Wet in The City

Greetings all, it's been a while since i have updated this site. sorry for that. no excuses just being lazy and trying to learn new things. One of them is video. Wow. Amazing to learn but definitely a learning curve when it comes to post production and pre-planning. I hope to have something to post here soon. In the meantime I have been fortunate to work at the Chronicle filling in on slow days. Today I am working on the photo desk but had to hang a weather feature frame. Thanks for looking!
A pedestrian walks in the rain in San Francisco, CA

The Fragrant Harbour

Greetings, I am back in Hong Kong, my home away from home, on a break between tournaments in China. I have been taking care of some overdue business but have been having a bit of fun with my 5D. Here's some images from the past week. I'll be adding more a bit later. Hope you enjoy!People rush down a lighted staircase in Causeway Bay.
You can still get a haircut for HK$20, about US$ 2.50.....no blow drying required!
Contrast between an old building sandwiched between two modern buildings in Sheung Wan.My sic fahn, or lunch. Some places are very cheap and good value for Hong Kong. This cost me HK$35 which is about US$ 4.50. The meal included chicken and veggies in a bowl of rice, miso soup, kimchi and a diet coke. Yum!
Horse racing is huge in Hong Kong. On Wednesday nights people come out to Happy Valley on Hong Kong island to try their luck and have some fun. I went with my buddy from World Sport Group, Ray Roesell and his friend Tim Mariano. I won about 10USD. Wohoo! In this photo a man looks intensely at his race program getting ready for a new race as others around him consume adult beverages and mingle.
Men check the race board at Happy Valley Race course. After the race my buddies, Ray Roesell (L) and Tim Mariano sit down for some Thai food. Tim was waiting all night for his phone to ring with news on a mega stock deal he was working on. The call never came....Wednesday night horse racing men check out the boards at one of the many Hong Kong Jockey Club betting halls located throughout Hong Kong.
iPhone spotted in Hong Kong!....
...and another iPhone in Hong Kong!
Okay, it's obvious I ride on the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) a lot.....Two girls seem to be fixated on whatever it might be on her phone.
People catch up on reading and gaming on the MTR.A woman tries to catch some sleep on a busy commute on the MTR
A young boy deep in thought as he rides the MTR.
Riding on the MTR. Hong Kong with about 8 million people sometimes seems like a very lonely place.
Aspiring guitar player Chun Ho and his axes! He's really learning fast and becoming a good player.
Mid-Autumn festival.
Some Hong Kong girl scouts that I could not resist taking their photo.
A woman picks out flowers at the flower market in Prince Edward. The flower market is famous for it's many varieties of flowers at very reasonable prices.
A man carries flowers at the flower market in Prince Edward.
Hong Kong is a very vertical city. Here are some housing blocks in Wong Tai Sin.
A man on his way home in Wong Tai Sin.
A man walks to the immigration turnstiles at the border between Hong Kong and China.
Travelers on their way to China from Hong Kong at Lo Wu, the border town.

Back In China On Tour part 2!

Okay, so now I am done with the first tournament here in Chengdu, China. Most of the golf over the the 4 days was very good. There were some really good scores out there with the winner, Taiwanese player, Tsai Chi-huang, coming in at 18 under par to take home the RMB$150,000 (approx US$ 18,750) winners check and trophy. Many of the new courses in greater China can rival any championship course in the west. Designed by the likes of Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Greg Norman these layouts feature slick slopping greens, bunker lined fairways and water everywhere you look. I was impressed with the level of play and equally impressed with the sportsmanship exhibited in the fairways and on the greens. Even the fans were very well behaved....well maybe with the exception of a few of the kids. That said, it's good to get them on the course and expose them to the game at an early age. Who knows there could be the next Tiger Woods out there. Judging by the way amature players such as China National Team memebers, Zhang Xinjun, who was the 2nd and 3rd round leader and 16 year old Benny Ye Jianfeng played with skill and heart, they wont be far behind. It won't be long before you'll see them "In The Show" on the PGA tour. Thanks for stopping by!Taiwanese player Tsai Chi-huang holds the winners trophy after claiming victory in the Luxehills Golf Championship. Tsai's 18-under total at Luxehills is the lowest on this year's Omega China Tour.Tsai Chi-huang hits his third shot to the 18th green.Zhang Xinjun (A) reacts after missing a short tap in par putt on the 17th hole. His chances of winning the tournament fell short after making a careless mistake.Tsai Chi-huang hits out of the sandtrap on the 14th hole.
Liao gave his all on a gripping final day. He finished in 2nd place.
Tsai Chi-huang and Liao Guiming walk up the 17th fairway. They finished 1 and 2 for the tournament.Liao Guiming hits his shot to the 14th green.
Zhang Xinjun (A) hits out of the trap on hole 14.1st round leader Yuan Hao misses a short putt on hole 13 on day 4.
The gallery watches the action on the 14th hole.
National Team member Wei Wei (A) lines up a shot on hole 7.
Zhang Xinjun (A) hits his drive on hole 16.3rd round leader Zhang Xinjun (A) lines up his putt on hole 18.

Back in China On Tour!

