Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

I lied.

I said in my last post I was going to start sharing photos from my Southeast Asia journey I embarked on last year.

Lying maybe too strong of a word. Let’s just say I embellished the truth.

Here is a blue hour photograph from my trek to Mexico last year after I came back from Southeast Asia. This will be my last photograph (I promise) and from now on I’ll be updating you guys with photos from my Southeast Asia trip.

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If colonial architecture and cobblestone streets sound very appealing then the beautiful Spanish colonial town of San Miguel de Allende fits the bill to be your home away from home (many Americans do). San Miguel de Allende has one of the largest American communities in Mexico with over 7000 residents. It is large enough to warrant its own U.S. consulate.

The ‘wedding cake’ towers of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel dominates the perfectly manicured main plaza, El Jardin, in the old historic center. I spent many evenings sitting on a bench in the plaza admiring the gorgeous architecture and striking light, all the while consuming my favorite Mexican meal Tacos Al Pastor!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Come join me on my Southeast Asia photo tour!

Okay...this isn’t Southeast Asia and I do not lead photo tours in that part of the world (for the moment, but I am looking to do so in the future).

This is the Bartholdi Fountain in Washington, DC that was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. Does that name ring a bell? No, he did not design the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, but rather the Statue of Liberty in New York City. C’mon, who can forget that memorable ending scene from Titanic when Kate Winslet looks up at the Statue of Liberty as she starts her new life in America. American cinema at its finest (excuse me, I think I just threw up in my mouth)!

I have been busy...wait for it...post-processing photos! The last couple of months, due to my nomadic lifestyle, I have not had the quality time to properly process my photos with my Apple MacBook Pro and external monitor (my desktop computer is in storage somewhere in Illinois). I now have a workstation setup with my external monitor in place and the last couple of days I have been feverishly processing my photos from when I was in Southeast Asia last year (I have over 700 gigabytes of photos). So for the next couple of weeks be prepared to journey with me as I traverse through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Back to the 15 ton and 30 foot tall Bartholdi Fountain. Fatigue started to set in after photographing the memorials and monuments in Washington, DC, so I sought out lesser known sites and hidden gems around the city. The blue hour sky was not the greatest that evening as it was spoiled by overcast, rainy weather and light pollution. Perhaps it was a result of the political demagoguery pollution coming from nearby Capitol Hill!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Reach out and touch someone!

Gravelly Point provides a close up experience as you stand in the flight path of giant commercial aircraft as they land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the nation’s capitol

The best part of photographing at Gravelly Point is the absence of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The only touchy-feely going on here is reaching for the skies!

Notes:
Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 17-40 f/4 L lens
ISO: 1600
Aperture: f/4.5
Shutter: 1/400

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Korean War Veterans Memorial - Washington, DC

“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” - General Douglas MacArthur, Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command in Korea

For me personally I have always found the Korean War Veterans Memorial one of the most profound and at the same time saddest memorials on the National Mall in Washington, DC. It may have to do with the fact that it is often overlooked by the nearby memorials of the ever so popular Lincoln Memorial and emotional Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Korean War has been nicknamed, “The Forgotten War” since it has been overshadowed by World War II and the Vietnam War. It is unfortunate that most Americans still overlook this period of our history.

The memorial consists of nineteen stainless-steel soldiers on combat patrol marching through rough terrain. It was dedicated in 1995 to honor the nearly 37,000 Americans who gave their lives in the 1950-1953 war (or conflict as some may call it).

As a photographer I have alway found it difficult to photograph the Korean War Veterans Memorial from an artistic point of view. It doesn’t have the grand Parthenon-inspired architecture like the Lincoln Memorial nor does it have the majesty of the World War II Memorial. Also, the lighting on the statues can be very contrasty and not consistent from statue to statue. I have been at this memorial many times and I have always had a hard time looking for a creative angle. One morning I walked down to the memorial before sunrise and circled around the soldiers before I eyed this composition.

I was playing around with Nik HDR Efex Pro 2 and I came up with this unique color scheme. It reminded me of those old Korean War film footage that were shot in black and white and later converted to color.

2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the ending of the Korean War. In light of the Memorial Day holiday, which in the United States is a day to honor and remember the fallen who have given their lives in service to their country, I wanted to pay tribute to these soldiers and let them know they have not been forgotten.

Honor the Fallen!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Monday, October 21, 2013

Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery - Washington, DC

Changing of the Guard Ritual (from the Official Website of Arlington National Cemetery):

The guard is changed every hour on the hour Oct. 1 to March 31 in an elaborate ritual. From April 1 through September 30, there are more than double the opportunities to view the change because another change is added on the half hour and the cemetery closing time moves from 5 to 7 p.m.

