Chuck Allen 4/10/19 Chuck Allen 4/10/19

Nikon - Big Waves

Really big waves. Some of the biggest in the world.

I recently came across these pics from my archive of a few years past. Laird Hamilton and a guy I don't know catching good sized waves on December 8, 2009 at Jaws on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii. At least for me they would be good sized. For those guys, just another day at the office. The good news is - everybody made it out alive that day. All I had to do was sit on the cliff and take pictures. But I was worn out when it was over.

Chuck Allen 1/15/17 Chuck Allen 1/15/17

Leica Q - Time For A Drink

This girl was alone at the bar on a late Saturday afternoon in Old Town Temecula, California.

This girl was alone at the bar on a late Saturday afternoon in Old Town Temecula, California. Looks like she needed a break after shopping. It seemed she was the only one in place at the time. This picture was taken from a sidewalk outside the bar, through a glass window. It's a real testament to the rendering ability and image quality of the Leica Q.

See more from Old Town Temecula here.

Chuck Allen 9/21/15 Chuck Allen 9/21/15

Ricoh GR II - Alone At Last

This couple was dancing to their own music inside an atrium at the Chihuly Gardens Exhibit in Seattle, WA.

This couple was dancing to their own music inside an atrium at the Chihuly Gardens Exhibit in Seattle, WA. How they were the only two at that moment in a very public, world class exhibit is still a mystery.

More from the the Chihuly Exhibit in the Seattle collection here.

Chuck Allen 7/30/15 Chuck Allen 7/30/15

Ricoh GR II - Great Colors

One of my favorite cameras is the Ricoh GR II. It is the perfect example of the best camera you have is the one you have with you.

One of my favorite cameras is the Ricoh GR II. It is the perfect example of the best camera you have is the one you have with you. Yes, I know, everyone in the world - at least the first world - has a smartphone with a camera. I have one. It's one of those that starts with an 'i'. It's not a bad camera. I'm just too old to be using my cell phone as a camera.

The Ricoh GR is about the same length and width as my phone that starts with an 'i'. But it's a little thicker. That's ok, because it still fits in a shirt or jacket pocket, has an APS-C 16mp sensor, a fixed, gorgeous 28mm wide angle f2.8 lens and quite frankly makes some of the best images I've ever seen. Believe me, I've spent way more money on all kinds of mainstream gear - and I still have most of that gear. But the Ricoh GR literally goes out the door with me every day, unless I'm going out to shoot something specific for assignment or to get paid so I can put some food on the table. Ok, to put some food on the table or buy some more camera gear. Even then, the GR goes with me.

It is arguably the best camera in its class, or nearly any class, for the $.

On this site, in the gallery 'Seattle', are images all taken over a few days 100% with the Ricoh GR II, handheld in natural light.

To see more from Seattle & the Ricoh GR II, click here.

Chuck Allen 3/30/15 Chuck Allen 3/30/15

Fuji X100T - Humanity

There's no shortage of humanity in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

In the streets of San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Mexico there are plenty of signs of humanity. It struck me that even the poorest of the poor shared some common traits. They were all clean, reasonably well-dressed, friendly, polite, seemingly content and were just trying to get through each day. They were happy for a kind word, perhaps a brief chat - even with my not-quite-fluent Spanish. They were certainly grateful for a few pesos. I was happy giving them some.

Chuck Allen 10/18/12 Chuck Allen 10/18/12

Fuji X-Pro 1 - NYPD's Finest

Standing guard, NYPD style, in the middle of Times Square.

On a recent trip to New York City, I spotted this NYPD officer standing guard in the middle of Time Square. He was a picture of calm in a sea of moving people and things. There is a excellent level law enforcement presence in New York City. It's a good thing, I think. Makes me feel very safe. It's but one of many reasons I love going to New York and wandering the streets, camera in hand.

Chuck Allen 10/10/12 Chuck Allen 10/10/12

Fuji X-Pro 1 - Waiting

A lot of waiting in and around downtown Paris, France.

In and around Paris, France sometimes we're waiting for someone. Or missing someone. Sometimes we're waiting to get on the train. Sometimes we're waiting to get off the train. Sometimes we're waiting in the rain for a table. These photos are from the France gallery.