A Warm Reminder

I found this gem tucked away in a trash bin, waiting to be emptied. I didn't like it much at the time I took it; however, at below zero temperatures I now have come to appreciate the warmth found in the image. I wonder what it is about warm temperatures that bring out my creativity and desire to think creatively. Maybe I was once an animal that hibernated during the winter months?

Need To Get Back To Basics

I've been very neglectful in my photography since I completed 365 days of photo taking...IN A ROW! I was burned out but think I'm getting the desire again..maybe. Have a Happy New Year!

A Family Christmas

For Jenna, who asked me to post these.

Snow Day By The Fire

The above photo isn't the best quality because of low light, hand held (has anyone seen my tripod?...moving can make it hard to find things!) In any event, this is what I'm doing today!

Ordinary People?? I think not!

My assignment this week is to photograph people living their lives as they simply do. Here a teacher works with a student which he does every day. As a teacher I understand the impact one makes in these 'ordinary' moments. It is easier to spot a teachable moment when I come across a colleague at his/her best. Though these moments are sometimes lost on myself because it is my daily job, and I take it for granted, when I witness another teacher helping a student I am reminded how important the profession is. I pay respect, today, to all the 'ordinary' people (policemen, firemen, soldiers, doctors and nurses, etc) who do their jobs gracefully and humbly, irregardless of money paid or status.

Being Vulnerable

My assignment was to open up and expose oneself. The idea was to show something about oneself that isn't comfortable.
Here is my current vulnerable spot. I had some surgery to remove skin cancer. The black eye and the scar/stitches were more
than I expected. I know I shouldn't be, but I'm embarrassed...vain? I hate to say it because I know others are in worse shape; however, I can't stop feeling a bit "blue". I tinted my photo to match that feeling.

I DID IT!!!

It's A Season Where One Can Be Himself

Which pumkin represents your personality?

A Few More Wedding Photos

It has been fun to "play" with some photos, using filters to create a different look. The bride and groom will receive the photos as they were taken; however, I have to add some creative shots as well!

Holding On

Holding on to a grandson's hand must be one of the most fulfilling moments.


Here the minister holds on to the sacred vows of marriage. Soon, the couple will enter into marriage in front of friends and family.


The bride and groom.

Hoodlum

Yeah, I know, dumb picture....It is another photo to go in a series that I posted earlier. That means there will be more to come! Actually, I was freezing the other day and when I looked up, after washing my hands, I looked like the unabomber. I have been having major computer and Elements 7 problems so I was happy to post anything at all.

My Last Angel

The 365 Day Challenge Is Over!

I'll Keep A Light On For You

Never Too Early

A Foggy Start...A Rainy End (Image Is More Appealing Enlarged)

A peaceful start to the day as the fog slowly lifted. Though the scene caught my eye, the image has been manipulated in that I added a pastel filter and gave it a slight blur. Only a few days left to the daily photo contest and I am struggling more than ever to find new pictures to take. I thought when the finish line is in sight there is suppose to be a surge of adrenaline?

Slipping Away

The vibrant colors of potted plants and flowers are quickly fading as the autumn chill takes hold.

The Mohawk Valley

Phil's assignment was to interpret different 'bumper stickers', including one with the common motto of "I Love New York". Well, to be honest, there is much about New York State that I do not love; however, its landscape and beauty I do love very much. The Mohawk Valley is an area of the state that has gorgeous rolling hills. The Mohawk river is also very picturesque.

Angel In Waiting

Hard to explain my title..it's from a song. The lyrics and sentiment are ones that I believe in. The song speaks to being kind, being oneself and living in a positive place where the opinions of others really don't matter. Anyway, another cemetery find.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER DON'T ALWAYS FLOCK TOGETHER!

Off To Work

Anyone driving to work this morning noticed the incredible sky with its dramatic colors. I had no tripod with me; however, I had to photograph the scene...therefore explaining the softness of the images. Usually I have taken sunrises without the clutter of buildings and cars; however, this morning I wanted to capture the 'real world', where cars are beginning to populate the streets.


Leslie and I are creating a yearbook for the first time. We photographed a few cross-country runners today. This image of one girl's shoes just might make a nice photo in the background, faded out so that traditional photos can be placed on top.

As the 365 day photo challenge winds down, I believe the task of creating a yearbook will keep me busy. Another great experience is right around the corner.

Early Halloween?

A bit creepy but when one walks through cemeteries this is what one finds.

Autumn Colors...The Great Northeast!

Sail Away

Thanks Megan!

The photo above was taken as my niece Megan was relaxing at home, on the sofa. I wanted a metallic look to her skin and I think I achieved that to some degree. The light in the upper right corner is actually a setting sun, shining through a side window. Below, I tried to create a softer look, almost a "smooth" look in contrast with the harsh skin above. I love experimenting and with such a cooperative model, how could I go wrong!

The Candle Is Burning Out

Long day with school, meetings and then parent night. I'm headed to bed...good night.

Behind The Mask - Early Assignment

This Thursday's assignment, given by Jayme, is "Behind The Mask". This photo is my interpretation of that assignment. I hope the symbols and mood are obvious. I wanted to include different "masks" that one can hide behind. One mask can be destructive whereas many masks, to hide behind, is paralyzing. I wanted to show the religious aspect, seen in the mirror. There is also the quiet and personal despair that some feel, out of view of others. I wanted to include the reflection of oneself where there is a disconnect between the real and the perceived. I added dark shadows and bright light as a symbolic tug of war and made the picture black and white for the same purpose...symbolically...good vs evil.

Don't you know it will never last

This face hidden behind the mask

Obama's Legacy...A Gift To The Future

How Long Can They Last?

How long can these flowers survive with cooling temperatures and fading sunshine? If it were up to me these flowers would last for a longer season as summer would lead to spring, skipping winter.

Time to .....

1. start my daily walk

2. prepare my lesson plan for Monday

3. get my gym bag ready for tomorrow

4. make my lunch

5. begin preparing for dinner

6. watch the U.S. Open Tennis Championship

7. write comments on friends' blogs

8. pack for moving

9. call a friend in Florida

...now I ask you...how much will I do? I'm not sure but I'm going to start with #1 Perhaps that will give me the energy for the rest.

Morning Routine

Every morning I go to the window to check out the weather and to make sure my car is still there. I live in a nice neighborhood; however, I need to make sure the car is parked out front. A bit OCD? Since I am moving soon I will not have much time left for this routine of mine. I will look out another window, with a different view. I will have a garage for my car; however, I'm sure I will still look in the driveway...again OCD?

Weathered Framed Art

A friend of mine hunts, during the Christmas season, for anything "pear". She gives a pear as a gift to an art friend of hers each and every year. When I saw this framed pear, I liked the weathered frame and, of course, the art work inside. The art work is also weathered and so the clarity is a little diminished. Since I only have one photo today, I experimented with filters to create very different images.

The "B" Side

In music, recording artists have their "B" songs. These are songs that didn't quite make it to an album. I just bought a cd of "B"/rare songs which gave me the idea of sharing my "B" photos. These photos were my working photos, some of which I then put a filter on or some that I just didn't use. The photo that I took today is in the upper left..the window display....a "B" photo too!