An impeccably uniformed relief commander appears on the plaza to announce the Changing of the Guard. Soon the new sentinel leaves the Quarters and unlocks the bolt of his or her M-14 rifle to signal to the relief commander to start the ceremony. The relief commander walks out to the Tomb and salutes, then faces the spectators and asks them to stand and stay silent during the ceremony.

The relief commander conducts a detailed white-glove inspection of the weapon, checking each part of the rifle once. Then, the relief commander and the relieving sentinel meet the retiring sentinel at the center of the matted path in front of the Tomb. All three salute the Unknowns who have been symbolically given the Medal of Honor. Then the relief commander orders the relieved sentinel, "Pass on your orders." The current sentinel commands, "Post and orders, remain as directed." The newly posted sentinel replies, "Orders acknowledged," and steps into position on the black mat. When the relief commander passes by, the new sentinel begins walking at a cadence of 90 steps per minute.

The Tomb Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed -- the 21-gun salute.

Duty time when not "walking" is spent in the Tomb Guard Quarters below the Memorial Display Room of the Memorial Amphitheater where they study Cemetery "knowledge," clean their weapons and help the rest of their relief prepare for the Changing of the Guard. The guards also train on their days off.

The Guards of Honor at the Tomb of the Unknowns are highly motivated and are proud to honor all American service members who are "Known But to God."

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Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for about 400,000 military service members and their families. It is a wonderful tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served.

Here in the United States the final Monday in May is a federal holiday known as Memorial Day. It is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Honor the Fallen!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Sunday, October 20, 2013

Arlington National Cemetery - To Honor, Remember & Explore

“To be killed in war is not the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst that can happen… to be forgotten is the worst.” -Pierre Claeyssens (1909-2003)

I had the great opportunity to partake in a moving and patriotic experience last year while I was in Washington, DC. Every December an organization called Wreaths Across America coordinates a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. It is a wonderful way to remember, honor and teach our youth about our fallen veterans.

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for about 400,000 military service members and their families. It is a wonderful tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served.

Here in the United States the final Monday in May is a federal holiday known as Memorial Day. It is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Honor the Fallen!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

"Blue Mass" Honors Police Killed In The Line Of Duty - Washington, D.C.

Members of the D.C. Police Department Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band play their instruments outside of St. Patrick Church after the 'Blue Mass' to mark the beginning of National Police Week in Washington, D.C. The name of the Mass comes from the "blue" color of their uniforms. I attended this special Mass where police officers prayed for their fallen comrades and for their own safety in the line of duty.

The week of May 15 transforms Washington, D.C. into one of the safest cities in the world. Why? Because National Police Week, which occurs each year during the week in which May 15 falls, recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on the nation's capitol to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Monday, October 14, 2013

Political Storms bursts over Washington, DC

People accuse me of “Photoshopping” my photographs. That’s crazy! All my photographs are SOOAA, that is “straight out of Apple Aperture.”

I was walking in Lafayette Square, a public park located directly north of the White House, in Washington, DC last week. I noticed these cumulus clouds and composed a couple of photographs. I know this is Washington, DC where everything is an illusion, but I pulled no magic tricks in post-production. I simply increased the contrast and bumped up the vibrancy. Mother nature gets all the credit for this one.

It has been a roller coaster week here in the nation’s capitol. Scandals have burst over the political weather front from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limiting free speech to the Justice Department spying on reporter’s phone records.

I guess my “Photoshopping,” I mean my SOOAA skills, aren’t the only scandals brewing in Washington, DC.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Saturday, October 12, 2013

Good Morning Vietnam!

Or should I say good morning Washington, DC! Actually, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is only about 1,000 feet from where I photographed this so I wasn’t too far from a “Vietnam” theme.

The ugly looking obelisk with the scaffolding is the Washington Monument which has been under construction since the August 2011 earthquake. If you are planning a trip to the Nation’s capitol soon, be warned that construction will not be completed until sometime in 2014. That’s really a bummer because everywhere you take a photograph in Washington, DC it seems the Washington Monument is always in the background.

I got up early this particular morning because in the spring and summer the sunrise runs parallel to the Lincoln Memorial (rising near the Washington Monument) and bathes the statue of Mr. Lincoln in warm, soft light. As you can see from my photograph that didn’t happen, so I had to settle for this lonely jogger running along the Reflecting Pool.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Friday, October 11, 2013

Painting the renewal of spring and the ephemeral nature of life -cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC

"The only thing that could spoil a day was people. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.”
Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

“No man can taste the fruits of autumn while he is delighting his scent with the flowers of spring.”

Samuel Johnson

"I had always planned to make a large painting of the early spring, when the first leaves are at the bottom of the trees, and they seem to float in space in a wonderful way. But the arrival of spring can't be done in one picture."
David Hockney

“Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'”
Robin Williams

A local artist paints the arrival of spring of the pale-pink cherry blossoms in bloom along the Tidal Basin in the nation’s capitol of Washington, DC.