Hello from Chengdu, China. Most of you have heard about the major earthquake that rocked this region back in May. Thousands of people lost their lives and many more still remain homeless. While the region is bouncing back and the Chinese people are seem stronger then ever, that is not the reason I am here. I have been assigned to cover the Chengdu Golf Championship. Some of you might not know that China has it's own tour similar to the PGA in America and the European tour. The Omega China Tour was launched by the China Golf Association in 2005. It is a development tour intended to produce players who can move up to the Asian Tour or other international tours, such as the European tour and the PGA and to help accelerate the development of golf in China where golf was reintroduced to the PRC in 1980's after being absent during the early communist years. Golf was considered a sport for the elitist and not welcome in the newly formed communist country. And while the level of play isn't to the standard of Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson....yet, they do have players who can break par on a championship course and play under the pressure of tournament play. What strikes me the most of these unheard of swingers is their stories, where they have come from and how they got to where they are now. Players who were once security guards, postal clerks, peasant field workers, driving range workers and caddies. These players are lucky to have picked up a club and found they could hit the ball a mile, hit it straight and sink a snaking 12 foot birdie putt. Also, on hand this week is the China National Team which consist young up and coming players some who are just 16 years old. Given the same opportunities of their counterparts in the west they can and should go far. I have been hired by World Sport Group, a great group of professionals who are based out of the Hong Kong and Beijing offices, to document all the tournaments this year. Thanks for having a look and check back for another posting or two.1st round leader Yuan Hao reacts after his par putt fails to go in the 7th hole on day 2.Liu Anlin jumps for joy after making a birdie putt on hole 3.
16 year old superstar Benny Ye Jianfeng (A) of China watches his tee shot on the 3rd hole.1st round leader Yuan Hao of China reacts to almost holing out his chip shot on the 14th hole.
The gallery watches the action on the 12th hole.

Greetings everyone. Recently I was invited by my buddy Josh, a video shooter for NBC11, to shoot a mud wrestling benefit for his wife's roller derby team. I have never shot mud wrestling and thought it might a cool thing to do. I wasn't really sure what to expect so I went there with my eyes wide open. Needless to say over the period of about an hour I managed to get completely soaked with mud. Thankfully my Canon cameras are sealed and I was wearing my Think Tank Speed Demon and Whip-It-Out to keep my other gear safe from the slimy mess. Check out some of the images.The mud pitJosh doubling as the DJ and video shooterLet the games begin






Me after it was all over

Sunset

Just wanted to share the sunset and the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a bit unusual to see the sun so orange here in San Francisco. The sky has been filled with smoke from ongoing wild fires in the area. Taken from my balcony overlooking the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

A Walk In San Francisco

Greetings from San Francisco. It's been far to long since I have posted anything here so I thought I would pick it back up again. Back in the city I love and probably one of the best cities in the world to live. I recently had dinner with my mom and sister when they were in town. I brought my 5D along and thought I would shoot a bit on the walk to Union Square. Have a look and come back for more posts which will be happening more frequently. I promise!
I found this guy sitting in the warm sunlight on the corner of Broadway and Columbus Ave.
Not so sure what to say about this one, I just like the light and the similarities in the two subjects.I woman and her son make their way through the Stockton Street tunnel. The Transamerica in the afternoon sunlight.
Shoppers make their way along Post Street.
A woman plays an accordion in front of Café Trieste, which in my opinion has the best coffee in the city.

Hong Kong, city of love?

Ahhh, I love this place! There is so much buzz here at the moment and it's really good to see. Hong Kong is bouncing back after a few bad years in the early part of this century. I have been cruising around checking out the apartment scene in the area...rents have gone up since living here in the booming '90's. Good to see the economy is on the road to recovery but not good for people like me looking for affordable housing! Below are some images from the last week or so. Thanks for stopping by, have fun and check back again soon. Love is in the air in Lan Kwai Fong, the popular and trendy restaurant and bar area in Central Hong Kong that draws in a lot of the expat crowd. These two lovers seem to think they are the only ones on the planet.
Not even Spiderman could distract them....
...or Elvis.....Wow, now that is a kiss!
Indonesian Elvis impersonator, Melvis entertains people in Lan Kwai Fong.
Melvis helps with a sing-a-long in Lan Kwai Fong. Actually, he's the only one singing. He's been doing this for at least 15 years that I know of. I first spotted him on my first trip to HK, Sept 1992. He does have a family and a day job and does this for the fun and not the tips.
Two of my favorite tauts in an area known as "rat alley" trying to bring in customers to the different eateries there. Awesome food in the 7-8 places located in this alley in Lan Kwai Fong.
I would love to be a fly on the table of this couple....he seems pretty interested....NOT!The very tasty chicken korma at one of the restaurants in the alley in Lan Kwai Fong.
Michelle Gladwin in the office in Sheung Wan. Michelle is a great friend and a talented artist representive in Hong Kong handling a lot of great talent. She's also a great interior designer who can turn 400 square feet into a great looking functional place to live.
My buddy Peter in Sheung Wan. Peter was one of the first people I met when I first moved to Hong Kong back in 1993.

Back in Hong Kong!

