Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Photo Book: "Days with my Father"
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Random thoughts (16) SUMMERTHING


Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Movie Review 5: a new story
6/18 Toy Story 3 (SCORE 90/100)
After a 10plus years or so from Toy Story 2, this movie gives back to its loyal fans. I was able to watch the first two before I watch this one and it brought back the memories of how great this trilogy really is. I ended up watching the movie in 3d and even though I still felt a little woozy, the experience with 3d has been getting better.
Its great to see this series bring back all the main characters and a lot of the supporting cast. The flow of the movie was great and the story connected all 3 movies to give a nice flowing connection. Even though it’s an animated film the acting for the voice drew me in as if I was watching a non-cartoon. I highly enjoyed this film as I was a teenager when the first two came out; it was nice to see the characters grow up in this film as I have with it.
Overall this movie is probably the best movie I have seen so far this year. It offered everything you could want in a movie: Drama, romance, suspense and of course comedy. The people at Pixar open the door with Toy Story 1 and now sets the bar higher for themselves and other animation companies to produce a hit! I hope with all great trilogies that it ends with this one, yes this movie can be a tear jerker so please watch the kids…
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Last 4 movie scores:
IronMan 2: 76
Kick Ass: 86
Clash of the Titans: 86
Percy Jackson "Lightning Thief": 33 Lowest score this year
I have listed below my categories of how I score a movie.
I use scores based on a numeric scale with a low score representing a bad score to high score being a good score.
Time Management (5) Visual/Sound Effects (5)
Acting (25) Story (25)
Enjoyment (30)
Wow Factor (10)
TOTAL POSSIBLE (100)
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Thru My Eyes: 15 "US OPEN Driving Range"
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Thru My Eyes: 14 "Presidential Lock Down"
"Thru my eyes” is a series of random photographs taken with various cameras to capture the moment the way I see them. This series is a way for me to continue to grow as a photographer and share with the world my views “Thru my eyes.”
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Photo Shoot: Tyler Solis-Cook
Location: All shoots, taken at their Home. (Studio set-up in their home)
Flickr Album Website: Tyler Solis-Cook Set
This was the first time I did a photo shoot with a baby, being only 3 months old Tyler Solis-Cook gave me a new respect for professionals that have the time & patiences to capture great photos time in and time out. Having the advantage of the baby being in a comfortable setting, I was lucky to have all the shots taken on location. I had a wonderful time and I can't wait to do it again.
Here is one of my Fav's. Please check out my Flickr site for more pics.

Monday, May 10, 2010
Mirrors: 2
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Photo Shoot: Paolo Baligaya
Location: Mission Hills Golf Course: 275 Industrial Pky, Hayward, CA 94544
Flickr Album Website: Paolo Golf Portraits Set
One of my good friends ask me to do some head shots using his military gear, but we decided to use the good weather and change it up to a more fun and relax golf style photo shoot.
Here is one of my Fav's. a little abstract, but a lot of fun. Please check out my Flickr site for more pics.

Friday, May 7, 2010
Movie Review 4: Iron Man 2 or Avengers Pilot?!?
The second movie in a line of a probable 5 part super hero series was a little off from is great debut. With the first Iron Man setting a high bar, the second seemed more on building a story to lead its highly anticipated Avengers movie. The Movie still had the Blitz and Special effects that made the First one so great and Robert Downy Jr. didn't lose a step as the Ego First Tony Stark. All in all the movie had some great "WOW" moments, but the slightly lengthy story and the pursuit of building the hype for a different movie lowers my grade from a Mid/High 80's to a decent 76. (STILL AN EXCITING MOVIE)
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Kick Ass: 86
Clash of the Titans: 86
Alice in Wonder Land: 70
Percy Jackson "Lightning Thief": 33
I have listed my categories of how I score movies below.
I use scores based on a numeric scale with a low score representing a bad score to high score being a good score.
