The Daily Photo from San Francisco

Boston Park

2007-01-28T22:51:00.000-08:00

Boston Park

Was walking around Boston Park in the early morning. It had snowed the night before, ideal conditions for beautiful b/w photos. Here are the others: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/5.6, 1/125sec

America runs on Dunkin

2007-01-27T22:46:00.000-08:00

America runs on Dunkin

Visited Boston for half a day and first thing I did when getting off the plane was getting a cup of Dunkin Donut's coffee. One of the things I miss most from the East Coast.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/20sec

Isul Kim Band

2007-01-25T20:28:00.000-08:00

Isul Kim Band

Shot Isul Kim and her band (here with drummer Pinky) at the Hotel Utah in San Francisco. Awesome show.
d70, 50mm, iso800, f/1.8, 1/10sec

To the subway

2007-01-24T20:24:00.000-08:00

To the subway

Shot at Montgomery station at 6pmish.
d70, 50mm, iso400, f/1.8, 1/180sec

Skipping

2007-01-23T20:27:00.000-08:00

Took photos today, but as they were shot in a slightly intoxicated state, they are not fit for this blog. Sorry.

Red and White

2007-01-22T01:34:00.000-08:00

Red and White

Seen on Market Street. Two more: #1 and #2.
d70, 50mm, iso400, f/8, 1/3000sec

Marlboro

2007-01-21T01:31:00.000-08:00

Marlboro

Was intrigued by this cigarette. Reminded me of Irving Penn's work. At least that was the attempt. Need more practice.
d70, 300mm, iso400, f/5.6, 1/180sec

Carl Hotel

2007-01-20T01:27:00.000-08:00

Carl Hotel

Exploring inner sunset area. Another one from today: #1.
d70, 300mm, iso200, f/5.6, 1/1000sec

Hook

2007-01-19T00:59:00.000-08:00

Hook

Did a series on coat hooks at home. Some more: #1, #2, and #3.
d70, 300mm, iso200, f/11, 1/500sec, ext. flash

Judah in the Morning

2007-01-17T00:57:00.000-08:00

Judah in the Morning

Early morning shot.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/2, 1/8sec

Looking out

2007-01-15T00:54:00.000-08:00

Looking out

Shot late at night on the Muni going home.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/2, 1/60sec

Pacific

2007-01-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

Pacific

Had a good photo day. Shot a mini-series on utility poles in the Sunset: #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5. And another one taken through the entrance of the Cliffhouse: #1.
d70, 70mm, iso200, f/8, 1/750sec

On Break

2007-01-12T14:23:00.000-08:00

On Break

Taken on Clay at around 3pm.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/8, 1/350sec

Missing

2007-01-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

Missing

d70, 50mm, iso200, f/8, 1/1000sec

Pipe

2007-01-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

Pipe

A souvenir from China. It was late at night and I had to shoot my daily photo and was intrigued by the birds.
d70, 50mm, iso400, f/1.8, 1/30sec

The Fountain

2007-01-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

The Fountain

Was walking around and this fountain was now running, creating a ball of water. Here's another one from the Embarcadero center in color.
d70, 50mm, iso400, f/8, 1/60sec

The Subway

2007-01-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

The Subway

Liked the blue reflection in the columns. I have another b/w photo from today.
d70, 50mm, iso400, f/1.8, 1/45sec

Fort Point

2007-01-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

Fort Point

Visited Fort Point. I love the empty hall ways.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/30sec

MoMA

2007-01-06T22:55:00.000-08:00

MoMA

Taken at the MoMA while stopping by there. Such an inspirational place. Here's another one from today.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/2.8, 1/1000sec

Walking

2007-01-05T22:59:00.000-08:00

Walking

Taken early in the morning on Judah street. Here's also another from a little later on the Muni.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/3.3, 1/8000sec

Watching

2007-01-04T22:52:00.000-08:00

Watching

Taken on a side street next to Kearny Street.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/500sec

Laundry

2007-01-03T22:49:00.000-08:00

Laundry

Taken while doing laundry late at night.
d70, 24mm, iso400, f/4.2, 1/20sec

Music

2007-01-02T22:47:00.000-08:00

Music

Taken at Borders.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/60sec

At Starbucks

2007-01-01T01:24:00.000-08:00

At Starbucks

Back in the states my favourite coffee shop was still closed, so I had to go with Starbucks for my caffeine needs.
d70, 36mm, iso200, f/5, 1/250sec

