Photoguru: Thoughts by Jeff Malet

Jeff's Lunchtime stroll

2011-04-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning a new weekly project -Jeff's Lunchtime Stroll- and will be looking for a new photo to take while walking around Downtown Pomona's Antique Row and the area nearby. I work at a great graduate health professions university called WesternU, which is close by. Check out my first post of my project, which comes with a little story on Cassie's new restaurant.

Cassandra (Cassie) Edwards, originally from Mississippi, is now proud owner of Cassie's Soul Food Kitchen at 200 E. First Street, on the back north side of Antique Row in Downtown Pomona. I came across her and her newly opened restaurant after taking a walk on a break from work. She has been open for about three weeks and moved in after her son Tayari opened up Groom City Barbershop next door. Cassie moved into what used to be the Pomona Baking Company, which closed sometime in early 2010 and was a favorite of many who worked and attended Western University of Health Sciences, where I work. Cassie says they have the best banana pudding, best peach cobbler, best smothered pork chops, best fried chicken and best anything you want southern style. I tried the banana pudding and the chicken spaghetti, shown in a picture, and both were very tasty. She says she has been making the chicken spaghetti, made with a family secret sauce, for about 15 years. She offers lunch specials and dinner, with limited outside seating. Check out Cassie's Soul Food Kitchen Facebook fan page.

Veterinary medicine student fights to protect pets

2011-03-13T09:38:00.001-07:00

My WesternU colleague Rodney Tanaka wrote this great story and I took a few photos of Lisa, a veterinary medicine student, and her dog Max. Lisa started an online petition in support of Molly's Bill at www.change.org. The bill would provide an exemption from the vaccination requirement that any dog whose life would be endangered due to disease or other considerations, as determined by a licensed veterinarian on an annual basis. Here is a link to the the gallery and here is a link to the story on our website . Plus the local newspaper published it, here.

My "monorail" cat now likes the chair

2011-02-06T07:29:00.000-08:00

My cat is cool. Mine has this look, this "kick-back" look that I enjoy photographing. Here are a few images of Clifford hanging out on a chair - chillin'. He also likes what one of my friends tabbed as the "monorail," but not today.

From Highland Looking West

2011-02-05T09:16:00.000-08:00

In January the moon was fantastic. The day before this photo, I saw the moon at an even better spot. I tried for that the next morning and it never materialized. Instead I got this shot. I guess I'm on the lookout for the shot I really wanted.

Highland hit hard by weather, floods

2010-12-27T14:35:00.000-08:00

This past Wednesday I was on my way out to the doctors, but could not get past my neighborhood's main street of Baseline Road Dec. 22, 2010. The road was flowing with water, mud and debris - looking like a fast moving dirty river you see in movies. By chance I grabbed my camera before leaving and got all muddied-up taking pictures. The community pool and path were severely covered in mud. The pool, tot pool and playground were completely buried. See some images in a gallery from day one here. In this blog post, I have some follow-up photos from Friday Dec. 24, 2010 of a neighborhood south of where of live is considered an original part of east Highland. Residents, neighbors and close friends helped clear out some of the Old Greenspot Road area. Residents also looked for lost pets, one finding a cat, and tried to recover items from shelves and walls. Unfortunately, much was lost, including Christmas gifts. Many homes were caked in a sea of mud up to 3 to 4 feet high. Prison hand crews from San Diego also were on hand clearing cars and roads and preparing for the next session of rain, which the weather specialists say is coming Wednesday. The crews were still working on these roads Monday, Dec. 22. Here are some photos and a gallery link to more photos.

Inspired by Strobist

2010-11-16T21:38:00.000-08:00

I had the aspiration to take some more photos of my cat Clifford this weekend. He can be a pretty good model, often looking at me on queue or looking off-camera with that perfect glare. Plus, I like to practice what I read from one of my favorite blogs -- Strobist. I took out my speedlight flashes and my Nikon D300s. There are two SB-900's (Both at 1/2 power) and one older SB600 (used a bungee ball to hold white paper to bounce the flash). I used the SB-600 to trigger the other two flashes, but do have an inexpensive wireless trigger that I just didn't bring out . I moved them around a bit to get the right photo. That's what's great about digital cameras - you can chimp.

