Homecoming

Having taken several thousand photos since first getting my camera and feeling more confident in my photography abilities, I thought i'd take a more narrative approach to this blog to tell a story behind some of the photos to make my subjects have more meaning.

I also wanted to talk about some of the creative approaches and reasoning behind what I've shot. I find that talking myself through the process of photography will help me understand later on what I knew as a beginner. It's kind of like that homework assignment you got in the 6th grade where your teacher made you write a letter to yourself talking about your dreams and who you were. 10 years later, upon opening that long-forgotten letter, you are probably embarrassed to see what you've written but at the same time have a glimpse into memories that  may have vanished from your consciousness from years of alcohol addled adulthood.

Cindy
f/5.6
1/8 sec.
ISO 800
55 mm

Upon first walking into my California home, I was greeted by this lovely 12 year old Amazon Parrot. Her name is Cindy. You can imagine my surprise as she squawked, "안녕!" So I gave her an "안녕!" right back. Not only has my mom has apparently been teaching this ornithological wonder how to properly greet someone in Korean, but Cindy can sing "아리랑" as well. However, it's not very pleasant.

More pictures after the jump!

Purple Daisies
f/5
1/100 sec.
ISO 100
32 mm

Spring is here! I haven't experienced spring in California in over 3 years and I don't remember how lovely and vibrant the colors could actually be. I suppose I've always felt California's perpetual Summer lent itself to be easily taken for granted. It's often a good idea to stop and smell the roses. So to speak.

Walt Disney Concert Hall
f/8
6 sec.
ISO 100
22 mm

Unfortunately, my photography skills cannot do this amazing piece of architecture justice. The view of this building from across the street is is simply astounding. Maybe only further enhanced by the sound of a coughing and wheezing homeless man sleeping on a bench. 

However, I was pleased with the way the lights on the passing cars only went halfway through the street, an effect I was actually aiming to achieve. I feel that it gives the scene a slight sense of drama and movement without taking away from the elegance of the building in the background.

Downtown LA Lofts
f/1.8
1/20 sec.
ISO 800
35 mm

You can imagine my surprise upon seeing such beautiful homes in downtown LA when 3 years ago, the same neighborhood was a sordid sight where anyone valuing their possessions or well-being would likely avoid. This proverbial renaissance makes it a figurative heaven for photographers. Just beware the loud yet trendy drunks that may stumble across your way.

Breakfast 24 hours
f/1.8
1/60 sec.
ISO 800
35 mm

Our night concluded with dinner at Wurstkuche. With much regret did I not bring my camera with me inside the restaurant for fear of drunken sausage devourers overcame me--the wellbeing of my camera at stake. But I suppose if I wanted to be able to take better photos I ought to overcome my fears. C'est la vie.

Let me conclude by quoting something that I read somewhere someplace on the internets that makes a poignant statement.

"It's easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission"

-Anonymous