The benefit of living with a camera junkie is that I often get the "leftover" cameras as J leaves one camera in favor of a newer, better rig. So when Nikon announced a new digital SLR, I knew it wouldn't be long before I was the proud owner of a D70. It's a bit of a learning curve to use this new camera, but I am determined to be producing great new shots before long.
Until then, here are some of my first adventures with the D70, along with some descriptions. Be gentle, my dear critics -- I know that I still have a way to go before I can brag about any of these pictures.
One of the highlights of the Eco-Farm Conference was a keynote speech by Marion Nestle. Through visuals, she does an amazing job of showing how children and adults alike are convinced that they need to eat more and more food by the food companies.
I went to a session while there that talked about Social Equity on the Sustainable Farm -- it basically talked about farm workers and how they are treated, and how sustainable farms are a different place to work than many conventional farms. Two workers from Swanton Berry Farm were part of the panel. Through interpreters, they talked about the benefits of working on this farm. This was one of the two farm workers.
On the way home last Friday, I stopped by the Watsonville Farmer's Market. There were about 7 booths: 3 prepared food, 2 crafts, and 2 booths that sold mainly citrus. While I was happy that there is a farmer's market here, it was a bit discouraging to see that even if you wanted to, it would be impossible to do all your shopping at this farmer's market. This was one of the food booths.
Clementine mandarins and Navel Oranges.
My shadow and the farmer's market sign.
I had read a lot about Fiesta Tepa Sahuayo in Watsonville, and looked forward to my meal there all week. I don't know if it was the fact that I was dead tired or the fact that I was alone and could only order one thing, but it wasn't as spectacular as I'd hoped it would be. I ordered a saute of chicken, beef, and shrimp I believe. Something that I ate smelled / tasted like the fake butter from movie theaters, and once I got that idea into my head, I didn't really enjoy the meal. The chips and salsa were delicious, and I would like to return at some point with different expectations and a group of people to try it out. You can see from the photo on the far left that the place is COVERED in Mexican tchotchkes.
This past weekend, Jason and I went to Fremont to check out the salt marshes at the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge. This area features salt ponds that are operated by Cargill, and has become a wildlife refuge in conjunction with the US Government and Cargill. The accumulation of salt on the sides of the ponds makes for interesting hues, and it was a very pleasant and interesting place to walk. I would recommend checking it out if you ever have the chance.
