Updated September 22, 2012 to add a few more photos:

Endeavor (OV105) flying over San Francisco with her escort:

Endeavor over Alcatraz:

Endeavor making the second of two passes over the Golden Gate Bridge:

Crowd watching Endeavor at Crissy Field:

The photograph captures a majestic scene where the Space Shuttle Endeavor makes a striking passage over San Francisco, dwarfed against the iconic silhouette of the Golden Gate Bridge. The bright sky acts as a vast, serene canvas, dotted only by the small escort aircraft ensuring safe passage. The shuttle, proudly carried atop a Boeing 747, glides with a quiet dignity that contrasts beautifully with the hardy, muscular presence of the bridge’s towering pillar. The cables of the bridge create a delicate web, lending a sense of intricate artistry to this moment in time. The low-lying fog creeping in the background hints at San Francisco's famous weather, adding an ethereal layer to the composition.

The photograph utilizes a balanced composition, with the bridge pillar on the right creating a strong vertical line that anchors the dynamic movement of the shuttle. The rule of thirds is deftly applied, with the main action occurring in the upper left third, attracting the eye naturally across the image. The contrast between the shuttle’s white against the azure sky intensifies its visibility and importance, creating a sense of awe and reverence. My appreciation lies in the harmonious interplay between human engineering and natural beauty, though I feel that a slightly wider frame might have enriched the context by showing more of the bridge or the surrounding cityscape, providing a greater sense of place. Nonetheless, the photograph succeeds in capturing a moment both historic and visually captivating.

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• San Francisco
• ISS over San Francisco
• Golden Gate
• Bay Snaps
• GGB

(Recent Photos)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Photos of Space Shuttle Endeavor visiting San Francisco #photo #endeavor Photos of OV105 (Space Shuttle Endeavor) visiting the San Francisco Bay Area in September 2012 before heading down to Los Angeles. )

Get $1 off two Bounty Paper Towels, seen while watching the September 17, 2012 episode of The Daily Show on TiVo. Hard to imagine how expensive a full roll must have been.

The photograph captures a moment frozen in time on a television screen, featuring a vintage digital interface from a TiVo device. Dominating the screen is the date "September 17, 2012," set against a backdrop that appears to be an artistic rendering of the Earth, with swirling blues and blacks suggesting the planet seen from space. Below this celestial canvas, a promotion pops awkwardly to the forefront: "Get $1 off two Bounty Paper Towels." This notification is encased in a modern digital announcement bar that conceals part of the screen, humorously juxtaposing an everyday commercial offer with the grandiosity of the cosmic scene above. Below the offer, the iconic TiVo progress bar and basic controls sit quietly, confirming that this is indeed a brief glimpse back into how home media was consumed during this time.

The composition speaks to the playful clash between the mundane and the monumental. The decorative background embraces an ethereal quality, while the advertisement, encased within standard digital interface elements, asserts itself with bright, utilitarian clarity. From a compositional perspective, the photograph captures this contrast beautifully. However, what notably restricts the artistic appeal is the lack of focus and clarity in the image, with pixelation apparent and colors somewhat muted, diminishing the visual impact. Moreover, the humor and charm lie in the incongruity, as the grand backdrop is humorously undercut by a mundane paper towel offer. While the setting might not have significant artistic value, the image succeeds as a snapshot of digital nostalgia and a commentary on the commercial nature of modern media consumption.

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• How does Hulu manage to suck so badly and the missing app for cord cutting
• Hope for Hulu?
• Real Time
• Diary of a Living Room
• Echo Show Me The Door

(Recent Photos)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Worst special TiVo offer ever #photo #tivo Worst special TiVo offer ever - some very expensive Bounty Paper Towels )

Updated 2021-09-18: it's been a mystery for over nine years but I can finally reveal that this is the semi-flooded headlight of a duck (DUKW), photographed by Union Square in San Francisco.

The photograph captures an intriguing close-up of a headlamp, which appears partially submerged in what seems to be water. The surface of the headlight is a mosaic of shallow, textured ridges that catch the light in a hazy, yet striking manner. Light diffuses through the glass, casting a warm golden hue punctuated by gleaming reflections that draw the viewer's eye. Below, the water rests quietly, distorting the underlying machinery in a dreamlike manner. This juxtaposition of elements - the sleek, industrial lines of the headlight and the unpredictable fluidity of the water - creates a visually rich landscape that feels both mysterious and tactile.

