Random Musings... Part 2

This is the 2nd part to last months comments, thoughts, or Random Musings… Part 1

Anyone who’s a sports fan has to admit, fall is a brilliant time of year. The summer doldrums give way to crisp, intoxicating mornings with cool & pleasant nights and sports galore begin to dominate the airwaves… and my personal photography calendar. Everything from baseball, football, soccer and crew is in play at a local, collegiate and professional level.

The change in temperature also makes it a great time of year for putting on the hiking boots and enjoying the splendor of fall foliage. The Hudson Valley offers a plethora of color this time of year and the best views are often obtained off the beaten path. There are so many hiking trails or mountain biking paths in the region, picking one over the other is a moot point.

Clothing has its own transition as well. Sun shirts go into hibernation and polar fleece returns to every day wear. This may sound odd to warm weather residents, but gloves, hats, light jackets and a blanket take up residence in your Subaru. You never know when they’re going to be needed! Chilly or outright cold weather can show up at any time and rain and/or snow is common in Nov & Dec. Having the right gear for changing conditions keeps you warm & dry and simply elevates the outdoor experience. Remember, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”

Finally, as a photographer, please do not leave your camera at home! Any camera will do… iPhone, point & shoot, DSLR or mirrorless. Seriously. The model doesn’t matter. Just get out and shoot! The beautiful colors of fall, the abundance of sporting events and all the various festivals in the region are truly amazing. There is no shortage of wonderful photo opportunities.

Until next time.

Cheers…

Wrigley Field

High School Baseball… Anywhere, USA

High School Football… Anytown, USA

Random Musings... Part 1

I think the Scottish novelist J.M. Barrie got it right when he created the free spirited character of Peter Pan. Where else can a mischievous child with the ability to fly live in the modern world? Toss in the fact he lives on the mystical island of Neverland and the best part… yup… he never grows old!

When we’re young, the “I can’t waits…” lurk around every corner of life. I can’t wait until I’m tall enough to ride the roller coaster. I can’t wait for summer vacation. I can’t wait to get my drivers license. I can’t wait to turn 18, etc.

Then one day you wake up and presto-chango… you’re 50 something years old. Now I can’t wait for a time machine to go back to 30 something!

Motivation in Blue (Tungsten) - Rockland Lake, NY

I’m not a fan of the aging process. Seriously… it’s like the tide coming in. You can only hold it at bay for so long. The fact remains… the stuff I did at 25, I’d like to continue doing today… same pace, energy and results. Note to younger self: Aside from a fleeting moment of hitting 62 mph on my skis last year (think Toby Keith… “I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was”) things don’t play out like they use to.

So, I continue to channel my inner Ponce de Leon in search of the fountain of youth. In the meantime, I believe I’ve found a temporary substitute. It happens to be 3 miles down the road and resembles a large building full of weights & cardio machines. I think they call it a gym. It even has a water fountain, but you would be well advised to bring your own water in fear of getting the cooties. I have an informal reservation each morning @ 7:30. Sometimes I really push the tempo and other times I think I’m just in search of my younger self.

While I sort out this getting older thing, slowing things down and hitting the pause button is the goal these days. Trying to squeeze extra minutes out of every hour is a challenge. I believe it to be a noble endeavor. It can be hard at times, particularly when work creates its own schedule & deadlines.

One Foot In Front of the Other - Rockland Lake, NY

The weekend becomes my oasis and allows a different story to unfold. There’s a bit more flexibility and time for personal play

Saturday morning begins with a different mind set. No gym routine nor structured format to the day. Fielder’s choice is the protocol… basically, do what you want when you want. Waking up to a cup of coffee in my fuzzy slippers and doing some reading is a great start. This may be followed by a little mountain biking and/or photography. During the fall months, I tend to shoot something sports related at the local high school or West Point. If nothing is on the calendar, I often visit one of the local lakes to discover a photo or two. They have a weekend buzz of their own and it’s energizing to see so many people in motion early in the morning. The relaxed pace of my day coupled with a decent frame or two always puts a smile on my face.

Red Wine… Soul Food

Over the years… or decades… I’ve come to believe, weekends are good for the soul. It’s a yin & yang thing. They re-calibrate life and allow you to collect your thoughts and energies. I’m sure one day a fountain of youth will be discovered… or perhaps a great time machine… but, in the meantime, father time marches on.

Finally… I would be remiss if I didn’t admit to a glass of red wine (or two) making the weekend even better.

Cheers…

Something Old, Something New?

Ah yes… the magic of marketing.

Where else can you see/read/hear an advertisement and then impulsively find yourself shelling out money for something you probably didn’t need in the first place?

We’ve all been there and I’m as guilty as the next person. Going to Starbucks several times a week for a $3 coffee is my brilliant example. It’s ridiculous when I think about it. I can buy an entire can of Chock Full O’Nuts Coffee (Cuban Roast if you’re curious) for $9.99. It affords 90 cups of coffee for about $0.12 per cup. I choose to go to my local Starbucks though and plunk down $3 per visit.

I must be an idiot.

Giants Causeway - N. Ireland (Sony Rx100 IV - 1/80th, f5.6, ISO 400)

I’m starting to think the same logic applies to buying camera equipment. It’s the dangling carrot in my world. The thrill of the hunt… chasing technology… new cameras & faster lenses.

The reality is everything from a smartphone to a medium format camera will take good quality images these days. They all put an incredible amount of creative flexibility in your hands. With technology advancing at a break-neck pace, new models from every manufacturer are released on an annual basis. So much so, Apple brilliantly builds iPhone suspense around their latest & greatest upgrades which seem to take place every September.

