Asian Pacific Lunar Festival 2016

Asian Pacific Lunar Festival

The Asian Lunar festival was held on Saturday, January 30th in downtown Riverside,Ca. The first few shots were taken walking towards the festival.

(Art by - Jeff Soto/image below)

                       

(The first congregational church,and Parish house)

Riverside's finest even had a setup where the kids could get free stickers and pamphlets.

Many cosplayers hung out at the Chinese Pavilion (in the background) during the festival.

In front of the Riverside Museum 

Locals 

(cultures)

End of the festival blockade 

vendor goods

PEOPLE Walking around

(couldn't decide which to post,the color version or black and white)

(the Philippine table)

There was a lot to see, and many photographers out and about, with no shortage of subjects to shoot.

The image below was one of my favorites, because of the colors, and was one of those shots where I shot for the heck of it. 

Coming to the end of the festivities, my family and I went into the local museum.

Notice the window images. Look at the black and white version, and now look at the color version. Do you see the eye? I could not tell where it came from. The reflection of the window, or from somewhere else.

Local wildlife

The inside of the museum 

Collection of cameras

A few of my favorites from the collection

Passing the window on the second floor caught my eye

.....and out from the museum we went passing the church

Looking around one more time for something else to shoot,I always say look up.Photographers perspectives are pretty much the same,get low,shoot around waist levels,then eye level.Just remember look up.

The festival was fun. I thought I would have gotten some more shots of the festival and activities this year, but we showed up when none were scheduled earlier in the day. I recommend coming next yea,r and staying for the parade and fireworks and checking out the museums and galleries, or walking in and around the Mission inn.

Till next time thanks for viewing

Railwalking before shoot

 I came to this location early,as I booked a shoot here for a more fitness shoot on the tracks,walked about to check it out for the best points of interest of coarse taking images for myself.I really like the shadow outlining the sofa .

next shot was actually taken before leaving notice no shadow 

something about railroad tracks I find interesting could be the trains with all the graffiti or the history of the hobo and riding trains.

Funny thing about grafitti is that many graf artist find abandoned places and do there work in them,I myself love abandoned places and trade with graf artist for locations.

while taking my shots I met a man named Larry who you see in the distance here,I gave him a water and a pepsi he was happy to have them,we chatted abit about life and him being on the street. He came from the long beach area,he then stated that being homeless out in long beach is much different then out here in Riverside,because out there finding a meal and unity among others is easy,easy as in getting by, and its not to hard out there,tho out here In Riverside and the surrounding areas there are so many homeless folks on drugs its hard to find trust worthy people and everyone thinks your a druggy out here.He also stated that he wasnt at all without flaws,he himself was in fact a recovering drug addict and traveling and trying to help others out in his travels.He then pulled out what he called his Obama phone which was dying and said "well things could be worse" he smiled and said have a good day and shook my hand.

(he was on his way to check in with a homeless couple to see if they needed anything or if he could help with anything)

Has I walked away I got a nose full and spotted this poor fellow dead on a mond of dirt

after this my shoot was over and went on my way home,on the way home I pass the biggest paper cup in the world.

Downtown Riverside

Was waiting for a client to show up,so parked in the parking structure across from the tavern and museum and noticed the vines.

I headed upto the top of the parking structure stood atop the highest point and grabbed this shot of downtown.

Back to the car and attached my 50mm and grabbed a few of the museum in the background

the brightness of the outside and the contrast on the inside was abit tricky in getting the color in the leaves but got it after a few shots

Downtown Riverside is a special place,plenty to shoot lots of history and architecture much like anywhere,if you look youll find plenty to shoot. 

A night of photography

8 photographers showcased from film to digital,great work shown tonight wish I was able to get some more shots of the other artist but it was pretty packed which is a good thing.Hope they have more photography shows.tag yourself if you see fit.Pleasure meeting the photographers/artist I did meet.(ps I was not a part of this show just sharing my images)

Just an old Oak memorial

I had some free time before a party I was to photograph so stopped off at a geocache near by and was surprised to see a memorial in its place to boot. Here's a few images I took on this cold rainy day,if your in the area stop on by on Highland Springs Road also called the Patriot tree on google maps (N Highland Springs Ave, Beaumont, CA 92223)

(the poem on the tree reads)

“I grew up here all alone; you know, so spindly, small and frail,

‘Twas nicer here way back then, a horse and buggy trail

By the side of this country lane, I stood only four foot high,

I hardly got a sideways glance from folks a passing by

                         I am an oak, a scraggly oak, not mighty and not tall,

I’m approaching 80 years; I’ll be 80 in the fall...

‘Twas first a flag, then two more, I did not understand

And then I heard the prayers of those come praying hand in hand,

Each flag is for a mother’s son who went to meet the call,

I’ve seen the tears and heard the prayers for those who gave their all,

And so my job, both night and day, protect these many flags

Shads those who come to mourn their loss and do the best I can

I’m proud to be out here, there are no other trees to guard the many flags that,

Stand and flutter in the breeze.”