The Aging Process

Do buildings have an "age" where they feel middle aged? elderly? Do we consider the age of a building as we do with dogs. Or maybe one human year is like a quarter of a year for a building. So compared to a person who is 100, a building built the same year, would be 25. That makes sense because buildings often outlast people. I wonder if when a building burns down, for example, at a young age, is it like losing an infant in the community. I don't know the age of this building but I can see varicose veins.

Back To School

It is almost time....... Was at school at 8am, working hard!! Soon, the students will be working hard!

Senator Kennedy

Maybe because I'm a history buff and perhaps because I love American politics, I watched the Senator's funeral today. I'm always impressed with the dedication of public servants even if I do not personally agree with any one individuals point of view. The armed services, the religious leaders, family, colleagues and friends all behave so nobly in the state funerals. I remember Ronald Reagan's funeral and the heartbreaking, yet dignified way that Nancy Reagan conducted herself. At these state funerals the singing of God Bless America always tugs at me along with Ave Maria. And I can't keep dry eyes when Taps is played on the bugle. And so, with today's funeral, I was inspired to find a picture of something stately. This image is one pillar of a bank in downtown Amsterdam. The glow isn't from a filter but two flood lights that were on the roof. I did add a blur which then created a heavenly light.

Abstract Shapes and Colors

I could not wrap my brain around the "Friday Shoot Out". I apologize to that group of followers. I decided to go modern today..artsy... Another day down in the 365 day challenge.

Twins

The photo above was created with two images. My Thursday assignment, given by Linda, a photographer friend and member of a photo group that I belong to, was to combine two photos. The objects in each photo were to have something that links them together. Twins are perfect for this assignment and I am fortunate to have very cooperative twin nieces. I chose a brick background on purpose because it is uniform and made the combining of the images easier. This isn't exactly the process Linda wanted me to use; however, I could think of no other way to make it work. Another experiment and another lesson learned.

A Heartfelt Thanks

Oct 1st is the end of the 365 day photo challenge. This post is an early heartfelt thank you to all those who have commented on my blog and encouraged me throughout this challenge. My friends, who are also involved in this challenge, deserve my praise too. Thank you for showcasing your work for me to view and, through your stories, I've come to know your families and friends and your adventures.

Autumn In The Air??

At my photography group's meeting this evening I captured this image off of Linda's (the host) deck. Linda hosted a great evening with corn on the cob and chicken and all sorts of delicious snacks. The only flaw to the meeting was that I had to give up control of the coveted photo-trophy. I held the award for four months but alas it was time to pass it along. Jayme won and is deserving of it. Trish and I, also extremely deserving, left with the hopes that we can take it home next time.

Through all these complex years I thought I was alone...

Having time to experiment, I headed to my favorite place for interesting subjects to which I tried different approaches and techniques in creating these images.

Sometimes when I'm alone,

I wonder aloud,

If grace is watching over me,

Some place far abound.

Then I must reverse my life

For I cant live in the past.

Then I will set my soul free,

Where it will belong to me at last.

Linda's Inspiration

A few posts ago, Linda showed some Infrared photos on her own blog and I was reminded how creative images are when using this technique. Copying is the biggest form of flattery, so thank you Linda. The trail above is the one that leads to abandoned houses which a few of us photographers have explored.

Above is the dead tree that you must climb on in order to jump the metal fence which leads to the houses.

After climbing over the fence you must then get yourself up and into this window in order to make it inside. Ahhhh...adventure! Dirt, glass, mosquito bites, ripped shorts, cuts in the legs..a fantastic day for me!

The Heydey of Summer..Not much left of my summer!

Early morning photos on my way to the gym! Another humid morning. I admit I added a bit of fog with photoshop to give a boost to the light fog that was present. An example of a subtle addition to a photo without adding too much.

Friday's 'Around Town' Assignment

This week's assignment for Friday's 'Around Town Shoot Out" was Funny Signs. I interpreted this assignment in a slightly sarcastic manner. Rather than knee slapping funny I tried to find signs that were 'funny' in an ironic, symbolic and sarcastic way. Below you will find a sign that I travel past quite frequently and have often chuckled at. I don't know about you but I do not really want to think about where my steak comes from just moments before I order one. Sure we all know intellectually where steaks come from but do I want blood and butchering on my mind before I ingest one?


The sign below I find unnecessary. Read my writing that I added to the right side of this sign which serves as a trail marker. Really, do we need such reminders before hiking? Those who will not follow these 'rules' aren't going to do so regardless of a sign. Please enlarge and read.


Below are my favorite signs in this series. Now I know people often exaggerate and make up stories; however to offer a service that will help you embellish? I bet family members, spouses and perhaps even lawyers line up to recreate the past!!!


NO WONDER this business is for sale!! We often feel ripped off by car salesmen but to admit in advertising that your salesman will just make up facts and figures about cars for sale!! I think this is a terribly poor sales tactic. Can you imagine what the commercials on television would be like?

360 View..Sort Of

Today is Thursday and that means another photo assignment. This assignment was given by my friend Trish. She asked that I stop whatever it was that I was doing at 4pm and take photos, using a clock as a guide. I snapped an image at 12, 3, 6 and 9. I wish I was located in a spot where I was completely surrounded by beauty, but I did stop at 4pm!!