This leads me to my technology delusion… or dilemma: How often do I upgrade my equipment? As a semi-professional, there are many items to consider. The most obvious are: cost, quality, sensor size, weight, megapixels and frames-per-second (fps).

Advertising doesn’t make the choice(s) any easier. Nikon is “At the Heart of the Image” while Canon wants you to “See Impossible.” Basically, both of these market leaders hope you upgrade your camera equipment on a regular basis.

W. Nyack, NY (iPhone 7 Plus)

The smartphone is unquestionably the camera of choice these days for the masses. This may not be the professionals choice, but I’d venture to say everyone uses it for wireless transfers and then posts to social media. So, while it may not always be your first choice in capturing an image, it’s certainly part of the process. Overall, it’s a brilliant camera despite its obvious limitations. Statistics seem to indicate there are more pictures taken with an iPhone every year (1.2 billion) than every other camera combined. Considering the iPhone didn’t even exist at the turn of the century, this is truly remarkable.

Army Football - Canon 7D Mark II (1,400th, f3.2, ISO 125)

For the DSLR and/or mirrorless enthusiasts.. bigger is better. The larger the sensor, the better the image quality. Period. However, the new top of the line cameras from Canon, Nikon and Sony will set you back $3,000-$5,000 each. Depending on the genre of your photography, this cost is a major financial hurdle. Gone are the days of travel assignments where you were well paid to shoot original content. Today, plenty of wire services (i.e. AP, Getty, Reuters, etc.) are selling regurgitated contractual photos for $5 each. Sadly, this has permanently altered the publishing landscape and the photojournalism industry.

Personally, I have a few different cameras in my bag these days. They all take good quality photos and tend to fill different needs.

• iPhone 7 Plus - Everyday use - always with me

• Holga 120N - Medium format film camera. Light leaks. Fun plastic camera

• Sony Rx100 IV - Lightweight travel camera. Zeiss lens. One inch sensor

• Canon 7D Mark II - Everyday use & sports camera. APS-C sensor. 10fps

Army Football (Canon 7D Mark II - 1/250th, f5.6, ISO 500)

So, as I look to add another camera body to the mix primarily for sports use, I struggle with what to buy(?). Sadly, the only full frame camera with great quality and adequate fps in the Canon line up is the 1Dx Mark II. It’s considered the professional camera and retails for about $5,000. There’s no doubt it’s worth every penny, but a far cry from the $1,800 price tag on the 7D Mark II. I’ve occasionally rented the Canon 1Dx Mark II for sporting events in which a full frame sensor was desired (i.e. Army/Navy football).

I may be the exception when it comes to upgrading equipment. I usually don’t feel the need to follow the ‘newer is better’ cadence so prevalent in the industry. Some advancements are truly ground breaking (i.e. film to digital, image stabilization, etc.); however, most advancements are minor refinements or slight improvements that truthfully won’t improve your creative vision or artistic ability.

This reminds me of the analogy about the golfer buying new clubs with a $1,000 budget. He would be well advised to buy clubs in the $400-$500 price range and spend the rest of the money on lessons. Sadly, the reality is they will purchase $1,000 clubs and take zero lessons. What is the end result? Yup… you guessed it… they now hook their tee shot a little faster and drive the ball an additional 30 yards into the woods. Blissful ignorance at its best.

In most areas of life, I’m very pragmatic. I’m under no false pretenses that a new camera is going to improve my photography skills. Similar to the golfer, if my pictures currently lack an inherent quality, a bigger, faster camera isn’t going to change anything. I’ll simply take more crappy pictures at an accelerated rate. Time to sign up for more workshops!

In summary… we’re always running after new technology. It will always be a step ahead of us. What to buy & when will always be a central theme. The psychological desire for bigger & better seems to be human nature (dare I say an American trait?); however, the grounded part of me will stay in my comfort zone. A few decisive factors will always include;

• Be realistic

• Buy what you can afford

• Make do

Starbuck’s - Montvale, NJ (iPhone 7 Plus - Portrait Mode)

In the meantime, it’s time to get outdoors and find some creative inspiration.

Thoughts and suggestions are always welcome (feel free to leave a comment).

Cheers…

Destination Anywhere

Lisbon, Portugal

Over the last 200 years, there have been a plethora of monumental events... world wars, political upheavals, famine, mass exoduses, etc. and yet families still have petrified roots in one particular region of a country. So, there's always a bit of jealousy when friends travel to Europe to visit family. Me on the other hand, I look at the globe without boundaries. I guess this could be viewed as sad in a sense, but enlightening at the same time.

As a result, when it comes to planning vacations, destination anywhere is my rule.

I've had the good fortune of trekking to some wonderful places over the last decade. Winter vacations always have a skiing orientation while summer travel is couple related with lots of sightseeing.

Everywhere from Maine to California and Ireland to Switzerland have made the agenda. It's always gratifying to start the process every year... select, plan, execute and cross the destination off the list upon returning. 

Mark Twain once said...

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

I wholeheartedly agree.

I'm non-discriminate when it comes to traveling, exploring or sailing away. There are so many places to see in this beautiful world of ours, where you go is essentially irrelevant. 

Growing up as an only child, I had plenty of boyhood dreams. They usually involved becoming a professional athlete in some capacity, but the realistic ones were focused on traveling to exotic locations.

My parents had Scottish/Canadian/German/Irish ancestry but no specific region(s) abroad to call home. As such, I consider myself a mixed bag of ethnicity with an American bias.

Barcelona, Spain

Every destination has been unique and light years apart in visual aesthetics & historical relevance and yet all have been equally as memorable.  The small fishing villages of Maine are classic New England and offer world class charm. Greece, on the other hand, is so rich in history, it's hard to wrap your head around 2,000 years of civilization.

