Foto Motivo

the end

2008-12-29T11:30:00.000-08:00

Well, we started with beginnings and now here we are at the end. This will be the final post in a year of Foto Motivo. I hope you've enjoyed the photographic themes. As Porky Pig says, "That's all folks!"

Christmas

2008-12-22T17:16:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. It seems that the final two months of each year get rolled into a snowball that picks up size and speed as it races to the New Year. Still, I can't help but slow down just enough to get my annual fix of sights, sounds and smells of the season. And, for Christians, it's the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. Wise men still seek Him.

rain

2008-12-15T14:29:00.001-08:00

It doesn't rain a whole lot in Southern California, so when the rain comes, we run and hide our heads.

Technical Difficulties

2008-12-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

Foto Motivo will not appear this week due to technical difficulties. Please visit again next Monday. Thanks!

groups

2008-12-01T15:19:00.003-08:00

Since I've previously posted a "one" theme, it made sense to also post some group images. Look around you and you're most likely to see all kinds of collections, batches, sets, assortments and crowds. Anything grouped together. They're everywhere!

shoes

2008-11-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

Footwear. Sometimes called "kicks" or "treads". Style or comfort? If you're fortunate enough to have shoes that look cool and feel great, then those are the perfect shoes for you. Those Shoes.

flea market

2008-11-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

Flea markets and swap meets bring out a wide variety of not only interesting collectible merchandise, but also very unique people. I could easily spend a day at a flea market just people-watching, without buying a single item. It also amazes me how one person's junk is another person's treasure.

sky

2008-11-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

The sky is fascinating. . .when there's something in it. Especially clouds. The subject even inspired the late Jimi Hendrix to sing, "Excuse me, while I kiss the sky" in the song Purple Haze.

Halloween

2008-11-03T14:28:00.001-08:00

Halloween was this past Friday, but it seemed to linger through the weekend so I decided to share some images that evoke the feel of this crazy holiday. Halloween has a long and bizarre history and the celebrations seem to get more weird every year. But I think that it can be relatively harmless if done in the spirit of good, clean fun rather than with any sort of wicked intentions.

portraits

2008-10-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

A portrait is a representation or portrayal of someone. An interesting portrait will not only draw something out of the subject, but draw the viewer into the image. I've heard countless times over the years as a photographer that the "eyes are the window to the soul". That's nice. Sounds cool. But capturing a person's exterior is hard enough. I don't believe you can photograph someone's soul, even through a "window". An emotion may be drawn out to the surface and the resulting facial expressions and body language will give you a clue as to what might be going on inside, but it's still only the visible outward appearance. Portrait photography is a challenge and also very rewarding emotionally, both to the subject and the photographer. It's so difficult to pick some of my favorites, but here's a few.

landscape

2008-10-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

I'm not really a landscape photographer, but when a scene captures my attention, it's difficult not to try to capture it with my camera. (If you really want to see some incredible landscape images, check out the work of photographer Michael Kenna).

shadows

2008-10-13T14:08:00.001-07:00

A shadow is defined as a patch of shade projected by a body intercepting light. While the written definition may be a little complex, the actual visual of a shadow is simple to identify. As a photographer, I'm constantly dealing with the contrast of highlights and shadows in an image. Today, we'll focus on the shadows.

one

2008-10-06T15:45:00.001-07:00

One is alone, but not necessarily lonely - even though an old song described one as "the loneliest number". I see it more as a state of independence. One stands out, even in a crowd. It's single, but not solitary. It's one.

L.A. County Fair

2008-09-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

The annual L.A. County Fair is an interesting event. There's so much going on that it's mind-boggling. It's a place you can go for food, entertainment, shopping or just plain people-watching that will occupy your mind and senses for hours. The food includes everything from roasted corn-on-the-cob to deep-fried Twinkies. You can buy anything from clothing and jewelry to hot tubs and jet skis. If you enjoy races, there's horses, pigs and wiener dogs racing around various tracks. Never a dull moment.

