Mask

Mask

Shot late in the evening at home. I was playing around with reflections and got Jen to model for this photo. It has not been digitally manipulated (beyond the basic b/w and tonal adjustments that is). I liked the mask-like effect of the reflection.
d70, 50mm, iso1600, f/1.8, 1/250sec

For Sale

For Sale

Taken on 2nd street at 9am. This used to be an art gallery. Now it is all empty and only a lonely plastic on a bench holding a "For Sale" sign is all that is left. Depressing somehow.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/2000sec

Leaf

Leaf

Taken at the Maya Restaurant on 2nd street at 6:30pm. I thought it was about time to post another color photo. I have been passing by this place many times and could never really figure out how to take a photo of the iron works on the wall. Since it was an overcast day today, which is good for color photos, I took the opportunity and shot this photo. Being a contrast man, the colors are over-emphasized, but I think it supports the feel I am trying to bring across. Call it artistic freedom.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/60sec

Stars, Stripes and Triangles

Stars, Stripes and Triangles

Shot somewhere downtown at 1pm. As I was walking past I saw the triangular shadows on the columns and I liked how they related to the stars and stripes in the flag.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/8000sec

No Walking

No Walking

Taken on my way home at 7pm on 2nd street. This gigantic house wall always has some United poster advertising the extra leg space and this one finally offered itself for an interesting photo.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/1000sec

Breakfast

Breakfast

Taken at 9am near Market street. This is part of a court yard of a Citibank building. This guy was reading newspaper and having some breakfast while some Greek goddess watched over him.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/750sec

Beauty

Beauty

Shot at 11pm in the Garage. It was late night and I had not yet shot a photo for the day, so I decided to explore the garage of our apartment building for a bit. I came across this scene and liked the gritty concrete in contrast with the smooth line of the motorcycle.
d70, 50mm, iso1600, f/1.8, 1/125sec

City Tooth

City Tooth

Taken on 3rd near the Moscone Center after sunset. Something about the shape of the whatever it was attracted me. It reminds me of a tooth or a dagger. But let your imagination go and there are many more interpretations possible.
d70, 50mm, iso1600, f/1.8, 1/8000sec

Down the Stairs

Down the Stairs

Taken at the Embarcadero Center at noon. I was meeting a friend for lunch and had a little bit of time, so I was taking a few detours here and there and found some interesting photos: #1, #2, #3 and #4.
d70, 18mm, iso1600, f/5.6, 1/350sec

Dad

Dad

Taken at 8pm during dinner. My parents are in town, and my dad got volunteered to model for the daily photo.
d70, 50mm, iso1600, f/1.8, 1/45sec

Transamerica Tower

Transamerica Tower

Taken at the base of the Transamerica Tower at 2pm. Was on the way to meet my class and passed by the Transamerica Tower. The concrete base was, photographically speaking, very appealing. Other shots from today: #1 and #2.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/2.4, 1/3000sec

In Between Darkness

In Between Darkness

Taken at the Embarcadero Center at 1pm. This guy was sitting in on the stairs iluminated by a tiny bit of light shining through somewhere. It really looked like this. I only underexposed the image a little. Two more shots from today: #1 and #2.
d70, 70mm, iso200, f/4.5, 1/125sec

Four Waiting

Four Waiting

Shot at Sacramento and Sansome at 6:30pm. It was a busy day as the company I worked for has just moved offices. I only had time to shoot a few frames. However, the new environment around the new office looks promising, so hopefully there'll be some more good photos of this area coming up.
d70, 60mm, iso200, f/4.5, 1/60sec

At the Cross

At the Cross

Taken at 11am at St. Mary's Cathedral. I was still hunting for Lucien Herve like images. My dad and I had visited this cathedral yesterday, but the sun just wouldn't yield any good photos. So we stopped by the next morning on the way to Sonoma. The result was much better.
d70, 34mm, iso200, f/11, 1/250sec

J

J

Taken at the Civic Center at around 7pm. My dad and I spent the day taking photos that were supposed to look like the photos of Lucien Herve. It was a lot of fun. We were moderately successful and some of the images turned out quite beautiful. Here are some more: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6. We also visited Point Bonita and took photos there.
d70, 70mm, iso200, f/22, 1/350sec

At the Cliffhouse

At the Cliffhouse

Taken near the Cliffhouse at 2pm. It's been a cloudy day. My parents are in town and they wanted to see the famous Cliffhouse, after having seen Michael Schwab's poster. This photo shows the Cliffhouse in the back and the ruins of the Sutro Baths in the front.
d70, 18mm, iso200, f/22, 1/90sec

Support

Support

Taken near the Bay Bridge at 3pm. I have been meaning to get an interesting shot of the arrow and bow near the bay bridge. Today was the day I passed by and just gave it a shot. I am not sure how successful it is, though.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/2.4, 1/8000sec

