2009: A Year in Photos

My Favorite 10 Photos of 2010

2010-12-31T15:36:00.000-08:00

I didn't do a photo-a-day project in 2010. In fact, I was so burnt out from the 2009 version that I didn't really start taking photos again until my friends Jon and Wing got married in early April. It set the tone for most of my photo taking throughout the year in that it was largely defined by special events and travel. After last year, it felt wrong not to honor the year in photos in some way, so I decided to comb through the photos I did take and select my 10 favorites.

01. The Happy Couple

Jon & Wing's Wedding • Pulgas Water Temple, CA • April 4, 2010

02. Early on the Embarcadero

San Francisco, CA • April 19, 2010

03. Urban Zipliner

San Francisco, CA • April 19, 2010

04. Wine Glass / Silhouette

Sonia & Albie's Wedding • Mendocino, CA • August 1, 2010

05. Sunset Playtime

Reno, NV • August 8, 2010

06. Surfing Alone

Inch, Ireland • October 1, 2010

07. Cliffs of Moher

County Clare, Ireland • October 2, 2010

08. Giant's Causeway

County Antrim, Northern Ireland • October 5, 2010

09. Looking Back

County Antrim, Northern Ireland • October 5, 2010

10. Inside Haleakala

Haleakala Crater, Maui, HI • December 28, 2010

December 31, 2009

2010-02-16T21:13:00.001-08:00

365 photos posted.
363 taken in 2009.
362 taken on the day of the title.
1 New Year's resolution accomplished.
I made it!

This blog started with a photo of a sunrise. It's only fitting that it ends with a photo of a sunset. The abundance of color at twilight is quite possibly the best part of LA. This view is from the Getty Museum.

December 30, 2009

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I like this photo because it looks posed.
It's not. I just clicked what I saw.

December 29, 2009

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The last time I hiked the swinging bridges trail in Waihee, a flash flood almost stranded me. This time the weather was beautiful, and the bridges and scenery were even more spectacular than I remembered.

December 28, 2009

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Whale watch sunset. Two of my favorite things, especially when you have a sister with connections so you can enjoy both for free!

December 27, 2009

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I felt kind of weird bringing a tripod to the Sunday fire twirling at Makena beach. The end results were very clear and very worth it. Fire is so fun to photograph.

December 26, 2009

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Molokai Strawberry papayas for sale at the Maui Swap Meet.

December 25, 2009

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Christmas morning south side swell.

December 24, 2009

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Maui Christmas! (Almost)

December 23, 2009

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Rainy day reflection taken when my sister and I went off-roading on Munro Trail in Lanai. I like the diagonal framing created by the mud around the puddle.

December 22, 2009

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There's nothing like shave ice on a hot day. I like how the sunlight hits the dessert, making it the the most colorful and eye-catching part of the photo.

December 21, 2009

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First day in Maui and first day at the beach. I love this image of two children waiting hopefully for a wave to sweep them away on their inner tube.

December 20, 2009

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Christmas came early! I managed to trade a five hour layover at Los Angeles International Airport for a $500 flight credit voucher. I didn't have to spend much of that time actually at the airport thanks to a friend who spirited me away for lunch, but in the time I did spend at LAX, I tried to take photos representative of holiday travel. I think this one captures the time of year ... minus the hordes of waiting people.

December 19, 2009

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Sunset in the Mission.

December 18, 2009

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Christmas gift from Megamind management. The bottle of wine had been redesigned and relabeled to match something the main character of our movie might drink. I didn't manage to take the photo before the spikes fell off. Too bad.

December 17, 2009

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Lighting production supervisors at our department holiday party. Dawn got us the festive head gear.

December 16, 2009

2010-01-05T21:52:00.001-08:00

I could get some great shots of the Stanford men's basketball game if I had a lens like this. (There's a reason I'm posting a photo of a photographer and not of the players.)

December 15, 2009

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Holiday baking.

December 14, 2009

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SFO's international terminal. I was trying to get a photo of the (fake) Golden Gate Bridge lights, but didn't have much success. Then again, I like the stationary taxi in the foreground and the moving car in the background.

