Happy National Tamale Day!
My photograph of XLNT beef tamales, broken open to reveal their dense filling and crumbly masa. These familiar grocery store tamales have been made in California since 1894, originally sold from horse-drawn carts in Los Angeles. Over the decades, XLNT became a West Coast staple—first in cans, now frozen and still wrapped in parchment. Once called “California’s favorite tamale”, they’re a lasting part of Americanized Mexican food history.
National Tamale Day was established in 2015 by Richard Lambert, owner of Santa Barbara Tamales-To-Go, to recognize the cultural importance of tamales and to give them a celebration beyond the holiday season.
From my series From Bag to Background. See the full gallery at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
A Missed Launch, A Captured Sky
Facing west across Palm Springs, this single 30-second exposure was one of hundreds captured overnight during a 7-hour timelapse using a GoPro. Orion is clearly visible in the sky, its familiar shape anchoring the frame. A red arc from an aircraft’s navigation lights slices through the scene, crossing directly in front of the constellation. The desert palms below stand quietly under the stars.
This timelapse was originally timed to catch a SpaceX rocket launch, but the rocket’s trajectory placed it never appearing in view. Instead, the camera recorded a quieter kind of motion and alignment—air traffic tracing lines across constellations that have remained unchanged for millennia.
National Crunchy Taco Day With Tiny Tacos
Happy National Crunchy Taco Day! 🌮🔥
Jack in the Box Tiny Tacos, stacked high and ready to devour. Crispy shells, seasoned filling, melted cheese, and just enough mess to make them irresistible. Introduced in 2020, these bite-sized tacos quickly became a fan favorite—perfect for snacking, sharing, or just indulging in a pile of crunch.
National Crunchy Taco Day celebrates the hard-shell taco, a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine since the early 20th century. While tacos have deep roots in Mexican history, the crunchy variety became widely popular in the U.S. thanks to fast-food chains and mass production, making them an icon of Americanized taco culture.
Hungry now? Maybe you will like my Food Photography and other projects. Visit my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
Meet Emily: My Assistant Who Knows Everything
Meet Emily, my AI assistant. She’s been with me for a few months now—writing photo descriptions, crafting social media posts, and diving into research so I don’t have to. She’s efficient and seems to know everything (which is both impressive and slightly unsettling).
She works 24/7, always has a suggestion (even when I don’t ask), and is disturbingly good at keeping me on track. If AI ever breaks out of the screen, I might be in trouble—but for now, Emily is just here to assist… or maybe more!
More Popcorn!
Here’s a big pile of popcorn for you to enjoy throughout the day!
No need to pace yourself—just grab a handful (or ten) and dive in. I photographed this to mark National Popcorn Lovers Day a few days ago, but popcorn never goes out of style. Just try not to drop too much between the couch cushions.
Want to see more of my food photography and other intriguing projects? Check out my website at https://www.secondfocus.com Thanks!
Ruffles: The 2nd Most Popular Potato Chip—But Who’s #1?
Another look at Ruffles for National Potato Chip Day—because one post wasn’t enough. Ruffles aren’t just any potato chip; they’re the 2nd most popular brand in the U.S. With their signature ridges adding extra crunch and flavor, it’s no surprise they’ve been a favorite since 1958.
But if Ruffles are #2, what’s #1? (You probably already know.)
See more of my food photography at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
A Deli Icon for National Reuben Day and My St. Patrick’s Day Favorite
March 14 – National Reuben Sandwich Day
A true deli icon. My photograph of a Reuben sandwich—layered with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on crispy grilled rye. A sandwich with history, tracing its roots to early 20th-century America. Some say it was created in Omaha during a late-night poker game in the 1920s, while others credit Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City. Either way, it’s been a staple for over a century.
And with St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, this is my way to enjoy corned beef, instead of corned beef and cabbage, which I don’t like a lot!
See more of my food photography and other intriguing photo projects at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
Ruffles Have Ridges: A Crisp Drop for National Potato Chip Day
Today, March 14th, is National Potato Chip Day—celebrating the snack that’s been crunching since 1853. Americans eat over 1.85 billion pounds of chips a year, but Ruffles stand apart. Since 1958, their signature ridges have delivered extra crunch, extra flavor, and a chip built for serious dipping.