Church of Panagia - Mykonos, Greece

Plenty of friends have a home field bias when it comes to traveling and prefer to stay in familiar surroundings. I guess our country is so big & diverse, they don't feel the urge to travel outside our borders? Or, maybe anything before 1776 is irrelevant? Although I'll never know for sure... and will never impose my views on them... I do think they're missing out on a meaningful element of life.

Rossnowlagh - County Donegal, N. Ireland

In my experience(s), I've come to the conclusion, international travel offers an astonishing path to self-discovery. Not only is it good for the soul, It's truly enlightening & educational on many levels. Everything from culture, food, language and even politics (especially these days) comes into play and challenges your core beliefs. Many will remember the self help books of the '80's discussing getting outside your comfort zone to allow for personal growth. Most of these books never directly mentioned travel; however, I think it's fair to say the indirect benefits of globe trotting meet this criteria.  

Portland Head Lighthouse - Cape Elizabeth, Maine

So, you might be asking, "What have I learned or discovered in my journeys?" Several things would be the correct answer. However, at the top of the list is NOT knowing a second language. Every time I go to Europe, I'm quickly reminded of this fact. I understand Europe has numerous countries next to one another with different languages. Simply based on geography, you're bound to learn one, if not two, purely by osmosis. If NY, NJ, CT and MA were different countries with unique languages, I would probably be fluent in several languages as well.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Years ago... and for some unknown reason... I opted to take French instead of Spanish classes in high school. What a dummy. To this day, I scratch my head at this decision. Not only did I grow up in an area of New York with a Latino influence, I never had a chance to use my French and it rapidly disappeared. To make matters worse, I was well aware of Spanish becoming the dominant language in the world.

I'm not sure if I was ignorant at the time, but a dunce hat seems appropriate in hindsight. 

Lastly... I hope to continue my travels as it broadens my outlook on life & humanity. Who knows, I may even finally learn a second language as well.

Cheers... 

Artistic Endeavors...

Artist, Photographer, Image Maker or Visual Storyteller? How do you categorize your creative endeavors these days? It's a fair question as the lines are getting blurred in the digital era. I know several well known Photographers who use the words Artist or Visual Storyteller in their Instagram profile.

Keep in mind, there's no right or wrong answer here...  simply personal choice.

I'll readily admit, I'm a Photographer at heart when it comes to news related events (i.e. politics, sports, graduations, etc.). Some might call me a Purist to a certain degree. There are certain rules & ethics that apply to photojournalism that should never be violated. Namely, do NOT alter the final image. Sure, a little adjustment to the brightness or maybe some added contrast is acceptable... but that's it. The integrity of the image should always remain intact.

Old timers will remember the 1982 National Geographic faux pas. The magazine was seeking a graphically appealing image of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt and moved one of the two pyramids for a better composition. Bad move. A firestorm of controversy ensued and the credibility of National Geographic came into question. They violated a coveted rule.

And so began the digital age of photography...

Shadow Dancing

Outside of news events, any other time affords you the opportunity to get creative! If breaking the rules leads to better art, photography, image making or visual story telling, fly your freak flag and get busy! Go beyond your circle of comfort, break the rules and try new things! The more creative the better.

Personally, I don't think these creative excursions will ever become my primary focus. But, let it be known, the whole process is highly enjoyable... almost addicting. You can spend hours playing with new technology and the plethora of mobile apps on the market these days. Trust me when I say, you will never get bored. 

Trophy Point - West Point, NY

You may also wish to mix & match cameras, software and mobile apps in pursuit of your art.  There's no one size fits all. I often shoot the original picture on my Canon 7D Mark II or Sony Rx100 IV then wirelessly transfer the image to my iPhone for post processing. Sometimes I'll go from the iPhone to Lightroom on my PC and then back to the iPhone. I'm sure a lot of people will do one stop photography on their iPhone. But, your mobile phone shouldn't be considered the end-all-be-all. Shooting with my 8mm-15mm fish eye or 300mm/f2.8 lens cannot be duplicated on the iPhone. With all the built-in features and higher quality optics of new cameras, why limit yourself?  

The Harbors - Haverstraw, NY

I've certainly wandered off the beaten path of photography in recent years. With so many creative opportunities at your fingertips, it's hard not to experiment. Sometimes I get a pile of rubbish and can't hit the delete button fast enough. Other times, I'm pleasantly surprised when a few diamonds emerge from the memory card. 

Empire State Building - NYC

Depending on your vision, there are many avenues to reach your artistic goals. As noted above, I use several tools & apps when post processing images. This list would include... Lightroom... and a host of iPhone apps... Snapseed, Camera+, Hipstamatic, Brushstroke, Waterlogue, Slow Shutter, Grungetastic, Glaze, TinType and Distressed FX.

Photographers can be a serious lot. Always on the prowl for the perfect image. It's time to relax and bring back your sense of wonder. Time to get out and play. 

Cheers...

Dare To Be Different

Life is full of rules. 

It starts at a young age... listen to your mother... do as you're told... do as I say, not as I do (one of my personal favorites!)... clean your room... make your bed... stay within the lines... raise your hand... speak when spoken to... don't talk back... etc.

You could go on-and-on. 

When it comes to photography, there are plenty of rules as well. Some have validity, while many are simply confining (see paragraph #1... Stay within the lines). There should be a footnote in every photography book:

***Conforming to all rules may be hazardous to your creativity***

Studies have shown that children can be incredibly creative before they know anything about do's & don'ts. Their sense of artistic expression has no boundaries at a young age... then Kindergarten comes along and everyone is taught to follow the same guidelines. Exit creativity... enter similarity.