December 13, 2009

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Photo rope installment #2 - holiday theme! With glitter!

December 12, 2009

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So many santas! In the rain! SantaCon San Francisco was out in full force, despite the almost torrential downpour.

December 11, 2009

2010-01-05T21:06:00.001-08:00

The battle against the cold unveiled a new enemy when I finally broke down and turned on my central heating. It hadn't been used in a while, which meant dust escaped with the heat. I don't mind dust, but my smoke alarm apparently hates it. The beeping was LOUD. Opening the doors and windows wasn't an option, so I took out the battery. The next morning, figuring the dust had settled, I tried to put it back in. More loud beeping. I went to work. I tried again when I came back. Half-hearted beeping. Some beeps were long. Some were short. There was no rhythm or pattern. The reason was clear -- the smoke alarm was possessed. Then I received an email from my mother. The smoke alarm in my room in Maui had also been going off. Conspiracy! Both situations were eventually handled, but the coincidence was pretty amazing. And amusing.

December 10, 2009

2010-01-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

I've realized that cold weather throws me into hibernation mode. I can't do anything active, including taking photos. Instinct tells me to bundle up and read a book. Or watch something. It's been so bad recently that blankets aren't enough. Time to bring in the secret weapon -- the portable space heater!

December 9, 2009

2009-12-26T18:05:00.001-08:00

Happy (day before your) birthday, Jackie! Such a great excuse to gather for dinner at Fresca in the Fillmore followed by a cake from Tartine.

December 8, 2009

2009-12-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

Work provided a holiday-themed snack break in the form of hot cocoa and cookies. In keeping with workplace tradition, all cocoa came with optional splashes of peppermint schnapps or Baileys, and cookie decorating supplies were plentiful.

December 7, 2009

2009-12-26T17:39:00.001-08:00

The confused house in my neighborhood from my November 1 post that included Christmas decorations under their Halloween cobwebs got their holidays right this time. As I walked by, I saw lots of twinkly lights and no bats, candy corn, or other October 31 paraphernalia.

December 6, 2009

2009-12-26T17:27:00.000-08:00

One of my absolute favorite restaurants in DC is the Amsterdam Falafel Shop in Adams Morgan (http://www.falafelshop.com/). They had the inspired idea to install a do-it-yourself garnish bar with over 20 options -- from the traditional hummus, cucumbers and tomatoes, to the less traditional baba ghanoush and roasted cauliflower. Gone are the days of dry, tasteless falafel. If yours ends up that way, you only have yourself to blame. Genius! Not to mention delicious. I was a little out of practice, but the one pictured was pretty good all the same.

December 5, 2009

2009-12-26T17:21:00.001-08:00

Inspired by unbelievably low fares a few weeks earlier, I made the somewhat impulsive decision to spend the weekend in Washington, DC. And I mean weekend -- total time on the ground came to about 30 hours. When I bought the tickets, I thought that it would be nice to catch up with friends and enjoy the chilly late-fall air. I ended up getting more than I bargained for, arriving just in time for the first snowfall of the season.

December 4, 2009

2009-12-24T23:46:00.000-08:00

All Stanford Product Design Masters Program 2nd year students are given two weeks to design and create a personal statement for exhibition at an event held early every December. My friend Danika is a 2nd year, and this is her project -- a multi-level community garden completely constructed and planted by her. Each plot represents another student in the program.

December 3, 2009

2009-12-24T23:40:00.001-08:00

Jerry models the latest in bear fashion at Etsy's Handmade Ho Down in San Francisco, a collection of craft artists selling their wares for the evening in a multi-level nightclub. I try to ignore the fact that he plans to wear it to Cal football games.

December 2, 2009

2009-12-13T22:36:00.000-08:00

My new coffee table assembled and positioned. I like this photo for its unconventional camera angle and the fact that the focus accentuates the sharpness of the table corner.

December 1, 2009

2009-12-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

A bout of Thanksgiving nostalgia resulted in my irrepressible need to make more stuffing.

