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2013-03-15 04:45:54 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

Door to the Other Side

If you found yourself roaming a desolate Tibetan Monastery and came across this blood-red door, would you walk through it? Of course you would! There is an inescapable human need to explore, especially when the outcome is uncertain. I don’t pretend to understand this primal human impulse or why it runs counter to our innate survival instinct, but I tend to follow it more often than not. Usually it turns out great, but sometimes I nearly end myself …

I was walking down a wide alley when I came across this door and had to do a double take. It was practically begging me to open it! I walked up to the door with the intense focus I usually get before an eminent trespass and I pushed up against it with my hands. At first it did not budge, so I put my shoulder into it softly and pushed harder. It begrudgingly started to open with a low rumbling noise and Iwas... more »

2013-03-13 07:31:56 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 12 +1s)

Impending Tibet Exhibit

Some of my photos from Tibet will be part of an exhibit in Oakland, hosted by ArtX Gallery. If you are in town on March 29, come out and check out the pseudo-hippie-political-propaganda … yeah!

Dufwin Building, 519 17th Street, Oakland
Friday, March 29, 2013
6:00 – 9:00pm

The art will be on display at the Dufwin Building until April 30. So if you miss the reception please feel free to stop by the building during the weekdays around 8am to 5pm and view them.

Light at Sera Monastery

I met this little Tibetan monk at Sera Monastery in Tibet. He was in the middle of a verbal sparring match with his teacher. The practice is called the Monk Debates and it is a method for teaching monks about Buddhism. The basic premise is that one monk asks a questions and the other has a limited amount of time to answer. Itget... more »

2013-02-26 21:18:36 (3 comments, 2 reshares, 9 +1s)

A Dying Breed

Tibetan Monks are a dying breed. There is no way around it. It is sad and it is unfair, but the reality of the situation is that they have been under the control of an occupation state who’s interest lies far from that of the Tibetans. To put it bluntly, it may be another few decades before they are technically extinct.

Those were the thoughts going through my mind when I was watching these jovial monks go about their daily chores at the Tashilhunpo Monastery next to the city of Shigatse. I was trying to reconcile the images I had formed in my mind when I was a boy with the reality I saw as an adult. As a kid, I had imagined coming here to see a thriving culture bustling with life and ancient wisdom. As I walked around the monastery and the surrounding town, the acute absence of life almost seemed to echo off the walls of hundreds of small, vacant buildings.T... more »

2013-02-09 18:00:36 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

Oasis

I have been land-locked these past few months with little time to go out and take pictures but after a particularly tough day at work, I grabbed my camera and went out looking for something to feed my starving creative side. I was walking around the North Park Apartments in San Jose when I finally settled down in front of their main pool at the Cypress village. This place is usually loaded with folks splashing about but since it was cold and dark, I got the place all to myself.
Well, not exactly. There was a cat hanging around on top of the fireplace. I don’t trust cats. They always seem like they are planning something and it usually isn’t good. I have visions of walking down a dark alley and being attacked by cats for some reason. This one did not seem to want to start something thought. I think he was too busy trying to keep warm. Either way, they are finicky creatures soI h... more »

2013-01-26 07:24:13 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

Lines

I recently had to take an emergency trip down to Mexico. I was really not in the mood to take pictures but it is now second nature to bring my camera everywhere I go, so I had it on me when I was watching the sunset from the rooftop of a house from my youth. I had quietly sneaked away to be alone for a while and watch the day finally come to a rest. My vantage point was far from beautiful with the crisscross of power lines dividing the sky into rectangles, almost as if I were watching the sky change color from behind an enclosure, but it felt right and it felt like home.

More at www.pathosphotos.com

2012-11-22 00:32:54 (6 comments, 3 reshares, 28 +1s)

Mercury News Photo Contest Win!

A couple of friends asked if I had won a photo contest last week. Hmm, I don’t think so … then one of them bought in the newspaper and there was my picture of Reed Flute Cave on the front page of the travel section. It seems I won the first prize for the international category. Yay! I sent the travel editor an email to thank her and ended up having a great email conversation with her. In a few words, she totally inspired me to keep this crazy photo blog going. That was such a nice side effect of finding out my picture was published =)

Below is the wining shot. The judges included the following caption:
“FIRST PLACE, INTERNATIONAL: Christian Ortiz of San Jose won with this photo of an underground lake inside Reed Flute Cave, one of the cave systems under the mountains of Guilin in southern China. Ortiz wrote: “There were a good numberof tour... more »

2012-10-22 17:39:52 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 16 +1s)

Your Journey Begins

It is said that the journey, not the destination, is the reward. Whoever said that clearly did not have to climb up and over the Yellow Mountains. No, the reward in this case, is making it through these ridiculously steep mountains without calling in the evac team. What is on the other side, you ask? A heavily industrialized Chinese city and a bowl of rice dumplings.