On Halloween I was also inspired by Strobist, but only had two flashes. I put one on a stand and hand-held the other. They were both pointed toward my daughter as the sun was setting. By the way, I use manual mode. I would say the one on the stand was at 1/2 power and the one in my hand was at 1/8 power. As you can see my daughter was modeling her costume, in true scary roaring fashion - as a leopard. She looks great, huh!

We came across a brown praying mantis

2010-08-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

After hitting the ball around on the local tennis courts today, my daughter asked if we could stop at the playground for a bit. My thought was this sounds like a good idea. After all she hit tennis balls with me, I could hang with her at the playground. First thing we notice when we get there was this large brown insect on the metal railing along the pathway. It got our attention! I'm sure it saw us coming too. Gabby told me it was a brown praying mantis and that she had seen one on Friday. I thought, that's so cool she knows what this insect is. We looked at it and Gabby took a twig and lightly touched it. I had to get my cell phones camera out - of course. I have had my misses with this camera phone, often getting weird bands and wavy looking light trails in it and of course it's not very sharp, so I often get misses. I took several pictures of just the praying mantis, and then Gabby came around and looked at it. There was already a nice light on it from this direction, so I capitalized on her being a background and took a few pictures. I think I got a pretty good one too.

A little Americana

2010-07-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

Last week my neighbors had a yard sale. In my neighborhood "they" let us have one a couple times a year. This year, my neighbors got cute and Americana with some signs. A shirt, vest, cut-out head and hands with a finger pointing the way. They placed ones similar to this one down the street in a couple different spots. As I looked up and down the street, it was obvious these were the best and catchiest signs. They also were very busy. Cars were parked blocking driveways, parked nonchalantly and haphazardly along the curb, making for a busy morning of haggling. Way to go neighbors!

Beautiful Day

2010-01-23T15:15:00.000-08:00

After five days of heavy rain, Saturday gave way for some beautiful scenery near my house in Highland. Snow-capped mountains, clouds, blue sky and left over water contrasted with rocks and a desert terrain make a nice view. I found this spot near the Santa Ana Wash on my way home from working an assignment in Pomona. About 60 students from where I work gave free health care to underprivileged local residents, so I saw some great things today.

Health Education Center Opens

2010-01-05T16:21:00.000-08:00

The new 180,000-square-foot Health Education Center opened to classes Monday. Here is a link to the story and a slideshow gallery of images.

Canada geese migrate south, stop in San Bernardino

2009-12-30T21:41:00.000-08:00

I came across Canada geese making a stop in San Bernardino Wednesday, Dec. 30, on Hospitality Lane near Costco. Click here to see a gallery of images.

Remembering Leo Greene at the Claremont Museum of Art

2009-12-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

In August 2006, Leo Greene was diagnosed with ALS. It is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease and often kills the person diagnosed with the disease within five years. In late 2007, Leo and I went to he Packing House and specifically the Claremont Museum of Art as part of a video for one his many monthly columns about his journey with ALS.
Click here for link to the video.
Today, I fondly remember Leo and particularly our day at the museum. I remember the friendly folks who were at the museum that day, both accommodating us and watching us. And of course I remember the many 'takes' we did in the narrow hallway that was part of the museum. I bring all this up because the Claremont Museum of Art closed its doors today. Leo was a big fan of the museum.
See the story here in the Daily Bulletin.

Fire threatens homes along 60 Freeway

2009-11-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

My lunch took a detour because I could not shake the news bug yesterday. I was heading out to lunch, leaving work in Pomona, and saw several huge plumes of smoke towards Chino Hills and Diamond Bar. So instead of eating, I explored. I ended up taking pictures for about 15 minutes near a Walmart. A small shopping center offered a high vantage point with a balcony, so I hung out there. Here are a few photos. Good job firefighters.

