Backyard Photography - 2025

“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”

~ The Alchemist ~

Congers Memorial Park - Congers, NY

The world is your oyster! I always loved this expression and believe it to be true. From a photographic perspective, it doesn’t mean you have to travel the world to take better pictures. Far from it. Great imagery can be found in your backyard or community.

If we embrace the convenience and accessibility of local fair, there is an endless array of subjects to capture: family, friends, pets and landscapes for starters.

The beauty of our world is endless. Whether we choose to see it or not is a different story as we are often blinded by familiarity and miss the obvious more than we care to admit. The same everyday scenery can fog our lens of creativity. No bueno! It’s time to up our game! Grab your Big Boy camera or smartphone and let’s open our eyes to new possibilities. The world is constantly evolving and we should do the same.

If photography is the ability to turn chaos into order, we simply have to identify a focal point amongst the daily noise called life and present it in a clean format. We are saddled with the decision of what to leave in the frame and what to exclude. Both are equally as important. Story Telling 101 dictates the more aesthetically pleasing the composition to the viewer, the better.

Wild Flowers - Congers Memorial Park - Congers, NY

Swan Lake - Local Version

A famous photographer once said, “If you’re not find interesting things to photograph, stand in front of more interesting subjects.” Okay, this is true to some extent, but comical at the same time. I’m not always available to use my NetJet membership (insert smile) and fly off to some exotic location for a few snaps and a margarita.

Red Winged Blackbird

Congers Memorial Park - Congers, NY

The joy of backyard photography is found in the simplicity… It’s convenient and no elaborate planning is required. There’s always time to walk your neighborhood with camera in hand and challenge yourself to look at life with new eyes. Spring is a magical time of the year for color(s) as flowers and leaves are making their presence known (I’ll disregard the yellow pollen for the moment and focus on the positives!). There’s a parade of natural beauty right outside your front door every day. It’s time to join the band and celebrate life.

You can maximize your time and hone your skills while experimenting with different subjects, techniques & styles. The vibrant colors of Spring flowers will rejoice in the early morning light and dazzle your senses. The intricate details of butterfly wings will call to your inner child. And, the rich, earthy tones of tree bark will tickle your artistic curiosity of texture. In short…your backyard provides a tapestry of photographic opportunities.

Barking for Attention - Congers Memorial Park - Congers, NY

More than just a convenient way to practice, these excursions foster a deeper connection with your environment. They cultivate observation skills as you wait for the perfect light, learn to anticipate moments and frame your shots effectively. In a world that often urges us to explore distant and exotic locations, backyard photography reminds us that wonder and beauty can be found in the most familiar of places, waiting for a curious eye and a willing participant.

Automotive Disrepair - W. Nyack, NY

Tennis Courts (double exposure) - Valley Cottage, NY

Until next time…

Cheers.

Lake Tahoe - A Love Story

“The Mountains are Calling and I Must Go.”

~ John Muir ~

Heavenly Ski Resort - South Lake Tahoe, CA

I was working a corporate job in 1987 and my youthful enthusiasm came to a fork in the road. My position in Human Resources (commonly referred to as Useless Resources) was losing its luster. The data center expansion was moving along as scheduled and all the new IT employees had been hired. Doubling the staff was no easy task: Screening resumes, interviewing applicants and making recommendations to Senior Management required a lot of work hours. As the project was nearing completion, I was facing a conundrum. My morning commute had me inquisitively asking myself, “What are you going to do all day?” PC’s weren’t main stream in the ‘80’s and there was no surfing the internet to pass time. Not sure if we even had internet at that time (I’ll call Al Gore to confirm)? I read the WSJ every morning to pass time and slowly turned each & every page. Looking at my watch… tick, tock, tick, tock… became entertainment and trying to fill 8 hours per day was exhausting. It was time to turn the page… literally & physically.

The peaceful serenity of mountain living has always captivated my imagination. Breathtaking vistas, fresh air and a peaceful co-existence with nature has always danced in my head. The hustle of any metropolitan area was never my game. Too much concrete made me itchy and I always longed for more outdoor living. The famous words of John Muir, “The Mountains are Calling and I Must Go” were engraved in my soul.

Having skied since the age of two in the white mountains of Vermont, a bigger set of mountains were calling my name. Higher peaks, longer runs and more moguls were a perfect match for me and my 203cm Rossignol skis. Having previously skied at Vail and Alta, I naively ruled out the rest of Colorado and Utah. Silly when I look back, but what did I know? I was only 24 years old and thought I had all the answers.

Mark Twain famously commented about Lake Tahoe in 1872, “As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface, I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords.” This was a little deep for a young man simply looking to ski every day, but I was picking up what he was laying down. Opportunity was knocking and I was ready & willing to answer the Lake Tahoe call.

South Lake Tahoe - iPhone Pano

When game day arrived, my Volkswagen GTI was stuffed with euphoria and as much life as a tin can could hold. The car was filled to the sun roof with ski equipment, clothing and daily essentials… stereo, toothpaste & twinkies. I was ready for the open highway. Not sure I fully comprehended how long the trip was to the west coast… 1 day, 16 hours and 43 minutes to be exact. It was a virtual straight line from NY to CA encompassing a mere 2,744 miles. Childs play for a kid with a restless soul.

The anticipated tedium of the drive never quite materialized. Instead, the landscape offered a captivating narrative. The close-knit woods of the Northeast loosened their grip, unfurling into the broad, open arms of Midwest cornfields as far as the eye could see. The flatlands eventually ran out of real estate and ceded the stage to the majestic Rocky Mountains. Emerging like a dream, the rugged peaks pirouetting into view. The white capped mountains made a grand entrance, shouting for admiration – a promising sign of early powder days. This majestic display would soon transition into the grandeur of the Wasatch mountains, and eventually, the dramatic beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. A siren song for the adventurous soul.

As my VW exited I-80 in Truckee, CA, I followed the signs to Olympic Valley… home of the 1960 Winter Olympics. The road was as as dark as any I’ve ever travelled and winding through the Sierra darkness, high beams helped illuminate the stillness of night 25 feet at a time. Ponderosa Pines towered above the asphalt and hovered over the road as if protecting a friend. It was pitch black and yet a peaceful calm prevailed. It felt as though I belonged here and was returning home. Perhaps my child dream of living in the mountains prepared me for this moment?

Heavenly Ski Resort Gondola

Approached my destination, I made one final right turn off Route 89 at the Olympic Calderon. My ‘Fahrvergnugen’ was gasping for air at 6,200 feet, but I was too mesmerized by the perpetual dancing flame. A sign of continuity, unity and peace. It also displayed hope & inspiration for the future. A fitting conclusion to my journey and yet a new beginning.

Skiing for one full season was the plan. As circumstance would have it, things didn’t go as planned. Yes, I skied all season at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows (now called Palisades Tahoe), but then Spring turned to Summer and I decided to extend my ski season in New Zealand & Australia. My endless winter resulted in skiing 150 days in 1987. A personal best.

Upon returning to Lake Tahoe… I became a ski instructor, spun a few records (yes, vinyl records!), tried my hand as a short order cook and even worked as a photojournalist. It was great fun, so I decided to sign on for another 2 years.

One day I woke up and realized, it was time. Time to once again turn the page and move on. Time to return to home base. As an only child, my parents were still in New York and would enjoy having their son around more often. It was tough to leave the warm confines of a resort town, but all good things come to an end.