Cloud Dispelling Pavilion - Yellow Mountains (Huangsheng), China

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#travel #china #mountains #photography

2012-10-08 20:55:45 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 7 +1s)

Mole Holes 2.0

In the not so distant future, human kind was enslaved by the then superior race of Moles.  Something in their genetic code enabled them to leapfrog us on the evolutionary chain and before we knew it, we were merely their peons.  They had us build these high-tech mole habitats all over the place.  On the plus side we no longer have to take complete ownership over screwing out planet.  Always have to think positive, guys.  Even though we got spanked by the moles.

Academy of Sciences - San Francisco

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#sanfrancisco #photography #photoshop #travel #travelphotography  

2012-10-05 18:58:39 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 20 +1s)

Beautiful Grace

This is another picture from the beautiful Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. A common occupational hazard for photographers is the strange and irrational hatred security people have of tripods. Three times out of four, I will get yelled and harassed for setting up my tripod to get pictures but this was one notable exception. Not only was there a notable lack of overeager security but I suspect they would not have minded if I was hanging from the rafters cirque du soleil-style. I spent my time here in complete freedom and mutual respect. Isn't that the feeling you want to impart inside a church?

More at www.pathosphotos.com

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#sanfrancisco #episcopal #episcopalchurch #episcopalchurches #photography #photo  

2012-10-02 00:18:31 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 10 +1s)

Gautama

Everywhere I seem to travel, there is the Buddha. Maybe because I tend to travel in Asia a bunch, but that is besides the point. A few years ago, one of my co-workers gave me a tiny Buddha travel companion which I took everywhere. About a year ago my one year old daughter found it among my travel gear. She picked it out, looked at it, and then gave it a gentle kiss. =) Interesting ...

More at www.pathosphotos.com


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#travel #travelphotography #buddha #buddhism #gautamabuddha #sanfrancisco #photography  

2012-09-28 19:51:37 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 19 +1s)

Gentle Rise

This was a peaceful sunrise at the amazing Yellow Mountains in China.  I had gotten there the night before and scoped out the area for the best places to catch the sun rising.  I woke up at an unholy hour to get here before the billions of tourists changed out of their jammies and clogged up all the vantage points.  It was a very short trip but well worth it.

More at www.pathosphotos.com

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#mountainmonday #mountains #mountainphotos #china #chinatravel #traveltheworld #travelthursday #travel #photography #photo  

2012-09-11 01:14:53 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 30 +1s)

Valley of the Giants

I have only been to Yosemite a couple of times but I never feel quite prepared for the experience. The park seems like a place stuck in time where you are likely to encounter glowing spring wells, sprites hovering around massive trees, and large carnivores with attitudes. It is hard not to let yourself be engulfed by its charm and end up wanting to move in, elf-style.

From www.pathosphotos.com

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#mountainmonday #yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #mountains #mountainphotos  

2012-07-24 18:20:30 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 18 +1s)

Berkeley Marina

This is another shot from my visit to Berkeley Marina. My family was at a restaurant waiting for their food while I took a very quick drive over to the docks and took a few pictures before meeting back up with them. It was a perfect little evening ...

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#berkeley   #marina   #photography   #traveltuesday   #travel   #boats   #boatsaturday  

2012-07-22 02:30:06 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Vestige

The Shanghai skyline as seen from the top of the Pearl Tower.  The resulting photographs were an interesting mistake of camera shake while zooming in on sections of the heavily smog filled city.  The pictures gave me a sense of a long forsaken metropolis so I named this series - Vestige.

