“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
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
Friday, August 30, 2013
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
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
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
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Life's a beach and then you die? Lumahai Beach; Kauai, Hawaii
Life's a beach and then you die? Lumahai Beach; Kauai, Hawaii, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
Was there every a time you felt endangered while photographing?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Facebook | Google + | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography Blog | Travel Photography Gallery
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
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
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
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Friday, August 23, 2013
I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever - Wai' Oli Hui'ia Church, Kauai
I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever - Wai' Oli Hui'ia Church, Kauai, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
For over 100 years the Wai’oli Hui’ia Church’s green, gothic, iconic sanctuary has been a landmark in the small town of Hanalei, located in the North Shore of the island of Kauai.
Have a blessed Sunday!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Kauai is magic: you can transform it into Asia, Africa or South America- and never leave the USA
Kauai is magic: you can transform it into Asia, Africa or South America - and never leave the USA, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
If you haven’t been to the Garden Isle of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands you undoubtedly have seen the island in countless commercials, television shows and full-length featured movies.
Here are a couple of movies where Kauai served as a natural sound stage for Hollywood:
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
Just Go With It (2011)
The Descendants (2011)
Soul Surfer (2011)
Avatar (2010)
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Jurassic Park III (2001)
6 Days / 7 Nights (1998)
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Jurassic Park (1993)
Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)
Hook (1991)
Uncommon Valor (1983)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1983)
King Kong (1976)
The Hawaiians (1970)
Blue Hawaii (1961)
South Pacific (1958)
So what was filmed here at Moloa’a Beach? Of course the great 1960s American sitcom Gilligan’s Island. Now let’s all sing that memorable theme song:
Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of a fateful trip
That started from this tropic port
Aboard this tiny ship.
The mate was a mighty sailing man,
The skipper brave and sure.
Five passengers set sail that day
For a three hour tour, a three hour tour.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
So what are you going to do with your dash?
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma–which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” - Steve Jobs
To explore is to seek new challenges.
People ask me all the time why I love to travel. I respond by saying I love new challenges. Then they usually follow up by asking me what my favorite place has been.
“The next destination,” I invariable state.
One day I was sitting in church and the pastor was preaching a sermon on living a fruitful life. He displayed a picture on the screen of a gravestone with the year of the date of birth and date of death (1909-1994).
“That’s your life, a simple dash. What you do between the moment you are born and when you die is up to you,” he declared. “So what are you going to do with your dash?”
I was raised by very strict Asian parents and when I went to college I was expected to major in electrical engineering (naturally because all Asians excel at math). I was an electrical engineer major for about a week before I switched to a double major of economics and political science. When my father angrily asked me why I went against his wishes I simply responded, “I’m doing something about my dash.”
I’m still doing something with my dash by fulfilling my wanderlust. Last month I was on the Garden Isle of Kauai, Hawaii. I filled my compact flash cards by photographing the lush greenery, stunning beaches and postcard views.
Anahola Beach Park is located on the east shore of Kauai and is a favorite of locals. Since most of the beach is protected from the high surf by a reef, it attracts more kids than surfers.
So that is what I have been doing with my dash. What have you been doing with yours?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
To explore is to seek new challenges.
People ask me all the time why I love to travel. I respond by saying I love new challenges. Then they usually follow up by asking me what my favorite place has been.
“The next destination,” I invariable state.
One day I was sitting in church and the pastor was preaching a sermon on living a fruitful life. He displayed a picture on the screen of a gravestone with the year of the date of birth and date of death (1909-1994).
“That’s your life, a simple dash. What you do between the moment you are born and when you die is up to you,” he declared. “So what are you going to do with your dash?”
I was raised by very strict Asian parents and when I went to college I was expected to major in electrical engineering (naturally because all Asians excel at math). I was an electrical engineer major for about a week before I switched to a double major of economics and political science. When my father angrily asked me why I went against his wishes I simply responded, “I’m doing something about my dash.”
I’m still doing something with my dash by fulfilling my wanderlust. Last month I was on the Garden Isle of Kauai, Hawaii. I filled my compact flash cards by photographing the lush greenery, stunning beaches and postcard views.
Anahola Beach Park is located on the east shore of Kauai and is a favorite of locals. Since most of the beach is protected from the high surf by a reef, it attracts more kids than surfers.
