best shot locations. Also, I'll read books that feature my trip destination to give me a better appreciation of the places I'll discover. For example, for my trip to Savannah, GA I read John Berendt's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." For this trip I read the classic, "Desert Solitaire: A Season In the Wilderness," by Edward Abbey.
Rock Steady: To get those super sharp photos you'll need a tripod. I travel with a very lightweight carbon fiber tripod that is small enough to fit into my carry on luggage. Good landscape photography requires shooting in weak light (sunrise and sunset) and small apertures. Canon "L" lenses will deliver some great shots for you but if your camera isn't steady you will get blurry photos. Invest in a good tripod before you invest in quality lenses.
Seek Inspiration to be Inspired: In downtown Moab, UT you can visit Tom Till's photography gallery. Yes, you can duplicate his classic shots but this will inspire you to search deeper to find your own "classics" while improving your photography skills.
What a Bargain: Invest in a National Park Pass. If you want to meet Europeans there is no need to go to Europe just visit your local National Park. I have met many more Europeans than Americans in the many National Parks I have visited. There's a reason why so many foreign travelers visit our parks because the wondrous beauty of our national treasures are unparalleled. Visit our National Parks before some of our national treasures are gone.
This is a sunrise shot of Turret Arch looking through the North Window. Get here early to catch a spectacular light show. In the Windows section of the park take the trail toward the North Window and hike right under it until you see a trail that you can scramble up on to get to a ledge. From here you can shoot the classic photo that you see above. That little white speck you see on the upper left hand side is the moon.
Be a Traveler not a Tourist!
Equipment used:
Canon EOS 5D ,Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD IF
Happy Travels!
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Saturday, September 10, 2011
Practicing Delicate Diplomatic Relations at Delicate Arch
Practicing Delicate Diplomatic Relations at Delicate Arch, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
Why is this a rare photograph of Delicate Arch?
Because there are no tourists posing under it!
No, I didn’t “clone” anybody out in post-processing, I simply did it the old fashion way...I screamed at them to get out of my frame (I had some help too).
A 1.5 mile hike from the parking lot will deliver you to the signature arch of the park. The 45 minute hike is easy to do but carrying two camera bodies, five lenses, a point and shoot camera, tripod and water made for a challenge. But if you get here right at sunset you will be rewarded with one of nature's best light show.
You will also be in the good company of hundreds of budding photographers and oblivious tourists. Of course, many of those tourists want to get a photo op under the arch thus angering many of those budding photographers which included myself. In unison we politely asked them to get out of our frame momentarily but to no avail.
As I was standing shoulder to shoulder of what looked like a firing squad of photographers with our tripod mounted cameras, I grew frustrated by the moment. So I took the initiative and grabbed my tripod to get a closer shot and a couple of photographers followed me (I love playing follow the leader). I then politely asked the “Arch” models if they would please move temporarily and again they ignored my pleas.
Finally one of the other photographers next to me pointed out that they were European tourists who didn’t comprehend my English speaking pleas (in reality most Europeans speak and understand English perfectly so they probably just wanted to piss off another American).
So the German photographer to my left said something in German and the German tourists moved. The French photographer to my right said something in French and the French tourists moved. I then said something in my parents native language, Tagalog (the national language of the Philippines for those not in the know), and the rest moved (okay I made that last part up...I’m an American and I only speak one language).
In the end everybody left happy. Hiking back to the parking lot with Bud, the German photographer (yes, that was his name), he shared with me his travel stories of four months of traveling solo in America.
“This was the first time I was traveling to America and I was confident my English was good enough to communicate with the locals,” Bud paused for a moment to reflect “but what I wasn’t prepared for was all the Spanish speakers I’ve encountered.”
“Bud, this is America,” I replied “Spanish is our national language.”
Adios my Flickr amigos!