Optometry students 'see' infants for the first time

2009-09-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a story and photos I did this week about infant eye exams.

Vet Med: Week in Photos

2009-09-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a slideshow of my images link to the video

Sept. 11 Memorial at WesternU

2009-09-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

Photographers pin is lasting memory

2009-08-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

Long time Little League photographer Russ Tinlsey last year gave me a pin from the 2001 Little League World Series during last year’s 2008 regional opening ceremony at San Bernardino.

It was my first and last time I would cover the event because I no longer work for the newspaper.

Before the ceremony started, while the teams from the Western Regional and the Northern Regional gathered, preparing for the flag waving entry, Mr. Tinsley, caring a camera, came near me. It was like a time when two people notice each other at the same time. We looked at each other. We smiled and I said hello.

With no further conversation he reached into his pocket and gave me a World Series pin.

He told me he wanted me to have this. I looked at it and admired the pin, still wrapped in plastic, and then looked at him and thanked him, all the time wondering how cool is this. I also wondered why me.

As he left to do other things and meet people, I looked around and noticed my colleague at the time, Al Cuizon, nearby. He looked at me with that nod of how cool and lucky are you. He said something to the fact that he would have liked to get one too.

This was a day I also brought an intern Kai Le with me. We were covering the opening ceremonies with cameras. Al was there for video and Will was there setting up his computer in one of the "rooms" so he could be ready to send photos of the first game on deadline.

The 2009 Regionals begin August 7 with championship games on August 15 and 16. For more information visit www.eteamz.com/llbwest.

Photo of Crash in Highland

2009-07-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

A photo I took today on my way to work. Luckily no one was seriously injured.

Clifford catches some light

2009-07-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

This morning, Sunday, was may day to sleep in. I have not been taking my camera out much over the weekends except to take photos of my favorite model, Clifford. This morning, after pouring a cup of coffee, I noticed Clifford hanging out in a patch of light coming through one our windows. He's done this before, and every time I go get my camera and start to work some shots out, he moves. This morning, he just hung out and occasionally looked over at me. I had about 10 minutes to work angles. I tried standing on my couch, laid on the ground, moved my camera high and low. Then I moved to the other side of a coffee table. I was thinking this table is in the perfect spot - in my way!
So, I tried a low-to-the-ground photo and I tried to squeeze between just under the table and a bar of wood that went across to stabilize the table. It seemed like everything was in my way for that shot. So I squeezed some more, angled my camera under the table and guessed at taking the photo. I was happy with my first try. So here you see the two angles, plus a photo of Clifford licking his paw. I did not include the high angled photo from the couch because It just did not like it as much. If you want to see it, let me know and I'll add it.

Photo of my cat, my monorail cat

2009-07-05T19:44:00.000-07:00

I love my cat Clifford. He's always looking so serious. He also likes to hang out on our rail on our stairs, which is why I call him a monorail cat. I like to take photos of him and today I captured him in deep contemplation.

Boy, 12, admits to starting Highland fire.

2009-06-19T06:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a story from The Sun, confirming rumors that a young boy had started a fire in East Highlands Ranch area on June 07.
Click here for story.
See my previous story to see fire photos from the day.

Fire Burns Mountain near East Highlands Ranch

2009-06-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today was quite the scare. I kept hearing sirens and after a few more came along, my wife hollered down from the stairs as to what what going on out there. I ended up looking out the sliding glass door and easily spotted smoke billowing from beyond our backyard and in the mountains just above. We calmly got some stuff together into bags, told my wife and daughter I love them. I checked with neighbors, took a few photos and then re-checked with my family. I got my limited gear in order, because I needed to tackle my news bug and see the fire for myself, and off I went, around and up a few streets. Suddenly I was seeing the fire, smoke and neighbors. Soon I saw more fire trucks approach and fire fighting helicopters. I even went on a friends roof, being invited to check it out from their view, which was a couple blocks closer to the fire than our house.