Apres Ski…

Earlier this month (March 2025), I had the chance to return to Lake Tahoe for a week of skiing. Things look different with age and this trip was no different. I’m a firm believer in the adage, ‘You can’t go back in time, you can only create new memories.’ This wasn’t my 1st trip back to Tahoe since 1990, so reminiscing and walking down memory lane wasn’t the objective. Our group of 30 would be staying in the Village of South Lake Tahoe next to the Heavenly gondola. I wouldn’t be visiting my former domain of Squaw Valley & Alpine Meadows, but new memories would ensue.

Morning Mojo at Heaven’s Little Cafe - The Village, South Lake Tahoe, CA

When I originally departed Lake Tahoe in 1990, a piece of my heart was left behind. This has nothing to do with a love interest… quite the contrary. My younger self was looking for free spirit adventure and a new world to discover. Tahoe become my muse. It provided a canvas to express my artistic side… spread my wings and get back to photography, spinning records (“Two turn tables & a microphone…”) and various types of creative writing. The mountain environment allowed me to view the world through a different lens which continues to this day.

I’m not sure when I will get back to the lake again, but my muse will always be there and inspire me with its endless beauty.

A few stats on Lake Tahoe…

1. Size of the Lake? 22 miles in length and 12 miles wide.

2. Depth of the lake? Deepest part is 1,645 feet.

3. Number of ski areas in the region? There are 15 resorts in the Tahoe region.

4. Most frequented ski resort? A virtual tie between Palisades Tahoe (formerly known at Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows) & Heavenly Ski Resort.

5. Highest mountain peak for skiing? Heavenly Valley Ski Resort = 10,067 ft.

Until next time…

Cheers.

Wherever You Go - There You Are

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

Big Sky Resort - Montana

Whether you ‘tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen’ or hustle out the door and stop at Dunkin for a brown sugar shaken… not stirred… expresso with oat milk, we all have daily routines. Some habits make life easier and save brain power with the auto pilot setting while other endeavors are redundancies developed over time.

Creature of habit you might say? Yup. By definition, humans like animals have repetitive patterns due to comfort and familiarity. Geez. Sounds a lot like me. I’d venture a guess you have plenty as well?

Winter Park - Colorado

Let’s start with a little self reflection as it pertains to my photography. Several patterns exist and some repetition has been emerging from the shadows upon further review of my travel images. I could easily correct this shadow issue with a slider adjustment in Lightroom… okay, okay, I thought I’d toss in a little joke there. Back on topic… the pattern I see emerging is action/adventure images are captured from every vacation. Perhaps I’m just a moth to a flame and this is in my comfort zone?

I take a lot of pictures on holiday(s). Some of the opposite sex might say “too many!” “Rubbish” says the photographer typing this blog at the moment... “there’s no such thing.” A combination of snapshots and more artistic images fill my memory cards on every vacation.

As many of you know, I photograph plenty of sporting events each year. Shooting this type of venue is straight forward: Show up - push button… a lot. Okay, it’s not quite that easy, but you get the point. The competition is prearranged and the subject(s) is directly in front of you. The action is either going North/South or East/West to your film plane based on your position on the field. The time of the event is also defined… football games are 60 minutes, lacrosse matches are 60 minutes and baseball games are 9 innings. As such, the creative process has limitations due to time & place.

Long Beach Island - New Jersey

The world is diverse and travel offers an endless array of photographic subjects. You decide what story you wish to tell: people, culture, food, landscape, architecture, wildlife? The camera doubles as a passport and opens the door to creative inspiration.

I’ve always considered myself a Swiss Army Knife photographer of sorts. I do everything with decent competency, but nothing at a world class level. Something along the lines of… Jack of all trades, Master of Nothing. Perhaps I’ll go a step further and stake my claim; I’ve Mastered the Master of Nothing skill set.

Lake Garda - Italy

Taking things a step further, modern science stipulates we have five (5) senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch & taste. Getting the viewer to experience one and/or all of these senses is vital. Can you taste the pint of Guinness at Dick Mack’s Pub in Dingle? Or, perhaps smell the Risotto alla Milanese at Trattoria della Pesa in Milan? Pictures don’t have a scratch & sniff feature (not yet), but if you photograph them in a proper manner, they come to life!

It’s time for me to take some mental notes and ‘sharpen the saw’ before my next story telling adventure. Plenty of room for improvement and endless possibilities.

Marathon Day - Zermatt, Switzerland

Until next time…

Cheers.




7 Simple Tips to Improve Your Photography

“Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.”

~ Yousuf Karsh ~

Motion can enhance an image - Paris, France

More than 1 billion images are captured around the globe on a daily basis. A truly extraordinary volume of imagery. You would think the quality of photography continues to improve in tandem as well. After all, you can argue the digital (and now mirrorless) age of photography offers economies of scale as there are no film and/or printing expenses involved. You can effectively shoot until your heart's content… or your memory card is full (whichever comes first). The more you shoot, the better you get? Let’s step back for a moment.

Since the iPhones arrival 16 years ago, the vast majority of today’s images are taken on a smartphone (iPhone, Droid or Pixel). As such, the more passive approach to photography comes into play. Snapping a few frames is convenient & easy and captures the moment. However, the active approach to creating or making a photo renders more compelling images. When you look at a magazine and find yourself captivated by a photo, it’s hard to look away or turn the page. This is done intentionally as the photographer used various composition and graphical elements to enhance the viewing experience. 

1 + 1 = 3 Two separate images (plane & sunset) combined in Snapseed (Double Exposure Feature) - Tampa, FL

The age-old adage of taking a photo vs making a photo is more relevant today than ever. As a colleague once told me, “More isn’t better, better is better.” Take a few minutes before you snap your next photo to think about what you're trying to capture or convey in your picture. 

Here are 7 simple tips to improve your photography…  

  1. New Equipment - Forget it. Okay, if you must, buy one new item for retail therapy. It may inspire you to take more pictures. New equipment itself doesn’t make you a better photographer though. I recently bought 4 new tires on my car and it didn’t make me a better driver (insert smile). Spend your money on Joe McNally workshops, LL Bean winter clothing or buy a few books on photographic technique at your local mom & pop bookstore. Note: I’m not affiliated with any of the above. They offer great products and/or services. The end.

  2. One Lens - Next time you venture outdoors to snap a few photos, take only one lens with you. If you only have zoom lenses, set the lens barrel to one distance… let’s say 35mm. If you have fixed focal length lenses, select one you do not use on a regular basis. The purpose of this exercise is to force you to see differently and move your feet to get the best image. In the famous words of Robert Capa, “If your photographs aren’t good enough, get closer.” Zooming with your feet is a good exercise in filling the frame with your subject… this technique also increases your daily step count and improves your health (you’re welcome!).

  3. Post Process Your Images - Every photographer does some level of editing before they print and/or post to social media on their iPhone or in Lightroom, Photoshop, Aperture, Corel or Capture One. If I had to guess, 99% of professional images are edited before public viewing takes place… cropping, contrast, highlights, shadows & sharpness. The human eye and your camera will never see exactly the same thing. Technology is truly remarkable, it’s just never going to be perfect.

  4. Perspective - Change how your viewers see a subject. Shoot high or low and show your subject from a different angle. How many pictures of children have we seen from the parents perspective? Standing up and looking down at them reflects your world… not theirs. Kneel or lie on the ground and capture the image from the child’s perspective. It may totally change the feel of the image as subtle changes can make a big difference. 

