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











Pelicans




























Scaup





Western Grebe feeding on a fish





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/

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.









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.



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/

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

Convict Lake framed by leafless trees

2-shot stitched pano of Convict Lake with what is left of the fall colors

Sunburst reflection

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/