The Colors of Fall

October 17, 2020

“Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.”

~ George Eastman ~

To make things simple this month, I’ll keep the writing brief and post a bunch of fall foliage pictures. It’s a brilliant time of year in New York and the magic of the season is hard to describe but easy to admire. Let’s get started…

My best Jackson Pollack impression… Canon 5D Mark IV, Canon 24mm-105mm lens, 1/8 second, f22, ISO 200, +1 step

Until next time…

Cheers.

Summer 2020

August 28, 2020

The summer of 2020 has been unique, challenging, problematic and enjoyable all at the same time. You can even say its been 100 years in the making.

Oddly, I find myself thinking of the classic 1987 comedy, “Trains, Planes & Automobiles” featuring John Candy & Steve Martin. It’s a delightful film in which the desperate and controlling character of Neil (played by Martin) tries to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. However, everything goes wrong and travel plans become adventurous.

Sound a little like familiar?

Gone are the trains & planes and automobiles are the transportation vehicle of choice this year. The virus has altered the landscape and while enjoying a biscotti with your morning espresso in Tuscany may have been in the plans, European travel restrictions are in effect.

Last I heard, airline traffic is down 80% from last year. Train usage isn’t much better as the inside of a soda can does’t afford much room to social distance and separate yourself from the herd. This brings us back to the automobile. The family vacation of old is back with a vengeance.

Load up the station wagon and let’s get started!

Okay, some things have changed over the last 30 years. Today, I have a Subaru Outback and I understand some people might say it’s the modern day version of the station wagon. Fair point. My ego will be bruised for a minute or two and then I’ll forgive your cruelty. For economic reality & convenience though, it’s great…. good gas mileage, plenty of cargo space (think camping equipment) and readily available for road trips.

The beauty of living in New York is the close proximity to the iconic beauty of New England and New Jersey. There’s a plethora of beaches, state & national parks and plenty of room to celebrate your outdoor enthusiasm. The postcard landscapes and classic lighthouses of New England are all within driving distance. If there’s a silver lining to the summer of 2020, it’s having the courage to make change(s) and rediscover the beauty in your own backyard. Back to basics of sorts.

So, without missing a beat, we dusted off the Ozark tent, pulled out the Coleman stove and even located a propane tank for morning tea. Life is good! After a few conversations and some open dialogue, my better half & I penciled in a few new destinations. We actually discussed so many possibilities, we had to narrow down the list and settled upon: Long Beach Island (LBI), NJ… Cape May, NJ… and Westerly/Watch Hill, RI. We also worked in an afternoon in Mystic, CT.

This year has been different in so many ways, but our summer travel excursions have been refreshing for a host of reasons. It brought me back to my childhood and allowed us to slow down and enjoy the simplicity of life… easy to say, not always easy do do! (Note to self: Having an adventurous spouse makes this all possible! Thank you Lord.)

Until next time…

Cheers.

A World In Motion...

July 30, 2020

“An object at rest stays at rest, an object in motion stays in motion.”

~ Isaac Newton (1687) ~

I often think of objects in motion as it pertains to people. This wasn’t what Mr. Newton was thinking when he coined his 1st Law of Motion in 1686. My mind gravitates to the non stop, grass doesn’t grow under their feet, boundless energy individuals who never slow down. They’re perpetual motion personified.

Athletes fall into this category. Not only the professional variety, but more the weekend warrior heritage. They ‘Keep on doing what they’re doing’ with amazing tenacity.

Capturing these folks in the proper context often requires some creativity. Sure, most action oriented pictures will suffice, but encapsulating the energy, motion and passion is often a better alternative.

Photographers have to consciously decide the variables of what’s known as the ‘Triangle’… shutter speed, aperture and ISO. The delicate balance of the three will dictate the end result. For our purposes, let’s concentrate on shutter speed and discuss the technique of panning.

If capturing the essence of the action is the goal, combining, speed, energy and passion in one frame may be the ticket. The best panning images are generally taken with the subject passing perpendicular to the lens at a 90 degree angle. A slow shutter speed of 1/4 to 1/60 of a second… depending on the speed of the subject… coupled with moving the camera to follow your subject is required. Athletes moving at roughly 45 degrees to the camera can work as well, but become more of a low probability shot. Using continuous shooting on your camera can prove beneficial. Granted, shooting away at 1/4 or 1/15 of a second isn’t going to add many frames to the sequence, but anything that can increase the odds (%) of getting the picture is worth your time.

As a former photojournalist with Gannet News, I had to tune up my panning skills (or lack thereof) after leaving the newspaper business.

I’ve always enjoyed good sports imagery and love to mix in an artistic expression when I can. The design elements of color, texture & lines can often morph into a magical frame when motion is utilized in the scene.

As I learned during the paper biz years (1986-1996), Editors aren’t big fans of artistic or abstract images. They tend to fall into the cookie cutter camp… clean & simple. Ho-hum. This was always a bit boring for me, so I yawned… oops… rather obliged and gave them what they wanted.

Fast forward to today and anything goes in our social media dominated world. Once you get past what people had for breakfast & politically charged posts, there’s a world of stunning imagery at your fingertips. I’ll leave names out of this blog, but suffice to say, all the folks from Sports Illustrated (SI) who have now moved on to new frontiers post breathtaking work on a daily basis. They are truly masters of their craft and an inspiration. They seem to get better with age. Every now & then, they even post a panned image.

Until next time…

Cheers

God Bless America...

July 03, 2020

On the 244th anniversary of our great nation, I reflect on the past and look to the future.