  5. Rule of Thirds - This old standard still has merit. Turn on the grid in your camera and/or smartphone if it helps. The tick-tack-toe style lines will consciously make you place your subject somewhere on the grid. My friend Rick Sammon often says, “Dead center is deadly.” He has a point! Subjects in the middle of the frame are static and lifeless. Give them room to move & breath by simply moving them to the left or right of center. A small variation in placement can change the aesthetic value of your image.

  6. Get out and shoot! - This may sound trite, but it’s relevant. If you want to be a better writer… write more. If you want to be a better guitarist… play more. If you want to be a better painter… paint more. No secrets here - if you want to be a better photographer, get out and shoot more. It doesn’t matter if the weather is warm, cold, raining or sunny… every weather condition offers endless photo opportunities.

  7. Experiment - Get out of your comfort zone. We all have our favorite subjects and locations. Let’s face it… we’re all creatures of habit to some extent. There are plenty of ways to broaden your photographic horizons: Here are a few: Blur your photos… Intentional Camera Motion (ICM) is a popular genre these days… Try in-camera double exposures… sandwich a few images into one final picture (see plane photo)... Venture out on a bad weather day… Shoot close up images…take a day trip to someplace new just to explore.  

“Down the Drain” Technique - Rockland Lake, NY

Buildings are built to sway - Long exposures can add to the movement… Eiffel Tower - Paris, France

Photography is a never ending process. It’s an art form with a defined beginning and no end in sight. As such, it’s a life long learning endeavor. Enjoy the ride and elevate your photographic artistry with new ideas.

Until next time…

Cheers.




Goodbye 2024 & Hello 2025!

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

Time to Celebrate

As I sit here on a rainy December morning, the poetic patter of rain bouncing off the window is a soothing soundtrack of life reminding me nature is alive & well. Sitting in the warmth of my living room provides a cozy buffer to the outside elements and and a peaceful co-existence with the precipitation as it temporarily washes away the troubles of the world.

As another year comes to an end, I can honestly smile and count my blessings. Reflecting on the last 12 months of adventure, everything that transpired was a gift. There was work/play/cycling/hiking/traveling and plenty of skiing. The delicate balance of all is often a challenge, but par for the course. Life truly is a gift in the big picture and the older I get, the more I value this concept.

It reminds me of the mantra ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ and the philosophy of encapsulating life and seeking joy on a daily bases. It’s timeless wisdom and cherished around the globe. Even author Elizabeth Gilbert modified the expression to “Eat, Pray, Love” to encompass the search for happiness in her best selling book and later, movie. Whichever expression you prefer, they’re both symbolic of living a healthy life.

Reflection…

As we once again get ready to hit the reset button, I’m gently reminded of the precious element called time. It’s a non-renewable commodity with no refunds… effectively, a one way ticket with no return. Memories will always be memories and as much as we try to go back in time or relive days-of-old, it’s never the same. Similar to snowflakes whereby every one is unique to itself, time is unrepeatable and every moment should be cherished. So, as we collectively sigh, let’s get ready for a new & adventurous 365 days.

Before doing so though, let’s hit the pause button and take a moment to reflect on the past year. Celebrate your accomplishments as you see fit. No feat is too big or too small… acknowledge the lessons learned and accept them. A moment of reflection & recognition not only provides a sense of closure but also sets a positive tone for the year ahead.

When it comes to resolutions… think big picture. Goals such as exercise more or lose weight are minor bogeys on the radar. Step back and view the goal from a higher perspective… for example, ‘embrace a healthier lifestyle’ is more meaningful and sustainable. Let’s be honest… similar to a flight from NYC to LA, there’s going to be turbulence at some point. It's not about perfection—it's staying on course and making progress. Do things with intention and inspire yourself to grow.

Finally, give yourself the gift of presence. Live in the moment. Forget what has to be done tomorrow or next week. The present moment is where life truly happens. So as the new year unfolds, keep your resolutions as stars in the night sky, not rigid rules, and remember to savor each day as it comes.

Here's to a year filled with love, laughter and good health.

Until next time…

Cheers.

A Photographers Journey...

“Photography takes an instant out of time. altering life by holding it still.”

~ Dorothea Lang ~

St. Augustine Beach, FL (two images sandwiched together).

Ahhh… nostalgia. The joyful bliss of accepting the fact you’re getting older. In days of old, the night before Thanksgiving was a big bar night for college kids coming home for the holiday. A night to reconnect with friends, walk down memory lane and conveniently hoist a pint or two… or ten.

If we think of life as ages & stages, I remember all of the ages, but not all of the stages. I’ll chalk this up to selective memory. The chapter pertaining to pre-gaming the holiday at the local watering hole is a blur at this point. Not sure if selective memory comes into play or a few brain cells dissipating at the stroke of midnight? I honestly can’t remember. I do fondly remember Turkey Bowl football though on Thanksgiving Day and only succumbing to a few bumps & bruises - maybe one trip to the ER.

Time stops for nobody and similar to a river navigating the diversity of the landscape, we as humans ebb & flow with the changes in life. Only when we hit the pause button do we reflect and view the mosaics of our life. Vivid memories cascade to the frontal lobe and are remembered with fondness while others are fade like the $25 fine art painting hanging in my office.

When it comes to the arts, finding your photographic voice is a similar process. It’s a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. Some people are inherently gifted and know their ‘True North’ at a young age. No connecting the dots for these folks, they had a beacon in the night and avoided the rocky coastline. For everyone else; finding your style, technique, and and true passion takes time. Two examples that come to mind are sports photographers, Walter Iooss, Jr. and Neil Leifer. These two Sports Illustrated legends were on assignment as teenagers resulting in Neil Leifer landing his first cover at the tender age of 19. For all of us mortals, this is mind boggling.

As a photojournalist during the film days, I still consider my voice to be work-in-progress. Not sure I’ll ever ‘arrive’ at my destination per se, but there’s still plenty of runway remaining. I’ve snapped thousands of photos during the newspaper days and gazillions more in the DSLR and mirrorless era. Every topic from A to Z has been photographed and there never seems to be a dominant theme.

When I hit the pause button in my photographic journey through life and look back for common threading, I do see some revealing bread crumbs. The concept of “Wherever you go, there you are” makes an appearance. I’ve managed to shoot action/adventure in some capacity in various countries. I’ll admit to not looking intentionally for this genre, but we manage to find each other. Whether in my backyard (NY/NJ/CT) or various countries in Europe, we rendez-vous for a few frames. I’ll separate action/adventure from sports at the moment due to lack of organization. As such, the former includes everything from cycling to skiing to hang gliding to surfing to fishing.

In closing… everyone searching for their photographic voice should pay attention to their emotions and stories they want to tell through photos. Eventually, you'll notice patterns and preferences and a unique style will emerge. Follow your convictions and let your creative spirit guide you. Your individual voice will be a collection of experiences and perspective.

Until next time…

Cheers.

The Season of Color

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than any other season”

~ Virginia Woolf ~

I’ve always been a laggard when it comes to changing seasons. It takes me a while to find my rhythm at the beginning of each season and then, I kick & scream when the end is near. One foot in front of the other and a flip of the calendar should suffice.

I’ll admit the transition from summer to fall this year was easier. It was so bloody hot, I couldn’t wait for cooler days to embrace the landscape. I’ve been known to break a sweat tying my Hoka sneakers and wilt like daffodil in the summer heat… mucho caliente = no bueno.

For the record, the NYC region was hotter than normal this year and recorded 16+ days of 90F (32.2C), sweltering, off the charts, bring an extra shirt to work heat. We managed to receive two (2) years of 90F+ heat in one summer. Joy.