Here are some photos and Here is a link to a photo gallery.
The roughly 20 acre fire is contained and no one was injured.

In Memory of Sam Maloof

2009-05-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

Celebrated woodworker Sam Maloof died Thursday night. His modern rocking chairs and other furniture adorn private collections and museums around the world. In 1996, I first photographed him in his old house that was later moved to make room for the 210 Freeway extension. I cherished every moment I photographed him, admiring a true artist. To see more photos, Click here. As you can see above, I have used Sam in my blog title for the past year. (Photos while working at the Daily Bulletin)
Click here to see even more photos of a gallery of images I shot on www.dailybulletin.com from January 2008.

Jeff Malet Photography Website

2009-05-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.jeffmalet.com

How many times can I go up and down

2009-05-02T08:52:00.001-07:00

One, two, three, four, five, six and if I’m lucky all the way to 10. Up and down, up or down. The fascination with the elevator is as strong as ever as I get older.

Maybe I don’t have the desire to punch all of the buttons, go to the top, and back down, and doing that over and over. At least that is what I did when I was a kid.

Macy’s, Robinsons, Bullocks, the dentist office, and any hotel or tall building I might be in are all places I played with the elevator. I almost always hung out in one because I was bored waiting. I always waited for my mom to finish shopping, my sister to finish getting her teeth cleaned, or just I just needed to get out of the hotel room.

I came across an elevator being repaired the other day. This elevator goes back around 30 years. Looks like they have replaced certain parts I can’t name, but it was shiny and new which made me stop. I like they way there is sheen, a reflective feeling to it. The light inside the shaft gives off an orange-red glow, which adds a layer to the overall simple photo.

In the other photo to the right, I was again intrigued with the machine part of the elevator. After trying several filters through Adobe Photoshop, I settled on Find Edges, which can be found under Filter and then under Stylize. This really brought out the mechanics and subtle shades and lines that are not so visible just looking at it. Plus, it also made it artsy in a drawing old-school way.

A tale - Making Asian soups

2009-04-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

A story in Inland Living Magazine earlier this year. The writer included me, a photographer, in her yarn and quest towards making wonderful Asian soups. Inland Living Magazine story and photos

Actress Cloris Leachman excites Ramona Bowl crowd

2009-04-18T23:06:00.000-07:00

Actress Cloris Leachman attends Ramona Bowl Photos April 18, 2009.

Ramona Bowl starts April 18

2009-04-17T19:14:00.000-07:00

Photos I took for the Ramona Bowl. It's their slide show and home page. Check out the link: Ramona Bowl

Pomona's Fox Theater

2009-04-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Fox Theater in Pomona, built in 1931, has been is disrepair for many years. On Saturday night a black-tie gala and fundraiser to help Friends of Pomona Fox will provide a sneak peek into the restoration of the Pomona theater. On a break from work, I walked over there, even peaked inside, reminiscing of the time they upgraded the venue over 10 year ago to house Lucha Libre, Mexican style wrestling, which I covered for the paper I had worked for. Here are a few photos from the day before the sneak peek - "Fox First Night Sneak Preview Fundraiser"
Pomona Fox Theater photo gallery

My Photos

2009-04-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

I've been working with iWeb on my Mac. Here is what I'm working on.
Jeff Malet Photography

Note of marriage proposal left at front door after daughter, 7, has birthday party

2009-03-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our daughters birthday this Saturday. It was a festive pirate themed party. My wife did an excellent job preparing the fun. On the top of that list was a scavenger hunt. With a little research by browsing themes online, she was able to put together a cool hunt using photos. She took most of the photos from around the backyard, front yard and home.
The party had ended, we were chatting with a few parents who stuck it out for a little while, and we heard a knock on the door. I got up, checked the door, opened it to find no one there. I looked down, noticed a piece of paper lying on the doormat. I noticed some writing on it, picked it up and read the three lines. it read, "Dear Gabby, I want to mary you!" (spelled according to note)