No ranting or raving about politics here. It’s not in my character, nor do I think it’s a good use of my time. My opinion is my opinion and it will forever stay private. I’m more of a ‘One Man, One Vote’ person.

Suffice to say, we all want a brighter future for our children and one we can be proud of. We may differ on the road we take to get there, but if we can find common ground and band together, I believe anything is possible. The American spirit may be a bit tarnished these days, but I believe it’s still alive and well.

Freedom, peace, equality and a life worth living still ring true with many of us and should prove a good starting point.

God bless America.

Cheers…

The More Things Change...

June 13, 2020

Change is inevitable… we all know the expression, but whether we accept or embrace the change will be different for each of us.

As a young adult, my dad use to tell me about his AA meetings. He was a long standing member of the social club and thus had a plethora of stories from over the years. Ironically, there plenty of similarities exist between drunks and anxiety riddled pandemic folks.

Bear with me for a moment.

Both groups want to know what’s next and when do we get back to normal? As a sponsor to hundreds of people over the years, dad would kindly remind them, “We can’t look around corners and we can only take things one day at a time.” Both ring true. We’d like to collectively think there’s a hard date on the calendar where everything reverts back to the old days for all involved. Sadly, it’s not that simple.

As the pandemic restrictions are now being lifted state-by-state, some form of normalcy is on the horizon. Be mindful though… key word is ‘some’. The virus is still alive & well… and deadly. It didn’t pick up and relocate. It’s still rampant in various parts of the country and until a vaccine (or viral therapy) comes along, certain elements of life aren’t coming back anytime soon.

The lifestyle of yesteryear… or 3 months ago… may not come back for quite a while. Certain items have changed and may have already altered behavioral patterns. Ever since 9/11 there’s been a permanent change in security from corporations to airlines to hospitals. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) only came into existence after this tragic day and is now a permanent fixture when it comes to travel.

This time will be no different as every monumental event has serious repercussions.

Have faith though… humans are resilient and have short term memories. We’re creatures of habit and like structure in our daily lives. We have a pattern recognition tendency and like redundancy so we’ll find a common ground or acceptable substitutions.

I’ve already experienced this is my own small world. I’ve been going to the gym every morning for the better part of 20+ years. This all came to a screeching halt in March. Because I work from home, this was a physical & psychological change at the same time. I too am a creature of habit… n’est-ce pas(?)… yup, it’s true.

My morning commute gets me out the door by 7:15 AM and changes my mindset from house to office. It’s a minor shift in the scheme of things, but vital for my discipline & structure. It even affords a stop at Starbucks along the way.

Unfortunately, gyms tend to have large group gatherings and thus have been closed for months. In the NYC region, they will be the last type of businesses to reopen.

What’s a boy to do? Stop fretting and get on with it. Fill the void with something new and move on. I read “Who Moved My Cheese” and I’ve been waiting for this moment for years (insert smile).

Walking and/or bike riding have become my new morning fix. Not exactly the same and I do miss my grande ice coffee addiction for a mere $3.50. But, I’ve embraced the change and now get to snap a few additional photos each day.

In conclusion… the more things change, the more we should adapt. I’m still adjusting each day and looking forward to returning to some form of the old lifestyle. In the meantime, I’ll live in the moment, capture a few extra pictures and take it one day at a time.

Until next time.

Cheers…

Nothing but Time...

May 02, 2020

“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.”

~ Leo Tolstoy - War and Peace ~

When the world hit the pause button in March 2020, the global community went into lock down mode. While self quarantining and/or social distancing isn’t a new concept, it is the first time our generation has to deal with it. Like it or not, you’re stuck with yourself. Taking personal inventory of oneself is paramount.

We are social by nature and meant to be together. We don’t do well separating from the herd. We clink glasses during festive events and toast one another at local watering holes around the world echoing the words slainte or salude. In an ironic twist of fate, wishing one good health these days is a virtual endeavor via Zoom.

Until further notice: time & silence are abundant so let’s take advantage of the opportunity.

I’ve come to enjoy the new found tranquility. I’ll readily admit, I’m looking forward to seeing people in person again to share a meal, bottle of wine or simply hugging one another. Separation causes anxiety, stress or various mental health disorders. None of these are good and develop over time so the quicker we get back to social norms, the better.

Time is the age old commodity in short supply. Strangely, we’ve seemed to have found plenty of it during this pandemic. We didn’t expand each day to include more hours, we managed to eliminate the extraneous and allocated hours to what’s important. Funny how this happens?

Personally, I find myself reading more books, blogs and listening to podcasts in the last two months. Although I’ve dabbled in the podcast world before, I’m learning it’s a great source of world news and an outside perspective. A few favorites that have emerged include; The Economist - Radio and BBC Global News. Both are insightful and very informative. Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention having rediscovered Outside Magazine and Outside TV. The outdoor lifestyle is alive and well… despite it’s brief retreat… and these two media sources fully document the fact.

So there you have it… In this less-is-more world, I seem to watch less TV and find more joy in a quiet environment. It’s a nice change of pace. I’m not sure if this will morph into a long term tendency, but until we can blend our spirits in unity again, going solo and maintaining some distance works for me.

Until next time.

Cheers…

Optimistic by Nature

April 05, 2020

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement, Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

~ Hellen Keller ~

I’m an optimist at heart. I’m a firm believer in each day is a new opportunity to do something great, try something new or simply celebrate life. I’m not sure if I was born with a positive spirit or simply had good role models during childhood(?).