Pumpkin Patch - Congers, NY

Rockland Lake State Park - Valley Cottage, NY

As sure as the sun rises each day, summer would melt into fall and cool, crisp air would descend from the heavens… or Canada. And just like the 7:10AM Monday train from Tarrytown to Grand Central… presto/chango… fall arrived right on time and everyone rejoiced (at least most of us). 

Fall is a glorious time of year. It has a calm, tranquil effect and allows us to breathe easier and reflect. It just feels more relaxing and yet invigorating at the same time. Some might say, this is because we’re bombarded with college & professional sports going into the end of the year. Fair point… and probably, true (go Yankees!)!

Oakley, Utah

Park City, Utah

After we manage to put away the wrinkle cream (i.e. suntan lotion) and swim suits, we unleash the Irish sweaters, polar fleece, flannel PJ’s and mock turtlenecks. The hibernation season for our favorite threads is over and like a bear leaving the den… boom… a new wardrobe is upon us. 

The highlight of the changing season is best reflected in the trees. Fall takes us back to 3rd grade science class and the lesson on photosynthesis. The process of leaves producing chlorophyll during the growing season by simply masking other colors with an abundance of green pigmentation. 

As days become shorter and and nights longer, the cooler temperatures set the color wheel in motion. Early morning light dances on the landscape in pure delight, and the crimson shade of a Maple tree starts to dance with the burnt orange hue of an Oak tree.

Rockland Lake State Park - Valley Cottage, NY

I’d imagine history will repeat itself and I’ll be moping around in due time as fall turns to winter. Eventually, I’ll accept the leaves have all dropped and snow is in the forecast. No fretting though as I love winter and all it too has to offer.

Until next time…

Cheers.








Like Father Like Son

“No love is greater than that of a father and son.”

~ Dan Brown ~

James "Red" Carruthers

“My father gave me the greatest gift you could give another person:

He believed in me.”

~ Jim Valvano ~

Mark A. Carruthers

Fathers and sons have a special relationship. Some might say it starts from the day you arrive on this planet through an innate sense of love. Others believe the relationship develops during the early influential years through interaction, tenderness and a sense of security. Whichever path you feel correct, I was fortunate to have a great relationship with my father and I believe it started on day #1.

Born in 1922, he was raised in a different time & place. As the only child of Harry & Agnes Carruthers (a sister Margaret died at birth), he was born at home in Stony Point, NY (30 miles north of NYC) and provided his own entertainment as a child. Electronics were slightly different at the turn of the century. TV’s came into existence in the late ‘40’s so board games (checkers & chess), cards, reading, writing and the beloved radio kept children engaged for hours. Gathering around the radio once a week to hear the Lone Ranger and The Shadow were highlights of this simplistic era. If you listen carefully, you can still hear Orson Wells voice crackling through the AM radio waves of the CBS broadcast… “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows.”

As part of the “Great Generation” he more than survived the Great Depression (1929-1939) and WWII. As a military veteran, anyone who experienced both of these events first hand came out the other side a different person. Some become ‘Depression Era’ children and saved every nickel they earned for the next rainy day. The coffee can was your local bank and frugality became your best friend.

I think my dad was a better person after the world reverted back to some level of normalcy and grateful for having lived through such historical events. He was an optimist at heart and hopeful for good things to come.

Speaking of which… I jumped into the world head first in 1963. No breaching at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, I was a 7lb bundle of joy ready to take on the world. Mom & dad were big proponents of the outdoor lifestyle so anything nature related was encouraged… skiing, hiking, fishing, cycling, etc.

Every kid wants to mimic his father and I was no exception. If he was raking leaves, I wanted to rake leaves. If he was watching the Yankees on TV, I was sitting right next to him. The one puzzling effect of ‘like father like son’ pertained to his stutter which he had his entire life. I managed to develop a similar stutter as well. I find it hard to believe I would mimic him on this item?

When dad was young, the medical ‘experts’ thought cutting the little cord (lingual frenulum) between the bottom of his mouth and tongue would cure the problem. We know the logical conclusion to this procedure… no need for details.

As I think back about this surgery, it’s hard to fathom how anyone thought this would be successful? Then again, medical technology (or lack thereof) was in the early stages of rapid advancement and not much was known about stuttering at the time. He continued to stammer his entire life and simply adjusted where he could to communicate more effectively. Ironically, I use to substitute words to avoid hard consonants (read: words with a hard ‘C’ and/or ‘K’) to make it easier for myself and later learned, this was a derivative of stuttering, known as ‘circumlocution’. Who knew? Back to dad… his gift of writing was an outlet born from personal struggle. The written word was a blessing that allowed him to talk to the world.

The sport of alpine skiing was something my parents passed along to me at an early age. They met at a skiing event in the early 1960’s and after getting married, the family mantra became… “Ready to walk? Ready to ski.”

We had a small 2nd home at Bromley Mountain and this was our home away from home once a chill was in the air. A short 3 hour drive from NY to VT was in order every weekend for the better part of a decade. As we all got older, we changed lanes and utilized the benefits of being a member of the Ramapo Mountain Ski Club. This afforded use of the ski club lodge at Mad River Glen (VT). If memory serves me right; two nights stay with 3 meals ‘back in the day’ (circa 1972) cost a whopping $25 for the entire weekend. Let’s roll back the prices.

For anyone old enough to recall the history of Mad River Glen… Betsy Pratt, George the Lift Op, the single chair and the Chute are legendary. Toss in the slogan, “Ski It If You Can” and the rest is ski immortality.

Even though skiing pulsed through my veins from December through March every year, dad pulled the plug on my Playboy lifestyle when I was 17/18 years of age.

To my surprise, he one day stated, “Let’s try something different this winter… no ski pass.”

“Huh… you can’t be serious” I responded in my best John McEnroe bratty attitude.

“Let’s see how you do academically with no distractions” he stated in a calm voice.

Although disappointed to think I wouldn’t be zipping off to VT every weekend of my Senior year of high school. Dad had made a brilliant point in his own “Red” kind of way. He was prepping me for college life and adding confidence to my academia world. He never yelled or lost his temper; he just managed to make subtle, timely points throughout my life.

In hindsight, his assessment of my skiing/school life was spot on. My weekly schedule played out as follows: Monday was a recovery day after skiing all weekend. Tuesday was a mental transition day… starting to think about school. Wednesday was solid… A+. Once Thursday and Friday rolled around, I was already thinking about getting back to the moguls.

Executive Summary: I was a brilliant student on Wednesdays.

Ironically, I finished my Senior year with a 3.6 GPA. I managed to take AP English and toss in a few business courses for good measure. The experience primed me for college as I firmly convinced myself capable of better grades. I was always a good student, but getting on the honor roll was often a hit & miss proposition. The daily rigors of life are hard enough without extraneous items vying for your time.

It’s hard to believe my dad is gone 30+ years. I’ve now been living longer without him than with him. I’m saddened by this fact, but can honestly say I’m blessed for every day we shared together.

I’m proud to say, I’m the son of James “Red” Carruthers.

Until next time…

Cheers.

The Mountains are Calling - Switzerland 2024

“Never go on trips with anyone you do not love.”

~ Ernest Hemingway ~

Matterhorn - Zermatt

Over the last 25+ years, the Swiss have shifted their economic focus from fleecing sheep to fleecing tourists. They figured out it’s easier… and more profitable… selling tourism than any amount of cheese, chocolate, watches or Swiss army knives. 

