City on a Hill Press » Photo Galleries

Island Hopper

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:15:47 +0000

A year ago, one of my closest friends returned from a trip to the British Virgin Islands organized by the head of the UCSC sailing department, Rusty Kingon. She came back with countless stories, amazing friends and an enviable winter tan. Naturally, that was more than enough to convince me to push through the required courses and get myself a spot on the annual winter break trip. For more than a week we sailed through the BVI, exploring islands, snorkeling in coral reefs, and swimming with lionfish and sea turtles along the way.

Through Our Lens

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:06:41 +0000

On a recent trip to Nepal, I found portrait photography heaven. Every face was so unique, as was their clothing. The people, coupled with consistently overcast weather and a 105mm manual focus macro lens, helped me shoot a collection of photos that has since become my personal favorite.

Through Our Lens

Morgan Grana — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 10:21:11 +0000

Landscapes are probably the hardest images to capture. People work wonders: Introducing them quickly brings depth and a story to the piece.

Portraits are challenging because, like spices, people often need to be presented carefully to show their character. In a way, the photographer needs to be the salt that compliments and highlights the subjects’ personality and characteristics.

These are some people I’ve photographed recently.

Through Our Lens

Morgan Grana — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:10:44 +0000

State parks are filled with natural beauty and history that keep people traveling all over to see what nature has to offer. A little over a year ago, I stumbled upon Wilder State Ranch Park, the old home of some of the central coast’s early ranchers, but I didn’t have time to truly explore. In mid-November, I finally went on another morning walk and discovered one of the park’s many trails and historic buildings. The coastal view from the trail was more than I could ask for. It was the perfect place to be and simply walk in silence.

Through Our Lens

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:21:13 +0000

There exists at UCSC a small community of spear fishers. Often comprising marine biology students and SCUBA enthusiasts, these aquatic-minded students traverse the California coast in search of rock fish and Perch. Having only heard stories of this, I ventured with recent marine bio graduate Brian Repp up Highway 1 to Greyhound Rock County Park, located just seven miles past Davenport to see for myself. Spear in hand, Brian marches confidently into the foamy surf. The three-pronged spear he carries is propelled like a slingshot and has surgical tubing that stretches across the length of his arm. When released, the tubing flings the spear forward. After several minutes, Brian emerges empty-handed, defeated by the rough, breaking waves. Brian did not catch anything that day, but come calmer waters, he’ll be back, spear in hand.

Through Our Lens

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:48:41 +0000

It started with what looked like the settling in of fall. The rain was heavy and constant, providing freshmen a wonderful opportunity to open their textbooks for the first time. Students in raincoats and umbrellas scurried along the walkways of campus. And buses became packed fast. But less than 24 hours later, the sun returned. It brought back with it shorts, sandals and, most importantly, the knowledge that this sunny weather won’t last forever and we should enjoy it while we can.

Through Our Lens

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 08:49:36 +0000

The smell of minced garlic. Baskets of produce fresh from the Farmers’ Market are unloaded onto the cutting board. Steam rises from pots of boiling water on the stove. These are the sights and smells at the kitchen of Soif Restaurant and Wine Bar as chef Santos Majano leads his culinary team in prepping for another packed Saturday night. “We’ll be running around all night,” Majano said. He doesn’t know when he and his team will get their next break, and he begins to thinly slice their house-cured king salmon. Santos and his sous-chefs dance elegantly around each other in the immaculate, narrow kitchen space. We invite you to see food created beautifully, and we hope to shed light on the people behind the process, who are often invisible to us. They are true masters of their craft.

Through our Lens

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 09:49:44 +0000

“Are you Danish?” a tall blonde man who could be drunk asked me. Throwing my hands up and moving them like invisible headlights, I gestured no. At the end of the 25 minute bus ride the conversation ended on a hand shake, and I knew I would probably never meet Mat “with one t” again.

There were no obligations in the moving lounge on wheels, it was a casual experience. While riding the bus in Copenhagen, I saw the similarities to getting around in Santa Cruz. At 7:30 on route 20 I would talk about the Giants with another twenty something in flannel, I would walk to class getting to know a girl in my 8 a.m. lecture. With so many people on the bus, there are so many connections for you to make.