November 30, 2009

2009-12-13T22:28:00.001-08:00

Diner decor.

November 29, 2009

2009-12-13T22:21:00.000-08:00

The latest in my apartment decorations -- magnetic photo ropes from Photojojo. They do a great job filling empty space, and they're so easy to update that I'm hoping to change the images on them frequently, kind of like a rotating exhibit at a museum. This first installment is of postcards sent to me from around the world.

November 28, 2009

2009-12-13T22:11:00.000-08:00

Doing something active outdoors during the long weekend has become a Thanksgiving tradition. This year I hiked down to Stinson Beach from Mt. Tam State Park. The beach was crowded with people enjoying the beautiful weather. I chose this photo as my favorite because I like the color and the clarity of the ripply reflections. More photos from the hike and the beach can be seen here.

November 27, 2009

2009-12-07T20:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas tree close up.

November 26, 2009

2009-12-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving means I can finally have an eggnog latte! Nevermind Santa ... this is my marker that the holiday season has really begun.

November 25, 2009

2009-12-07T20:07:00.001-08:00

Decorated palm trees in downtown Redwood City. Happy California holidays!

November 24, 2009

2009-12-07T20:04:00.000-08:00

Free pie day at work! Apple, pumpkin, sweet potato or pecan. One per employee.

November 23, 2009

2009-11-29T17:21:00.000-08:00

My bedroom window, 7am. It might be cold outside, but it's warm in here!

November 22, 2009

2009-11-29T17:18:00.001-08:00

Signs of a good Sunday -- hot chocolate in the Murray mug and a good book to read. (Not pictured: papasan chair and soft, warm blanket)

November 21, 2009

2009-11-29T17:11:00.000-08:00

One of many amazing displays of Stanford spirit at the Big Game tailgates.

November 20, 2009

2009-11-28T19:49:00.001-08:00

Few things are more rejuvenating than having dinner with a big group of friends after a long, seemingly endless week at work. The nine of us spent a couple delightful hours eating, catching up, and laughing at our table at Tamarine. The silliness continued after dinner. This is the restaurant's entrance.

November 19, 2009

2009-11-28T19:41:00.000-08:00

Before she worked at DreamWorks, the surfacing coordinator worked on the special effects in New Moon. The lighting coordinator I work with decided that was something we should celebrate on the movie's opening night. I wish I had been involved in the prank, but I take solace in the fact that someone I manage was the instigator.

November 18, 2009

2009-11-27T23:12:00.001-08:00

I stopped to watch the divers at Avery Aquatic Center on the way to yet another Stanford basketball game. The temperature was in the mid-fifties, and the poor divers had to cycle in and out of the pool and the evening air. Brrrrrr. Because the chain link fence was in the way of the action, I spent a few minutes playing with focus, seeing what would happen if I focused on the links or on the action beyond.

November 17, 2009

2009-11-27T22:57:00.000-08:00

I'm intrigued by how abstract this image is. Looked at from above (click here), the dark circle with light radiating out of it looks almost like a solar eclipse. At this angle, you could say the sun is in front of the flames, with the black spokes serving as its rays. (I think it also looks like a six-legged spider. Or a flower.)

November 16, 2009

2009-11-27T22:44:00.001-08:00

The decorating continues. The framing is done, but how long will it take me to actually hang them up?

November 15, 2009

2009-11-27T22:31:00.000-08:00

At the last basketball game I attended, I liked the ghostly images of action captured with long shutter speeds. My hands weren't very steady, so the photos looked like blurred shapes on an even blurrier background. I used a stable surface this time. The results still aren't quite where I'd like them to be (I think I left the shutter open too long), but I'm getting closer.

November 14, 2009

2009-11-24T22:45:00.001-08:00

My friend Lindsay and I enjoyed a tapas dinner at Laiola in the Marina. I finally got to cross the restaurant's pan con chocolate with sea salt and olive oil off 7x7's list of 100 things to eat before you die in San Francisco. (It was #31, and it was amazingly tasty.)

