Is THIS the Most Interesting Man Alive?

Jim Fresquez grew up in an East LA gang, worked in the animation department of Walt Disney, then trained raced horses working with the man who was part of the team that trained Seabiscuit. Today, he still trains horses and has added vigneron to his long and varied resume. He and his wife operate Rust Ridge Ranch and Vineyard in Napa Valley.  They include an B&B, which is where I stayed after doing job in San Francisco. Their vineyard is off the beaten path and has much more of a laid back working ranch feel than what you find with most of the wineries in the area. In other words, more my speed. Jim had work to do in the vineyard the morning I was there and invited me out to watch.

Not many of us have had the chance to be on a working vineyard so the novelty of the setting inspired me to bring my camera with me. I always strive for images that offer a window into a world, to make the viewer feel as if they are there themselves. Then I look for a moment that is iconic, one that shows a story in a single frame and holds the attention of the viewer.