Through our Lens

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:17:42 +0000

Through Our Lens

aallio — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:00:53 +0000

This past weekend brought what everyone was hoping for — an end to the rain, and the start of summer. As temperatures soared, students and community members were able to kick back and fully enjoy all that Santa Cruz has to offer. Tourists flocked to the beaches and boardwalk, marking the start of the summer season. Even though traffic was terrible, as anyone taking the 19 or the 20 knows, and the town felt more crowded than usual, smiles were plastered on sweat-shined faces. Shirtless bike riders casually pedaled through town, while families took to the streets on two wheels as well. Beach volleyball, soccer, and basketball games were in full force, as people took advantage of this reprieve from the cold. It’s amazing what a little sunshine can do to a town.

Through Our Lens: Devika Agarwal

Morgan Grana — Thu, 13 May 2010 09:30:59 +0000

Santana Row in San Jose offers a beautiful urban escape from repetitive school days. Walking down the row there are a variety of places to eat, from steakhouses to a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor. Taking photos on a sunny day allowed me to capture all the vibrant colors and unique architecture. I mostly enjoyed taking photos of the people playing chess, eating ice cream and playing with their children on the lawn. Santana Row is always a fun getaway, and it is also one of those places where I learn to see everyday beauty in a new perspective.

Through Our Lens

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 06 May 2010 10:01:12 +0000

The past few sunny weekends have provided the perfect opportunity to step outside and enjoy the fresh air. The people around us and the new places that we wander to can help us find inspiration to look at the world from a new perspective. Take a look at the world that inspired the CHP photographers to walk around and capture the ordinary in a new, extraordinary way.

Through Our Lens: Rosario Serna

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:01:06 +0000

The Santa Cruz Farmers Market is a piece of local, organic heaven. Rain or shine, fresh vegetables, nuts, fruits, flowers, and food are sold to those devout to local production. Engulfed by the sounds, smells, and tastes the market produces weekly, its regulars create a community around their passion for good food. As Earth Day approaches and the 20th anniversary of The Farmers Market is commemorated, take a Wednesday afternoon to stroll along Cedar and Lincoln Streets and enjoy the many delicacies our mother earth produces.

Through Our Lens: Morgan Grana

Morgan Grana — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:34:48 +0000

I’ve always lived pretty close to San Francisco, but over the years I never took the time to walk around all the different parts of the city. In the past year I have gone on a variety of trips to the city and each time I planned my adventures differently. Recently, I went on a walk that began at the Embarcadero BART Station and ended in a small town called Sausalito. From Sausalito I took a ferry boat back to the ferry building on the Embarcadero, and from there headed home. This long walk took me across the city and back. I got to see a new perspective on San Francisco, and a chance to stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time.

Through Our Lens: Kathryn Power

Alex Zamora — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:46:18 +0000

One of the great things about living on the westside is its proximity to my favorite part of Santa Cruz: Westcliff. Every day—morning, afternoon and evening—students, Santa Cruzans can be found frequenting the beach, surfing, riding bikes, playing with puppies or jogging along one of the most picturesque parts of the already beautiful California coast. My Winter quarter was quite busy and during the sparse free time I did have, any chance of venturing the 5 blocks to Westcliff to relax was inhibited by wet, dreary weather. This spring will be my last quarter at UCSC and I’m not sure if I’ll ever live this close to the beach again, prompting me to take as much advantage of it as I can. You should too!

Through Our Lens: Joe Lai

Alex Zamora — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:46:18 +0000

Last weekend I went to Wondercon. Wondercon is a comic convention in San Francisco at the Moscone Center. I was there for a portfolio review and while I was there I also decided to take several pictures of the visitors, guests, and exhibitors at Wondercon. The floor was packed with NNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDSSSSSSSSSS! Also, interesting peoples. I had a fun experience.

Photo Essay: Regents Meeting Protest at UCLA

Alex Zamora — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:50:57 +0000

Saving Children’s Hearts Through Photography

Elsbeth Riley — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:34:07 +0000

To raise awareness about a foundation in Israel that provides heart surgery to young children, the Santa Cruz Israel Action Committe put together a photo gallery at Stevenson College featuring pictures of the children. Photo by Morgan Grana.