So that is what I have been doing with my dash. What have you been doing with yours?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
You can take a crappy shot of Paradise - Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
In Kauai, Hawaii you have sunshine and rain and then more rain. That’s fine with me as long as there isn’t any snow in the forecast. Remember there are no snowblowers in paradise.
Last month I was on the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii (The Garden Isle). This photo I took of Hanalei Bay, in the North Shore of Kauai, is straight out of the camera (and Santa Claus is a real guy). It was raining and overcast when I took this shot so I had to do some tweaks in Apple Aperture. The photo was in bad shape.
Maybe I can blame it on my camera lens. Look closely and you can see that most of the scene isn’t very sharp. I attribute that to my beaten up Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS lens. I think it is in need of calibration, but I am too lazy to bring it in to the local Canon repair center.
I am trying to remember when my lens when out of whack. Was it when I took it along on an ill-advised horseback riding trip in Costa Rica where I was nearly thrown off my horse? Maybe when I was photographing on top of an elephant in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Riding an elephant is fine for the first ten minutes, but then all the swaying back and forth gets old and besides, it isn’t the safest thing for an expensive camera lens. Perhaps it was when I was in the back of a motorbike in Vietnam. I kept hearing this clanking noise and I thought it was the motorbike about to fall apart. Only did I realize since I was carry my camera with a Black Rapid camera sling, that the lens was banging against the motorbike. Not a good thing.
Or perhaps I suck as a photographer.
I seldom make Flickr Explore (has anybody figured out how that works) and I rarely win any photograph competitions (maybe it would help if I submitted some photos).
Okay, is there a Un-Suck filter in Apple Aperture?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Last month I was on the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii (The Garden Isle). This photo I took of Hanalei Bay, in the North Shore of Kauai, is straight out of the camera (and Santa Claus is a real guy). It was raining and overcast when I took this shot so I had to do some tweaks in Apple Aperture. The photo was in bad shape.
Maybe I can blame it on my camera lens. Look closely and you can see that most of the scene isn’t very sharp. I attribute that to my beaten up Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS lens. I think it is in need of calibration, but I am too lazy to bring it in to the local Canon repair center.
I am trying to remember when my lens when out of whack. Was it when I took it along on an ill-advised horseback riding trip in Costa Rica where I was nearly thrown off my horse? Maybe when I was photographing on top of an elephant in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Riding an elephant is fine for the first ten minutes, but then all the swaying back and forth gets old and besides, it isn’t the safest thing for an expensive camera lens. Perhaps it was when I was in the back of a motorbike in Vietnam. I kept hearing this clanking noise and I thought it was the motorbike about to fall apart. Only did I realize since I was carry my camera with a Black Rapid camera sling, that the lens was banging against the motorbike. Not a good thing.
Or perhaps I suck as a photographer.
I seldom make Flickr Explore (has anybody figured out how that works) and I rarely win any photograph competitions (maybe it would help if I submitted some photos).
Okay, is there a Un-Suck filter in Apple Aperture?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Monday, August 19, 2013
Rise of the Silver Surfer - Oceanside, California
Another glorious day ends, along with my series on warm winter days in my hometown of San Diego, California. I hope you guys enjoyed it.
I’ll be posting more photos of San Diego in the future, but at the moment I have so many other photos to share with you guys from my globe trekking journeys.
Here is a photograph I took of Marvel Comics superhero The Silver Surfer at Oceanside Beach. How cool is that?
=============================
With a population of over 1.3 million, San Diego is the eight largest city in the country and the second largest city on the West Coast. Blessed with pristine beaches, diverse cultures, world renown tourist attractions, a strong military presence and near perfect climate it has been declared, "America's Finest City."
San Diego is considered the birthplace of California. Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo landed in San Diego's Point Loma area in 1542, claiming the area for Spain. In 1972 former mayor Pete Wilson gave the city the nickname, "America's Finest City."
Bordered in the North by Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, The Pacific Ocean in the West, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in the East and Tijuana, Mexico in the South, San Diego stands alone as an American paradise.
And yes, San Diego is so cool that The Silver Surfer surfs at our beaches.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
I’ll be posting more photos of San Diego in the future, but at the moment I have so many other photos to share with you guys from my globe trekking journeys.
Here is a photograph I took of Marvel Comics superhero The Silver Surfer at Oceanside Beach. How cool is that?