Fireworks Reflection

2006-12-31T01:07:00.000-08:00

Fireworks Reflection

New Years Eve. Fireworks on the street caused wonderful shadows on the building. Happy new year everyone.
d70, 50mm, iso1600, f/1.8, 1/20sec

Butterfly

2006-12-30T01:04:00.000-08:00

Butterfly

Went to butterfly exhibit. Here's another one.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/1000sec

Street Corner

2006-12-29T01:01:00.000-08:00

Street Corner

More home town photos. Two more here: #1 and #2.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/750sec

Wielding a Big Sword

2006-12-28T00:58:00.000-08:00

Wielding a Big Sword

Was playing computer games. I have been quite out of the loop on these and was so impressed by the graphics, I had to document it...
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/4.8, 1/10sec

Rear View

2006-12-27T00:54:00.000-08:00

Rear View

More photos from home. Another three: #1, #2, and #3.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/45sec

Hometown Silhouette

2006-12-26T00:49:00.000-08:00

Hometown Silhouette

Walking around in Germany taking some photos. Here are two more from today: #1 and #2.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/16, 1/250sec

Wine

2006-12-25T21:53:00.000-08:00

Wine

d70, 50mm, iso200, f/2.8, 1/60sec

Fog

2006-12-24T21:40:00.000-08:00

Fog

Came home to no snow and fog in the backyard. Merry Christmas.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/180sec

Ear at the Airport

2006-12-23T21:35:00.000-08:00

Ear at the Airport

Went to Germany to spend Christmas with the family.
d70, 50mm, iso400, f/1.8, 1/30sec

Joe

2006-12-22T21:28:00.000-08:00

Joe

Joe and Isul played at Frescaroma tonight. And it was about time for another vertical.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/20sec

Brush

2006-12-21T21:22:00.000-08:00

Brush

Was once again playing with my macro lens and discovered the beauty of my shaving brush. Here's another one.
d70, 300mm, iso200, f/11, 1/250sec

Drinks and Laughs

2006-12-20T21:18:00.000-08:00

Drinks and Laughs

Having a few drinks with co-workers. Pretty dark place.
d70, 50mm, iso800, f/1.8, 1/6sec

Dead Flowers

2006-12-19T21:11:00.000-08:00

Dead Flowers

Late night shot at home.
d70, 70mm, iso800, f/4.5, 2sec

Subway

2006-12-18T20:46:00.000-08:00

Subway

Central image of my final project. This was shot over 2 weeks, each person individually, and then photoshopped together. Today I shot the last one and put them all together.
d70, 18mm, iso200, f/16, 1sec

Gaia

2006-12-17T00:12:00.000-08:00

Gaia

Part of my final project.
d70, 29mm, iso200, f/4, 1/90sec

Atlas

2006-12-16T00:09:00.000-08:00

Atlas

Part of my final project.
d70, 44mm, iso200, f/4.5, 1/20sec

Pinky

2006-12-15T23:55:00.000-08:00

Pinky

This Pinky the drummer, named after his hot pink drum set, playing for Dogman Joe at Poleng Lounge.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/2sec, ext. flash

At the Palace of Fine Arts

2006-12-14T23:51:00.000-08:00

At the Palace of Fine Arts

Was out shooting with fellow classmates today. Unfortunatelly I only shot this test photo with my own camera, while using a classmates for the remaining ones, and I have not yet gotten copies of those. Will replace this one with another one once I get 'em.
d70, iso400, 18mm, f/5.6, 1/90sec

Connected

2006-12-13T23:31:00.000-08:00

Connected

In the residential areas in the US you have these poles connecting different household with TV, phone, internet, etc. Recently I found myself extremely fascinated by them, as they show how connected the modern world really is. So there'll probably be more to follow. Other photos from today include one of a Fallen Angel for my class project and a few street shots: #1 and #2.
d70, 24mm, iso400, f/8, 1/350sec

At the Post Office

2006-12-11T23:13:00.000-08:00

At the Post Office

Rainy day, so here's an inside shot.
d70, iso400, 50mm, f/1.8, 1/90sec

Prometheus

2006-12-10T22:52:00.000-08:00

Prometheus

As part of my final project for a class, Mike volunteered to represent Prometheus, the bringer of light. The torch was self-made with sticks and lighter fluid and fell apart within 2 minutes. Good thing I got a good shot out of it.
d70, iso200, 27mm, f/4.8, 1/20sec

Subway Station

2006-12-09T22:49:00.000-08:00

Subway Station

Was shooting for my final project in the Powell Bart stop. This was taken with a tripod for the long exposure.
d70, 18mm, iso200, f/6.7, 1/6sec