Whatever the origin… It’s my choreography of life.

Although our world is currently dealing with a very disheartening situation, I believe the resiliency of the human spirit will persevere. Be patient. We’ve experienced dozens of viruses over the last 100+ years and although each one is unique in origin, contagion, mortality and time line(s), they all have one thing in common - sooner or later - they all go away. All of them.

This time will be no different.

Between now & then, you may wish to limit the amount of news you consume each day. The media often follows the age old mantra, “If it bleeds, it leads.” Our technology oriented world allows for news across a plethora of devices on a 24/7 basis. Although Information is power, too much of repetition of tragic headlines can lead to anxiety and/or depression.

Despite the fact few people read newspapers these days, I take a hybrid approach to my daily news consumption. My day starts with the New York Times, complimented by some CNBC business news. Later in the evening, I’ll play the BBC Global News podcast for another angle. They offer a brilliant perspective on world events in a 30 minute capsule.

I understand, knowledge is power. Wrapping our head around all that’s taking place these days is unprecedented. It’s anybody’s guess as to the time frame of this pandemic. Once again, it will pass at some point and the world will carry on. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we will survive and hopefully witness a few positive changes to boot. The human race may become more understanding of one another and society more compassionate.

In the meantime, let’s all take a deep breath and try to control the things we can, accept the things we cannot change and have the wisdom to know the difference (boy, this sounds like the Serenity Prayer!).

Until next time.

Cheers…

Bars, Cars, Freaks... and Epic Skiing.

March 05, 2020

Vacations have always been about experiences and memories. No words this month, just pictures from a wonderful week of skiing at Club Med - Val d’Isere, France.

PowderRun2020-Small (1 of 1).jpg — Val d’Isere 2020

OldChurchSandwich2020-Small (1 of 1).jpg

ValdIsereTram2020-SmallCrop (1 of 1).jpg

More Living & Less Aging

February 08, 2020

“Fill your life with experiences not things. Have stories to tell not stuff to share.”

Having recently completed another lap around the sun, I find myself in a reflective mood today pondering the aging process and the 365 day endless loop it sometimes resembles.

Although my tires have a few more miles on them these days, they still seem to hold the road fairly well. Knees and hips are original factory installed parts and don’t seem in need of repair.

For anyone in the 50+ club, there’s good & bad news when it comes to aging. It’s an intangible of sorts, but the wisdom we gain during the journey provides a tremendous amount of clarity & happiness later in life. Now for the bad news… the odometer starts the day we’re born.

Dictating the pace of life is crucial. We have some control, but if we’re not careful, things can get out of hand… days become nights, weeks become months and before we realize it, years are rolling past us.

A brief refresher…

In the early days of life, things don’t move fast enough… and there are rules galore. You can’t go to the town pool without your parents. Riding on the big boy roller coasters at the now defunct Palisades Amusement Park (NJ) stipulated you be a certain height. Obtaining a learners permit to drive required you to be 16 years of age. Getting into the local bar(s) dictated 18 years of age or you had a really good fake ID, whichever came first.

You see the pattern… bigger, taller & older.

Then someone hits the fast forward button and life shifts into overdrive. In a mystical and yet understandable manner, years collectively morph into one block of time and escape our memory. Unless you’re the exception; high school to college to first job to career path will jointly bridge about 20 years. Sure, there will be fond moments and highlights along the way, but at the same time, plenty of black holes will exit. Some of the latter are college related and sadly don’t need explaining (we’ve all been there). We’ll file these memories under live & learn.

So, as begin my 57th year of existence, I’m trying to slow things down further. Instead of running through the year, I’m thinking a slow jog is in order. Overall, I think I’m pretty good at living in the moment, but I will certainly look to improve once again this year.

Little things like spending more quality time with family. Sticking around for an extra 5 minutes of conversation when you run into an old friend. Maybe even having a 2nd cup of coffee and reading another article in the New York Times (yes, the hard copy) will be prioritized. Alas… I will even try to put the camera down periodically and enjoy the scenery. Note to self: There’s a difference in recording and experiencing a moment. Don’t mix them up.

There you have it… now time for that 2nd cup of coffee.

Until next time.

Cheers…

Timeless...

January 04, 2020

It’s a wrap. Another decade is in the books. Hard to believe 10 years… 120 months or 3,650 days… is firmly in the rear view mirror.

Over this period, there have been several trends, fads, products and flavors of the month. Some will stay and others will disappear as quickly as they arrived.

If we weren’t ‘Pre’Occupied with Wall Street, we were Flossing, Planking or busting a move to Gangnam Style. Angry Birds was App of the Year and Pokemon Go allowed us to wander aimlessly in the streets. When we got tired, the Mannequin Challenge came to the rescue and we stopped the madness. Let’s face it… the decade was exhausting! And lest we forget, Kim Kardashian became Instagram famous & Insta-annoying at the same time.

Take heart though, some things remain classic… or timeless. They aren’t defined by time or date, but have a visual or emotional element that bridges decades. Enter black & white photography. I’ll admit to not being very advanced in this genre (work in progress), but do acknowledge it’s a fascinating medium for a host of reasons. For starters, the removal of color is a game changer. It forces you to focus on the creative & design components of an image… light, shadows, shape, lines, texture, etc.

Personally, I tend to see things better in color and don’t have the ‘eye’ for seeing shades of grey (hence; I still look at the work of Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Sebastiao Salgado and other legends to learn a thing or two).