Time Management (5) Visual/Sound Effects (5)
Acting (25) Story (25)
Enjoyment (30)
Wow Factor (10)
TOTAL POSSIBLE (100)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Thru My Eyes: 13
Monday, April 12, 2010
Random thoughts (15) "2010 Masters Recap"
This years Masters brought more of the pre-game excitement, it showed the return of Tiger Woods after a 5 or so month layoff, Phil Mickelson bidding for another Win after a great 2009 and some of the Veteran golfers such as Ernie Els, Jim Furyk and Freddy Couples playing some great golf, all winning this year. With all this excitement added on top of the regular hype; this years Masters lived up to one of the Greatest Masters I have ever seen. The Masters separates itself from other golf Majors, because its always played at the same location every year and because of that it generates rich history that people can compare from year to year.
This years Masters had all the Drama of an Epic movie as the best golfers competed to be immortalized in the “Green Jacket’ and to have their name in the history books. The first two rounds had 2 Euros playing stellar golf and 2 past champions proving they can hang with their younger counter-parts. As Moving Day started the game’s two biggest stars looked to move up the leader board, fortunately for us Phil Mickelson gave a 3 run stretch of EAGLE/EAGLE/BIRDIE as only the 3rd person in Masters History to perform that accomplishment. Yet Phil was still waiting to give us the “THE SHOT.” The final day of the Masters doesn’t start at the 1st hole, but on the 9th hole like the famous line goes “the tournament doesn’t start until the back nine starts.” And for this year this line was true. Lee Westwood and KJ Choi was ahead when Phil Mickelson stood 207 yards out on the 13th hole with his ball rested on pine needles and between trees. With a brief conversation with one of his best friend and caddie “BONES” he gave every sports fan “THE SHOT” that only PHIL the THRILL can attempt. Phil off of pine needles hit his shot 207 yards between two trees, over a creek and to land on a fast/slopping green to 5 feet as one of the greatest shots ever hit in Masters History. This shot seemed to give Phil the momentum to past Lee/KJ and give Phil a 3 stroke victory and his 4th Major Tournament victory.
Golf is deemed an individual sport, one player, one ball and one shot at a time, but Phil showed that it’s not all about him. In a time where golf needs a hero’s, Phil proved that golf can be more than an individual sport, as he finished he gave his caddie and long time friend “Bones” a hug, then not knowing if his wife would be waiting for him on the 18th green due to her fight with breast cancer he walked up to see his wife and kids and gave his wife an emotional hug. During his press conference the very first thing he did was thank his team, for his success, he then continued to elaborate that this golf tournament and winning it gave his family the ability to forget the troubles of their long time fight with cancer. To me this shows character, for a man who won one of the biggest tournaments in his life, to dedicate and play his heart out to win this not for himself, but for his family.
“In a time when our biggest star shows his dark side,

from Phil:
“A great shot is when you pull it off,
a smart shot is when you don’t have the guts to try it!”
Monday, April 5, 2010
Thru My Eyes: 12
On Bart heading to the East Bay.
"Thru my eyes” is a series of random photographs taken with various cameras to capture the moment the way I see them. This series is a way for me to continue to grow as a photographer and share with the world my views “Thru my eyes.”
Random thoughts (14) "Lent-Easter"
The hardest part about fasting is the accessibility of these items. I can remember being on the road, super hungry and driving by a McDonalds; wanting to order something to eat; or eating in a restaurant having to order Seafood or Veggies while looking over at someone else eating a BIGO STEAK. I’m a naturally hyper person, but when I have those moments of sluggishness, I crave for candy and ice cream. Giving up Sweets is also super hard because in my office I can always count on some form of Sweets to be left near me on a weekly basis. But once I get into a rhythm and scheduled out what I can eat on what days it became second nature. I try to tell myself “I don’t need it” or I try not to look at them when their around.
The funny thing is that now that lent is over I don’t crave all that bad food, to me it feels like I’ve condition myself not to consume any of these items. I’m proud that I still haven’t had McDonalds and for the most part haven’t binged out on junk food. I hope that next year I can give up a little more and survive.
But who can really give this stuff up for more than 40 days?

