A Year in San Diego: Looking back and thinking ahead

My Macfilos contributions feel like short stories of self-reflection, with photography as the reoccurring theme. Just over a year ago, I submitted an article discussing my journey to, and then away from, a mirrorless Leica camera and three excellent Leica lenses. This is the story of what happened next, in San Diego, where I live, and beyond.

This getting older, ain’t for cowards, this getting older, is a lot to go through

— John Mellencamp

In November 2023, I ordered a Canon mirrorless R5 with three RF lenses: the RF 24-70mm f/2.8, the RF 70-200mm f/2.8, and the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1. 

Even with my new gear, I did less photography this past year. There are numerous reasons for that. At the beginning of August, I knew I had my second kidney stone. There is no mistaking that feeling. The even worse news was that it took nearly six weeks to pass it. Ugh! There were times of extreme pain, and way too much time with a large dose of discomfort. This meant I would rather not be far from home, thus limiting my photographic outings.

Getting older isn’t for sissies

— Often stated by both my parents

Jolts

I’ve known for years that I had a double hernia. There was no pain or discomfort, so being a typical guy, I did nothing about it. In November 2024, as I was leading a group of photographers at the Del Mar Racetrack, I realised, after several jolts of pain, that I needed to go see the doctor and get this taken care of.

From November to Valentine’s Day 2025, when I had surgery, I did very little photography. My health-related issues encouraged me not only to think about my well-being, but also about how I’ve been using my time. As I contemplate the future, here’s a look back at 2024 through the lenses of my R5.

San Diego, with all its faults (pun partially intended), is a wonderful place to live. The year-round spectacular weather allows us to get out and enjoy the flowers, birds, and butterflies perennially on display. 

Pretty much every photographer I talk to shoots in either manual mode or aperture-priority. I’m probably both stubborn and stupid, but I almost always shoot shutter-priority, and fast.  I took the photo above outside my front door, just after the Monarch Butterfly emerged from its chrysalis. The butterfly was hanging out until it gained strength, and its wings dried enough to fly. It was taken with my Canon R5 and 24-70mm lens. I used a relatively slow shutter speed: 1/1600 sec.

Santee Lakes

Santee Lakes is a widely known scenic recreational park and camp ground here in San Diego. It’s just a few miles from my house, has seven lakes, and attracts a wide array of birds, birders, and photographers. This past year, there were a couple of nice birding surprises.

For the first time in my experience, there was a Great Horned Owl at Santee Lakes. In the Winter, American White Pelicans stop by to stay warm for a few months. I rarely see Brown Pelicans there, but was able to catch this one taking a dive.

One feature on the R5 I really like is that it is a full-frame sensor camera, which, with just a couple of button pushes, changes to a cropped sensor. This is useful, even with a 100-500mm lens. I made that adjustment for these photos.

The Swallowtail Butterfly was shot at 1/4000 sec, while the flower below was at 1/2500 sec. You see what I mean about shooting fast? Both photos were taken at Santee Lakes.

Leo Carillo State Park

One of the treats that comes along with photographic outings is that you can head out intending to photograph the peacocks and historic buildings that Leo Carillo State Park is known for. But you may end up with shots of a unique flower.

When heading to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, one mostly intends and hopes to photograph the animals in action, or at least well posed. 

But, the 100-acre zoo is also home to a wide variety of extraordinary plants, from habitats around the world, including beautiful Hibiscus. Moreover, once a month, the zoo opens its orchid houses to the public. This is a treat as there is a wide variety of orchids offering interesting and distinctive looks. Any fans of Georgia O’Keeffe out there?

Beach town San Diego

The San Diego coastline extends for seventy miles, but the mentality throughout most of San Diego County’s 4,200 square miles, is that of a beach town. Birds and bird photographers enjoy the beach together. These two photos were taken with the 100-500 mm lens, with the R5 adjusted to a crop sensor.

San Diego culture

Culture is the collection of beliefs, values, and behaviours that a group of people share. It includes language, customs, and traditions. I truly enjoy experiencing other cultures. It’s like looking through a window to get a more profound understanding of others, but not quite walking through the door to join in.

I especially enjoy catching a glimpse of the local car culture, and am constantly looking for reflection shots.

If you are ever in San Diego around Cinco de Mayo, Chicano Park Day, or Day of the Dead celebrations, I strongly suggest you attend all you can. These are fabulous cultural celebrations. I took these photos full frame with my RF 70-200mm lens. I thoroughly enjoy the flexibility it gives me. 

In my mind, San Diego is home to several “horse cultures”. I often go to the racetrack, but 2024 was the first time I went to see and photograph Hunters and Jumpers at the Del Mar Horse Park. It was a wonderful experience: full of colour and superb athletes, as well as very kind, welcoming people.

I again took my versatile 70-200mm lens. The horses were not moving fast, so I shot at 1/1600 sec.

Two for the road

For many years, I travelled extensively throughout the United States, visiting over 40 states to date. I viewed my two or three trips a year as fun, joyous adventures, expanding my universe and bringing me pleasure.

However, for the past decade or so, I have no longer been afflicted with the travelling bug. My friend Larry is also a photography friend. He had been nagging me to do a Fall-colours road trip with him to the Eastern Sierra area of California. By nag, I mean, Nudge, Advise, and Guide. I’m mostly a loner, so it took some effort on his part, but thankfully he convinced me.

A couple of weeks after I passed my kidney stone (whew), we hit the road. We stayed in Bishop, California and did our trips from there. I took my R5 and all three RF lenses. I used my 24-70mm lens almost exclusively. On our first afternoon, we headed to the Bishop Creek area and found a gorgeous display of Fall colours. Not a bad start to our trip. I enjoyed seeing the lone fisherman in one of these photos.

Reflections

I always enjoy reflection photos and had the opportunity to photograph many lake reflections. I had a fabulous time on our five-day trip, taking hundreds of photos as well as several videos. Video was new for me, but I had recently purchased a DJI Pocket 3 video camera. I thoroughly enjoyed using that, as well as putting together a trip video using the footage I had recorded. But, that’s another story… possibly.

This final photo was taken with my RF 24-70mm. Once again, shutter priority, but slow this time: 1/10 sec. This was hand held, and I feel pretty good about that. Occasionally, there’s a troubled bridge over flowing waters.

More photography

As I recover from my surgery, I look forward to more photography. I have much to be thankful for and many things I would like to do better in the future. I also have time to contemplate the future and figure out how to live my best life. As I age, the battle to stay active and engaged is harder than it used to be. Tackling tasks seems harder and slower than it used to be. I’ll keep pushing myself to do my best. And I’ll try, each day, to remember: 

Don’t Let the Old Man In

— Toby Keith

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Read more from Gary Schwarzwald

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