So I am back in Hong Kong, my home away from home and probably the most exciting city in the whole wide world...at least that is my opinion. The electricity is back now after a few downward years and it reminds me a lot of how things used to be when I first arrived back in late 1992. There is plenty of buzz and money and interest in the former British colony. Seems the Chinese have done something right with this golden egg. I covered a lot of business news press conferences as well as the HK elections for Bloomberg News. Also shooting stories on the Hong Kong pink dolphins, conterfeiting and other features for magazines in the UK with the odd good paying commercial job thrown in. Below are a few images. More to come I am sure. Thanks for stopping by.
(L-R) Bill Chan, HK Economic Times. Many thanks go to him for so much help on the HK election assignment. Me for Bloomberg News. The next two photographers I am sad to say while their faces are familiar I don't know their names or whom they work for. 2nd from the right is Vincent Yu, AP (really great guy and awesome photog) and then one more familiar face but unknown name and pub. Anyone with names of these guys would be greatly appreciated.
Me on a ladder in front of the background to the stage.
Me with Bloomberg photo editors Nelson Ching and Ellen Chiu after the HK elections. These guys are great to work with and great new friends. People move into the main area to pray during Chinese New Year at Wong Tai Sin Temple.
It's the job for the man on the right to take out the incense as fast as people can put them in.
A man on the left moves in to put in his incense after praying at the Wong Tai Sin Temple.
A woman holds a handful of incense as she moves with the crowd towards the front of the temple at Wong Tai Sin temple.
People pray in front at the Wong Tai Sin Temple.
A hair salon in Central Hong Kong.
A man waits for customers at his antique shop in Central Hong Kong.A cat in the antique shop with two different coloured eyes, very cool.I guess he/she wasn't in the mood for a photo.
My buddy Matt Miller in his living room area in his flat (where I stayed this trip) in Discovery Bay on Lantau Island. The rare Chinese White Dolphins aka The Pink Dolphins of Hong Kong swim off the shore of Lantau Island.
A young girl learns early in life to hang on while riding on the MTR (mass transit railway).

The Wild Parrots of North Beach

One of the great things about living in San Francisco is all the deverse neighborhoods we have here. I happen to live in 'Little Italy' also known as North Beach. Not only do we have great eateries, pubs and nightlife but we have a great variety of residents. From Lebonese to Chinese, Italian and Russian we have it all. But a resident that goes un-noticed to many is the the "Wild Parrots" of North Beach who live in the trees of San Francisco's Telegraph Hill. They have been delighting residents and visitors since they were first spotted flying around back in the early 90's. So famous are these birds that a movie has been make about them. Most of the birds in the flock are the same species, a parrot known variously as the cherry-headed conure, the red-masked conure, the red-masked parakeet, and the red-headed conure. Its scientific name is Aratinga erythrogenys. I have a great view from my apartment and lately the parrots have been hanging around my balcony and the neighbors building just next door. Here are a few photos of them from yesterday.

World AIDS Day

Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day which is recognized around the world and is the 25th annual event. According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 39.5 million people living with HIV, including 2.3 million children, and during 2006 some 4.3 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. Around 95% of people with HIV/AIDS live in developing nations. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world. Started in 1988, World AIDS Day is not just about raising money, but also about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done. I went to the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. At this lovely living memorial is a place called the "Circle Of Friends" where the names of those who have been affected by AIDS are engraved in stone. It was there that I witnessed some tender moments as people came to remember their lost loved ones. Please check out a small soundslide show I did here.David Diaz of San Francisco looks for his friend Charlie Haberman at the "Circle of Friends," a ring of names engraved in stone.
David Diaz (L) and Vivian Voyles look at the "Circle of Friends," a ring of names engraved in stone to honor those who have been affected by AIDSA man puts some flowers down at the "circle of friends".
People look at the "Circle of Friends," a ring of names engraved in stone to honor those who have been affected by AIDS.
A yellow rose sits next to the name of Charlie Haberman at the "circle of friends" memorial.
People look for names at the "circle of friends" at the AIDS memorial grove in Golden Gate Park.David Diaz of San Francisco touches the name of Charlie Haberman at the "Circle of Friends".
David Diaz of San Francisco wipes away a tear at the "Circle of Friends" memorial.

Tattoo You, Body Art Expo Inks in San Francisco

This weekend was the annual Body Art Expo held at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. It was great to see the different types of tattoos and body art and I was amazed at the detail in some of the ink jobs. I mean some of tattoos looked like photographs embedded in the skin. They had that much detail. I saw the Three Stooges, Grocho Marks, and other great actors and actresses from yesteryear. I saw butterflys and spiders, one guy was even having at tattoo of the late Pope John Paul tattooed on his right bicep. Now that is devotion. The artists and craft seems to have come a long way with how creative they have become. I was on assignment for Getty Images, Here's a few from the take:
Tattoo artist Kerry Rossi at the Body Art Expo

Nunzio Mausu has the face of Pope John Paul tattooed on his arm Thousands of people are seen at the Body Art Expo at the Cal Palace

Detail of the head of a tattoo artist is seen at the Body Art Expo
Oey works on a tattoo on Dave Dennis at the Body Art Expo
Detail on the leg tattoo of Mike Montoya is seen at the Body Art Expo at the Cal PalaceAshlee Sullivan (L) pierces Courtney Schmidt's lip at the Body Art Expo, Ouch!!

