the way I see it...: Random goodness...

So far 2013 has been a extremely busy year. There has been a lot of work at work, that means overtime, and that means less "free" time... I have been shooting some, but I haven't had the opportunity to get out and "go shooting", so what I'm sharing today is random disconnected images from various places... Because don't we all feel a little random and disconnected sometimes?

Rock N Roll, Riverside, CA. Canon Demi 28mm 100 asa B/W film. ©Mike Vega

This shot was actually taken just before Christmas 2012. This cat shows up to every monthly Riverside Art Walk, sets up in front of the Universal Unitarian church and hammers out covers of 50's Rock N Roll tunes to audiences of 0 to 20 people with equal passion. It was pretty cold this night and when we got to him I made a request of Chuck Berry's "Run Run Rudolf" as he started into it, he said "I just got a request, but I'm gunna play it anyway..." and proceeded to let it fly. I had my Canon Demi with me and took this with no flash using a very slow shutter speed.

Crowley tug boat. Port of Long Beach, San Pedro, CA. Canon Demi 28mm 100 asa B/W film. ©Mike Vega

For my birthday, we took a day trip to San Pedro, CA. to tour the U.S.S. Iowa, the last of the World War II Super Dreadnought battleships. Of course while the Iowa is marvellous, there are always unexpected treats that pop up in almost any outing. This tug boat was one of them...

U.S.S. Iowa bridge com center. San Pedro, CA. Canon Demi 28mm 100 asa B/W film. ©Mike Vega

It was difficult to decide on exactly what aspects of the massive battleship to try and capture. I ended up focusing on the details of the ship that stand in contrast to what is the norm today, like this communications center detail from the bridge area.

Grinder Haven Route 66. Ontario, CA. 1965 Canonet 40mm 100asa B/W 35mm film. ©Mike Vega

The Grinder Haven is one of those places, that when you first see it, you know that it's been business for decades because it's where the locals eat.

Hanger 57. Rubidoux, CA. 1965 Canonet 40mm 100asa B/W 35mm film. ©Mike Vega

I love small regional airports, they are full of interesting people, planes, cars, buildings and sometimes the best coffee shops around. I was working at Flaybob airport recently and was able snap a few pics.

Flaybob airport, Rubidoux, CA. 1965 Canonet 40mm 100asa B/W 35mm film. ©Mike Vega

I happened upon this wonderful twin-engine plane undergoing restoration. Having worked on my share of vintage automobiles, scooters etc. I can only imagine the magnitude and commitment of undertaking something like this...

Repeat Aircraft. Rubidoux, CA. 1965 Canonet 40mm 100asa B/W 35mm film. ©Mike Vega

Repeat Aircraft has this great sign...

BNSF Northbound and down... Riverside, CA. 1965 Canonet 40mm 100asa B/W 35mm film. ©Mike Vega

While leaving a job-site the other day a freight train came roaring by, I quickly grabbed my camera and was able to get a panning shot of this tagged transport car. Since the train was quickly passing, I had literally just seconds to adjust my settings and release the shutter. I chose a large aperture to make the most of the low-light (the sun was on the opposite side of the train) and ended up with a pleasant shallow depth of field that kind of draws your eye to the left side of the frame where the subject is.

I don't know how the food is at Peppi's, but I do know that the seating is vintage, and that the neighbors who live in the house behind the restaurant are sketchy as hell...