Rotating the camera with a 1/8 shutter speed

Okay, I'll admit, I'm oversimplifying the process. Knowing the rules is always advantageous; however, knowing when to break them and deviate from the group consensus can produce unique imagery. Some of the most creative photographers I've seen in recent years know little or nothing about the technical elements of photography or composition. They simply have a wanderlust for capturing a moment in time. 

Some of the more popular photography rules include;

#1. Fill the frame (no empty space).

#2. Don't cut off limbs (i.e. don't crop at the knees or elbows)

#3. Utilize the Rule of Thirds (think tick-tack-toe grid).

#4. A clean background is desirable (dark or simple).

#5. Balance visual weight (objects should compliment each other).

#6. Foreground interest & depth is desirable (i.e. beginning, middle and end).

#7. Present a unique point of view (high, low, etc).

#8. Use leading lines (s-curves and lines will lead the viewer through the frame).

#9. Frame your subjects with natural objects (i.e. trees, leaves, buildings, etc.).

#10. Incorporate rule of odds... (i.e. 3 birds are better than 4).

Rule of Odds... 3 is better than 2

Knowing when to follow rules... and when to break them... is part of the photographers artistic expression. Setting up a shoot for commercial or advertisement purposes affords a lot of control. Street photographers, on the other hand, will have to patiently bide their time until a scene comes together. In the end, the creative vision of the individual will dictate the final frame. 

Shapes & Lines (7Up Bottle)

Many artists have discussed the topic of rules for centuries. I'll finish with one of my favorite quotes... 

"Learn the rules like a pro,

so you can break them like an Artist." 

Pablo Picasso

Perspective 

Cheers...

Soul Food

A few years ago, I was getting bored with my photography. Similar to the perpetual tide, life has a way of ebbing & flowing and interests can wane. I wasn't bored to the point of selling my gear. God forbid. I was simply restless and not shooting on a regular basis.

My creative muse was nowhere to be found.

Although I wasn't overly concerned, I was frustrated. Everyone goes through these fruitless periods, but how & when do you emerge on the other side is always a mystery? When professional baseball players are in a slump, they revert back to fundamentals. All the things that got them to where they are become important again - hit the ball, field the ball, throw the ball and run the bases. Basics win games. Period. Get away from the rudimentary stuff and you lose your edge. 

In his book On Writing - A Memoir of the Craft, author Stephen King discusses his creative challenges. As prolific as he is, he too has mental constipation (as my father use to call it) when it comes to his craft. Most creatives find a daily routine to be their greatest ally. Write early in the morning. Make your phone calls late in the day and so forth. He is no different. Mornings are his most productive time to write. Perhaps a rested mind first thing in the morning is key? Or maybe it's the excitement of a new day? Fact remains, he has difficult stretches like everyone else... after all, he's human. When he's struggling to find the right words though, he gets up from his desk and goes for a walk. He tries to rid himself of mental clutter and get back to basics.

A wise man once said, "Boredom always precedes a great period of creativity."

I'm not sure if my boredom was followed by great creativity? This would certainly be a reach (high expectations in that statement and way too much pressure!). Let's just say, I got back to basics and my muse magically reappeared.

I've always enjoyed the photographic process. I relish the belief the world slows down when I'm taking pictures. Things tend to move in slow motion and time becomes secondary. Morning dew, wild flowers and even a NYC bridge appear different when I'm actually seeing and not just looking.

I hesitate to say, you view the world differently when you're at peace with yourself. Sounds a bit spiritual animal like, but think about it - when you're relaxed, breathing easy and in your photographic zone, the world comes to you. Creative imagery seems more abundant and you don't seem to work as hard. It's almost effortless and the creative process becomes enjoyable again. We know it's true, we've all been there. It would be great to bottle a few of these moments and break them out in times of need. 

I think my expanded addition of image boxes helped me to emerge from my slump. My Canon DSLR continues to be my camera of choice. It's the work horse in the collection (especially for sports). It also has a great fit & feel in my hands - something often overlooked by photographers. I've also upgraded to an iPhone 7 Plus, received a GoPro 5 as a gift and purchased a Sony Rx100 IV to boot. The iPhone is simply an evolution and a new one was required. The GoPro is self explanatory... action/adventure. And, the Sony camera is my generalist. It's like a utility player in baseball. It does everything well. It's not going to be an all star at any one position, but it plays every position with competency. The small mirrorless wonder packs quite a punch as well (21MP). It's small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, but bold enough to become a steady companion. It's now my travel camera due to quality, size and all its various features (i.e. wireless, b&w, miniature, toy camera, raw images, etc.). 

All four cameras have given me a new sense of adventure. The ability to see things with new eyes. They give me a reason to wake up early and explore. 

It's like soul food and a breath of creative fresh air at the same time.

Cheers...

Dreaming of Summer

The joy of summer...

I'll be the first to admit, I love winter because of my skiing addiction. However, my better half isn't a skier so the camaraderie and shared experience doesn't exist. This may sound trivial, but I sometimes think the best part of discovering new places is sharing the journey.

When you're young with a restricted budget, anywhere affordable is a beautiful place. New England is an easy drive from the NYC area and always extends a warm greeting. The colonial charm, charismatic harbors and colorful buoys can only be surpassed by the delight of camping with a little fishing on the side. It's hard not to enjoy the coastal towns from Connecticut to Maine. Oh yea... and a stop at the flagship LL Bean store in Maine can only be considered a bonus! 

Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Many a day has since come & gone since the above mentioned vacation(s), but one thing remains: I still enjoy camping. I sense this will always be the case. The complexity of life meeting a four person tent has a unique way of simplifying the important elements of daily existence. It's more of the collecting moments and things mind set. 

