Most of my active thinking revolves around future planning, goal setting, and list making. However, I recognize the benefit of looking back too. A new year is a perfect time for reflection. For me this need is heightened by my New Year's birthday. Reflection brings both clarity and comfort.
2017 was a year of personal growth and professional milestones. I taught more classes than any year previous, attended and spoke at three conferences, continued to present for local clubs, and traveled for both business and pleasure.
Photography continues to be a constant wherever I am, with or without a DSLR, my iPhone is always there.
Professional Highlights
International Exhibition of Photography San Diego County Fair
I was unavailable to judge this year’s photography exhibition because of other commitments. Add to that this year’s cowboy theme, and I felt called to enter some of my images. It was a good decision, and I am honored by the results.
Teaching - UCSD Extension
This year I celebrated 5 years as an adjunct instructor for UCSD Extension, teaching a record 8 classes for the year. Each quarter starts with photographs of the Russel Scculpture that stands outside of the campus building. This serves two purposes. First, it puts me in the right frame of mind to teach, and second it provides fresh images with which to demonstrate.
Teaching - MiraCosta Community College
I took an associate faculty position at MiraCosta College in January teaching two sessions of Photoshop, one on campus and one online. I taught the same two sessions again for the Fall semester which proved to be WAY easier the second time around. I’m looking forward to teaching both sessions again for 2018.
Conferences
Creative Pro Week - Atlanta
I had the honor of presenting two sessions for the Creative Pro Week Conference in late May. Unfortunately I had to return for finals week at MiraCosta, so my time in Atlanta was quick. I saw the mall, the train and the hotel.
Adobe MAKEIT - Sydney Australia
My professional highlight of the year was presenting at the Adobe MAKEIT conference in Sydney Australia. Everything about the experience was surreally perfect, including the view from the event venue.
Adobe MAX
This year Adobe MAX was held in Las Vegas. It was my 5th MAX and definitely a milestone for feeling well connected. I love being a part of the Adobe community.
At MAX this year I shared a 5 minute story during the ACP summit, and I worked as a teaching assistant for seven lab sessions.
The Adobe MAX text collage was created from images captured at the Neon Museum with Lr Mobile, edited and composited (while at MAX) on my iPad with Photoshop Mix.
MAX Bash
Photography - close to home
Throughout the year I felt as if I wasn’t finding, or making enough time for my photography. Turns out I took a lot of photos, I just didn’t find enough time for editing and printing. Here is a selection of images that I captured not too far from home.
Idyllwild, Ca.
Idyllwild isn’t exactly in our backyard, but it’s not that far away either. We spent a few “get away” nights there in January and were treated to record snowfall.
Dog Beach
Dog beach is a favorite weekend treat for our dog Jameson, and full of photo ops for me.
These guys are pros, which makes my job easy.
Travel
Life is short, and time flies too fast. Travel is an increasing priority of mine. This year I had the opportunity to travel several times, including to places I have been before, and places I never expected to get to see.
Michigan
I spent 10 days visiting family in Michigan this summer. It was a much needed break, and time away to recharge after a challenging first semester of teaching.
I’m fortunate to have extended family who took me in on a short notice. They provided me with exactly what I needed, which included time to myself, time outdoors, photography, creative time, art galleries, concerts, kayaking, lazy beach days, trips to the city, long drives and lots of family love.
Michigan - Loon Lake
Michigan - Detroit
If you haven’t been to Detroit recently, you probably picture something completely different than reality. I know I did.
The Guardian Building opened in 1929. It is one of the most significant Art Deco skyscrapers in the world, and definitely worth a visit, especially if you love color and patterns as much as I do.
My aunt studied with the artist Charles McGee as an MFA student. Fortunately we were able to see a retrospective exhibit of his work in downtown Detroit, just before it came down. His work really resonated with me.
There really is no way to describe Dabl's place. We spent a couple of hours here inside and out. I was in my happy place taking photos, but couldn’t really capture it. You just have to see it for yourself.
We visited the old train station just as the sun was setting. It’s a surreal place with new windows in the upper floors and utter decay at ground level. I hope that someday it can be completely refurbished, and returned to the beauty it once was.
I really enjoyed all the time spent in Detroit and the variety of things I saw. In a weird way I felt connected, like visiting an old home. I was born there, but have lived in California since I was two.
Michigan - Traverse / Interlochen
I spent a few days with my Aunt and Uncle in the upper part of the state, close to Traverse City.
We spent time at the beach, hunted for rocks, and visited the Sleeping Bear Dunes
Australia - Sydney
I never thought I’d make it to Australia. Now that I have been, I can’t wait to go back. It’s a very special place, and we felt completely at home there.
Sydney is a diverse city filled with history and modern architecture. We toured much of it by foot including Parliament, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
The reality of my good fortune and opportunity to visit Sydney hit full force when I visited St Mary of the Cross cathedral. I was overcome with emotions when I walked inside.
Australia - Bondi Beach
We spent our last morning in Sydney at Bondi Beach. It was a beautiful winter day, and reminded us a lot of winter in La Jolla.
I was openly jealous of the beginner surfers. The waves look doable to me. Some day maybe I can go back and try for myself.
Australia - Cairns (pronounced Cans)
After four days in Sydney we flew north to the tropical beach city of Cairns.
At first glance the beach is inviting, but after closer inspection you start to see the ground moving. Pretty much every lump of mud is actually a crab. Crocodiles live out there too. I tried hard to spot one but I never did.
Australia - Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef
The bus ride from Cairns to Port Douglas offered incredible views that were impossible to photograph. In Port Douglas we boarded a boat for an afternoon of snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. I'd go back and spend more time in Port Douglas if I could.
The boat ride was beautiful. We were even treated to a whale performing in the distance. The captain maneuvered us a close as possible, and even the crew took a time out to watch.
After a couple of hours we reached the floating docking station. It is big place fully equipped with everything needed. We were even fed a hearty hot lunch. Access to the water couldn't have been any easier. I'm not much of a swimmer, and happily availed myself to a cheater's flotation noodle. The water was warm. The suits were to protect from stingrays. Thankfully we didn't see any.
I purchased a low budget underwater camera for the trip, and I got what I paid for as far as image quality. I'm still happy to have brought back the memories.
We exited the train in Kuranda, a very cute touristy town. Kuranda is all about shopping and art galleries. I'm not much of a shopper, but I'd go back and spend a whole day here if I could.
After visiting the town of Kuranda we headed to the nearby Rainforestation Nature Park which was by far the most touristy thing we did in Australia. Not something I would return to do again, but I'm happy for the experience, and would recommend it to anyone.
At days end we returned to Cairns by way of Skyrail over the top of the rainforest. There were two stops along the way for a closer view and more photography.
Las Vegas, Nevada
I took some personal time while in Las Vegas for Adobe MAX so that I could spend some time with my UK friend Dave Clayton. Dave and I took a tour of the Neon Museum and stopped by the Brain Center Gehry Building on the way back.
I spotted this art installation on my way driving into Vegas. I wasn't familiar with it, and knew I would have to stop for a closer view on the way home.
I managed to arrive just as the sun was rising on the desert.
Seattle, Washington
For the final trip of the year we spent a fall weekend in Seattle to visit friends, see a college football game, and catch up with our youngest son who had spent the previous 7 months hiking the PCT.