Over the years though, I have found it rewarding and incredibly challenging to shoot in b&w and/or convert color images in Lightroom or Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 (formerly owned by Google and now a product of Dxo). The free software does a great job in rendering beautiful black & white renditions.

Army/Navy 2019 - Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 - Pinhole

A few short weeks ago, I had the privilege of photographing the Army/Navy football game in Philadelphia for Cadet Magazine. In the course of conversation with Editor Chris Pestel, he planted a seed. “Shoot the game not so much from a football angle, but a timeless point-of-view.” Hmmm… was my first thought. I always think of the pageantry and action on the field. He opened my eyes to a different perspective.

Beat Navy Tunnel - West Point, NY - Original

Army/Navy 2019 - Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 - Push Process

Beat Navy Tunnel - West Point, NY - Lightroom

Army football has been around for over 100 years. Players will come & go and certain elements remain constant… canons, long grey line, formations, chants, etc. Capturing a timeless moment is challenging at best, but certainly a bit easier via black & white film or digital images.

So, without further commentary, here are a few more images trying to capture a timeless moment or two.

Michie Stadium - West Point, NY - Lightroom

Army Navy Game - Philadelphia, PA 2017 - Nik Silfer Efex Pro 2

West Point, NY - WWII Fly Over - Lightroom

Army Navy Game - Philadelphia, PA 2017 - Lightroom

Until next time.

Cheers…

Favorite Books - 2019

December 01, 2019

It’s become an annual tradition to list my favorite photography books during the holiday season. This year is no different, so let’s get to it.

The list always varies, but creativity has no limits… so some books are new, others are old, but all have a unique and special element. There’s even a recommendation for those who want to improve their writing skills.

In no particular order, here are my Top 10 for 2019. All would be a welcomed addition to your personal collection or make for a great gift for that special person in your life.

If I had to choose one book that truly captured my sole this year, “Grassroots Baseball - Where Legends Begin” by Jean Fruth would be the winner. Baseball is America’s sport for good reason and this book captures the essence of the sport from an amateur perspective. The pictures are spectacular and the breath of coverage is extraordinary… America, South America, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republican, Japan, etc. The pure genius of the book though is found in the introduction of each chapter by Hall of Fame player(s) reflecting on their early memories of baseball. Everyone from Whitey Ford to Johnny Bench to Ichiro Suzuki share their story. Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful image of Paul Simon playing stick ball in NYC.

If adventure is your game, “Stories Behind the Images - Lessons from A Life In Action Photography” by Corey Rich is your book. It’s full of world class images and remarkable stories. Pulling back the curtain to acknowledge mistakes made on certain assignments is commendable… and funny at times… and makes for fascinating reading. Being a world class climber and photographer is no easy feat. Doing both and staying in the moment takes a level of mastery beyond my pay grade.

There’s not that hasn’t been said about the perennial favorite “Who Moved My Cheese” by Dr. Spencer Johnson. It’s a timeless classic with over 3,600+ reviews on Amazon (4.5 Stars). In a world of perpetual change, this is a universal read for everyone. A simple analogy of four mice working their way through a maze to get to the cheese depicts the story of life. When the cheese inevitably moves, 2 of the 4 mice are paralyzed while the other two accept the change and adapt to the situation.

Author & Photographer Chase Jarvis reminds his audience in “Creative Calling” that daily habits can lead to vitality in everything we do. Creativity isn’t a skill but a habit available to everyone and thus your level of experience or background doesn’t matter. His IDEA system… Imagine, Design, Execute and Amplify will get you on the right path to creativity.

If you’re looking for a coffee table book this year, look no further than “Earth is My Witness” by Art Wolfe. It’s simply an inspiring book covering everything from landscapes, wildlife and cultures on the verge of extinction around the world. It would be easy to category Art Wolfe as a photographer, but anyone who knows him and his work would argue he’s a true artist with a distinct vision.

When it comes to writing, Stephen King has to come to mind as his plethora of books is unrivaled. Ironically, my favorites is “On Writing: 10th Anniversary Edition: A Memoir of the Craft.” It’a not a novel, but memoir and craft. This epitome is for fans, writers and anyone looking to improve their communication skills through the written word.

The Godfather of Photography is back with his 40th book… “Photo Therapy - Motivation and Wisdom.” It’s fair to say, there aren’t many people who could pull off writing a 140 page photo book with no pictures! Rick Sammon morphs his decades of experience into a well organized, thought provoking book that challenges you to become a better photographer… and person.

As a former Professor at the Brooks Institute, Chris Orwig does a great job in “The Creative Fight: Create Your Best Work and Live the Life You Imagine.” Through his friendly and approachable style, the author guides you to find meaning in your work. He feels creativity isn’t a gift, but an on-going process nourished over time. Each chapter has exercises to put new concepts into practice.

Veteran Photographer & instructor Bryan Peterson hits it out of the park with “Understanding Color In Photography: Using Color, Composition, and Exposure to Create Vivid Photos.” He’s had numerous best selling books over the years, but this one is long overdue. Bold & vibrant images are his personal brand of photography and his colorful personality shines through in every chapter making for a delightful read.

Humanitarian Photographer, David DuChemin, strikes a chord with readers in “Within The Frame - The Journey of Photographic Vision.” His distinctive writing style encourages photographers to cultivate and find their creative voice and tell stories so passionate and compelling, it can only be their own. This updated book (second addition) also includes new photos, creative exercises and a companion streaming video as well.

All of the above publications have a permanent spot on my book shelf and have been read/viewed on several occasions. You can’t go wrong with any of them.