Come Back Again Next Week

2008-09-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

FotoMotivo is taking today off, but will return next Monday.

breakfast

2008-09-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

Breakfast has been described as "the most important meal of the day". I know it is for me, because I just don't function very well without it. Breakfast for some is a cup of coffee. For others, it's an enormous meal. It's whatever it takes to get your motor running in the morning.

murals

2008-09-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

A mural is defined as something applied to and made integral with a wall or ceiling surface. It's difficult to pass a wall or building in the L.A. area that doesn't have some sort of a mural or advertisement. These are a few of my favorites.

working

2008-09-01T09:24:00.001-07:00

It's Labor Day. So here are images of people working. From top level executives to ditch diggers. We all need an income and there are many ways to go about making a living. The possibilities are endless, but sometimes the options are few.

down by the river

2008-08-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

All of these images were shot along the Deschutes River in Oregon, with my pro camera & lenses and a cell phone camera. The inspiration for posting images created "down by the river" is the Neil Young song by the same title. The character in the song shoots his woman. . .with a gun. I chose a less violent route and just shot the river. No one was injured by my cameras.

produce

2008-08-18T16:23:00.001-07:00

All our lives, we're told to eat our fruit and vegetables. Even the government has guidelines for the number of servings we should eat each day. And the bottom line is, fresh produce is good for us - we know it. So, here's a little photographic salute to just a few of the many good things available for us to eat.

beach scenes

2008-08-11T12:05:00.001-07:00

It's a long, hot summer. And the beach is a big part of summer in Southern California. I love spending time at the beach, regardless of the time of year, because there's always such great subject matter for photography. So here's a double-dose of Foto Motivo images that represent a small sampling of beach scenes encountered along our coast.

angels

2008-08-04T15:12:00.001-07:00

These aren't the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Nor are they the lingerie-clad Victoria's Secret angels (though I would happily devote an entire year's worth of Foto Motivo to photograph those beauties). Instead, these are mostly sculpted and stained glass versions often seen in cemeteries and churches. Are there real angels? Many believe so, and often feel the presence of a "guardian angel" watching over them. The Bible gives this reminder: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without realizing it."

sidenote:
I was surprised that Los Angeles, being the City of Angels, does not have more prominent displays and landmarks of angels. There was a public art installation at various L.A. locations several years ago, but those angels were auctioned off and now mostly reside in private collections.

athletics

2008-07-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

With the 2008 Summer Olympic Games just around the corner, it seems like a good time to post some photographs with an athletic theme. There are so many sports and games we play, that I could fill up the rest of this year's Foto Motivo with nothing but athletic imagery. So here's a few, both current and archived.

the cross

2008-07-21T16:31:00.001-07:00

My title for this post is "the cross", because as a Christian, it's a symbol of the cross that Jesus Christ was crucified on. There's plenty of controversy surrounding religious symbols and where they may be placed. Some people find the cross offensive, which I find hard to believe. But these images were all shot on church property at various locations around Southern California.

benches

2008-07-14T12:22:00.001-07:00

A bench is a place to sit, rest, think, read, talk and share. Benches have that character and quality of a slower pace. The world around you moves and you can observe the busyness and stress of others from an outsider's viewpoint. Benches offer an open invitation to "take a break".

patriotic

2008-07-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

With the passing of the July 4th weekend, I felt it would be appropriate to post some patriotism for the U.S.A. There are many ways to show loyalty to our country, but the most obvious is through the open display of the red, white and blue colors of our flag. God bless America!

windows

2008-06-30T17:23:00.001-07:00

Windows. I'm not talking about computer operating systems. These are real windows. Framed glass. Fixed, hinged or sliding. A window can be the subject itself; or a border to frame the subject. They also allow light into a room. Many photographers and painters choose to work with window light for a more natural alternative to conventional studio lights. You can be on the outside looking in, or on the inside looking out.

bikes & trikes

2008-06-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

I love the simplicity of pedaling a bicycle. No motors, no electricity, no computer. Just leg power. You start off with a tricycle when you're little, move up to a bicycle with training wheels, then take the big jump to the freedom of riding your very own bike. . .with an assist from your mom or dad to give you balance and a push in the right direction.

structures

2008-06-16T16:43:00.001-07:00

I'm drawn to structures that have an abandoned or somewhat mysterious outward appearance. Old & boarded up or new & high tech looking, I like the starkness that certain structures add to the landscape. Like trying to judge a book by its cover, questions arise about what lurks within these facades.

