Lights on Market Street

It's not every day you get tipped off to a fun assignment to shoot but that happened to me yesterday. The news editor at the SF Gate pointed out an article about several new art installations that went on display in the Mid-Market area of San Francisco on Thursday evening.
The event, dubbed “Lights on Market Street,” is an initiative aimed at revitalizing the Central Market Street area, which is plagued with vacant storefronts and is not a friendly, or fun, place to hang out.
The artwork, including this piece by artist Robert James, made people in the area stop, touch and explore. It was interesting to watch.
During the ceremony there was a walk between the exhibits that was fun and full of lights.
I even saw Top Cat, who is a saxophonist player that was the subject of one of my first photo essays when I was in school at SF State.
But by far the coolest and biggest drawing instillation was Faces by artist Theodore Watson.
You just couldn't stop standing in front of the "capture station," wait a few seconds, and then see your face across the street.

A lot of fun. An interesting experiment, and well worth the time to check out!

For more of my photographs from the event, check out my photo gallery on SF Gate.

Union Square Menorah Lighting

I love photographing the annual Union Square Menorah lighting, commemorating the first night of Hanukkah.
The ceremony starts with the lighting of a large torch by Rabbi Yosef Langer which he brings around the crowd and lets everyone touch...
...although some don't want to get to close...
...and the Rabbi shows he can dance as well.
From there they climb the staircase behind the large menorah.
And from there its lighting the first candle.

As the crowd below watches.
At the end, the Rabbi gives his wishes and the celebration begins. If you happen to be in downtown San Francisco the next several days, there will be a nightly lighting ceremony for the remaining days of Hanukkah. Its an experience to remember!

You can view more of my photos in this SF Gate Photo Gallery