I am a huge fan of the self portrait shot. I love the reflection shot, the feet shot and even the holding the camera away and shooting back at yourself shot. Sure, everyone does them and there's nothing new to it but that's part of what I love about it. I've been doing those same shots since I first picked up a camera back in 1984. One of my favorite things about those shots is the "I was here" element. You know like the common graffiti scrawled on the side of something proclaiming that so and so has "been here"? It's like that. I was here- looking, capturing, investigating...just me and my camera (kind of like it was for so long before there was a Steven, Sayer and Finn). Now, I may have a mini entourage in tow but it's still like that lone photo moment.

Just for fun, here are a few other random shots from the week...it's just so hard to pick just one!

Alcatraz in the distance

A few days ago we went to the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers. They have a special exhibit going on all about carnivorous plants. The boys loved it!

Fort Point is one of my favorite places. It doesn't seem like much to some I'm sure. I think most everyone can appreciate it's jaw dropping view of the Golden Gate Bridge and some may revel in the military history part of it. Certainly, you get a sense for how BIG the bridge is when you look at it from below. I mean it's really an amazing perspective!

When you are up on top of the fort and the wind is blowing against you (BRRR!) you just pause and think about how amazing it is that they built this bridge! The water is choppy and cold and the elements are all against you. I mean, just the fact that they paint this bridge blows my mind.

(Finnian, looking so small, standing where the cannons used to be mounted on the top level of the fort)

I don't care much about the military history to be honest and the exhibits are sort of ho-hum if you ask me. I do love how it's all cold and formidable. It's super windy and usually foggy, which adds a nice touch. I also love that it's weathered and has an amazing patina over everything. It feels empty and you can easily imagine seeing a ghost if you looked hard enough. But, for me, it's really all about the angles and the light.


The kids were oblivious to the amazing shadow play all around them but they loved it in their own way. Basically, the whole day looked like this:

They loved running around and we played lots of rounds of hide and seek. They loved the cannons that are on display and Sayer even took part in a re-enactment and got to load one of the cannons. He totally acted the part- complete with a full salute before loading. They screamed and ran and laughed and enjoyed themselves. They even played along while I took pictures.

A little collage from our Sunday at the Arboretum, enjoy!