Thursday, April 30, 2009

Under My Feet


What to take a quick picture of on this busy day? Sunset? Nope, too cloudy. Raindrops? Nope, not enough rain. Still Life? Nope, I don't have the time to set it up nor the desire. I've passed this spot about a thousand times since it is on the corner of the pathway leading to my door. Pretty flowers! Ok, that will make an 'ok' fast photo. Wait! A bird's nest!! A nest perfectly located beneath the flowers! What a blessing!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Quiet Shadows


Our voice is our light. Wisdom is knowing when to shine.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Beautiful Earth!


Early sunrise on a farm (the other day) and late day Spring-tree near the Schoharie Creek (today). Another great day!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Random Photos and One Taken Today


Such a beautiful day today. I past this church and was struck by the vibrant blue sky against the brick. The left side is a bit blurred on purpose as is the photo below. The picture below is from my Saturday outing. I'm just practicing with new techniques and tricks.


The photo above and below are from my Saturday morning at the Sand Flat Orchards, in Fonda, New York. You must stop if you are in the area! Below the horses were working hard to plow the earth, the old fashioned way.


Below is a photo from my hike on Sunday. Here, I captured an image from the top of the waterfall whereas yesterday I posted pictures from below. Yesterday's photos reminded me of a rocky ravine. This photo, though taken at the same place, reminds me of a more tropical location.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Early Morning Hike

I love, love, love this weather! I took off this morning knowing that it was warm outside and wanting to avoid people and bugs! I was pretty successful at avoiding both. I'm pretty happy with these three photos, considering I had no tripod and was not sure what to expect on this hike. If the water is not flowing, a hike like this can be a bust.




Below, I saw these three little flowers on my way back to my Jeep. They were begging to be recognized among a sea of brown. If it were not for the energy of my students and the fact that I like my job, I would be a very bitter man knowing that I have to return to work tomorrow.
I remembered today what my first professional choice was way back when I entered high school. I considered, though briefly, being a conservationist. I had forgotten this long ago goal and am happy that I am able to take such enjoyment in nature today.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Sand Flat Orchards- Fonda, New York


Above, Mrs. Hoffman's bright red barn sits beautifully, adorned with a classic white picket fence. The Hoffman's Apple Orchard is also the Spring place to be with an addition of two greenhouses! Make sure you visit this family owned establishment throughout the year! I attempted to make the image a dream-like one because I imagine that many a dream is being fulfilled by this family.

Today was a day of hard work on the farm. Much plowing was to be done and I was fortunate enough to be able to witness the work rather than doing the plowing myself. The horses below pulled the plow up and down rows of earth, taking deserved breaks long enough for visitors to appreciate their beauty.


The sky was radiant. Below I used a fish-eye lens in order to have the horses stand out against the blue sky and brown earth. This photo, and the one that follows shows the amount of work that these horses were to accomplish.

I like images, like the one below, where the main subject is questionable. Are the horses my focus or is the size of the field my main subject?
Below I photographed these horses resting prior to their turn at the plow. I won't make an ass of myself here making these horses the butt of a joke...well, you get the point! A great day! Thanks Meg, thanks Sharon and Jamie, and Trish?? You took to these animals so naturally!
That's my "tail" to tell today. It was a storybook morning.

Quick Reflection


Busy morning and up early! Caught this reflection in a local "pond"-not sure what it is really. The water was so still and sky so blue. I may be out of town today so I wanted to post early so that I won't feel too guilty and miss my daily blog addition.

Friday, April 24, 2009

A Day At The Races!


It's track meet season and with two nieces participating it is always a fun time! Great job girls! They threw, they jumped and they ran their hearts out! These meets always bring back wonderful, albeit physically painful memories!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Wisdom


My friend Jayme suggested that I photograph 'wisdom'.
Here is my attempt at doing just that. Do not hesitate to
answer the question if you leave a comment for me.
This photo was done by writing the words on my classroom
chalkboard and photographing each one. It was fun!
Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Sunrise



No manipulation whatsoever in either photo


Peace, Tranquility, Beauty, Warmth, Serenity

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Trying Something New


The photo in the center was taken today at my favorite cemetery. Getting some advice from Leslie, I created this collage using pictures from before. I like it and it was fun to make. On a dreary day the cemetery is full of photo-ops!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Memories

New York City is just a memory now. How time flies! Just a few days ago I was standing in front of, and eating at, the infamous Seinfeld diner. This is it! The one in the show! I was just about to snap the picture when these two derelicts entered the frame. Wherever I go people like these ladies are fascinated by my camera. "Take our pictures mister!" "Can you make us famous Mr.?" This type of attention is exhausting.


My photo for the day finds me pointing out an important fact to myself (odd since I wrote it in the first place). Have you ever done that, remind yourself of something you already knew? Oh well, such is life. Live it, reflect upon it and then move on.

For clarification...this is my computer screen

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Heavenly Spring Sky!


I can not help but to wonder if trees are as tired of winter as I am. This morning's bright blue sky should bring comfort to all elements of nature, plants and animals alike. Spring is here! April may bring gray skies and showers; however, May's flowers are right around the corner!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Another Morning Hike


Before the clouds came I headed out to take advantage of the warm weather. Here I ate breakfast before walking a few miles in a nature preserve. While eating I noticed this silly scene.
I tried to complete the light post as best as I could.

Once in the woods I was once again faced with the 'ugliness' of woods that had yet bloomed with much greenery. Then I remembered that I had taken a picture a few weeks ago of the buds that would produce these plants. As you can see; therefore, more greenery is coming soon!

The photos above were made using multiple images, from 3 to 4 photos each.

Friday, April 17, 2009

More NYC!


I LOVE street performers! So much culture!


I love the city because you can be anyone you want to be. No one cares about your style, your personality or your 'quirks'. So much diversity!


NYC..a place for l..o..v..e- puke! I like this photo though.

Above is how I felt inside as we walked, and walked and walked.

Have some class! Please.

No Big Apple!


Amsterdam, the city which I call home, is no Manhattan! Buildings and houses are in rough shape, businesses sit empty and the city is, in my opinion, depressing. After visiting NYC, Amsterdam's problems jumped out at me this morning as I drove around. I know, there are nice areas of the city...those areas aren't what I am talking about here.

Waterfalls hidden behind fences and old factory buildings are commonplace. How about using some of the trillions of dollars in bailouts to beauty our cities?

Amsterdam is crumbling below us. Will the Northeast return to its beautiful state?

Thursday, April 16, 2009

The Big Apple!


Great Times!

Great Weather!

Great Friends!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Bridges


I will not be home tomorrow to photograph and post 'bridges' so I decided to take a ride today and photograph the subject a day early.

This was a nice assignment Leslie!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

My "Spooky" Partner In Crime!


Lindsey came with me today to explore the empty houses that I have written about before. Below was not a mistake. I purposely wanted to establish a mood, considering where we were rummaging around. I did something to the image above as well...can you tell?


I saw this angel at the cemetery today and so I had to include her in my post today.

The Haunting, Part III


I, once again, visited the empty house that I have photographed twice now. This time I brought my niece Lindsey along. I really like the photo above as it explains the atmosphere found within this empty house. Deserted rooms and broken windows are to be found throughout the houses we visited today.


Only a few memories remain such as the plate below. The window made a nice backdrop and provided some nice lighting for the images.
Which do you prefer, the black and white or the colored?

Below, Lindsey's hand helps give interest to the banister. A day of light hiking, exploring two deserted house, lunch at Burger King and shopping...WOW...you can't beat that! And to be able to share my hobbies with Lindsey was great! I hope she catches on to my love for photography, creepy places and fast food!