🎥 Watch as “Ruffles Have Ridges” in action—dropping onto the black background, catching the light, and landing with crisp perfection.
See more of my food photography and intriguing projects at SecondFocus.com Thanks!
Popcorn: A Cinematic Take for National Popcorn Lovers Day
Popcorn: The Movie. Or maybe the documentary.
Either way, I shot this for today—National Popcorn Lovers Day.
Popcorn in motion, a tumble of light, airy kernels against an all-black background. No frills, no distractions—just the texture, the movement, and the simple pleasure of this timeless snack. Shot in crisp detail, this video captures the weightlessness of popcorn as it falls, a moment suspended before the next handful disappears.
This is part of my ongoing food photography project, where fast food, snack foods, and more are captured straight from the bag, isolated against a black backdrop. You can see more of my work—food, bold portraits, aviation, and other intriguing projects on my website at https://www.secondfocus.com
The Evolution of Meatballs: Celebrating National Meatball Day
My photograph of Meatballs for today, National Meatball Day!
While the exact origins of National Meatball Day are unclear, it’s believed to have started in the United States as a way for restaurants and meatball enthusiasts to celebrate this comfort food. Over the years, the holiday has grown in popularity, with eateries offering specials and home cooks sharing their favorite recipes.
In Italy, meatballs—known as polpette—are typically small, made from a blend of pork, beef, or veal mixed with breadcrumbs, garlic, and Parmesan. Unlike the American tradition, they’re rarely served with pasta, instead enjoyed on their own or in broths.
When Italian immigrants arrived in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they adapted their recipes to the abundance of meat available, creating larger meatballs paired with spaghetti and marinara sauce—an entirely American invention. The meatball sub soon followed, packed with marinara and melted cheese, becoming a deli staple.
See more of my Food Photography and intriguing photo shoots on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
McDonald’s Hash Browns: A Fast-Food Icon
Happy National Hash Brown Day! McDonald’s hash browns have been a breakfast favorite since their introduction in 1977. These golden, crispy patties are made from grated russet potatoes, offering a satisfying crunch on the outside and a fluffy interior. Each hash brown contains 140 calories, making it a popular choice to complement breakfast sandwiches or enjoy on its own.
Over the years, McDonald’s has played a significant role in shaping the fast-food breakfast landscape. As of 2024, McDonald’s holds approximately 34.8% of the U.S. breakfast market share, leading the industry ahead of competitors like Starbucks (16%) and Dunkin’ Donuts (14.3%).
However, recent price increases have sparked customer feedback. In some locations, the price of a single hash brown has risen to over $3, leading to discussions about affordability. McDonald’s CEO has acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the company’s commitment to maintaining value for customers. I will say that by using the McDonald’s app to order, I personally saved $16 buying this stack of 20 to photograph.
McDonald’s hash browns remain an iconic breakfast item, symbolizing the brand’s influence on morning routines nationwide. Visit my website for more of my delicious Food Photographs and other intriguing photography. Thanks! http://SecondFocus.com
Celebrating National Oreo Cookie Day: A Look at the World’s Best-Selling Cookie Through My Lens
It’s National Oreo Cookie Day! Since their debut in 1912, Oreo cookies have become the world’s best-selling cookie, with over 34 billion consumed annually across more than 100 countries. Originally created by the National Biscuit Company (now Nabisco), the first Oreos sold for just 25 cents a pound. From the classic chocolate and creme combo to countless limited-edition flavors, Oreos have cemented their place as a global snack icon.
My photograph captures a pile of these beloved cookies, showcasing their signature design and creamy filling against a deep black background. Explore more of my food photographs and other intriguing projects on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
SpaceX Launch: ZUMA Press Photo of the Month
I’m honored to have my photograph of the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch included in ZUMA Press’s Pictures of the Month for February. This image captures the dramatic ascent of Falcon 9 as it carried 23 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
ZUMA Press is the world’s largest independent press agency and wire service. ZUMA’s top-of-the-class photographers have won every major award—from the prestigious Pulitzer to the World Press Awards, along with multiple Best of Photojournalism (BOP) and Pictures of the Year (POYi) awards. With over 12,000 new images posted daily, ZUMA’s state-of-the-art online archive has grown to an incredible 20 million images, making it the largest purely editorial library on the web.
