Sometimes I forget that I live in a great city. Sure I know San Francisco is a great tourist destination, but after living here for 15 years, the sparkle of the city starts to look more cubic zirconia than grade D flawless round brilliant cut. What seems charming to someone visiting can be downright annoying to a local (don’t get me started on street cars). But last year Google hosted a Google+ conference for photographers. I scored a last minute ticket through a friend and before the conference started up there were a series of photowalks in different neighborhoods. Being lazy, I opted to jump in on the mission neighborhood photowalk led by commercial photographer Erik Valind. Getting outside, looking at my neighborhood with a fresh eye and taking photos of the colorful murals in a part of town that is historically known for their latin and artist population made me appreciate the city that I call my adoptive home all over again.
Chelsea says
Beautiful! It’s been a while since I was in San Francisco, and this makes me want to run right back.
Irvin says
Come back! The city is as wonderful as you remember it.
The Suzzzz says
I used to drive to San Francisco a couple times a year (12 hours one way) and spend a weekend or a week just walking around. It is hands down my favorite American city. I loved the photo of the girl on the bike, for a second I thought she was part of the mural behind her.
Irvin says
Sometimes, living here, I forget how awesome this city is. There’s always something beautiful around the corner and I just take it all for granted. It was great to get out and look at the city with fresh eyes…
The Suzzzz says
I think everyone should do that with where they live. I live in a small town in Northern Utah and all I ever hear are complaints about how “dumb” or “boring” our town is. And I tell those people “it is only as dumb and boring as you are, get out and explore it, put some effort into it and you’ll find something great.”
Lavinia Pisani says
Hi Irvin! As I said at the BookPassage conference, I would have read your blog, so here I am. Just wanted to say I love murals in SF as well. I consider them a real form of art that the city amazingly offers everywhere you walk. Especially in the Mission, which I have the luck to consider “my neighborhood”. Anyway, great picts! Hope to see you around…
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
That is seriously breathtaking!
Jen says
I think the same could be said for anything in life. We’re not really programmed to appreciate what is on front of us anymore!