Spring is here and it is time to party!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Thursday, October 10, 2013

Rite of Spring - Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC

Walk, run, or bike to see the annual cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.

The cherry trees were a gift from Japan in 1912 as a commemoration for the 1854 Treaty of Peace and Amity which officially established formal relations between the two countries.

The Yoshino Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC only bloom in the spring and the window of opportunity is very small. I photographed this on a Monday when the cherry blossoms were beginning to peak and by that Friday night strong winds blew most of them off the trees. As with any once-a-year photographic opportunity, it can be very crowded with people, especially at sunrise.

The most photogenic groups of cherry blossoms are located around the Tidal Basin which is a man-made inlet adjacent to the Potomac River. That morning hordes of photographers, tourists and fitness enthusiasts were jockeying for position to get a view of the pink cherry blossoms.

It took me over 1,000 hours in Photoshop to clone out all the pesky people in the background to get this lone biker in the scene, or actually, I secured a presidential order to keep everybody back at least 500 feet from my shot or I simply waited until this lone biker walked under this cherry blossom branch where I was camping out with my Canon 5D Mark II.

What story do you believe?

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Congress is Crooked or the Blue Hour Tilt?

I can’t decide which title is better so I will leave it up to you guys. Which title do you prefer?

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Mark Twain once opined, “Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.” Those are the culprits that lollygag in the Capitol Building so there is no need to waste my time talking about them. So let’s talk about the geometric “H” shaped building you see on the top right hand side of the frame.

The East Building of the National Gallery of Art was designed by famed architect I.M. Pei. Inside is one of my favorite paintings, Salvador Dali’s “Sacrament of the Last Supper.” Dali was an eccentric guy so I thought of him when I composed this photograph. No, I was not on drugs when I composed this shot. To quote Salvador Dali, “I don’t do drugs. I am drugs.”

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Monday, October 7, 2013

Major General Gouverneur Kemble Warren - "Hero of Little Round Top" andthe Guardian of the Gettysburg Sunset

On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, General Gouverneur Warren realized the importance that a position known as Little Round Top would be during the battle and...blah, blah, blah!

If you want to learn about some not so boring history you can read his Wikipedia entry. I am not diminishing the importance of the battle of Gettysburg nor the brave men who fought and died in the largest battle ever fought in North America. I have been to Gettysburg Military Park many times and love learning about this period of American history. Heck, I am the type of guy that watches “Gettysburg” just for fun and that movie runs over four hours! Come to think about, if not for General Warren’s initiative at Little Round Top the Union Army would have lost that battle and perhaps the entire war. Maybe you should read more about him.

General Gouverneur Warren is a very dedicated soldier because every time I come to Gettysburg he is always there defending Little Round Top or perhaps he just loves watching those spectacular Pennsylvania sunsets.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Saturday, October 5, 2013

Springtime at the U.S. Capitol - Washington, DC

"I love to go to Washington - if only to be near my money." - Bob Hope

The U.S. Capitol Building’s distinctive dome stands as Washington DC’s famous landmark. The 19th-century neoclassical building has served as the seat of American lawmaking since the first Congress in 1800.

If the bright colorful flowers don't bring a smile to your face then maybe this will:

Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. - P. J. O'Rourke

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Monday, September 30, 2013

Having a “Rip-roaring” time at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park- Washington, DC

I finally made it out to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, or commonly known as the National Zoo, when I was in Washington, DC a couple of weeks ago. Since it is part of the Smithsonian Institute admission is free compliments of the U.S. taxpayer.

The National Zoo is famous for their giant pandas that were lent by China as part of the “panda diplomacy” in the 1970s. They are one of the few zoos in the country that have them in captivity. The crowds were too large that day to get a decent shot of the pandas, but I am fortunate that the San Diego Zoo is one of the other few zoos in America that have the giant pandas, so I can always photograph them at my leisure.

As a result, I left the crowds there and headed over to the big cats and caught this male lion begging for some dental floss.

So what is your favorite zoo?

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Surf’s up in Sunset Cliffs, San Diego and the Pacific Ocean is calling your name!

From one coast to another! Yes, the lavish lifestyle of a travel photographer. I was in Washington, DC a couple of weeks ago waiting for the cherry blossoms to bloom and now I am back in my hometown of San Diego, California soaking up the sun.

My photography has taken me all over the world, but sometimes I forget that I live in an American paradise here in “Sun” Diego. The weather has been in the high 70s this week so the other day I went to one of our hidden gems called Sunset Cliffs. This area has sheer cliffs that borders the Pacific Ocean and as the name states, it is a popular place for locals to watch the sunset.

There are some surfing spots below the cliffs and I spied on these two surfers as they headed down toward the ocean. I followed them down the cliffs and I captured one of the surfers just as he jumped into the water while his friend looked on.

