Close to where I live there is a Great Blue Heron who taunts me. Now I realize it’s probably in my mind. Whenever I approach him to gain a picture, as with a sixth sense, he flies away. I have tested the limits of stealth and preparedness but still he eludes me. This picture isn’t of my nemesis, but it could be a mug shot. I will be vigilant in my quest.
Great Blue Heron in flight
Shot with Nikon D800 Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8
Settings 200mm f/2.8 1/800 second ISO 800
Now that the cool breezes of September have arrived I like to imagine what it would be like to live in a climate where 60 degrees is very cold, 75 is average and 90 is rare, but an ice cold margarita keeps things pleasant. Back in January 2012 we visited a group of islands in the Caribbean. Turks and Caicos is a great place to get away from the frozen tundra of the Northeast. I don’t want to sound like a commercial but, with flights from Philadelphia reasonably priced, and only 3.25 hours non stop it is a great vacation spot. Great food, beautiful beaches, and wonderful people. I’m looking forward to returning.
Sailboat in a peaceful harbor, Turks and Caicos
Shot with Nikon AW100
Settings 5mm f/7.8 1/500 second
I have seen many days that trudge on in the dirge of life’s most inconsequential events. The monotony of doing the mundane...what MUST be done... can drain us of life. I search every day for something greater. Sometimes I have to search hard, and other times... a view of glory presents itself, as the new day dawns.
Sunrise at Marsh Creek, Labor Day weekend 2012
Shot with Nikon D800 Tokina 16-28mm f/ 2.8
Settings: 16mm f/13 HDR of 5 frames at 1/10 - 1.6 seconds
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