Artistically, the photograph leans into abstraction, focusing on texture and light rather than a clearly defined subject. The composition is tight, with the headlight taking up much of the frame, allowing the intricate patterns of light and reflections to become the focal point. This choice of composition evokes curiosity, inviting the viewer to ponder the implications of the "semi-flooded" state. Technically, the image benefits from its careful handling of light, which enhances the texture of the glass. However, the photograph could benefit from a sharper focus in certain areas to further accentuate the play of light and topography. Overall, the photo presents an intriguing study of form and light, but a little more clarity might enhance its impact.

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• Black Crested Night Heron
• Recent Wildlife
• Bubbles
• Scary Bunny
• Frog

(Recent Photos)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Semi-flooded duck (DUKW) headlight #photo #duck Guess? It's the semi flooded headlight of a duck (DUKW) photographed in Union Square, San Francisco, California. )

Photo (panorama) of the view from Bernal Hill in San Francisco, California.

The photograph "City by the Bay" captures an expansive, panoramic view of a bustling urban landscape nestled by a serene bay under a clear, cobalt sky. On the left, the city skyline punctuates the horizon with a variety of modern and historic buildings, their silhouettes glistening under the sun's gentle embrace. In the foreground, lush green trees add a sense of vitality and contrast with the geometric rigidity of the cityscape. As the eye moves to the right, the scene transforms into a tranquil, almost rural path, meandering along a sun-baked hillside. This path leads the viewer into the distant bay, inviting contemplation of the journey from urban complexity to nature's simplicity. A solitary figure walking on the path brings a human element, adding depth and scale to the vast landscape.

The composition of the photograph masterfully utilizes the panorama to convey the duality of urban and natural environments existing in harmony. The balance between city and nature is well executed, with the urban area occupying the left third and gradually transitioning to nature on the right. This creates a natural visual flow for the viewer. The horizon line is placed perfectly, allowing the sky to complement the landscape without overwhelming it. However, the human figure on the path, though adding interest, could have been positioned slightly more prominently to enhance the connection between city life and the individual experience. Despite this, the overall color palette is rich but not overpowering, lending a peaceful ambiance to the scene. The photograph brilliantly captures the essence of life by the bay, offering a beautifully composed narrative that is both dynamic and calming.

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• Bernal in Bloom
• Bernal from Davidson
• San Francisco
• From Alta Plaza Park
• San Francisco from San Bruno Mountain

(Recent Photos)

(Published to the Fediverse as: City by the Bay #photo #bernal Panorama from Bernal Hill in San Francisco, California on a beautiful August day. )

A hummingbird investigates a planter at the Presidio of San Francisco.

Updated 2024-11-09 01:45:

Near Spreckels Lake in the Golden Gate Park.

The photograph titled "Hummingbird" captures a moment where nature meets urbanity in an intriguing juxtaposition. In the foreground, a vibrant hummingbird hovers with its iridescent plumage blurred by the rapid movement of its wings. It appears suspended in motion beside a cluster of vibrant green leaves adorned with small purple flowers, suggesting its connection with the natural world. The scene extends into a serene walkway lined with neatly trimmed hedges and picnic benches, leading the viewer's eye into the background where parked cars and architectural structures hint at a more modern setting. The contrast between the delicate creature and the man-made elements creates a compelling narrative within the image.

The style of this photograph leans towards a candid capture, embodying a spontaneous and unpremeditated aesthetic that effectively conveys the fleeting nature of the hummingbird. The composition follows a classic rule of thirds, with the hummingbird positioned to the right, drawing focus immediately. This, juxtaposed with the linear perspective of the pathway and benches, creates a sense of depth and invites exploration. I appreciate the dynamic tension between the natural and artificial elements, which adds depth to the story told by the photograph. However, the image might have benefited from a shallower depth of field to further isolate the hummingbird against the more mundane background, highlighting its transient beauty. Nonetheless, the photograph’s candid charm is its strongest asset, capturing a slice of life that beautifully straddles two worlds.

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• Hummingbird 2
• Butterfly
• Unidentified Butterfly
• Red-Tailed Hawk
• San Francisco Botanical Garden

(Recent Photos)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Hummingbird #photo #hummingbird Photo of a hummingbird investigating a planter at the Presidio of San Francisco, California. )

A missed opportunity to demand that violators shall provide... another shrubbery!

(At the Old Faithful Geyser.)

