RANGER QUADTYCH

Ford Ranger Quadtych
© Lydia Marcus 2010 / www.lydiamarcus.com
Photographed April 20, 2010 in Sherman Oaks, CA

Shot with a Nikon D80 with a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens.
Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body only)

THROUGH A DOG'S EYES

I watched this documentary last night on PBS. You can see it streaming on their website. So powerful to see the service dogs matched up with their owners of all ages and disabilities. If you're a labrador lover like myself, the film will take an even tighter grasp of your heart. My favorite person featured was six year old Aiden who has Cerebral Palsy. Jennifer Arnold, the owner of Canine Assistants is an amazing woman who began facing her own disability when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at just 16.

Here's Jennifer talking about training methods.


The cutest trailer - training puppies!




From www.pbs.org/dogs-eyes/film:

"Through a Dog’s Eyes will change the way you feel about your own dog. The documentary follows a handful of people as they journey through the heartwarming and often challenging process of receiving their service dogs.

Jennifer Arnold, founder of Canine Assistants, discusses her teaching methods and the life-changing impact these dogs have on the recipients and their families. She gives us a glimpse of puppy-rearing and training, and takes us inside the intense and sometimes nerve-wracking experience of matching people with their dogs. Ádám Miklósi, Ph.D., one of the world’s foremost experts in dog cognition, also discusses the science behind Jennifer’s training philosophy.

You’ll also follow the families home and watch their relationships with their dogs unfold. Sometimes what began as love at first sight deepens. Occasionally the initial chemistry doesn’t last. Overall, it’s a bonding process that, as with any relationship, takes work and time.

These hopeful stories provide unique insights into the ways canine assistants improve people’s lives. What’s more, you’ll see your own dog in a whole new light."

SALTON MARINA

© Lydia Marcus 2010 / www.lydiamarcus.com
Photographed March 28, 2010 in Salton Sea, CA
Nikon 24mm f/2.8 lens and a Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body only)

A JINDO WITH A VIEW

© Lydia Marcus 2010 / www.lydiamarcus.com
Photographed February 7, 2010 in Encino, CA at Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park

Photographed with a Nikon D40


Photographed with a Nikon 18-55mm

THE DAM WILDFLOWERS

The Sepulveda Dam surrounded by wildflowers. This view of the Dam reminds me of a battleship.

In the past few weeks driving past the Sepulveda Dam on the 405 and 101 freeways, I noticed that yellow wildflowers were in full bloom around the dam and surrounding basin. The head on view I wanted to photograph was too dangerous (it's only accessible by pulling onto the shoulder of the freeway and getting out and taking a photo), so instead I opted for walking up to the Dam from the 101 North freeway entrance that actually has a sidewalk. Along with the wildflowers, I encountered about a zillion foxtails - and I'm still pulling them out of my sneakers.

Once I got to the top of the Dam I saw an extraordinary view of the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve that is on the backside.



To me these photos represent Valley beauty at it's best.

© Lydia Marcus 2010 / www.lydiamarcus.com
Photographed April 10, 2010 at the Sepulveda Dam in Encino / Van Nuys, CA

Sepulveda Dam photographed with a Nikon 55-200mm VR

A CARPET OF WILDFLOWERS

Saturday I went on a free hike sponsored by the Tejon Ranch Conservancy. I viewed a carpet of wildflowers like I have never seen before. California poppies, Lupine, and Coreopsis blanketed the hillsides. It was an incredible amount of beauty to behold. Here are my favorite shots from the day.

Lupine, Poppies, Coreopsis


California Poppies and Lupine






Grazing Cows






Portraits of me by Laurie Thomson




© Lydia Marcus 2010 / www.lydiamarcus.com
Photographed April 10, 2010 at Tejon Ranch Conservancy

From tejonranchconservancy.org/about-us:
"The Tejon Ranch Conservancy was created to protect and implement science-based stewardship and provide public enjoyment of conserved areas of the historic Tejon Ranch and Tehachapi Range. Our vision is to protect, explore, understand, enhance and restore the incredible biodiversity found on the Ranch. At nearly 270,000 acres, Tejon Ranch is the largest continuous expanse of private land in California. Its 422 square miles make it almost almost as large as the City of Los Angeles and about 40% the size of Rhode Island. The Ranch is located along Interstate 5, approximately 60 miles north of Los Angeles and 30 miles south of Bakersfield. Elevation ranges from 600 to 7000 feet above sea level."

Wildflower close ups shot with a Nikon 105mm f/2.8

ROCKY THE BOXER

"Rocky" © Lydia Marcus 2010 / www.lydiamarcus.com
Photographed April 8, 2010 in Sherman Oaks, CA

p.s. Rocky's a girl!

Rocky photos shot with a Nikon 105mm f/2.8 lens.

THE TOURIST

"The Tourist" © Lydia Marcus 2010 / www.lydiamarcus.com
Photographed April 3, 2010 at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Photographed with a Nikon 55-200mm VR

GROOVIN' TO THE 8 TRACK

Griffin Technology is using this photo on their blog to promote their Throwback Thursday Promotion.

Griffin makes great accessories for iPods, iPhones and Macs in general. Right now I'm using the Griffin + Threadless "Funkalicious" case to protect my iPhone and make it look just a little bit cooler :-)





© Lydia Marcus / www.lydiamarcus.com
Photographed May 10, 2008 at the Culver City Car Show
1972 Ford Mustang with a Pioneer Super Tuner (with 8 track)
Sony T100

WHAT, NO PINK FLAMINGOS?

This was my first visit to the Salton Sea. There is an incredible beauty in it's isolation, stillness, and silence.

To learn more about the history of the Salton Sea I highly recommend watching the documentary Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea narrated by John Waters (http://saltonseadoc.com)

© Lydia Marcus 2010 / www.lydiamarcus.com
Photographed March 28, 2010 in Salton Sea, CA