It’s an evolution of sorts and while I’m not sure how many cheese wheels and/or Rolex watches would equate to the $17 billion per year in annual fleecing… sorry… tourism... in the end, the decision is all about dollars & $en$e.

Cable Car - Murren, Switzerland

This isn’t to say Switzerland isn’t charming. Quite the opposite. It’s a stunning vista of alpine lakes, charming villages and incredibly clean cities. The population of 8.9 million is considered to be traditional by most measurements and has a conservative bias when it comes to political, social and cultural issues. Roger Federer best personifies the ‘Swiss Way’ as his personality & temperament are a perfect fit for his new role as the official/unofficial Swiss Tourism Ambassador.  

Morning Moon - Zermatt

The punctuality of the Swiss is legendary and trains, planes and watches emphasize the  dedication to precision & accuracy. Some of the world's finest watches come from Switzerland: Rolex, Patek Phillipe, Breitling, Tag Hauer, Tissot and Omega to name a few. For the price of a car or your child's first year of college, you too could own one of these classic timepieces.

My recent 14 day sojourn to Switzerland was a true blessing. It was humbling and inspirational on so many levels and continued to broaden my perspective on life. Traveling through Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt and Geneva checked all the boxes for Swiss adventures & experiences. Each region was unique to itself and yet all were wrapped in elegant Swiss hospitality.

American travel writer & novelist, Paul Theroux, was once quoted as saying, “Travel is glamorous only in retrospect.” I’ll go on record to say, he’s wrong. Everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinion. Perhaps he might want to stop riding the Iron Rooster in China and discover the joys of European travel (insert smile)! A few minutes admiring the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne or perhaps watching a morning moon dance with the Matterhorn may change his opinion. As for me… vacations are good for the soul and best enjoyed in the moment.

Sound of Swiss Music - Zermatt

Lauterbrunnen Valley - Interlaken

Until next time…

Cheers.








NYC - Greenwich Village

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”

~Wayne W. Dyer ~

The day before yesterday, I was a music junkie; a high school kid infatuated with playing the drums and all things music related. Many a dollar from my Gannett newspaper route were disproportionately donated to the purchase of vinyl records during my youth. A love affair of the teenage heart to be sure.

At some point, I realized a trip to the Big Apple was in order. Bleecker Bob’s was a legendary record store located at 149 Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village (the Village). The locale was a chaotic mix of vinyl albums that filled the 2,000 sq ft space to the brim. The unique smell of vinyl records filled your every pore and the eclectic collection of vinyl was pure bliss for music fans far & wide. So much so, that regular visitors included; David Bowie, Elton John, Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin and the Clash whenever they were in town. If you couldn’t find your desired 33rpm records at Bleecker Bob’s (new, used & bootleg editions), you weren’t going to find them anywhere.

NYC is the king of nostalgia… and everything changes.

Perpetual motion is the calling card of every major city and NYC is not immune. If anything, the “NY Minute” mantra accelerates transition. Some call it progress while others desire familiarity & continuity from one generation to the next. We all long for our childhood memories to be anchored to some time and place to preserve our memories and place in history.

As sure as sure as the Brooklyn Dodgers departed Ebbets Field and the New York Giants migrated to California, time waits for nobody. Places & faces come and go, restaurants change and some businesses just wear out. It’s a sad fact of life, but a blissful celebration at the same time.

This past weekend, I decided to venture back to the Village to reacquaint myself with the West Village neighborhoods in and around Bleeker, MacDougal and 9th & 10th Street(s). Dutch settlers grew tobacco and farmed this region for tobacco centuries ago (hard to believe) and the organic road system is still in place. Unlike the grid like pattern of mid-town Manhattan, you can meander in an aimless direction for hours in the Village and find it charming. Washington Square Park will be your beacon and is considered the heart of the West Village. A typical Sunday will provide a potpourri of artistic energy: NYU students relaxing, musicians busking for a living and a poet typing personal poetry on an old Smith Corona typewriter for donations.

As I wandered in my own aimless fashion, I quickly realized, there’s a plethora of new cafes, restaurants, buildings and even a pickle ball court on the corner of W. Houston & MacDougal to break the silence of a peaceful Sunday morning. The whiffle tennis sound of wood hitting a plastic ball is as recognizable as rain on a metal roof. It’s a sound of the times and will probably be around for years to come (says the man who has never played Pickle Ball).

I then drifted towards 9th and 10th street to view some of the most picturesque brownstones in all of Manhattan. Considered high-end real estate, I can’t even fathom the cost of one of these properties? What I did observe though, was elegance in all it’s glory: polished marble steps, vintage doors & knockers and small gardens dancing flawlessly in the morning light. It’s easy to see how ‘New Yawkers’ are embedded in these communities. The charm is addicting and readily abundant.

Gone are the days of the Gaslight Cafe, Bleeker Bob’s and the punk music factory known as CBGB’s. Many places are no longer with us. Some faded in the morning light while others simply ran its course. A time and a purpose for all and the inevitable change of life took hold. Change is inevitable, but often requires an open mind to get to the acceptance point.

Lastly, a trip to Strand New York City on Broadway & 12th Street was in order before departing the Village. Any private bookseller approaching their 100th anniversary is worth celebrating. God bless the Bass family.

Until next time…

Cheers.

Postcards from Europe

“Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.”

~ Jamie Lyn Beatty ~

Venice, Italy

The tapestry of European history is undeniable. Ancient ruins and pivotal landmarks are profound and lend an olive branch to our modern world. The romance of Paris, the splendor of Venice and the majestic Greek Islands are all steeped in endless history and fascination.

According to recent data, international travel is back. In 2023, a whopping 704 million ‘holiday makers’ ventured to foreign destinations with approximately one third or 236 million, venturing across the pond from the US to Europe. This almost matches the record of 742 million from 2019 (Source: Statista). Through the first five (5) months of 2024, travel has increased 7% above 2023 figures, so we’ve eclipsed the pre-Covid record high.

Earlier this week, the WSJ reported the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) cleared 3 million passengers on June 23rd. An all-time record for a single day and it looks like more to come this 4th of July weekend.

These trends are absolutely fascinating to me as it confirms several changes are in play. The days of only the affluent jet setting off to Europe are long gone. Discount carriers have entered the field to provide more competition and thus lower fares. Further, the European Union has expanded to 27 countries in recent years and are vying for your vacation dollars. A little competition goes a long way! Couple this with the plethora of digital platforms at your fingertips and travel is more abundant than ever.

A strong US dollar has also created a tailwind of affordability. For anyone who follows currency exchange rates, in the summer of 2022, the US dollar and the Euro went to parity ($1.00 = €1.00). This is a rare event which only occurred one other time (2002) in the 25 year history of the Euro (the Euro came into existence in 1998).

As a quick comparison, during the Global Financial Crisis of 2007/2008, the US dollar fell against many world currencies and $1.00 only fetched €0.50 in February 2008. A 50% drop thus reduced European travel by 6% during the crisis as everything was vastly more expensive.

Travel is big business these days and has been in transition since the early days of Marco Polo (circa 1300) when people traveled by foot, horse and water: sailing and later steamships. The advent of aviation came about with the first commercial flight in 1914 when the Florida based St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line took to the air on January 1. The flight across Tampa Bay was a mere 17 miles but monumental in aviation history and considered to be the first commercial flight of its kind. As a time line reference: The Wright Brothers launched their plane in Kitty Hawk (NC) on December 17, 1903 and Icarus of Greek mythology flew too close to the sun sometime in the 8th century BC. However, we won’t count the failed wax wings as part of aviation history!