Equipment used:
Canon EOS 5D, Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD IF, an overpriced Manfrotto tripod
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Busy Bee in the Beehive State
This is from a recent business trip I took to Salt Lake City, Utah a couple of weeks ago. I have been to Salt Lake City numerous times but every time I wanted to photograph the capitol it was always covered in scaffolding due to renovations. This was the first opportunity I had to photograph their beautiful state capitol during the blue hour.
Utah is known as the Beehive State because the beehive symbol to industry and the pioneer virtues of thrift and perseverance. I was a busy bee for couple of days in the Beehive State meeting work deadlines and giving presentations. Fortunately I had one free evening to photograph the state capitol without any distractions.
Happy Travels!
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Sunday, August 28, 2011
Getting High over Door County, Wisconsin
No, not that type of getting “high.”
High as in adrenaline rush and altitude which simply translates into skydiving and what better way to do my first skydive than over the 4th of July weekend!
Some people look to the sky for fireworks on the 4th of July...I fall out of it!
Along with my friend, Mary, and her sister Susan, we chose to go with an outfit called Skydive Door County located in scenic Sturgeon Bay. The location would provide a picturesque drop-zone of the Door County peninsula.
After a thirty minute instructional period I was outfitted with a harness, goggles and tons of encouragement that everything would be fine.
Aboard the very small Cessna plane, I was treated to scenic views of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. After fifteen minutes of sitting in a very cramped position, I was ready to jump out of the plane with or without a parachute (unbeknownst to me that would foreshadow things to come).
Once they opened the door the real adventure began.
After an exhilarating forty-five second free fall period, my tandem instructor pulled the parachute ripcord (which I was supposed to do but free falling over one hundred twenty miles per hour I kind of forgot to do so).
“Oh sh*t!” my tandem instructor yelled out.
I went from all smiles to what the hell is going on back there?
Apparently the main parachute didn’t deploy properly and my tandem instructor tried in vain to correct the problem to no avail.
“Get back into free fall position (arched back and my heels touching his buttocks...I know that last part sounds weird but it saved my life)!” screamed my tandem instructor.
He then jettisoned the main chute and we had to free fall again for a brief period before he deployed the reserve (and last parachute). So I had two free falls for the price one!
After a somewhat relaxing canopy ride down back to earth we let out a collective sigh of relief upon touching ground.
In the hanger he thanked me for remaining calm. I asked how often that happens and he said maybe one out of three thousand jumps. He added that in his over ten years in skydiving this was only the second time it has ever happened. Lucky me!
Would I do it again?
In a heartbeat...next time I would pack the parachute myself and bring an extra one just to be sure!
Adios from over 10,000 feet from scenic Door County!
Happy Travels!
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Sunday, August 14, 2011
Altitude and Attitude in Mexico City
Returning from Mexico City, I was stuck in a long line at the Charlotte Airport awaiting to be interrogated by the next suspicious U.S. Customs agent. When it was my time to be questioned I was asked where I was returning from.
“Mexico City!” I calmly told the agent.
I knew that set off red flags in her head and she immediately went into Sherlock Homes mode.
“What were you doing in Mexico City?”
“Where you traveling by yourself?”
“Did you meet somebody there?”
“Why Mexico City?”
“Do you have friends or family that live there?”
“What do you find appealing in Mexico City?”
Of course I knew what she was insinuating. I was born and raised in the international border city of San Diego and I am accustomed to being subjected to questions regarding travel in Mexico whenever I would return from there. Since I was coming back from Mexico City, in her mind she must have been thinking I served on the board of directors of some Mexican drug cartel.
But it was her last question that really set me off.
“Why Mexico City when you could be enjoying the beaches of Mazatlan, Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel?”
I looked her squarely in the eye and replied, “Why would I want to spend my hard earned money traveling to a Mexican beach resort that’s overpriced and congested with those Americans (as I pointed back to the line of tanned Americans wearing nothing but slippers, shorts and T-shirts proclaiming “I ‘heart’ Cancun”)? I travel overseas to meet locals not other Americans.”