=============================
With a population of over 1.3 million, San Diego is the eight largest city in the country and the second largest city on the West Coast. Blessed with pristine beaches, diverse cultures, world renown tourist attractions, a strong military presence and near perfect climate it has been declared, "America's Finest City."
San Diego is considered the birthplace of California. Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo landed in San Diego's Point Loma area in 1542, claiming the area for Spain. In 1972 former mayor Pete Wilson gave the city the nickname, "America's Finest City."
Bordered in the North by Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, The Pacific Ocean in the West, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in the East and Tijuana, Mexico in the South, San Diego stands alone as an American paradise.
And yes, San Diego is so cool that The Silver Surfer surfs at our beaches.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Sunday, August 18, 2013
The Beach Boys “Surfin’ USA”
The Beach Boys classic song, “Surfin’ USA,” mentions some top surfing beaches in San Diego County. Here they are featured in the lyrics in bold.
Watch the Beach Boys perform “Surfin’ USA”
If everybody had an ocean
Across the U.S.A.
Then everybody'd be surfin'
Like Californ-i-a
You'd seem 'em wearing their baggies
Huarachi sandals too
A bushy bushy blonde hairdo
Surfin' U.S.A.
You'd catch 'em surfin' at Del Mar
Ventura County line
Santa Cruz and Trestles
Australia's Narrabeen
All over Manhattan
And down Doheny way
Everybody's gone surfin'
Surfin' U.S.A.
We'll all be planning out a route
We're gonna take real soon
We're waxing down our surfboards
We can't wait for June
We'll all be gone for the summer
We're on surfari to stay
Tell the teacher we're surfin'
Surfin' U.S.A.
Haggerty's and Swami's
Pacific Palisades
San Onofre and Sunset
Redondo Beach L.A.
All over La Jolla
At Waimea Bay
Everybody's gone surfin'
Surfin' U.S.A.
Everybody's gone surfin'
Surfin U.S.A
Yeah, everybody's gone surfin'
Surfin U.S.A.
I took this sunset photograph of Oceanside Beach which isn’t featured in the song.
It doesn’t matter because...
Everybody’s gone surfin’
Surfin’ U.S.A.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Watch the Beach Boys perform “Surfin’ USA”
If everybody had an ocean
Across the U.S.A.
Then everybody'd be surfin'
Like Californ-i-a
You'd seem 'em wearing their baggies
Huarachi sandals too
A bushy bushy blonde hairdo
Surfin' U.S.A.
You'd catch 'em surfin' at Del Mar
Ventura County line
Santa Cruz and Trestles
Australia's Narrabeen
All over Manhattan
And down Doheny way
Everybody's gone surfin'
Surfin' U.S.A.
We'll all be planning out a route
We're gonna take real soon
We're waxing down our surfboards
We can't wait for June
We'll all be gone for the summer
We're on surfari to stay
Tell the teacher we're surfin'
Surfin' U.S.A.
Haggerty's and Swami's
Pacific Palisades
San Onofre and Sunset
Redondo Beach L.A.
All over La Jolla
At Waimea Bay
Everybody's gone surfin'
Surfin' U.S.A.
Everybody's gone surfin'
Surfin U.S.A
Yeah, everybody's gone surfin'
Surfin U.S.A.
I took this sunset photograph of Oceanside Beach which isn’t featured in the song.
It doesn’t matter because...
Everybody’s gone surfin’
Surfin’ U.S.A.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Saturday, August 17, 2013
What famous 1980s movie was filmed nearby the Oceanside Pier?
What famous 1980s movie was filmed nearby the Oceanside Pier?, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
Maverick, Goose: ...the need for speed!
Charlie: Excuse me, Lieutenant. Is there something wrong?
Maverick: Yes ma'am, the data on the MiG is inaccurate.
Charlie: How's that, Lieutenant?
Maverick: Well, I just happened to see a MiG 28 do a...
Goose: We!
Maverick: Uh, sorry, Goose. *We* happened to see a MiG 28 do a 4g negative dive.
Charlie: Where did you see this?
Maverick: Uh, that's classified.
Charlie: It's what?
Maverick: It's classified. I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
If you haven’t guessed it already those quotes are from the 1986 classic film “Top Gun” starring Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, Anthony Edwards as Lieutenant (junior grade) Nick "Goose" Bradshaw and Kelly McGillis as Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood. Top Gun was filmed mainly around San Diego and established Tom Cruise as a Hollywood superstar.