In her excellent book “The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel” author Paige McClanahan discusses the good & bad that comes with affordable transportation and the tourism boom. In short: It’s a complicated issue. However, nobody can deny tourism is a major force around the globe and an industry that now represents roughly 10% of world gross domestic product (GDP) and 10% of world employment.

Promoting sustainable travel in the future requires a delicate balance of intelligent economic decisions with pragmatic environmental realities. Truth be told, both are vital for a successful outcome.

Until next time…

Cheers.

Art from the Heart...

“I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all of my heart.”

~ Vincent van Gogh ~

The expression, “Art from the Heart” is more than words. It’s a deep seated belief that a craft or skill communicates one’s inner most feelings and desires and allows the creator and their work to connect with the viewer on an intimate level.

In many regards, art comes from the fiery depths of the human soul.

It is passion that is often cited as the jet fuel for the creative spirit. It is what propels the artist(s) to explore, discover and express themselves. The intense emotion that bubbles to the surface compels them to paint, dance, write, photograph or sing with unbridled enthusiasm.

It’s not just an emotion though - it’s a sense of being which defines the imaginative spirit. Key components include: intensity, motivation and focus.

The overwhelming desire to create is embedded in the artistic soul. Motivation then allows you to persevere the peaks & valleys of the creative lifestyle. Although we all have periods of brilliance, there are plenty of “I got nothing” moments that happen far more often than we’d like to admit. When these moments do arise, the ability to stay focused allows direction and clarity to return to see a project through to completion.

Finally, when passion is properly harnessed, the creative results can be inspiring to both the artist and viewer. The sincerity of the work can resonate in monumental proportions and connect kindred spirits.

Until next time…

Cheers.

Food Photography...

“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment

for the soul & body. It’s truly love.”

~ Giada De Laurentiis ~

Food is not just a sustenance, it’s a celebration of our cultural diversity and way of life. Every bite tells a story, from the apple orchards of New York State to the olive groves of the Mediterranean. It’s the universal language that connects people and & place. In short… It’s the joie de vivre that makes our hearts sing.

Food also has a vital role in the world of travel photography. It’s usually not the main attraction, but an important ingredient that shouldn’t be ignored. How do you photograph New Orleans, Paris or Rome and not reserve part of the imagery to the food & wine? Every morsel & grape reflects a bounty of pride.

I don’t believe I fully understood the value of food imagery as part of a culture. Call me a slow learner, but I think I’m starting to see the light. Sure, I always snap a few frames of food/wine/beer while on vacation, but I’m not a ‘foodie’ by nature. As such, I’ve often missed the fine details of French pastry or the vivid colors of Italian gelatos as I’m not conditioned to look for them.

I only recently learned in an episode of Emily In Paris the value of Michelin Star ratings. Okay, this is an exaggeration… sort of… but, I think you see my point. The finer elements of food and wine often sprint past me and my classic navy blue sport coat. Even a handkerchief in the pocket doesn’t help my ignorance.

In her excellent book, “Picture Perfect Food: Master the Art of Food Photography with 52 Bite-Sized Tutorials” author Joanie Simon details some of the best kept secrets to capture the tantalizing side of food. Whether you’re a food blogger, aspiring commercial photographer or travel photographer looking to enhance the story (ie. me!), there are plenty of ways to expand your creative vision and dazzle the senses.

As I started deploying some of her techniques, I quickly realized how difficult and time consuming food photography can be. Seriously. All the basic rules of photography are still apply, but food & beverage images have subtle nuances that can only be obtained with experience.

For example, to get the best possible images of golden brown pancakes with silky maple syrup running down the stack, you shouldn’t use your favorite brand of syrup as it’s easily absorbed into the pancakes and doesn’t produce the best outcome. Instead, a blend of maple & corn syrup heated to 240F (116C) will allow the heated mixture to pour with more fluidity and not get absorbed by the pancakes. Who knew? The blend will run down the stack in a slow deliberate manner. While this concoction does absolutely zero to enhance the flavor or dining experience, it has everything to do with capturing a brilliant image. Further, it is often advised to add accessories to the frame to complete the scene; a cup of coffee, napkin, glass of orange juice, cutlery and some tooth picks on the backside of your pancakes may be required to keep everything up right and in place.

When it comes to presentation… perspective is everything. The two most popular camera angles are from above and in front (often referred to as the diners perspective). The overhead angle makes it easy to display shapes, patterns, sizes, colors and design. It’s aesthetically pleasing and easy on the viewers eyes. The latter pertains to the perspective of the person eating the food. The old adage about put the viewer in the drivers seat is readily apparent with this angle.

Now that I’m equipped with a few new creative skills and more common sense, I’m ready to incorporate food photography in a more tactful manner into my travel photography. A few extra calories may be consumed in the process as I move along the learning curve, so a few more trips to the gym may be required as well.

Until next time…

Cheers.











The Slopes of Friendship

“Skiing is the dance and the mountain always leads.”

~ Anonymous ~

Big Decisions - Val Thorens, France

There have been plenty of books written on the joys of skiing and the camaraderie the sport fosters - place 100 skiers in the same room and everyone departs with new friends for life. It’s an unwritten rule, but observed around the world without reservation. Some even get married at a later date as was the case with my mom & dad.

It’s an amazing process and one I look forward to every ski season. The simple fact of having one thing in common bridges any perceived distance in age, geography and occupation. In short… it’s pure magic.

The outdoor lifestyle may play a vital role in this theory as well. Science has confirmed spending time outdoors has a direct correlation with increased levels of happiness and better mental & physical health. Happiness leads to smiling and this leads to crows feet. It’s a chain reaction in which I affectionately refer to the creases in my eyes as “Miles of Smiles.”

Getting to Club Med - Val Thorens (France) this year was a blessing in disguise. There’s good & bad outcomes in every situation, but I think this vacation worked in our favor. Originally scheduled for winter 2021, Covid ruined the ski club plans… along with the French government.

Club Med - Val Thorens

In the early part of 2021, most of Europe was closed to American tourists. This provided a ‘definite possibility of a maybe’ we would be allowed to land in Geneva, cross the border into France and ski in the Savoy region.

Another small issue pertained to the fact the mountains were deemed open by the French government, but not the chairlifts. “Huhhhhh?”… said the confused skier. Does this mean we hike up the hill and ski down or request a refund on our prepaid lift tickets?

Sitting in holiday limbo for months, Club Med finally cancelled our reservations two (2) weeks before departing. A refund and/or credit was offered for another vacation to be used within a two (2) year window of time. I opted for the refund as I didn’t know when I would re-schedule the trip.

For anyone who’s gone on a Club Med holiday, you’ve experienced the “Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart Baby)” entertainment theme park environment. Ironically, this song by Sway hit #7 on the music charts in Canada in 1987. Just thought you might want to know! The lively culture is supported by great employees, plenty of entertainment, live music and a plethora of food & alcohol that comes in an all inclusive vacation package. Suffice to say, you aren’t going to burn the amount of calories you consume on the slopes and/or dance floor.

In closing… the three (3) year hiatus was worth the wait. The slopes of Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel lived up to the accolades as one of the best ski resorts in the world. Vive la France.

Yours truly…

Until next time…

Cheers.






Simplicity...

