Living creatures have a tendency to, well, move. So it's always exciting when one of those little guys sits still long enough for me to fumble through my settings and focus to grab a shot.

Just the two pink pretties in a garden of colors. Sisters from twin bulbs. They bob and sway, this that and that way, to the Reds, the Whites and the Sun.

A most favorite of mine. Poppy's, in all colors, shapes, and sizes.

Only nature could compose such a palate. We would be fools not to mimic. I don't think this poor .jpg/screenshot can handle all that is this Red

Today was a day of transferring from train to train.

I tried to take some photos, but with that much locomotion, I was not feeling too well.  The views were .... jaw dropping - my timing was always just a split second off. (I was on a train moving very very fast after all).

Shonandai station > to > Machida station > to > Hachiouji station > then the shinkansen to Yamanashishi, and finally a taxi up to the Fruits Park Hotel {english}, which is a hotel the sole purpose of which is to host weddings.  The landscape is lovely, the rooms are comfortable, but if you don't have a car, then the town is just far enough away where you are a bit stranded, and there are no eateries on the premises beyond the four restaurants provided by the hotel.  Now, these restaurants require prior reservations to attend.  So if you have not made a reservation, they aren't just a place you can walk into and get food - not that you would want to just 'walk' in and get food given the prices for the meals.

But I'm being a grouch.  It is a wedding resort after all.  And if there are few things in this world that people will spend far too much on, weddings are definitely at the top of the list.

Hungry.
Foggy.  Got rained on.  But we explored the grounds a bit and I got some nice shots.

Temples:  Hasedera.  Walked by the Daibutsu (Large Buddha).  Ate steamed bun with the most delicious meatball filling. Took a hiking trail and ended up on the side of town with no sidewalks, too many cars and no hiking trail.  After meandering in the direction of a more residential looking area, we climbed some more steps and found our trail again - you know you got it right when you see hoards of tourists. Kuzuharaoka Temple, and next to that was the Tomb of Hino Toshimoto.  Statue of Minamoto Yoritomo.  Walked down from the hill towards the main road in Kamakura and saw a beautiful Jufukuji Temple, and just as a group of monks were leaving the premises.  Down this road, there seemed to be a very old looking temple or shrine almost every few houses.  One of the larger ones we stored at was  Tatsumijinja, and across the street from that was an even older one with Inu guardians at it's front.
Lots of walking.  Lots of stairs.  Lots of signs at eateries that serve spaghetti, hotdogs and pizza.  :P
Great day.  Totally pooped.  (photos pending)

Nov. 2, and we managed to make it to the island from where we are staying in Shonandai.
Full of touristy goodness - and seafood - we climbed the steps, up and down, that define the island's interior network of paths.
Lots of pics!, but I did hold back.  The light was just, not quite right most of the day.
Finished a roll of film though, and now I'm worried I may have not bought enough.

Enoshima Island is one of my favorite places to visit - and not solely because stair master is built in - but because the place is peaceful and full of life... cats, hawks, spiders, squawky baby birds, butterflies, monks, old ladies on group trips, young girls on heels and lots and lots and lots of stairs.

Half Moon Bay:  Not only have I discovered an actual town, nestled quite expertly away from the view off of highway 1.
Quite the quaint town, quite delicious food and drinks.  We partook of the hospitality of Pasta Moon.

Eric was rather fortunate with the timing of the shots.  Morning along the coastline was fabulous - 10 min after we wrapped, the fog came in.
Wine bar shot was my favorite.  Sneaking some delicious parfait from the Ritz's breakfast table was my second favorite. (with permission of course, but I acted with stealth)
Changed our shot at Pigeon Point Lighthouse because we were in the thick of it, but still managed to get nice shots.  We only lamented the lack of a blue sky.  Oh, and I got to meet Enzo, a whippet dog - adorable.
Next was lunch art out next location, Alena Jean Flower Shop & Nursery.  GORgeous selection of potted flowers, air plants, and back yard.  As well as a sweet sweety cockatoo that let me give him scratchies and sang for me.
After a little time in the garden we returned back to the hotel for the two last shots.  Both went smoothly and quickly.
All in all - 6 shots, 6 locations, all in one day.  :)  Man, I'm beat..

And there is still packing tonight for my flight to Japan Monday morning.

LIVING IT!

http://popphoto.wordpress.com/2011/06/08/jasonmadara/

We're meeting this morning at the illustrious Kelly Burgoyne's studio in Pleasant Hill, CA, to shoot a second installment with Sunmaid.

Delicious pastries abound, I'm quite prepared for some amazing samplings prepared by Rosemary Marks.

{details forthcoming}