Main Street in Taft, California

Snapped all but the last one while walking around downtown Taft, California, in the far southwest of the San Joaquin Valley and a town long associated with the nearby oil patch. 

As with Main Streets in many places across the U.S. there are more than a few empty storefronts and what's left is the usual mix of antique stores, a few restaurants and the inevitable karate studio.

The photos were done very quickly without a ton of thought -- and although I noticed my reflection while taking them, I didn't bother to do anything about it. The top photo is my favorite. I'm mixed on whether modern cars add or detract from my urban photos, being too sleek and nondescript to have much visual interest. Perhaps here they serve as a contrast to the old buildings and old-timey feel of the place.

All my pics are here. Questions? Email me.

--S.H.

The above photos are ©Steve Hymon and may not be reproduced or used elsewhere without my advanced written permission.

Carrizo Plain & wildflowers

Most of the wildflowers left are yellow, although there are some patches of purple, blue and orange here and there. Thanks to the internet and social media, the place is crawling with people, btw, but still remote enough to provide elbow room, especially away from the main road. 

All my pics are here. Questions? Email me.

--S.H.

The above photos are ©Steve Hymon and may not be reproduced or used elsewhere without my advanced written permission.

Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyon in Agoura Hills

One of my favorite landscapes in So Cal -- probably because these kind of oak savannahs covered much of what has since been developed here. I went to work on shooting the stately valley oaks but ended up playing around. The first and last shots -- variations on the same thing -- are my favorites for the day. 

All my pics are here. Questions? Email me.

--S.H.

The above photos are ©Steve Hymon and may not be reproduced or used elsewhere without my advanced written permission.