“Charlie’s House” or the “Top Gun House” is located at 102 Pacific Street in Oceanside, California, just walking distance from where I photographed this pier. The house sits on a prime location with a million dollar oceanfront view.
In the movie Maverick (Tom Cruise) rides up from a hill in his motorcycle to the front of Charlie’s (Kelly McGillis) house for a dinner date.
Here’s a link of that scene from Top Gun of the seaside house with a golden sunset and palm trees in the background.
=============================
Measuring a distance of 1,954 feet, The Oceanside Pier is the longest overwater pier in Southern California. The pier is a popular fishing spot for locals and located at the end of it is a 50’s style diner called Ruby’s Diner.
Technical notes:
Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera
Canon EF 17-40mm f4L lens
Manfrotto Tripod
Maniac Photographer
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Friday, August 16, 2013
You stay classy, San Diego!
"Mmm. San Diego. Drink it in, it always goes down smooth." - Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Sunny days and mild, year-round weather make San Diego’s beaches a world class destination. Winter in San Diego is the best time to photograph landscapes and seascapes due to clear skies (no haze or fog).
Imperial Beach is a residential beach city in San Diego County, California. It has the distinction of being the most southwesterly city in the continental United States. If you were standing on the Imperial Beach Pier you would get a clear view of Mexico, which is only a stone’s throw away (that is if you have an arm like quarterback Cam Newton).
I took this photograph of the pier right before sunset. As luck would have it a young couple ran across the beach and into my frame. That’s San Diego for you...having fun in the sun!
I hope you are enjoying my San Diego series and as Ron Burgundy would say in his signature sign off for each broadcast, "You stay classy, San Diego!"
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Sunny days and mild, year-round weather make San Diego’s beaches a world class destination. Winter in San Diego is the best time to photograph landscapes and seascapes due to clear skies (no haze or fog).
Imperial Beach is a residential beach city in San Diego County, California. It has the distinction of being the most southwesterly city in the continental United States. If you were standing on the Imperial Beach Pier you would get a clear view of Mexico, which is only a stone’s throw away (that is if you have an arm like quarterback Cam Newton).
I took this photograph of the pier right before sunset. As luck would have it a young couple ran across the beach and into my frame. That’s San Diego for you...having fun in the sun!
I hope you are enjoying my San Diego series and as Ron Burgundy would say in his signature sign off for each broadcast, "You stay classy, San Diego!"
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Being a tourist in my own hometown - Oceanside Pier, CA
Robert Frost wrote that, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”
So here I am playing tourist again in my hometown of San Diego, California.
The Oceanside Pier, located in Oceanside, in northern San Diego County, California, is one of the longest wooden piers on the western United States coastline at 1,954 feet.
Have you been to San Diego? If you have, what was your favorite travel moment?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
So here I am playing tourist again in my hometown of San Diego, California.
The Oceanside Pier, located in Oceanside, in northern San Diego County, California, is one of the longest wooden piers on the western United States coastline at 1,954 feet.
Have you been to San Diego? If you have, what was your favorite travel moment?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
You only get one sunrise and one sunset a day
“You only get one sunrise and one sunset a day, and you only get so many days on the planet. A good photographer does the math and doesn't waste either.” - Galen Rowell (1940-2002)
Another photograph from Windansea Beach in La Jolla and the second from my San Diego series. This is the same young woman from my previous post that was admiring the San Diego sunset. I liked how the color of her shoes matched the colors of the sunset sky.
Yes, I planned that all along!
I hope this photograph warms up the weekend for my friends who live in the frigid parts of the world.
Remember you only get one sunrise and one sunset a day, do the math and keep your finger on your shutter button.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Another photograph from Windansea Beach in La Jolla and the second from my San Diego series. This is the same young woman from my previous post that was admiring the San Diego sunset. I liked how the color of her shoes matched the colors of the sunset sky.
Yes, I planned that all along!
I hope this photograph warms up the weekend for my friends who live in the frigid parts of the world.
Remember you only get one sunrise and one sunset a day, do the math and keep your finger on your shutter button.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Monday, August 12, 2013
Come and enjoy a Windansea Sunset in La Jolla, California
Come and enjoy a Windansea Sunset in La Jolla, California, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
Windansea Beach is located in La Jolla which is a community of San Diego, California. It’s very popular with local surfers (who happen to be very territorial) and is one of the best places in San Diego to watch a sunset.
