FFC

Summer of MTB.  Taken between SF and Southern Oregon.-KEP

RANDOM SNAPS

  I’ve been putting some rolls thru my Yashica t4 lately.  Really loving the convenience of it.  I’ve been bringing it along with me a lot on MTB rides.  Spring is here, and I can’t wait to share more photos of the beautiful landscapes we are surrounded with here in Northern California.-KEP

Havana PT 2

More from Havana.  Walking around I could notice all the amazing American cars.  They are very common.  I love how they restore out of necessity, rather than replace.  Cubans take pride in their cars and it shows!  I wonder if the embargo gets lifted, people will scrap thier old cars for mordern ones or keep on the tradition. -KEP

HAVANA, CUBA

  Having very few expectations going to Cuba I can say that I’m very pleased with our stay.  I knew that Fidel’s recent passing would lay a huge impact to the country, especially Havana.  Valerie and I spent 5 nights in the country’s capital, which was plenty of time to explore the city’s colorful buildings, and rich culture.  We ate at many great restaurants and rode beach cruisers around all 3 sections of the city.  From what I’ve learned, Raul Castro has been progressive for Cuba in his time as president.   

 Obama also loosened up the embargo by allowing direct US flights to Havana.  Tourism seems like its doing great.  Cubans are extremely helpful and friendly to outsiders trying to gather insight of this beautiful country.  Strangers gladly helped us with directions numerous times.  I find that to be very rare here in SF.  I highly recommend going as an American.  It’s so close, but so different and unique.  But who knows how much long it will remain a country that looks and feels like the 1950s.  I’d go ASAP! -KEP

VINALES, CUBA

We started our Cuba trip in the rural town of Vinales.  The slow paced lifestyle was peaceful and relaxing.  Quiet countryside, friendly tobacco farmers, and amazing hosts made our leg of the trip really memorable.  We spent most of our time riding bikes exploring the landscape, and eating the local food of eastern Cuba.  -KEP 

TULUM, MEXICO

This December, I skipped the usual holiday with the family to head south alongside my gf Valerie.  We had a 2 day layover in Tulum which was a great way to get the vacation started before flying to Cuba.  Valerie and I rented a car and explored the city and the beach of Tulum.  We found beautiful Mayan castles on the beach, and lots of concrete homes built on jungle.  Stay tuned for posts from Cuba!-KEP

T4 Moments

I just got my first rolls back from a new (to me) Yashica T4.  I had a short run with a Contax T2 (electric failure), and have since been missing the sharp, quick 35mm shooter.  The T4 is a lot less flashy in your hand, and so far has just as great results as the T2.  Very happy about my recent purchase, and i’ll try and take better care of this one...  KEP

 SUMMER I mean Fall in SF and Captiola.   -KEP

SEAL POOL

A few weekends ago, Jeff Twin, Sal and I snuck into this abandon gem of a pool.  We got there around 5pm, did some minor cleaning, and got down to business quickly after.  Pools have to be up there with my favorite to shoot/ride.  The risk factor of getting caught brings me back to being a teenager again.  Every pool is unique in the transition, the texture, the condition that it’s in when you show up.  I love riding pools because its the opposite of a skatepark.  The transition can be harsh, and abrupt.  Requiring more skill and time to get it right.  It can make a simple carve over the light in the deep end a feat.  Riding pools is a timeless part of BMX, and I’m glad I can still participate.  -KEP

NORTHWEST PART 2

  Here are a few of the views I recorded between Whistler, B.C and Pt Townsend, WA.  Now that summer is winding down, I’m am so grateful to have spent a couple weeks in the great northwest.  I have these photos to get me stoked for the next trip. -KEP

Chester Jones/Tabletop Thursday

Ex Patriot Chester (co-creater of Permasummer Lively Visions) , can be found lurking around Squamish, B.C causing a ruckus at local skateparks, and sight seeing highway stops.  I call this tabe the gingersnap. -KEP

PACIFIC NORTHWEST PT 1

Here are some photos I shot at the end of June and beginning of July.    I travelled from Seattle up north to Whistler and many places in between.  I enjoyed shooting how green and lush the landscape is.  Nature taking back from humanity is a constant theme up there.  The weeds grow at an extremely fast rate and quickly take back what it once owned.  -KEP

Church of Dirt

Wendte Pump Track

While at the Boggs Surrogate this year, we spent a lot of our down time at the pump track.  It was built by some dudes that work at the boy scout camp during the summer, and they definetly  knew how to build.  Fast, good berms, and even a little hill to change things up.  They also built a “skills course” next to it.  With the nice lake to swim in, the rad race course, and the pump track, its a safe bet that we’ll be out there next year!  -KEP

Summer Vibes caught on my Hasselblad. -KEP

A walk on Big Trees trail in Joaquin Miller Park.  -KEP

A hand full of images from the last couple rolls shot thru my Hasselblad.  Its been feeling like summer now that El Nino is taking a break.  The light has been harsh in the middle hours of the day, so I’ve been focusing on shooting around dusk.  -KEP