At Lunch

2006-12-08T22:47:00.000-08:00

At Lunch

Shot during my lunch break. That guy was having lunch, too.
d70, 45mm, iso200, f/5.6, 1/90sec

Lens Test

2006-12-06T22:41:00.000-08:00

Lens Test

Today's photo turned out to be this lens test. A co-worker just got his Nikon 18-200mm lens with Vibration Reduction. I was impressed. Pretty darn sharp considering this photo was shot hand-held at 1/45sec and 200mm zoom.
d70, iso200, 200mm, f/32, 1/45sec, VR

Eye

2006-12-05T22:38:00.000-08:00

Eye

Another eye candy. After some frustration with my previous ring flash taking eye photos I tried my trusty SB-25 and got surprisingly good results. Even though this one is very similar to a previous photo, I like this one a lot better. Here's also a street shot from today.
d70, iso200, 300mm, f/16, 1/250sec, ext. flash

Waiting

2006-12-04T22:32:00.000-08:00

Waiting

Taken on California Street around noon. Playing around with a wide angle lens.
d70, 28mm, iso200, f/4.5, 1/180sec

Doing Laundry

2006-12-03T22:26:00.000-08:00

Doing Laundry

Finally catching up with the long photo backlog.
Today I had to do laundry and spend my time waiting for the machine by observing other people and taking a photo or two.
d70, 24mm, iso200, f/4.2, 1/60sec

St. George

2006-12-02T00:53:00.000-08:00

St. George

This is part of a larger, more conceptual project. This one references St. George, the dragon slayer. Shot at sunset. And no, the dragon was not added in photoshop.
d70, 65mm, iso200, f/4.5, 1/30sec

Pear

2006-12-01T00:50:00.000-08:00

Pear

It was late. I was tired. It took me almost an hour to motivate myself to go searching for a motive in our apartment. Finally a bowl of pears caught my eye. I started shooting and actually got pretty excited over them, especially considering how late it was.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/250sec, ext. flash

Slide Day

2006-11-30T00:49:00.000-08:00

Slide Day

Only shot film today. Sorry.

Muni

2006-11-29T00:43:00.000-08:00

Muni

Another Muni shot. I liked how the light wrapped around this sleeping guy early in the morning.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/8, 1/60sec

Mints

2006-11-28T00:39:00.000-08:00

Mints

Was trying out my new ring flash with this macro shot. Notice how the shadow is all around the mint in the center. That's an indication that a ring flash was used.
d70, 300mm, f/11, 1/250sec

Alvin's

2006-11-27T00:37:00.000-08:00

Alvin's

Was sick at home (darn cold). But left the house to get coffee around the corner at Alvin's Coffee, the best coffee in San Francisco. I swear!
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/4, 1/3000sec

Atlas

2006-11-26T00:34:00.000-08:00

Atlas

Another attempt at the Atlas photo. Not quite there, yet. This photo was followed by a 7 mile hike through the pouring rain. Another Atlas photo: #1.
d70, 18mm, iso400, f/3.5, 1/350sec

Victory

2006-11-25T00:32:00.000-08:00

Victory

Visited the DeYoung museum and noticed Victory on the way back. It was sunset. How convinient.
d70, 29mm, iso400, f/4, 1/90sec

Ray of Light

2006-11-24T00:29:00.000-08:00

Ray of Light

Was working in the (quiet) office when I remembered to shoot my daily photo. Another one: #1.
d70, 70mm, iso400, f/4.5, 1/30sec

Turn Right

2006-11-23T00:24:00.000-08:00

Turn Right

Shot in downtown during lunch break on Thanksgiving day (had to work in the office). Also have another shot: #1.
d70, 56mm, iso200, f/8, 1/750sec

Walking

2006-11-22T00:22:00.000-08:00

Walking

Shot at the Embarcadero Center.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/2, 1/60sec

Lunch

2006-11-21T00:14:00.000-08:00

Lunch

Shot at Lunch at La Salsa. Love the green wall. Calming!
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/90sec

Outside

2006-11-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

Outside

Today was a good day for street photography. Took some time out of my day to do what I like best. Here are the other results: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7.
d70, 70mm, iso200, f/8, 1/90sec

Bowl

2006-11-19T13:55:00.000-08:00

Bowl

Edward Weston, while in Mexico with Tina Modotti, was fascinated with his toilet bowl and took a series of photos of it. Unlike Marcel Duchamp he did not want to shook, but show the beauty of such a simple object. I was inspired to make my own toilet look good.
d70, 18mm, iso200, f/6.7, 1/180sec