Somehow she let me back into the country.
God bless the U.S.A.!
Happy 4th of July my fellow Americans!
And the photograph...
I’m standing at the midpoint on my way up the Pyramid of the Sun (the third largest pyramid in the world) in the ancient city of Teotihuacan (an hour outside of Mexico City).
Somehow of all the photographs I took at Teotihuacan this one had the most appeal to me. The incongruity of a local woman holding her child and the tourists holding their camera and gasping for air (the altitude of the Mexico City metropolis, which is perched atop a highland valley, sits at 2,240 meters (7,392 feet) above sea level).
Happy Travels!
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Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Just for my Photography Friends: A Secret Southwest Photo Location
Just for my Flickr Friends: A Secret Southwest Photo Location, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
I had to leave my motel two hours before sunrise to reach the trailhead and then hike for about fifteen minutes to reach this point. Once there I had this magnificent arch all to myself. So how did I find this undiscovered natural landmark? Patience, hours of hiking and cash incentives for the locals (otherwise known as bribes).
So to all my Flickr friends I offer you this secret arch which will probably soon be a classic of the American Southwest. National Geographic I await your phone call!
Okay before you call me delusional, yes, this is Mesa Arch located in Canyonlands National Park in Utah. There’s only a million and one photos here on Flickr and all with similar composition. Either way, this is a “must photograph” American Southwest icon.
And no you will not be alone, there will be plenty of company with you! Get there early and choose your spot wisely because once your fellow photographers arrive you’ll be boxed in.
Nothing will prepare for the amazing spectacle that will soon be unveiled. When the sun appears the underside of the arch will glow a vivid red. Hearts will pound and your camera shutter button will get a great workout.
So Mesa Arch isn’t a secret to landscape photographers. That should only embolden you to find the next American Southwest classic natural landmark. Just have patience, stamina for hiking and lots of cash!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Monday, July 25, 2011
The Sun Also Rises
Wrightsville Beach is a beautiful beach town near Wilmington, North Carolina. In perfect solitude I enjoyed this sunrise at Crystal Pier. As someone who was born and raised near the Pacific Ocean, experiencing a sunrise along the Atlantic Ocean is a rare occurrence.
Ernest Hemingway wrote in his classic work, The Sun Also Rises, that “Nobody ever lives their life all the way up except bullfighters.” Well, a close second would probably be photographers who can capture an image in a brief instant and turn it into a lasting moment.
Happy Travels!
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Friday, July 8, 2011
Having a Resplendent Time in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Many bird photographers come to Costa Rica just to photograph the beautiful Resplendent Quetzal bird. The Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala and can be mainly found in Costa Rica’s national parks due to its protected status.
In my pre-trip planning I debated whether to bring my Manfrotto tripod, my Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS lens and my Canon Speedlite 550EX flash. I knew Costa Rica was going to be primarily an “adrenaline” trip and that serious photography would be a secondary concern. I had only planned to bring my Canon 5DMKII with two lenses and my compact Canon G9 camera. In my pre-trip research I came across the Resplendent Quetzal and I knew I had to bring the rest of my gear. Besides with a name like “Resplendent,” I could only do the bird justice by bringing my longest and heaviest lens.
So I packed all of that gear along with a week’s worth of clothes into two carry-on bags. For the first part of the trip all that gear stayed in my photo backpack and I began to doubt my decision to bring it.
It gets dark in Costa Rica around five o’clock year around so we had to get up early everyday to make sure we packed in as many adrenaline tours as possible (If you’re not a morning person a trip to Costa Rica may not work).
Everyday we were early to bed and early to rise. I was too tired and too occupied with hiking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, zip lining, etc to think about sunrise and sunset photography.
Midway through the trip I finally was able to put the gear to use when we visited the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Since I was traveling with a pair of non-photographers, I kept my expectations low in finding and let alone photographing wildlife.