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#shanghai #china #travel #traveltuesday #travelthursday #traveltheworld #travelphotography #cityscape #cityscapephotography #fineartphotography #photography #photo  

2012-07-23 21:51:15 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 18 +1s)

Half Dome and Happy Little Trees

I don’t know why this one reminded me of Bob Ross. Remember him? He was a painter on TV who would always talk about happy little trees. I don’t know what happened to him, but that guy had some talent. I always suspected that the source of his power came from his awesome afro …

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#yosemitenationalpark #mountains #mountainmonday #mountainphotos #photography #landscapephotography #landscape  

2012-07-17 03:24:04 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 12 +1s)

Conversations with a Yack

It was my first day at Everest Base Camp, Tibet, and I was scouting the area for something to do.  The day was almost over and I wondered down the little river a while before I found this spot.  It was all very serene and there was not a person in sight.  I didn't even notice the grazing Yack until is made a noise.  You would think I would be able to spot a wild animal standing a few feet in front of me, but apparently I have lost my spidey sense.  I setup my rig and waited for the light to get interesting while the Yack tried to make casual conversation with me.  We talked about best places to graze and lady Yacks and all that jazz before I had to head back to camp.  It was a nice quiet moment in the middle of no where.

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2012-06-26 04:18:59 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 9 +1s)

OMG a Baby Giraffe and her Mommie!

... I have been hanging out a lot with my daughter lately ...

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#oaklandzoo #oakland #animals #animalportraits #animalphotos #zoophotography #photography #giraffethursday #giraffesaturday #giraffe  

2012-06-21 20:10:25 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

You Can't Blame the Lion ...
... I would eat this Zebra too. They look like easy prey.

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#zebra   #zoo   #zoophotography   #oakland   #oaklandzoo   #animals   #animalportraits   #animalphotos   #lionweek   #photography   #photoshop  

2012-06-21 03:34:48 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

Our Time Will Come

There is something about chimps that scares me.  They are too eerily similar to humans and it always seems like they are patiently biding their time.  Call me paranoid, but I would not be surprised if they do actually take over the world one day.

Oakland Zoo

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#oakland #oaklandzoo #zoo #zoophotography #zoology #monkeymonday #monkeybusiness #monkey #monkeytuesday #chimpanzee #animals #animalportraits #animalphotography #animalphotos #photography #photoshop  

2012-06-20 04:20:53 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

She's Got the Look

... another photo from my recent trip to the Oakland Zoo.  It took me a while to coach Ms. Giraffe on how to give a model look, but she got it in the end.

Limited Edition Prints:  http://www.pathosphotography.com/buy/15066728_hs5NJM/1910127732_QcrJgCX/

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#giraffethursday #giraffesaturday #giraffe #zoophotography #zoology #oaklandzoo #oakland #animals #photography #animalphotography #animalportraits #animalphotos  

2012-06-19 03:21:03 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 9 +1s)

Ask Bo the Baboon

People and animals alike come from near and far to ask Bo for this advice on matters of the heart, the mind and the soul. This wise Baboon from the Oakland Zoo always has time for someone in need and is more than happy to impart his wisdom on your confused self. Some speculate on the source of his knowledge, but most are just happy to hear him speak. When I was there, he helped me broker a peaceful resolution to the territory battle I have been having with the gang of pigeons that has been targeting my car. We agreed that they could poop on my car, but only on the days right before I took it in for a wash. Thanks, Bo!

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#zoophotography #oaklandzoo #animals #photography #monkeymonday #monkeybusiness ... more »

2012-06-14 16:26:51 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 12 +1s)

Hidden Mountain Village

This is another photograph from my very fruitful trip to the Longsheng rice terraces in China. I had many adventures here including: a stubborn donkey, a mad tofu scientist, the mischievous and lovable little kid that seemed to track me everywhere I went, a chance meeting with a wise old man and a clandestine bootleg rice-wine party with some of the local farmers. Ahh, the memories and adventures that came out of this simple little fog-covered town could fill up a room with warmth and happiness.

I sometimes think about going back, but I know that such experiences are not likely to present themselves again so I simply integrate them into the fabric of my being, and look forward with anticipation for the next fun adventure.

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2012-06-12 00:06:12 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 9 +1s)

Flamingos Are Better Than People

I wish I could visit the zoo more often.  I mean, it is full of furry beasts that could take you apart without any warning, but they are so much more agreeable than humans.  Take this pile of flamingos for example; unlike humans, who often get testy about being photographed, these sweet sweet birds just stood there as I took pictures of them. Not a single wry look or confrontational gesture.  The baboons were a little less accommodating, but all you need to do it throw some fruit in their general direction and they chill out.  Anyway, animals are way cooler than humans.