Heartwarming photographs of a humanitarian organization line the Stevenson Fireside Lounge.

The photo gallery displays professional and amateur photography depicting Save a Child’s Heart, an Israeli organization that performs cardiac surgery on young children. Santa Cruz Israel Action Committee (SCIAC), a campus organization, put together the photo gallery which has been on display since Monday.

SCIAC is a student-run organization that attempts to raise awareness about Israel and provide opportunities for UCSC students to learn more about the country’s culture.

“This is the year when the group is kind of exploding,” said Nathan Habib, a second-year Cowell student who is the co-president of SCIAC. “We try to advocate [for Israel] in a fun way and interest a student who has no connection to Israel.”

SCIAC’s goals are based on shining a positive light on the cultural aspects of Israel, letting students know that the country is not just about conflict.

“Israel is a country with conflict, but it’s not a country of conflict,” Habib said.

This past summer, Habib and several other members of SCIAC went on a “birthright” trip to Israel. The opportunity for this free trip is open to Jewish young adults between the ages of 18 and 24. During the trip, Habib first learned about Save a Child’s Heart.

“We went to the house where the children stay during their treatment and got to play with them,” Habib said. During the visit, he and the SCIAC advisor came up with the idea to have an event at UCSC to raise awareness about this organization and let people know that there are many volunteer opportunities within the organization.

Each surgery that Save a Child’s Heart performs costs approximately $10,000. Children from all over the world who are in desperate need of heart surgery are sent cost-free to Israel. The waiting list is currently about 1,000 children long.

For the photo gallery, Save a Child’s Heart provided images of some of the children who have been helped by the organization, taken by professional photographers. With funding from Hillel, the photo gallery had been in planning stages for about a month. Several SCIAC members are artists, and one member even works at an art gallery. A number of the photos at the gallery were taken by SCIAC’s own members on their birthright trip.

“We got together a few weeks ago and discussed what to order and what materials we needed,” said Shana Barnett, a third-year Stevenson student. Barnett works at an art gallery, and thus was essential in setting up the display.

The moving photos displayed around the Stevenson Fireside Lounge were admired by many, and helped SCIAC to achieve its goal of raising awareness. Along with the photos, a short film was played explaining Save a Child’s Heart’s goal and purpose.

There was an information table at the gallery’s opening event, providing pamphlets and informational reading about Save A Child’s Heart. Also on the info table was a large poster board with many small red hearts on it.

“It is a “Send Your Heart to Israel” poster,” Explained Maiyan Bino, a third-year student from College Eight. “People sign it and we are going to send it to Save a Child’s Heart in Israel.”

The photography and the event as a whole drew students from many different parts of campus and informed them about the organization while showing proactive ways students can participate to make a difference.

“It is a gallery that is shown all over,” Habib said. “This wasn’t a fundraiser — the goal of our event was to raise awareness of humanitarian aid in Israel and to show that there are opportunities to help.”

Photo Essay: Expression

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:14:05 +0000

Whether it is dancing for the Tango Club or at the Occupation Dance, students use different types of dancing to express their feelings or have fun. Another form of expression, acting can also provide students with a hobby that allows them to become another character or just let loose. The production of “The Death and Splendor of Joaquin Murieta has allowed students to participate in a unique form of theatre, a different type of experimental and interactive acting. Going to the “Rocky Horror Film Show” also allows people to express themselves, from participating in the production or dressing up. Music is another form of expression seen with “The Reality” and performers at College Eight’s open-mic who use their lyrics or lines to connect with the audience. From painting pumpkins to writing on the concrete, expression can be anything you want it to be.

Photo Essay: San Francisco

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:14:05 +0000

“ ‘ey, ladee, let me tell you sumink ‘bout this city; this city, they call it the Sad City. S.A.D. You know why they call it the Sad city? Cos it’s full of Sex, Alcohol and Drugs – Ye see?! So where d’ya wanna go, where you going too ladee?”

