Manipulated Reality

Travel and Photography

Square Prints Available in the Gallery

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Just The Square Prints Now Available!

Select images from my Instagram Page are now available. Choose from multiple images and sizes. They are currently available in Square Prints only.

Our Square Metallic Prints

Our s Square Metallic Prints are printed on Kodak Endura Metallic Photographic Paper and feature a glossy finish with a metallic finish, creating images with exceptional visual interest and depth.

Our MetalPrints™ Images

Our MetalPrints™ Images are printed on Aluminum Metal, and are preserved by infusing dyes directly into specially coated aluminum sheets. Because the image is infused into the surface and not on it, your images will take on an almost magical luminescence. The ultra-hard scratch-resistant surface is waterproof/weatherproof and can be cleaned easily – just avoid direct sunlight.

MetalPrints™ represent a new art medium for preserving photos by infusing dyes directly into specially coated aluminum sheets. Because the image is infused into the surface and not on it, your images will take on an almost magical luminescence. The ultra-hard scratch-resistant surface is waterproof/weatherproof and can be cleaned easily – just avoid direct sunlight.

Our Float Mount Hangers are attached to the back of the aluminum print, and float the print 1/2-inch off the wall when hung.

Enter The Gallery

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Kayaking At Cachuma Lake

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Kayaking Cachuma Lake

A friend invited to me go kayaking up at Cachuma Lake yesterday.  I hesitated at first. It’s been quite awhile since I’ve been out on the lake. In fact, I’ve actually avoided going. The drought in California has impacted the lake on such a level, that it’s depressing.

Getting out in nature should never have that effect.

I decided to go anyway. I met my friend at his campground, and we headed to the lake. It was worse that I could have ever imagined. The lake was a mere fragment of it’s former self.

Drought effect on Cachuma Lake
Where did all the water go?

Wow! I felt as if I had been punched in the belly. I stood staring in disbelief. I wondered how much longer before it totally disappeared.

A pipe running through the center of Cachuma Lake was pointed out to us. It’s impossible to miss! The pipe feeds water down into Santa Barbara. This July, there are plans to drop the lake ten more feet to keep that supply running.

What happens when Cachuma Lake ceases to exist? Where will you get your water from Santa Barbara?

To see the lake disappearing, you face the reality of how important it is not to lift the water restrictions too soon. And, it makes you wonder why nothing was done sooner.

Once in the water, you can’t help but notice the beauty surrounding the lake. As we paddled around the lake, we talked about what a great loss this would be for all of us if a solution isn’t found.

Cachuma Lake Kayaking
Kayaking around Cachuma Lake
Shore of Cachuma Lake
Taking a break on the shore

Rain, of course would be the most obvious solution. That, however cannot be relied on.

So, until Mother Nature starts producing it again, what are our options?

What are we doing?

Bureau of Reclamation

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Funk Zone Time!

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2nd Saturday Art Walk – Funk Zone

If you’re in Santa Barbara on the Second Saturday of the month, make sure to find your way to the Funk Zone.  Every month over 20 artists open their studios and galleries to the public from 1-5 pm.  Many venues in the Funk Zone feature live music, and there are plenty of wineries to check out too!

Start early if you want to see them all!

My first stop was The Arts Fund Gallery.  They featured multiple artists inside, as well as outside.  They also had live music, a food truck and free tastings from Jun Brewery.

Funk Zone Tasting, Jun Brewery, Santa Barbara by Julie Miche
Jun Brewery Tasting

This is not beer my friends! It is a craft fermented probiotic drink. It’s brewed with Raw Organic Honey and Jasmine. It does have a light alcohol content, so if you’re a lightweight, watch out… Kidding! Joking aside, it was a tasty alternative drink, and quite refreshing on a hot day. And, I’m pretty sure it’s good for you too! You can schedule a tasting by going on their website.

Next I stopped was over to check out the art of Stafford Taylor. I absolutely love his art and will provide a link to his website soon.

The artwork of Stafford Taylor, funk zone, Santa Barbara, CA by Julie Miche
Stafford Taylor and His Art

Santa Barbara Art Foundry & Gallery was next on the list. This place is super cool. It is an actual working bronze foundry, which you are able to tour. The art is an eclectic mix. You can find metal and glass sculptures, paintings, photography, and more. Don’t forget to stop by the wine bar to try some local Fox Wine!

Santa Barbara Art Foundry & Gallery, Funk Zone, Santa Barbara Day Trip by Julie Miche
Santa Barbara Art Foundry & Gallery

As I was walking to the next studio, I came across a truck parked on Yanonali Street & Santa Barbara St. At first, I thought it was some sort of food truck. I decided to investigate, and was surprised to find handcrafted treasures from local artisans and designers inside. How fabulous… Mobile Art! You can find The Habitat Factory in the Funk Zone on 2nd Saturdays or check out their website for more info.