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#zoophotography   #zooanimals   #flamingo   #animals   #oaklandzoo   #photography   #birdphotography  

2012-06-08 05:04:03 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 15 +1s)

I just read that the Chinese Government has closed off international tourism to Tibet indefinitely.  This is sad news.  I was very lucky to have made it out to Tibet last September, but I wonder if things will continue to get worse before they get better ...

Original Post:
Tibetan Prayer Flags (From the blog: www.pathosphotos.com)

I just got back from an eight day trip through Tibet and it was awesome! I am still waiting for the dust to settle before collecting my thoughts, but it is clear that there are no easy answers. I planned out the trip with the help of a local guide and when I arrived I was essentially escorted through the country at all times. There are strict rules to follow and a lot of paper work to fill out, but for anyone interested in visiting the Land of Snows, I highly recommend it.

This photo was taken on my way down from Lhasa to Everest BaseC... more »

2012-06-08 04:44:05 (7 comments, 1 reshares, 29 +1s)

Yamdrok Lake, Tibet
On my way down to see Everest, we stopped by one of Tibet's three largest sacred lake - Yamdrok. The lake is so long that is seems more like a river. It has a huge mountainous island in the middle surrounded by turquoise water. There was a little house near the edge of the water that caught my eye as we were driving by. All throughout the long ride, I kept asking my driver to make frequent stops so that I could jump out and take pictures. At one point I noticed he started getting a little annoyed that I kept asking him to stop, so I made sure to take his lunch box with me as an "insurance measure". Hey, you have to do whatever it takes to keep from getting stranded in the middle of Tibet. I don't know how to hunt Yack so I would not last long ...

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2012-06-02 04:34:57 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 1 +1s)

The Difficulty of Monetizing Photography (Or Anything) Online

I want to write about my own subjective experience with attempting to monetize my talents in photography and writing. It's something I have wanted to write about for a while but the subject matter intimidated me because it's not a success story by any stretch of the imagination and while you could argue that my story is still in the process of being written, it's still hard to come to grips with certain financial realities especially when they are linked specifically to your own passion(s).

An excellent article came out a few days ago called: "The Facebook Illusion" (http://goo.gl/6In2e) by Ross Douthat, a columnist for The New York Times. It's an opinion piece about the state of the digital landscape in the wake of Web 2.0 and lofty collective aspirations of finding ways to make "lots... more »

2012-06-01 17:13:07 (3 comments, 1 reshares, 24 +1s)

Old Blue Eyes
I am not really into portraits, but every so often, I find someone who looks interesting enough for me to stop them, pay them some RMB and ask them to stand still for a tick so that I may capture their awesomeness.  I was hiking around the little mountain villages in the Longsheng rice terraces area of China, when I happened across this fine gentleman.  We did not share a common language so I proceeded to pantomime my intentions to take his picture.  He tilted his head and raised one bushy eyebrow in consideration before he accepted my offer.  I released my inner paparazzi on him for a few seconds and when he was done, he simply turned around and whent about his day as if nothing had happened.  I wonder what he thought of the whole experience?

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2012-05-30 06:01:31 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

I have decided to make all my photos available for download in case you would like to use them for personal or non-commerical purposes. All I ask is that you give credit and link back to my site: www.pathosphotos.com

To download go to: http://www.pathosphotography.com/Blog/Favorites/
- Slide your mouse over to the large picture on the right and a little menu will pop up
- Click on the little folder icon to save photo

As a reminder, all my photos are under a Creative Commons, Non-Commercial license. If you would like to license any picture please email me at pathosphotos@gmail.com

Enjoy!

2012-05-29 15:10:53 (4 comments, 2 reshares, 25 +1s)

In for the Night
It has been a very busy past few months, but I finally unpacked my computer and got some much needed photo time last night. I couldn't wait to process this picture of the Berkeley Marina. I arrived there just in time to see the sunset and had to scramble over some rocks to get to this position while there was still color in the sky. After the constant rush that has been my life over the past few months, it was very satisfying to stand still and simply observe the sunset over this beautiful marina.