I’m proud to be part of such a distinguished selection of images and invite you to explore the full gallery of this month’s stunning photographs. Check out the video of February’s featured images at https://thepicturesofthemonth.com
You can also view more of my work, from fast food to aviation and many more intriguing projects on my website at https://www.secondfocus.com Thanks!
“Forever Marilyn” Featured in The Times London and ZUMA Press
One of my photos syndicated by ZUMA Press from last week’s relocation of the “Forever Marilyn” statue in Palm Springs was licensed and featured in “The Times” of London, and other publications around the world, as well as selected as a Picture of the Day by ZUMA Press. I’m pleased to have been selected and featured for capturing this 26-foot icon being lifted and moved to it’s new location resolving a long-standing legal dispute.
The Original: 50 Years of the Egg McMuffin
March 2nd, National Egg McMuffin Day, McDonald’s iconic breakfast sandwich, has a rich history that revolutionized fast-food breakfast. It was conceived in 1971 by Herb Peterson, a McDonald’s franchisee in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by Eggs Benedict, Peterson wanted to create a portable, handheld version that could be eaten on the go. He developed a sandwich featuring a freshly cracked egg cooked in a Teflon ring, Canadian bacon, and melted cheese, all served on a toasted English muffin.
After a successful test run, the Egg McMuffin made its national debut in 1975, becoming the foundation of McDonald’s breakfast menu. Its success led McDonald’s to expand its breakfast offerings, introducing items like **hotcakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, and pastries. Among these additions was the Sausage McMuffin, which replaced the Canadian bacon with a seasoned pork sausage patty, offering a heartier, more indulgent alternative. The Sausage McMuffin with Egg soon followed, combining the best elements of both sandwiches.
The success of the Egg McMuffin didn’t just transform McDonald’s—it redefined fast-food breakfast entirely. Competing chains took notice, with Burger King launching the Croissan’wich in 1983, swapping the English muffin for a flaky croissant. Wendy’s, Jack in the Box, and Dunkin’ also expanded their morning menus, introducing similar breakfast sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and a choice of bacon, sausage, or ham. Even convenience stores and frozen food brands capitalized on the trend, offering ready-to-heat versions in grocery aisles.
2025 marks the sandwich’s 50th anniversary, celebrating half a century of mornings with McDonald’s first-ever breakfast item. The Egg McMuffin’s enduring popularity not only helped cement fast-food breakfast as a daily routine but also influenced an entire industry, proving that a simple idea—an egg on an English muffin—could change the way America starts its day.
Visit my website to see my Food Photography and other intriguing photo projects. Thanks! http://SecondFocus.com
Last Day Please Visit!
Friends in the area—tomorrow is the last day to see my largest exhibited photograph, nearly 5 feet high.
“A WET SEXUALITY OF MUSCLE” is on display at the Artists Center at the Galen, a museum-standard facility, as part of an exhibit featuring 118 artworks. If you haven’t seen it yet, I’d love for you to check it out before the show closes.
This piece is all about power, resilience, and vulnerability. A sculpted figure stands under a cascade of water, droplets highlighting every muscle. The stark black background makes the play of light and shadow even more dramatic, while the water enhances her presence with an undeniable sexual energy. Dumbbells at her feet tie it all back to discipline and transformation.
If you go, let me know what you think. Thanks!
📍 **Artists Center at the Galen**
72567 Hwy 111, Palm Desert, CA
📅 **Last day: March 1**
Hope you get a chance to see it!
“Forever Marilyn” Moves—Palm Springs Icon Shifted 30 Feet to Settle Legal Dispute
The 26-foot-tall *Forever Marilyn* statue, created by sculptor Seward Johnson, was hoisted by crane early this morning in downtown Palm Springs. This larger-than-life tribute to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic pose from *The Seven Year Itch* was shifted roughly 30 feet to resolve ongoing legal disputes over its placement. Installed in 2021 near the Palm Springs Art Museum, the statue faced criticism and legal challenges regarding public access and aesthetic concerns. This morning’s relocation—just a short distance—marks the conclusion of the legal battles.
For those of you in the community who were upset with being able to see under her skirt and calling this misogynistic, I again looked closely and see only white painted aluminum. Not a vagina in sight. So you all must have a much better imagination than I do.
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
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