Bon Jovi Concert at The Forum

     Who knows what took me so long, but ever since I was about 10 years old, I've wanted to see Bon Jovi in concert.  There was no way that was going to happen.  My parents thought people in hair bands were the devil. I still remember using the flashback button on our TV remote to switch back and forth between MTV and any other channel that was not MTV.  I longed to go to these concerts, and secretly flipped the pages of my Metal Edge magazines.  Who remembers Metal Edge magazine?! :)  Yeah, my mom would've been mortified.

     On Wednesday, March 8th, 2017, my childhood dreams came true.  Despite not being a huge fan of concerts in general, I have a short list of bands/singers I'd like to see live.  Bon Jovi was within the top 3.  This tour was for their new album, This House Is Not For Sale.  I got a free CD of the new album with my concert ticket purchase, and it took me months to finally rip the plastic off and give it a listen.  I fell in love with the band all over again.  As cheesy as it sounds, that familiar voice that can only belong to Jon Bon Jovi brought back a rush of memories from my childhood.  I still remember the first time I saw the world premiere of the video for "I'll Be There For You" in my parents' living room on our RCA TV.  Who remembers when MTV did their world premiere videos?!  I was really hoping they'd add this song to their set list, but I didn't get my hopes up as I followed their Instagram feed from the tour listing each set list.  

     After careful research, I purchased my $40 Bon Jovi t-shirt from their official website.  I'm glad I did, because they were charging an arm and a leg (and some other body parts) for band merchandise at the concert.  This hoodie I wanted was $90! $90 for a hoodie! I also found out from their Instagram feed that they sell concert prints from each concert.  Now I know why they don't allow "professional" cameras into the concerts.  In retrospect, security was NOT very tight, and I probably could've snuck one in if I had brought a big enough bag.  I had to make due with my G7x.  Here are some of my shots that I was able to get when I wasn't too busy singing (horribly) to all the songs. ;)

      Bon Jovi did a contest where local bands could send in an audition video to win a chance at being their opening act.  This band is called Stellar Revival.  They had one song I thought was pretty good called "Saving Grace".  You can find it on iTunes. I felt kind of bad for them because the Forum was quite empty as most of the people were outside drinking and/or trying to park their cars.  NOTE:  The parking situation at The Forum is HORRENDOUS - especially when leaving a concert.

     Ah, Jon Bon Jovi with his grey hair.  I think at one point, he just decided dying it would be too much of a chore.  Let me tell ya that this did NOT stop the ladies from loving him.  The ladies LOVE him - at any age. Speaking of age, the age range of Bon Jovi fans is startling.  I saw teenagers, the elderly, and every age in between at this concert.  It was pretty cool to see.  

     The new way to see a concert - with your phone in front of your face. :)

     These guys are approaching senior citizen age, and they still sound AMAZING live.   If you Google "bon jovi documentary", there is one documentary in particular that really showed what life is like for the band when they're touring.  I loved everyone's candidness in the interviews, and you really feel like you get to know them more as individuals, and not just part of the Bon Jovi machine.

     Just in case someone gets too excited???  This reminded me of a video I saw of fans at a Michael Jackson concert decades ago where people were literally passing out over seeing him. Luckily, my seats were in the nosebleed section, and I was safe from this threat.

     I guess the whole lighter thing is a no-no at concerts.  People were using their phone flashlights to create the same effect.

     This is Phil X.  He was basically Richie Sambora's replacement after he left the band in 2013.  Honestly, I didn't feel like Bon Jovi needed Richie Sambora.  Phil X sounded spectacular.  I was quite impressed.  Not only did he perform each song as Sambora could have, he also has his own unique sound when you listen to their new album.  I think he is exactly what Bon Jovi needs as the band's identity evolves.  

     I really wished I had my DSLR and my 70-200mm lens. :'(  What I do have, though, is a bunch of video, and the distinct sound of my own voice sounding like bad karaoke in the background. 

     I thought the show was incredible.  They played a great mix of old and new songs.  In fact, much to the dismay of other fans, I wish they would've played more songs from their THINFS album.  If you haven't heard the album yet, you're definitely missing out.  My favorites are "Living With a Ghost", "New Year's Day", and "Rollercoaster".  It is the best blend of what the band used to be, and where they're headed.  As for where they're headed, let's just say their career has lasted over 30 years.  I wouldn't be surprised if they were still actively releasing music another 10 years from now.  And should they be touring again, I will be in the front row.  #buythevipticketsnexttime  

Newport Beach Photography :: Lazy Sunday

     There is no better way to dive back into this blog than to open with a picture of an apple fritter, right?  This is what my lazy Sunday looked like.  Feeling inspired to go out and take some photos after not feeling like taking any photos for a while, I decided that heading to Newport Beach was a good idea.  After jockeying for a parking spot, I channeled my inner twenty-something year old and took in all the old familiar sights and sounds.  Newport was definitely one of my favorite beaches to hit up in my teens and all through my 20s.  Then I realized how bad all the frequent sun exposure was for you, and now "going to the beach" only means grabbing an apple fritter on a cloudy day. :)

     Seaside Donuts is still there and looks exactly the same as it did many years ago.  I have so many memories of getting donuts here.  I am loving their new sign.  If you're thinking this sign isn't new, then that tells you how long it's been since I've been to Newport Beach!

     The birds were out in full effect.  They were both fascinating to observe as well as my worst nightmare.  #fearofbirds

     I was so glad I chose Newport Beach.  The vibe is much more laid back than a place like Huntington Beach or Santa Monica.  I like those too, but the nice overcast day went so well with the more "small town" vibe of Newport.

     I love these overcast days!  They are the best days for photography because the light is amazing all. day. long!  I wish every day was like this. SoCal sunshine is so overrated.  Bring on the clouds!

