A Photographer's Journal

Visitors to this special place will recognize its magic day-or-night. The architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright is as mysterious as the desert itself. At first glance, nothing special seems to be there. But on closer inspection, the forethought and resulting subtlety mesmerize the architectural student within us. I returned to this Mojave Desert locale once again to try to capture some of the elusive magic of the place.

The dining hall at midnight:

Mother, daughter, coming son and ... oh, Dad too!

It was 72 degrees on a Southern California morning in November. The beach was virtually empty. So I was more than happy to go to Redondo Beach to chronicle Mike's training regimen.



And suddenly, it's muscle beach:




Then back to the San Fernando valley to get some great winter prom shots:



And finally back to Santa Monica to make some rehearsal shots with the great actors at the Miles theater who were about to perform "The Marriage Suite," by Susan Merson, directed by Rod Menzies and presented by The Ensemble Studio Theater - LA.



I guess for a photographer, it was a near perfect day!

Up close and personal with a 28-70mm 2.8 lens and continuous fluorescent lighting ... works every time!




and one more:

The high desert is becoming one of my favorite places to photograph. Almost as much fun as the waves at Malibu. But be careful .. .everything out here is design to stick you!

Back to the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, where I was lucky enough to photograph some great people.

Here are just a few of the images that we made, including the 'Pied Piper of Joshua Tree':









Here are a few more images:

Returning to the high desert, I went back to the grounds of the Joshua Tree Retreat Center and shot a couple of architectural studies...a short break from the faces and feelings that I usually capture. Here are the caravancias, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.




And who should I find eating breakfast in the cafeteria?



(Refer to the October 14, 2008 Entry for the answer).

Driving along Hwy 62 in the California high desert between Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree an unlikely needle appears on the north side of the road. This complex of buildings that seem to melt into the desert floor I am told was designed by the late master architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

I pulled over and made this image just before moonset.

Visit most any national park, and you'll be able to purchase the musical CDs of Scott August. The music with southwestern textures transcends space and time.

I was delighted to work with Scott. Here he is with several Native American and Anistazi flutes.

Check out Scott's music on the Cedar Mesa Music label.

After an earlier shoot, I made my way back through Malibu, stopping at Mr. Bones to see what was happening. Here, the humidor, who believes that nobody could ever make a good portrait of him acquiesced to the 'customer is always right' and let me capture his image as he gazed out on Pacific Coast Hwy. I have a feeling that this image will be hanging in the shop in the future.

The surf was a little larger than usual, and making its way back slowly to high tide. So time was going to limit the time and duration of the shoot. Here I felt my late mentor's smile in the sunshine as I lined up this classic profile over two-thirds shot knee-deep in the surf. Thank you, Monte [Zucker]!



As the tide continued to come in, the girls were knocked off balance several times. Another big wave like this, and I might have found myself at the Canon repair counter on Monday.



And a few more images:

Vera and Cristal enjoy a mother-daughter outing.





My New Best Friend, the Portable Changing Hut

Finally, for those public places where multiple wardrobe changes are needed and/or desired, I have employed my newest friend on location: the portable changing hut.

Here Vera waits patiently for Cristal to change into her bikini.



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(The attentive observer will note the guy-wire, which protects the occupant from the potential embarrassment caused by a sudden and unforeseen gust of wind).

There are perhaps too many comments I could make here...I think I should just let the images speak for themselves!

What a great time we had in Long Beach. Only one portrait to do, but I couldn't resist photographing anyone who walked by!

As I was walking this wonderful venue in Oakhurst, CA, the 'vibe' was upbeat. I was lucky enough to capture the images on this video, including the spontaneous healing on a hot summer California day with the sounds of Native American flutes in the distance.