San Francisco Hearts

October 28, 2024October 28, 2024 / Thomas Pappas / Leave a comment

I was captivated by the Hearts around San Francisco some years ago and learned they were part of a benefit for the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. I decided to begin photographing them. At the time, I was also looking for a way to show them at their best, and came up with the idea of setting them in black & white backgrounds.

The SF General Hearts Project started in 2005 and continues to this day. You can see all the Hearts at: https://sfghf.org/heart-gallery/

I hope you will enjoy my collection.

San Francisco Housescape, by Eileen David

13th Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival – 2013

October 9, 2013 / Thomas Pappas / 3 Comments

The crowd at the Star Stage enjoys Natalie Maines on Saturday!

It is hard to believe this free event even exists! Yet each year since 2001, thanks to Warren Hellman, Golden Gate Park swallows up a mass of humanity and somehow everyone gets along together while they enjoy great music, sunshine and the type of camaraderie that only a magical event like this can inspire!

This year about 800,000 people attended over the three days. 84 acts performed on the 6 stages, and the police reported just two arrests! I always remember my out of town guests in 2011 remarking to their friends back home that after Emmylou Harris closed the festival, as she has done every year, people started picking up after themselves before leaving. Well of course! Warren Hellman expected his guests to take care of the park, and that is what people do every year.

Headliners included Bonnie Raitt, Bozz Skaggs, The Flatlanders, Natalie Maines, Dr Ralph Stanley, Allison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Steve Martin Chris Isaak, The Forest Rangers with Katey Sagal , and Elvin Bishop.

Each year I think about all the hassles of getting into San Francisco, finding parking, and dealing with the crowds…and sometimes I almost lose my resolve to attend. But the moment I arrive, and settle back to enjoy the event…and all the people, I know I have arrived and I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Read more here: http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Festival-draws-record-crowd-organizers-say-4876581.php

See more photos here: http://www.thomaspappas.com/Home/Hardly_Strictly_-_2013.html

Visit the festival site at: http://www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com

The Bay Bridge

September 2, 2013April 15, 2015 / Thomas Pappas / 1 Comment

A long time coming! This photo is from 13 March 2005, and you can see the beginnings of the new span! Finally tomorrow it will open, and in a few years the old bridge will be gone!

Take the Bay Bridge heading west, and enjoy some of the most beautiful views you can imagine. Enjoy the view of the Transamerica building and the financial district; the steep hills of San Francisco; look out to Alcatraz and Angel Island…and Marin beyond! One day it might be as clear as a bell, with the big blue western sky above. Another day, and nothing but fog. and still another day, as the fog slides through the Gate it spares us a glimpse of something beautiful!

Heading east, enjoy the views of the Hills before descending into Oakland and past the Trojan Horses loading containers on ships. Don’t forget to point out the Campanile at UC Berkeley in case there are newcomers in the car. Survive the maze of possibilities to head north, east or south at the end of the bridge – no distracted driving allowed here – and then you are on your way!

Here’s to the new span!

Ruth Asawa 1926 – 2013

August 18, 2013August 18, 2013 / Thomas Pappas / Leave a comment

During one of my first visits to the deYoung Museum in 2007 I came across the work of Ruth Asawa. Displayed in a stark setting, with nothing but bare concrete walls and good lighting, I was instantly captivated by the shapes and shadows. To me it would be impossible to pass by these works without wanting to capture at least 1 image! A souvenir to remember the remarkable creativity of Ruth Asawa. Born in California, she had many influences throughout her life, including internment as a Japanese-American. But none defined her life more than her beautiful work!

Since my first experience, I never visit the deYoung without stopping to see her beautiful work. Thank you Ruth Asawa!

Thomas Pappas Photography

Sharing my views of the world one photo at a time! Enjoy the view.

San Francisco

San Francisco Hearts

13th Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival – 2013

The Bay Bridge

Ruth Asawa 1926 – 2013