And my treat for making it through this LENT:

© Michael Lopez
-ML
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Movie Review 3: will the real Perseus please stand up.
4/2 Clash of the Titans (SCORE 86/100)
This movie was a remake of the 1980 version. Even though I don’t remember too much of the first one, I was still able to appreciate a good EPIC. The story used great Greek mythology while telling its own tale. It was fast, action packed and it didn’t leave any plot holes. One of the things that WOW’ED me was the natural landscapes that they shot at. It really brought out some great shots and knowing not a lot of CG was used made me appreciate the movie that much more. I thought that acting was good and it starting to show that Sam Worthington is becoming the next big action star. I would defiantly recommend this movie to anyone that likes Greek Mythology or wanting to watch a good Epic Film.
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PREVIOUS MOVIE SCORES:
Alice in Wonder Land: 70
Percy Jackson "Lightning Thief": 33
Edge of Darkness: 56
I have listed my categories of how I score movies below. I use scores based on a numeric scale with a low score representing a bad score to high score being a good score.
Time Management (5)
Visual/Sound Effects (5)
Acting (25)
Story (25)Enjoyment (30)
Wow Factor (10)
TOTAL POSSIBLE (100)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Thru My Eyes: 11
"Thru my eyes” is a series of random photographs taken with various cameras to capture the moment the way I see them. This series is a way for me to continue to grow as a photographer and share with the world my views “Thru my eyes.”
Monday, March 15, 2010
Photo Shoot: Desire Apuada

© Michael Lopez
Monday, March 1, 2010
Thru My Eyes: 10 "Painting with Lights 1"
Friday, February 19, 2010
Random thoughts (13) "Golf: Out with the OLD, In with the NEW"
OLD SET: NEW SET:
Driver: Callaway Ft-9 ------------------Callaway Ft-iz
3 Wood: Adams Insight -----------------Titleist F2
5 Wood: Callaway Warbird --------------Titleist F2
Hybrid: Mizuno Fli-hi -------------------Titleist 909H
5-PW: Mizuno MX-25 -------------------Titleist AP1 - AP2
SW: Callaway Forged --------------------Titleist Vokey
LW: Mizuno MP -------------------------Titleist Vokey
XW: Callaway X -------------------------Titleist Vokey
Putter: Odyssey White Hot #9 -----------Titleist S. Cameron Napa
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Movie Review 2: Lightning thief, was robbed!
2/15 Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief: Score (33)
The movie is an OK movie with decent special affects suited for young kids. The acting was sub-par with a story line that seems rushed. This movie feels like it wanted to make that quick buck during the book-movie phase. If your taking your kids to the movies than it’s worth it at matinee prices, if you’re going to watch a movie watch something else.
SIDE NOTE :
I am super critical of this movie because as a fan of the book I’m super disappointed with the movie. A great book turned into a movie that makes the book even better. The movie missed all important details that made the book great. To me this movie was a bad interpretation of the book. It seems to me that the directors/Producers did not read the book or understand the book or doesn’t care what happens to this series.
PREVIOUS MOVIE SCORES:
1/29 Edge of Darkness (56)
Monday, February 1, 2010
Random thoughts (12) "Dream Kit"
Nikon D3X
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
Nikkor 50mm f/1.2
Nikon 85mm f/1.4d IF AF
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 AF-S ED
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S ED VR II
Nikon 300mm f/2.8 AF-S ED VR II
AND OF COURSE, CAN’T FORGET THE FLASH:
SB-800 AF Speedlight Unit
SB-600 AF Speedlight Unit
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Random thoughts (11) "Once a Year"
Generally when I get sick I don’t have the cough or the symptoms to restrict me from doing the things I “want” to do, but this time all I wanted to do was sleep! I ended up having to push back a lot of things I wanted to start this year: Photo Projects, Gym Time, Flag Football Games, Watching the NFL Playoffs and of course updating my Blog with Pics & My Random Thoughts. I’m happy to be feeling a lot better so I can continue my pursuit of making this year better than ever. I can only hope that with my Yearly visitor making an early appearance that it doesn’t decide to come by and make another visit this year. I’ll keep my fingers crossed!!!