November 13, 2009

2009-11-24T22:41:00.001-08:00

This is no time to arrive home from work on a Friday night. At least the Mona Lisa clock makes it a fairly intriguing photo.

November 12, 2009

2009-11-24T22:36:00.001-08:00

BLT for dinner on Tartine bread! So hungry ... so delicious.

November 11, 2009

2009-11-24T22:32:00.000-08:00

Fridge friends.

November 10, 2009

2009-11-24T22:23:00.001-08:00

I think this photo has a retro feel.

November 9, 2009

2009-11-24T22:20:00.001-08:00

Kettle corn ... my newest guilty pleasure.

November 8, 2009

2009-11-23T23:04:00.000-08:00

This is Hinckley. He is a very rambunctious puppy. When I heard he was coming to visit me, I read up on pet photography techniques. The advice to get down on their level was good, but I wasn't told how to prevent puppies from bounding over to investigate the weird clicky thing invading their world. I wish this was in focus, but I thought it did a good job capturing Hinckley's personality. More very cute puppy photos are viewable by clicking here.

November 7, 2009

2009-11-23T22:52:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful San Francisco weekend afternoon! I took a break from a whole lot of walking to take some photos of the fountain at Yerba Buena, right between the Metreon and the SF MOMA. I had a lot of fun playing with long shutter speeds (this one is f/22 for 2 seconds). The influx of light on an already sunny day caused some of the photo to blow out, but I like the colors and contrast that emerged when I manipulated the levels.

November 6, 2009

2009-11-15T17:10:00.000-08:00

I tried my hand at sports photography at the first Stanford Men's Basketball home game, an exhibition against Sonoma State University. I learned that it's hard to get the focus right as you're trying to capture the more athletic moments of the game. Most of the photos that turned out best were from the quieter moments -- the referee, a player crouching as he waits to enter the game, free throws, the home team bench. I chose this as my photo of the day because I like how the framing with the court in the foreground makes the very tall players look small.

More photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26588367@N02/sets/72157622811448996/

November 5, 2009

2009-11-15T15:41:00.000-08:00

For the second consecutive year, my work organized an event called "PDI-Con", where DreamWorkers could showcase and admire their artistic endeavors outside the world of animation. This year included a interactive component in the form of a giant blank canvas and markers so we could create our own art at the event. This was one of the early drawings before the canvas filled up (viewable here).

November 4, 2009

2009-11-14T15:31:00.001-08:00

Our newest lobby decoration. People are saying "Dragon" is our best movie yet!

November 3, 2009

2009-11-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

It finally happened. It took 11 months and 3 days, but I forgot to take a photo. I blame my water heater. The pilot light went out, and all my re-lighting attempts failed. I was so frustrated and distracted that my daily photo completely went out of my head. I took this the next morning.

November 2, 2009

2009-11-14T15:09:00.000-08:00

My floor lamp forest. All are available for adoption ...

November 1, 2009

2009-11-14T14:59:00.000-08:00

A house on my block was indiscriminate in the decorations they put up for Halloween. I thought the juxtaposition of holidays was funny, so I took this photo. Given the fact that Christmas commercials started airing on tv and sparkly displays of red and green appeared in most stores on November 1, it's also a sadly accurate reflection of the start of the holiday season. (I'm a strict day-after-Thanksgiving observer.)

October 31, 2009

2009-11-14T14:51:00.000-08:00

I did dress up for Halloween, not in a costume, but for Christine's wedding. She dressed up, too, as a beautiful and very happy bride. I chose this photo for the big smile on her face. It captured the essence of the event better than the invitation, the cupcakes (they were delicious), or the random photos that I discovered on my camera once I uploaded them (thanks, Patrick).

October 30, 2009

2009-11-08T23:43:00.001-08:00

PDI/DreamWorks hosted a Halloween lunch and costume parade for their employees and their families. The employees were creative -- one was dressed as a beer bottle and served his own home brew and another was a "Peep Show" showcasing the sugary bird-shaped Easter goodies. The kids were just plain cute.

