Looking at the Toyota Sienna 2011 or other models

(Image from Autoblog.com)

So what does a Toyota Sienna minivan have to do with photography?! Absolutely nothing! Ok, it actually does since that might be the transportation that I will use to get to some of these exotic locations. The AWD drive version means that getting to Yosemite in the snow or bad weather can be that much safer. The Sienna 2011 models look pretty cool for a minivan and appear to drive well from what our friends say. They did include the new pricing as well and a new car is WAY expensive. We might go for an older used model with low miles... say a 2006, 2007 with 30,000 miles if we can find one. I am currently driving a vintage 1992 BMW 325i with 160K miles. It runs great, it just can't handle the snow like an AWD version might. There are a couple of great reports on the 2011 Sienna here and here. I have included a picture from Autoblog as well. I REALLY love the reclining seats for the 2nd row!!! I wouldn't mind being chauffered around! Any input, thoughts or suggestions for getting a minivan?! Leave a comment on the blog! cheers, John

My REI Yosemite exhibit on the Front Page of SFGate!!

Wow! Thanks for stopping by if you saw my exhibit info on the front page of SFGate! Pretty awesome to see! The folks at REI are pretty excited as well and the response to the exhibit has been fantastic! I have changed out a number of images and will continue doing that through the exhibit duration finishing in the end of January. I have 3 other exhibits also running at this time - Planet Granite Indoor Climbing Gym in Sunnyvale www.planetgranite.com, The Rok Bistro Hot Rok and Fondue Restaurant in Sunnyvale www.rokbistro.com, Mike's Cafe in Palo Alto and our home studio in Sunnyvale - by Appointment only please! Please leave a comment on the blog or website and let me know what you think of the images! Cheers, John

http://events.sfgate.com/san-jose-ca/events/show/90043265-water-light-and-textures-yosemite-nature-landscape-photography-exhibit

Community Giving and My Photography

Community Giving. I am blessed to have a great day job at Symantec and photography is my passion and growing side venture. Giving back to the community has been very important to me and Sunnyvale Community Services (SCS) is a fantastic organization where I donate a portion of proceeds (with Symantec match) as well as annually donating a print to their auction. SCS provides financial aid, food, toys at Christmas and emergency assistance to low-income families and seniors facing crises in the Sunnyvale area. Their annual auction took place a couple of weeks ago raising $40K in less than 90 minutes. My "Sunset on Half Dome from Glacier Point" I donated raised $550! If you want to give toys, $$ or food to SCS, please look on their website. The folk’s needs that they provide for continue to grow at an exponential rate in this challenging economy. Consider this or other organizations like this especially around the holidays.

Additional great Photography info

There are a few great websites and blogs that I recommend ANYONE interested in making and taking better pictures. The Website and podcast, Photofocus and then also Scott Bourne's Website and twitter to follow. More info on the link! Happy making photos!

New images up from Australia, Sydney and the Royal National Park

I managed to get a few new images up from Australia. I have some nighttime cityscape as well as some fantastic images shot at the Royal National Park near Bundeena, an hour South of Sydney. Two of these images were the recent favorites at our open house!

Another New Photography Exhibit! REI in Saratoga!

I have another new exhibit that just started! REI in Saratoga. I have a selection of 9 images that I will be changing out through the end of January. Drop by and let them know if you like the images! The images are located just behind the registers.

Open House this weekend - Sat, Dec 5th 3-8pm

I am having a small celebration to thank all my supporters and customers over the last year this coming weekend (Dec 5th) at our Holiday Party/Open house at our house in Sunnyvale. Hopefully I will also get some new images on the wall! You can just drop by and have a glass of wine - bring the kids as it is a kid friendly event. Drop me an email or a comment if you want me to send you the address to attend.