Atlas

2006-11-18T13:52:00.000-08:00

Atlas

For my final project in one of my classes I want to use the metapher of Atlas holding the sky. This is a first test shot, there will be more to come.
d70, 18mm, iso200, f/3.5, 1/90sec

On the Muni

2006-11-17T13:49:00.000-08:00

On the Muni

I recently started commuting via public transportation to and from work. Today I wanted to take some photos on the Muni (SF public transportation) doing hip shots. The interesting thing about hip shots is that you never 100% know what you will get. But I really like this one.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/15sec

Eyes

2006-11-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

Eyes

Was experiementing some more after I realized I had not taken a shot of the day. Doesn't this look like bug eyes? Can you figure out what it is?
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/500sec

Guitar

2006-11-15T13:45:00.000-08:00

Guitar

Was experiementing a little bit at home with my 50mm.
d70, 50mm, iso800, f/1.8, 1/15sec

Meditation

2006-11-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

Meditation

I used to do Kendo for five years in college. For my portraiture class I decided to dig out my old equipment and shot some related photos. This one shows part of the meditation that is being done before and after every practice. This shot shows me in all my gear: #1.
d70, 35mm, iso200, f/19, 1/250sec, softbox

Red

2006-11-13T13:49:00.000-08:00

Red

I was experiementing with b/w with red filter. Red filters apparently smoothen the skin for b/w images, so I had to try it.
d70, 52mm, iso200, f/8, 1/250sec, red filter

Right Eye

2006-11-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

Right Eye

Even though this was more of a candid shot, I can't help but be intrigued by it: The left eye is aligned almost dead center of the image, but because of the intensity and the focus on the right eye you barely pay attention to it. And the right eye balances all of the white area on the right.
d70, 55mm, iso200, f/4.5, 1/30sec

SFMoMA

2006-11-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

SFMoMA

I liked how the light fell through the entrance of the MoMA. I also got to play with a ring flash and got this eye image: #1 and another street shot: #2.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/19, 1/125sec

Isul at Frescaroma

2006-11-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

Isul at Frescaroma

Isul Kim gave a great performance at a coffee shop called "Frescaroma" in San Jose.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/30sec

Stairs

2006-11-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

Stairs

Was walking around the city a little and got a few of nice shots. This one was taken on California and Kearny. Other shots: #1 and #2.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/8, 1/250sec

Feeding

2006-11-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

Feeding

Part of a fun assignment in color theory around using a TV. Also have a decent street photo around twilight: #1 and another TV shot: #2.
d70, 44mm, iso400, f/5.6, 1/4sec

Tina Modotti

2006-11-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

Tina Modotti

This is not my photo... I wish it was! This is a photo, "The hands of the marionette player", was taken by Tina Modotti, who learnt photography from Edward Weston in Mexico. It was taken exactly 80 years ago and is currently exhibited at the SFMoMA. I always find it amazing how a photo taken with simple technology almost a centaury ago is deeper and more thought provoking than the bulk of the images I see today. It makes me think all that digital technology distracts more than it helps.
I also have my own (inferior) image from today: #1.

Morning Coffee

2006-11-06T23:26:00.000-08:00

Morning Coffee

Was up early to take (film) photos for my final project and while taking a break and kicking back with a cup o' joe, this image came along.
d70, 70mm, iso200, f/4.5, 1/90sec

Lightbulb

2006-11-05T23:24:00.000-08:00

Lightbulb

I liked how this lightbulb was hanging all alone in the gigantic apartment.
d70, 18mm, iso200, f/3.5, 1/15sec

(Missing)

2006-11-04T23:23:00.000-08:00

(Photo goes here)

Another day where I only shot slide film. I promise, I'll try to keep the digital ones coming as well....

Pacific Ocean

2006-11-03T23:18:00.000-08:00

Pacific Ocean

Was out at night taking night shots with film and digital camera. This is a long exposure of the violent Pacific Ocean taken at Sutro Bath. It looks so calm. I have another successful digital image (before my battery died) and a street photo from earlier in the day: #1 and #2.
d70, 27mm, iso200, f/8, 4.5min

Three Umbrellas

2006-11-02T23:14:00.000-08:00

Three Umbrellas

Brrrr. It's been a rainy day. Here's the first photo of this years rain season. More photos from today: #1, #2, and #3.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/8, 1/90sec

Madman

2006-11-01T12:21:00.000-08:00

Madman

Part of assignment for portraiture class. These three images were taken at different locations, but in a way so that they create a story together. Here are the individual shots: #1, #2, and #3. A second triple is here: all, #1, #2, and #3.
d70, two external strobes w/ gels.