I hope everybody has a great weekend. I am going sailing today and the weather will be at a high of 82 degrees. With that type of weather I may be jumping into the water just like the surfer!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Cherry Blossom Sunrise at the Jefferson Memorial - Tidal Basin, Washington, DC; USA

This is not a true HDR photograph since this is from a single RAW file. I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II with 21-megapixels and if I shot HDR with multiple RAW exposures I would need to start clearing out my camera gear to make room for more hard drives.

The Yoshino Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC only bloom in the spring and the window of opportunity is very small. I photographed this on a Tuesday when the cherry blossoms were at their peak and by that Friday night strong winds blew most of them off the trees. As with any once-a-year photographic opportunity, it can be very crowded with people, especially at sunrise.

The most photogenic groups of cherry blossoms are located around the Tidal Basin which is a man-made inlet adjacent to the Potomac River. That morning hordes of photographers were jockeying for position to get their shot and in the process stepping into each other’s shots. Having spent some time at the Tidal Basin the day before I scouted out a great place to photograph the sunrise for the next day.

I stood on the bridge between The Jefferson Memorial and The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. I set up my tripod right against the bridge railing so if any photographer wanted to get in front of my shot, he or she would find themselves swimming in the Tidal Basin, a very dirty Tidal Basin.

The weird looking sky is compliments of airplane contrails. I think some lowly government bureaucrat ordered a fly by just to ruin my sunrise shot.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Let’s Run into Spring with the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC!

The best nonpartisan event in Washington, DC is the annual bloom of over 3,700 cherry blossom trees. The cherry trees were a gift from Japan in 1912 as a commemoration for the 1854 Treaty of Peace and Amity which officially established formal relations between the two countries.

The arrival of the cherry blossoms also marks the arrival of spring to the nation’s capitol. The most photogenic groups of cherry blossoms are located around the Tidal Basin which is a man-made inlet adjacent to the Potomac River. Here photographers can frame the vibrant pale pink and white flowers with iconic landmarks such as The Thomas Jefferson Memorial and The Washington Monument. With the recent addition of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, photographers have yet more opportunities for creative compositions.

Photographers are not the only ones who enjoy the cherry blossoms in the morning. Joggers have a scenic view as they circle around the Tidal Basin. I took this photograph the morning the National Park Service declared the official peak bloom for the cherry blossoms. I used my external flash for fill light on the passing jogger (you may see a hint of her shadow). I composed this composition with the joggers and the path of the Tidal Basin serving as leading lines to the beautiful Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Spring was a little late in arriving into the nation’s capitol so I had to wait an extra week for the bloom. When it finally did arrive, what a grand entrance it made!

Goodbye winter and hello spring!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Back to the Future with Lincoln and Washington

Back to the future (or history) at the Lincoln Memorial. Make sure you drive 88 miles per hour and make Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown proud! For those not in the know this is in reference to the classic 1980s movie Back to the Future

The cherry blossoms finally bloomed in Washington, D.C. and that made me a very happy man. In between photo ops with the President Obama and investigating the truth behind Area 51 at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (where’s Agent Fox Mulder) I kept busy while in the nation's capitol.

If I ever make any money from my travel photography, hopefully one day I can retire and cruise around in my DeLorean at 88 miles per hour.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Sunday, September 22, 2013

Photobombing Thomas Jefferson - Tidal Basin, Washington DC, USA

No, I am not an impostor! This is Sam Antonio Photography’s official travel photography blog.

For my friends and for those for some odd reason who follow me and my second rate photography, know I love to shoot in saturated colors. So what is this black and white photograph?

I love going out to the Jefferson Memorial because it is not swamped with tourists as other memorials and it has gorgeous views of the tidal basin since it sits on prime real estate. Besides, Thomas Jefferson is considered one of America’s most intellectual president, just showing up at his memorial makes me that much smarter.

I love this anecdote of President Jefferson. Reflecting on Jefferson’s broad-based knowledge, President Kennedy once welcomed a group of forty-nine Nobel laureates to the White House with these words:

“I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.” (Address to Nobel Laureates, Dinner for Nobel Prize Winners of the Western Hemisphere, 29 April 1962.)

The inside of the memorial has very dull colors so I went with black and white to give it more of an artistic flair. I jumped into the frame of this long exposure shot at the last minute. I just love photobombing Tommy Jefferson!

I’m Sam Antonio and I approve this photograph.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Saturday, September 21, 2013

Ring of Fire! National Mall - Washington, DC

Ring of Fire! by Sam Antonio Photography
Ring of Fire!, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
Sunset on the National Mall in Washington, DC. I took this in front of the U.S. Capitol with my Canon 5D Mark II camera mounted on a small table top tripod. I forgot to remove my UV filter, but as a result it gave me this “ring of fire.” I like making mistakes like this. It is still cold here in DC and waiting for the cherry blossoms to bloom.

