Vapor Trail Falcon 9
Last night, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch was hidden by the mountains for me. However the remaining vapor trail rose slowly in the sky above them. The colors photographed nicely and made me happy I just stayed outside instead of just going back in the house.
Aerial Survey Over Palm Springs: Bell 206-L4 with Sharper Shape Imaging System
On Saturday, many people in Palm Springs noticed a Bell 206-L4 helicopter circling the area. I took the opportunity to photograph the aircraft mid-flight and identified it as N295SJ, a privately owned helicopter equipped with a Sharper Shape Heliscope 2.0—a specialized aerial imaging system used for infrastructure inspections, power line surveys, and vegetation management.
This particular helicopter is owned by Premier Rotors LLC, a company known for providing aerial services for utility companies, infrastructure monitoring, and environmental assessments. The presence of the Heliscope 2.0 system suggests that the flight was part of a detailed survey, likely scanning power lines, roads, or other infrastructure components that require regular maintenance checks from above.
Aerial surveys like these play an essential role in detecting potential hazards, identifying vegetation encroachment, and ensuring infrastructure integrity, helping companies and local governments maintain large-scale networks efficiently. These flights are common across urban and rural landscapes, providing critical data that would be difficult to gather from the ground.
If you spotted this helicopter in the skies over Palm Springs, now you know what was happening.
Fast Casual vs. Fast Food: A Look at Farmer Boys Most Popular Sandwiches
Did you know there’s a difference between fast casual and fast food? While both offer quick service, fast casual focuses on made-to-order meals, and fresh preparation—never pre-made or heat-lamp-held.
Founded in 1981 in Perris, California, Farmer Boys is a prime example of fast casual, with over 100 locations across California, Nevada, and Arizona. Customers order at the counter or drive-thru, but the food is cooked fresh to order, using farm-fresh ingredients and generous portions that set it apart.
This photograph features four of Farmer Boys’ most popular menu items—Farmer’s Burger, Big Cheese, Loaded Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich, and Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich—stacked against a deep black background. Flame-grilled beef, hand-battered crispy chicken, fresh produce, and toasted brioche buns define these sandwiches.
See my food photography, along with bold, provocative imagery, aviation, and other unexpected projects at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
Photographing SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Night Launch: 23 Starlink Satellites
Photographed last night… SpaceX launch of the Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This is the 23rd flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NROL-153, NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, NROL-146, Bandwagon-2, and 13 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
National Pizza Day x Super Bowl Sunday—A Perfect Pairing 🍕🏈
Today marks the rare overlap of National Pizza Day and Super Bowl Sunday, two occasions that bring people together—one for the love of football and the other for the love of pizza.
Pepperoni pizza isn’t just a favorite; it’s the most popular pizza in the U.S. While pizza’s origins go back to Naples, Italy, it evolved into something uniquely American when it arrived in the States. By the mid-20th century, the combination of crispy, spicy pepperoni and melted cheese became the go-to order, cementing its place in food culture.
One company played a major role in making pepperoni pizza a household staple: Domino’s. What started as a small operation in 1960 grew into the largest pizza chain in both the U.S. and the world, delivering millions of pizzas every day.
My photograph captures a fresh Domino’s pepperoni pizza—golden crust, bubbling cheese, and plenty of pepperoni, set against my signature black background. It’s a simple yet timeless image of the world’s favorite pizza on a day when millions will be enjoying a slice.
See more of my food photography and other work at SecondFocus.com
Now on Exhibit at the Artists Center at the Galen
My photograph, “A Wet Sexuality of Muscles,” featuring the incredible Natalie Lyle, is on display in the Juried ACE Show 2025 at the Artists Center at the Galen in Palm Desert, California. At almost 5 feet high, this is the largest piece I’ve ever exhibited. The opening reception last night drew an incredible crowd of 500 people.
The Galen is a museum-standard facility, formerly the East Campus of the Palm Springs Art Museum, making it an exceptional space to showcase work. This image explores the interplay of power, sensuality, and physical form, brought to life by Natalie’s extraordinary strength, presence, and artistry in front of the camera. Honored to have this piece selected for such a prestigious exhibition.
The show runs through March 2nd. If you’re in the area, please stop by and experience it in person. Thanks!
National Tater Tot Day: A Classic Fast-Food Favorite
Tater tots are more than just a side dish—they’re an American fast-food icon. Originally created by Ore-Ida in 1953 as a way to repurpose leftover potato scraps, tater tots quickly found their way into school cafeterias, diners, and eventually, fast-food chains.
One of the biggest champions of tater tots has been Sonic Drive-In, which has served them since at least the 1960s. Unlike many fast-food chains that focus solely on fries, Sonic made tots a signature menu item, offering them plain or loaded with cheese, bacon, ranch, or chili. Their crisp texture and deep-fried appeal make them the perfect companion to burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes.
