Earlier this year we went to Ireland for a few days. One of the places we stopped was the Irish National Stud Farm. This is where they breed horses in Ireland. It is a nurturing establishment, clean, friendly, and a horse lovers dream. There are powerful stallions, pregnant mares and plenty of foals just testing their legs. Stunning animals in a caring facility surrounded by a country abounding with beauty.
Mothers and Foal
Shot with: Nikon D5100 Sigma 50-500mm
Settings: 290mm f 10 1/200 sec
I drive quite a bit. Maybe 50k miles each year. I've had to practice a new form of imagination. When I'm looking at the busy streets, or crossing a bridge, or gazing over a landscape, I try to pretend what it would look like at dusk... dawn... snowy... foggy... I make notes of where there might be magic and wonder if it was a different time. Then I go back. This picture was like that. I'm on top of the Gay Street Bridge (Rt. 113) in Phoenixville looking southwest. The path is 80 feet beneath the bridge and appears to lead right to the sunset. I'm glad I took notes.
The Green Path to Sunset
Shot with: Nikon D5100 Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8
Settings: 17mm f13 HDR of 5 images 1/125 - 6 seconds
Years ago my store was in the center of a small town in Pennsylvania. West Chester enjoyed being an historic city built in the late 1700’s, and prided itself of its local businesses, university, red brick architecture, and charm. Recently a few mammoth structures were erected right next to and across the street from my store. The block became congested with pedestrians bustling to and fro, from the new 7 story parking garage to the new Justice Center. I think the best part of the imposing structures is probably unknown to most people. The view from the top, overlooking West Chester, towards the east in the early morning.
Sunrise over West Chester PA
Shot with: Nikon D800 Tokina 16-28mm f2.8
Settings 16mm f 11 HDR of 5 images 1/5 - 3 seconds
Being in the right place at the right time is always a good thing. Last month I was taking pictures of a wonderful sunset at Hibernia Park and I stopped shooting (so the Earth could turn a little more). For some reason I turned around … and saw this view of the clouds being lit with the ebbing sun’s rays. There is beauty all around, but it’s up to each of us to notice it.
Surprise Sky
Shot with: Nikon D5100 Tamron 11-16mm f 2.8
Settings: 16mm f 8 HDR set of 6 images 1/30 - 1.5 seconds
Late in July we went to California to experience MotoGP racing live at Laguna Seca. While we were there we spent some time driving the coastal highway through Big Sur National Park. The vast Pacific Ocean abruptly ends here, crashing into walls of rock. I can’t describe the wonder and beauty of the vistas created by this land / water juxtaposition. Hopefully my pictures will give you a glimpse.
Big Sur
Shot with: Nikon D5100 Nikkor 17-55mm f 2.8
Settings: 17mm f 8 for 3 exposures 1/1000 - 1/60 seconds HDR