Mike Montoya sits hangs out at the Body Art ExpoDetail on the leg tattoo of Mike Montoya
Mike Montoya watches people get tattooed as people watch him
Extreme body art is seen at the Body Art Expo
Marko Au works on a tattoo on Pat Ruberto at the Body Art Expo
Marko Au works on a tattoo on Pat Ruberto at the Body Art Expo. Marko started the leg tattoo a few months ago at the expo in Sacramento
Marko Au concentrates as he works on a tattoo on Pat Ruberto at the Body Art Expo
Porno Jim of Denver Colorado works on a tattoo for Steve Houngriengkhanat
Stacey Frye grimaces as she gets her first tattoo from Tim Goodrich

Thousands Take To The SF Streets in Support of Lebanon

Several thousand calm but noisy demonstrators rallied Saturday in downtown San Francisco to protest Israel's military actions against Lebanon and Palestinian territories, while a smaller group staged a counter-protest. The counter-protest, which attracted a few hundred people, was organized by the San Francisco Voice for Israel. Police arrested a demonstrator in a melee that started when a woman tried to burn an Israeli flag in the Civic Center after a midday march through downtown. Now with the cease fire in place I am hoping that the powers that be can see that some things need to change. One thing for sure the killing must stop. I don't want to have to cover these protests anymore. I was on assignment for the San Francisco Chronicle. Here's a few from my take.Faeza Khan takes part in a protest supporting Lebanon in front of City Hall.
Pro-Lebanon protesters gather at the Civic Center.
Pro-Lebanon protesters show the peace sign as they gather at the Civic Center after the march.
A man is arrested by San Francisco police. He was the only one arrested that day.
Pro-Lebanon protesters march down Market Street.
People stand on the steps of City Hall as they take part during a counter protest
Pro-Lebanon protesters march down McAllister Street.
Pro-Lebanon protesters march down McAllister Street.

Portrait Session With Gold Medal Winner Julia Mancuso

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing Julia Mancuso the 2006 Olympics Womans Giant Slalom gold medal winner at her home in Squaw Valley, California. She's a very cool gal with a down to earth attitude and a million dollar smile. Here are a few images I shot for the San Francisco Chronicle. Julia swings her gold medal while wearing one of her favorite dresses and her lucky Lange ski boots in her backyard. Julia with her gold medal.
Julia stands on the bottom of the ski run that was named after her at Squaw Valley. Julia never stops training for the next big event. Here she runs along the slope that was named after her at Squaw Valley.

Italy Wins the World Cup!!

Hundreds of people turned out in the North Beach area of San Francisco to see the World Cup final between Italy and France. Italy won in a penalty shoot out after finishing regulation time and 2 overtime periods tied 1-1. The game was intense and exciting for most of the fans in San Francisco's 'Little Italy' and in the second overtime the headbutt 'felt round the world' came down like a hammer on the hopes for the French. Frances most famous and talented player Zinedine Zidane was sent out of the game with a red card after his nasty head butt to Italian defender Marco Materazzi. Explanations were nonexistent for Zidane’s action in the 110th minute of his farewell game. He was walking upfield near defender Marco Materazzi when, in his final act for his national team, he bashed his shaven head into Materazzi’s chest. Without their leader for the shootout, the French only missed once. But Italy was perfect. Fabio Grosso clinched the Azzurri’s fourth championship, and his teammates had to chase him halfway across the pitch to celebrate. “It’s incredibly emotional. Words can hardly describe it,” Grosso said. “Maybe we still don’t realize what we have achieved. We really wanted to win and in the end we made it". Only Brazil has more World Cups, five. I was shooting for the San Francisco Chronicle and here are a few images from the day.

The Boss Comes To Town

One of the great things about my job is that I get to go to places and see things that I like. Last night I covered the Bruce Springsteen concert in the Condord Pavilion for the San Francisco Chronicle. After the usual 3 song limit of shooting I was told that I could stay and watch the rest of the show providing I return my cameras back to my car. Hmmmm 3 hours of Springsteen and for free no less....ah...OK! The sound was amazing to say the least. He was backed up by about 20 musicians made up of three or four guitars, banjo, accordion, steel guitar, keyboards, drums, bass, various other percussion and a rockin' dixieland jazz horn section with Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg on trombone and Mark "The Loveman" Pender on trumpet. You might know these two from the Max Weinberg Seven band, Conan O'Brien's house band. There were as many as seven or eight people at one time harmonizing in song, the Seeger Sessions Band didn't so much play the songs they overwhelmed them. The band, a sprawling assemblage of folk and bluegrass musicians was put together to record Bruce's latest album, "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions". It consists of the songs of folk legend, Pete Seeger who is still alive at age 87. If they come to a town near you definitely go and see them. You won't be disappointed. Here's a few shots from my 3 song take. Bruce shows why he is called "The Boss" as he wails on the acoustic guitar. The Seeger Session Band plays on.
Part of the Seeger Session Band with Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg on trombone and Mark "The Loveman" Pender on trumpet.
Wearing a black vest he got from Johnny Cash, Bruce and a backup singer belt out a tune.
Bruce and the band play on and on and on and on.........
Bruce walks along the side of the stage to the delight of the crowd.
Bruce Springsteen plays with the Seeger Session Band at the Concord Pavilion.