I turned to the gang inside with a look of - oh my gosh! - written all over my face. I thought several things. One was how cute and adorable is this, but my fatherly instincts also swept through me. I thought, who is this from and my daughter is only 7 years old!
I read the note to the few who were left and we were all thinking - we know who it came from and ah!, how sweet! How neat is that, to have a mysterious boy leave our daughter a note like this with a "knock-and-run."-
As I say quite a bit, Oy!
I'm not ready! I'm not ready!
In the middle of the party, we gathered all the children in the backyard, broke them into two groups and instructed them, giving them the first piece of the hunt - a photo.
Each chest was filled with goodies for each kid. I was taking lots of pictures. All the young ones, and a few fifth and sixth graders, got right to it, seeking out the first clue. The kids in the backyard struggled with the first clue, but with a little help, they found it and breezed the rest of the way.
The other group started in the house. They were quick to find clues. I met up with them inside to capture some photos of them hunting for clues and I noticed that a young boy was still sleeping on the couch He was a nearly 2-year-old of child of one of the parents, still sleeping on the couch after his parents placed him there to finish his nap when the party started. About 10 children, rummaging for photo clues in the room could not wake the young man. He laid there, all peaceful, head rested on a pillow and hands on his chest.
The noise and rustling of children could not wake him, but a quite room, with just a couple parents left chatting in the kitchen nearby, woke him. All the children and many parents had gone outside to work on dismantling the pinata treasure chest. I assume it was that feeling that stirred him awake. One of the moms, aware of the child waking, made sure he was returned to mom and dad.

It has been a while since my last post, but I have good news!

2009-03-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

I got a job!
I started February 17th.
I feel very fortunate. Lucky!
After being laid off from the newspaper industry in January I took a stab at taking a few classes at some local colleges. I started a few, stayed with one until I got a job.
I felt , in a way, my new job was a class.
I needed to learn, I'm still learning, a ton of stuff. New co-workers, new terminology, new styles and procedures.
I really enjoy my new place I work. The people are great. The atmosphere, the growth are contagious. I'm excited.

My Obama Coffee Cup

2009-01-20T13:48:00.001-08:00

I was on my way to try and add a Conversational Spanish class at Crafton Hills College today knowing if I got the class I would miss Obama's inauguration. I was prepared for this by recording CNN on my DVR.
I ended up stopping by a 7-11 convenience store for a cup of coffee and noticed a display with special addition cups for sale. There were three left. I thought to myself, I should not even be buying a cup of coffee after being laid off let alone a more expensive cup for my coffee.
Turned out I bought it as you can see. It was $1.99 plus tax with the first cup included.
I did it because I have hope and I want change.
The clerk mentioned after I bought it I can refill my cup for $0.75. That's a deal. A keepsake and a discount on future coffee.
By the way, I was successful adding my Spanish class!

I Was Dropped Today

2009-01-15T23:07:00.000-08:00

My writing class was drop-kicked from 70 yards and missed. When only 10 people showed up on day one I knew I shouldn't buy my books. Today the class was canceled. We needed 13 people to keep the class going. I really like the campus, so I'm looking to add a conversational Spanish class next week. In the meantime, here is a video I did before my class fell short of the posts.

Back to School

2009-01-14T11:55:00.001-08:00

I went back to school today. I'm taking an English class on Tuesday and Thursday's at Crafton in the morning and a CISCO I class at SBVC Tuesday night's. My English teacher used to work for The Sun and the Orange County Register. She also teaches classes at Cal State San Bernardino. I enjoyed my first class. I met a group of students that were very friendly. We exchanged numbers and emails that will consist of us being buddies. This buddy group will be utilized to bounce stories and ideas off of.
Tuesday night I went to SBVC and was initially uncertain if the teacher would show. He made it just in time. The class was quite full with about 10 people still wanting to add. He accepted them all. Roger Powell is quite the character. He plays the bitter angry smart Alec teacher very well, getting plenty of laughs from the large class.
Here are some photos I took during a break last night.