Another Street Walker

Another Street Walker

Taken at 4:30pm on California Street. Once again I was intrigued by the hard shadows of people on the side walk.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/2.4, 1/4000sec

Andrew

Andrew

Shot at 9pm at ChaChaCha restaurant in the Mission. This is Jen's brother Andrew who is currently visiting with his girlfriend, Ashley. Jen is that blob on the left.
d70, 50mm, iso1600, f/1.8, 1/15sec

I haven't heard it

I haven't heard it

Taken near Market and Stockton at 8pm. It was an exciting day: First there was a big rally to fight for immigrant rights and from my office building I had a prime view: #1 and #2. Later I had time to walk around town a little and shoot some more after hour shots: #3, #4, #5 and #6.
(camera details to come)

Facing History Teacher at Benefit

Facing History Teacher at Benefit

I was event photographer at Facing History and Ourselves' annual benefit. There are more photos to come, but this shows Mark Davis, a Facing History teacher giving his speech. Overall the event was a big success.
d70, 55mm, iso1600, f/4.5, 1/30sec

Note to Future Self

Note to Future Self

Taken in Golden Gate Park at 3pm. It was another overcast day, so I went to the Golden Gate Park area, hoping for some fog on that end of town. Instead I found this old man sitting on the bench writing a note on a tiny piece of paper with an intense focus.
A few more from the Golden Gate park: #1 and #2.
d70, 200mm, iso200, f/2.8, 1/1000sec

After the Conversation

After the Conversation

Taken at 4pm at the Embarcedaro Center. I was out late to grab some lunch during a busy day and I saw this woman talking looking thoughtful, just after she finished a conversation with someone I couldn't see. There's also another photo from the day.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/3.3, 1/2000sec

Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach

Taken in Pacifica after sunset. There is no place like California. A 15 min drive gets you out of San Francisco and onto the beach of the mighty Pacific Ocean. To what a perfect conclusion the day comes after the sun sets and the fog starts rolling in: #1. All you have to do is sit down and enjoy the evening, preferably in company: #2.
d70, 50mm, iso400, f/8, 1/90sec

Arches

Arches

Taken at noon on Kearny Street. I like sunny days. It allows for highly formal images. I have some more from today: #1, #2 and #3.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/19, 1/90sec

Vontu After Hours

Vontu After Hours

Shot at 9pm at 1 California Street. This is a shot I have been meaning to take for a while, showing the Vontu Headquarter in all its messy glory after business hours. Since the company is moving next week to an office much larger, this was almost the last chance.
d70, 50mm, iso1600, f/5.6, 1/60sec

Midnight Ghost

Midnight Ghost

Shot at 9pm at Delgado and Hyde. I had a little time, was in the area and happened to have the tripod in the trunk. So I wondered around the neighborhood and saw this woman walking down the street.
d70, 70mm, iso800, f/4.5, 1sec

At the Bunker

At the Bunker

Taken at Point Bonita at 4pm. We took a friend along the coast of the Marine Headlands and stopped by Point Bonita. There's an old military bunker and that's where I got this shot. Earlier that day I also saw a bright red car all alone in a parking lot.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/4, 1/3000sec

Sneakers

Sneakers

Taken at sunset on Coit Tower. Went to Coit Tower with a friend visiting from Boston. There is another photo looking out from Coit Tower. I also finally had the time go back to some of the studio photos of Christie - worth a look.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/20sec

Isul Kim @ Nomad Cafe

Isul Kim @ Nomad Cafe

Taken at Nomad Cafe, Oakland, at 8pm. This is singer/song-writer Isul Kim playing one of her tunes. Going to see her was a good way to spend a Friday night.
d70, 50mm, iso800, f/1.8, 1/60sec

New Isul Kim Website

This is a short advertisement: The last few nights I was busy creating the new website of Isul Kim together with the artist. Since all photos on that site were taken by me and the website turned out pretty nice, I recommend checking it out: www.isulkim.com.

Blond and Beautiful

Blond and Beautiful

Shot near the Ferry Building at noon. Now that the sun is out more often, so are people and people selling stuff to people. This lady had beautiful jewelery ... and an old, oversized Barbie head to display it. Other photos from the lunch break: #1 and #2.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/2.8, 1/8000sec

Leaves

Leaves

Taken on Market street around noon. It was finally sunny again. Great opportunity for some fine photography during lunch: #1, #2, #3 and #4.
d70, 50mm, iso400, f/22, 1/90sec

Still Holding On

Still Holding On

Taken on Market street at 10am just before the 100 year earthquake anniversary parade. I was in a rush to meet an old friend so I missed the parade but saw this old man waiting for it. And so was this guy.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/2000sec

Far Away

Far Away

Taken at home with available evening light. This is part of a class assignment: create an photo based on a modernist photographer. I choose Man Ray and his surreal solarization style and this is the result. I also have two street photos from today: #1 and #2.
d70, 55mm, iso200, f/4.5, 1/6sec, tripod