I have been busy brokering a budget deal with Congress, working with the State Department on increasing world peace and playing golf with the President. I will be catching up with all of you soon.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

It’s Spring Time at the White House - Washington, DC

Back in March I spent a couple of days in Tampa, Florida and then flew to Washington, DC to spend Easter with my sister and to photograph the cherry blossoms, where I had to wait for a week for them to bloom.

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC is the address to one of America’s most famous residence. Occasionally you may spot President Obama milling around here when he is not too busy golfing around Hawaii or playing a pick up game of basketball.

Now where are those cherry blossoms?

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

My Camera is my Passport

“My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport.” - Steve McCurry

Chiapas is Mexico’s southernmost state. It is an amazing place with a diverse population of indigenous people (many direct descendants of the ancient Maya), striking Maya ruins and the magnificent colonial town of San Cristóbal de las Casas.

I planned on just spending two days in San Cristóbal, but ended up staying for four. With its cobblestone streets, intriguing indigenous people with their flamboyant traditional clothing and the glorious coffee (Chiapas is a renown coffee growing area), I found San Cristóbal the perfect place to linger.

This part of Mexico has a highest population of indigenous people who are very close-knit and suspicious of outsiders. They are very sensitive to having their photo taken and as a result I made very few photographs that I was satisfied with.

For three days I struggled to make images of the indigenous people, many who come from the neighboring villages of Chamula and Zinacantán. Fortunately, I was able to meet up with a fellow photographer and fellow San Diegan Jim Cline. Jim owns and operates his own photography tour business Jim Cline Photo Tours that concentrate on Latin American and Asia. I met Jim a week earlier in Oaxaca during Day of the Dead celebration. He was leading his annual photo tour group there and I would run into him occasionally around town. He was in San Cristóbal a couple of days ahead of his next tour group and through Jim I was able to connect with some of his local contacts.

On the last evening I met up with Jim and he was able to organize an impromptu portrait session with some of young girls who sell their wares in front of the main cathedral in the town plaza. This young girl and her toothy smile made the wait all worth the while.

I am still amazed after all these years how my camera has given me many unique insights to different cultures.

‘My camera is my passport’ and it has been stamped many times with cultural visas from around the world.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Monday, September 16, 2013

Shaking, Burping and Breaking Chicken Necks in San Juan Chamula, Mexico

San Juan Chamula, Mexico rocks! Literally!

In November of last year I was in the ethnic minority village of San Juan Chamula, located in the southern state of Chiapas, Mexico, and something happened that I have never witnessed before - an earthquake! As a native Californian I have experienced earthquakes, but they usually happen in the early morning when I am sleeping in bed just in time to wake me up. I was standing outside when I felt the ground rumble. I looked behind me and a very old building started to sway. The locals started to run out of buildings and headed toward the town square. I was so fascinated with the building swaying back and forth that some local grabbed me and lead me to the town square. I found out later that the earthquake registered over 6.0 on the Richter Scale and 7.4 in Guatemala where it was centered.

After recovering from the shock of the earthquake I headed to the San Juan Chamula church where they drink Coca-Cola, burp and sacrifice live chickens. More on that later.

I do not have any photos inside the church since photography is not allowed at all. This part of Mexico has a highest population of indigenous people (many are direct Mayan descent) who are very close-knit and suspicious of outsiders. They are very sensitive to having their photo taken and as common courtesy you must ask permission from them otherwise you risk physical danger. You have been warned!

Looking at the building exterior, combined with the fact that Mexico is second largest Catholic country (behind Brazil) in the world, you would think this is a Catholic church.

Yes and no.

The Spanish brought the Catholic church to Mexico with the expedition of Hernan Cortes in 1519. The small town of San Juan Chamula fought hard against the Spanish conquest but eventually succumbed to the church in 1524. Today the church has not perform the Catholic mass since 1968 and is not recognized by the Vatican in Rome. What is practiced in the church today is a syncretism of Roman Catholicism and animism (life is spirit and all of nature is holy).

A step inside the church is a leap into the bizarre. There are no pews inside, instead the ground of the church is strewn with fresh pine needles giving an aroma of walking through a forest. Visually the church interior is ablaze with hundreds of flickering candles. On the walls you can still see the hints of the Catholic church with statues of saints like St. John the Baptist that are still highly revered.

Curanderos (medicine men) perform strange ceremonies by rubbing freshly killed chicken bodies on worshippers to cleanse them of their infirmities. I can say this was one of the most unique travel experiences I have ever witnessed when I saw a curandero break the neck of a chicken (no blood sacrifice I assume to keep the church clean) and then continued to rub it all over a worshipper’s body. My natural instinct was to take a photo, but I was well aware of the customs and for once I was satisfied I experienced this with my own eyes and not from behind my camera lens.