    I hope everyone had an amazing long weekend, and if you didn't, may these pictures give you a little bit of relaxation for the what's left of it. :)

Road Trip :: Central Coast Photography

     Nothing quite fuels the desire to go on a road trip like the longing for a nice juicy steak.  One of my friends recommended a place called Jocko's in Nipomo, CA and I decided to use one of the days between Christmas and New Year's to fulfill this dream of having Jocko's.  I decided to make a day of shooting out of it and tried to find places to stop at along the way.  

     First stop - Carpinteria Beach.  This was a total fail.  I should've thought about what time of day it would've been when we arrived here.  My exif data says I took this photo at 9:43 am and we left the house at 7:30 am.  Don't ask me how fast I was driving. 

     While the beach wasn't too crowded, I didn't think it was worth the $10 admission price to shoot when the light wasn't what I preferred.  However, I still enjoyed walking around the beach taking photos, and also using my new Smatree and Manfrotto tripods (more on those later).  

     There was a very thick haze on the beach.  I decided to just go with it and let it blow out some of the photos.

     For this trip, I decided to take my Peak Design Everyday Sling bag.  You can check out my initial review of this bag here.  I knew I'd be changing between the 3 lenses (35mm, 50mm, 135mm) I brought along quite a bit, so the sling seemed like a better choice than my Everyday backpack.  I really love how easy it is to get inside my bag and access my wallet (or whatever else I'm looking for) since there are so many practical organizational pockets. 

     Next stop - Solvang.  Around 11:45 am, we found ourselves in Solvang, CA.  I've been to Solvang a handful of times before, but it was quite a different experience this time around.  If my memory serves me correctly, my previous trips here all happened when the town was about to close up shop.  Most of the stores were closed, and there were very few people around.  This time, it was the complete opposite.  If you've never been to Solvang, it's basically a little Danish town a bit inland on the central coast.  If you love Christmas, you MUST come here during Christmas time.  We were very lucky, because the whole town was still decked out in its Christmas gear, and it kind of feels like you are walking through a little storybook land.  

     You know I need this sign in my life.

     There are a lot of Danish bakeries scattered throughout.  Right after this one is Paula's Pancake House.  It was BUSY.  The line was so long, I didn't dare consider eating there.  I actually went through my old photos, and it turns out I've eaten at Paula's Pancake House before.  That's the beauty of photography - it really remembers when my memory can't.  :)

     We decided to get our pastries from Mortensen's Bakery.  It was also very crowded, but my friend who recommended Jocko's also recommended Mortensen's so we had to stop here.

     I loved all the Christmas trees. Everywhere.  

     We ended up getting the blueberry danish, the raspberry cream cheese danish, and this kringle-like thing that the lady assured us was just like kringle, minus the raisins.  They were ALL delicious.  All three of these and my Diet Coke were about $15.  They were delicious, but I wouldn't say they were $15 delicious.  Maybe $10 delicious?  That's right, I rate food by how much I'm willing to pay to eat it again. 

     Viking Santa.

     We popped into this Swedish Candy Factory just to have a look.  I ended up buying some of their raspberry candy.  It was so GOOD.  This lady gave me a sample to try, and I was sold.  It ended up melting on the way home, but I still ate it throughout the week because it was that tasty.

     This shelf reminded me of Europe. :'(

     I know many of the people we saw were tourists and these dogs probably belonged to tourists as well, but there were a lot of people who appeared to be locals out and about with their dogs.  Dogs everywhere!  I made a mental note to retire near Solvang... because dogs.

     How cute is this little inn that has bikes you can take for a ride around the town.  So cute!

     This little shop is a real gem.  Apparently they do Christmas all year round here, so if you're itching for some Christmas feels, this is your place!  

     Yeah, you know this had to be added to my collection!  I was so happy to find this to add to my camera ornament stash.  I also picked up some little yellow wooden shoes that I turned into an ornament.

     Next stop - Pismo Beach.  We arrived in Pismo around 3pm.  Since our dinner reservation wasn't until 4:45 pm, and Nipomo was only a 12 mile drive away, this gave me some time to take some photos here.  I love the central coast beach towns.  They are more laid back, just as pretty as some of the SoCal beaches, except not as busy.

     At one point, the tide was coming in slowly and it created this glassy look on the sand, which in turn reflected the great clouds in the sky that day.  I loved the effect of it.  Unfortunately, my photos don't even do it any justice.  It reminded me of this amazing sunset I once saw out at Salton Sea, but minus the 99% humidity LOL.

     Last stop - Nipomo.  Here is Jocko's in all its glory.  The exterior (and interior) is nothing to write home about, however if you're a steak person, I can vouch for their steak.  If you end up going, make sure you make a reservation - they fill up quickly!

     You can also go around to the back and check out their pit where they cook the steaks, too.  The steaks are HUGE.  

     It's pretty dim inside Jocko's.  The inside resembles a 1980s cafeteria.  No joke. 

     For those of you interested in this dinner, for $32 you get:

• about 20 oz ribeye steak
• crackers and salsa
• salad
• relish plate
• choice of baked potato or steamed rice
• beans
• garlic bread
• ice cream
• soft drink with one free refill (correction - it does not include a soft drink)
• coffee

I've been to Morton's and Ruth's Chris, and aside from ambience, they cannot beat Jocko's when it comes to the actual steak and overall meal quality and value.  I guess you could say that I $32 liked it. 

     We left Jocko's around 7 pm and were home by 10:30 pm.  It definitely felt like a long day, but I think we covered a lot of ground considering we were home by 10:30 pm.  Being on the central coast definitely sparked my desire to take a road trip out to Big Sur again.  One thing I know for sure is that if I head out to Big Sur, there will be a stop in Nipomo. ;)