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.
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.
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