“Bonsai Daniel San!” I’ve seen the movie a million times and that is one of my favorite quotes. When I happened upon this tree in one of the most visited places in all of Lake Tahoe, I could hardly believe my eyes. A natural bonsai, growing by natures hand instead of Mr. Miyagi’s, perched precariously on the edge of the venerable Eagle Falls. I’ve heard tell of this mysterious plant, but never gave it much thought till I came upon it mistakenly whilst trying to avoid the hordes of tourists in an attempt to take an alpine glow pic over emerald bay. I did not get the right light for my pic and neither did the other 8,000 people. So I decided that maybe I’d wake up early and get a sunrise pic. I was sleeping soundly till I heard a crash in the cabin around 4am. I flew out of bed thinking it was a bear, but it was just the ice maker in the fridge. Since I was up, and my heart racing feeling like an idiot, I decided to go out and see if I can get a good pic. I showed up by headlamp, and got there for the glorious light you see above. Most don’t like to use f/22 because the image can be soft especially in the distance, but what it does give you is the most beautiful star burst…kinda like the image on the back of Daniel Larusso’s gi. How’s that for inspiration?