For the record, the books are hot linked to Amazon to allow you to do additional research, but I do not have any affiliations with the authors and/or website and thus do not receive any compensation.

Until next time.

Cheers…

Selfie Nation...

November 03, 2019

“What’s Walmart? Do they sell like wall stuff?”

~ Paris Hilton ~

Selfie nation is running wild.

In this self centered world of “Look at Me,” it seems 93 million selfies are posted to social media on a daily basis. Further, 10 of these narcissistic images are posted to Instagram every 10 seconds. For old school folks this equates to 2,583,333 rolls of film being processed on a daily basis.

If we take things a step further, a Google search for “Instagram Famous” results in 945,000,000 hits. Seriously? Everything from ‘How to become Instagram Famous In 5 Easy Steps’ to YouTube videos promising overnight fame are available for consumption. There’s even discussion of apps designed to mimic plastic surgery results just in case your natural results aren’t up to par.

Kids these days are more interested in becoming famous than having a career. Whatever happened to when I grow up I want to be?… fill in the blank… a doctor, lawyer, accountant, engineer… oh hell… I’ll even accept photographer! Maybe Andy Warhol was right back in 1968 when he said “In the future, everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes.” He was obviously a man ahead of his time.

It seems the word Selfie came about in 2002 when an Australian photographer coined the term. It is now so embedded in our vernacular that Oxford dictionary named it "Word of the Year" in 2013. Depending on your perspective, this either ushered in a new era or ended the world as we know it.

I tend to think the vast majority of selfies fall into two categories these days: Narcissistic or playful with some level of artistic merit. The Influencer generation certainly falls into the former while the latter is more to my liking. Humorous and entertaining images.. think Ellen Degeneres group image at the Oscars… can be pretty special. Could I be softening a bit and joining the fray with this last statement? Nope. I’ll readily admit, I do consider some Instagram folks brilliant in their originality. For example, the #FollowMeTo project is tremendous and full of splendid creativity. Murad & Nataly Osmann travel the world together and simply show the scene from the vantage point of holding hands. Nataly leads with her arm behind her while Murad holds her hand and photographs the gorgeous scenery ahead of them. If you haven’t seen any of their posts, they’re breathtaking and worth a look. It's a great project from start to finish.

Earlier this year, Inc ran an article entitled “Taking Selfies Destroys Your Confidence.” It seems every 3rd picture taken by an 18-24 year old is a selfie. Most are quickly posted to social media and then within a short time frame depression and/or anxiety may kick in when a post isn’t favorably received.

You have to wonder if this is all due to social media and the ignorance of the masses? I’d love to see photographic statistics from 1980 or 1990. Before the popularity contest began and the word Influencer even existed, how many people took selfies and how often?

I’ll admit to setting up a tripod and using a self timer in days of old to get a group of us hikers in one frame. I can even recall wedging a small camera between tree branches while skiing in Colorado to capture a few friends sharing a fond moment. Could this be construed as vanity 1990’s style? I guess. But, I believe there’s one monumental difference: We didn’t look to share the picture with complete strangers. Far from it. We were simply looking to capture a Kodak moment to share with one another. A keep sake of sorts that would produce smiles years down the road.

Until next time.

Cheers…

The Beauty of Nothing...

October 04, 2019

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is to relax.”

~ Mark Black ~

Black Dirt Region - Pine Island, NY (Sony Rx100 IV)

Call me old fashioned… or maybe just boring… but a weekend with no plans is awesome. It’s akin to a rare solar eclipse in that it’s both unusual and special at the same time. A blissful 48 hours.

What could be better?

This past weekend was one such event. The planets aligned and a full weekend of nothing was on the schedule. Where to begin was the key question.

Driving to Orange County (NY) on Friday night seemed like a good starting point. The Black Dirt region in Pine Island offers some of the most fertile soil for farming in North America. The glacier deposits from thousands of years ago is a true marvel. For the last century, onions have been the predominant vegetable grown in this area.

From a photographers perspective… colors, lines and textures abound. The hardest decision is what to include in your frame? In a recent blog post, “25 Tips for Better Photos,” I mention the adage, ‘when you think you’re close, get closer.’ The two farm photos follow this concept. The first image is a ‘scene setter’ (i.e. old school expression for overall environment or sets the scene), but lacked a main subject and balance in my opinion. Getting closer and isolating one piece of grass seemed to provide better balance & harmony to the overall image.

Where to go Saturday morning was easy… Rockland Lake State Park (NY). The cool Friday evening allowed for a foggy, moody type morning. History reminded me the kids rowing crew on weekends this time of year would be launching their boats at 7:00 AM.

CrewX4-Small (1 of 1).jpg — It’s a brand new day

Rise & Shine…

The park is only five minutes from my house, so a cup of joe and an organized camera bag (always a good rule to follow) allowed me to get there well before the boats were launched. On this particular morning, the high school kids were moving rather slow. This gave me plenty of time to assess the mood, light & fog. I tend to focus on the larger boats (see above) as they require more teamwork and tend to make for better images as well.

Sunday provided yet more time to explore as the weather was going to be cool & crisp. Fall is definitely in the air. A favorite area of Bear Mountain State Park is Perkins Memorial Drive. Having been this section of the Park so often over the years it’s like visiting an old friend. We both have a few more wrinkles these days, but fond memories and vintage stories come rushing back. It’s a gentle reminder of friendship and days of old.