mailboxes

2008-06-09T11:21:00.001-07:00

When you're a child and you receive mail, it's a pretty exciting thing. As you get older, mail becomes more of a nuisance. There's such a bombardment of it - mostly solicitations and bills. But you can receive mail in style just by adding your own personal touch to your mailbox. There are so many varieties, from plain to creative, though a lot of them are really just the traditional metal box. . .with a makeover.

vehicles

2008-06-02T15:26:00.001-07:00

In a car culture like Southern California, you never know what type of vehicle will cross your path. From basic scooters to exotic sports cars, there's enough variety to keep everyone interested. For today's theme, I chose to concentrate on the somewhat funky and unique aspect of our modes of transportation. Vehicles you may not see on a daily basis. But they're out there. . .

cemeteries

2008-05-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

I'm kind of fascinated by cemeteries. They're interesting places. Maybe because they represent the unknown. There are different beliefs about what happens to you when you die. I believe that the soul moves on to another place, depending on where you put your faith while you're alive. So what remains in the grave is really just the "shell" of the person who inhabited that body. The life is gone. But cemeteries give us a connection to those who have passed away. We can visit their graves and remember their lives. . .the only visible evidence being a tombstone, or some kind of marker, to let us know who's buried there. On this Memorial Day, we can reflect on family, friends or even enemies who have left this life forever. Gone but not forgotten.

time

2008-05-19T22:58:00.000-07:00

Time is defined as indefinite continued progress of existence. It marches on and stops for no one. It's marked by watches, clocks, calendars and other timepieces that measure it. A photograph captures a moment in time and allows us to look back into the past. But in reality, that moment was like a vapor, here and gone. It slips away like the sand through an hourglass. When we're young, time moves slowly. As we get older, time goes by much too quickly. . .and there's just not enough of it.

doors

2008-05-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

Doors are made in many different shapes, sizes and colors and from various materials. They serve as both entrances and exits, depending on whether you're coming or going. A famous L.A. band was even named The Doors.

gas stations

2008-05-05T11:18:00.001-07:00

I remember when I was a young boy, going to my grandparent's home in Los Angeles. There was a gas station just around the corner and my parents would often pull in there to fill up the tank. Gas was $0.25 a gallon. It was the late 1960s. Today, gas is roughly $4 a gallon. Gas stations are no longer "service stations", where an attendant would pump the gas for you, check the air in the tires and clean the windshield. All with a smile. There are still a few of the old style stations standing, even if the antique gas pumps no longer work. Unfortunately, the newer stations just don't have the same character. But as long as we continue to drive gas-powered vehicles, there will be gas stations. Even in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium.

signs

2008-04-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

Signs communicate messages. Some are observed. Others are ignored. But we can't help but notice them. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors and materials. And they are usually strategically placed for maximum exposure. A sign may help direct us to a location. Or warn us of potential danger. Whether with words or images, signs are everywhere.

running

2008-04-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

I'm not really a runner. I mean, if it's part of a game or sport or other activity, I'll run without thinking about it. But to run just for the sake of running - for exercise - is better left to those with a passion for it. Many years ago, I decided to start running. I got up early and wrote "First Day of Running" on my calendar. Out the door I ran. Up and down hills. Across many streets. In and around neighborhoods. A few miles later, as I arrived home after a grueling run, I ran straight for my calendar and wrote "Last Day of Running." And it was. But I do appreciate the effort runners put in to stay motivated and to keep-on-keeping-on. Whether you're young or old, if you run for work or sport or just for fun, here's a photographic tribute to you.

gates

2008-04-14T14:46:00.001-07:00

Access. That's what gates provide. Whether it's as an entrance or exit, a gate will allow you to pass through a barrier. There are simple picket fence or chain-link gates and elaborate custom designs that might intimidate potential intruders with an implied "keep out" message. It's usually easy enough to lift a latch or turn a knob on the gate for passage. But if the gate's locked, access is denied.

stairways

2008-04-07T11:06:00.001-07:00

Stairways are designed and built to get you from point A to point B by going up or down a set of stairs. Wood, metal, concrete, marble, stone or other materials may be used to support your journey. It's not the fast and smooth transition of an elevator or escalator. There's a bit more of a workout involved. Some physical exertion. Maybe a little sweat. There's no piped-in music. More often, it's only the creaking of steps beneath your feet, the thumping of your heart and the sound of your own breath as you push or propel your way along to your destination.

