Neptune Pool at Sunset

Neptune Pool at Sunset, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Hearst Castle's Neptune Pool - WR Hearst had this pool rebuilt 3 times until it matched his vision of what it should be. This makes it the most expensive pool in any private residence in the world. With a 345,000 gallon capacity it is also one of the largest. It features 2 curved collonnades, an ancient roman temple and beautiful mythological figures carved by French sculptor Charles Cassou.

Stairway to Heaven

Stairway to Heaven, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Hearst Castle's Neptune Pool - WR Hearst had this pool rebuilt 3 times until it matched his vision of what it should be. This makes it the most expensive pool in any private residence in the world. With a 345,000 gallon capacity it is also one of the largest. It features 2 curved collonnades, an ancient roman temple and beautiful mythological figures carved by French sculptor Charles Cassou.

The Wrestlers

The Wrestlers, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This sculpture was located between two guest houses at Hearst Castle

RA-5C Vigilante

RA-5C Vigilante, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Vietnam era reconnaissance aircraft photographed on the flight deck of the USS Midway in San Diego, California. It was a beautiful, cool and sunny day. The clouds were particularly dramatic and made a perfect background in addtion to the skyline.

Inside the Pyramid

Inside the Pyramid, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This is a 12 shot HDR Pano/Vertorama of the Luxor hotel in Las Vegas. A total of 36 exposures make up this combined image. I was thinking that a security guard would tell me I couldn't use my tripod inside the hotel but they never said a word.

A-12 Trainer

A-12 Trainer, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This is the only 2 seat version of the A-12 spy plane ever built. Operated by the CIA, this aircraft was the predecessor to the SR-71 Blackbird. Only one of 2 Blackbirds not actually painted black. This aircraft is bare metal with the exception of the nose and twin tails. Cloaked in absolute secrecy for most of it's operational life, it's good that the public can see this amazing aircraft now.

F-86 Sabre

F-86 Sabre, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This spit polish F-86 was spectacular and quite difficult to photograph without becoming part of the image. I've visited the Chino Planes of Fame museum many times but have never seen this aircraft before. I think it may have been on a short term loan. It would be amazing to see it fly!

Big Pixel Pushing!

Big Pixel Pushing!, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

I took the photo on the left using my camera's program mode. The photo on the right is the result of 3 bracketed shots processed in Lightroom, Photomatix, Photoshop, Noiseware and Topaz Adjust in various proportions. As I stood in the exhibit hall I was struck by the beautiful quality of the light raining down from the wall of glass and skylights above me. But as I expected, my camera was unable to handle this wide range of light. The answer? HDR of course! The look I can achieve pushes beyond the reality of the actual scene and to my taste, makes for a much more engaging experience for the viewer. This is what I call "Big Pixel Pushing!"

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Taper Sky Court

Taper Sky Court, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Taper Sky Court soars above the third floor of the California Science Center. With over 265,000 square feet of event and interactive exhibit space, this is a wonderful place to visit.

Lockheed P-38J Lightning

Lockheed P-38J Lightning, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

World War II's Pacific theater's premiere fighter the Lockheed P-38J Lightning.