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

~ Leonardo da Vinci ~

Warwick, NY (GoPro in chest harness & iPhone)

Life is simple…

At least it should be. Lord knows humans can complicate matters beyond imagination. The mundane morphs into difficult and challenging becomes impossible. If we stay out of our own way and keep it simple (ahhh - there’s that word again), it should be easy.

E.B. White sums it up best in Charlotte’s Web… “After all, what is life anyway? We’re born, we live a little while and we die.” This is brilliantly stated as we’re not on planet earth very long.

Considering we all enter & exit this glorious world in the same manner, the defining moments come in the middle. This is where we blaze our own frontier, light the world on fire and hopefully, don’t offend anyone along the way.

Ironically, this ‘live a little while’ section is also the time when our legacy (if any) starts to develop. If we dig a little deeper; our occupation is usually not our calling card in life. Sad, but oh so true… rather, it’s what we do on our personal time that shines the light on who we are (i.e. coach, volunteer, charity, musician, photographer, etc.)

It’s the rare person who finds their destiny early in life and makes it their occupation. It happens… but, it’s not common. For everyone else, our true passions are revealed on weekends/holidays/vacations. I can only speak for myself, but I probably won’t be remembered as the guy who worked in finance for 30+ years. More than likely, I’ll be mentioned as the passionate skier who loved the mountains and took an endless amount of photographs along the way.

Reflexions of Fall - Rockland Lake, NY

Speaking of which… let’s discuss photography for a New York minute. It doesn’t have to be complicated either. Photographers follow the ‘Exposure Triangle’ and dial in light sensitivity (ISO), shutter speed and aperture. Once we find our desired settings… i.e. instruct the camera of our intentions… we then add our own creativity to the mix.

It’s a Brand New Day… Congers Lake, NY

The challenge comes into play as we attempt to silence the noise and declutter our minds. Clearing mental clutter can reduce stress levels, sharpen our focus and lead to enhanced creativity.

Fall foliage is a blissful time of year for photographers in the New York region and a great time to embrace the silence. Playing in the colorful array of maple, oaks and birch trees can allow individuals to be more in tune with their surroundings, notice the nuances of nature and channel their emotions and experiences into their photography.

As we find the imagery that brings us joy and satisfaction, we can dismiss the illusion of photography being a popularity contest sanctioned by social media rules: likes, emojis, comments or shares. Our inner voice will have the final say on the quality of our image… nobody else. It’s not always a good or bad result, as plenty of variation exists to appease your creativity.

A Moment In Time - Congers, NY

In conclusion… simplicity can indeed be the ultimate form of sophistication. Take your time, silence your mind and cultivate a deeper level of understanding on your next life endeavor.

Until next time…

Cheers.

What's Old Is New Again - 2024

“Sooner or later, everything old is new again.”

~ Stephen King ~

Chrissy Field - San Francisco - 1987

The what’s old is new again movement is on fire. Just ask the Rolling Stones as AARP gets ready to sponsor their North American “Hackney Diamonds” tour in 2024. I’m sensing the 80 year band members will have afternoon concert venues to afford early bird pricing and allow adequate time to get seniors home by 7:00PM.

If we analyze this a bit further, the old is new mantra isn’t new and applies to numerous products of yesteryear. The retro world has been thriving for decades and simply rotates through various products as the authenticity and uniqueness of nostalgia is timeless.

Everything from the Polaroid camera, LL Bean Duck boots, flip phones, scrunchies and even the Old Fashioned is back in circulation at a bar near you.

The best example may actually be vinyl records… they’re enjoying a “Don’t Call It A Comeback” moment as sales have now increased 17 years in a row. In the US alone, they had a 4.2% increase in album sales last year to 42.5 million copies. So, don’t be quick in throwing out your Beastie Boys “License to Ill” (1977) original vinyl or the classic Fleetwood Mac “Rumours” (1977) album collecting dust in your closet. It may be a costly mistake.

Be patient young man (or women)… if you wait long enough, everything comes back into fashion. It’s the circle of life. I’ve been wearing my bellbottom jeans for 30+ years trying to flash my fashion genius and get ahead of the curve. I still have a functional pair of Hush Puppies shoes somewhere as well. If I can’t find them, my Chuck Taylor high tops will do in a pinch.

The “Mad Men” era of Madison Avenue brilliantly changed the rules of advertising and figured out how to discreetly separate you from your money. If it’s new & improved (think iPhone) or simply shiny, they’ll subliminally convince you to buy the new product. Don’t buy the hype… old stuff rules!

Photography is certainly no exception to this menagerie. Sure, some technology advancements are game changers and certainly inspire people to get out and shoot more images. This is a net positive to the purchase process. However, many improvements are simply fluff and not worth your time… or money.

In the end, buying a new camera isn’t going to improve your photography.

If I can use golfing as a quick analogy: Several years ago, I bought a new TaylorMade SIM2 Max driver. Boy, she was a beauty. I’ve never had a big swing, so the graphite shaft would allow a little more whip and club speed. The first time I used the club confirmed my beliefs… club speed accelerated on the first tee and the ball traveled about 25 yards further… into the woods. It was as though my new driver came with a Muir Woods membership. I spend more time bonding with nature than my foursome on the golf course. My errant tee shots were plentiful and I couldn’t find all the stray balls. However, I did find a few patches of poison ivy for my efforts.

Yellowstone National Park - 1990

Bass Harbor Lighthouse - Acadia National Park - 1992

I think you get my point… new equipment isn’t always the answer. Sorry. If you want to improve your photography in 2024, may I suggest looking at used equipment? There’s a plethora of great stuff at your local camera store looking for a new home (Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc). Even better advice… take private lessons, buy a few books, attend a workshop(s), sign up for seminars and purchase and/or subscribe to online photography websites. You can thank me later as it will be money well spent.

And there you have it… all the news/commentary fit to print on a late December day in 2023. Bring on the New Year!

Fisherman’s Wharf - San Francisco - 1987

Until next time…

Cheers.

Instant Photofication...

“Learning patience can be a difficult experience, but once

conquered, you will find life is easier.”

~Catherine Pulsifer~

Reflexions - Rockland Lake, NY

I remember my parents teaching me about patience as a child. It was more than just a virtue; it was something to be revered and indicative of age, discipline and maturity.

As the world evolves, I’ve noticed plenty of changes over the last 20 years and the ‘instant everything’ culture is perhaps the most prevalent. It’s trumping the concept of time & patience… for better and worse.

Today, everything is about speed… the faster the better. “We Report It First” is a TV news mantra full of fluff. Assuming your facts are correct, reporting with lightning speed is great. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. Who remembers Al Gore winning the State of Florida in the 2000 elections and thus the Presidency? Enough said. Not so fast.

Photography hasn’t been spared by this pandemic. Some degree of quality is sacrificed at the cost of speed. Most photojournalists shoot in .jpg format as the smaller files are easier to transmit than the larger raw files. Perhaps this isn’t a big deal in our social media driven world (small files are acceptable), but I think it’s fair to say most images aren’t post processed as much due to time constraints and thus, some compromise takes place.

Haverstraw, NY

Tennis Reflexions - Congers, NY

I’m not sure when this transgression took place, but I have a sneaky suspicion the AOL instant messaging revolution of 1997 and the Blackberry texting platform of 2002 were the culprits.

I’m starting to think old school is a better approach… bring back the Brownie camera (1900)! Okay, maybe that’s too far back. But, let’s do some reverse engineering and a take a giant step back and slow our roll. We don’t have to sprint to the social media finish line. Seriously… what’s the rush? There’s not much urgency in what photographers do. Sure, there are some exceptions, but the overall process of photography should be slow & deliberate.