The above photo was taken at '12' on a clock as the photo below is "3"


Below, the photo was taken at "6" and the final picture would be at the "9" position

The more interesting part of this assignment is to see where my fellow photo-club members were at 4pm...I can't wait to see!

Smell The Roses

Schenectady Rose Gardens......Great Photographic Spot!

Dream Come True??

Too early to say that the house is mine; however, today was another hurdle...the dreaded inspection. It went pretty well and so the process continues.... When viewing, please keep an open mind and think of the possibilities...paint, hard wood floors, updated fixtures..a lot can be done quickly to make it a great place. Please send riding lawn mower, snow blower, large screen, flat TV and a handyman/woman to help me!

Summer Haze and Rain

I love hot, humid and steamy summers and that is exactly the weather I have enjoyed in the last few days. The mornings are warm and tropical. Left over rain droplets from nighttime showers and hazy fog are what I found this morning as I headed to the gym. I never made it to the gym; however, I got some pictures for my day's post.

Summer Colors

A subtle difference between above (no manipulation) and below.
Always experimenting which makes this 365 day competition enjoyable.
This flower is really that color!

Friday- Around Town's Shoot Out!

As you can see, I did the wrong assignment Friday, for the Friday Shoot Out. I felt badly because this week's assignment was relaxation not funny signs. I woke up early this morning to fulfill my responsibility. I find morning to be relaxing and I find the country and outdoors to be relaxing as well. I was fortunate to find both components coming together here. What first caught my attention was the one barn window lit with sunshine. Then I noticed the scene around the barn and came up with a relaxing series of pictures. For the Friday Group..I'm sorry I'm a day late..but a week early with my sign!

My Town-Friday Shoot Out

This is the worst picture I have taken in a while...in my opinion; however, it is all that I could do today. Today was one of those days where nothing worked photographically. My Friday Group's assignment was to take signs that are "funny" or "odd", etc. Well I drove past a cemetery, which is in my city, and noticed that it is ironically located on a dead end street.
The cemetery stones are too far away from the sign to make the picture complete so I shot through my windshield and used the blue sky and the cross hanging from my rear view mirror to represent the heavenly quality of a cemetery. I then used the two images and combined them. I had also used cemetery stones; however, the multiple image just didn't work. I apologize for the poor quality photo today but it wasn't because of a lack of effort.

House!!! Hopefully!

Today's (Thursday) assignment was to match a photo with lyrics to a song. I've used this song before; however, the extended lyrics here match what is going on in my life perfectly. I've climbed, I've fallen, I've "won" and I've "lost"...but it is all about the climb :)

I can almost see it

That dream I am dreaming

But there's a voice inside my head saying

"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking

Every move I make....

I gotta keep my head held high....

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be a uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side...

It's the climb....

The struggles I'm facing

The chances I'm taking

Sometimes might knock me down

But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it

But these are the moments

That I'm gonna remember most, yeah

Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong

Just keep pushing on.... (And I will)

Miley Cyrus..The Climb

The house is definitely not a done deal so please send your good wishes my way...

Early Morning Hike

This afternoon will be stressful for me so I decided to take a nice short hike. These are my favorite images using my macro lens. Hopefully I will be able to share my stress with you tomorrow through my blog. Just what you wanted, someone to share stress with you!

"Old" is In!

Another old car sitting in a parking lot grabbed my attention as I ran errands today. There was sun flare which I liked and I learned how to keep that in color while converting the rest of the image to black and white. Another lesson learned.

INFO

Hello bloggers...I wanted to give some information regarding posts that I have made recently.
1. Most of you felt correctly that the car photo was manipulated. I took a picture of an old car and then created the fire around it. I wanted to see if I fooled anyone...and I don't think I did. But isn't the result sort of cool?? or hot?
2. My photo of my niece's eyes looking through the flower petals...I got a lot of great responses. Clown nose, animal nose, etc. Obviously that is what made me laugh about the photo! Sometimes a good idea just doesn't work out! I'll try again with another photo some day.
3. For those new to my blog, a few friends and I are involved in a 365 Day Challenge. I take a picture and post a picture every day. I'm in the final stretch of my 365 days as my challenge ends around Oct 1st. It has been an amazing learning experience and I strongly encourage anyone interested in photography to give it a try. You will learn a lot about your camera as well as stretching yourself with different themes, styles, etc.
THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO ENJOY MY BLOG. I ENJOY VERY MUCH VISITING YOURS TOO!

Car Fire!!!

Always bring your camera because news happens fast! Last week there was a fire in Amsterdam at the same time I drove by...I was there before the firetrucks!!...but no camera.

Well today I was there when this car was engulfed on the side of the road. The heat was intense and Im happy I was far enough away with the telephoto lens..otherwise I wouldn't have been able to take this. Luckily, no one was hurt..the people were outside with the firemen.

Where else on a rainy day than a cemetery!

I found this gem leaning against a tombstone. In this first image I wanted to make the stone the same copper color as the statue.

Above, I wanted to illuminate her face and I did so with a filter that brightens the center, leaving the rest of the image to become darker. I then applied another filter to get the paint feel.