Bear Mtn Bridge (Canon 5D IV, Canon 24-105mm/f4.0)

Hudson River looking South (Canon 5D IV, Canon 24-105mm/f4.0)

Dead Tree (Canon 5D IV, 24-105mm/f4.0, Tungsten WB for effect)

After driving up the fairly steep hill for two miles, some of the most majestic views of the Hudson Valley await you at the top. The mostly unencumbered views of the tri-state area (NY/NJ/CT) is a site to see. The Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge are the crown jewels of the vista and certainly worth your time should you ever be in the area.

Cheers…

A Day In the Life of Army Football

September 01, 2019

“I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission.

I want a West Point football player.”

~ General George C. Marshall ~

As the canon fired on Friday evening, August 30, 2019, so to began the 129th season of Army football.

Expectations are high this season with preseason polls showing the team sitting just outside the Top 25 in college rankings. Considering West Point epitomizes the definition of student/athlete (with a military obligation) this is quite an accomplishment. Time will tell how things play out, but the Black Knights are looking for another successful season.

A brief refresher…

The banks of the Hudson River have been hosting football games since since 1890 when on a cool, crisp New York morning, Navy challenged the Cadets (as they were known at the time) to a football game. The Midshipman won the first get together at West Point, but Army quickly revenged the loss the following year in Annapolis. The two schools continue to play every year in what is the last regular season Division I game of the year and often referred to as “America’s Game.”

Attending an Army football game is more than just a game, it’s a history lesson. Statues of George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Douglass MacArthur and George Patton stand tall on campus and patriotically remind everyone of our nations history.

Rumor has it General Patton wasn’t the best of students and admits to ‘having difficulty finding the library’. In jest of his academic prowess, his statue is firmly grounded in front of the old Cadet Library poetically holding a pair of binoculars in his hands.

KickoffReturn2019-Small (1 of 1).jpg — Army vs Rice 2019

“On Brave Old Army Team…”

A few additional football facts…

The black, grey & gold uniforms are derived from the colors of gunpowder… charcoal, potassium nitrate and sulfur.
Army has had three Heisman Trophy winners… Doc Blanchard (1945), Glenn Davis (1946) and Pete Dawkins (1958).
Every game day jersey (home or away) is outfitted with a divisional patch representing an active Army division honoring the brave men & women who serve our nation around the world.
The game day ball is delivered by the Golden Knights Skydiving Team.
A march on takes place whereby a full regiment of Cadets take the field and lead the crowd in a traditional cheer called The Rocket.

CoachMonkenCelebration2019-Small (1 of 1).jpg

Cheers…

Postcards from France

August 11, 2019

Vacations are good for the soul…

Cheers…

25 Tips for Better Photos

July 02, 2019

1. It’s a brand new day… get out and take lots of photos. Shooting everyday is like batting practice. You don’t think ball players get into the cage before every game to get better do you? Nope. They’re simply trying to maintain their rhythm & timing.

2. When you think you’re close… get closer.

3. Compose & crop your images in camera. This will reduce the amount of time you spend post processing.

4. Pick up your camera manual now & then and read a few pages. Yes, I understand you’re never going to read it from cover to cover. I get it. I would advise you to look at different chapters and topics periodically. It’s both enlightening and informative.

5. Don’t get bored with the familiar. Your local park, lake or hiking trail, has plenty of new angles, perspectives and stories to tell.

6. Be observant of everything around you. Sometimes you don’t see the image at first. Be patient and things often come into focus.

7. When shooting sports, don’t put the camera down when the whistle blows. Sometimes the best images occur after the play is over (i.e. jubilation, etc.).

8. No amount of Lightroom and/or Photoshop will make a bad photo good. It’s not going to happen.

9. Wait a few days or weeks before posting images to social media. When you remove yourself from the moment, you will often see your images more objectively.

10. Learn the 10 Elements of Design. Your pictures will improve immensely… https://creativemarket.com/blog/10-basic-elements-of-design

11. Lens flare can be a good thing. It’s hard to control, but can result in really creative & unique images.

12. Always note the direction of the light. You may wish to under/over expose depending on the direction and intensity of the light.

13. Get outside your comfort zone… try new angles, perspectives and approaches. I’ll even toss in time of day. I’ve seen a million sunset photos. Try the opposite. Set your alarm early and get out for a few sunrise photos. It’s a magical time of the morning.

14. When shooting on assignment… arrive early & stay late. Nobody ever got penalized for either.

15. Go out and shoot a subject with one lens (preferably an infrequently used one). This will force you to see your subject in a new way.

15. “Steal Like An Artist” but don’t forget to put your own spin on the image. It’s great to mimic another photographer, but make the final image your own.

16. Use a flash and/or reflector when appropriate. A little light goes a long way.

17. As an old school film guy, I tend to shoot selectively to this day. This is a bit silly in the digital era. Take more images than you think you should and delete the bad ones.

18. Stop chimping (looking at your photos on the back of your camera). This can often take you out of the moment. There will be plenty of time to review your image(s) later.

19. Don’t be afraid to push your ISO. This is contrary to conventional wisdom, but sensors have become so good in the modern era, noise is becoming less of an issue.

20. Spend more on books, lessons, workshops & seminars than camera gear. We all know the joke about the golfer with the fancy new equipment? When he tees off, he now hits the ball an extra 10 yards deeper into the woods. You get the point…

21. Pictures are like stories… good ones will have a beginning, middle & end.

22. Be aware of your background. A cluttered background… signs, cars, buses, water bottles, etc… can ruin a picture as they distract your viewer. If possible, move your subject or blur your background to minimize these objects.

