4th of July, San Francisco

The plan for the 4th of July was photographing San Francisco fireworks from Angel Island. A few unforeseen problems got in the way and we had to settle for less than perfect results. 

• Absence of a tripod: This can be attributed to my foolishness rather than an unexpected hardship. What kind of a photographer would try to shoot fireworks without a tripod but me? I ended up setting the camera on a cooler and going on my knees and elbows to have access to the viewfinder.
• Low temperatures: I never fail to think San Francisco weather would be comparable to our very own San Jose's warm temperatures. It was uncomfortably cold even with borrowed extra clothing layers.
• Less than perfect firework location: We really hoped they would fire the fireworks strategically so we could have beautiful city views as a background. But no, probably no one cared about giving us the perfect views.
• Wind: The smoke produced by the fireworks moved to the South giving us an unsightly cloud.

Despite of all the adversity, a few images survived the quality control cut. 

Bay Bridge

San Francisco Lights

I thought about adding the fireworks to this image but what's the point? 

If somebody paid me for it, sure...

Feather Boas

Daisies

Light Showers Over Nowhere

Rick Waltonsmith

Rick Waltonsmith has been a great client of mine. He is a Saratoga based sculptor artist and I was fortunate enough to photograph his portfolio.

21060 Saratoga Hills Rd., Saratoga, CA 95070

(408) 656-8565

www.waltonsmith-sculpture.com

waltonsmith@comcast.net

Here are his words explaining his art and himself.

"For centuries humans have made sculpture to create powerful symbols for a variety of purposes such as: religion, love, fertility, or beauty.  I use bronze, brass and stainless steel in non-representational shapes, with organic and geometric images to express my feelings.

My sculpture is primarily for outdoor display to enhance architectural sites or augment natural settings.  My belief is that sculpture can invite us into a visual appreciation of our surroundings.  Sculpture should not dominate a setting, or keep us from seeing what is already there.

I do all of my own work in a converted carriage barn in the hills near Saratoga.  I will deliver and install pieces, build pedestals; and will perform any maintenance that may be required over the years." 

"Dancing Sunrise" is a commissioned wall installation he created for CMT, Computer Media Technologies. We prepared a wall size poster to explain the complete process of its creation. It is always interesting to learn how much work is involved.

"Dancing Sunrise" Sculpture Process

We photographed numerous art pieces in the studio and outside where they are meant to be.  

Jackalberry

Boabob

"Waiting In Line" 

55” x 81” x 12”

bronze, stainless steel, brass

"Illarum"

48” x 24” x 24”

bronze, stainless steel, brass

"Ocean Life III"

46” x 35” x 30”

bronze, stainless steel, brass