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#photography #boating

2012-05-18 19:25:17 (4 comments, 1 reshares, 20 +1s)

Just Your Standard Corner

Hmm, not much to say about this one. Let me see ... it is your standard brick corner complete with arches, located at one of the most prestigious Universities in the US. It comes complete with long hallways leading to equally good educational prospects. While you are considering which direction to take, you can enjoy a refreshing drink at the nice little water fountain. Come by and join me for a pensive good time at the Stanford University corner.

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#photography

2012-05-10 06:27:15 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 13 +1s)

The Golden Gate Crisis

I took this photo about a year ago when a friend and I were exploring the path at the end of Crissy Fields. I added the light bleed in post production to give it a dramatic effect

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#photography

2012-05-18 19:48:44 (7 comments, 2 reshares, 23 +1s)

My first licensing deal! A nice lady from Stanford University contacted me about licensing my photo for an event they are hosting. We worked out a deal and all was good. I am still not sure what the event is, but I am sure it will be cool ...

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#photography #photoshop

2012-05-08 17:39:17 (5 comments, 2 reshares, 11 +1s)

Solitary

Have you ever seen Leping Zha's amazing photography of the Yellow Mountains? They look like something out of a fable. I spent a lot of time and energy getting to this place and unfortunately, the weather was not great so I only managed to get a few good pictures, but it was still worth it. I was so exhausted by the time I got there that most of it is a blur. I do know for sure that the experienced involved hiking with a friendly Thai dude, getting up way too early and looking down on the tops of clouds from jagged mountains. I am not sure where I took this photo but it was in my camera so I am fairly certain it was real =)

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#mountainmonday #photography

2012-06-08 04:44:48 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 15 +1s)

Everest

I was only a couple hours from Everest Base Camp when my driver suddenly stopped the car and motioned for me to get out. I looked around and surmised that this was probably not an ambush so I took my camera with me and climbed a nearby hill. When I got to the top, I was greeted by this view of Lady Everest. I took a few quick photos and got back in the car before I froze my nose off, not knowing how lucky I was to get this unusually clear shot of the peak.

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#mountainmonday #tibet #tibetan #travelphotography #travel #travelphotography  

2012-04-13 03:47:31 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 7 +1s)

Escape Pod

I wish I had one of these at work ...

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#photography

2012-06-08 04:45:51 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 17 +1s)

Pelkor Chode Monastery, Tibet

I like photography because it has so much to do with chance. I was thinking of this little castle in the clouds I saw from the top of Kumbum Stupa in Gyantse. The clouds were perfect, there was a bit of blue and the light was just right to give it a fantastical effect. How was it that I was there at that precise moment when all the elements came together? I think back on that day and all the random little detours and choices that were necessary to get me there. I love floating around with my camera, ready to capture whatever life has planed out for me.

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#mountainmonday #travel #travelphotography #tibet #tibetan #photography #mountains #monestery  

2012-04-04 16:43:21 (7 comments, 3 reshares, 26 +1s)

Shanghai Nights

I have had a few opportunities to visit Shanghai and I am never disapointed with the sights. This is a view the Pudong District from across the river. It was late and I had been walking all night and was about to call it a day when I came across this view. I setup my rig and took a few shots right before they literally shut off the lights. I got an image of some technician in a dingy little room throwing a switch and laughing to himself in the dark. I looked around wondering if someone was playing a practical joke on me, but I guess there is no need to show off after 11pm.

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2012-04-02 17:01:48 (5 comments, 2 reshares, 33 +1s)

The Tibetan Himalayas (Color Version)

"If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?"
"Tibet. I don't know why, but I think I have a connection to that place."
"Then you should go."

I ended up spending eight days in the land of snow. My time there was certainly short, but it was characterized by silent, long distance drives through endless plateaus and mountain ranges. I visited ancient monasteries, saw a people struggle to hold on to a dying way of life, and was enveloped in sheer natural beauty. It was a trip marred with the pang of loneliness in which I spent most of my time in contemplation of my surroundings. I was at the rooftop of the world, staring at the vast blue sky in a state of reverence as I gradually re-mended a connection, I suspect, I once had. At the time, I did not realize all of this. It was only once I... more »

2012-03-29 04:09:59 (9 comments, 1 reshares, 23 +1s)

Grizzly Giant

There is no better place to try out infrared photography than a wooded area. We were doing a quick trek through Mariposa Grove in Yosemite when we came across this giant sequoia tree. I wanted to accentuate its huge stature so I got up close to the base and shot up with a wide angle lens. The infrared gives it an extra bit of uniqueness.

