Phoenix Zoo

A little more than six months ago the wife and I helped move our son to Arizona for a job opportunity he had.  I have to say we both had our doubts on if it would last, but I believe as a parent you need to support your kids and their decisions and grow based on their choices, weather good or bad.

Needless to say things didn't work out and it was now time to help move him back to California, so this past week the wife and I took a road trip to Tempe Arizona to help move him back, but before we started packing things up we decided to take a day and visit the Phoenix Zoo.

The Phoenix Zoo was actually a nice zoo and we all enjoyed it a lot, even with all the walking it was a nice visit.  Well when I go on trip I do not leave my gear at home, which means I brought my 300 f/2.8 with me and brought it during out visit to the zoo.

All of the below shots were taken with my 7d mark II and 300 f/2.8L.

Prairie dog

The one above and below are of the Burrowing Owl

Throughout the zoo there were these cactus that were being used by various birds for nesting.  I was able to capture this bird flying out of one of the nests.

Catus

For me personally there is nothing better than the big cats at the zoo and the Phoenix Zoo did not disappoint.  I was able to get some great shots of the very majestic Lions.

Going hand in hand with the Lions are the Tigers and again, he did not disappoint.  The area he was housed was a nice setup with a rather large tree in the middle of it.  Well while watching this Tiger make his rounds he came to the tree at one point and simply jump up and climbed it.  I know Tigers are capable to climbing trees, but that is a sight I've never seen and thought it was pretty cool, but he didn't stop there.  He continued through the tree to the upper branches and came to an opening about 15-20' away from the fence enclosure while looking at all the people enjoying this sight.  At one point he took a good long hard look at me (below shot), which I have to say was rather scary and cool all at the same time.

 

My daughter didn't come on this trip, so above you see two of the three most favorite people in my life.  Thanks for sharing this day with me.

Edwards and Emma's Newborn Portrais

This post is late, well not too late, but late none the less.  Recently I had the opportunity to take some newborn portraits and because I'm always up for a challenge it was twin newborns.  That's right you've read that correctly, the sports guy took some newborn portraits.  Considering where my expertise lies, which is sports of course, I think I rocked this shoot, but I can't take all the credit as I had a good photographer friend of mine come down who helped a lot, especially with the posing.  If your ever in need of a senior or newborn photographer then I highly recommend her "Shelly Rosen Photography"

This shoot started at about 10:30 and we left the residence at about 2:00, but it didn't seem long.  Things went very smooth considering there were two little ones to work with.

As I said I'm very pleased with the shots, so take a look and feel free to leave a comment on your thoughts.

Enjoy

Bolsa Chica Wetlands

Was able to take a much deserved walkabout to the wetlands and it was a great evening to be out.  The weather was perfect with just enough wildlife out to keep me active in shooting.

Its always a great walkabout when I leave with several different great shots of the wetlands wildlife as you'll see in the shots below.  To put icing on the cake - so to speak - it was the perfect type of sunset allowing me to great some great silhouettes with my 300 f/2.8L, which always makes it special.

Lets start with this grand guy - the brown Pelican

 

The Terns have been somewhat quite this year, but this evening they were out and more active, so I was able to get a couple of nice shots of them.

 

This time of the year always brings out the spider, which I can really do without, but I do have to take the opportunity for some pictures.  Again this spider was taken with my 300 f/2.8L

 

It's always a special honor and pleasure when I'm able to get some shots of one of the Osprey in the area.  This guy was resting in a tree and I waited about 45 min's for him to finally take off giving me some shots of him in flight, which made the evening worth it.

 

I love grabbing shots of the snowy whites when they land on the old surrounding fences and this one was kind enough to pose for me for a short time.

 

Normally the Great Blue Herons don't let you get close at the wetlands, but this one seemed to be per-occupied with his fishing, giving me the opportunity to get some shots of him catching his dinner.

 

And finally there is the sunset.  While walking out I positioned myself in line with a life guard tower and the sun to get these next two shots looking across Pacific Coast Highway at Bolsa Chica Beach.  What an evening to be out and alive.

Track - Lakewood at Millikan

Track season has started, well actually it started last week and because I screwed up on dates I didn't shoot it, so for my track photography, well that started yesterday at Millikan High School.

Yesterday I responded to Millikan High to cover the Lakewood and Millikan track meet.

I'm know for my sports shooting, which is where I really thrive, although now a days I've been very pleased and happy with my wildlife and sunset shots, but again when it comes to sports shooting I have to say track is my favorite.

With track there is just so much going on and different ways to capture it all.  I've never been the type of guy who takes weird or very unique angles, I tend to stay with the shots that show intensity, focus, and drive that our athlete compete in.  Its not about a winning contest shot, but about in getting a shot of the athlete they can be proud of as it shows them competing with that drive, focus, and intensity.

So enjoy these shots, because I enjoyed taking them.

Lakewood vs Saint Anthony 7 vs 7

I was a bit excited when a football friend contacted me saying Lakewood High was having a 7 vs 7 passing league game against Saint Anthony at Lakewood High this past Friday, so needless to say upon getting home from work I picked up my gear and headed to Lakewood for some much needed football action.

7 vs 7 is rather fast pace and can be hard to follow, but once I got into my grove I was able to get some nice action from the game, which you'll find below.

Enjoy the shots.