-ML
© Michael Lopez
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Mirrors: 1
Monday, January 4, 2010
Random thoughts (10) "New Years Resolution"
With the New Year, comes change:
A time to grow, a time to learn from today,
to avoid our mistakes from yesterday
and better ourselves for tomorrow...
I have made a ton of goals in my life, completed some and failed on many. This year is an important year to me for many reasons, but my biggest goal in life has always been to be happy. I know that being happy and being healthy comes hand in hand. As I get older I know that my body and mind is something I need to keep in “check” and its this reason why I have chosen exercise as my New Years Resolution.
To be more specific my New Years Resolution is to complete over 160 hours of CARDIO/EXERCISE and to eat BETTER. To break it down: its about 3 hours a week in the gym and to be more discipline on what i eat. I know its not much, but I have to start somewhere. I currently go to the gym about 2-3 times a week, but its mostly not goal oriented, just go in, workout and leave. On the eating front i have to cut out my two biggest problems: my sugar intake (SODA/SWEETS) and eating crap (FAST FOOD/SNACKS). I know if i can combine a better eating habit with a better goals in the gym, I can create a healthier ME!
I look at where I was 5 years ago and where I might be in 5 years with the pace that I’m currently at, its scary! I have to do this, not just for me, but also for my family/friends. I want to be able to look back to today, 5 years from know, reading this and thanking myself for what i have done. WISH ME LUCK!
...The best thing about today, is knowing I will be better tomorrow.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Thru My Eyes: 8

NYE Fireworks @ Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA
© Michael Lopez
"Thru my eyes” is a series of random photographs taken with various cameras to capture the moment the way I see them. This series is a way for me to continue to grow as a photographer and share with the world my views “Thru my eyes.”
Friday, January 1, 2010
Random thoughts (9) "A Look Back @ '09"
When I look back at ’09 I can, for the first time in my life realize how lucky I am, to be thankful for everything I have and to appreciate everyone close to me. With the way the global economy is in, with unemployment up and health care on the verge of changing, I can honestly say I grinded this year out and made it through healthy. This is not to say I had it easy, buy no means working semi-full time, wondering if myself or my wife will keep our jobs, fighting with mandatory days off and worrying about the Swine Flu, is“easy”. But through it all I know I one of the lucky ones; I watch the news every day and read news sites about how others, less fortunate than me are doing and I think to myself “what if that was me”?
With the New Year, I owe it to myself, my wife and family/friends to start living in today and not worrying about tomorrow. No one can predict what will happen, so the only way I can ensure I’m happy, is to do what I can and let everything else go. I can’t let anything hold me down.
On a brighter note, looking back at ’09 as an amateur photographer, ‘09 has opened the doors to my photo future. I was able to learn from a great teacher, I got inspiration from attending my first gallery and started on my first of soon to be many photo projects. ’09 also was a step in the right direction as I was able to produce some of my best shots to date and found a new joy in photography: WEDDINGS. I got 3 wedding under my belt for ‘09 and I’m doing all my research on becoming a better Wedding/Portrait Photographer.
My goals for 2010 are high, as my ambition has driven me mad to ensure I get better in all aspects of Photography. I want to shoot another 3 weddings and hopefully do one as the main photographer (I’ve been the secondary for my first 3). I would love to start & finish the 3 personal projects I have on paper, produce more shots and my main goal as a photographer is to start my own website.