23. Go it alone. There is a time and a place for everything. Photo walks, meet ups and the like are great for camaraderie and sharing a passion. However, they’re not always great for your creativity. Sometimes finding your creative rhythm requires you to go at your own pace. Don’t be afraid to go solo when appropriate.

24. “A picture isn’t a picture until it’s printed.” I tend to agree with this line of thinking. Round up a few favorite images, get them printed and find some wall space. Bringing an image to life via a nice print & frame is both rewarding and motivational.

25. Stay humble… Life is an endless learning process and you’re never going to know everything!!!

On a parting note: Be sure to back up your images to at least two (2) different sources. Sooner or later, we all have a technical malfunction and lose data. CF and SD cards can go bad. And, external hard drives can fail. It’s inevitable. Be sure to back up your iPhone and Big Boy camera images on a regular basis.

Cheers…

NYC - The Good, Bad & Not-So-Memorable

June 01, 2019

“I wake up every morning and say to myself,

I’m still in NY… thank you God.”

~Mayor Ed Koch ~

The Big Apple… organized chaos at its finest. You can lament about the ridiculous price of rent, congestion, noise and the endless amount of broken dreams. Or, you can relish the pure magic and energetic pulse of a city in perpetual motion.

What is not open for discussion is the endless array of photo opportunities. Everything from the architectural genius of the Manhattan skyline to the cultural diversity of Greenwich Village to the brilliant mind of Frederick Law Olmsted and his vision of Central Park.

Over the years, I’ve survived a plethora of NYC experiences. Most of them good and a few… let’s just say have been comical or frustrating.

Let me explain.

The first memory pertains to a street hustler. Basically, a clown dressed as the Statue of Liberty and silently charging ‘rent’ for anyone who wants a picture of him with his fake torch and NYC arrogance. On this particular evening, he was poaching the street corner opposite Radio City Music Hall. Standing on a milk crate afforded him an elevated perspective above the holiday crowds. I simply liked him in the foreground of my photo. I thought I could focus on him and blur Radio City Music Hall, or perhaps reverse the order and let him be an out of focus silhouette against he marquee. Either image seemed acceptable.

Every time I raised my camera to my eye though, he’d either turn his back or raise his arm to block his face. My original thought was this must be coincidental? I’m shooting with a short zoom lens and probably 20 yards away from him standing among of thousands of tourists. He can’t be turning because of me? However, as I learned, every time I raised my camera to shoot, he’d change his posture to alter (i.e. screw up) my image.

After this game continued for about 5-10 minutes, I walked up to the individual and explained what I was doing. In short, I wasn’t looking to have a picture taken with him (which lots of tourists do). Far from it. I simply wanted him as part of my wide angle holiday perspective.

He politely bent over from his perch and told me, “No money, no picture.” Hmmm…. was my first thought. Then I gathered my senses and in the spirit of Christmas thought, let me offer him $2 for his time. He again arrogantly responded with “There’s a $5 minimum.” This is where I lost my wonderful disposition and we exchanged a few pleasantries. I thought a wresting match was going to commence between me and the Lady of the Harbor… or at least the one standing in front of Radio City Music Hall on a milk crate.

Another historic and life changing event included having my car vandalized on 86th Street. The car being vandalized isn’t mind boggling for New York. If it never happened to a local, you’re more the exception than the norm. A sad fact of life. The terrifying part was the sudden realization that my large Tamrac camera bag missing from the trunk. This actually made me nauseous. For anyone who remembers these large bags, they allowed you to carry two of everything. This included almost every piece of camera equipment I owned at the time… two Nikon bodies, two flashes, several lenses and various accessories. Everything was gone in an instance.

This ordeal haunts me to this day. It was a violation of monumental proportions that occurred within a two hour time frame. I’m still jaded by this experience and to this day and leave nothing of value in my car when in NYC. You might say, I’m once burned & forever shy.

Regardless of a few poor memories, optimism wins out in the end. Life deals you a lemon now & then and you simply have to roll with it. You keep looking at the bright side of the picture.

So, without further rambling on my part, here are a few favorite images over the years (click to enlarge)…

Cheers…

For the Love of State Parks

May 03, 2019

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.

~ John Muir ~

As the young girl at the park entrance scanned my card, she politely stated, “I’m sorry mister, but your card expired.” I quickly realized I forgot to renew my New York State Empire Pass at the end of 2018. The annual renewal process formerly took place in March of each year. However, since the State transitioned from a window sticker to an ID card, the renewal period changed as well. Unfortunately for me, I’m a creature of habit to a certain extent and I can’t seem to get on-board with the new time frame.

So, it was back to the house to log into my New York State Parks account and pony up $75 for 2019.

This gem of a card is now transferable between vehicles. Gone are the days of separate registration for each car. This always seemed a bit silly to me as there is often more than one person in your family would like to join you for a walk, hike or bike ride. Thus, you had to consciously take the vehicle with the sticker in the window to avoid the $8 daily parking fee.

State parks are truly magnificent - a real treasure. Thank goodness for forward thinking individuals like Edward Harriman and Robert Moses. In New York State alone, there is a plethora of parks, beaches, golf courses, etc, at your disposal. Your Empire Pass affords you access to any one of these locations. Here are a few NYS facts & figures:

350,000 acres of public land
215 State Parks
67 developed beaches
35 swimming pools
27 marinas
40 boat launch sites
28 golf courses

From a photographers perspective, this represents a gold mine of opportunity. New York State has everything from beaches to mountains to skyscrapers. Whether you choose a day at Jones Beach, Lake Ontario or White Face Mountain, you have plenty of choices. Believe you me, there will never be a shortage of splendid scenery.