1100 New US Citizens

Over 1,100 immigrants from over 100 countries were sworn in as American citizens in a ceremony at the Masonic Center in San Francisco. During the ceremony California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a immigrant himself, spoke about his experiences when he came to America and the day he was sworn in as a citizen. Schwarzenegger recalled how excited he was the day he took the citizenship oath in October 1983, 15 years after he arrived from Austria "with my gym bag and twenty dollars in my pocket." "After that ceremony, I went home and I wrapped myself in the American flag," the governor said. "I had a smile from ear to ear because I was so excited about now being officially called an American." Mercy Ganas Prescott from the Philippines hugs California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger after being sworn in as a U.S. citizen.A man holds an American flag as he listens to Governor Schwarzenegger.Over 1,100 people take the oath as new American citizens.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger watches as the colors are retired after the ceremony.

Jim Nachtwey Speaks At UC Berkeley

One of the most highly respected documentary photographers working today, James Nachtwey spoke at the UC Berkeley journalism class last night. He has been an intrepid witness to history, working continuously for almost twenty years photographing human conflict and struggle around the world. "I want my work to become part of our visual history, to enter our collective memory and our collective conscience", Nachtwey said. "I hope it will serve to remind us that history's deepest tragedies concern not the great protagonists who set events in motion but the countless ordinary people who are caught up in those events and torn apart by their remorseless fury. I have been a witness, and these pictures are my testimony. The events I have recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated." His book,"Inferno" is a fabulous collection of his work over the past 20 years. A must see for any photojournalist. James Nachtwey takes time out after his interview to sign his book, 'Inferno'.
Nachtwey takes a break before speaking to the audience at UC Berkeley.
Nachtwey talks with students and has his photo taken after his interview at UC Berkeley.

A Million Say 'Let Us Stay!'

Demanding reform of U.S. immigration laws, more than a million people took to the nation's streets Monday May 1 in what some observers said could herald a new civil rights movement. In the nation's largest coordinated demonstration since the war in Vietnam, immigrants both legal and illegal, and their supporters turned out in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Miami and other major cities. They called for justice, dignity and legal residence for illegal immigrants in the United States. A man waves an American flag as he joins thousands of people at city hall in downtown San Francisco. People hold up a large American flag as they join thousands of people marching down Market Street in downtown San Francisco. José Garcia wears an American flag as he listens to speakers at city hall in San Francisco.A woman dressed in traditional Mexican clothing joins thousands of people in front of city hall in downtown San Francisco. Thousands of people in San Francisco join over a million people across the nation as they march for immigration and civil rights of illegal immigrants in the United States. Thousands of people march down Market Street in downtown San Francisco.

San Francisco remembers the 100th anniversary of the Earthquake in 1906

San Francisco just celebrated their 100th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake that brought the city to it's knees. The magnitude 7.8 earthquake which struck at 5:12 a.m on April 18, 1906 killing more then 3,000 people and leaving more then 225,000 people homeless was remembered with a moment of silence, a wreath laying and short interviews with the survivors which was followed by a parade down Market Street in downtown San Francisco. Some experts say that if the same magnitude earthquake were to hit San Francisco today we would have an even worse outcome. Does everyone have their emergency 72 hour survival kit put together?(L-R) Francis Mae Duffy and Olive Carroll both 101 join survivors of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake as they take part in the 100th Anniversary ceremonies San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom shares a laugh with Chrissie Martenstein, 109 a survivor of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake
(L-R) Survivors of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake Francis Mae Duffy, 101,Olive Carroll, 101, Violet Lyman, 102, Herbert Hamirol, 101 and Chrissie Martenstein, 109 have a moment of silence at 5:12am the exact time the earthquake hit 100 years ago.
Thousands of people join survivors of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake take part in the 100th Anniversary ceremonies on the corner of 3rd and Market Street
With the Energia Samba dance group behind her Debra Mugnani dances in period costume during a parade down Market street.
Ciji Ware of San Francisco is reflected in the mirror of a vintage firetruck as she takes part in a parade down Market street.
Richard K. Pierce dressed as Teddie Roosevelt who was President at the time of the earthquake.
Samba dancers from the Energia Samba group take part in a parade down Market street
People drive in vintage firetrucks down Market Street.
Dressed in period costume people drive in a vintage car after the end of the parade.
A dog marches along with a period fire truck as they take part in a parade down Market street.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Comes to San Francisco

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was in San Francisco today at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. The Dalai Lama broke his regular schedule which is normally planned seven years in advance to come to San Francisco after he was invited by Muslim leaders to discuss how to promote understanding and compassion among Muslims and people of all faiths. This summit marked the first time the global Muslim community has engaged the Dalai Lama who was also joined by 100 world-renowned scholars, teachers and leaders of the Chirstian, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist faiths. It is pretty ironic that this event would take place on one of the most religiously significant weekends of the year---Easter, Passover and The Prophet's birthday. I was there representing Getty Images. Here are a few images of the Dalai Lama as he made his way through the hotel lobby enroute to the conference. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama greets Tenzin Dickyi in the lobby of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco as he prepares to enter the conference. The Dalai Lama pauses for a moment and blesses an emotional Tenzin Dickyi as he makes his way through the lobby of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. The Dalai Lama who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, smiles at some of his followers he makes his way to the conference.Surrounded by Secret Service officers the Dalai Lama walks through the lobby of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel.