If that was not enough to overwhelm your senses, worshippers drink Coca-Cola or pox (pronounced “posh” and made from distilled sugarcane). This is done to induce burping which is believed to expel evil spirits.

From surviving an earthquake, listening to Coca-Cola burping and watching a cleansing ceremony with freshly killed chickens, it was just another crazy travel day of this intrepid travel photographer.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Sunday, September 15, 2013

Just Around the Yellow Corner...in Izamal, Mexico

Mexico has designated 83 towns and villages as Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns) throughout the country. To achieve such a designation a town must demonstrate natural beauty, historical significance and cultural diversity.

70 km east of the beautiful colonial town of Merida in the Mexican state of Yucatan, is the enchanting “Magical Town” of Izamal, nicknamed La Ciudad Amarilla (the Yellow City) for the glowing yellow paint that covers the colonial buildings. Izamal is a beautiful place to experience the diversity of three cultures: Maya, Mexican and Spanish.

I spent an entire day walking around this colorful town with its mustard yellow colored walls, cobblestone streets and colonial lamp posts. Every corner I turned opened up to another street scene that felt more like a Hollywood movie set than an old colonial town.

You can also get around town by hiring a Victoria or Calesa (a horse-drawn carriage) which serves as taxis for both locals and tourists.

Or you can get around the old fashion way like this local woman with a bicycle.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Pope Francis: The Pontiff of Firsts

At the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, Izamal, Mexico, a statue of Pope John Paul II, which was made in remembrance of his visit to Izamal in 1993, is situated in the courtyard of the convent. The convent sits on a hill formed from a Mayan pyramid.

I framed the statue of Pope John Paul II as if he was holding up the stain glass painting of the Virgin Mary.

Today was a big day for the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis. The pope of many firsts:

First non-European pope of the modern era.

First from Latin America.

First Jesuit.

First to assume the name Francis.

Even though my parents are from the Philippines (where over 85% of the population are Roman Catholic) I was raised as a Protestant.

Another first.

This Protestant offers many congratulations to my Catholic family members and friends on the election of their new pope.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

How do you say yellow in Spanish? Searching for color in Izamal, Mexico

Mexico has designated 83 towns and villages as Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns) throughout the country. To achieve such a designation a town must demonstrate natural beauty, historical significance and cultural diversity.

70 km east of the beautiful colonial town of Merida in the Mexican state of Yucatan, is the enchanting “Magical Town” of Izamal, nicknamed La Ciudad Amarilla (the Yellow City) for the glowing yellow paint that covers the colonial buildings. Izamal is a beautiful place to experience the diversity of three cultures: Maya, Mexican and Spanish.

In the middle of the town plaza is the brightly colored Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua which contrast well against the Yucatan’s blue skies. The convent was built in the 16th century on the remains of a Mayan pyramid and if you look closely you can see the Mayan stones integrated into the stonework of the monastery’s arcade walkways. I framed the monastery’s main church, the Santuario de la Virgen de Izamal, with the arcades of the enormous courtyard.

Buenas tardes mi amigos!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Monday, September 9, 2013

Mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy...

"To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy." - Henri Cartier-Bresson

The children's parade (comparsas) at Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos) in Oaxaca City, Mexico.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Sunday, September 8, 2013

Everybody has a story...

“Most of my images are grounded in people. I look for the unguarded moment, the essential soul peeking out, experience etched on a person’s face. I try to convey what it is like to be that person, a person caught in a broader landscape, that you could call the human condition.” - Steve McCurry

Photographing Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebration in Oaxaca City, Mexico put my skills as a travel photographer to the test. The fast paced action of the spontaneous street parades, the wild Banda bands and joyous spirit of the Mexican people made for a memorable week.

While I spent a good portion of that time behind the lens, I also found time to step out from behind it and be an active participant in the celebrations and meet the locals.

I met Alejandro, a college student, on my second evening in town and he invited me to join his group of girlfriends and dance the night away on the streets of Oaxaca.

I had a unique cultural experience getting my haircut from Carlos the barber. Although I took four years of Spanish in college, it was still a task to communicate with him to make sure I would not go bald. In the end, I still had my hair and he taught me about futbol and I shared my passion for American football.

I met Cesar while enjoying my morning coffee at a sidewalk cafe on Oaxaca’s zocalo (public square). He shared some great tips on where to photograph the best street parades and the small cemeteries, without tourists, where I could get an intimate feel for the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead.

Now that I have returned to the United States, looking at my photographs brings both happiness and sadness. As much as I cherished meeting, photographing, and understanding the Mexican people, I also know that I may never meet these people again in my lifetime.

Everyone I met on my journey had a story to tell and storytelling is the essence of a travel photographer.

Come join me on my journey....

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Saturday, September 7, 2013

Lost in Social Media and in the Jungle of Palenque, Mexico

I thought I had posted this photo here on this blog.

