Sunday, November 27, 2011

Bolsa Chica Reserve - take 2

Bit the bullet and purchased the 300mm F4 AF-S. It was a bit bulkier than the older model that I tested out a few months ago, but very sharp wide open. AF was very fast, and performed well with birds in flight.
Took it down to the Bolsa Chica Reserve in Huntington Beach this weekend to test it out. The water level was a lot higher from all the rain so there were less spots to take pics from, so I mostly hung out on the bridge.

American Coots

American Coots at the Bolsa Chica Reserve in Huntington Beach CA


American Coot at the Bolsa Chica Reserve in Huntington Beach CA



American Coots at the Bolsa Chica Reserve in Huntington Beach CA


Pelicans


Pelican in flight at the Bolsa Chica Reserve in Huntington Beach CA



Pelican in flight at the Bolsa Chica Reserve in Huntington Beach CA



Pelican diving at the Bolsa Chica Reserve in Huntington Beach CA



Pelican in flight at the Bolsa Chica Reserve in Huntington Beach CA



Pelican in flight at the Bolsa Chica Reserve in Huntington Beach CA



Pelicans diving at the Bolsa Chica Reserve in Huntington Beach CA


Pelican in flight at the Bolsa Chica Reserve in Huntington Beach CA


Scaup


Scaup at the Bolsa Chica Reserve in Huntington Beach CA


Western Grebe feeding on a fish


Western Grebe eating a fish at the Bolsa Chica Reserve in Huntington Beach CA


Looks like I will be making regular trips down to the reserve. Wish there were closer places around the south bay....guess I could always go check out Madrona Marsh.

Brandon Yoshizawa
B.A.Y | photography
http://bayphotography.smugmug.com/

Thursday, November 10, 2011

June lake Loop - day 2 of Mammoth trip

We decided to spend the day around the June Lake/Mono Lake area. It wasn't the best of days, weather was a bit overcast, and it was windy. We took highway 158 - June Lake loop to check out June, Gull, Silver, and Grant lake. We got to June Lake in the late a.m so it was not too windy yet, which made for some nice reflections in the water.

June lake view from campground

June Lake

June lake

June Lake

We were even higher than Convict so pretty mcuh all of the fall colors were gone. The other lakes did not provide for any ideal shots, as the wind picked up and the trees were mostly dead.

We did catch a patch of fall color still remaining on the mountain side.

Patches of fall colors on mountain near Mammoth Lakes

During peak season, this loop could provide endless photo opportunities. Maybe next season!

And of course, some "people" pictures:







Missing peak season makes me want a cabin in Mammoth, so I could stay there all season and shoot during golden hours. One day....

Brandon Yoshizawa
B.A.Y | photography
http://bayphotography.smugmug.com/

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Convict Lake

Took a trip up to Mammoth Lakes this past weekend and had a chance to stop off at Convict lake off the 395. Was hoping for some fall colors but most have faded already. Quite a bit of snow had fallen already making for some great pictures nonetheless. We were lucky with the weather, as a storm came up not too long after we left the lake. I wandered around the lake and got a few good shots.

Boat dock covered in snow at Convict lake off the 395 heading up to Mammoth Lakes.
Boat dock covered in snow
Convict lake framed by trees
Convict Lake framed by leafless trees
Fall colors fading at Convict lake
2-shot stitched pano of Convict Lake with what is left of the fall colors
Sun starburst reflection at Convice Lake
Sunburst reflection
Fall trees covered in snow at Convict lake
More fall colors


It was a pretty calm morning, which allowed for good reflections in the water. We were only here for about an hour before we headed up to Mammoth lakes for the rest of the day. We did manage to snap some group pictures before we left.







Brandon Yoshizawa
B.A.Y | photography
http://bayphotography.smugmug.com/