First Snow

The first snowfall brings a promise of beauty and wonder as the landscape is blanketed in white. The soft flakes seem full of glad tidings. Holidays are quickly approaching; evergreen trees begin their reign; icicles hang desperately from rooftops. In my youth the first snowflakes brought anticipation of sledding, time off from school and exhaustive snowball fights. Even now the magic of how much the world can change in the span of an hour is mystifying. Flurries that dance through the air and alight on all we see make the world sparkle with purity and freshness. It’s a special moment, that first snowfall.

Nikon D800 Tokina 100mm f/2.8 macro @ 100mm f/22 ISO 800 1/60 sec flash 

A Different Kind of Landscape

When I think of landscape photography, I think of beautiful mountains, cloudy skies, sunsets, lakes, leaves, and many other aspects of nature. I was reminded during our recent trip to New York City that there are other types of landscapes. The repeating pattern of the bicycles is what drew my eye towards this picture. It was a crisp and somewhat chilly Sunday morning, and I assume that New Yorkers partake of many events on weekend mornings, but none that requires renting a bike. I think it’s a great way to get around the city, if your skills are up to the tasks of avoiding the motorists, suicidal pedestrians and random wandering pets. (At least I thought it was a pet I saw; how big can a rat get?). So New York, here’s an eco-friendly solution to at least some of your transportation needs. They’re waiting...

Nikon D800 Nikkor 28-300 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 28mm f/6.3 ISO 100 1/15 sec

#TravelTuesday NYC Skyline

As we departed New York City a few weeks ago the bright blue skies had vanished and clouds of gloom replaced them. We left the city by crossing the George Washington Bridge and headed down the New Jersey side of the river to try and get a few pictures of the New York City skyline. The dreary atmosphere that had invaded made the proud city look like a drab blue brown smear. Fortunately, that’s somewhat advantageous for black and white photography.

Nikon D800 (2 images stitched in Photoshop) Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 92mm f/5.6 ISO 400 1/1250 sec

December 2013 Calendar

One of my favorite times of year has arrived. The festivities and holidays this month brighten what begins a dreary season with warmth and joy. I hope every time you see this picture on your computer you remember the happiness of family gatherings, the glow in a child’s eye, and the smell of pine as it mingles with the scent of a roaring fire. Let’s celebrate the season with memories of our best times and our deepest wonders. Whatever holiday you celebrate may it touch your soul.