I lost track since I am involved in a million social media sites like Facebook, Google +, Twitter, Pinterest....

I think I am losing touch with reality since my life has been enveloped by social media.

Just the other day I received the biggest shock of my life, my Apple iPhone rang! Nowadays, everybody uses their smartphones for everything but talking on the phone. It was a good friend of mine who wanted to know if we could meet for lunch. I scolded him for calling me on my phone and told him to leave a message for me over at Facebook.

I think I need to take another trip to have some real human contact.

=================

Palenque, along with Chichen Itza and Uxmal, ranks as one of the most magnificent example of Maya architecture in Mexico. Located in the tropical jungle of Chiapas, the southernmost state of Mexico, Palenque is the type of playground befitting Indiana Jones. The dense jungle covering these hills forms an evocative backdrop to the exquisite Maya architecture.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Friday, September 6, 2013

All Smiles at the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca City, Mexico

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday and is celebrated throughout Mexico. Family and friends get together to pray and remember their loved ones who have passed away. This is not a time of mourning, but rather it is a joyful celebration of life, food, friends and family.

The history of the Day of the Dead is a syncretism of Pre-Hispanic and Spanish customs. The celebration takes place on November 1–2, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2).

I photographed this young boy at the children comparsas (parade) in the zocalo (public square) of Oaxaca City, Mexico. I crouched down to photograph at his level, but I could not get him to smile. So I put down my camera for a moment and stuck out my tongue. He returned the favor by flashing this toothy grin!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Thursday, September 5, 2013

Making Photographs at the Day of the Dead - Oaxaca City, Mexico

I had a great time talking with Tosin at TIA International Photography on traveling the world and making photographs. You can read my interview over here . It makes for great bedtime reading since it will quickly put you to sleep. You have been warned!

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There it was shattered on the ground in three pieces. Three pieces was all that was left...countless memories captured for a lifetime laying on the ground.

I stared at my broken Olympus Stylus compact film camera with stunned disbelief. Just a moment before I handed it to my brother, Rick, to take a photo of me and he jokingly fumbled with it to pretend it was going to slip out of his hand...unfortunately it did.

So there we were at the Rock of Gibraltar on the Iberian Peninsula with a broken camera and one angry brother.

Unbeknownst to me this would be my beginning into digital photography. The year was 2000 and in 2001 I would buy my first digital camera, a Canon PowerShot S100. I would never load another roll of film in a camera again.

In subsequent years I would buy bigger and more expensive Canon digital SLR cameras to parallel my growing understanding in photography. As with most budding photographers I started out taking snapshots, then progressing to “postcard” images and now I find myself involved in expressive travel photography. Photography with meaning and emotion.

When I first started to get serious with digital photography my primary focus was landscapes and cityscapes. One day I was in a cafe with a friend showing my photos from a recent trip. After I was done he said, “Great photos of buildings and landscapes, but what of the local people? Where is the soul of the country?” That comment has stuck with me ever since.

In 2008 I started to change my focus from beautiful sunsets, cityscapes at dusk, and national parks to people photography, in particular, street photography.

Henri Cartier-Bresson said, "You don't take a photograph, the photograph takes you."

That is the essence of street photography. You never know what is around that next corner, who will step in the frame or how your subject will react.

Photographing people in my travels has always been difficult. I have no problem delivering a speech before hundreds of people, but approaching strangers and asking for a photograph was a whole different story.

The great photojournalist Robert Capa once stated, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re probably not close enough.” To understand the people you are photographing you must be in proximity to them. It’s not the camera equipment that makes a successful photograph, but rather the connection you make with people that makes all the difference.

On my recent trip to Mexico last year I wanted to take “good pictures” by getting “close” to the Mexican people.

Ansel Adams once said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.”

In the beautiful colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico the vibrant celebration of Day of the Dead celebration was pouring out on the streets. I saw this photogenic young girl and wanted to make her photograph. Ten minutes earlier there were clouds in the sky making for even, diffused light, suddenly some of those clouds dissipated which made for uneven light. I spotted one of the parents holding an umbrella as part of their costume and I asked them if I could borrow it for a moment. I handed it to this young girl to shade her face and to cut down on the bright light.

I didn’t take this photograph, I made it.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Bewitched in Oaxaca City, Mexico!

El Dia del Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is popular celebration throughout Latin America, especially in Mexico. I know zombies are the flavor of the month in today’s popular culture, but that is not what this celebration is about.

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday and is celebrated throughout Mexico. Family and friends get together to pray and remember their loved ones who have passed away. This is not a time of mourning, but rather it is a joyful celebration of life, food, friends and family.

The history of the Day of the Dead is a syncretism of Pre-Hispanic and Spanish customs. The celebration takes place on November 1–2, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2).

In the beautiful colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico I was able to take in the sights, sounds and smiles of the Day of the Dead.

