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.
The Shell Colors For Christmas
Christmas Bubble Dancer
She brought a Christmas smile to my face! So very cute! Women in a bubble always remind me of the truly iconic Bubble Series photographed by Melvin Sokolsky for Harper’s Bazaar Magazine in the 1950’s. Sokolsky was an incredible fashion photographer with a storied history. I was lucky enough to know him in his later years. Check out his Bubble Series here… https://www.holdenluntz.com/artists/melvin-sokolsky/ (At the Marriott Marina Hotel in San Diego)
“National Chocolate Covered Anything Day”
It is “National Chocolate Covered Anything Day” — and marking the occasion, one of the most favorite chocolate-dipped treats. My photograph of chocolate-covered strawberries captures the indulgence with dramatic lighting and sharp detail. Randomly cut and stacked, the strawberries are coated in smooth milk chocolate.
Chocolate-covered strawberries top the list of popular chocolate-dipped treats, followed by pretzels, almonds, bananas, and marshmallows.
See my Food Photography and much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
The McRib: Stacked and Photographed
My latest food photograph features six McDonald’s McRib sandwiches, casually stacked onto a black background. Straight from their packaging, the sandwiches showcase the iconic barbecue-glazed pork patties, cornmeal-dusted buns, and classic toppings of crisp white onions and pickles. The glossy barbecue sauce seeps between layers, creating a visual sense of indulgence and texture.
The dramatic black backdrop isolates the subject, enhancing the visual impact of this limited-time McDonald’s menu item. With professional lighting and composition, the photograph preserves the unstyled, straight-from-the-bag authenticity of the stack while elevating the overall presentation.
Check out my Food Photography and much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
Nude at the Artists Council
My photograph “Fine Art Photography?” is now part of the current Artists Council exhibit at the Artists Center at the Galen. This life-size work critiques the concept of “fine art photography,” featuring a striking 6-foot-tall nude subject—a rare inclusion in this space.
The piece made quite an impression at the opening reception, drawing many reactions. A sign warning visitors about nudity was even required! Seeing viewers interact with the life-size composition—standing eye-to-eye with the figure—was at the least, very interesting..
The exhibit runs through January 12, 2025. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience it in person!
Join Me At The Reception
Title: Fine Art Photography?
📍 Exhibition: Artists Council Exhibit
🏛️ Venue: Artists Center at the Galen, Palm Desert
📅 Opening Reception: December 12, 4–7 PM
My photograph, Fine Art Photography?, will be featured in the upcoming Artists Council exhibit. This piece is a playful yet pointed critique of the overused and often pretentious categorization of the term “fine art photography.”
The photograph is life-size, featuring a stunning 6-foot-tall woman who is nude. Standing before the piece offers an intriguing perspective on what it might be like in her company. Nudity is almost never seen in these exhibits, making this work a rare and bold addition to the show.
The composition references Portrait of Theresia, Countess Kinsky by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, 1793, part of the Norton Simon Museum collection in Pasadena, California.
I hope you’ll join me at the opening reception to view this unique work. The exhibit runs through January 12, 2025.
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!
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