At the end of the day, something so basic... Sleep/Eat/Play... can be so refreshing (sorry - couldn't resist the play on words).  

Bar Harbor, Maine

What use to be a family event of four has diminished to two participants. It's an evolution of sorts and it comes with emotional side effects. Big boy schedules make it difficult to get everyone in one place. Life also has a habit of evolving into a series of grown up commitments. Getting ewveryone in one place for a holiday these days is a challenge. 

Barcelona, Spain

My vacation interests have now expanded and are keenly in tune with European culture, cuisine and funny colored money. While I've been across the Atlantic in the past, it's become more of an infatuation as of late. I honestly can't seem to get enough. Toss in the currency differentials that have been favorable for Americans and there's been a strong economic tailwind (think stronger dollar, weaker Euro). I thought the jet stream from west to east transported people quickly to Europe? Not true. Let the dollar float freely and appreciate against foreign currencies and people get to England, Spain, France, etc. in record time! 

Plenty of destinations get bantered around every year. It's part of the "Where to Next" conversation and the start of the selection process. It's really not a complicated affair and I don't want it to appear as such. With international travel so readily abundant these days, there are so many places easily accessible around the globe. If you think of our parents and grandparents generations, nobody ever discussed traveling to Iceland, Galapagos, etc. Come to think of it, the word airplane wasn't associated with any of my summer vacation discussions. Times have certainly changed. 

Santorini, Greece

Side note: Because I've never known the origin of the word vacation, I decided to Google it. What I learned is actually interesting.

The word vacation originated in England and refers to the time teachers and students 'vacated' school. The ones who got away from it all were considered privileged.

In the early part of the 19th century, the elite went away to improve their health. This is a bit perplexing to me as the normal routine during that era was to work six days a week and then rest on the 7th day (i.e. God rested on the seventh day). Religion preached the values of hard work and idle time lead to nothing but trouble. 

I'm not sure if I feel privileged, but I will certainly acknowledge being thankful for a host of reasons. Good health being on top of the list.

My pilot light for adventure has been burning for decades. It flickers every once-in-a-while, but never seems to go out. With a little luck, it will continue to fuel my wanderlust into the foreseeable future. 

In the meantime, this years 'Where to Next' conversation continues and Portugal seems to be the front runner. Lisbon, Porto and Sintra are rapidly becoming household names. I'm starting to sense cod fish or Pasteis de bacalhau will be on the dining menu in short order.   

Cheers...

Off the Grid...

"Unplug to reconnect..."

I first heard this phrase a few years ago. My initial thought was it sounds too simple to have validity. Fast forward to today and I'd like to change my mind. I think the statement has merit.

My iPhone 7 Plus died last week. No warning. It simply powered down on its own never to restart again. It suffered a tragic death after eight beautiful months of life. I guess I would have expected a longer life expectancy, but it wasn't meant to be. It served its purpose in the disposable electronics world. On a more pleasant note... it's still under warranty and a new one should arrive soon.

The first couple of days were a bit uncomfortable. Not having the portability of a mobile phone/computer and constant contact leaves a void. There's an awkward fear of missing something. Anything. The biggest adjustment for me wasn't the silence or lack of Olympic tweets & updates, it was not having a watch! As silly as this sounds, I haven't worn a watch for over a decade. I found myself asking strangers for the time. Fortunately, nobody hit me with the old joke "Do I look like Big Ben to you?" (note to self: Stop messing around. Time to buy a watch).

This gets me thinking about our 24/7 connected world. Do we really need to be connected all the time? Seriously. How much would we miss if we checked our cell phones once or twice a day? Time is often considered our most valuable asset. The amount of time we spend staring at our phone, waiting for a text, or updating our social media feeds borders on insane.  

A survey by Deloitte in 2015 found Americans collectively check their mobile devices 8 billion times per day. Usage varies based on age, but the average user will check their phone 46 times per day. This equates to 3.83 times per hour. We check our phones within five minutes of waking up and continuously check throughout the day. The survey does acknowledge increased usage is due in part to financial transactions like Apple Pay, Starbucks, etc. However, I have to believe the largest percentage of usage is due to texting and social media participation.

Maybe I'm old school, but I want to go back in time. The period where people got together and looked at one another when they talked. Where a head nod or a little body language spoke volumes to what was being discussed. Summer BBQ's were a time to catch up with family & friends and exchange pleasantries. You can argue families still gets together, but you pretty much know what everyone has done during the past year... or perhaps 15 minutes ago.

Christmas cards are even becoming a thing of the past. Posting a family portrait on Facebook with a festive border is the new standard. What happened to a card with a short note to say hello? Even the dreaded holiday letter was better than what we have now. It's time to revert back to a more simple era.

I recently read a great article on the Travel Channel website about unplugged vacations entitled, the 'digital detox' solution. How to go cold turkey. The collection of 32 island destinations in the Caribbean require you to turn over any mobile or electronic device(s) upon arrival.

I'll quietly applaud the concept... sounds like pure bliss.

Cheers...

 

For the Love of Skiing

America has a love/hate relationship with winter. It's too cold, too long or simply not in favor.

As for me? I like all the seasons... especially winter! It can be pure magic. A recent sign said it all..... 

Since the wee age of two, skiing has been a passion. The joy of being outdoors never gets old. Getting lost in the moment is easy when you're in the mountains. Fresh air, beautiful vistas and, the smell of Pine trees tickle your senses.

Yup... breath it all in. It's a celebration of life.  

Bromley Mountain, VT (Circa 1968)

Twenty years ago, my better half entered my life. Aside from my witty humor (insert smile), she was astonished that I hadn't been to any of the Caribbean Islands.

Sad, but true. None of them.

