Craig's Blog - Craig W Smith Photography

Baby "On Board"!

There is a new little one in our family as of 3:00 a.m. this morning. Julian Akira, son of Chika & Shawn Whitfield. 7 lbs 11 oz. Needless to say " a very beautiful & healthy" baby boy.  Congratulations to Chika & Shawn!!!

Santa Cruz Tsunami ... Not What You Thought!

I was notified Thurday evening of a potential Tsunami threat to my home town, Santa Cruz. I took this seriously, as I believed something may happen here in Santa Cruz. As I captured these images, many were surprised at the power of Mother Nature. As I was told by City Officials, $15 Million dollars in damages were projected within the Harbor.

In-coming wave does what it wants, as the lonely moored boats toss in the Tsunami's violent wave action.

 

This capsized sail boat leaves Santa Cruz Harbor with it's mast in tow!

 

Another capsized boat in the Santa Cruz harbor. It fought valiantly to stay alive.

 

This sail boat survived many potential chances for distruction, at least for the six hour period I watched it fight off the Tsunami's threat.

Tsunami wave from Japan on the West Side of Santa Cruz.

 

A local Santa Cruzian said they have never seen this sea bed near Steamers Lane in  Santa Cruz unearthed in forty two years!!!

Tara Llane Classic "You Should Have Been Here!"

On Saturday September 1, 2007, the BMX and mountain biking worlds suffered a tremendous tragedy while competing in the Jeep King of the Mountain finale in Beaver Creek Colorado. Tara Llanes, suffered a horrific crash during the first run of her semi-final heat. Following seven hours of surgery to the back and spinal cord, it was determined she had no feeling from the waist down. Tara has been a phenomenal competitor throughout her career, and a dear friend to everyone in the mountain biking community around the world.

With this said, the truth is that Tara has dedicated her positive efforts to create an event that rivals the best of what any competitive sport can garner. Tara with the support of her friends and sponsors have put together an event that any "Pro" competition would admire. This is for those who have an "edge", enjoy "pushing the limits", and can adjust to the "unknown".

The mountain bike park at Northstar-at-Tahoe resort will host the Race for Tara 4 on Oct. 2-3, 2010. Tara Llanes and Andy Buckley, Northstar’s director of resort experience, made the announcement on Nov. 20, about a month after the 2009 Race for Tara at Northstar, located near Truckee, California.

Proceeds of the Tara Llanes Classic mountain bike race will go towards the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund and the Reeve-Irvine Research Center to find a cure for spinal cord injury.

The last three years the Race for Tara has raised nearly $30,000 thanks to the entire cycling community. “I was impressed with the amazing support the event received from both companies and individuals,” said Matt Robertson of Shimano. “Giant’s presence was amazing, not just the brand but the racers and the employees. They led the charge and were closely followed by the rest of us.”

Craig W Smith Photography was honored to be included in this years event. Our website www.thephotoman.com hosts the images under my Clients area. The password is "tara". Feel free to enjoy the images.

Thank you to Tara, Mike Sullivan & Patrick VanHorn for allowing me the wonderful opportunity to capture images of this weekends event!

 

Hot Rods For Kids ... A Huge Success!

This was one of the "premier" custom car show events in the Bay Area which took place last Sunday  September 5th at Ocean Honda in Santa Cruz (Soquel Ave. at 41st). There was a large turn out of custom hot rods, three headliner bands, and a special appearance by Miss Santa Cruz. Proceeds went to the  Children's Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition who ensure compassionate, comprehensive care for children with life-threatening conditions.

I have all the images online through my website www.thephotoman.com located under the Client tab. The password is simply "kids" (lowercase). I also have all the individual photos of the hot rods. If you were a participant, and did not get your print & discount packet provided by Bay Photo, please send me an email to craig@thephotoman.com and I will send the packet to you.

2010 Amgen Stage 8 "It feels like the Tour de France"

I decided to skip the finish line for a better photo op location on Mulholland Highway in Malibu. It was a carnival atmosphere, similar to my TDF Alpes d' Huez experience in 2004 photographing Lance Armstrong's ascent to secure the Tour win. This was a must experience race with lots of entertainment & swag!

I want to thank Aaron Jacobs at Bicycle Trip, Giant, and Rabobank for the invite, and the fantastic dinner after-wards. Looking forward to next years Amgen Tour of California for sure!!!

