Making Thanksgiving Easier
Thanksgiving goes so much easier when you have kitchen help. So much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Take a look, there is much to see. Thanks!
It’s Magic
Time-lapse video of clouds over Palm Springs California yesterday. I find t fascinating how they magically appear from the same place in the sky.
A Look at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers with their Cane’s Sauce are a staple for many fans of fast food. This Louisiana-based chain started in 1996, built on the idea of focusing on one thing and doing it well—chicken fingers. Founder Todd Graves not only launched a successful business but also created National Chicken Finger Day, celebrated every year on July 27, as a way to highlight this simple, satisfying meal. See this more of my food photography and much more on my website at SecondFocus.com.
Photographing History: Trump’s Coachella Rally
🎥 History Through My Lens 🎥
On October 12th, I was privileged to document Donald Trump’s rally in Coachella as a credentialed photographer for ZUMA Press.
Whether or not we agree on politics, the re-election of Trump as President is undeniably a historical moment. My images from this rally have reached news outlets worldwide, and now they’re available for you to view and own as prints.
This opportunity was a testament to my 20+ years with ZUMA Press and the power of photography to capture defining moments in history.
📲 Explore the collection: https://www.secondfocus.com/index/G00009jJP8dxWtJk
National Pop Tart Day: A Rivalry Worth Toasting
Pop Tarts have been a staple of American breakfast since 1964, when Kellogg’s launched them to compete with Post’s Country Squares. This rivalry was more than just business—it became a cultural phenomenon, even inspiring the recent movie Unfrosted.
Pop Tarts quickly became the more popular choice, evolving from a quick breakfast option to a symbol of nostalgia and creativity.
This photograph highlights three classic flavors: Strawberry, Blueberry, and Cherry, each broken open to showcase their simple yet iconic fillings.
See my food photography and much more at SecondFocus.com.
Do you have a favorite flavor or a Pop Tart memory?
National Fast Food Day!
Fast food has become a cornerstone of modern dining—fast, affordable, and familiar. No brand represents this phenomenon better than McDonald’s, and at the center of their menu is the Big Mac.
First introduced in 1967, the Big Mac has become a global symbol of fast food. With its two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and sesame seed bun, it’s a recipe so well-known that it has become part of pop culture.
For National Fast Food Day, I wanted to capture the essence of this icon. My latest photograph showcases a pile of Big Macs against a stark black background. The image highlights the layers and textures that have made this burger instantly recognizable.
Fast food often represents more than just a quick meal—it’s a cultural experience, a shared memory, and a symbol of indulgence. Today, we celebrate its most famous ambassador: the Big Mac.
What’s your favorite fast food memory? Share it in the comments! More of my Food Photography on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
Real Enough To Bite
Caught this fun moment with my friend Nancy, fully embracing the *idea* of the tacos!
When I’ve displayed my aluminum prints of ice cream, I’ve even had to clean up lip and tongue marks—too realistic to resist! The tacos are just as vibrant and tempting, printed on aluminum with colors so rich they almost feel edible.
See *”Big Tacos”* and more at the Artists Center at the Galen, open through December 8th!
Big Tacos at the Galen
Excited to share my photograph “Big Tacos,” currently on display at the Artists Center at the Galen!
Last night’s opening reception featured the beautiful Rosemary as my spokesmodel. The piece is presented as a striking 40″x30″ aluminum print, with vibrant, dye-infused colors that make the tacos almost leap off the surface. The unique luminescence and durability of the aluminum truly bring the image to life.
The exhibition runs through December 8th—be sure to check it out! The Artists Center at the Galen in Palm Desert California.
National Pickle Day
Happy NationalPickleDay! Celebrating with a close-up of the *crunchiest* classic: dill pickles—America’s favorite! From their tangy kick to their iconic snap, these beauties are the ultimate snack, sandwich sidekick, or late-night craving. Let’s hear it for the pickle that always steals the show! See my food photography and so much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com
Big Tacos
Excited to share that my photograph “Big Tacos” is featured in the “Off The Wall” exhibition at the Artists Center at the Galen in Palm Desert, California! The exhibition is open now through December 8, 2024.
Join us for the opening reception on **Thursday, November 14th, from 4–6 PM**. The Artists Center is a stunning, museum-standard space, formerly the East campus of the Palm Springs Art Museum. Hope to see you there—thank you for your support!
Apple Upside Down
Scandalous Clues
Found this lurking in the bedroom corner: a strange, spidery hat that’s a Halloween relic—or maybe a piece of something else altogether… Alongside it, five empty champagne bottles and a risqué note, written in red lipstick and signed by a mysterious Mrs. Dumont. Keeping the note, of course… but the hat? It’s ready for its close-up.
Chicken Strips
Working on my food photography project, I came up with an idea for a fast food chicken place. I think it would work! And yes this was AI. It is not perfect but I didn’t want to spend time on it. You can see my real food photography and much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
Rotating Orange Chicken
The other day I posted a photograph of Panda Express Orange Chicken for National Chinese Food Takeout Day. I also had shot video of the Orange Chicken and I think it is fun. It adds almost a 3-D look to it as it rotates around. There is a video page on my website with more food, flying and fun videos with models I have photographed. Take a look and Thanks! https://www.secondfocus.com/video
National Chinese Food Takeout Day!
