thedude.com » Bay Area

James Was Here

thedude — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:01:50 +0000

OK – I’ve been feeling kinda bad. My pal Jim visited for a week, and, despite great conversation, great weather and meals at places like Haven, Sea Salt and of course Chop Bar, I took a grand total of one photograph. With a cheap-ass point-and-click. I guess it could have been worse – I could have used a cell phone. There’s no excuse for this.

I was stumped at what to do, and Jim solved the dilemma by posting a really amazing shot of a few of the more than 50 orchids he has blossoming in his kitchen right now. In Madison Wisconsin. In January. I find this amazing. There is absolutely zero chance of me ever being capable of creating anything even remotely like this. I’m in awe.

It was great to hang with you, Dude. Always enlightening in so many ways.

Fifteen Minutes of FLAME!

thedude — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:34:32 +0000

OK, here it is, more than twenty years after the devastating Oakland Hills Fire, and we’re still talking about it. Well, at least I’m still talking about it. This time I’m sharing my experience with the crew from yet another reality show — Deadliest Planet. Watch out! Here comes another urban fire video!

It’s not hard to recall the events of that day, but just before the interview, we visited the fire zone to shoot some B-roll, and this had the unexpected effect of heightening my memories of the experience and probably made for a much better interview. We’ll have to see how the editors piece my sound bites together. I just hope it’s not totally embarrassing.

Stay tuned to thedude.com for show times and dates!

Last Night at San Gregorio Beach

thedude — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:49:05 +0000

I’m pretty happy with this shot of my wife with her parents and best friends Jeff and Wendy. To make it, I used my new FourSquare lighting system, held high above my head while I clutched the D3 with the other hand and snapped this about 30 minutes after sunset. The colors in this one make everything else on my site look washed-out. Wow.

Soft Boxes are nothing new in the studio. What makes this one so special is its portability. Equipped with a couple of Nikon SB-600 flash heads purchased on ebay and triggered with an on-camera SB-800, I can throw a heck of a lot of high quality light into a scene. Setup takes about 5 minutes, and the results speak for themselves.

If there’s anything not to like about these shots is that they look like they’re faked. Sort of like a cheesy Sears portrait against a photo backdrop. I can assure you — these are real.

Train Wreck in Jack London Square

thedude — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 01:41:48 +0000

There was a low-speed train accident at the train station a block from our loft last night. Luckily, there were just a few minor injuries.

It was very strange to see the two half-derailed engines.

Lovely to See you Again My Friend

thedude — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 23:06:38 +0000

It really was most excellent to finally see you again, Amy. You obviously haven’t lost your terrific smile or your love of life. I’m delighted to hear that you’re doing so well with your business – Pieh Tool Company. I can’t say I know of another woman with her own line of custom tools and anvils! I’m very impressed with what you have accomplished entirely on your own. It seems like your hard work is finally paying off. You go girl!

I look forward to our next brunch together. Let’s not wait another 15 years, ok?

Rider in the Rain

thedude — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 01:18:32 +0000

Determined to get a look at Bandit under control of a more skilled rider, (thanks, Hannah!) Kelly and Stella brave the rain and fog at Skyline Ranch this morning.

Brad Pitt Movie Premier in Oakland!

thedude — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:02:14 +0000

Some of us were a bit disappointed by the missing Ms. Pitt, but I guess this (incredibly cute) dude will do in a pinch. And yes, of course, I’m referring to thedude sparking up Oaksterbong!

Point Arena, 2011

thedude — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:07:04 +0000

Thanks Tom and Julie, for including us in your trip fabulous food-filled trip up nort’. The whole weekend was fabulous. Steaks on the grill, shopping in Mendo… But that meal at Cafe Beaujolais was one of the most memorable ever. Awesome.

Tsunami Warning on the Bay Bridge?

thedude — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:27:36 +0000

File under “Signs You Don’t See Every Day”.

Shrove Tuesday

thedude — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 02:31:50 +0000

You never know what you’ll find at Andrew and Jeri’s. On the menu this Shrove Tuesday were tasty crepes and creepy bugs. The crepes were delicious of course, but the bug turned out to be the coolest thing when we saw what it looks like under under black light. Evidently, all scorpions do this. Who knew? Bug Lady did! Move your mouse over the image below to see her pet scorpion, Antares, in his tricked-out terrarium.

Roll over image. Be amazed.