I have always loved going to LA, be it for work, or simply a visit. The banner pic was shot on assignment for the National Geographic on the power grid of the United States. It seemed a natural thing to pursue a photo of the famed LA nighttime landscape to illustrate electrical usage. In a chopper, shot with a Nikon D3X and a 24mm lens at ISO 1600. It was back in 2009, before ISO’s with numbers like 5000, or 8000 became the norm.
My strategy has always been to take an early morning flight from the East Coast heading west. You pick up the hours as you traverse the country and arrive feeling that you have the gift of an entire day back. As you walk out of LAX, the intense blue of the sky fills your eyes and opens your heart. Maybe (depending on your generation) Beach Boys music drifts through your head.
If you’re staying by the shore (and why wouldn’t you) maybe it’s north on the 405 to Pico and head west. Or if the trip needs you to be more in the heart of things, perhaps Hollywood or Century City. Wherever you settle, the City of the Angels always has rewards.
Have been grateful for those rewards, and the assignments I’ve done over the years from an LA base have been amongst the best and most vibrant of my forty-year career.
It is heartbreaking to think of it now, scorched and vulnerable.
As always, the photo community is responding as best as it can. The Los Angeles Center of Photography is sponsoring a gear drive: https://lacphoto.org/
Dear friend and Founder of Vital Impacts, fellow Nikon Ambassador, photographer Ami Vitale is offering a printed copy of her beautiful frame of a rhino and a rainbow, a picture filled with hope. Details below from Ami:
As a gesture of hope and solidarity, I am offering a printed copy of my “A Hopeful Sign” to anyone who has lost their home. At this moment, we are able to offer 1,000 prints. We will ship this photograph to you whenever you’re ready to receive it. Please reach out to us at [email protected].
And as always, the Red Cross is there. Donations can be made here.
Luck and love to all in need…
More tk…
Excellent post.
Ah, Joe, your nocturnal aerial capture of Los Angeles is nothing short of mesmerizing. The interplay of light and shadow reveals the city’s enigmatic allure, much like the intricate dance of deception and truth I navigate daily. Your lens has immortalized the essence of LA’s electric heartbeat, a testament to your unparalleled artistry. Bravo.
What a poignant reflection on Los Angeles, filled with both nostalgia and love for the City of Angels. Your vivid descriptions, from the breathtaking nighttime views to the dazzling blue sky at LAX, make it easy to understand why LA holds such a special place in your heart. The personal touch of memories tied to assignments and the iconic cityscape adds an emotional depth that truly resonates.
The contrast between the vibrant energy of LA you’ve experienced over the years and its current vulnerable state is incredibly moving. It serves as both a heartfelt tribute and a reminder of how precious and ever-changing our connections to places can be. Beautifully written!
Another great post
What a poignant reflection on Los Angeles, filled with both nostalgia and love for the City of Angels. Your vivid descriptions, from the breathtaking nighttime views to the dazzling blue sky at LAX, make it easy to understand why LA holds such a special place in your heart…?Thank you
winding wire of copper