Windansea is a hidden gem of San Diego and I do mean hidden. For those visiting from out of town it maybe a little difficult to find. No problem, just follow the La Jolla coastline until you find the famous palm-covered surf shack.
I photographed this young woman watching the sun kiss the Pacific Ocean as time transcended once more from day into night.
By the way, that’s the famous palm-covered surf shack to help orient yourself if you decide to visit my lovely hometown and seek the sunset at Windansea.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Sunday, August 11, 2013
There are no Snow Blowers in Paradise
This photograph is for to all my friends who live in areas where winter is defined by freezing temperatures, bleak skies and the sound of snow blowers.
This is the beach at Tulum which is located in the Yucatán Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. White, limestone sands and crystal blue waters all dramatically situated by ancient Mayan ruins.
Paradise found!
I was born and raised in San Diego, California where the sun shines year around. When the weather dips below 60 degrees we call that freezing temperatures in Southern California.
A couple of years ago, for some odd reason that I can’t explain even today, I decided to take a job promotion in Appleton, Wisconsin. So I traded in the sand for the snow and left the sunny shores of California for the Midwest.
Big mistake.
One winter day in December a blizzard greeting us by dumping an enormous amount of snow. Later that evening, after work, I was out in my driveway shoveling snow. I didn’t have a snow blower for two reasons: (1) I thought I wouldn’t be in Wisconsin very long (I ended up being there for two years). (2) I thought shoveling snow would be great exercise. My neighbor next door saw I was getting nowhere fast so he came over with his snow blower to help me out.
Mind you this was in the evening where the temperature dropped down to about twenty degrees. This California boy was bundled up in my thickest down jacket with five layers of REI’s best synthetic clothing. My neighbor kept warm with just camouflage sweat pants and a Green Bay Packer hoodie.
“Are you warm in that?” I asked.
“Oh this is nothing. December is when we get all the snow, but in January is when the temperature really drops, sometimes below zero,” he replied, “you know, you should really buy a snow blower.”
I never did buy that snow blower.
I ended up buying a round trip ticket to the Philippines where I enjoyed nearly three weeks of sunshine in January.
I never did see a snow blower in the Philippines nor in Tulum, Mexico and I don’t ever intend to see one ever again.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
This is the beach at Tulum which is located in the Yucatán Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. White, limestone sands and crystal blue waters all dramatically situated by ancient Mayan ruins.
Paradise found!
I was born and raised in San Diego, California where the sun shines year around. When the weather dips below 60 degrees we call that freezing temperatures in Southern California.
A couple of years ago, for some odd reason that I can’t explain even today, I decided to take a job promotion in Appleton, Wisconsin. So I traded in the sand for the snow and left the sunny shores of California for the Midwest.
Big mistake.
One winter day in December a blizzard greeting us by dumping an enormous amount of snow. Later that evening, after work, I was out in my driveway shoveling snow. I didn’t have a snow blower for two reasons: (1) I thought I wouldn’t be in Wisconsin very long (I ended up being there for two years). (2) I thought shoveling snow would be great exercise. My neighbor next door saw I was getting nowhere fast so he came over with his snow blower to help me out.
Mind you this was in the evening where the temperature dropped down to about twenty degrees. This California boy was bundled up in my thickest down jacket with five layers of REI’s best synthetic clothing. My neighbor kept warm with just camouflage sweat pants and a Green Bay Packer hoodie.
“Are you warm in that?” I asked.
“Oh this is nothing. December is when we get all the snow, but in January is when the temperature really drops, sometimes below zero,” he replied, “you know, you should really buy a snow blower.”
I never did buy that snow blower.
I ended up buying a round trip ticket to the Philippines where I enjoyed nearly three weeks of sunshine in January.
I never did see a snow blower in the Philippines nor in Tulum, Mexico and I don’t ever intend to see one ever again.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Maybe the world was upside down before, and now it's right side up!
Maybe the world was upside down before, and now it's right side up!, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
The feeling of not knowing where you are and where you are going is indescribable. No plans, no reservation, no itinerary.
I love to travel because it is all about the people you meet and the things you see along the way.
I suffer from a serious case of wanderlust.