Anyone know who writes the Highland Observed blog?

2009-01-13T22:30:00.001-08:00

http://highlandobserved.blogspot.com/

Hall Ready for Steals King

2009-01-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of Rickey Henderson I took when he was with the Angels back in August 1997. He sure was exciting to watch, even at age 39 when he was in Anaheim stealing a few bases.

Finished My Resume Today

2009-01-10T21:03:00.000-08:00

I sat down this morning after Amy took our daughter to a birthday party. I sat down to finish updating my resume. After a lot of tweaks and adjustments and the help of my wife I have finished.
I also completed an application for a job. As requested by this place I'm interested in, they ask I print, sign, scan and email my application and any other pertinent information (that would mean my resume).
Between working on these items throughout the day, I spent time outside with my daughter. I also had a wonderful break tonight when she begged for my audience to sing songs and dance. This is a certain joy!
Goodnight.

Day Three of Unemployment was Busy

2009-01-09T20:33:00.000-08:00

I started my day taking my daughter Gabby to day care. A tradition to either to day care or to school. That will end soon as we gave our two week notice.
After that I took a crack at updating my resume and filling out an application for place I will try to get . Last time I did any updating like this was in August 2005 when I was looking and considering a job in Washington.
I had to go back to Crafton and register in person. Some sort of snag with me registering and adding classes online today.
I must admit, I was initially frustrated I could not get my class I wanted at Crafton. Since Crafton is linked ot SBVC, I checked their webite again tonight. Amazingly there was ONE opening for the class I wanted. Someone dropped. Was it meant to happen?
So now I'm taking a writing class at Crafton and a CISCO I class at SBVC Tuesday nights.
One of my mentors, Leo Greene, is regularly on my mind cause I wear a bracelet in his honor. He passed away from ALS in early 2008. Here is a photo that say's it all for me. it says "Never Give Up".

I went to register for classes today

2009-01-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

A day after being laid off after nearly 15 years of dedicated service I made the trek to a community college in Yucaipa. I chose this college because they teach CISCO technology. Turns out to be a quaint little college in the hills of Yucaipa. Very scenic!

I waited two hours to see a class counselor. I have decided to take a writing class as well. I am also going to figure out how to take and ADD a 5:30 p.m. class on CISCO I and II on Tuesday nights. The problems is we are taking Gabby, our 1st grade daughter, out of day care since I was laid off. That means I'm taking care of her from 1:50 till her mom would get home.
My wife, her mom, gets off at Five. Not sure how to work that out. No time to think about it as classes start Monday.

Day two accounted for me hanging out at the college for a long time. I actually made a second trip their to give them my transcripts from Cal State Long Beach. I eventually got home, made dinner and Amy picked Gabby up from day care. We are taking advantage of the two weeks we needed to give them so I can pursue interests.
Gabby and I took a walk after dinner. I love my little girl so much.

I'm hoping to hear back from a career counselor Friday. She left me a voice mail while I was out today.

This is day two of unemployment. I thank all I have worked with. Thank you Rick for your compassion. Thank you Eric.

Look for day three. I assume I'll write something. It seems to help. A public journal. Who knew!

gary scott: Cuts today, more tomorrow*

2009-01-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

gary scott: Cuts today, more tomorrow*

gary scott: Layoffs at the Daily News*, **

gary scott: Cuts at the Press-Telegram

gary scott: Cuts at the Daily Breeze*

Jeff is hanging out after being laid off

2009-01-07T16:54:00.000-08:00

Just filled out unemployment online. Called some resources to help me find a new career with counseling. This past job, the company offers a resource to help with the shit that hit. Also talked with the 401k folks about rolling over into an IRA. Never thought this would be so fun. Almost made it to 15 years. I must admit the writing was on the wall. All the good talent being let go to save what's left of Media News Group and it's Inland Empire newspapers. Can't wait to see how they survive.
So now I have wallowed about the unemployed Jeff and my fellow colleagues who have been let go today, I feel the pain with you.