-ML
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thru My Eyes: 7
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Random thoughts (8) "Geography Gallery"
Tonight was exiting as one of my friends and mentors premiered one of her projects here in San Francisco. It was also my first time going to a Photography Gallery. As an amateur photographer going to this event was extremely humbling and encouraging, the Gallery was packed with talent which humbled me in knowing I have a lot to learn, but it also gave me the ideas to work on and build specific photo projects. Looking around and looking at all the great pictures gives me something to dream about, to one day hope that I’ll be able to show my work in a gallery. The Gallery hosted and showed my friend Stella, artist John Mann and Anthony Marchetti, combined they formed a theme of Geography. Stella showed her “Family Spaces” series displaying her still life shots, Anthony Marchetti showed his “Apartment For Rent” series displaying a unique twist of empty apartments before their available for “Rent” and John Mann displayed his “Folded in Place” shots using pieces of maps in abstract ways. These three photographers all showed their unique individual series, combined to show a great story of “Geography.”
The experience going to my first Gallery Showing is one that I will never forget! Being able to support other photographers give me the hope that one day I’ll be in their shoes; celebrating, showing and being proud of the work I have accomplished. One of the biggest things I have learned from art is being able to inspire others. Looking around at the gallery tonight, looking at Stella’s friends showing their support, showing how proud they are of her, looking at other photographers examine each shot, describing what they like and the joy of accomplishment is something that will push me everyday to learn, try, fail and hopefully succeed. This feeling is something like a drug; an addiction of wanting it every minute of every day, having it and wanting it again, to never being content with just 1.
The gallery will be held at the Rayko Gallery until 1/18/10 so if you’re in the City come in and support these artists and expose yourself to some unique “Places.”
425 Third Street
San Francisco, Ca 94107
Mon: Closed
Tues-Thurs: 10:00am-10:00pm
Fri-Sun: 10:00am-8:00pm
-ML
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
UnNoticed: 6
Friday, December 11, 2009
Random thoughts (7) "My First Hockey Game"
As a sports fan I have gone to many different events, but for the most part, I tend to watch the more common American sports like Baseball, Football and Basketball. For the past couple of years and since becoming an avid Golfer, I’ve grown to love PGA events. In regards to attending these sporting events I tend to spend my money on an event I want to go and that I’m accustomed to.
Tonight for the first time, I was lucky enough to watch my first professional NHL Hockey game. One of my Best friends got a job with the San Jose Sharks a couple of months ago and invited my wife and I to watch tonight’s game. The match was between the San Jose Sharks and the Dallas Stars. Being a sports fan and living in the Bay Area, I do have some basic knowledge of the sport; I’ve never really gotten into it and was pleasantly surprised how I felt when I walked into the arena and when the puck dropped for the first time. I can recall this feeling just like the first time I watched Joe Montana at my first Football game, Mark McGuire at my first Baseball game and more recently watching Phil Mickelson/Tiger Woods for the first time. I knew some of the better-known players on the Sharks and had general knowledge on how the sport is played, so I wasn’t totally lost. As the game went on and the two teams battled for the win, they got into some heated fistfights and played super fast. During all this action I looked over to my wife and noticed how much fun she was having. The one great thing about Hockey that has over all other sports is the fast non-stop pace that keeps every spectator on the edge of their seats.
The game itself had two scores for both teams and was pushed into Overtime when a winner couldn’t be declared at the end of regulation. Overtime was intense as both teams tried to end the game with a score; both teams couldn’t close the game, which resulted into an Overtime Shootout. During the Shootout both teams were given 3 chances to score 1 on 1 with the opposing teams goalie. As exciting as the game already was, the Overtime Shootout ended in a 1-1 tie and was pushed to an even more heart pounding sudden death Shootout where each team takes turns 1 on 1 until a team scores and the other team couldn’t answer back. Unfortunately this Shoot out last 7 rounds and resulted with Dallas scoring and San Jose not being able to answer back.
As you can see not being a Hockey fan I was able to get into the game with Passion. As much as I didn’t know a lot about Hockey or the Sharks I was able to appreciate the nature of the game and root for a hometown team. My wife who rarely watches sports let alone get into it, absolutely loved the match and can’t wait to go back. I’m very appreciated how much it means to be able to take my wife to a sporting event where she stands up more than me cheers as loud as me. Tonight, even for the 2 ½ hours I was at the game, I’m very happy to be considered a fan of HOCKEY. THANKS K!
-ML













