Bob Crum

A friend who took up residency in Truckee was visiting relatives in Ventura. Accordingly, he called to say that he'd like us to meet to catch up on happenings. Sure, why not? Camera in hand, I departed expecting an enjoyable reunion with a friend I haven't seen in a few years. I should have camouflaged my camera.

Don't we all know that parking at the Ventura Harbor Village is about like finding a parking space on Central Avenue between Sespe and Main Street? After touring the parking lot for an hour - actually only about 15 minutes which seems like an hour due to the monotonous activity of seeking a parking space - alas, a vehicle leaving. Parked and camera in hand, I departed for the rendezvous. I no sooner walked 30 feet towards the Village when a couple approached, and the lady spoke.

"We just got engaged, and we see that you have a camera and would like you to take our photo." OK, I said, but why would I want to take a photo of two strangers? I should have thought it through before speaking. Her fiancée, all six-foot-two of him, said: "JUST TAKE OUR PHOTO!" he commanded, as he put his arm around his lady and smiled. OK, if you insist. As I moved back a few steps, a car came along, the perfect escape shield. I backed up further to let the car get between me and the couple. Ducking low alongside the car, I asked the driver to drive slowly, explaining that I needed to hide from a zany couple. When I felt I was far enough along, I darted between the cars in the parking lot making a beeline for the Village. Escape accomplished!

After greeting my photography friend, we moseyed over to the Coastal Cone ice cream parlor where I warned him: Don't engage me in conversation with an Oreo tsunami shake in my hand. After enjoying the subsequent conversation, he said, "glad to see that you brought your camera. I'm job hunting and need a good headshot." Good grief. Anyone who has been to the VH Village knows it's not a place for portraits. I took him across the street where by standing on top of a dune, I could use the sky and fluffy clouds as a backdrop.

In my previous column, I announced that I'm leading a Fillmore PhotoWalk in conjunction with KelbyOne. KelbyOne produces an annual PhotoWalk on the first Saturday of October each year. Photographers and photography enthusiasts around the world meet at a designated location in their town to walk around and take photographs, socialize and make new friends.

I signed up to lead a photo walk here in Fillmore. Go to the website: https://worldwidephotowalk.com/locations/ and in the box: "Find Location," type Fillmore and sign up. To date, no one has signed up. What's up with that, Fillmore? Where are all the photographers? Though not a workshop, it's a great opportunity for phonetography novices.

PhotoWalk happens on October 5, 2019. Meet at 5 p.m. at the fountain in city hall park. I scheduled it for late afternoon to miss harsh midday light. Photographing is permissible in any area within walking distance of city hall. At 7 p.m., we'll rejoin at Central Station for a review of the experience. Besides signing up at the KelbyOne website, send me an email telling me that you'll be participating. Yes, phonetographers are welcome!

Photo of the week: Honeybee to flower - here I come! Ah, the joys of photography! And honey!

Send comments, questions or suggestions to: focusonphotograhy@earthlink.net