To put it in perspective, I had never taken a warm weather vacation. Again, sad, but true. Sure, I went camping in Rhode Island as a kid. But, vacations were primarily cold weather related.

She asked, "Did you always go skiing in the winter?" I responded, "Duh, when else do you ski?" (Okay, it didn't exactly get said as I just described, but you get the point!).

Telluride, CO

Aside from departing Lake Tahoe one summer for New Zealand in pursuit of my endless winter (note: I skied 150 days this year. A personal best.), traveling from one winter season to another was normal. It's something I never thought about. 

Vail, CO

There's been plenty of miles & smiles over the years. The crows feet in my eyes represent more than aging. They're a sign a good living. Fond memories and plenty of downhill descents. Hundreds of miles have been logged and hundreds more still remain.

The Posse... Telluride, CO

Ski film maker Warren Miller has been an undeniable influence in my life. Safe to say, he didn't get me started in the sport. This credit goes to my parents. But, he could make you dream of distant places. His annual film put things in perspective. Skiing was a wonderful sport and one where a lifetime of memories could be obtained.

He planted many seeds in his commentary and always ended each film stating, "If you don't do it this year, you'll only be one year older when you do." Amen.

Chamonix, France

It's hard to fathom getting to every destination I've ever dreamed about. So many mountains. So little time. Most folks tend to take one nice vacation per year. If I managed one great ski vacation every year, I'd have to live until the age of 135 to get to each & every resort.

Taos, NM

With a little luck, I'm hoping there are still plenty of turns in my future.

Cheers...

The Joy of Hipstamatic

It happens more often than we think. History repeats itself. Things cycle back into fashion. What's old is new again. A couple of examples; vinyl records and Poloroid cameras. The popular Fuji Instax camera is a slight modification to the latter, but same principal. Instant pictures.

If you search Photography in the Apple App Store, you get 2,000+ results. Lots to choose from. Some great. Some not so much. One standout is Hipstamatic. Since winning Apples 1st App of the Year Award (circa 2009), it's been a gold star product. Constantly updated with new features and benefits (i.e. HipstaPaks).

I'm sure many photographers are already familiar with the app. However, anyone from the print film era will relish in the nostalgic lenses and film choices starting at $2.99. 

By definition... Hipstamatic is a stylish iPhone camera app for taking unique images. You can obtain a vintage or retro appearing photo through a great selection of analog film, lens and flash effects. This allows you to turn the ordinary into extraordinary (I would be remiss if I didn't mention they were the original photo filter app and have pioneered the current square format so common to social media photography).

With so many features to choose from in the basic app, you'll never get bored. Should you reach the point of needing something new, there are plenty of add-on offerings. Some of the new Hipstapak's include; Capetown, Agra, Barcelona, Retro, Hanalei & Denali. Here you will find various styles to your liking with prices ranging from $0.99 to $5.99.

A friend recently told me, "New Is Boring." Yup... that about sums it up. Hipstamatic is here to stay. The Millennials have spoken! Having recently purchased more Hipstpaks myself, it's time for me to get busy!

For the record: I'm not paid by Hipstamatic, LLC to endorse their product. I'm just a raving fan!

Cheers...

Army | Navy | Football | Philadelphia | #118

Army and Navy got together for an afternoon of football this past Saturday @ Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. It was the 118th time the two institutions have played.

For 364 1/2 days of every year, the Army Black Knights and the Midshipman of Navy are brothers in arms. Ready to go into battle side-by-side to defend America's freedom. However, on the 1/2 day that falls every year on a Saturday in December, they prefer to pound each other into the turf. The perennial war cry of "Beat Army" or "Beat Navy" takes center stage. 

This year was different as Army had snapped Navy's 15 year winning streak in 2016 and had something to prove. They would show it wasn't a fluke, but rather a changing of the guard. The pride & dignity of the Army West Point football program has never wavered and confidence was running wild. The world was going to watch them sing second again after 60 minutes of football. Two in a row... a new era.

There was almost as much pressure on winning this year as last. Luck had no factor in 2016 and the Cadets were out to prove their point.

The only major difference this year? Snow in the forecast. Some might argue this helps Army. However, if you think about it... both schools run a triple option offense. Thus, no real advantage to either program. 

Surprisingly, the game was played with zero turnovers. Pretty remarkable... considering the 3-5 inches of snow that fell in the Philly area. Neither offense coughed up the ball. And, neither defense forced a turnover. A disciplined day of football.

It seemed fitting after 59 minutes of ground & pound or more appropriately, "3 yards and a cloud of fluff" a Navy field goal could win the game with seconds remaining. However, two penalties turned a fairly routine kick into an extremely difficult (and unlikely) 48 yard attempt.

The ball sailed just left of the uprights and the Army celebration began. 

Army defeated Navy 14-13 to keep the streak alive... 2 and counting. Folks will remember this game for a long, long time... the weather, Army's white uniforms celebrating the famed 10th mountain division and of course the missed field goal.

Another year of Army/Navy football comes to a close. America's Game captivated a nation for one Saturday afternoon and another page was added to the glorious historic rivalry.  

Cheers...

Sing Second

Next Saturday, December 9, Army & Navy will play for the 118th time in Philadelphia. The goal is the same every year. Win the game first and sing second. The latter is a key compliment to every victory. A trophy in itself. Singing at the top of your lungs while your sole is bursting with pride is a memory of a lifetime.

While this custom is fairly common for most colleges, it's always the case for military academy sporting events. Every game against Air Force and Navy has singing second on the line. It's tradition. You stand with each other at the end of the game to sing the alma mater of each academy. The winning team gets to sing second.