I wonder if anyone would notice if I hollowed out the middle and lived inside?

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2012-06-08 04:43:12 (8 comments, 1 reshares, 29 +1s)

The Tibetan Himalayas

"If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?"
"Tibet. I don't know why, but I think I have a connection to that place."
"Then you should go."

I ended up spending eight days in the land of snow. My time there was certainly short, but it was characterized by silent, long distance drives through endless plateaus and mountain ranges. I visited ancient monasteries, saw a people struggle to hold on to a dying way of life, and was enveloped in sheer natural beauty. It was a trip marred with the pang of loneliness in which I spent most of my time in contemplation of my surroundings. I was at the rooftop of the world, staring at the vast blue sky in a state of reverence as I gradually re-mended a connection, I suspect, I once had. At the time, I did not realize all of this. It was only once I was back in... more »

2012-03-22 20:14:18 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 31 +1s)

Fire Over Yosemite Valley

I recently posted a similar portrait of Yosemite Valley, so I thought I would also post the landscape shot. This was taken as the sun was rising and the sky began to light up with warm colors. I am still in awe of this incredible national park. I wish I could move my family into a little log cabin and spend the year fishing, taking pictures and enjoying the scenery, but I think my wife and daughter would not appreciate that very much.

Buy Prints: http://www.pathosphotography.com/buy/15066728_hs5NJM/1760029246_DHmh8JN/

#PlusPhotoExtract #photography

2012-03-21 04:26:36 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

I am starting a new series of images which are digital paintings of my travel photos. I will keep adding to this collection over time. I hope you like them.

2012-03-21 04:24:12 (11 comments, 0 reshares, 21 +1s)

2012-03-21 04:22:53 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

2012-03-20 05:23:25 (4 comments, 1 reshares, 24 +1s)

Yosemite Rising

I know everyone comes away with the same shot of Yosemite Valley, but I had to try my hand at it. I made all my friends wake up at 4:30 and drive over to the vista point to ensure we would get a good spot. The problem was that it was the first day of daylight savings when the hour changes and the sun rise was an hour later than we all expected so we ended up standing in the dark cold for almost three hours waiting for the sun to rise. By the time it was coming up, all the guys were frozen and fed up with all the waiting, so I took a few quick last minute shots before a full mutiny ensued. I am glad I persisted =)

Buy Prints: http://www.pathosphotography.com/buy/15066728_hs5NJM/1757155138_PfRJJt9/

2012-03-17 17:49:52 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 14 +1s)

Half Dome in Infrared

I am really getting into this infrared photography thing. I converted my D90 back in January, but I have not had much time to play around with it until a recent trip to Yosemite National Park. The picture straight out of the camera comes out all red and crazy because the white balance is all funky. It reminds me a bit of the red screen of death in the old Diablo game. Once I correct the white balance in post processing, the image looks great though. I am not quite sure what those little mounds of hay are, but they looked like a cool foreground leading up to Half Dome.

2012-03-15 04:03:20 (6 comments, 2 reshares, 28 +1s)

Starry Night Over Yosemite Falls

I just got back from a weekend at Yosemite National Park. A couple of friends and I were standing in the freezing cold in the middle of a pitch dark meadow for an hour trying to figure out how to take night pictures of Upper Yosemite Falls. This is my first attempt at this but I really like it!

2012-03-10 06:30:37 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 13 +1s)

Meet Me By the Old Tree Trunk, We Will Run Away Together

2012-03-08 04:48:40 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 16 +1s)

St. Patrick Church

Have you ever noticed this quaint little church in the San Francisco’s SOMA district? It is close to the Metreon and seems completely out of place amidst all the office buildings, but there is something proud and charming about the way it seems to stand unperturbed by the urban environment around it. It was a cold winter day when my brother and I popped in for a look and were shocked at how large it is inside. It felt like a little sanctuary in the middle of a bustling city.

2012-03-03 22:53:04 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

Inocente

I met this cool little kid in the mountain town of Dazhai near the Longji rice terraces. During my short stay there he became my little shadow and would go around leaving mischief in his wake. He was very curious about my camera which gave me plenty of opportunities to photograph him in his natural state. There was something very innocent about his humble farming life that I wanted to accentuate through this picture.