Friday, January 01, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Gone
previous / next (1-1-10)This dilapidated barn is now gone. I shot this one last winter.
Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8
1/200 second
F/7.1
ISO 6400
70 mm
Monday, December 28, 2009
Taste of Winter
previous / next (12-30-09)Winter is beautiful to look at.
Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8
1/250 second
F/2.8
ISO 800
52 mm
Monday, December 21, 2009
Winterberry Woods
previous / next (12-23-09)This was shot at the Great Swamp a few weeks ago after all the leaves had fallen from the trees and although it was a fairly warm morning the barren look and mood of the swamp most definitely conjured up thoughts of gray winter days.
Nikon D700
Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8
1/640 second
F/6.3
ISO 640
65 mm
Labels: Great Swamp, New Jersey, parks, winter
Monday, December 07, 2009
Winter Trees on Ice
previous / next (12-9-09)We had a bit of snow on Saturday. It really didn't stick much where I live but it was fun to see the first flakes fall. I shot this one a couple of winters ago at the pond near my house.
Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8
1/160 second
F/11.0
ISO 640
70 mm
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Iona Island Marsh II
previous / nextYou can read an interesting old NY Times article about a terrible accident that killed six men at the Ammunition Depot in Nov. 1903 by going here.
For more information on the area go here, here, and here.
NIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8
1/320 second
F/13.0
ISO 400
70 mm
Labels: D700, Iona Island, Landscape, New York, winter
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Iona Island Marsh
previous / nextThis shot is from Iona Island in the Town of Stony Point in Rockland County. We just sort of stumbled upon this place while exploring the roads that wound through the mountains. We found the old Iona Island Naval Ammunition Depot which is now a winter sanctuary for Bald Eagles but is closed to the public between Dec. 1 and March 31. Apparently public access is severely restricted throughout the year and from what I understand you need special permission to enter the main portion of the island. We did not see any Bald Eagles on this trip. Well that is not entirely true, we did see one in the small zoo in Bear Mountain State Park earlier in the day...not quite the same thing though.
This area of NY is not very far from where we live...perhaps an hour or so drive. I lost track of the travel times because we did so many little side trips. It is very close to West Point which we visited on several occasions last year. It is a really beautiful area with much to see. I don't know why I haven't spent more time here but that is definitely going to change.
For more information on the area go here, here, and here.
NIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8
1/125 second
F/13.0
ISO 400
28 mm
Labels: D700, Iona Island, Landscape, New York, winter
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A Little More Winter
previous / nextNIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70 f2.8
1/250 second
F/5.0
ISO 360
70 mm
Labels: D700, Great Swamp, New Jersey, winter
Monday, February 16, 2009
A Single Tree
1/500 second
Tokina 80-200mm f2.8
F/8.0
ISO 200
100 mm
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
No Pets
previous / nextFrom Sandy Hook taken the same day as the previous post.
Nikkor 50mm f1.4
1/160 second
F/10.0
ISO 200
50 mm
Labels: beach, black and white, D700, New Jersey, Sandy Hook, winter
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Dunes Behind the Gun Batteries
previous / nextI've been super busy the last week with work and building a new product studio for doing product photography. It is fun and exciting to see it taking shape but it is also a lot of work. I am doing this while at the same time working on some product shoots so everything is a bit topsy-turvy at the moment. I miss getting around to see everyone but just cannot manage the time and by evening I am completely spent. The good news is that the new space is just about functional although I still have to re-paint and install some new shelving...all in due time. For now I just need to get it functional so I can get the work out.
NIKON D700
Nikkor 50mm f 1.4
1/200 second
F/16.0
ISO 200
50 mm
Labels: beach, black and white, D700, New Jersey, Sandy Hook, winter
Friday, February 06, 2009
Taken From the Top II
previous / nextNIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8
1/320 second
F/8.0
ISO 200
28 mm
Labels: D700, Fort Hancock, New Jersey, Sandy Hook, winter
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Taken From the Top
previous / nextNIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8
1/320 second
F/8.0
ISO 200
28 mm
Labels: D700, Fort Hancock, New Jersey, Sandy Hook, winter
Monday, February 02, 2009
Gun Battery Gates
previous / nextAfter walking along the top of the battery for a while we noticed the park rangers coming toward us chasing people off so we walked back down the path to the beach and back around to the rear of the batteries. There are fences at the back of them to discourage the public from going in and exploring. By the time we made our way there the rangers were down along the fence. We talked to the rangers for a few minutes, who were very nice. They regularly have to chase people off and out of them but they don't get nasty about it since the access is so easy especially from the beach side and they understand the "cool" factor allure of the place. The fences are also not terribly secure as most of the gates are broken or open from previous trespassers.
How I would have loved to go inside of one of the gates!
NIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8
1/400 second
F/4.5
ISO 200
70 mm
Labels: D700, Fort Hancock, New Jersey, Sandy Hook, winter
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Stillness
Because it is a swamp the paths are mostly an assortment of boardwalks like this one , some with railings and some without, that wind their way through the swamp leading to various wildlife viewing blinds like the one I was in when I took this shot.
NIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8
1/100 second
F/8.0
ISO 720
70 mm
Labels: D700, Great Swamp, New Jersey, parks, winter
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Detritus
previous / nextThis is a broad view of the inside of the barn barn in "Shivering". You can see the poor little stuffed bear from "Fragile" on the floor in the foreground and it is also where the photo "Silk Flowers and Rough Edges" which was off to my right and not visible here was shot. I took the shot from the large doorway, or what was left of it anyway. I think what caught my eye initially was the ladder which seemed to stand defiantly among the decay and detritus. I also love the patina of the old wood.
I did not use flash for this although it kind of looks like I did. It was shot a little before 4PM on a pretty overcast day while a light snow was falling. Ambient light and light reflected off the snow was coming through doorways and gaping holes in the walls. I applied curves adjustments to balance tone and contrast.
NIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8
1/100 second
F/2.8
ISO 4000
28 mm
Labels: Abandoned Structures, barn, D700, New Jersey, winter
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Bird Feeder
previous / nextThe birds kept flitting back and forth and it seemed no matter how quiet I tried to be they sensed it as soon as I raised my camera and darted away. I was hoping to catch them in flight as they went to the feeder. But I did not have any luck with that.
I had been trying to catch this Blue Jay for quite some time but he was too fast and by far the most cautious. Just as I was about to give up and move on I caught sight of him coming back to the feeder so I raised the camera to the viewing slot and grabbed this one shot just a split second before he bolted again. I stayed a bit longer but pretty soon I got too cold to stand still so I moved on.
F/2.8
ISO 200
70 mm
Labels: birds, D700, Landscape, New Jersey, winter
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Shivering
previous / nextBefore I get into the details of this post, I want to thank everyone for the kind responses to the previous post. It was a very sensitive subject and I was contemplating whether or not it would be appropriate posting it at all, but it has become my habit to post the concert programs when photography is involved. I admit that while I really appreciate all comments and feedback, I felt a bit uncomfortable getting comments and praise for that post.
The concert dedication was intended to honor this young man who was the victim of a senseless act of violence. When I was contemplating how to design the program cover I wanted it to convey dignity and sensitivity. It took me a long time to ponder what would be worthy and not be too melancholy or showy and frivolous. I was not sure how to approach it. You saw the result. In the end I was satisfied with my small contribution.
But much, much more importantly than my concert program cover was the concert itself and what it stood for. It was dedicated to John as a way to perhaps help towards healing, at least a little, the Curry family's torn hearts so that they know John will be remembered not for his tragic end but for how he lived and the wonderful talents and gifts which he shared with so many.
The Curry family was in attendance at this concert and they were so strong and gracious. I was amazed by that. But when I heard stories of what John meant to so many and what kind of young man he was, it came as no surprise what wonderful family and friends he had in his life.
I did not know John well since we were new to the orchestra the year that he graduated but I do remember his presence there and his talent. I knew that he was not only talented, but also kind, witty, and well liked from the many stories that have been shared with the orchestra over the years.
Thanks for indulging me in this rumination...I should have posted these thoughts in the previous post but I just could not find the right words and I fear my words are inadequate even still.
Now on to this post...
On Saturday Jan. 10 Mark and I went to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Morris County NJ, not too far from my home, during a light snowstorm. On the way we passed this barn that really caught my eye. This is a very affluent area with really large manor homes on huge gated properties but every so often you come across a scene like this one.
There were people exploring the old barn when we first passed it so we decided to come back a little later to check it out. By the time we made our way back to the barn from the Refuge, at about 4 PM, it was starting to get darker and it was threatening to snow harder. The barn was in such tumbledown condition I though it almost looked like it was shivering in the cold and snow.
I don't ususally do memes but I thought this one fit Carmi's Thematic Photography for this week.
NIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8
1/200 second
F/7.1
ISO 6400
70 mm
Labels: Abandoned Structures, barn, D700, New Jersey, winter
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Deserted Village in Light Snow
We didn't go too far because it was bitterly cold and windy. I did see that some of the old buildings had been restored and others were boarded up and seriously decayed. I hope to go back when it is a little warmer but also snowing because the snow does make this a magical place.
There is not a lot of information on any of the official park sites about this place. I did read that at one time there were 175 people living there. Now I believe there are only 3 families living there. The village consists of eight houses, a church, a carriage house and a general store, and a small graveyard.
I believe this building once housed a general store downstairs and a church upstairs.
