Ribbon Cutting

The iconic Theme Building at the Los Angeles International Airport recently reopened its doors (and its famous rooftop) after a 3-year, multi-million dollar renovation. This renovation was triggered by the deterioration of the 50-year old building; the deterioration being to such a degree that some pieces of it started to fall on the street below. The photos which you can access by clicking HERE are of the press-conference announcing the reopening.

The perfect weekend

This past June 19th and 20th I went down to San Diego to shoot the first annual California Classic Tournament hosted by he California A's (Dave Welding & Greg Hicks) and the California Silverhawks (Christopher McGhee). The tournament was held in a beautiful new facility: Sportsplex, USA, in Santee and the weather, as is common in lovely San Diego, was absolutely perfect. No less perfect, for me, was being able to finally meet, after many years of quiet admiration, a photographer that in fastpitch circles needs no introduction: Bob Otto. I have been a fan of Bob since I first discovered fastpitch and always strived to copy his great work. So it was indeed an honor, for a few brief hours to share the fields with Bob under the sunny skies of San Diego. You can see Bob's photos HERE and you can also browse mine by clicking HERE.

Best of the West

This past June 6th, I dropped by the 2010 Best of the West fastpitch tournament being held in beautiful Santa Barbara, California. As always, this tournament did not fail to provide many gifted players and many an exciting play. Although, I was only there for one of the two days of the tournament, I think you will agree that there was plenty of action to go around as well as some unique moments. You can see the photos by clicking on the 2010 Best of the West gallery under the Sports/Fastpitch galleries or simply click HERE.

Balancing Act

This past May 23rd I dropped by Santa Fe Springs, California, to photograph a SCIFL (Southern California Independent Fastpitch League) weekend tournament. Digital cameras have revolutionalized photography, with ever improving equipment available. However, it's also a balancing act -- wanting the newer technology that is better or faster -- while at the same time, having the equipment that is battle tested and reliable. At the shoot this past weekend, I was armed with the old and the new. I had my trusty, "steady Eddie" D200 with which I've taken thousands of shots over the past few years, along with their newer, faster, D300s to try out. I was looking forward to testing out the new Nikon, billed to be faster, the better to capture the talented, and ever-increasingly faster players that I photograph. It is faster, to be sure, but I was disappointed that it malfunctioned in its first use, and prevented me from sharing all of the shots I took that day. Looks like this new Nikon could have used a bit more beta testing. In the end, the balancing act was won by "steady Eddie", my D200, which produced the photos shown in my latest gallery of shots. Tried and true, hope you enjoy "Eddie's" work (and mine).

Tommy Scott Memorial Run

This past Wednesday the LAX Airport Police observed the 5th anniversary of the death of its first fallen officer, Tommy Scott, with a 5k run in his memory. More than 50 officers/civilians ran the length of the course which circles the LAX Airport and finished the run by doing 20 push ups, followed by a moment of silence. I had the honor of recording the event. The attached video is a compilation of the photos that I took. (Click on the arrow at left in the bar below). You can also view all the photos of the event by clicking here.

Cuba Libre

This past Sunday I was in Los Angeles photographing a rally in Echo Park. This particular rally was close to my heart as the catalyst for the event was based on some recent events that occurred in Cuba (my birthplace). The event was to support the "Ladies in White"; relatives of prisoners of conscience, these women (who dress in white) recently went into the streets of Cuba to protest the wrongful imprisonment of their loved ones. In return the government beat them as they walked the streets in silent protest. The event in Los Angeles was to show solidarity and support for these women and to bring attention to human rights violations on the island. The event was put together by actor Andy Garcia and other celebrities. Present were Maria Conchita, Steven Bauer (of Scarface fame) and Perez Hilton (entertainment blogger) as well as Mexican comedian George Lopez who is married to a Cuban. Click here to go the gallery: 2010 Cuban Rally in Echo Park

First Day of Spring

It is a sure sign that spring is here when the fastpitch fields are filled with players and surrounded by fans. This past weekend, and on the first day of spring, I found myself in Santa Fe Springs once again, sharing the ballfield with our local (and talented) Southern California players. Other commitments had kept me from shooting the first day of this their first tournament of the season but with camera in hand I went on Sunday to at least catch some of the action. As always, there was no shortage of action to be captured and friends to say hello to. So, although the gallery is not very extensive, I share with you what I consider the best rite of spring: playing fastpitch under sunny skies and sharing it with the best of friends. Click here to see the photos: 2010 SCIFL.