To mark National Tater Tot Day, I photographed Sonic’s signature tater tots, capturing their rich golden-brown color and crispy edges against a dramatic black background. You can see this shot and more of my food photography at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy tater tots? Let me know in the comments.
The Crunch Heard Around the World: National Corn Chip Day
A heap of golden, salted corn chips against a deep black background—simple, unfiltered, and bold. Today is National Corn Chip Day, a celebration of a snack with deep roots in both American and Mexican culinary traditions.
A Brief History of the Corn Chip
Corn chips trace their origins back to ancient Mesoamerica, where indigenous cultures used ground maize to create the first versions of masa-based snacks. But the modern corn chip as we know it took off in 1932, when Elmer Doolin bought a fried corn snack recipe from a street vendor in San Antonio, Texas. He refined the process and founded Fritos, turning a humble chip into a mass-produced American staple.
Crunchy, salty, and unmistakably distinct from tortilla chips, corn chips have become a favorite whether eaten alone, smothered in chili, or loaded with toppings in a Frito pie. Their satisfying texture and bold taste have made them a permanent part of snack culture.
My Take on Corn Chips
This image captures corn chips in their raw form—no branding, no distractions, just texture and contrast. The stark black background isolates the subject, highlighting every crisp fold and golden hue. It’s a simple food, yet visually striking.
More Than Just Food Photography
This is just one side of my photography. On my website, you’ll find everything from aviation to x-rated—bold imagery that spans genres and challenges perspectives.
👉 See more at SecondFocus.com.
What’s your favorite way to eat corn chips? Let me know in the comments.
National Chocolate Cake Day
Happy National Chocolate Cake Day! Chocolate cake has been a favorite for centuries, but few desserts are as iconic as Hostess CupCakes. First introduced in 1919 and sold for just 5 cents each, they were America’s first mass-produced cupcake. The now-famous cream filling wasn’t added until the 1950s, along with the signature white swirl designed to set them apart from competitors. With over 600 million sold annually, Hostess CupCakes have cemented their place as America’s most popular chocolate cake.
More of my food photography on my website, which also includes aviation, Palm Springs, fitness, and provocative nude art photography. Explore at http://SecondFocus.com
National Fish Taco Day: Rubio’s Baja-Style Tacos
Today is National Fish Taco Day! Rubio’s, the originators of the Baja-style fish taco craze, created this holiday to celebrate their iconic dish. Back in 1983, Ralph Rubio brought the first fish taco to the U.S., inspired by the flavors of Baja California, and it quickly became a beloved classic.
This photograph showcases Rubio’s original fish tacos: crispy beer-battered fish fillets on warm corn tortillas, topped with shredded cabbage, fresh salsa, and lime wedges, all set against my signature black backdrop.
Love bold food photography like this? There’s so much more to discover! Visit http://SecondFocus.com to explore my unique take on food and much more. Dive in and look around—you might just find something that whets your appetite.
SpaceX Launch
SpaceX Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Seen here with booster rockets falling away. The view from Palm Springs.
Celebrating National Popcorn Day
Today, National Popcorn Day, here is a nod to this iconic snack with roots stretching back thousands of years. Popcorn, first enjoyed by indigenous peoples over 5,000 years ago, has evolved into one of the most beloved snacks worldwide. Americans consume an astounding **15 billion quarts of popcorn annually**, averaging 45 quarts per person. From its ceremonial uses in ancient times to its place in movie theaters and gourmet kitchens, popcorn has remained a simple yet endlessly versatile treat.
Previously exhibited at 40×30 inches at the Artists Center at the Galen, people stared imagining what the patterns they envisioned in it. Explore more of my photography, from evocative to food, at http://SecondFocus.com
National Bagel Day
Happy National Bagel Day! I chose to photograph the simple plain deli bagel—a classic that carries the most historic significance. Originating in 17th-century Poland, bagels were brought to America by Eastern European Jewish immigrants and gained popularity in New York City’s Jewish delis. This humble bread became a cultural staple, deeply rooted in tradition and history.
Today, bagels are a global favorite, with U.S. sales reaching $1.54 billion in 2021. Grupo Bimbo, a multinational baking company founded in Mexico, leads the market with its Thomas’ Bagels brand, generating over $952 million in revenue in 2023. While countless varieties like everything, asiago cheese, and cinnamon raisin have emerged, the plain deli bagel remains the most iconic and historic choice.
Explore my food photography and much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
Today is **National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day**, and here is my photograph of New York-style hot pastrami sandwiches to commemorate the day. Stacked with smoky, tender pastrami on fresh rye bread and topped with vibrant yellow mustard, the essence of a true deli classic.