Photographers can sometimes be a fickle lot and feel exotic travel destinations are the key to good imagery. It’s as though anything new will automatically ignite your inner Monet. This is soooo far from the truth it’s comical. New places can certainly be invigorating, but good photography starts with you and your personal vision. Opening your eyes to opportunity and seeing what is being presented to you is key. We’ve all heard the expression, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” Often times, the opposite is true with photography and you’ll have to “Believe it to see it.”

One of my all-time favorite parks is right down the street from where I live - Rockland Lake State Park. The 1,333 acre park includes a four mile lake, bike trail, large pool, two 18 hole golf courses and plenty of room to move. It’s a peaceful oasis for locals and a weekend getaway for NYC folks as it’s only 45 minutes north of Manhattan.

Four seasons provide a splendor of photographic differentiation and an endless amount of possibilities. The park is so close to me, I could walk or bike ride to the main entrance. However, transporting a camera, a few lenses and a tripod is more convenient in the car. Hence, the park pass!

So, if you’re not a frequent user of your State park system, it may be time for a second look. However, if you’re a regular like myself, every visit is a true blessing and full of endless wonder.

Until next time…

Cheers

Marco Polo & Beyond...

April 06, 2019

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”

~ Mark Twain ~

The opening quote is quite intriguing to me. It also confirms the worldly knowledge obtained from traveling… cultures, religions, convictions, etc.

I believe Mark Twain also said (and I paraphrase):

“If you never leave your own country, you never got past chapter one.”

As my own desire for extended travel continues its thought provoking ways, I marvel at those who made a lifestyle of gallivanting around the globe before me. Call it what you want… sightseeing, voyaging, navigating, trekking, expedition, etc… I’ve become fond of the terms Wanderlust and/or Vagabonding.

So much so, I recently read the book Vagabonding - An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term Travel by Rolf Potts for a better understanding of the restless soul. It’s an incredibly thought provoking book and leaves plenty of ideas to ponder. A few wanderlust seeds have been planted in the creative side of my brain. Now I’m hoping the right side can figure out the financing and logistics!

The author defines Vagabonding as:

(1) The act of leaving behind the orderly world to travel independently for an extended period of time. (2) A privately meaningful manner of travel that emphasizes creativity, adventure, awareness, simplicity, discovery, independence, realism, self-reliance, and the growth of the spirit. (3) A deliberate way of living that makes freedom to travel possible.

Statistically, it’s the 18-35 year old age group that treks for extended periods of time. It’s logical that young folks take a gap year between high school and college or take a year off between college and the real world. It’s simple math… no responsibilities = where do you want to go?

Youth is wasted on the young… as my dad use to say.

Many a travel book has been written over the years. Some modern day classics would include; The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain, On the Road by Jack Kerouac and A Walk In the Woods by Bill Bryson. Before the choir chimes in, I’m sure there are plenty others worthy of mention, but I’ll keep a short list for simplicity sake.

One of the all-time classics from yesteryear would surely include; Livres des Marveille du Monde or The Travels of Marco Polo… published around the year 1300. It covers the 17 year old as he logs 15,000 miles and spends 24 years on the Silk Road traversing various parts of Asia and China before returning to his hometown of Venice. A true classic.

Another timeless tome is “The Innocents Abroad,” by Mark Twain. Published in 1869, he discusses his travels through Europe and the Holy Land. Samuel Clemens may have been best remembered as a writer, but he traveled extensively as well.

So, as I continue my own Wanderlust thoughts and rationalize getting an extended journey on the calendar, I have plenty of inspiration to read… and/or re-read.

Turning a thought into reality will require some work.

Cheers…

In Search of Eagles...

February 20, 2019

“In an eagle there is all the wisdom of the world”

~ Lame Deer ~

This past week, I was gently reminded that photographing wildlife is vastly different than shooting a sporting event. The latter occurs during a designated time at a specific location. You show up, snap a few frames and go home when the final whistle blows (okay… maybe it’s not this easy, but you get the point).

Eagles on the other hand, play by their own rules. They don’t play in the same arena each day. Don’t respond to whistles and can sit on a branch far longer than you can sit on your rear end waiting for them to take flight. A simple fact of life.

Photographing them requires a keen understanding of their patterns and a tremendous amount of patience. Unfortunately, I’m lacking in both of these areas. I anticipate going to the local hot spot, waiting a few minutes and then being able to photograph an aerie (yes, I had to look this word up!) of eagles with talons extended fighting over food with one another on the ice float 25 yards in front of me.

Boy, if it were only that simple.

On the bright side, I have learned a few things about the bald eagle to better prepare me for my next photographic outing. For example, the majestic bird of prey with it’s white head was designated our national bird in 1782 and can only be found in North America. They almost became extinct largely due to the legalizing of the pesticide DDT in 1972. Fortunately, various conservation efforts were successful over several decades resulting in eagles making a comeback. In 1999, they were so abundant, they were removed from the endangered species list.

Hudson River - Bear Mountain Bridge - NY

Ironically, it’s only fitting the bald eagle is thriving in the West Point region of New York State. The Hudson River is an idealistic place for this majestic symbol of freedom and can often be spotted on campus. The Hudson River provides a vast array of food and shelter and lends itself a natural habitat.