Photo of the Day

Egypt Photo of the Day

Photo of the Valley of the Kings

While we were in Luxor, we spent an afternoon visiting the Valley of the Kings, site of the tombs of the New Kingdom pharoahs from the 16th to 11th centuries BC, including the most famous one of all, that of Tutankhamun. The valley itself is quite stark and barren, with…

adminMay 18, 2007

Hawaii Photo of the Day

Molokai Reflections

For those winters I worked with Dan Salden and his whale research team in Maui, I stayed with my friend Skip at his surf pad, a quiet condo just yards from the water on Honokeana Cove, in Napili, not far from Kapalua. Most mornings before we drove into town to…

adminMay 17, 2007

Egypt Photo of the Day

Photo of Karnak Temple

The Karnak Temple complex is part of the necropolis of ancient Thebes, across the Nile River from what is now Luxor, Egypt. Built over a period of 1300 years, Karnak is actually a group of ancient temples and buildings, the assemblage of which is the largest example of a single-location…

adminMay 16, 2007

Hawaii Photo of the Day

Photo of the West Maui Mountains

We spent a good part of seven winters working with Dan Salden, studying humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the basin and channels between Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe islands, occasionally visiting the weather side of Lanai or the rugged, waterfall-laden backside of Molokai. Each morning we would set out from…

adminMay 15, 2007

Photo of the Day

Underwater Photos of Roatan, Honduras

Some years ago I spent two weeks diving on the Honduran island of Roatan with some friends, checking out the corals and walls and just relaxing. The diving was pretty tame, with not much going on underwater. The place was nice for Caribbean corals, with lots of healthy displays of…

adminMay 14, 2007

Egypt Photo of the Day

Photo of the Mosque of Ibn Tulun

The Mosque of Ibn Tulun was built in 879 by Ahmad ibn Tulun who, though born the son of a Turkish slave, rose to become the independent governor of Egypt and whose family continued to rule until 905. The mosque bears design elements of his childhood home of Samarra. Unusual…

adminMay 13, 2007

Egypt Photo of the Day

Photo of the Hand of Ozymandias

The classic sonnet "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley has within it two stark ironies. Can you discern them both? I met a traveller from an antique land Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert. Near them on the sand, Half sunk, a shatter'd visage…

adminMay 12, 2007

Egypt Photo of the Day

Photos of the Great Hypostyle Hall, Karnak, Egypt

The Great Hypostyle Hall of Columns, in the Temple of Amun at the Karnak Temple Complex in ancient Thebes (modern-day Luxor), is one of the most spectacular settings in all of Egypt. Covering an area large enough to contain all of Notre Dame Cathedral, hundreds of enormous columns tower above…

adminMay 11, 2007

Egypt Photo of the Day

Photo of The Citadel, Cairo, Egypt

The Citadel, also referred to as the Saladin Citadel or Mohamed Ali Citadel, is one of the principal attractions of Cairo, Egypt. Originally built by Saladin in the late 1100's for protection against invading Crusaders, the Citadel is located on a spur of limestone that is now detached from its…

adminMay 10, 2007

California Morro Bay Photo of the Day

Photo of Morro Rock, Morro Bay

Morro Rock, also known as the Gibralter of the Pacific, is an extinct volcanic peak rising 576' above the ocean on the north side of Morro Bay, California. It was first charted by Juan Cabrillo in 1542. It is now a protected home for the endangered peregrine falcon. Morro Rock…

adminMay 9, 2007

California La Jolla Photo of the Day Sea Lion Wildlife

Photos of Sea Lions in La Jolla

La Jolla is well known for its population of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi), but it boasts California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) as well. When the movable feast of market squid (Loligo opalescens) arrives to lay its carpets of eggs on the edge of the undersea La Jolla Canyon, California…

adminMay 8, 2007

California Photo of the Day Wildlife

Bad Hair Day

This double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is displaying typical winter mating plumage. Sweet do. Double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), mating plumage.Image ID: 18549Species: Double-crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritusLocation: La Jolla, California, USA

adminMay 7, 2007

Photo of the Day

Photo of Bixby Bridge, Big Sur, California

Bixby Bridge is perhaps Big Sur's most recognizable manmade landmark. It crosses Bixby Canyon where Bixby Creek exits the Santa Lucia Mountains and empties into the Pacific Ocean. Built as part of the massive Coast Highway public works project of the Great Depression, Bixby Bridge was completed in 1932 with…

adminMay 1, 2007

California Photo of the Day San Diego

San Diego Crew Classic 2007

Spent a few hours this morning -- a beautiful April morning once the fog burned off -- riding my bike around Mission Bay, watching the main races of this year's San Diego Crew Classic. Good to see my alma mater UCSD win the Cal Cup, those guys have brawn to…