The photograph entitled "Shrubbery" captures a weathered wooden sign mounted on a rustic post, nestled amongst a backdrop of lush, verdant foliage. The sign, painted in a warm, earthy red, bears a stern yet whimsical message in bold, bright yellow lettering: "NO CUTTING OR TAKING SHRUBBERY VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED." The typography, though slightly uneven and hand-painted, adds a charmingly personal touch to the scene, while the worn, peeling paint suggests stories of time gone by. Emanating a protective yet playful tone, this scene crafts a narrative of guardianship over nature’s beauty, hinting at both the physical vulnerability and cherished status of the surrounding greenery.

The composition of this photograph is straightforward, yet effectively conveys the central message. The sign is centered, dominating the viewer's attention against the calming green tones of the leaves peeking from the corner, which frame the sign and add depth. This use of greenery creates a natural border that subtly integrates the sign into its environment. The close-up perspective highlights the textures—both the grain of the wood and the layers of paint, adding tactile allure. However, the structural elements in the background may slightly distract from the otherwise cohesive scene. The uniformity of the color palette works well here, harmonizing the rustic and natural elements, though a bit more contrast in framing might accentuate the message further. Nonetheless, the image succeeds in conveying a sense of protection and whimsicality through its presentation.

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• Signs
• Recent Wildlife
• Green Belt
• Stumpoceros
• Commute failing to suck this morning...

(Recent Photos)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Shrubbery #photo #shrubbery Tragically at the Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga, California they missed the opportunity for a great Monty Python joke. )

The only solar observatory outside the international terminal at SFO (some binoculars and a complicated harness of cardboard cup wrappers). Gathered quite a crowd!

The photograph captures a mesmerizing interplay of natural light during an annular solar eclipse, projected onto a human hand. The hand, slightly open, is basked in soft shadows and illuminated by two crescent-shaped reflections, vivid and glowing in their fiery white contrast against the skin. The texture of the hand, with its natural lines and creases, is rendered in gentle focus, drawing attention to the interplay between human anatomy and celestial phenomena. Beneath, a simple concrete surface adds a grounding element to the scene, introducing subtle gray tones and a quiet grid-like pattern that hints at a man-made environment.

In terms of composition, this image skillfully employs a minimalist style, using the human hand as both a canvas and focal point. The crescents are positioned off-center, adhering to the rule of thirds, which guides the viewer’s eye naturally across the photograph. The use of natural light is particularly effective; the eclipses are sharp and clear, contrasting beautifully with the soft focus of the hand, creating a balanced dynamic between foreground and background. What stands out is the photograph’s ability to merge human with cosmic in a serene yet surreal manner. However, the overall impact could be enhanced by slightly deeper shadow contrasts to add more depth, while the background, though unobtrusive, could be cropped tighter to focus even further on the magical solar spectacles. Overall, the photograph is a captivating blend of simplicity and wonder, capturing the universal awe of celestial events with quiet elegance.

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• 2017 Total Solar Eclipse from Madras, OR
• Transit of Mercury
• Sun Halo
• Sun
• Sunrise

(Recent Photos)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Annular Eclipse at SFO #photo #eclipse Photo of the 2012 annular (partial) solar eclipse from San Francisco, California (at SFO) )

A Gopher Snake in Bernal Heights Park. They look a little like a rattlesnake but are docile and harmless.

In this captivating photograph titled "Gopher Snake," the viewer's eye is immediately drawn to the earthy hued serpent, its body elegantly coiled and stretched across a bed of dried grass. The snake’s patterned skin, a mosaic of browns and golds, harmonizes beautifully with the sunlit straw beneath it. Surrounding the creature, scattered flecks of delicate purple and white flowers peek through the lush, verdant foliage, adding bursts of color that contrast against the natural camouflage of the snake. The interplay of shadow and light enhances the texture of both the snake’s scales and the dry, curling grass, creating a sense of depth and movement in an otherwise tranquil scene.

The composition of the photograph is a thoughtful study in contrasts and harmony. The photographer has chosen a perspective that allows for a sweeping view of the scene, with the snake forming a central diagonal line across the frame, lending dynamic energy to the image. The use of natural light is expertly managed, highlighting the intricate details of the gopher snake's scales and the surrounding environment. However, the busy background, with its mix of plants and flowers, slightly detracts from the focal point by competing for attention, potentially overwhelming the viewer. Nonetheless, the photograph achieves a commendable balance of color and texture, inviting an immersive experience of the natural world. The earthy tones and vibrant floral accents create an aesthetically pleasing palette that underscores the elegance of the subject in its natural habitat.

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• Western Garter Snake
• Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
• Snake rests on Toad
• Lizard
• Banana Slug

(Recent Photos)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Gopher Snake #photo #snake Photo of a Gopher Snake In Bernal Heights Park, San Francisco, California. )