This years Army/Navy game has a special bonus. The Commander-In-Chief Trophy (CIC) is on the line. It's not common for the the last game of the year to decide the best military academy football team. It's only happened 7 other times. However, next Saturday the 175 pound trophy will be on the line at Lincoln Financial Field.

At a recent press conference, Army head coach, Jeff Monken, was asked about the CIC trophy. "Twenty one years" he stated with a soured face. "It would be a great thrill for this year's team and a great source of pride for the whole academy of Army to win that trophy again."

It never gets old.

Cheers...

Oprah + 3

Research indicates 42% of college graduates will never read another book after college. Also, 80% of households never purchased a book last year. Seriously? If this is true, I'm speechless. I'm not setting the reading world on fire, but I tend to read 1 or 2 books per month. They are usually of the non-fiction variety, different subjects, but tend to have an artistic bias. 

Chamonix, France 

There's so much to learn and not enough time! What's that old expression, 'Reading is fundamental'? I'm sure when I'm 70 years old one day, I'll be saying the same thing. In the meantime, let's get busy and discuss three great photo books.

Photography is a niche market... and a small market at that. Safe to say, I don't think I've ever seen a photo book on the New York Times best seller list or the Oprah Winfrey book club. 

Should "O" ever call me to discuss my favorite photography books, I do have three I've read in 2017 worthy of conversation...

In no particular order, they are:

1. The Passionate Photographer by Steve Simon

http://www.thepassionatephotographer.com/

2. Understanding Color in Photography by Bryan Peterson

https://bpsop.com/understanding-color/

3. Creative Visualization for Photographers by Rick Sammon

http://ricksammon.com/blog2/2015/2/15/excerpt-5-creative-visualization-for-photographers

Taos, New Mexico

All books are brilliant in their own right and should be read multiple times. Unlike a novel, books with technical detail often require you to put the book down or go out and shoot a few frames to test a new idea. Reading them a 2nd time is often wise.

I've always been of the adage, if you can walk away with one or two great ideas, the book(s) was worth your time. These three (3) above will not disappoint. All the authors fill the pages with passion, commitment and expertise.

Athens, Greece

In this post, I'll focus on a Steve Simon philosophy. He feels a photographer shouldn't look at their images for weeks or months after an assignment. He feels the emotional bias should be removed from the images before the photographer takes an honest look at his/her images.

I'm not sure I've ever followed this concept before? However, over the last few months, I must admit, the principal has grown on me. Removing any bias from the moment, day or week the image was captured is enlightening. It's akin to an editor looking at your images. They don't give a hoot about the emotion, weather or challenges that may have existed. They simply want to see good quality pictures. 

So, in recent days, I followed this logic. I went back and revisited both personal projects and travel images to review them with new, unbiased, fresh eyes. The images that caught my attention for one reason or another are included in this blog. 

If you haven't tried this strategy in your review process, I'd encourage you to give it a go. It's truly a humbling process... in a good way! Cheers...

Sante Fe, New Mexico

Sharpen the Saw

In his best selling book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," Stephen R. Covey was onto something when he added the last habit, 'Sharpen the Saw.' He succinctly states, "Habit #7 is taking the time to sharpen the saw. It surrounds the other habits on the Seven Habits paradigm because it is the habit that makes all the others possible.

When you consider some of the other habits include; Be Proactive and Begin with the End in Mind, this is a powerful statement.

As I sit here and watch game #1 of the ALCS playoffs between the New York Yankees and Houston Astros, I think of players getting into the cage before each game and taking their cuts. They play 162 games per year and and still practice before every game. There's not much time for getting rusty. Repetition, timing and rhythm though is everything. 

Photography is very similar. It goes without saying that shooting everyday produces better results. You see things more clearly. Your artistic vision is improved. And, your timing is often better (especially in sports). Images just seem to come together. Baseball players often discuss slowing down the game. This allows them to increase their eye-mind-body coordination and enhance performance. As photographers, we're not trying to slow down a 99 mph fastball, but be more in the moment and in tune with our environment. 

In recent years, I've made it a point to attend at least one educational endeavor per year. My version of batting practice. This can be a photo seminar, workshop, presentation or something similar. Regardless of your level of experience, putting yourself in this environment is stimulative. Life is an endless learning process and this keeps you in the game.

Nat Geo/Santa Fe Workshop 2016 - Donald Gerome

The National Geographic Workshop in Santa Fe got things started in 2015. A terrific 5 days of classroom education coupled with daily shooting was perfect. The Santa Fe vibe was spectacular and offered plenty of photo opportunities. If you could channel your inner Ansel Adams and/or Georgia O'Keeffe artistry, it was nearly impossible not to be inspired.  

This year a different approach was taken. I ventured out to the mid-west for the Out of Chicago Conference. A multi-day event structured around seminars, lectures, and photo walks. A slightly different format from last year. Plenty of thought provoking seminars, topics and great camaraderie. Toss in the great City of Chicago and your photographic senses were kicked into overdrive.

With nothing booked as of yet for 2018, a little research awaits me. Not sure as of yet where my passion will take me? One thing is for sure, it will be enjoyable. Submersing yourself in something you love pays dividends. Speaking the same language with others for multiple days, forming new friendships, renewing existing ones and looking for your next image is all part of improving your craft.

t's time to check my schedule, google a few items and get things in order for 2019. Time to Sharpen the Saw once again...

Out of Chicago 2017 - Fisheye Perspective

Out of Chicago 2017 - Lake Shore Drive

Order On the Court...

The US Open 2017... Some old names reigned and some young guns emerged. Let's get to the action - more pictures, less words.