After six months in Southeast Asia I headed back home to San Diego, California. After two months I was itching to get back on the road, so I packed my bag, dusted off my camera lens and headed south of the border, down Mexico way.
Tulum is a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city located on spectacular cliffs, along the East coast of the Yucatán Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.
I photographed this woman doing a headstand on the beautiful beach of Tulum with the Maya ruins and the turquoise water of the Caribbean in the background.
After all the media hype last year of Maya apocalypse end of the world scenarios you would think the world was turned upside down. Maybe the world was upside down, but this woman’s handstand has and now made it right side up!
So where is your wanderlust taking you this year?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it's off to Bac Ha Market we go!
In some respects 2012 has not ended, it is still alive and well because of the all the photographic memories I accumulated from last year.
As some of you may know, I spent the better part of last year on a photographic journey through Southeast Asia. My wanderlust took me to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. It was a visual feast of monks clothed in saffron robes, the brights lights of the Singapore skyline, the golden spires of Buddhist temples, the stunning temples of Angkor Wat and the many colorful markets.
One of the reasons Southeast Asia attracts so many photographers are the many colorful minority ethnic markets such as the Bac Ha Sunday Market, located in Northeastern Vietnam.
Every Sunday, Bac Ha hosts the largest and most colorful market in the area and attracts villagers from the surrounding hill tribes such as the Flower H'mong, Phu La, Dzao, Tay and Nung minorities where they gather to buy and sell local products.
I spent two nights in Bac Ha to get a predawn start before the throngs of bus tour groups from Sapa showed up. I photographed this elderly woman from the Flower H’mong hill tribe in a candid moment.
After six months in Southeast Asia I accumulated over 700 gigabytes of RAW photos, enough to keep me busy for all of 2013. Back to processing those images!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
As some of you may know, I spent the better part of last year on a photographic journey through Southeast Asia. My wanderlust took me to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. It was a visual feast of monks clothed in saffron robes, the brights lights of the Singapore skyline, the golden spires of Buddhist temples, the stunning temples of Angkor Wat and the many colorful markets.
One of the reasons Southeast Asia attracts so many photographers are the many colorful minority ethnic markets such as the Bac Ha Sunday Market, located in Northeastern Vietnam.
Every Sunday, Bac Ha hosts the largest and most colorful market in the area and attracts villagers from the surrounding hill tribes such as the Flower H'mong, Phu La, Dzao, Tay and Nung minorities where they gather to buy and sell local products.
I spent two nights in Bac Ha to get a predawn start before the throngs of bus tour groups from Sapa showed up. I photographed this elderly woman from the Flower H’mong hill tribe in a candid moment.
After six months in Southeast Asia I accumulated over 700 gigabytes of RAW photos, enough to keep me busy for all of 2013. Back to processing those images!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Happy New Year...Now Let’s all Drive Off the Fiscal Cliff
Happy New Year...Now Let’s all Drive Off the Fiscal Cliff, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
But 2012 didn’t end with a whimper.
Between Maya “end of the world” prophesies and America’s drive toward the economic “fiscal cliff” (for my friends in foreign countries and those not politically inclined the “fiscal cliff” refers to a combination of year-end spending cuts and tax increases that would have gone into effect had the U.S. Congress failed to act) 2012 ended on a dramatic note.
I spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the United States capitol city of Washington, D.C. visiting my sister. I took this photograph along Pennsylvania Avenue where at one end is the U.S. Capitol (as seen in the photo) and the other is the White House.
This was similar to another shot I took a couple of months ago that has become one of my best selling stock image best selling stock image
Putting the drama aside I wanted to wish everybody a Happy New Year and hope 2013 brings you great photographic opportunities.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Monday, August 5, 2013
Reflecting on the Past, Remembering our Veterans, Honoring their Service
Reflecting on the Past, Remembering our Veterans, Honoring their Service, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
I had the great opportunity to partake in a moving and patriotic experience earlier this month. 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.
They also lay wreaths at other memorials such as the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The Vietnam Veterans War Memorial is most abstract memorial on the National Mall. It is also, to many, the most profound and emotional. The two sunken black granite walls, dedicated in 1982, are inscribed with the names of the 58,000-plus American service members who died in the Vietnam War. Designer Maya Lin called her controversial design an “anti-monument.”
What was your most moving travel experience in 2012?
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
I'm over at Pinterest too!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)