The Store

2006-10-31T12:17:00.000-08:00

The Store

I've been walking to work the same way for the last 10 month. Today I decided to simply walk on the other side of the street and I noticed this little store with lots to offer that I had never noticed before. Amazing how much impact a little difference from you daily routine can do.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/30sec

Lincoln at Night

2006-10-30T12:13:00.000-08:00

Lincoln at Night

Just moved to a new apartment and used the opportunity to take some photos of the new neighborhood from the window. This is Lincoln street right by the Golden Gate Park.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/3.3, 1sec

Halloween

2006-10-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

Halloween

OK, technically three more days until Halloween. But it's the weekend just before, so I think this counts. Even though this post comes belated, a belated happy Halloween everyone.
d70, 50mm, iso800, f/1.8, 1/15sec

13

2006-10-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

13

Firetrucks are cool. This one was shot late at night at station 13 on Sansome street. I loved the red color combined with the green color cast of the fluorescent light. And the fact that there is a big 13 above the truck. Other photos from today: #1 and #2.
d70, 50mm, iso400, f/1.8, 1/90sec

Trolley

2006-10-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

Trolley

A San Francisco staple. I could not get around shooting one of these eventually. Shot on Nob Hill. Another photo from today: #1.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/8, 1/500sec

(Missing)

2006-10-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

My only shot of the day was on slide film. If I ever get to scan it (unlikely), I'll place it here and let you know. I am afraid this might happen every once in a while now, since I am required to shoot a lot of film for one of my classes...

The Professor

2006-10-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

The Professor

He is one of our senior engineers at Vontu. I went to visit him to discuss some work related issues and also convinced him into a short photo session. Here's the second shot: #1. I am also finally caught up again with posting the daily photos! Hooray!
d70, 38mm, iso200, f/4.8, 1/90sec, ext. flash

Runner

2006-10-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

Runner

Needed to shoot more runners on the Embarcadero and since I felt I had gotten up to late on Saturday, I got up even earlier, at 5:30am. *Yawn*
d70, 18mm, iso200, f/4.8, 1/180sec, ext. flash

On Stage

2006-10-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

On Stage

Isul Kim playing at Red Rock Cafe in Mountain View. Thanks to the new stage and the great sound system, it pretty much rocked.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/90sec

Ninja Style

2006-10-21T23:01:00.000-07:00

Ninja Style

Taken just around sunset at Ocean Beach with a bunch of friends. More photos from this shoot: #1, #2, and #3. I would also like to mention that I sacrificed my Saturday morning by getting up at 6:30am to take photos of runners on the Embarcadero. At least this photo turned out nice.
d70, 18mm, iso200, f/6.7, 1/60sec, ext. flash, gold reflector

Dome

2006-10-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

Dome

Stopped by the new Westfield Mall in San Francisco. Quite a place with loads of trendy shops. I liked the gigantic dome the best, though.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/8, 1/160sec

Reflection

2006-10-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

Reflection

I am considering doing these kind of reflections as a final project for one of my classes. This one was an initial test, there might be more of them coming.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/8, 1/20sec

Flower

2006-10-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

Flower

I loved the wacky looking composition. Initially I was focusing on the flower in front of the shadow, then I noticed the reflection of the tree in the background. Neat! Three more photos from today: #1, #2, and #3.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/16, 1/60sec

Coit Tower

2006-10-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

Coit Tower

You must be bored of my Coit Tower photos by now, but I just don't seem to be able to get enough of it. I love how it sticks out on the hill poking right into the endless sky. Taken at 6pm.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/8, 1/180sec

Stairs

2006-10-16T22:47:00.000-07:00

Stairs

I liked the shape of the stairs and the texture of it.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/45sec

At the Beach

2006-10-15T01:33:00.000-07:00

At the Beach

Had a portable strobe kit with me and took it to the beach to experiement a little. Oh, it's so sweet. But it got cold fast so I only snapped a few shots and left again.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/6.7, 15sec, external strobe

Street Portrait #3

2006-10-14T01:29:00.000-07:00

Street Portrait #3

Took a series of street portraits for my portraiture class near Union Square at around 3pm. The other three portraits can be found here: #1, #2, and #3. In addition one tunnel shot: #1.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/13, 1/180sec, gold reflector