Good things take time… writing a book, losing weight, gardening… even a Guinness requires time to complete the proper, two-pour process (no messing around on the this one!).

Photography falls into this category as well… it’s an intentional, mindful discipline that shouldn’t be rushed. The ability to relax and heighten one’s situational awareness comes with time… and dare I say, patience & maturity. Getting into the Flow State, as it’s often referred to by athletes, is state of optimal performance, characterized by complete focus on the present moment, a sense of control and a loss of self-consciousness.

The next time you snap some frames, wait a few days, if not weeks, before post processing your favorites. You’ll remove any emotional bias from your images and have a more critical eye during the secondary review. We’re all human and have emotions and/or feelings associated with time & place. A beautiful sunset in Santorini is a memory of a lifetime; however, if your emotions are front-running good composition, lighting and design elements, the passing of time before, during and after capturing your image(s) may be advantageous.

Santorini, Greece

As you’ve probably gathered, I’m not a fan of the instant everything world we now occupy. I certainly embrace technology and all it offers; however, I’d be first in line to revert back to old school media… newspapers, magazines and radio. I guess I’ll never be an Influencer?

In the words of the legendary Alfred Eisenstadt,

“People will never understand the patience a photographer requires to make a great photograph, all they see is the end result. I can stand in front of a leaf with a dew drop, or a rain drop, and stay there for ages just waiting for the right moment. Sure, people think I'm crazy, but who cares? I see more than they do!”

Until next time…

Cheers.

Intentional Camera Blur

“Photography has no rules. It’s not a sport.”

~ Said Every Photographer ~

Intentional camera blur (ICB) or motion photography is more popular than ever these days. I’ve always admired the creativity of this style and should do it more often! It’s a brilliant form of photography where you use a slow shutter speed to bring out your inner Picasso.

Rockland Lake, NY

This can be done by panning your subject… a simple technique whereby you follow your subject from left to right or up & down while shooting simultaneously. The slow shutter speed will render an artistic interpretation of the scene.

Some people will prefer to use a tripod while others like the freedom of hand holding the camera. It’s a personal choice, but if your shooting a landscape or something with a distinctive horizon line (i.e. ocean), a tripod with a good ball head is advantageous. It has a higher probability of rendering a crisp horizon line and the desired outcome. You may wish to use a cable release as well to allow one hand to executive the pan while the other trips the shutter.

Is there a correct shutter speed for getting these artistic images? Absolutely… not. It’s personal preference, freedom of expression and often depends on the subject. The slower the shutter speed, the greater the blur or colors you will capture.

Mountaincreek, NJ

US Open - Queens, NY

If you’re shooting sports and the athlete is running, set your camera to shutter priority (Tv on Canon) and try 1/15 or 1/20 of a second. Over the years, I’ve found this to be a good shutter speed for most sports. Pan or move your camera at the same speed as the athlete running past you. You normally want your athlete to be on a horizontal plane with you. If they are running past you (as opposed to away from you), it’s often easier to get the desired outcome. A smooth and steady panning technique coupled with using the built in motor drive on your camera (frames per second) will increase the likelihood of getting a winning image(s).

If the subject(s) happens to be still or motionless (i.e. trees, rocks, buildings), choose the speed that matches your end objective. Remember, one speed doesn’t fit all when panning. Moving your camera at the desired speed will provide a corresponding amount of motion or blur. The slower the shutter speed, the more abstract the image(s). This is where experimenting becomes your best friend. Trial & error is the name of the game. Take a few images and then look at your camera back. If you didn’t obtain the desired outcome… wash/rinse/repeat… take as many pictures as need be.

Most of us will shoot our ICB images in the left/right format. This seems to be more common than panning north/south for some reason. Both can be highly effective and you may wish to shoot the same subject in both formats and decide which one you prefer at a later time.

Westerly, RI (iPhone 12 Pro Max w/Slow Shutter app)

Exposure times from 1/2 second or longer may be an appropriate for this endeavor. The artistic world is your oyster, explore the spectrum of possibilities and don’t be surprised by the number of unacceptable frames that will result (read: crappy). You’re going to have a high throw away rate (%) and it’s normal. Par for the course. The delete button may become your best friend. Seriously… don’t get frustrated. Nobody is going to judge you on winners (%) vs losers (%)… they’re only going to see the few select Pulitzer Prize winners and say ‘Boom goes the dynamite’ (insert smile).

The beauty of this process is not just the final image though, but the rendering of a one of a kind picture. It’s difficult… if not impossible… to replicate a motion/blur image. I’ve always felt painters have the edge over photographers in that every piece of work they create is truly unique. Here’s where photographers can level the playing field as every ICB image is like a finger print… it too is truly special and virtually impossible to duplicate.

Paris, France

There are a few additional ways to create ICB images: One pertains to using a zoom lens and spinning the lens during the exposure (some zooms may be push/pull). You hold the camera steady and zoom the lens to or from. For example, if you’re using a 24mm-105mm lens, you can zoom from 24mm to 105mm during your exposure or 105mm to 24mm. No right or wrong direction, just personal choice. The 2nd option is what’s often referred to as ‘down the drain’. In this technique, you zoom as well, but instead turn the camera while holding the lens steady. The end result can be pure magic as it has a circular spin feel with the image making a circle pattern in your frame (see red tree above).

Paris, France

One last recommendation pertains to focusing. Because new cameras are brilliant at autofocus, the technology is going to want to focus on something (anything) before tripping the shutter. You may find it easier to pre-focus on your subject and then switch your lens focus button from auto to manual. Turn off image stabilization as well… there’s no point in asking the camera to stabilize an image when you’re intentionally trying to blur the final product. In the bike image above, I focused on the edge of the sidewalk, switched off autofocus and then followed the cyclist through the frame while firing 5-10 shots.

In closing… you can spend hours playing with ICB images as the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget, be patient and enjoy the journey!

Until next time…

Cheers.

Bits & Pieces - 2023

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

~ Walt Disney ~

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Photographers are forever chasing the light in search of patterns, lines, texture, highlights, shadows and color. Whether early morning or late evening, the more of these design elements that come together, the better the image. Subjects can vary widely, but it’s these design elements that often make the image.

In many lines of work, specializing in one subject or craft is required to elevate your skill set to the next level (i.e. Doctors). Some may disagree with me here; I don’t think this concept applies to photographers.

A friend of mine often says, “I specialize in not specializing” and his brilliant photographic talent(s) is on display in every image he shoots… landscape, wildlife, portraits, etc. If you think about it, at the end of the day, the exposure triangle of photography applies to all imagery. The proper mix of aperture, shutter speed and ISO is key to a correct exposure. This hasn’t changed in decades… perhaps even a century.

A recent quote got me thinking further about specializing and how many things an individual can you do well in life. I’ll paraphrase to keep things simple:

“A human should be able to change a diaper, catch a fish, start a fire, cook a meal, build a wall, write a poem, fight efficiently, solve problems, cooperate, act alone, give orders, take orders, comfort the dying and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”

Hmmm… sounds about right to me! Photographers aren’t insects and take a plethora of images while chasing the light. Some fall into neat concise boxes and can be categorized accordingly - sports, landscapes, travel, portraits. Many are simply random images with no home. I often call these images… Bits & Pieces.

Let’s get started. In no particular order, category or time line… here are a few of the above mentioned images.

Ft. Myers, Florida

Athens, Greece

Times Square - New York City

Hollywood, Florida

Until next time…

Cheers.