Spain's Raging Bull - Rafael Nadal (ESP)

The Color of Money... ~ Sony Rx100 IV ~

Shadow Dancing

She's Back - And Still A Fan Favorite... Maria Sharapova (RUS)

Chasing the Dream - Kevin Andersen (ZAF)

Her First Major Win - Sophia Kenin (USA)

In Focus - Gael Monfils (FRA)

16th Grand Slam Win - Rafael Nadal (ESP)

Until next year...

Silence & Respect

I'm not humbled by many things. As you age, you advance on the learning curve and many experiences start to fall under the 'been there, done that' banner. However, I must admit, to my surprise, I was humbled last week.

Arlington National Cemetery left me speechless.

A few extra days in Washington DC allowed me to play tourist. Going into Memorial Day weekend was a bonus. Mind you, this is not a celebratory event in our nations capital, but as told by numerous veterans, a day to remember those who gave their lives while serving our country.  

So began my history lesson.

On my first day, I beat feet to the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, National World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and of course the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. 

I figured I'd save Arlington National Cemetery for the last day as I assumed the vast size would require more time.

Upon crossing the Arlington Memorial Bridge, I quickly realized my planning was correct.

Upon turning left and passing through the main entrance gate, a number of things are instantly brought to your attention: The vast size of the cemetery. The deafening silence. The rolling knolls. The thousands-upon-thousands of white tombstones (I'm told 400,000 are buried here). The symmetry of every row. Kennedy's eternal flame. And of course, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

It is a spectacular place.

While I've never served in the military, I have a tremendous appreciation for all the men & women who have served our great nation. Freedom comes at a price and I don't take any of my liberties for granted. 

Silence and Respect.

Viva La France

Before Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman made a Bucket List a household phrase in 2007, many words conveyed the same concept. As a lifelong skier, I always had a Ski Wish List. It was even posted in my SUNY Buffalo dorm room for a few years. It always turned a few heads and inevitably led to interesting conversation.

Born in the month of January, some would say winter is in my my blood. It's certainly in my DNA. So much so, as a child I'd place a snowball in the freezer every year in search of an endless winter. Yup... true story. 

My list was simple and to the point.

What did I want to do in my lifetime that involved the sport of skiing?

While things constantly get added (and crossed off), there has been a bedrock of ski goals since day 1. An annual ski pilgrimage has allowed me to whittle down the list over time. Some key ambitions over the decades have included...

1) Live in a ski resort 2) Ski as many days as possible in 1 calendar year (for the record... 150 remains my personal best!) 3) Teach skiing for a year or two 4) Jackson Hole, WY 5) Telluride, CO 6) Whistler/Blackcomb, BC, Canada 7) Lake Tahoe (Alpine, Squaw, Heavenly, etc.) 8) Ski/explore New Zealand 9) Heli-ski n the Bugaboos/Cariboos, Canada 10) Big Sky, MT 11) Ski/experience Chamonix, France 12) Stop getting frost bitten (i.e. older & wiser?) 13) Ski Corbits Couloir @ Jackson Hole 14) Ski in South America... Portillo, Chili 15)Alta/Snowbird, UT.

Having recently returned from a tremendous week of skiing in Chamonix, I'm pleased to say I can put a check mark next to lucky #11. It only took a few decades to complete the task. But, hey... good things take time! And, while it's never fair to compare one mountain vs another (every resort is unique). This one was special. Chamonix/Mt. Blanc can best be described as "Simply Majestic". 

The size and scale of the area is remarkable. It's hard to verbalize and capture on film (sorry old habit... digital sensor). The pictures posted here were taken with my iPhone as I tend to leave the Big Boy camera @ home on ski trips. It's simply too challenging to carry skis, boots, a suitcase, backpack and a 2nd backpack of camera gear. This also provides a good excuse for going back at a later date solely for photographic endeavors.

Viva la Chamonix...

500 Words of Less...

Mom & dad met @ a ski club. Got married. Baby Mark came along... born, skied, walked. Started on the slopes @ age two. Bromley Mtn (VT) was home base. Cover boy for ski area brochure at age 4... say cheese! Won a backwards race at age 5 on the famous Lords Prayer trail. Skiing, tree swinging & whistling while eating peanut butter were course obstacles (trophy available upon request!). Discovered the will to ski is greater than common sense... frostbitten later that same year (this family trait continues today... now frostbitten 5x... can you say 'slow learner'?). Shuffled off to Buffalo for some edumacation and then traveled west (go west young man!) to discover “Water In High Place” (i.e. Lake Tahoe). Managed to ski on 3 continents along the way and hope to add #4 in the in the near future (i.e. South America).

Taking pictures has been the link to all things good. This started with dad. He was a journalist with lots of cameras. Mark borrowed them... a lot... and started exploring the outdoors. This thirst for learning continues today.

Worked for Mountain Stock Film & Photography in CA and later emigrated back to the Empire State. Worked for Gannett News in the NYC region and a local portrait studio. Spent as much time getting the smell of chemicals off my hands as I did shooting assignments.

Photojournalism was a calling, but I could sense a change in the air. Migrated to finance. Got my MBA and then obtained the CFP designation. After a stint in commercial lending, I set up shop as a sole proprietor. Today, one occupation 'finances' the other (get it?). Seems to be a photo industry trend. Camera of choice? Never really mattered to me... Pentax, Nikon, Canon... and an iPhone. Don't find myself brand loyal as the photographer makes the image, not the camera. Tend to shoot sports & action. Really like tennis, lacrosse & football (Go Army!). Find the action challenging & the anticipation stimulating. It's my drug of choice.

Make my bed in Rockland County, New York with a wonderful lady of 18 years. Erin go bragh. Two boys. No pets. Life is good.

And, so it begins, a collection of photography related thoughts... “Reflexions on Life.”