Journey, Struggle, Process and Passion - Manhattan Beach, CA

Here's a quick edit on a few of the images I made at the Manhattan Beach Pier the other day. The cloud cover made for dramatic skies but also prevented the "picture-perfect" sunset I was hoping to capture. Using a brand new camera (Canon R5) with seemingly endless customized options and editing in a program which has changed quite a bit since I last used it (Adobe Lightroom) it was a great re-entry into the art I love and enjoy. This was my goal. To make photography fun again. Between the pandemic and nagging injuries I've been sidelined from photography for way too long.

I took many lessons from this brief outing, including remembering to turn off the IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization) on the camera when it's mounted on a tripod, among many others. The images I took with my iPhone had me thinking "What's the point of having this really expensive camera equipment if I can take these awesome - and easy - pictures with my phone?" I wouldn't fall into this trap. The journey, the struggle, the process is why I love photography. Especially in a time when EVERYONE is a "photographer" because everyone has a camera with them (like calling yourself an astronaut because you're rich enough to launch yourself into space for 10 minutes). That's where the art and skill live. The process. And the enjoyment of this process is what I missed. And what I'm trying my darnedest to find again.

La Tuna Brush Fire, Los Angeles - Sept. 2, 2017

A fast-moving brush fire has consumed over 5,000 acres in the hills just north of Los Angeles threatening homes in nearby communities. Hundreds of firefighters and law enforcement officers from numerous agencies have converged on the fire to battle the erratic fire behavior as well as facilitate evacuations and residential security. © Craig Durling / durlingmedia.com

CLICK HERE OR ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW THE ENTIRE GALLERY FROM THIS INCIDENT.

LACoFD Catalina Brush Fire Drill - April 2017

In April of 2017 I flew to Santa Catalina Island with members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department to document a large scale brush fire training drill. This was not as much an active fire drill as it was a logistics drill to train in coordinating the movement of fire crews and apparatus to the island of coast of southern California in the event of a substantial brush fire. The Los Angeles County Fire Department, along with the Avalon Fire Department, are responsible for fire suppression on the large island. Transportation to the island was provided by the LASD's Air Rescue 5 and the return trip by LACoFD (Firehawk) Copter 19. © Craig Durling

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ENTIRE GALLERY FROM THIS DRILL.

California Poppy Bloom - Spring 2017

Took a drive up to the Antelope Valley a while back to capture the tail end of the California Poppy "Super" Bloom with my friend and colleague Jeff Zimmerman.  I'd argue that the conditions this spring weren't ideal for a "Super" bloom but it was a beautiful display nonetheless.  Take a drive up next spring!  © Craig Durling

"Fish IC" LACoFD Brush Fire - Duarte, CA - June 20, 2016

While en route to the "Reservoir IC" brush fire on Highway 39 in the Angeles National Forest I diverted to a new start in the nearby city of Duarte, this one threatening homes and horse stables.  Making already difficult fire conditions worse, those on the fireground also had to battle 113 degree temperatures.  At the time of this writing the "Fish Incident" (Fish IC) was reported to be at 2,000 acres with one LASD Deputy being transported to a local hospital with heat exhaustion.  The cause of this fire is under investigation.  © Craig Durling/DurlingMedia

Click on the image below to view the entire gallery or purchase prints from this incident.

© Craig Durling / DurlingMedia.com

"Wheatland IC" LAFD Brush Fire - May 23, 2016

At about 2:20pm on May 23, 2016 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a fast moving brush fire in the 11300 block of Wheatland Avenue in the Lakeview Terrance area of Los Angeles.  With the assistance of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Angeles Forest resources the fire, seated in rough terrain, was kept to nearly 200 acres.  An arson suspect is reportedly in custody.  © Craig Durling

Click on the image below to view the entire gallery from this incident.

An LACoFD Firehawk returns to the fire after filling up at a nearby golf course while a golfer "plays through".

Los Angeles Cityscapes

Experimenting with my new Canon 5DmkIII by taking some time exposures of downtown Los Angeles, California with the 110 freeway in the foreground.