Luisa Morenilla

Working as a staff photographer for a community newspaper, I knew that I had found my identity as a “community” photojournalist when most of my favorite assignments included children. A mundane day at the playground was always more appealing to me than a house fire or violent crime scene. Because to me, there never is anything mundane about photographing children. Their total lack of self-consciousness, and their free expression of emotions and behaviors provide limitless possibilities for candid and compelling photographs.

The oppressive August heat is occasionally cut by sudden summer storms, strong but brief. When they clear, the air becomes even steamier than usual, damp on the skin, and foggy on glass, including the one on my camera. Through the mist everything looked a little dreamy, even the plastic trash can in my back yard.

Many years ago, when I first became interested in photography, I would wander through downtown Huntsville, taking pictures of buildings. I think it was a good exercise for a beginning photographer- it allowed me to concentrate on forms, composition, and of course lighting- on stationary objects.

I guess I was feeling a little nostalgic the other day as I was walking downtown, and noticed some nice light falling across the facade of the church I was passing. So for old time’s sake, here’s a few more shots of downtown Huntsville to add to my collection.

I love San Francisco. Like many loves, it started as a mere crush and rapidly blossomed into an intense infatuation. When I am there, I feel connected, and inspired. When I can’t be there, my heart breaks. I think about it all the time, and desperately long to return.

Last week I walked many miles around the city, just taking it all in- watching, listening to, (and smelling!) it all. Here are a few shots I took along the way.

On Tuesday I took a walk through Golden Gate Park, and stumbled upon the huge playground that was swarmed with children playing. I was impressed by how much more sophisticated the equipment is than it was in my day. The enormous web-like jungle gym looked especially enticing, but I opted to stay on the ground, and aim my camera skywards instead, to get some really fun shots.