In April I took a trip to D.C. and today I wanted to highlight a part of the city that I thought was so unique and beautifully made. Besides the architecture and historic landmarks, I was really impressed with the architecture of their underground metro system.
The honeycomb ceilings really captured my eye and I spent some time capturing a few shots of them.
I chose to convert them to black and white to show the contrast and lines. These were shot with Fujix100s.
First Stop: Oxnard
Took a road trip down to Southern California to see some friends and old stomping grounds. Decided to drive 101 this time and take in all the sights and see the beautiful California coast.
Right as we were about to hit the 1, we saw this abandoned plot of land and stopped. From what I could tell, it looked like it was a small motel oasis that must have been booming during it's time.
All that was left was a bowling alley, skate rink that was long forgotten and some buildings. There were some slabs of concrete that marked off former buildings and piles of rubble.
In the distance you can see new condos erected, a huge contrast to the old pastel signs.
I looked up Wagon Wheel and learned that it is considered a landmark for Oxnard and had set the trend for western themed motels and creating resort style space for car travelers. Google it if you have time.
I decided to edit these photos to look vintage to pay homage for the time when it was at its peak. I read they are going to still keep the iconic sign, so if you see it, wave hi.
To forgotten yesterdays.
Yesterday I went to the farmer's market in Campbell and it was so much fun capturing all the beautiful colors of all the fruits and vegetables. I've been cooped up in the house all week and it was so nice to be outside. I picked up some plucot and nectarines. Hope you're all enjoying the wonderful fruits that are offered during the summer as well. These were shot with the Fujix100s and light edits and cropping with Light Room.
Friday was really warm, which was perfect for San Jose's 7th Annual SubZERO festival. SubZERO is part of South First Fridays (a monthly art walk that takes place on the first Friday that stretches about 3 blocks with various business and galleries opened to show art work from artists local and far) and it happens at the beginning of summer and at the end of summer.
It's really fun to attend because there are vendors who come and sell their art, share music and do live performance art. It's such a great addition to Downtown San Jose, which really makes the large city feel like a community. More info here.
Below are some photos of the fun activities that were happening.
Shot with FujiX100s
About two months ago San Jose said good-bye to the iconic movie theaters, lovingly called the Domes located on Winchester Blvd., across from the shiny and vibrant shopping center, Santana Row. The Century 21 Dome theater, which was the last dome to have a single screen was hosting one last viewing and it was showing Indiana Jones: Raiders of The Lost Ark. I had never seen the movie before (GASP: I KNOW!!!), so it was a double treat to see it on the big screen in a sold out theater and say good-bye to a place that housed so many memories.
My with the dome is from when I attended the midnight showing to see Star Wars III and I remember thinking that it was so special to see the last of Star Wars in such a historic place.
When we arrived, the line was wrapped around the building and everyone was in high spirits. Families were gathered and some people were dressed up like Indiana Jones. Parents were telling their children about the movie and sharing their story of when they first saw the movie.
Upon entering the theater, we were given colorful hats to look like Indian's famous brown hat and goodie bags filled with props that related to the movie such as, a date, rubber snack, a party popper and Twizzler straw.
Beach balls were being bounced around as people made their way to their seats. Over 1,000 people packed in and when we all settled in, the host came out. She was really funny and got the crowd engaged with trivia questions and contests.
The movie was so good! I became really wrapped up in it and although it's an older one, it was done so well, that nothing really stood out. I'm so glad I got to see it on a large screen. It was The fun was over, and I think it really sunk in that it was the last movie to ever be shown on the screen. People took photos with each other in front of the screen and you can hear people talking about their own memories of the theater.
I'm sad to see such a place go, and I've heard rumors of it developing into a commercial shopping area. It's on trend with the changes in the area and although I understand the monetary draw to opening another center, it's still sad to see a historic spot be taken away. For more info here's an article from The Mercury News.
Photos shot with iphone and fujix100s, slight edits in Lightroom.
How did that happen? It's almost been a year since my trip to NYC last year and although I had posted some photos, more specifically the wedding and one snap shot. I haven't had a chance to share photos from the whole trip. These were shot with Fujix100s, which after a year I now have one. No more renting it! After a while, the cost of renting was adding up, so I decided to save up for it and it is one of my most beloved cameras. The lens is amazing and it creates really crisp photos and great for enlarging.
The Coney Island photographs are really vibrant and bright, but that isn't from editing. It really was that bright that day.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Get lost and bring your camera.
