Nave of the National Cathedral

Nave of the National Cathedral, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This vertorama was shot looking east to the main alter of the National Cathedral in Washington DC. The nave will seat about 3,500 people. The flags of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and US territories line either side of the nave. Even though we arrived early, I was surprised at how few visitors were in the Cathedral. The reflections of the stained glass that were being projected onto the limestone columns were amazing. I definitely want to visit again.

I did have to apply some geometric corrections to this image. My 14mm lens tends to distort and that distortion is exaggerated by panoramas and vertoramas.

Mouse Wheel

Mouse Wheel, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The renovation / expansion of Disney California Adventure is well underway. The old sun wheel has been renamed "Mickey's Fun Wheel" and features new lighting and music but otherwise the ride is essentially the same. It is really spectacular at night though.

Sabre Jet

Sabre Jet, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This incredibly restored Korean War era F-86 Sabre fighter's skin is actually quite smooth. The HDR process brings out so much detail that in this case minor imperfections are enhanced. This aircraft is flown regularly and often travels to air shows. The F-86 is considered a "sweet ride" by pilots for it's nimble handling qualities.

Don't Ever Change

Don't Ever Change, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Disney California Adventure Paradise Pier area as it appeared in April of 2008.

Kathy and I went to Disney California Adventure specifically to take this shot. The Paradise Pier area is beautiful at night and can be incredible at sunset.

Once Disney CEO Micheal Eisner left the company, his successor Bob Iger committed significant resources and money into the park, announcing a $1.1 Billion renovation and expansion project in 2007. As a result the scene above has changed quite a bit.

This is what it looked like in January of 2009.

Chicago Discovery

Chicago Discovery, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

I was walking back to my hotel in Chicago when I passed this impressive buidling. I wasn't sure if it was open to the public but nobody stopped me from entering. The huge glass atrium was just immense. There was a food court downstairs and office space upstairs. It seems that the state of Illinois owns and occupies the entire facility.

I read that the building is very expensive to heat and cool since double pane windows were not installed as a "cost saving" measure.

Building security guards carefully watched me setup my tripod and take these shots but never said a word. Nor did any of the city workers that were constantly walking past me.

While in Chicago I found it interesting that unlike Californians, people there seem to totally ignore photographers indoors or out.

Goodnight Sweetheart

Goodnight Sweetheart, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

An experimental Yakovlev fighter witnesses another beautiful California sunset at the Chino Planes of Fame Museum.

I had been at the museum all day and had decided to wait around for sunset to see if it would be a nice one. Closing time had come and gone but I thought if I kept a low profile I might be able to stay inside until the sky got really pretty.

Right after I took this sequence the security guard came over and started closing the hanger doors. When he saw me with my camera and tripod he was ready to give me the boot but I pointed at the dramatic sky outside and asked if I could take a few more sequences. He took one look, said "wow that's amazing!" and agreed to give me a few more minutes.

It's funny how we often don't see the beauty around us until someone points it out to us. 

The lonely wait here

The lonely wait here, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

You can almost see the ghosts of travelers long since departed to destinations unknown in this silent and unused waiting room in Union Station, Los Angeles.

Tomcat in Repose

Tomcat in Repose, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This newly restored F-14 Tomcat is a great addition to the Yanks Air Museum in Chino California.

Jet-Age Rivals

Jet-Age Rivals, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Russian built Mig-15 Fagot and the American F-86 Saber jet fighters were adversaries during the Korean war. Very closely matched, either could be deadly in the hands of a good pilot.

The space between us

The space between us, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

MTA Lobby at Union Station in Los Angeles