Desi Baytan Photography

A mini summer getaway to San Luis Obispo with family and friends was a little bit short for my taste.  Time flies when you’re having fun I guess. Besides, this wasn’t just a vacation, I brought along my Contax 645 and a handful of film to make things a little interesting. What I didn’t expect was a project would blossom out from this trip. On the first day, I walked the streets of down town at the peak of the San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market (I intentionally scheduled our trip to start on a Thursday). There was so much to soak in, the sights, the sound, the smell of food and the faces! Interesting, diverse, and all walks of life right in front of me and my camera.  So I began asking complete strangers for a quick five second portrait everywhere I went.  This town has one of the most charming and delightful people I’ve met to say the least. Not one single person said “no” to my request.

Heart On My Sleeve from Desi Baytan on Vimeo.

The first time I heard Isaiah Olsen sing, I was struck by his voice. He sang at a wedding I photographed and later I learned he is a the lead singer for the band Last One Done. Their songs caught my attention and imagination and I invited Isaiah for a photo shoot and to make a music video.  He describes his songs as “California Soul” and reminds me of the many places in Southern California.  We picked my favorite spots in Newport Beach to shoot the video and what a perfect day it was. Together with my brothers, Apollo and Francis, we filmed Isaiah performing the song “Heart On My Sleeve“. Isaiah and his bands performs at the Orange County Fair and they do weddings as well. Check out his songs on his website, and I think you too will be impressed with their songs and his voice.

Having fun with my Olympus OM-2 film camera. These were taken at La Jolla Cove ‘s Children’s Pool where all ages can enjoy fun in the sun and snorkeling with the seals. This kid friendly beach offers a place to explore and witness nature and sea creatures native to California’s coasts. “This is the best day ever” says my 7 year old.

New to my blog is a travel section where I showcase places of natural beauty and places that inspire me.  Click image to view. Thanks for looking.

I like to watch people.  Observing is sort of my past time and as a photographer it’s by nature. That’s why I enjoy places like Santa Monica because it attracts so many people all over Southern California. To see people play on top of this colorful theme park on a pier, I get to observe moments that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

In March Connie and I took a photography excursion to Europe to capture the art, the culture and the history of the old world. When we planned this trip, we had a few criteria.  One, we wanted to travel on our own time, and two, do as the locals do.  With that in mind, we avoided any guided tours and we focused on immersing ourselves in the cultures of the places we visited.  So, we took our time, we wore off the soles of our shoes, and enjoyed the many foods they have to offer.  We stayed in apartments equipped with kitchenettes and close to town squares so we were central to everything.  We shopped at local markets and prepared our own meals.  Sometimes we splurged and had an authentic dining experience.  We spent a week with our friend, Madeleine, in Besançon, a city south-east of Paris, and got a true taste of French living.  And everywhere we went, we captured everything with our cameras.

In our 19-day journey we walked on century-old cobble stones, witnessed serene countrysides, sipped strong coffee, tasted fresh pastries, sampled beautiful macarons, enjoyed pungent yet delicious cheeses, visited quaint villages, and drank fantastic wine!  In the next few posts, we will share our photos and our experiences.  Join us, as we travel to our European destinations and see what you normally won’t see in a guided tour.

Antwerp train station, Belgium.

Anwerpt train station, Belgium.

Brussels, Belgium.

Brussels, Belgium.

Brussels, Belgium.

Brugge, Belgium.

Brugge, Belgium.

Brugge, Belgium.

Brugge, Belgium.

Panorama of a center square. Brugge, Belgium.

Our friend Madeleine in her kitchen.  She is an amazing cook who introduced us to simple and elegant French cuisine. Besançon, France.

Madeleine’s jardin (garden).  Soon these trees will bear fruit which will be made into preserves.  Just like the ones Madeleine served us for breakfast.  Besançon, France.

On top is the Citadel and down below is the entrance to the city of Besançon, France.

A panoramic view of the city of Besançon, France.

A roundabout. Besançon, France.

Farm house near Besançon, France.

Mr. Emile Brutillot, a farmer and artisan sausage maker.  La Chaux de Gilley, France.

Bourguignon, France.

Niedermorschwihr, France.

On Route Des Vins D’Alsace near Colmar, France.  A region know for their white wines.

Village along Route Des Vins D’Alsace near Colmar, France.

Village along Route Des Vins D’Alsace near Colmar, France.

Eyeing delicious French baguette in Colmar, France.

View from the top of Chateauneuf. Burgundy, France.

Near Chateauneuf. Burgundy, France.

Near Chateauneuf. Burgundy, France.

Canal of Burgundy near Chateauneuf. Burgundy, France.

Cows amused by tourists. Burgundy, France.