Going to check out the local college(s) to see about switching gears to being a student. Changing those gears to a new career.

Cheers to all who wished me well!

Cancer woman's Christmas Wish is for Help

2008-12-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

- Show quoted text -

Highland Home Lights Up For Christmas

2008-12-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

30,000 lights synced with music at this Highland home.

Jeff hangs out with SpongeBob

2008-12-15T18:48:00.000-08:00

I met a star a while ago. I happened to be at the Daily Bulletin newsroom when he stopped by for some photo opportunities. Staff photographer Jennifer Cappuccio Maher happened to be in the office to help me savor the moment. Bob jump up on my hand and we posed for the everlasting photo. Thank you SpongeBob and Jennifer.

Rancho Beat Upland in Football Finals

2008-12-13T01:23:00.000-08:00

Here is a video I did of Rancho Cucamonga High School beating Upland in the finals 21-7. Ended up being a bit cold and condensation was forming on the eyepiece and video camera. It ended up being a good game although for people who got to the stadium on the later side they were lucky to get seating. Again there were way to many people on the sidelines. Sideline passes were abundant.

The Moon

2008-12-10T21:12:00.000-08:00

I'm not one who shoots the moon, but on my way back from photographing water polo today I saw a nice glow from the moon through some palm trees. Use your imagination to see that the black stringy stuff from above is palm leaves, OK!

Number 7 for Daniela

2008-12-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

Ada's Balls, Hand Painted

2008-11-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

By Jeff Malet/Staff Photographer

Ada Jarvis paints balls. Not just any type of ball. She paints Christmas ornaments, which she jokingly calls Ada's Balls. Her trademark is taking photos of local landmarks and churches in Redlands and Loma Linda and artistically applying her strokes to the different sized objects.

“It's really a hobby that's gotten out of control,” said Jarvis as she paints from a tiny crowded room that looked like it was once used for laundry. “I don't need the money. I just enjoy doing it.”

Jarvis started painting ornaments in 1999 when her hometown of Revel Stoke, British Columbia, Canada, celebrated their centennial celebration. “I decided to do unique balls of local places for souvenir items,” said Jarvis.“No one else had done this.”

A resident of Loma Linda for about 35 years, Jarvis has been making them for nine years. She sells them at local stores in Redlands. She also makes special orders of the Mission Inn for the Mission Inn Museum Store in Riverside. She makes anywhere from 200-250 a year, all painted by hand.

Her work of Redlands landmarks is only sold at Redlands gift store Celebrate Redlands. Another store, Treasures in Redlands, sells them but of themes such as “Babies First Christmas.”

Her most popular are of First Congregational Church, A.K.Smiley Library, University of Redlands and Mission Asistencia.

Sharla Wright, Mission Inn Museum Store director of museum products says she has been selling Ada's work for 4 years. “Her work she does is outstanding. I'm always intrigued by what she does every year,” said Wright. “Right now we have them on a tree in our window on display.”

Over the past nine years of making her creations she has only kept a few broken ones for herself to put on her tree .”It's a one of a kind gift.” Said Jarvis, ”I really enjoy seeing peoples faces light up.”

Breakout:
Celebrate Redlands – 19 E. Citrus Ave. #102, 909-335-0356
Large: $26
Small: $17

Treasures – 411 E. State Street, Redlands, 909-792-2700
Large: $22.50
Small: $14.00

Mission Inn Museum Store – 3696 Main Street, Riverside, 951-788-9556
Large: $40:00
Medium: $30:00
Teardrop: $40:00
Extra Small: $3:50-$4:00

Triangle Complex Fire Video

2008-11-16T20:19:00.001-08:00

Nation's Fourth Successful Hand Transplant

2008-11-14T23:14:00.001-08:00

I followed up on an Upland man who received a hand transplant over the summer and is doing some rehab in Rancho Cucamonga.
Very determined 32-year-old who lost his hand six years ago during a gun accident while hunting. Here is a video I did from his rehab Friday November 14, 2008. There are graphic elements to this video.