laundromats

2008-03-31T12:35:00.001-07:00

I don't know anyone who actually likes doing laundry. The convenience of having a washer and dryer in your home does not make the chore any more enjoyable. If you're in an apartment complex and have to drag your laundry up and down stairs to a cramped space with coin operated machines, I'm sure the task is not pleasant. But for those of you who are routinely burdened with the time and effort involved in doing laundry at a local laundromat, you get both my sympathy and praise for your extended labor in pursuit of clean clothes.

flowers

2008-03-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

Flowers are such interesting creatures. They bloom into beautiful pieces of natural art, but then are cut away to be viewed momentarily before they wither away and die. Even in their dried up state, they still manage to look pretty cool.

school days

2008-03-17T16:27:00.001-07:00

School. Education is such a large part of our lives. Between kindergarten and senior year of high school, easily one-third of each day is spent in classrooms and studying. And it doesn't stop there for those who continue on to college. So many memories, but how much learning do you actually recall? Most of our school day memories are probably comprised of moments. Those moments in time that sort of blur together over the years and become more faint as we grow older. Hopefully, these images will bring to mind some of your school days.

lifeguard stations

2008-03-10T16:43:00.000-07:00

There's something about the simplicity and solitude of unmanned lifeguard stations that appeals to me. They are unique structures that blend in to their territories perfectly and almost beg to be unobtrusive. I've never been a lifeguard. But I appreciate the responsibility attached to those hired to sit and keep watch from these lonely perches.

barbershops

2008-03-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

What is it about barbershops that enticed me back as a customer after a long hiatus at one of the big, franchised, unisex haircut factories? Is it the unmistakable scents of talc and Bay Rum after shave? Or the character and craftsmanship of the antique barber chairs? Maybe the mesmerizing swirl of the barber pole at the shop's entrance? There's definitely something unique and masculine about getting a good old-fashioned haircut at a real barbershop. The images shown here are part of a photo project I started about 10 years ago, and I decided it's time to share some of them. I wanted the photographs to have a vintage feel, so they've been produced with an old sepia-toned retro flavor.

alleys

2008-02-25T15:18:00.000-08:00

Alleys are really just passageways, usually between or behind buildings. But they conjure up images of the seedy underside of society and cinematic film noir. Poor illumination at night hides illegal activity in the darkness. The light of day only manages to provide a temporary facade of a safe passage through one of these God-forsaken lanes.

textures

2008-02-18T11:03:00.000-08:00

Can you feel it?

palm trees

2008-02-11T20:30:00.000-08:00

Palm trees are such a predominant visual throughout the landscape of Southern California that they've become synonymous with this region. But they are not local natives. They were actually imported to the area over 100 years ago from various Latin America countries and other exotic locations.

coffee

2008-02-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

I never drank coffee until a couple of years ago when my wife brought home a flavored drink from Starbucks and asked me to "just try it." After reminding her that I don't like drinking hot liquid, I gave in to her request. I had to admit that it was pretty good. Now I have about a half-a-cup with my morning breakfast, from freshly ground coffee beans, put through the coffee maker I bought for my wife after realizing how much she spent every month on daily lattes. The scent of roasted coffee beans and the flavor of good coffee has caught up with me after all these years. A cup of coffee is a universal wake-up call; a simple excuse for a casual meeting; and a nice way for a couple to spend some time together.

barricades

2008-01-28T10:01:00.000-08:00

There are so many barriers that divide us from each other, keeping our property protected and our lives separated. The images here show a few obvious physical barricades, but there are others that are invisible because they are manufactured and stored in our own minds. If I could photograph those mindscapes, what would they look like?

piers

2008-01-21T14:49:00.000-08:00

These photographs are from a project I worked on over a period of a couple of years to document the piers along the coast of California.

games

2008-01-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

Though many of the games played today are electronic, I chose to focus on a few games that do not have to be plugged in.

beginnings

2008-01-07T15:03:00.002-08:00

I figured the best place to start on this new series of images is at the beginning.