I could say I waited for hours in the pouring rain risking life and limb to find the Quetzal, but in the end it was my nephew who spotted the bird only after hiking for about an hour. I quickly set up my tripod and broke out the 100-400 lens. Although I was shooting with the ISO King the 5DMKII, the cloud forest is still a dark shooting environment so I brought out the very cumbersome (and not often used) Canon 550EX flash.
For those not familiar with the 550EX, it is one of Canon’s brightest (if not the brightest) flash in its lineup. With the 550EX you can turn night into day with a click of the shutter. I may have blinded the Quetzal for all I know.
In the end, lugging all that photo gear was a good decision and photographing the Quetzal was simply "resplendent."
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Saturday, May 21, 2011
Inspiration by Duplication
Inspired by James Pan’s “Rise of the Surfers,” I tried to duplicate his masterpiece with this photograph of surfer I captured at Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica.
I’m sure this was a “Pura Vida” moment for the surfer as it was for me to photograph him in action.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Always Look, Down, Back and Up
This almost happened to me on a sunset hike to the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. As one of the world’s ten most active volcanoes, I was looking forward to photographing it.
I hiked and reached the crest of a hill where I had a magnificent view of Arenal all the while the sun was beginning to set behind me. I turned around and I saw my nephew, Richard, and his wife, Cindy, admiring the sunset.
I turned my camera on them to capture this silhouette. I’m glad I did.
Thank you Mr. Sammon!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Saturday, May 14, 2011
Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Monteverde Style
For my pre-trip preparation I did research on the internet and pored over my Lonely Planet guide to determine the best outfit for a canopy tour, this was more challenging than I thought.
When I arrived into Costa Rica I received additional feed back from other fellow travelers, but it wasn’t until I met Diego, who worked at Pension Santa Elena (which I stayed at and highly recommend), that I decided to go with Monteverde Extremo Canopy. He described that Extremo not only offered your normal zip line, but that they also did the Tarzan Swing and Superman zip line. I was already sold when Diego mentioned the name “Extremo.” I was ready to sign the liability waiver form right there and then!
The next day, for nearly three hours, we had a view of the cloud forest from above that was simply an amazing experience. Add in some adrenaline with the Tarzan Swing and Superman zip line and we had fun filled morning.
The Tarzan Swing was the best part of the canopy tour (see video). I noticed that guide at the edge of the platform was gently (some forcefully for others) pushing people off. When it came to my turn I asked if I could simply do a running jump off the platform.
“It’ll break,” he replied.
“What, the rope?”
“No, your back,” he clarified.
Oh, this is going to be fun I said to myself and away I went swinging through the forest like Tarzan!
The Superman zip line is just as the name suggest. Instead of the normal sitting position with your knees up, ankles crossed and using one hand to brake, you are lying prone thus having a great view of the cloud forest. The cable stretches for one kilometer allowing you to live out your Superman fantasies minus wearing the pantyhose getup.
This was the last zip line cable of the tour and it was the most scenic. If that wasn’t perfection enough we were all awarded with a panoramic view of a lovely rainbow before we “landed” at the exit station.
With the recent controversy of Superman announcing his plans to renounce his U.S. citizenship, I can understand why. He probably wants to move to Costa Rica and fly through the cloud forest all day.
Costa Rica travel tip #2: When in Costa Rica get your Tarzan on!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Friday, April 29, 2011
Apocalypse Now Tico Style!
-Captain Benjamin L. Willard
Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now”
So there we were staring at the glossy brochure deciding between a class 2 & 3 white water rafting trip or a class 3 & 4. I looked up at my nephew, Richard, and we knew immediately were going to do the class 3 & 4. We didn’t travel all the way to Costa Rica to float down river like riding the “Pirates of the Caribbean” in Disneyland. We came for an adventure!
So the next day our adventure began on the El Rio Toro (the Bull River) with Richard and I sitting in the front of the raft paddling like mad while his wife, Cindy, was clinging on for dear life in the back. It didn’t take very long before I was catapulted into the water by some wild rapids. A baptism by near drowning.
