My Daughter's Tattoo

Recently my daughter graduated from high school and as most graduating high school seniors she received various graduation gifts (money) from family members. Well she has been talking about getting a tattoo off and on for awhile now and with this new found wealth she decided to pursue it and make it happen.

I have to say I was a little uncertain about my little girl getting a tattoo, but once I saw what she wanted I have to admit that I rather liked it. Also, just to clarify, I'm not against tattoos, that is as long as their tasteful. With her tattoo picked my daughter did some background work and found a place in San Pedro called So Cal Tattoo, which my sister recommended. My daughter went with Tom Berg, whose work in more on the darker side and after seeing the tattoo my daughter wanted I think he was the perfect person for the job. If your looking to get a tattoo in the Southern California area I highly recommend Tom, not only is his work outstanding, but he's down to earth and great to work with. He gave us the freedom of moving around and taking pictures during the tattoo process.

Below you see the drawing my daughter wanted as a tattoo and the tattoo process.

The finished tattoo - Awsome Job by Tom Berg

Happy 4th of July from the Wetlands

First let me wish everyone a great 4th of July. I plan on spending the day with family enjoying a bbq and local fireworks in the evening.

Now if you read my prior post you know I headed out to the wetlands on Saturday in an attempt to get some shots of the black skimmers, which didn't work out. I did get some great shots of the Caspian Terns, but no skimmers. Well since I was enjoying a nice 3-day weekend, something I don't get a lot of, I thought I make another attempt at the wetlands for the skimmers. I was still dissapointed with the lack of skimmers, but was able to get a few nice shots of them and it was the perfect morning to take them. The sum was coming up on a cloudless morning with mirrored water. Perfect morning to be out.

After spending some time getting some shots of the skimmers I walked to the mid-area of the wetlands to get some shots of the Caspian Terns feeding and again I wasn't dissapointed. Although I didn't stay at this location long as I wanted to walk further into the wetlands to see what else I could find. I did see and take a few pictures of a red tailed hawk and peregin falcon, although I wasn't happy with the quality and won't be posting those.

Prior to leaving I made another stop where the terns were feeding as was able to get some shots of a tern feeding her chick, which I thought was very cool and hopefully you will as well. So enjoy the shots and enjoy the 4th with your family.

I'll start with a few of the black skimmers.

Now for some caspian terns

These next two shots are actually two different shots from two different series.

A few various other shots I took during the morning.

Brown Pelican

Snowy Egret

Unknown spider, have I told you I hate spiders, although I thought this was a cool shot.

Bolsa Chica Wetlands

Got up at oh-dark thirty and headed out to the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. I was hoping to get some shots of the black skimmers, but unfortunately it was very overcast and there just wasn't any activity from them this morning.

I started the morning along the east entrance to the wetlands along a footbridge and while I waited and watched I noticed a lot of terns flying past me with fish in their beaks. They were all coming from west of me, so I decided to head over there to see the activity. During this I met a very nice gentlemen who was out doing the same thing I was, enjoying the morning and photographing the wildlife. We talked as we walked and I found out he used to have a photography studio, which focused on weddings. Our conversation really made the morning very pleasant.

Once we got to our destination, we shot and continued to talk. Had a great time shooting the terns.

For my first shot I have the Brown Pelican.

This is followed by the Black-necked Stilt

And then Caspian Terns, many Caspian Terns.

High School Graduation - Sarah (sweetheart)

First I have to say - Sweetheart I am so very proud of you and love you very much. The door is open for your future and all you have to do is step through it.

What is that all parents say, "Where did the time go", well I know where it went and the journey we all took to get here. With all the good times there's been a fair share of hard times, but I can truly say I wouldn't have changed a thing, although I wouldn't mind having my dark hair back instead of all of this gray that has somehow found its way on my head and chin.

I remember when you were born and when you took your first step. Taking you to Disneyland for the first time and when you first saw your favorite "Pooh". Reading to you while you fell asleep in my arms and coaching you in t-ball. Watching you grow has been a wonderful experience for me and I know this is only the beginning.

In the beginning

Taken just before we left the house for her graduation at Vet's Stadium.

The Ceremony

My sweetheart is now out of high school and starting the next stage of her life.

Stopped at Heartwell Park on the way home for a few shots.

I love you Sweetheart