2nd Saturday, Santa Barabara, Art, The Habitat Factory by Julie Miche
The Habitat Factory

I should have started earlier! I was running out of time, and hadn’t even been to half of the studios! I managed to squeeze one more in before it all ended. I was drawn in by a pair of cowboy boots that had been converted to roller skates. There they sat promising more of the unexpected inside. In I walked to find the sculpture and assemblage art of Dan Levin. He refers to his art as Objects Of Curiosity, and that they are! Finished pieces coexist among a fascinating array of random objects.

Santa Barbara, art, Dan Levin by Julie Miche
Dan Levin’s Art

Last but not least, I headed over to Seven. A girl’s got to eat… and ok have a beer too! They also are a part of 2nd Saturday, so I figured I could see some art as well.
The Pulled Pork Sliders, Parmesan Truffle Fries and a beer were the perfect way to end the Art Walk!

Seven in Santa Barbara, Art, Food by Julie Miche
Outside at Seven


Manipulated Reality is supported by readers. Product links on Manipulated Reality are referral links for things I like & believe you will too Read more here.

Looking for more to do in Santa Barbara?

Check out some of my favorite recommendations!

Things To Do In Santa Barbara


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A Seaside Village – Cambria, CA

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Cambria, CA… Here we come!

I picked up my friend and fellow photographer Jenna Dosch in downtown Los Angeles.  She had just taken the bus in from Las Vegas, and we were more than ready to be on our way to Cambria, CA!  We had a 222 mile road trip ahead of us, and expected to arrive early evening just in time for a nice dinner and some wine.  That was the plan anyway… Instead, we ended up severely stuck in LA traffic for hours!  Our new ETA was 9:00 pm!

We called our hotel to let them know we were running late, and were told to get something to eat along the way if we weren’t going to make it by 9:00.  We should have listened… Cambria is not a late night party town!  We arrived just as all the restaurants were shutting down!

We checked into the FogCatcher Inn which is right on the coast, across from Moonstone Beach.  It’s a perfect place for a weekend getaway, and the location can’t be beat.  The rooms are cozy, and equipped with fireplaces for chillier nights.

Cambria, CA FogCatcher Inn, Travel in California
Beautiful Gardens at FogCatcher Inn

Still determined to find something that was open, we headed into the Village.  The downtown area was adorable, but pretty much shut down too.  We finally came across the Cambria Pines Lodge, which was not only open, but had live music as well! We went inside to the Fireside Lounge and found a very lively crowd and wine. Finally! Success!

The next morning we headed down to Moonstone Beach. We were in Cambria to photograph California Coastal Clean-Up Day along CA’s Highway 1 Discovery Route, and wanted to get some photos before the volunteers starting showing up.

Manipulated Reality is supported by readers. Product links on Manipulated Reality are referral links for things I like & believe you will too! Read more here.

Moonstone Beach, Cambria, CA Coast
Morning on Moonstone Beach
Cambria, CA, Travel in California, Moonstone Beach
Moonstone Beach Morning
Travel in California, Cambri Coastline
Cambria, CA Coastline

Moonstone Beach is such a lovely, serene beach. The coastline is absolutely gorgeous with all the cliffs and pine trees. Make sure to look for the shiny Moonstones while strolling on the beach. They are the very reason why the beach is called Moonstone.

If you like fishing and solitude, you will find it here. The uncrowded beach is a fisherman’s dream. I only counted three all morning.

Ocean Fishing on Moonstone Beach in California
Fishing on Moonstone Beach

If surfing’s your thing, you’ll appreciate this area too! The waves were good and there weren’t any crowds to speak of!

surfing Moonstone Beach
Checking out the waves
Surf Moonstone Beach, travel in California, Weekend Getaway
Found his wave!

If you’ve ever been out on a surfboard in the ocean, you know what a zen-like experience it is while you wait for the next wave. There’s nothing quite like it, and something I think everyone should try at least once in their lifetime.

Zen and surfing, Travel California, Cambria
Surfer Zen!
Surfing the Cambria Coast
Surfing the Cambria Coast

Coastal Clean-Up Time!
Coastal Clean-Up Day is held annually, and is one of the state’s largest volunteer events. The Volunteers will be collecting over 700,000 pounds of trash! That’s right… 700,000 pounds of trash! So, think about that the next time you are visiting your favorite beach or enjoying yourself while vacationing. You would be surprised to see what people leave behind!

I appreciate all the volunteers that came out for this event! They are an amazing bunch of people who really care about our beautiful coastline. If you would like to participate in
eco-tourism while vacationing along CA’s Highway 1 Discovery Route check out some Stewardship Travel opportunities. You can make a difference to the environment while you explore some wonderful nature preserves.

Cleaning up the coast of California, Eco Tourism, Cambria
The Volunteers have arrived!
Cleaning up the coast of Cambria, CA, Volunteer for Coastal Clean-Up Day, Eco Tourism
Volunteer for Coastal Clean-Up Day
Trash on the beach, Coastal Clean-Up Day, Eco Tourism in Cambria, CA
The trash left behind!
children participate in eco tourism in Cambria, CA
Young Travel Stewards on top of the world!


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