Costa Rica near death experience #1.
After I swallowed nearly half a gallon (oops I mean 1.9 liters...metric system) of water, I was pulled back in the raft by Alex, our awesome Costa Rican rafting guide.
The heart pumping excitement was just beginning.
Halfway through the trip we “refueled” at a nearby river bank where the guides prepared some delicious tropical fruit for us to eat. With newfound confidence and energy we set out to conquer the rest of the river.
After a going through some treacherous rapids, we paddled down a calm section of the river. Richard then came up with a not so brilliant idea, he asked Alex if we could get out of the raft and float down river in our personal floatation devices (a.k.a. life jackets). Alex not only gave his whole hearted endorsement, but advised us to wait a little because further down river we could catch a class 2 rapid. As we quickly approached the rapids Alex revised his statement to a class 2+ rapid.
“Okay guys you can get out here,” Alex instructed.
Richard and I left the safety of the raft for the turbulent waters of the Toro River. I knew once I jumped in the rapids and let go of the raft I had made a huge mistake.
We were instructed at the rafting orientation that in the event we would find ourselves in the water to lie on our back with our feet straight out and not to try to swim and fight the river. Just “go with the flow” was the motto. All that went out the window once I hit the water.
For the sake of brevity I was thrashed, thrown, battered, beat-up, pulverized, demolished, pummeled, pounded, clobbered, jerked, trounced, pounded, bruised, hammered, assaulted, walloped, tossed around and worked over!
After bruising my tailbone, nearly twisting my ankle and ingesting many liters of the Toro River I could truly say I had “taste” of the real Costa Rica!
After Alex pulled me back into safety I regurgitated a good portion of the Toro River into the raft (sorry no photos).
Costa Rica near death experience #2.
After we finally got off the river we dried off, drank a beer, and had a pleasant Tico lunch at a nearby restaurant.
At the end of meal I approached Alex and thanked him for an awesome time.
As I handed him a tip I sarcastically said, “I paid you guys good money so I could kill myself!”
“You can tell all your friends when you get home that you survived a class 3 rapid in your PFD [personal floatation device]!” Alex replied.
“You said it was a class 2 plus?!”
Alex just smiled and laughed out, “Pura Vida!”
Costa Rica travel tip #1 - Never get out of a perfectly good raft.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Pura Vida Costa Rica!!
I’m tired.
I just got done shoveling my driveway as we had yet another snow storm (hopefully the last one for this winter) here in Wisconsin. Yes, I know it is official spring, but we still have winter conditions here in the Midwest. As I was shoveling, it dawned upon me that I was in beautiful, sunny Costa Rica exactly one week ago where the average temperature was 80 degrees!
So that explains yet another extended absence from Flickr but this time I had a good reason, I was on an adrenaline tour of Costa Rica with my nephew, Richard, and his wife Cindy. From hiking an active volcano, having a near death experience while white water rafting, to flying through a cloud forest like Superman on a zip line, it was one nonstop adventure after another.
Arenal is Costa Rica's most active volcano and one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. On our first full day in Costa Rica we took a sunset hike to the base of the volcano where we were very fortunate to get a clear view of Arenal. Our guide told us that the volcano is normally obscured by clouds so we were lucky to have a great view that day. Our timing couldn't have been any better since the next two days the volcano would be forever hiding behind the clouds. After the hike we rewarded ourselves by soaking in the soothing waters of nearby Baldi Hot Springs.
Pura Vida!
I hate shoveling snow and I miss Costa Rica!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Sunday, April 17, 2011
Having a Sweet Time at the Pineapple Fountain
I came to Charleston looking to photograph its beautiful antebellum mansions and to dig deeper with my camera into its rich history. The first day I got into town I captured my “trophy” blue hour shot and now I had to concern myself where I was going to photograph for a sunrise shot.