2010 Amgen Stage 3 Finish in Santa Cruz

Wow ... what can I say! The best weather, ultra large crowds & lots of excitement when the top Pro Cycling teams meet in Santa Cruz, California, for the finish of the 2010 Amgen Tour of California Stage 3 road race. This event crowns an entire year of preparation by many volunteers to a spectacular grand finale at The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. David Zabriskie with Garmin-Transistions took the stage win. Levi Leipheimer (RadioShack) and Michael Rogers (HTC-Columbia) were also involve in the finish sprint.

Familys, Kids, all come out to help Rose ... Please Read!

This event will take place in Mount Hermon (near Felton/Santa Cruz), at the Mount Hermon field, located at  the end of Mount Hermon Road. See you there!!!

2010 Amgen Tour of California San Francisco to Santa Cruz Route Announced

February 10, 2010 

A robust crowd of cyclists, The Mayor of Santa Cruz, City Council Members, and Staff, plus the Committee that wowed the Amgen folks for a return of the Amgen Tour of California, met at the Lighthouse at Steamers Lane in Santa Cruz to announce the route through the Santa Cruz hills, and downtown, today. Matt Twissleman, Chairman of the Santa Cruz TOC Committee, and the volunteers,  were honored by the AEG / Amgen representative for getting the Tour back to Santa Cruz in 2010. The Santa Cruz Police & Fire Chiefs, and staff were also recognized for their support.

Starting on Ocean Beach, Stage 3 will cover nearly 120 miles from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. The route will take the riders south down the California coastline on Highway 1, flanked by the picturesque backdrops of the Pacific Ocean on one side and Redwood forests on the other. This coastal stage will include three long, but moderate climbs on Tunitas Creek Road, La Honda Road and Bonny Doon Road, which will all be followed by lengthy and fast descents. The sprint to the finish will follow W. Cliff Dr. along Monterey Bay to an exhilarating conclusion to Stage 3 at the world famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Tour of Califorinia Santa Cruz Link: http://www.tourofcalifornia-santacruz.com/

Amgen Tour of California Links: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/cities/santa-cruz.html

If you did not make it to Santa Cruz last year, you really don't want to miss this event on May 18th. Santa Cruz is pulling out the "red carpet" to all who wish to enjoy this World Class Event!!!

photos by Craig W Smith http://craigwsmithphotography.com

Thanks Again!!!

Thank you to all my brides for your wonderful support, and thoughtfulness! Given the opportunity to capture one of the most important moments in ones life is a thrill to me.

The Bicycle Trip ... more than just a bike shop!

If you ever wondered why some put forth a tremendous effort in building a stellar business model, and community resource, you can feel the "vibe" when you walk into The Bicycle Trip in  Santa Cruz, California http://bicycletrip.com  Berri, Aaron, and the fantastic staff offer a very unique experience in selecting a two wheel pedal powered steed or accessory. In addition to the unparalleled selection, the maintenance department is helpful, and knowledgeable.If this in itself was enough, we would all be very pleased, but there is more. The one thing The Bicycle Trip has is bicycle education through Project Bike Trip http://projectbiketrip.org a nonprofit organization (status pending) based in Santa Cruz, Ca, dedicated to providing comprehensive academic and community bicycle education for youth and adults. Project Bike Trip programs offer technical training for tomorrow's bicycle mechanics and industry leaders, while introducing the bicycle as an alternative source of mainstream transportation and healthy living. From bicycle safety and basic roadside repair to bicycle subcultures and career opportunities, Project Bike Trip education programs encourage communities to explore the benefits of adopting a bicycling lifestyle.

The Bicycle Trip was one of the first local sponsors of the Amgen Tour of California 

http://www.tourofcalifornia-santacruz.com

Hey ...  its nice to have good news, isn't it?!!!

Facebook and Twitter ... what's next!

We are now active on Facebook craig@thephotoman.com and Twitter craigwsmithfoto. It was a suggestion by a friend, Karen Kefauver, http://www.karenkefauver.com an accomplished, and talented journalist & photojournalist. Karen and I both support the 2010 Amgen Tour of California, May 18th stage, ending in Santa Cruz. In preparation for the TOC, all the support team members were asked to get on Facebook & Twitter, to help support the upcoming event. I will be adding photos from last years event, and will have images from this years posted shortly after the event.

If you have not seen my new website www.craigwsmithphotography.com please do. There are many new categories, including cycling, and quite a bit of room for growth!