Something to Brighten the Midweek - Lord of the Dance

I love these folks!

Pfeiffer Beach - Big Sur, California - A Short Video

Come to Big Sur - you could do a whole lot worse. Here is a montage of video and stills I recently put together shot at Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur. It is a magical place, especially at sunset.

A Taste of MontereyJohn Photography

As I now am on Facebook, posting slideshow videos is fairly easy, and this is as good a time as any to put up a bit of my scenic California portfolio.

Big Sur "Basin Fire" - Inferno on The Cental Coast

I spent the better part of two days along Route 1 from Big Sur Valley to Point Sur documenting this enormous fire and the heroic firefighters trying to extinguish the blaze. It has been heart breaking to watch this beautiful part of California go up in smoke. As this is written it is not known whether the village of Big Sur will be saved or just how far the fire will spread.

More Big Sur Basin Fire images here.

Darn, They Are Wonderful - Celtic Women

I have a weakness for things Irish, expecially their music, and these women are just grand. Someone at YouTube sent the link to me. I can't say thanks enough. I love it! The singer is Lisa Kelly, and she is nothing short of fabulous!

Medley of My Hit :) - Big Sur Seasons

I have not looked at my YouTube stuff in a long while. When I did so today, I was surprised to see I had 13,882 views of this video along with a 4 star rating. It must be OK, eh? So, here, turn up the sound and enjoy.

Come to Central California

This is a short video highlighting the variety of scenes that is California. All of this is is within 150 miles of where I live in Salinas. Talk about blessed.

Turn up the sound and enjoy.

California Glory - A Video Portfolio - Work in Progress

First Movement



For a long while I wanted to put together a multimedia presentation of about three years work. So I went to Pinnacle Studio, selected some music, Copeland's Appalachian Spring, and started selecting favored images. I decided to shotgun subject matter rather than move from one to another. It cut down on the boredom factor.

I have done about ten minutes so far. The symphony is 27 minutes. That ought to test anybody's endurance and/or tolerance :)

I had some issues with YouTube, it kept hanging up, so I went to Google video.

I'll leave this up until the end of the year before archiving.

Second Movement

Need Something Peaceful? Be Still...

While I am hiatus, I'm putting up some older posts that I like, including this video.

The Lighter Side of Aging

If you are a Boomer and need a chuckle, go ahead and watch.

Tom Rush was one of my favorites in the 60s.

San Francisco Portfolio to "San Francisco Bay Blues"

I have sorted through some 750 images that I have of SF and selected these for my portfolio.  I may yet cut a couple more (too many sunsets).

Dance Wherever You May Be

I was listening to Aaron Copland's Apalachian Spring. When it got to the movement based upon the Shaker hymn Lord of the Dance, I felt myself brighten and made this short video using that music.

A Celebration of Light and Grace

I have been feeling in a dark place for awhile now, as Winston Churchill called it, "the black dog" of depression.  This has been something of a lifelong recurrent issue for me.  So last night I struck one small blow against the darkness, and here it is.

Big Sur - Chamber of Commerce Video

The Chamber used one of my videos on their website.  I was flattered they used my work to introduce folks  to the wonders of this magical area.   The video can be found at their website on the first page with a link titled "Big Sur photos set to music.

This is what folks see:

For Kathy at Pajama Library - Sunrise Sunset Big Sur

I understand Kathy at PajamaLibrary is heading out this way to visit family in the near future, so here is a little taste of what she will see.

You can see more of my video at MontereyJohn II.

Video - Shots from a Weekend in Paradise

I was out experimenting with my Canon 100-300 USM lens. This is a problematic lens to learn how to use. It is a 4.5-5.6 so it is slow. I also have it mounted on a Rebel XT, so it is not full frame. That being the case, 300mm is more like 450mm. Camera shake is an issue when you are at the high end.

regardless, I got some shots with which I was pleased and made this small (1 1/2 minutes) slide show and set it to Pachabel.