Smugmug pro account

I finally decided to take the plunge and upgrade to a Smugmug Pro account. With a Pro account, I can set a markup for prints and other products ordered from my site, and get a cut -- 85% of the difference between the Smugmug base price and the price I set -- if anybody buys anything.

A Pro account also allows me to offer full size original files for download at a price I set, with either a Personal Use License or a Commercial Use License, in case anyone likes any of my images enough to want to use them as wallpaper, or on their own site, etc.

This is a plunge into the unknown because while I could tell there was a substantial amount of traffic to my site, with a power account there was no way of finding out if anyone was ordering prints or anything else.

I will see how it goes. If I make enough to justify the difference in cost between the power and pro levels, I will continue with the pro account next year, otherwise I will revert to the power account.

A morning in Manhattan Beach

We spent the morning at Manhattan Beach, near the pier. Except for smoke on the water produced by the Malibu fire, the sky was very clear, and it was a good day for shooting. I wish I had arrived earlier in the morning, but such is life. I brought along the amazing 70-200 f4 IS L, which continues produce some spectacular shots.

http://canghuixu.smugmug.com/gallery/3884056

A walk in Griffith Park, from the Observatory to the top of Mount Hollywood

This morning we went to Griffith Park and walked from the Observatory up to the top of Mount Hollywood. There was too much haze to take decent pictures of the city, but there were some interesting shots to be had of the fire damage, and the beginnings of the recovery:

http://canghuixu.smugmug.com/gallery/3876850

Enjoy!

A walk around the Chicago loop...

I'm in Chicago. Last night I had a few hours free so I walked around the Loop. Unfortunately I didn't bring gloves so my hands became pretty cold. It took a while after I returned to the hotel before my hands were warm enough again for me to type.

But it was a rewarding walk. They were doing some work on State Street so I was able to get some nice shots of construction. I also managed to get some shots of passing trains on the L.

Here are the photos:
http://canghuixu.smugmug.com/gallery/3838636

Enjoy!

Santa Monica Pier, November 2007

We spent yesterday afternoon at the Santa Monica Pier. It was a bit overcast. Also the sensor on my 20D needs some cleaning - you will notice some ugly spots here and there on shots that have clouds in the background. Nevertheless, I took a few photos that I liked.

Next to the Pier there is a memorial to the Iraq war dead consisting of markers (mainly crosses, with some crescents and Stars of David) planted in the sand to commemorate servicemen who died there. Many of the markers had dedications added by people who had lost a friend or loved one. There are also exhibits about Iraqi deaths and casualties. It was quite moving. The sign noted that there were 3859 American deaths so far, and I was reminded once again of a Chinese poem written more than one thousand years ago:

《陇西行》　　作者：陈陶

誓扫匈奴不顾身，五千貂锦丧胡尘。
可怜无定河边骨，犹是深闺梦里人。