I know it is Election Day however it is also National Chinese Food Takeout Day!
To celebrate here is my close-up of Panda Express’ signature Orange Chicken, glistening in its tangy-sweet sauce. The crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces are perfectly coated, with flecks of orange zest and sesame seeds peeking through. This dish, created in 1987 by Panda Express’ head chef Andy Kao, quickly became the chain’s most beloved item, fueling the brand’s rise in popularity across the U.S. and beyond. With over 2,000 locations worldwide, Panda Express continues to serve millions of customers who crave the bold, addictive flavors of their Orange Chicken—a dish that has become a fast-food legend in its own right.
For my Food Photography and much more visit my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
“Trump was amazing in bed”
This original slide transparency features Sandra Taylor, also known as Sandi Korn, Penthouse Pet of the Month in March 1991. She famously said, “Donald Trump was AMAZING in bed’: Former Penthouse Pet reveals the presidential hopeful had his secretary track her down after spotting her in a sexy magazine spread… and he didn’t disappoint”. Along with Trump she is said to have had relationships with other high profile individuals. Following her modeling career, Sandra transitioned into acting, with roles in films such as *Batman Forever*, *L.A. Confidential*, and *Runaway Bride*. This transparency is in my collection acquired from the archives of Bob Guccione, founder of Penthouse Magazine archives. Uncensored in the first showing of my collection at https://secondfocus.com/index/G0000h1LWkCCepcc More will be added. Thanks!
World Sandwich Day
November 3rd, Happy *World Sandwich Day*! It’s also *International* and *National Sandwich Day*—a trifecta celebration of this iconic meal!
So, what’s the world’s most popular sandwich? Many surveys point to the *Banh Mi*, Vietnam’s delicious gift to sandwich lovers everywhere. This creation brings together crusty French baguette, savory fillings, typically featuring marinated meats like pork or chicken, crispy cucumber, pickled carrots, daikon, fresh cilantro, and spicy chili.
As a side note, the most popular sandwich in the USA is the classic *Grilled Cheese*!
For my food photography and much more, visit my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
Clouds!
Clouds over Palm Springs… Finally, a change in the sky! Today brought some rare and mesmerizing cloud formations rolling over our usually clear desert skyline. Watch this time-lapse as these clouds dance, shift, and paint the sky with ever-changing textures. It’s a treat we don’t often get here in Palm Springs, so enjoy this little slice of nature’s drama!
Happy National Chocolate Day!
Today, we’re celebrating what many call mankind’s greatest culinary invention—chocolate! And what better way to honor it than with a look at the world’s best-selling candy bar: **Snickers**. First created in 1930 by Mars Inc. and named after the Mars family’s favorite horse, Snickers has been satisfying cravings for nearly a century. With layers of chocolate, creamy caramel, crunchy peanuts, and nougat, it’s no wonder it’s America’s top choice and the world’s best selling candy ba
Check out this shot and head over to http://SecondFocus.com to see more of my food photography and much more!
Trump Rally Coachella
In no way does my being at this rally as a Press Photographer represent any political views. Since the event, the photographs have been syndicated and published worldwide. I have now decided to make them available to view on my website at SecondFocus.com and to have them available as prints.
This is a collection of original photographs capturing President Donald Trump and the electric atmosphere of his October 12, 2024, election rally in Coachella, California. These images, taken from the vantage of the press riser, offer an up-close and vivid perspective on the crowd, the energy, and the moments that defined the event. Each photograph available in a variety of sizes, each print is crafted on premium materials for a bold, lasting finish. To purchase click on each individual photo on the website and then on the Cart button at the bottom. Please take a look. Thank You!
And Still Running
I am guessing if they wanted to sell it there would be no shortage of buyers. Yesterday in Ontario California.
Giant Taco Alert
When it comes to big and delicious, these “Giant Tacos” at Crazy Coyote Tacos live up to their name and then some. This is three of these massive tacos loaded… it’s a lot of food. Hidden away in an easy-to-miss shack of a building at the end of the road by Morongo Outlet Mall, this spot has been serving outdoor drive -up food for 25 years. If you know, you know… and if you don’t, you need to find out. My Food Photography and more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
Burger Box
Proud to share the latest in my Fast Food photography series. Burger Box, established in 1954, is the oldest restaurant in the Coachella Valley. A true roadside gem with outdoor window service that even featured a gas station back in the day. Pictured here are their iconic double cheeseburgers, cheeseburgers with pastrami, and freshly made fries, all grilled to order and served in simple brown bags. The taste and aroma bring back the nostalgia of an era that’s fast disappearing. Sadly, this beloved spot will be closing its doors at the end of the month. For more of my food photography, visit http://SecondFocus.com. Thanks!
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