adminApril 1, 2007

Photo of the Day

Sea Turtle Tattoo

I've had a dozen or so requests over the years to use my photos as source material for a tattoo, but only recently was the recipient of the tattoo kind enough to send me some snaps of what it looked like. Its pretty cool. I think one of the shots…

adminMarch 28, 2007

California La Jolla Photo of the Day Wildlife

Photos of Cormorants in Flight

Cormorants (Phalacrocorax sp.) flying low over the ocean, speeding offshore before sunrise to forage for food before returning to rest on cliffs later in the day. La Jolla. Double-crested cormorants in flight at sunrise, long exposure produces a blurred motion.Image ID: 15280Species: Double-crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritusLocation: La Jolla, California, USA…

adminFebruary 16, 2007

California Photo of the Day Wildlife

Sunrise Seagull

A Western gull (Larus occidentalis) in pink predawn light, 30 minutes before sunrise, La Jolla. Western gull, early morning pink sky.Image ID: 18394Species: Western gull, Larus occidentalisLocation: La Jolla, California, USA

adminFebruary 15, 2007

Hawaii Humpback Whale Photo of the Day Wildlife

Photo of a Humpback Whale Singing

A humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) singing, Hawaii. This was shot under research permit as part of the research activities of the Hawaii Whale Research Foundation. It is virtually certain that only male humpback whales sing since genetic sampling of singers has never revealed a female. This one was hanging motionless…

adminFebruary 11, 2007

California Ocean Sunfish Photo of the Day San Diego Wildlife

Photo of a Mola Mola and Diver

Here's my friend Mike Johnson photographing a large ocean sunfish (Mola mola) offshore of San Diego. Ocean sunfish and freediving photographer, open ocean.Image ID: 03491Species: Ocean sunfish, Mola molaLocation: San Diego, California, USA More ocean sunfish photos.

adminJanuary 31, 2007

Photo of the Day

Merry Christmas

adminDecember 24, 2006

Photo of the Day

Bubble Ring Photo

I had a request this morning for a bubble ring photo. Bubble rings are cool. Dolphins are the best at making them (seriously), having had eons to hone their skills. However, if you are a blowhard and willing to spend some time upsidedown underwater learning this amazing skill, you too…

adminDecember 22, 2006

Photo of the Day

Photographer and Aspens

This guy was shooting a large format film rig in the same patch of turning aspens (Populus tremuloides) I was in, near North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon, California in September: A photographer is surrounded by changing aspen trees, turning fall colors, near North Lake in the Eastern Sierra, Bishop Creek…

adminNovember 15, 2006

Photo of the Day

Photo of Aspens and Cardinal Pond, Aspendell

Aspendell, in the Bishop Creek Canyon, cradles tiny Cardinal Pond. Cardinal Pond is well protected from wind, so its mirror-like surface reflects the turning aspen trees that surround it beautifully. Aspen trees reflected in Cardinal Pond, Aspendel, Bishop Creek Canyon.Image ID: 17504Species: Aspen, Populus tremuloidesLocation: Bishop Creek Canyon, Sierra Nevada…

adminOctober 11, 2006

Alaska Brown Bear Katmai National Parks Photo of the Day Wildlife

Brooks Camp, Katmai National Park, Alaska

Some Thoughts on Visiting Brooks Camp, Katmai National Park, Alaska to See Coastal Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) Coastal brown bear (Ursus arctos), near the bridge, Brooks Camp, Katmai National Park, Alaska Brooks Camp is located in the heart of Katmai National Park, Alaska. Long famous for its world-class fishing, spectacular…

adminOctober 10, 2006

Photo of the Day

Photo of North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon

North Lake lies at the end of the road in the North Fork of Bishop Creek Canyon. This photo was taken around 8 in the morning, just as the sun illuminated the entire far side of the lake and moments before the wind kicked up and ruined the mirror reflection.…

adminOctober 7, 2006

Photo of the Day

Photo of Aspen Trees in Fall

These changing aspen trees (Populus tremuloides) were seen in Bishop Creek Canyon. Aspen trees turn yellow and orange in early October, South Fork of Bishop Creek Canyon.Image ID: 17503Species: Aspen, Populus tremuloidesLocation: Bishop Creek Canyon, Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA Aspen trees display Eastern Sierra fall colors, Lake Sabrina, Bishop…