October 29, 2009

2009-11-08T23:39:00.000-08:00

Le Club 55 hosted a pre-Halloween party starting fittingly enough, at 5:55 pm. They were explicit about their expectations -- it was a drinking party, not a costume party. They also had dry ice. Awesome. My department is the coolest.

October 28, 2009

2009-11-08T23:32:00.000-08:00

Monsters versus Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space premiere night! I invited some friends over to watch and to see my apartment for the first time. The panda pumpkin guided them in.

October 27, 2009

2009-11-08T23:27:00.000-08:00

Searching for flights that will take me home for the holidays. So expensive!

October 26, 2009

2009-11-08T23:17:00.000-08:00

Less than a week before Daylight Savings takes effect, there are beautiful sunrises over the Redwood City salt flats and Dumbarbon Bridge to be seen as late as 7:30 am.

October 25, 2009

2009-11-08T23:01:00.001-08:00

Shiyan showing off our afternoon's work. For the record, there's a panda carved into the pumpkin. Some say its rendering is too "abstract."

October 24, 2009

2009-11-08T22:43:00.001-08:00

The LSJUMB* made an appearance at our pre-game tailgate. It was classic Band -- the Tree smiling and dancing (although the fangs were new) ... the Dollies ... the drum major running around campus in a wetsuit and flippers ...

*Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band

October 23, 2009

2009-11-08T22:28:00.001-08:00

At the Class of 2004 party at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. I was trying just to get the class year projected on the floor, but someone walked into frame. I think it made it a better photo -- now it's reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe.

October 22, 2009

2009-11-08T22:21:00.001-08:00

Mel and me taking a photo of ourselves at Dinner on the Quad, the first of our Stanford reunion activities (5 years already!). I like the way MemChu* looks behind us.

*Memorial Church

October 21, 2009

2009-11-08T22:13:00.001-08:00

Photo of a photo yet to be hung on my wall. The content is still as true today as the day I took it a little over three years ago.

October 20, 2009

2009-11-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

I took a quick detour at the Redwood City Marina before meeting some coworkers for drinks at a restaurant on the water. The sky showed the last stages of sunset so it wasn't completely dark, but even so, I'm surprised by how much light is evident in this 30 second exposure. I also like the warped colors, especially on the boat and pier and the distant trees. It gives the photo an other-worldly feel. I'm guessing long exposures make objects more susceptible to the true hues of the light hitting them.

October 19, 2009

2009-11-08T10:05:00.000-08:00

I had plans to meet a visiting high school friend for dinner in San Francisco. While waiting for the northbound Caltrain to arrive, I entertained myself by using a post as a tripod and playing with long shutter speeds. I'm always amazed by how clear and crisp these photos can be, even at night, and I love the star shapes that cover any stationary light source. The streaks are of a southbound train speeding past the station.

October 18, 2009

2009-11-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Mount Shasta seen through the bus window. The clouds were spectacular the whole way back to the Bay Area. I like the variations of light and dark in the same color palette and their unfinished, almost blurry edges.

October 17, 2009

2009-11-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

Oregon has seasons! This patch peppered with fallen red and yellow leaves was photo shoot central. People were throwing leaves, posing against tree trunks, and positioning their babies in the cutest poses possible. I did my fair share of that, but I like the emptiness in this photo. No people or smiles, just nature's own fall blanket.

October 16, 2009

2009-11-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

Outside a rest stop about two hours north of San Francisco, two hours south of Redding, and on the way to Ashland, Oregon. The rusty truck and crumbling sign struck me as picturesque, so while everyone else was taking a bathroom break, I made the trek back to the highway to document it.

October 15, 2009

2009-11-04T22:11:00.000-08:00

I finally, finally, FINALLY got to play Beatles Rock Band. It was amazing. The feeling that you're playing Beatles songs -- even if technically you're not really playing them -- was unreal and very addictive. The graphics were beautiful as well. All in all, a very enjoyable experience.

October 14, 2009

2009-11-04T22:07:00.001-08:00

New place, familiar face.