Goodbye Bangkok, Love You Long Time

After 2 weeks in Bangkok and the outskirts it was time for me to move on to the next assignment in Japan. It was a great time working on an interesting set of stories from protesters in the streets to high end fashion to people dying with dignity. Of course there was the socializing and catching up with friends I haven't seen in a long time, as well as making new, life long friends. First of I'd like to thank Ron Gluckman, my brother on the road, for his insight and introductions as well as his hospitality and the use of his place to crash. Jolanda for the use of her phone chip! Communication is key and I couldn't have done it without her sim card. Okay, I could have gotten my own sim card but that would have been a hassle :) Thanks to the lovely and talented Korakot Punlopruksa better known as Nym for her humor and her wonderful smile, her help when I was returning to Bangkok, her insight of Soi 5,6, and 7 in search of the great food stall, and turning me onto the best foot massage place in Bangkok. Only 10 steps from the front gate of Nym and my buddy Ron and his wife, Jolanda's apartment building. I loved it and I am ticklish....go figure. If you ever need a fixer or someone to help you in Bangkok, Nym is the person to go to. Jutamanee Nilthamrong but I know her as Kay for her company and brilliant conversation. What a beautiful person both inside and out. Awesome photographer Paula Bronstein of Getty Images for her insanity and giggles. Paul Lakatos for his generosity and grand tour of Bangkok one fateful night. And Paul Ehrlich and his beautiful wife Zeny for their wonderful dinner company. Okay here are a few places I would recommend to check out if you are going to Bangkok. For great street eats try Lang Suan in the Ploenchit district down Soi 5, 6, and 7. Great street stalls here with amazing food and cheaper then you can even imagine. I bought lunch for 3 and spent about US$5. But this is a lunch place so better to be there before 2-2:30. Also there is a great mango freeze stall on Soi 6 more towards the end. Great smile and really fresh mangos as well as any other fruit you could imagine. You can get away with a freeze of your choice that will delight your taste buds for about 75cents. For dinner you have to try the Bed Supper Club. Here you can eat a fabulous Thai dinner and then go next door and dance the night away in their live DJ or band club. Housed in a custom-built new building and set in a modern and futuristic all white environment. This place is on the cutting edge of the dining and entertainment scene in Bangkok and is a showcase for all the arts-culinary, visual, musical and theatrical. Check it out. For live music you have to go by the Saxaphone Bar just off the Victory Monument BTS exit. Really easy to find and really a great bar with some of the best musicians in Bangkok grinding out some great blues, rock and jazz. They don't have a website but you can search them easily on Google. Below are some last minute photos from Bangkok. Thanks for reading my posts. More later!Great writer and best friend Ron Gluckman(C) at one of the many awesome dinners we had.
Nym in her apartment just before leaving for Lop Buri. Kay and Nym at the Saxaphone Bar. Great bar with fantastic live music.
People pray at a small temple in the shadows of a big shopping center.
People pray at a small temple in the shadows of a big shopping center.
Young girls sell flowers in Nana Soi 4.
My buddy Paul Lakatos and his charming girlfriend Nannapat Chunnaeb or Nong at his comfortable home.
Some guy named Jimi on Kho San Road.

Lop Buri, Thailand, CHECKING IN TO CHECK OUT

Talk about a reality check. After shooting the Bangkok Fashion Week 2006 where the people are alive and beautiful coming to Lop Buri really put things in perspective. After getting a last minute invitation from Nym to go to Lop Buri it took me about 3 seconds to decide to postpone my trip back to Hong Kong a few days and agree to go. I have always wanted to visit this AIDS hospice located about 2 hours north of Bangkok but for some reason I never did. I wanted to see what ever other photographer who has either lived or worked in Asia had seen. I am convinced I was the only photojournalist never to have visited the special temple or Wat as it is called in Thailand. Wat Phrabaht Namphu is a place where most people who go to live never leave. In the hot season, up to five or six people may die a day. Some people arrive and are already very sick. Some people die within a day of their arrival, others merely need some time to recover from an infection and then are well enough to go to one of the cottages that is located on the property. The majority of people come when they are so sick that they can no longer hide the symptoms of their illness, or so tired that they can no longer work. There are many volunteers who come to work here with the majority coming from Japan, Australia and the United States. One man I had the pleasure of meeting was Father Mike Bassano from New York of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. He has been working in Lop Buri for the past 3 years and plans on staying for another 2. I was very impressed with his ability to engage and connect with the patients. I could see it in their faces when he was around that he was really their only real friend. More people like him are needed in this world. Many thanks to Nym and Mont for allowing me to come along. I will be going back for sure. Below are a few images from my brief visit one hot afternoon.
Nym (L) and Mont visit with patients in Wat Phrabaht Namphu
Father Mike Bassano visits with one of the patients.
Father Mike Bassano wheels a man into the shower area with some help from one of the patients.