adminOctober 6, 2006

Photo of the Day

Fall Colors, South Fork of Bishop Creek Canyon

The south fork of the Bishop Creek Canyon holds vast, thick groves of aspen trees (Populus tremuloides). Since aspen groves are clones, they all leaf out together in spring. In fall they change color simultaneously, resulting in fantastic expanses of canyonsides covered in rich hues of yellow and orange, as…

adminOctober 5, 2006

Photo of the Day

Fall Colors in Bishop Creek Canyon

I found incredible displays of turning aspens along this dirt road near North Lake in the Bishop Creek Canyon photos. I was stoked to find that I had this road largely to myself for several hours one morning, under bright sun, blue skies and brilliant trees, before two photography workshop…

adminOctober 4, 2006

Photo of the Day

Photo of Aspens in Bishop Creek Canyon

The small community of Aspendell is tucked in the Bishop Creek Canyon near the road to Lake Sabrina. The canyonsides around Aspendell are carpeted in groves of quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides) which glow yellow and orange in autumn. This is a view from the road just above Aspendell, looking toward…

adminOctober 3, 2006

Photo of the Day

Photo of Aspens Reflected in Lake Sabrina

Lake Sabrina in the Bishop Creek Canyon is surrounded by groves of quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides), which are nicely reflected in the lake in the early morning before any breezes has arisen. Aspen trees display Eastern Sierra fall colors, Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek Canyon.Image ID: 17497Species: Aspen, Populus tremuloidesLocation: Bishop…

adminOctober 2, 2006

Photo of the Day

Moon Photo

Two teleconverters (2x and 1.4x) stacked on a 500mm f/4, yielding an effective 1400mm f/11 megalens, with a Canon 1Ds Mark II body, and a moon just starting to wane: The Moon.Image ID: 17474Location: Earth Orbit, Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy, The Universe

adminSeptember 10, 2006

Photo of the Day

Bobcat Photos

I recently had a chance to gather a few more bobcat photos in Mariposa, in the Sierra foothills near Yosemite. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are found throughout North America from southern Canada to southern Mexico. In the United States population densities are much higher in the southeastern region than in the…

adminMay 4, 2006

Photo of the Day

Cougar Photos

Recently I had an opportunity to photograph cougars (Puma concolor) in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada, near Mariposa. Note: these are captive animals, not wild. Here are a few of the images: Mountain lion, Sierra Nevada foothills, Mariposa, California.Image ID: 15791Species: Mountain lion, Puma concolor Mountain lion, Sierra…

adminMay 2, 2006

Photo of the Day

Northern Fur Seal Photos

Some years ago I had the good fortune to swim with and photograph a group of Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) at San Miguel Island, the northernmost of the Channel Islands offshore of central California. I was there on a multi day tank diving trip. Blessed with fantastic weather, we…

adminApril 16, 2006

Photo of the Day

Double Crested Cormorant Photos

These double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) were photographed on the La Jolla cliffs. The double-crested cormorant ranges from Alaska to Nova Scotia south into Mexico -- most of North America -- wintering on both coasts. It swims underwater quite well, diving for fish and invertebrates up to 100' deep (personal observation).…

adminApril 10, 2006

Photo of the Day

Photo of a Wood Duck, Aix Sponsa

The wood duck (Aix sponsa) inhabits lakes, swamps and streams throughout much of North America. Curiously, it is one of just a few duck species in North America that nests in trees. The male wood duck has a bright plumage pattern including rich green, white, brown and red colors, while…

adminApril 3, 2006

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Moon

Testing out some gear, got a nice snap of the full moon:

adminFebruary 13, 2006

Photo of the Day

Mountain Lion Photos

Recently we had a chance to photograph mountain lions in the red rocks of southern Utah. Here are a few images: Mountain lion leaping.Image ID: 12283Species: Mountain lion, Puma concolor Mountain lion.Image ID: 12304Species: Mountain lion, Puma concolor Mountain lion.Image ID: 12313Species: Mountain lion, Puma concolor Mountain lion.Image ID: 12334Species:…

adminMay 3, 2005

Photo of the Day

Arabian Gulf or Persian Gulf?

It appears my humble website has caught the eye of people who are concerned with the historical and modern naming of the Persian Gulf, also known as the Arabian Gulf. Certain political interests would like to see the body of water bordering Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates,…

adminMarch 1, 2005

Photo of the Day

The Tribute Penny

Among collectors of ancient coins, the Tribute Penny has great appeal, especially to Christians. You may recall from your study of the Bible that Matthew 22:17-22, Mark 12:15-17 and Luke 20:22-26 all describe Jesus commenting on a denarius, a coin that we would refer to today as a "penny". Tell…

adminFebruary 5, 2005

Recent Posts

Categories

Archives