Eviction Video and Gallery

2008-11-07T16:08:00.000-08:00

On October 29, 2008 I ventured to Victorville and Hesperia for an assignment to go on a ride-along with a deputy who specialized in evicting home owners and eviction notices.
I knew I was going to be both photographer and videographer on this one, so I took my video camera, wireless mics and a video monopod. I also took my two camera bodies with my three lenses and a flash (with SC-17 cord). I ended up shooting 98% with both wide angle lenses as it was easier to tow along the video camera and shoot stills. Here is a link to my video.
Here is a link to my gallery as well. The package will run Monday, so the video will be ready Monday on this blog as well.
http://sbsun.mycapture.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=631736&CategoryID=34297&view=1

I Voted on Monday, not Tuesday!!!

2008-11-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of me after voting today!

Monday November 3, 2008 I voted. I work for the newspaper and live near the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters. On my way into work I stopped by, got in line and voted 30 minutes later. Than I called into work and offered my services to photographer and do video of the scene.
Glad I got to vote early. They should offer 2 days of voting nationally everywhere. Not just at the registrars. Less stress.
For the record, I voted for Obama. I also voted NO on Prop 8. I don't believe in any type of discrimination. Other props were less significant, but I voted yes on 2 for the record.

Getting Older

2008-11-02T19:44:00.000-08:00

I know I'm getting when...
I fall asleep on the couch for a quick nap and wake up 20 minutes later only to realize I just took a nap (my wife and child were witness to it, watching TV). I only see this as a sign. After all I'm getting closer to 40. By the way, I have been one who would rather feel sleepy all day then take a nap, only to fall asleep comfortably at night.

I bought a MacBook Pro Today

2008-10-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

I went for it today, Saturday October 18th, and bought a Macbook Pro. I'm rationalizing the purchase with it being my 40th birthday soon and it would be a tax write-off. Also the new Macbook's came out, so the old, but new model was available for quite an enticing discount. Quite nerve wracking going for and buying the higher end Pro versus the Macbook, but I did it. My eMac is not going to last much longer anyway, right. Now I can be mobile and when needed use it for work. As you know I'm a photojournalist and photo editor. Here is a photo.

New Canon EOS 5d Mark II !!!

2008-09-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

There are times when I would switch from Nikon to Canon. This camera is one of those times. As a Nikon user of old equipment in the D2hs and D2h and a video camera in the Sony VX2100 I'm certain this would be the creme de la creme. I only wonder what the next model would be like. Should we wait? Also, I would need to raise the money for such an item. Since I have Nikon gear, I would also need to spend extra on nice lenses.
Below is Vincent Laforet's behind the scenes look at him using the camera in video mode. The finished product looks better than the behind the scenes video camera's they used!

The new D90, I'm drooling!

2008-08-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

The new Nikon camera digital SLR that can do video and take photographs with interchangeable lenses. Just what I was looking for! Here are some links and a video I have embedded.
NikonUSA
RobGralbraith

Mechanical Mole Surfaces From Nearly Five-Mile Journey

2008-08-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

A 450-foot tunnel-boring machine emerged from under the San Bernardino Mountains Wednesday August 20, 2008, creating a nearly four-mile tunnel as part of a large-diameter regional water line serving nearly 19 million Southern Californians.
Mechanical Mole Surfaces Video

My Cruise Slideshow

2008-08-13T09:28:00.001-07:00

A link to a photo gallery of my photos

2008-05-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

My photo gallery.

Click the link above and see some images I have taken through the 14 years at the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin newspaper. Now a days I work the desk as Deputy Photo Editor for both The Sun and Daily Bulletin and on occasion I get out, pick up the camera and shoot. What a great feeling that is too!

first

2008-02-12T20:39:00.000-08:00

Created a blog to experience it. See where it takes me. I'm working in the newspaper business. Help run a photo department is Southern California. Here is a photo of my wife and I recently. I do have a wonderful daughter. I adore her and have purposely left out of my blog.