Father Mike Bassano washes the back of a man in the shower area.

A patient cries in pain as he has baby powder put on. The powder helps to keep the skin dry.
Volunteers dress a patient in the Wat.
In the AIDS museum located in the front of the Wat some bodies of victims of AIDS are on display for people to see. Two women look at a young victim of AIDS. The baby was a year and half old when she died from AIDS that was contracted through her mother.

Bangkok Fashion Week 2006! End of Day 2

These have been a great two days of fashion photography. The days were spent waiting in long queues for up to 2 hours to fight for a space of about a half a meter square so I could shoot the 10-15 minutes show. But the fashion was cool and the atmosphere even cooler except when we were photographing the Grey collection outside. Phew, not only was it hot, hot, hot but the show was running on Thai time and delayed an hour so we all had to sit in the Bangkok sun melting slowly into the dirt. It was all good though and I had a great time. Many thanks to Peter Oh for my last minute request and to photographer Cedric Arnold for his company and humor. Well done, mate! These three photos are just an ender for the other posts below and I wanted to post them cause I liked them. Please have a look at the interesting fashion in my Bangkok Fashion Week 2006 series found below. Thanks for looking! A woman gets make up put on during a break in fashion shows at the Bangkok Fashion Week 2006 at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre in downtown Bangkok, Thailand.
Aom, Cedric's lovely and talented girlfriend as we wait to go inside for another fashion show.An artist paints a mural during Bangkok Fashion Week 2006.

Bangkok Fashion Week 2006! Day 2, TUBE GALLERY

The last show of day 2 was with the Tube Gallery designers. Their work is highly regarded in the fashion world. So much so that Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Narirantana of Thailand a fashion designer herself attended. Saksit Pisalasupongs and Pisit Chongnarangsin two of the designers at Tube described their concept as highlighting a simplicity yet elegant look and focus on the pattern and structure of the shirts. The collection is inspired by the beauty of the arts created by British artist, Gilbert & George. An outstanding feature in this line is the structure of the shirts and its fine details. The fabrics used are mainly made from silk, chiffon and testler. I can say I sat next to a real princess! Have a look at what we saw.(2nd right) Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Narirantana of Thailand enjoys the Tube Gallery fashion show.

Bangkok Fashion Week 2006! Day 2, BOUDOIR

Disaya Prakobsantisukh the chic designer for Boudoir said that the Autumn/Winter 2006-2007 collection places much of the emphasis on the sexiness and loveliness of Boudoir's style of girl. Material used in this series is mainly fabric with printed jewelry-like graphics and macrame pattern. The color scheme consists of various tones including white, grey, black, blue, golden and dark green. The fabric is made up of different textures such as chiffon, satin, cotton, wool and knitting. Here's a small look at the collection!






Disaya Prakobsantisukh the designer for Boudoir greets the crowd after her show.Disaya Prakobsantisukh the designer for Boudoir outside the Fashion Dome just after her successful show.

Bangkok Fashion Week 2006! Day 1, NAGARA

In the evening of the first day people were enlightened when designer Nagara Sambandaraksa showcased his special collection of casual silk wear suitable for the hot weather of Thailand and Southeast Asia. Most of the fabric used in this collection is made from silk and a specially dyed silk that is cast in a beautiful lightly colored hue. As Nagara said "This design will reflect the charisma of oriental living clearly and will come in many forms and shapes such as a cocktail dress, an evening gown or men's trouser". Check it out!

Bangkok Fashion Week 2006! Day 1, GREYHOUND

Greetings! After two days of protests, listening to people yell and walking several miles both days I was ready for a different type of marching. I was assigned to cover some of the events during Bangkok Fashion Week 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand. This high profile fashion event was between March 15th and 19th and was one of eleven projects composing a grand project called Bangkok Fashion City. Ultimately, this event hopes to make Thailand the fashion center of Southeast Asia. And after photographing some of these very talented designers and their creations I can see why. The first event I photographed was Autumn/Winter 06/07 designs by Greyhound which was under the theme "All We Need is Love". It was a journey to the countries of the northern part of Asia and a glimpse into the childhood of those people living in that area. Their clothes are not quite a fashion statment but useful to protect their bodies from the biting cold. Also some of these clothes are oftern passed on from generation to generation. Greyhound is led by designer Bhanu Ingkawat. Have a look!