On the days leading up to November 1 and 2 (along with celebrating the Catholic holidays, on the 1st, people celebrate the lives of lost children, and on the 2nd they celebrate the spirits of adults) many parties erupt on the streets of Oaxaca. This is another Day of the Dead tradition called Comparsas which is a carnival-like procession of people in costume, dancing and wild music accompanied by a banda band (think Mexican Polka music).

On the morning of October 31, young children, dressed in costumes and accompanied by their parents and teachers, paraded around town on their way to school. The children comparsas circled around the town’s zocalo (public square) which made for a vibrant public spectacle.

Photographing this procession was exciting, but technically difficult at times since there were fast moving subjects in low light. Two keys elements in street photography are preparedness and patience and they surely came in handy that morning.

I remembered a quote from photojournalist Steve McCurry when he learned to watch and wait on life. “If you wait,” he realized, “people will forget your camera and the soul will drift up into view.”

I waited patiently for a “soul to drift up into my view” and I was rewarded with this bewitching portrait.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Friday, August 30, 2013

Celebration of Life; The Day of the Dead - Oaxaca City, Mexico

“The word death is not pronounced in New York, in Paris, in London, because it burns the lips. The Mexican, in contrast, is familiar with death, jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it, celebrates it, it is one of his favorite toys and his most steadfast love." - Octavio Paz, a native of Mexico and winner of the 1990 Nobel Prize in literature

El Dia del Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is popular celebration throughout Latin America, especially in Mexico. I know zombies are the flavor of the month in today’s popular culture, but that is not what this celebration is about.

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday and is celebrated throughout Mexico. Family and friends get together to pray and remember their loved ones who have passed away. This is not a time of mourning, but rather it is a joyful celebration of life, food, friends and family.

The history of the Day of the Dead is a syncretism of Pre-Hispanic and Spanish customs. The celebration takes place on November 1–2, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2).

In the beautiful colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico I was able to take in the sights, sounds and smiles of the Day of the Dead.

On the days leading up to November 1 and 2 (along with celebrating the Catholic holidays, on the 1st, people celebrate the lives of lost children, and on the 2nd they celebrate the spirits of adults) many parties erupt on the streets of Oaxaca. This is another Day of the Dead tradition called Comparsas which is a carnival-like procession of people in costume, dancing and wild music accompanied by a banda band (think Mexican Polka music).

In the morning, young children, dressed in costumes, parade around town on their way to school. These children comparsas circle around the town’s zocalo (public square) which makes for a vibrant public spectacle.

Of course I was not merely a spectator for this spirited celebration, I jumped right in with the comparsa! I took this photo of this young girl at a close distance since I had my Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II prime lens. Zooming with your feet and not with your lens barrel can yield some spectacular results.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

The Garden Isle of Kauai Shines Brightly - Kilauea Point Lighthouse

The Kilauea Point Lighthouse is a postcard-perfect landmark perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse, located on the island of Kauai, represents the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands.

I waited here at the overlook for about twenty minutes to get a decent even lit shot as the sun peeked in and out from the clouds. I was shooting with my medium range Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS lens. when I decided to switch to my Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens to get a tighter shot. Of course the moment I did that some heavenly light descended on the lighthouse. I quickly composed this shot before the light disappeared. Shortly afterwards, it started to lightly rain and so I headed back to the shelter of my car.

Ten minutes later as I headed toward Princeville, storm like conditions set in as heavy rains started to pour down. When I reached Hanalei a couple of miles down the road, the rains stopped and once again the sun made a dramatic appearance, albeit briefly.

That’s Kauai in a nutshell.

This will be the last photograph from my Kauai series. I hope you enjoyed it and if you plan to visit the Garden Isle please be sure to pack your swimsuit, your camera and a big smile.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Sunday, August 25, 2013

Life's a beach and then you die? Lumahai Beach; Kauai, Hawaii

Lumaha'i Beach is located on Kauai’s northern shore, but do not let the picturesque views fool you. It is a beach best viewed from a distance rather than swimming. The beach has no protective reef, making the coast totally exposed to the open ocean. Nicknamed "Luma-die" by the locals, the slippery rock ledges, powerful waves, strong undertow and currents make this one of Kauai’s most dangerous beaches. I played it safe and went to the beach with my camera and left the swimming trunks behind.

Was there every a time you felt endangered while photographing?

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Saturday, August 24, 2013

Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses?

Who's gonna ride your wild horses?
Who's gonna drown in your blue sea?
Who's gonna taste your salt water kisses?
Who's gonna take the place of me?

Who's gonna ride your wild horses?
Who's gonna tame the heart of thee?


-U2 “Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses”

I hope this photograph from the North Shore of Kauai warms up your cold winter day.

Since this post features a song from one of the world’s most famous band here is your U2 trivia question of the day:

Can you name U2’s first studio album?

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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