Pastrami sandwiches have been a favorite since their origins with Eastern European Jewish immigrants who brought this tradition to New York in the late 19th century.
Delis across North America have elevated the pastrami sandwich to iconic status. Katz’s Delicatessen in New York (established 1888) is renowned for its hand-carved pastrami sandwiches. Langer’s in Los Angeles (established 1947) is famous for its #19 sandwich, combining pastrami, coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. Manny’s in Chicago (established 1942) serves oversized pastrami sandwiches, perfectly paired with matzo ball soup. Schwartz’s in Montreal (established 1928) offers its legendary smoked meat sandwiches, a Canadian twist on the pastrami tradition.
To see more of my food photography and evocative imagery, please visit my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
3 Billion Pizzas Every Year
National Pizza Week is here! Did you know that pizza, which started as a simple flatbread in ancient times, has become a cultural icon in the United States, with 3 billion pizzas sold every year? And pepperoni pizza reigns supreme as America’s #1 favorite. Here’s my photograph of this classic, featuring a golden crust, bubbling cheese, and perfectly crisp pepperoni against a dramatic black background. Hungry for more? Dive into my world of bold food photography and much more at SecondFocus.com —you don’t want to miss it!
Waxing Gibbous Moon: Clarity After the Winds
January 10, 2025 Palm Springs California
1987 Original Kodachrome Slide – Lynn Lowton
An original 1987 35mm Kodachrome slide from my collection, featuring Lynn Lowton, also known as Lynx. Lynn went on to become Europe’s “Most Glamorous Magician” and “Britain’s Only Naked Magician.” Beyond her magic career, she worked as an exotic dancer and appeared in the adult film industry under various names. This transparency captures the bold and unapologetic allure of her multifaceted career, preserved in the vibrant detail unique to Kodachrome film.
This slide is part of my growing collection of vintage photography, showcased on my website at https://www.secondfocus.com/index/G0000h1LWkCCepcc The collection is relatively new and expanding—keep coming back to see more additions!
Air Force One Departure
Just minutes ago, Air Force One departed Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), as seen here on ForeFlight. The aircraft is visible in the upper-right center of the screen, departing from runway 6 right. January 8, 2025
#AirForceOne#Aviation#LAX#FlightTracking#ForeFlight#AviationGeeks#PlaneSpotting#AviationPhotography
Standing Next to Fine Art: A Life-Sized Naked Woman
My life-sized photograph of a six-foot-tall nude model critiques the often subjective and pretentious concept of “Fine Art Photography.” Displayed in the museum-standard setting of the Artists Center at the Galen, it’s my largest work to date and has been stopping visitors in their tracks. Stand beside her, snap a selfie, and experience the full impact of this striking piece in person!
This photograph is part of an exhibit featuring 128 diverse and compelling works of art. I would be genuinely excited if you took the time to go see it. The final days of the show are here—don’t miss it! Open tomorrow, Wednesday, through Sunday morning, January 12th. Artists Center at the Galen, Palm Desert, Galen.
#ArtistsCenterAtTheGalen #FineArtPhotography #PhotographyExhibit #PalmDesertArt #NudeArt #ArtistsCouncilExhibit #MuseumQualityExhibit #CaliforniaArtScene
National Bacon Day: A Tribute to Bacon Classics
“Happy National Bacon Day! Every year on December 30, we honor one of the world’s most beloved foods: bacon. This photograph features a BLT sandwich, a classic favorite with layers of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato on toasted bread. The BLT is joined by other iconic bacon dishes like the indulgent bacon cheeseburger and the timeless pairing of bacon and eggs—true staples of comfort food. With a history spanning centuries, bacon continues to have a fan base unlike any other. See more of my food photography—along with much more—on my website at http://SecondFocus.com
#NationalBaconDay #BaconLovers #BLT #BaconCheeseburger #BaconAndEggs #FoodPhotography #ComfortFood #ClassicFavorites #Foodie #BaconForever”
The First $300 Million And You Own It!
Do you have any Christmas money leftover? I found this as we toured the harbor the other day. And it is available! The superyacht *Amadea* docked in San Diego, showcasing its sleek design and opulent multi-deck structure against the industrial waterfront. Measuring an impressive 348 feet (106 meters) in length, this $300 million vessel features a helipad, a swimming pool, lavish interiors, and accommodations for up to 16 guests and 36 crew members. Seized by the U.S. government due to its ties to Russian sanctions enforcement, the yacht has been at the center of controversy, with reports highlighting the significant maintenance costs—running into millions annually—required to manage the ship while its ownership remains under dispute.
SecondFocus Blog 