I spent the first morning along the Battery, Charleston’s most iconic spot, with views of the Charleston Harbor and gorgeous mansions. I didn’t get the sunrise shot I was looking for so I spent the rest of the day pounding the pavement seeking inspiration.
At noon time I was exhausted so I headed for the Blind Tiger Pub (a favorite of mine - sit out in the patio area and order one of their wonderful burgers). After I ordered I pulled out my Moon travel guide for Charleston & Savannah and lo and behold right on the front cover was a photo of the Pineapple Fountain! After lunch I strolled over to nearby Waterfront Park and upon seeing the fountain I immediately envisioned an exceptional sunrise shot.
This isn’t an HDR shot. It is one exposure refined with “Mr. Photoshop,” and with the kind assistance of Mr. EOS “king of the low-light cameras” Canon 5DMKII!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Friday, April 15, 2011
Farewell Atlantic Ocean - Tybee Island Pier, Georgia
Eighteen miles separates the historic downtown district of Savannah from the quaint beach community of Tybee Island on the Atlantic. As someone who grew up along the Pacific Ocean, I tend to forget how enchanting the Atlantic Ocean can be.
This could be because I now live in a state where they consider lake water a “beach.” I miss the ocean and just hearing the waves crash is like a symphony in my head.
Another early morning along the Georgia coast and I found myself facing the Atlantic for the last time (at least for this trip).
There was nothing spectacular about this sunrise on that particular morning but the sight, smell and sound of the ocean soothed my soul and kept my shutter finger busy.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Saturday, April 2, 2011
A Great Way to End the Day in Wilmington, North Carolina
A Great Way to End the Day in Wilmington, North Carolina, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
In the early 1980’s this sleepy little town was thrust into a new thriving industry - filmmaking. With such popular television hits like Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill and movies such as Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Forrest Gump, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Sleeping with the Enemy, Blue Velvet filmed here, Wilmington has garnered the name “Hollywood East.”
Restaurants, cafes, bars, historic buildings, stores and art galleries line the pedestrian friendly downtown riverfront district. Strolling the area one afternoon, I noticed these trees were strung with lights and I knew instantaneously that this would make for a great “blue hour” photograph.
Looking at this photograph brings back some great memories and a constant question - Why did I ever leave Wilmington?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Friday, March 11, 2011
Doin’ the Charleston!
The steeple you see in the photograph belongs to St. Michael's Episcopal Church, the oldest church in Charleston. The church also sits on southeast corner of Broad and Meeting Streets. That intersection is commonly known as “The Four Corners of the Law,” because on the other corners are Charleston City Hall, Charleston County Courthouse and the U.S. Post Office. The term "Four Corners of the Law" represents the presence of institutions representing federal, state, local and ecclesiastical law on each corner of the intersection (thank you Wikipedia).
Charleston is such a walkable city that you don’t need a vehicle to get around, the only problem is parking is just as bad as if you were in Manhattan if you decide to take your car into the city. Fortunately, I was there in the off season so it wasn’t a problem this time around.
Charleston, South Carolina with its warm hospitality, photogenic homes and relaxing Southern charm almost makes me want to dance the Charleston -- almost!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Wednesday, March 9, 2011
A Lovely Sunset in "Slow"vannah, Georgia
"If you go to Atlanta, the first question people ask you is, "What's your business?' In Macon they ask, "Where do you go to church?' In Augusta they ask your grandmother's maiden name. But in Savannah the first question people ask you is 'What would you like to drink?'" -Author John Berendt's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
Savannah, Georgia is a traveler's delight and more importantly a place I could easily call home. With its leisurely quality of life, tranquil squares, and decadent history it is no wonder the city has been named "The Jewel of the South."
Locals like to call their Southern city "Slowvannah" and one visit to this antebellum city will show you why. Popular movies like "Forrest Gump (shot in Savannah) to New York Times best-selling books like John Berendt's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" (known as "the book" by locals) to nefarious Union invaders has not changed this most Southern city.
