Photographer | Moore Images Photography

It’s been nearly a year since my last post. I didn’t want to write about the same topic after a nearly a year sabbatical. Yet, my photographic excursions have been either of waterfalls or cherry blossoms.

I’ve taken plenty of images with the Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument and other types of photos. This year I challenged myself to incorporate the MLK Memorial into the cherry blossom photos. This image is the result of that labor and creativity.

Last year my good friend and fellow photog, Abu, and I traveled to Bushkill Falls to photograph the ‘Niagara of Pennsylvania’. I always find it interesting when a place takes the name of another to represent itself. When I traveled to Bruges in Belgium, they called it the ‘Venice of the North’, a name actually given to several cities in Europe. Such a moniker only entices one to visit the city by which those places are named. So, I made it my business to visit Venice, Italy later that year. A year after visiting PA’s version of Niagara Falls, I went to Niagara Falls in Canada.

The first weekend in May was a good time to visit. Throngs of summertime visitors haven’t arrived. Temperature high’s in the 50’s fail to melt all the snow. Favorite attractions such as “Maid of the Mist” boat ride that takes passengers to the bottom of the falls are not in operation due to the snow and ice still prevalent.

I visited an attraction called, “Journey Behind the Falls”. Underground tunnels lead visitors to the edge of the falls. As you walk through the tunnel, the sound of rushing water get louder. As you approach the tunnel opening, the sound becomes a thunderous roar. It is surreal to stand only feet away from such power and force of the falls.

Another tunnel leads viewers to the edge of the falls. Located near the bottom, viewers get an up close view of the water with the midst spraying the onlookers. The snow and ice on the ground would take some time to melt.

As beautiful as the falls are during the day, photographing them at night is more rewarding. A number of spotlights illuminate the falls. With the midst at night and a slow shutter speed, I captured a dreamy photo of this landmark.

There are two separate falls. The smaller one viewed from the Canadian side has Niagara Falls, NY in the background.

Capturing the Falls is an amazing experience. No matter how many times I photographed them, I’d find a new angle or condition that I wanted to capture. I’m pleased with my results and I look forward to writing about something else other than Cherry Blossoms or Water Falls. Stay tuned and stay focused.

-Roger

The rollin hills seem to do something for you
It seems there meant to be looked on by you
And when the sunshine is doing it’s thing
Then you know that all you see is true
Every day every night the same old groovy feelin
People that live a lot love a lot
And everything there is so good

Look at California
Look at California
“Look at California” – Maze

I visited San Francisco nearly twelve years ago when I went to Oakland for a business trip. I stayed with my uncle for a day and he drove me around the city. I saw more in that evening (Chinatown, Pier39, Financial District, Twin Peaks, etc.) than most people see in several days. We capped the evening at a great seafood restaurant. I regretted not staying longer and vowed to return soon. At the time, he was a single guy in his 40’s. Twelve years later Jordyn and I visited him. He’s now married to Maria with three young boys (five year-old Kairo and two-year-old twins Taj & Mahal).

Jordyn, Aunt Maria, & Uncle Ricky with Taj & Mahal

After a day of traveling, my uncle, Allen (my uncle’s friend), and I headed to the Golden Gate Bridge and some other locations to grab some photos. We parked near the GG Visitors Center and began walking towards the bridge’s first tower. The ground underneath quickly disappeared and we were hundreds of feet in the air. This is when I had to confront a glaring reality. I have a fear of heights!! Underneath this bridge the frigid bay waters create waves crashing violently into rocks and there are people surfing in this water. WHAT THE…??? Also, if cold water with rocks jutting out doesn’t bother you, there are sharks in the bay as well.

Despite all that, once the fog begins to clear, you get a spectacular shot of the GGB.

Golden Gate Bridge from a Fort Point overlook

I created a list of photographic spots and the Palace of Fine Arts was priority. It’s a replica of the ancient ruins. Although, I didn’t get to shoot it at night, it’s still a beautiful landmark.

We spent the remainder of the day meeting Uncle Ricky’s friends and meeting his fellow Cape Verdeans. One of his friends lives in Napa Valley. Spectacular view of the various vineyards along the highway made it irresistible to pass. He pulled over so I could grab this close-up. I learned wine grapes are smaller and more bitter than the ones we eat. The larger table grapes we eat contain too much sugar for wine.

After a weekend of hanging with friends and family, Jordyn and I headed to the amusement park, Great America in Santa Clara.

I took her to the GG Bridge so she could see it as well. She was less than impressed but she waited patiently for me to grab all my shots. We headed to the top of Marin Headlines for a panoramic view of the city. One could spend an entire day photographing this bridge. There are several overlooks on both ends of the bridge. The best images are on the south side during sunrise and the north side during sunset.

Tuesday was ur last full day in the city. I suggested we visit various spots. I wanted to see the painted ladies.

The Painted Ladies with the San Francisco Skyline

On our way, we went to Twin Peaks for another beautiful view of the city.

Lastly, we visited the popular Pier 39/Fisher’s Wharf area. It’s crowded with tourists watching the sea lions and shopping at the various stores. However, we happened to see Dr. Cornel West and we grabbed a photo with him.

J and I visited the Exploritorium based on our uncle’s recommendation. She actually enjoyed herself and we concluded the day spending time with our family before the next day’s departure.

Jordyn, Dr. Cornel West, and I on the Pier

My uncle and I can give each other a hard time when we’re together. However, he’s the most brilliant individual I know. He’s a professor and former Chair at San Francisco State University’s Design and Industry Department. He possess a wealth of knowledge and experience. I grew up idolizing him because he traveled the world and he always sent us postcards from each location. From his example, I learned I could go anywhere and be anything. He lived in Kenya, Paris and other locations before setting up residency in San Francisco. His experiences gives him a unique perspective on various topics regarding society and the issues facing Black America. He was my role model and I developed my passion for travel because of him.

He’s NOT a photographer but, his eye for art and design compels him to offer many unsolicited suggestions on how I should take a picture :-). With that said, I greatly appreciate my Cali family sharing their home with Jordyn and I.

I created a photo album during my trip. However, I left too early and I still have many places, people, and things to photograph in Cali. I had to remember I was there to show my daughter the West Coast and spend time with family. This was not a photographic safari. Therefore, I look forward to my return to the “Rollin’ Hills” of California.

-Roger

Category: Photographer

Journey within Niagara

Look at California