October 13, 2009

2009-11-02T22:52:00.001-08:00

This was an exceptionally rainy day for all of California. My umbrella blew inside out not once, but twice. Staring at the rain outside provided a good distraction from the work day. This was the view from the other side of the building. I thought it was fitting that the place that made Shrek managed to grow its own swamp. Usually it's just a dry hole in the ground.

October 12, 2009

2009-11-01T23:09:00.000-08:00

Macarons from Paulette in Hayes Valley. The cohesive color scheme was a happy coincidence.

October 11, 2009

2009-11-01T22:58:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about living in Burlingame is that you can head into San Francisco on a whim to check out an urban craft fair and get there in only twenty minutes. The Union Design Festival had a lot to look at, but so did the neighborhood itself. I got a lot of great photos. I wish I had pushed the depth of field a little bit further on this one, but it's still one of my favorites. I like how the bright colors of the flowers leap out at you against the grey of the sky.

More photos can be seen by clicking here.

October 10, 2009

2009-10-30T22:51:00.000-07:00

Equipment belonging to the mass of hoola hoopers I encountered in a Burlingame park.

October 9, 2009

2009-10-30T22:44:00.001-07:00

Dinner in Burlingame with my friend, coworker, and almost neighbor Jason. So much hunger. And so much satisfaction in the fulfillment of that hunger.

October 8, 2009

2009-10-30T22:36:00.001-07:00

In position!

October 7, 2009

2009-10-30T22:34:00.001-07:00

Framed and ready to go!

October 6, 2009

2009-10-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

My desk.

October 5, 2009

2009-10-30T21:37:00.001-07:00

I woke up and saw this on the wall -- morning sun was spilling through the blinds projecting this silhouette. Very cool.

October 4, 2009

2009-10-30T21:22:00.001-07:00

I like this photo for the variety of surfaces and patterns represented -- textured brick and smooth glass, black lines and white lines, spatters and reflections.

October 3, 2009

2009-10-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

Taken outside the the Stanford v UCLA football game (which Stanford won 24-16!). Maybe it's a factor of the setting, but this photo has a very Jets/Sharks feel.

October 2, 2009

2009-10-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

Breakfast surprise for the CG supervisors: Blue Bottle Coffee and scones from Arizmendi Bakery.

October 1, 2009

2009-10-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

More balloons on another late night. I don't know what they were celebrating, but I do know that I liked the blown out light in the bottom left corner and its interaction with the ribbon.

September 30, 2009

2009-10-18T23:54:00.001-07:00

A colorful stack of burrito trays.

September 29, 2009

2009-10-18T23:50:00.000-07:00

The days are getting shorter. But on the bright side, I can see the sunrise when I get up in the morning.

September 28, 2009

2009-10-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

This photo is posted in memory of my uncle, Arnold Klein, who passed away today. After experiencing the worst of humanity in the earlier years of his life, he devoted himself to making the most of each moment, surrounding those he loved with unyielding enthusiasm, kindness and affection. He was, and still is, my biggest inspiration to live life to its fullest.

September 27, 2009

2009-10-18T23:20:00.001-07:00

Ali, LaCona, Cisco and I settled in for a long Sunday afternoon game of Settlers of Catan. (Feel free to post your groans in the comments section.)

September 26, 2009

2009-10-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

The Exploratorium in San Francisco is a very fun place. And it's a great place to take photos. The kids there are so engaged and so full of wonder, it's almost impossible not to capture some fantastic expressions. This is my favorite of the bunch. You can see the rest here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26588367@N02/sets/72157622415851649/.

September 25, 2009

2009-10-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

I know this is at least the second photo of balloons from this year, but since I was leaving work at 9 pm on a Friday, it was about all I could muster. They were from happier times earlier in the day. We kicked off our first sequences of Oobermind in lighting that week, so we had blue drinks to celebrate.

September 24, 2009

2009-10-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

I was going for more of a halo effect to showcase the awesome power of the giant tv. It wasn't quite what I wanted, but the size definitely comes through.