Map of Italy

Story behind the reflection...

The North Beach neighborhood is painted with Italian style and pride, as evidenced in this capture on Columbus Street. Columbus runs northwest from downtown, and will take you right through the heart of this neighborhood. This one is actual texture from the painted wall!

Pink palms

Story behind the reflection...

The sun was fading behind the buildings, with the accompanying chill, but that didn't stop me from enjoying a sunny day at the beach inside this reflection.

Red Stripes

Story behind the reflection...

     It's as if a yellow sun shines brightly in the mirrored sky, radiating off a red striped truck and projecting its image onto the apartments. Bonus, I've added the cool stained glass effect on Photoshop Elements. : D

Nice view

Story behind the reflection...

This amazing "view" caught my eye in a reflection in the Embarcadero. Though down by the wharf, the image reminds me of the views from atop our hills. Thought this was the perfect shot to try the Elements glowing edges effect.

Always check the back seat

Story behind the reflection...

A slithering surprise is coiled in the backseat inside this cars reflection. Always check that backseat! Some more fun with Elements, I thought the poster edge effect goes great with this one.

Colorful undies

Story behind the reflection...

     In this reflection, I was reminded to look past the colorful and fun trappings adorning San Francisco, and see what is underneath. The people, the city. An incredible place created and run by people, for all to enjoy. A collective spirit.

Crucifixion

Story behind the reflection...

This reflection reveals a ghastly scene, amidst the shopping in the Mission district. I added the poster edges effect on Elements.

Fantastic tree

Where I eat in SF - The Sycamore

     The tree pops right out of this reflection, as the colors pop out of Mission Street. Behind this reflection is The Sycamore, and I was ready for a snack that day. What I got was delicious food, friendly people, positive vibe, an outdoor patio, a table by the window, an ice cold beer, and prices I can afford. I can't wait to try more from their menu.

     My favorite dish? Only one to go on, but it left an impression. The fish slider was tasty and warm.

     ...and these guys paid a visit on a reflection inside! Are they peering out of the mirror into the sunny backyard patio?

    Plastic wrap effect added via photoshop elements : D

Potted plant

Story behind the reflection...

This fantastic tree proudly displays its leaves on Fillmore Street, a trendy shopping district in Pacific Heights. Don't miss the lady to the right side of the pic, who seems to fade right into the bus!

Gigantic ornaments

Story behind the reflection...

What a sight to behold, when I looked into the reflection and saw these beautiful ornaments decorating the chinatown buildings. The pedestrians on the far side of the street seem to be appreciating the fantastic display.

Blue Eyes

      These baby blues hover over the cable car turnaround in this Union Square reflection. The cars here at Market and Powell are still pulled around by people, turning the cars around to send passengers up and over Nob Hill and beyond.

Magical entrance

Story behind the reflection...

Saw this reflection in Cow Hollow, and it put me into a nice outdoor cafe on a pleasant day. The shady tree with a chandelier is a nice touch!

This capture strikes me, because somebody managed to step out of the reflection and into the restaurant, and so quickly that I hadn't even noticed! Nice trick.

I've added the plastic wrap effect, it just captures the moment! Wow, ever feel trapped between reflection and reality?

Autumn

Story behind the reflection...

     Fall is upon us once again in San Francisco. The seasons are very mild here, yet autumn colors cast a seasonal reminder in this reflection from the Richmond district.

     And a bonus! Here's the Fresco effect remix : )

Crumbling tower

Oh my! I had to look back when I saw this, to make sure that tower wasn't crumbling behind me. The tower is the Transamerica Pyramid, the tallest building in the city.

Here's the original, without the glowing edges effect! This is unfiltered.

China in a cow hollow shop

Story behind the reflection...

Watch out! This lady is not looking, and is about to run into a great wall of china, in this cow hollow reflection. Chalk and charcoal effect added on elements.

Staredown

Story behind the reflection...

A fountain at San Francisco art institute held this beautiful reflection. But notice the fight about to take place, as the wind bends the reflection into this staredown.

Rainbow cuisine

Where I eat in San Francisco - Amawele's South African Kitchen

     What's not to love about this lunch spot tucked inside SOMA's Rincon Center. The Amawele's twins offer their own tasty spin on flavors and traditional dishes from their native South Africa. This "rainbow cuisine" is perfect for such a colorful and multicultural city.

     Amazing food aside, they offer a nice variety of options on a rotating menu. Gluten free options, low carb options, and vegan options that shine! If you love spice, their homemade hot sauce provides a tasty slap in the face.

     My favorite dish? If forced to choose, I'd pick the chicken bunny chow. It's chicken curry in a bread bowl, and it is delicious. Really though, my favorite is everything on the menu.

Pigs with guns

Story behind the reflection...

Is this the bay of pigs invasion? Nope, this pig army appeared in a reflection, underneath a glowing red bus stop roof. Here's a reflection of the bus stop.

Barrel of laughs

Story behind the reflection...

     Do not stop at this colorful roadblock, it could be a trap! A practical joke is awaiting some unsuspecting driver inside this reflection. What will be dumped out of that barrel once it is tipped?

Tie-dye sky

Story behind the reflection...

     In this Upper Haight Street reflection, tie-dye beams down from the sky, casting a colorful glow and a counterculture vibe on everything around. Mosaic tiles effect added on elements.

Wheelhouse

Story behind the reflection...

     The Nob Hill apartments in this reflection offer convenience when it comes time to move. Roll through Polk Street for wonderful bars, eateries, and shops.

     I never tire of Polk Street. Running north from Market Street, Polk provides quite a San Francisco bouquet, passing through the Tenderloin, Nob Hill, Russian Hill, and the Embarcadero on the north end.

SF pride

Story behind the reflection...

The San Francisco 49ers begin their season today, and SF pride looms overtop this Mission Street reflection. The car is dressed for the occasion, with red jersey and gold helmet on.

Meanwhile, the Giants have had a rough season, but they've thrilled us with 2 World Series titles in the last 3 years!

East coast

Where I eat in SF - Miller's East Coast Deli

     I visit Miller's East Coast Deli for their amazing sandwiches. They are delicious, and filling... one sandwich can be two or three meals! I love all the options they have here that I don't always find, like horseradish, blue cheese, grilled mushrooms, and so many different types of cheese and bread.

     My favorite dish? The Truman. It's a tasty prime rib sandwich with cheese and mushrooms.

Animal crossing

Story behind the reflection...

      A group of animals are crossing the road in this Richmond district reflection. Be swift, critters! They are crossing Geary Ave, a major roadway within the city. Geary runs from downtown and Market St. to the east, almost to the ocean on the west end. One of the most traveled routes in SF, Geary also features a 24/7 bus line for muni riders.

Blue caps

Story behind the reflection...

How embarrassing, we both wore the same outfit. Here I am next to my hoppleganger.

Cyclist

Story behind the reflection...

Amazing how this cyclist has found a way to pedal out of his picture, and onto our San Francisco sidewalks. This reflection holds a portal to an amazing art universe. Wouldn't you like to step into the picture?

This shot was captured right on the edge of Russian Hill, as it blends in to Pacific Heights. This is truly what it feels like leaving the calm natural beauty of the neighborhood behind.

Painting the ladies

Story behind the reflection...

What an amazing world in this cow hollow reflection. The trees have learned to paint the victorian homes! I'm impressed with how well this tree painted the blue and white house, and now is working on three more at the same time.

Bus stopped

Story behind the reflection...

Oh my, a passing bus seems to have gotten caught up, in this Nob Hill reflection. I wish I could help this gang break free from the chain.