Back online and back from Bangkok, Japan and Hong Kong

Hiya! Sorry for the long delay in posting, but after a successful trip to Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan from February 22nd through March 29th, I am posting some photos. Starting off in Bangkok, Thailand where the weather was warm and pleasent, the food most excellent (more later and where to go for chow and great local music) and the people with their warm smiles and gracious hospitality. I was sent to Bangkok by Getty Images to cover two days of the anti Thaksin Shinawatra demonstrations. Thaksin, the embattled Prime Minister of Thailand has been accused of corruption and abuse of power while in office and hundreds of thousands of people in Thailand have been marching for weeks demanding him to step down. He has called a "snap" election for April 2 when voters in Thailand will go to the polls for what the Prime Minister insists will be a referendum on his leadership. The election however is unlikely to end calls from critics that he resign after weeks of political turmoil. The main opposition parties are boycotting the ballot in protest at what they've described as Mr Thaksin's authoritarian rule. His unpopularity resides mostly in the big cities but in the Thai countryside it's a different story - with the prime minister enjoying great popularity among rural voters. Here are a few photos from those two days.A man waves the Thai flag during one of the many night protests in Bangkok.A young girl looks on during a protest near the Royal Palace in Bangkok.Two men stand and yell during a protest near the Royal Palace in Bangkok.
A woman carries a portrait of the King as she joins thousands of people marching in the streets of Bangkok.
A young girl watches the events during a protest near the Royal Palace in Bangkok.A man wears a bandana with the word "peaceful" written on it as he takes part in a silent protest in front of Government House in Bangkok, Thailand.
A man with the Thai flag looks on as he takes part in a protest in front of Government House in Bangkok, Thailand.
Sondhi Limthongkul one of the main anti Thaksin leaders greats the crowd during a protest in front of Government House in Bangkok, Thailand.

San Francisco Enjoys Spring Like Weather

A man reads a newspaper as he relaxes on a park bench in Washington Square Park with St. Peter and Paul Church in the background.
A woman practices Tai Chi in Washington Square Park in San Francisco. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese system of slowly flowing movements and shifts of balance that strengthens the legs while conditioning the tendons and ligaments of the ankles, knees, and hips, increasing their range of motion and making them more resilient, less prone to injury. The constant weight shifts train balance and body awareness, leading to confident ease of movement within the form and in everyday life. Tai Chi is a physical exercise that focuses the mind, while conditioning the body. Practicing twenty minutes a day dissipates stress and reduces stress-related debilities, increases stamina, and strengthens the body and will. Western Science recognizes the following benefits of practicing Tai Chi: increased oxygen uptake and utilization (more efficient breathing), reduced blood pressure, slower declines in cardiovascular power, increased bone density, increased strength and range of motion of joints, greater leg strength, knee strength, and flexibility, reduced levels of stress hormones during and after practice, improved immune function, and heightened mood states. So get out there people and improve your Chi!

Rain Rain Go Away....

Rain poured down on San Francisco and Northern California today and will be in the area for the next few days. Rainfall in California has hit recored highs in January with heavy storms flooding out many cities and towns.

Kung Hei Fat Choi! San Francisco Welcomes in the Year of the Dog!

San Francisco ushered in the Year of the Dog on Sunday January 29, 2006 with prayers, lion dances and firecrackers. This year, 2006, is the Year of the Fire Dog. Based on tradition, the Year of the Dog is a year for reflection and to assess ones values. In the face of disturbances, the dog is known to be always on the lookout, protecting the surroundings. I was on assignment for Getty Images and shot in San Francisco's Chinatown which I am told has the largest Chinese population in the States. Below are some photos from the day! Firecrackers fill the air with light, smoke and a lot of noise!
Firecrackers fill the air with light, smoke and a lot of noise!A Traditional Lion Dance in Chinatown.
Christine Chau, 6 holds her ears as the lion dancers perform inside a local bank.
People pray at the Quong Ming Buddhist Temple. People Pray at the Quong Ming Buddhist Temple. (L-R) Eddie Poon, 10, his mother Carmen Tam and brother Eric Poon, 6, pray at the Quong Ming Buddhist Temple.
A girl prays at the the Quong Ming Buddhist Temple.
People pray at the the Quong Ming Buddhist Temple.
At the strike of midnight people start to pray at the Ma-Tsu Temple.
It is believed that wearing red during the lunar new year celebrations will bring good luck. A girl prays at the Ma-Tsu Temple.
Praying at midnight a woman welcomes in the New Year at the Ma-Tsu Temple.

Kung Hei Fat Choi! Lunar New Year Eve

A woman picks out some flowers to decorate her home with on the eve of Chinese New Year in Chinatown, San Francisco, California. Celebrated internationally in areas with large populations of ethnic Chinese, Chinese New Year is a major holiday for the Chinese. This year, 2006, is the Year of the Fire Dog. Based on tradition, the Year of the Dog is a year for reflection and to assess ones values. In the face of disturbances, the dog is known to be always on the lookout, protecting the surroundings. Following the characteristic of the dog, the year is expected to see benevolent and idealistic deeds and various unusual changes coming into being. The Fire Dog speaks of a character that is dramatic, ferocious, alluring, motivated by strength of mind, and self- confident. Chinese New Year celebrations involve being with one’s family, from the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve to the celebration on New Year’s Day when red envelopes known as Lai See or Hung Bau are given to children and unmarried members of the family.

Welcome to my Blog!

Greetings and welcome to my online photoblog. It is here that I will keep an online journal and will try to post photos from where ever I might be. Please feel free to add any comments and thanks for tuning in!
~dpm