Griffith Observatory

September 11th, 2010 · posted in Locations

A couple of weeks ago while scouting LA locations for the upcoming photo workshop, I went up in the Hollywood Hills to the newly remodeled Griffith Observatory.  They have done a stunning job, as I had not been there since.  They managed to expand the museum by building down several stories while doing seismic retrofitting.

I went on a Monday night, knowing they would be closed, but there were still hundreds of people up there just to see buildings and the fabulous view.  It being a clear, warm summer night added to the crowds.  This building was made famous in several films, including the 1955 classic, Rebel Without a Cause, with James Dean.

Here are a few images I shot on that scouting evening.  There are still a few slots open for the Urban LA workshop with myself and Andy Frazer, October 1-3 http://www.gorillasites.com/nightphotos/workshop.html

Main ObservatoryThere were dozens of people walking through this 30 second exposure

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Palm ShadowMixed color lighting helps this shot

Greater LAYou can see the build “down” here and the lights of Hollywood beyond

Uplights

I have included this shot to show the subtle uplighting that few noticed.  There was no issue with people being in the way for this view.  This view shows the many potential shots to be had if you just observe, at the grounds at the Griffith Observatory

The current banner image was also shot at the Griffith Observatory.

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Greetings, and shooting at Playa del Rey

September 6th, 2010 · posted in Tom Paiva Photography

After requests and much discussion and analyzing, I have decided to do a photography blog.  My goal is to concentrate on what I think is the best time to shoot–twilight and at night.  There are many other blogs out there on photography, and I will try to say something different to add to the mix.

Since this is the first blog, here is a little background on me that will remain in my “About” page.

Tom Paiva is a working commercial photographer based in the Los Angeles area specializing in architectural and industrial subjects.  He also shoots in the urban and industrial landscape at night for his personal art.

“Night photography has been my passion for over 20 years”, says Paiva of his personal work.  “Industrial and most architectural subjects look better at twilight and at night”.

To see more of his work and portfolios, go to www.tompaiva.com

Currently, there is an interview with me on Andy Frazer’s Blog http://gorillasites.blogspot.com/ on my photography.

I have included a few links and blogs, at right, that are worth checking out.

Last week, my webmaster (and friend) Susanne Friedrich http://www.sanneart.com/ was in LA on business and stayed at my place.  We went out shooting at night at the local beach (5 miles away) at Playa del Rey.  Here are a couple of shots from that evening.

Note how the intense yellow “bug light” lamp overwhelms the above image of the outdoor showers (the farthest shower head is on).

Drinking FountainThe mix of different light sources (fluorescent, sodium-vapor, the yellow ‘bug light’, and of course the ambient twilight) makes this shot.

As you can see, an interesting image can be made from almost any subject, at the right time of day.  No light was added to either of these images.

Tom

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