From the minute I hailed down this particularly bright yellow cab in San Francisco, I knew the weekend ahead would leave me satiated. Supplied with it’s renowned undulating streets, incessant visual delights and the opportunity to walk into any number of bookstores and witness a poetry reciting would definitely leave a novice to this city satisfied. San Francisco is one big visual orgasm for the fervent photographer, and encountering it for the first time was climactic.

I have selected a variety of photos documenting my journey from Santa Cruz to San Francisco. There is combination of portraiture, still life and architectural photography all approached in an innovative and artistic manner and were shot with a Canon E05 400D SLR.

Photo Essay: Autumn

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:14:04 +0000

Colored leaves and cold air usually signal the beginning of the fall season. Around my adopted city Santa Cruz, the colors of fall are beautifully displayed in nature. From wild berries to the sturdy trunk of a tree, fall is all around, ready to signal the start of the holiday season. The most minute details become illuminated against the autumn sunset, making my favorite season a perfect opportunity for picture taking. Take the time to take in the beautiful colors around you and take in the cool, crisp autumn breeze.

Photo Essay: New South Wales, Australia

City on a Hill Press — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:45:23 +0000

New South Wales, Australia
9.6.09 – 9.18.09

These photos are a rough chronological journey to illustrate my travels throughout NSW, Australia. It begins with entering into Sydney on a ferry and meeting with our host Javier. It then follows our departure, leaving our host’s flat in beach town of Manly, to entering the great city of Sydney and touring the University. The photos then show the transition away from metropolitan Australia, and into the outback, full of both magnificent views and vibrant wildlife. The areas covered include Katoomba, on the Three Sisters Trail, as well as the area surrounding the youth hostel on Scotland Island and my subsequent departure from the area.

~~~~~

This Week in Photos

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:30:01 +0000

The world around us, as captured by the photographers of City on a Hill Press.

At the Boardwalk

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:00:52 +0000

Depending on the time of year – or even the time of day – the Santa Cruz boardwalk can take on a very different feel. Half of these photographs were taken while the iconic Santa Cruz attraction was closed, when, void of people, the rides and booths seem oddly frozen and lifeless. The others were taken on a busy weekend night, when the motionless Boardwalk springs to life and bursts with vivid colors and vibrant sounds. As a whole, this series of photographs aims to capture this transformation from still and eerie to bustling and bright.

Upper Campus is a 10-Ticket Ride

City on a Hill Press — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:00:40 +0000

If you came to Santa Cruz with something that has two wheels, pedals, a saddle, and grips for each hand, then it’s time you introduced it to the biggest backyard you’ll probably ever have.

That something is a mountain bike and that big backyard is UC Santa Cruz’s Upper Campus. Slug mountain bikers have access to an underappreciated gem overlooked by those who believe that the town’s world-renowned outdoor recreation stops at the shoreline. But fleets of weekend warriors often go out and hit the trails traversing Upper Campus and its surrounding parks.

These trails bring out a wide range of riders who crave a dose of adrenaline. They bring out crowds of spandex-toting, cross-country riders enjoying the ascent, the slightly nutty cyclocross riders cranking off pavement road bikes, the few and the proud 29ers sitting slightly higher on their 29-inch wheels, the well-rounded, all-mountain riders pumping the descent as much as the climb, and half-maniacal free riders playing with gravity. The area provides some challenging terrain for most riders, but has called to arms the free riders in particular.

Free riders rip on built-up downhill trails but thrive on natural elements. The goal is to find an original route down the face of a seemingly impossible descent, or drop on a mountain by using all the skills of riding and then apply them to natural elements. The Upper Campus of UCSC contains a myriad of built and natural stunts for any rider willing to work a little to find them.

As mountain biking continues to diversify into specialties, the boundaries continue to expand and the possibilities for riders become seemingly endless.

These photographs were are all taken off the beaten trail in Upper Campus. Be aware that some trails in the Upper Campus area do cross private property and could lead down toward Highway 9. These areas are not bike-legal and tickets have been, and continue to be issued to violators. It is important to remember that the riders pictured have years of experience, and while they may seem a little extreme, their heads are still atop their shoulders. So be sure when going out to ride to stay on the right trails and stay safe.