I worked with the RAW file and maximized shadow while minimizing highlights to bring out more of the sky.
Christmas from around the world, Santa Monica California, Leanne Cole Photography
I need to do two posts today because I took some new Christmas photos for Leanne Cole’s Christmas from around the World series and the deadline is today. Actually, I’m a little late. There are already some gorgeous photos on her site so perhaps mine will go up next week. But do click on the above link because the photos have so much heart they brought a tear to my eye.
These were taken at
To put it in context, this is the beach scene in California during the holiday season:
Out and about in San Jose
Across from the very modern and fancy Santana Row is this old coffee shop. The sign is so faded you can barely see “Coffee.” Circa 1950s?
But here’s some important news. There are food trucks at Valley Fair mall! Here’s the mall entrance:
And right down there, in front of a restaurant (!) are a couple trucks:
I’m surprised the mall allows them to compete with their tenants.
I didn’t notice the strings of lights until I loaded these pictures this morning. Interesting how many things we don’t notice.
Flowers, give-away and author questions


We’re doing questions 8 – 10 on Long and Short Reviews. And there’s a raffle!
There are different questions for the erotic romance writers. Those are really interesting!