This is a shot of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge that spans the Savannah River between downtown Savannah, Georgia, and the neighboring state of South Carolina.
Enjoy my travelogue and please feel free to leave your comments, gripes, complaints and faves! And remember on your first visit to Savannah don't be surprised if a Savannahian asks you your choice of drink.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Hidden Philippines: Valley Verde Mountain Spring Resort
Hidden Philippines: Valley Verde Mountain Spring Resort a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
Perched on one of Guimaras island’s highest points, Valley Verde Mountain Resort offers wonderful views of a jungle-covered valley with Lawi Bay in the distance.
Tourists usually flock to Guimaras for its picturesque beaches, but unlike the many crowded beaches nearby, Valley Verde offers many undiscovered secrets and solitude in a lush, green setting.
This was the view I had while I enjoyed a wonderful Filipino lunch.
Travel question of the day: So what was your most picturesque dining experience?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Monday, March 7, 2011
Everybody Loves Raymen
It was a perfect week for photography in the Carolinas and Georgia with gorgeous weather in the mid 60s and 70s with no humidity. When I flew back to Milwaukee, Wisconsin the other day I was welcomed home with 20-degree weather and falling snow. I was blasted back into reality when I had to dig my car out from the snow and scrape chunks of ice off my windshield in the airport parking lot.
So once again I’m motivated to post photos from a warm weather climate like my trip to the Philippines last year.
On the beautiful island of Guimaras is the Raymen Beach Resort, which is popular with locals on the weekend. Unfortunately I didn’t stay here too long as this was the jumping off point to board our boat to tour the nearby islands.
As I write this its 30-degrees outside with snow on the ground and looking at this photograph just brings a smile to my face.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Sunday, February 6, 2011
Feeling Comfortable in a Foreign Country
With its laid back atmosphere, friendly people, and English as its second official language, the Philippines is a great traveler's destination but somehow it has been overlooked for its other Asian neighbors. The Philippines is the only predominant Christian country in South East Asia with over 80% over adhering to Roman Catholicism.
I spent the day wandering along Panay’s southwest coast which is dotted with small towns, picturesque beaches and beautiful Spanish churches.
In between the towns of Tigbauan and Guimbal I saw these fishermen returning to the beach and was attracted to their colorful boats lining the shore.
To many people the islands of the Philippines are a magical place and a well-kept secret for seasoned travelers.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Slow Boat from Guimaras Island
So was the lens I used to shoot this photograph.
First things first.
It’s been exactly a year since my trip to the Philippines and I’m just beginning to upload the majority of my photos.
So call me slow.
I did put together a travel portrait gallery entitled: Everyone has a Story: The Faces of the Philippines. You can view that HERE.
What’s even slower is the Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO Lens (say that twenty times and see if that doesn’t slow you down).
With the f/stop range of 3.5-6.3 and knowing that Tamron lens are slow to focus, I still felt compelled to buy this lens for my Philippines trip. I would be shooting in hot, dusty and crowded places so I opted for the all in one Tamron super zoom lens rather than bringing three different lenses. After all, Tamron hailed it as “The Ultimate All-In-One Zoom: Longest, Steadiest Lens On Earth.” With a claim like that how could you not hand over your credit card number to Tamron?
While the lens did its job in helping me capture some great moments, its slow focusing system left me frustrated most of the time (thankfully I left most of those frustrations at the bottom of a San Miguel beer bottle).
It did deliver on this shot of this pump boat I took returning from Guimaras Island.
Guimaras is a hidden gem of the Philippine archipelago. It is only a fifteen minute pump boat ride from Iloilo City but a world apart from big city life.
Looking back the Tamron “slow” lens forced me to travel slower and be more cultural aware. To take a more deliberate approach in photographing the Filipino people rather than a “run and gun” approach.
So not only does slow and steady win the race but it also captures compelling images.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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