Changes in Elevation

One of the reasons I chose Puerto Rico for our Winter holiday was because the island has varying elevations. Photographs across flat landscapes sometimes lack excitement, so I thought I would stack the deck in my favor. In addition to this picture taking advantage, the fact that our resort was part of a meticulously maintained golf course guaranteed spacious and picturesque foregrounds. Which brings me to a sad point that I hesitate to mention, while our resort was glorious, traveling outside of it was not. The abrupt change between paradise and the dilapidated surrounding community made me start to wonder if the charm and enchantment of the island’s beauty was being taken for granted. I guess if I woke up in a beautiful environment everyday it would be easy to feel that it would last forever, but driving down main highways and seeing abandoned cars and houses suffering serious neglect, and even vacant car dealerships that looked like the owners just walked away five years ago, made me melancholy. My relaxing joy had a kink in its armor now.

Nikon D800 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 78mm f/11 ISO 100 1/125 se

Great Valley defeats Methacton, Varsity Basketball

In yet another thrilling victory the Patriots stole the thunder from the Warriors. Final score 41-38. The Patriots changed up their usual calm, cool and collected approach and brought the fight to the Warriors on several occasions. Congratulations to coach Nolan and the team as they move on to the semifinals to be played on Tuesday February 26 at Temple University.

Sunrise in Puerto Rico

Events beyond my control have everything to do with the sunrise. The first two mornings in Puerto Rico the first morning light was hidden greatly by clouds rolling in from the South. The third day the sun was strong enough to poke through and provide a radiant display. Wind was blustery this morning as you can see by the palm trees and the distortion in the clouds. The camera’s shutter was open for eight seconds to give the proper exposure, so with strong winds the clouds had ample time to fly through the picture. Pictures like this make the pre dawn wakeup call worthwhile.

Nikon D800 Nikkor 28-300 f/3.5-5.6 @ 28mm f/10 ISO 100 8 sec ​

Evening under the Portico

Evening weather in Puerto Rico is fabulous, and our resort was designed to exploit the cool breeze and ocean sounds perfectly. Candlelight, sunset, and moonlight bathed the portico in cool Caribbean colors as the temperature dipped to the mid sixties.

For dinner, fresh seafood was delightfully seasoned, and umbrella drinks flowed easily from the bar past our lips, repeatedly. Pina Coladas which were to die for, with wedges of pineapples dripping sweetness, taunted me for the duration of our vacation. Fortunately the path back to our room was well lit ;)

An evening stroll on the beach brought refreshing carefree moments, tinted with the hues of Red Snapper Ceviche and Bacardi. It was just what was needed to bring a romantic night to its appropriate conclusion... a sound night’s sleep.

Nikon D800 Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 28mm f/13 ISO 100 5 image HDR