Drummer's Passion

Drummer's Passion

Taken at Union Square at 3pm. The band "The Mormons" was playing in Union Square. They were a little odd, to say the least. This shows the drummer of the band being very passionate about his music. Afterwards the "Ninja Academy" was playing. Check out the other photos from the day: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6.
d70, 200mm, iso400, f/16, 1/350sec

My name is Cemal and I will be your waiter today

My name is Cemal and I will be your waiter today

Taken in Sonoma around 2pm. A good friend of mine from college, Cemal, came to visit San Francisco this week. We escaped the bad weather by doing a little wine tasting in Sonoma Valley. This shows Cemal "serving" cake during a coffee stop on the way back.
d70, 50mm, iso1600, f/5.6, 1/60sec

Down the Road

Down the Road

Taken at 5pm on California street. The sunset light was so beautiful, I just had to run out and take a few photos before returning to my desk. Finally a day without rain! I also took another photo of a building across the street. Mind you, this "palace" is on the 15th floor!
d70, 50mm, iso800, f/22, 1/750sec

At the Current

At the Current

Taken on Townsend at 10pm. *Sigh* It was a beautiful day (I think), but I ended up helping a client until late in the evening setting up our product. On my way back from the CalTrain station I noticed this lonely computer warrior working at the Current. The Current is a cool project promoted by people like Al Gore (remember him?).
d70, 50mm, iso800, f/1.8, 1/90sec

Framing

Framing

Taken at 6pm on Market street. I don't know why, but I have always meant to take a photo of this modern looking version of New York's famous Flat Iron Building. As it was raining all day and I barely got any street shots, this turned out to be the day. As I was approaching it I saw the tree and decided to take a branch as frame, nature vs. man sort of thing. Two more photos: #1 and #2.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/9.5, 1/500sec

Vivid

Vivid

Taken just before noon on Market Street. I was on my way to lunch and this woman was sitting outside a Starbucks with her bright pink hair, apparently waiting for someone. As it was, once again, a very rainy day it also turned out my only shot of the day.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/125sec

Urban Clutter

Urban Clutter

Taken at 7pm from 2nd street. Just after sunset I got this photo from the apartment window and I liked the way there were so many different elements competing for importance with each other.
d70, 200mm, iso200, f/4.8, 1/180sec

After the Rain

After the Rain

Taken at 7pm in downtown Berkeley. It was raining all day and just before sunset the clouds opened a little and where illuminating this scene. I have two more photos from the day: #1 and #2, both also taken in Berkeley.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/2, 1/1000sec

Fashion Show

Fashion Show

Taken at 1pm at Union Square. Macy's was having a summer fashion show. The models were barely covered causing many stares. More photos: #1 and #2.
d70, 145mm, iso640, f/8, 1/1500sec

Dry Creek Valley

Dry Creek Valley

Taken at 2pm. The Vontu engineers got to Dry Creek Valley for some wine tasting as celebration for the new 6.0 release. It was very awesome. The only downer was the cloudy, later rainy weather. But the wine made up for it. Two more photos: #1 and #2. In the evening I also went to see the Golden State Warriors vs. the Houston Rockets, featuring Yao! Photos still to come.
d70, 70mm, iso200, f/4.5, 1/250sec, ND grad + red filter

Cool Bike

Cool Bike

Taken near Market Street at 9am. The bike was just very shiny and cool looking. Also have another photo from the same day.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/2000sec

With Dog

With Dog

Taken at noon on Grant Street. The dog just begged me for a photo.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/1000sec

Breath

Breath

Taken at 5pm on Market street. This guy was smoking and I liked the black, reflective stone around him as well as the smoke breath. It looks somehow weird and detached, because you cannot see him breathing. Also there is a photo from yesterday that I linked to incorrectly yesterday. Here's the correct link.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/1.8, 1/500sec

Straight Down to Earth

Straight Down to Earth

Taken at 6pm near Beale street. I was walking home and finally, after yet another day of rain and clouds the sky opened up just before sunset. The sun shone right through the center of the two buildings and I liked the juxtaposition with the skyer. Other shots from today are: #1, #2 and #3.
d70, 50mm, iso200, f/2.8, 1/3000sec

Waiting for the Bus

Waiting for the Bus

Taken in North Beach at around 11am. I was in the area only for a short time, but shot this one and three other photos: #1, #2, and #3. There is also one more train track photo that I liked from yesterday.
d70, 200mm, iso200, f/2.8, 1/350sec

The Note

The Note

Taken at 6:30pm on Bryant Street. It was yet another rainy / cloudy day in San Francisco. Not much fun, but dramatic clouds. Some more photos off the CalTrain station (#1 and #2), Borders and Laura.
d70, 50mm, iso400, f/1.8, 1/250sec