NIKON D700
Nikkor 50mm f1.4
1/320 second
F/5.6
ISO 900
50 mm
Labels: D700, New Jersey, snow, winter
Monday, January 05, 2009
Goose Stepping Geese 2
Monday, December 22, 2008
White Christmas?
previous / nextThis was the view outside of my office window on Friday. It was beautiful to see a snowstorm this close to Christmas. It is not too common for us to have a white Christmas and I know this snow won't stick around until Christmas Day. It has already been turning to slush which then freezes solid during the night making a pretty fair mess. But for now it is still white and looks pretty.
On a really happy note all of us are together under one roof for Christmas. Rob came home from Georgia Saturday afternoon and Russ finished up his finals at Rutgers and made it in about the same time as Rob. Of course Jon is thrilled to have his brothers home.. As much as he may protest, I don't think he likes being the only one left living at home. It was happy chaos here Saturday afternoon...and by Sunday it looked like a tornado went through the house.
Camera settings:
NIKON D700
Nikkor 85mm f1.8
1/800 second
F/1.8
ISO 400
85 mm
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Holy Week and Happy St. Patrick's Day
previous / nextMonday is St. Patrick's Day when everyone becomes just a little Irish for a day. Happy St. Patrick's Day to all. How often does St. Patrick's Day and Holy Week coincide? I don't think it's very often.
This is a local church in town that I shot a few months back during an early snowstorm. In the large version you can really see the snow falling, it's not so evident in this small view.
I have to apologize, again for my absence here. I have been swamped! It's all good, but when it rains it pours, feast or famine! I should enjoy the feast while it lasts. I have been buried in work up to my eyeballs the past 2 weeks and it just keeps coming! Which is good, but I am just not used to it.
So between family obligations and work I have had no time for recreational photography, or photo-blogging. I started to make the rounds to the photo-blogs the other day and ended up having more work come in that couldn't wait. The work I am doing I cannot really post here and for that I am sorry.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Abandoned Mill-Window and Wall Detail
previous / nextOn Sunday Jon had the CJMEA region II Orchestra concert and it was very good also. He played viola for that. It was quite impressive. These kids have a lot of talent and the teachers and music professionals that put this all together to showcase and promote it are wonderful. The dedication to the cause of music education for our kids is evident and is a great asset to our youth and our state.
Labels: Architecture, mill, New Jersey, window, winter
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Finally Snow! 4
previous / nextLabels: farm, Hoffman Park, Landscape, New Jersey, snow, winter
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Finally Snow! 3
previous / nextI rarely saw my Aunt's Farm in winter since she spent her winters in Florida and Nassau in the Bahamas. We only spent summers there when I was little. In fact I actually don't remember ever seeing it with a blanket of snow. The transformation is wonderful!
My Aunt and Uncle started aquiring properties in the county in the 1930's. They would lease the land to farmers for livestock (cattle) at a monthly per animal rate. They owned land in four other townships in Hunterdon County as well as in Florida and the Bahamas. My Uncle was one of the Hoffman's from the Hoffman Beverage Company from many years ago.
As I have mentioned before here, the farm and her other properties in the county were transferred to the county by my Aunt with the stipulation that it remain "pristine parklands".
If you would like more information about Hoffman Park click here.
Labels: farm, Hoffman Park, Landscape, New Jersey, snow, winter
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Finally Snow! 2
previous / nextI couldn't get any closer because this area is off limits to the public and it was being heavily patrolled by the park rangers because the hills were open for sledding. From this vantage point you cannot see how badly the house has deteriorated. It still looks grand to me. Last year I did "trespass" onto the property and left a rose on the porch in memory of my Aunt. It was then that I saw how really bad the house had gotten and it was pretty tough to see it.
Saturday remained gray all day. I had hoped for a little late afternoon sun, but it didn't happen. I still had a good time getting out and taking winter landscape photos. I am now really ready for Spring!
Labels: farm, Hoffman Park, New Jersey, Park, snow, winter
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Finally Snow! 1
This was shot in my own backyard on Friday while the snow was still lightly falling. I managed to get out Saturday and take a ride in the country for some more winter scenes. The snow was indeed beautiful but I was hoping for the sun to make a late day appearance to shine some golden light on everything. That never happened as it remained very gray all Saturday. I still managed to get some halfway decent shots from my travels. I will be sharing them over the coming days on both of my photoblogs.
I am hoping that this afternoon I will have a chance to get out and get some photos of the snow in some late day sunlight. It looks promising right now. I just hope the skies co-operate later.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
January Leaf
previous / nextThe light that day in the woods was very interesting, unlike what I've been dealing with this winter. I had posted several photos from that January day last winter, but somehow I overlooked this one. I think I felt it was just too dark and maybe it is, but now that I look at it I find the subtle, and interesting play of light here very appealing.
This winter has been cold, flat, gray, and boring and generally uninspiring here in my corner of suburbia. I haven't had the opportunity to get out shooting when the light has been good, which hasn't been too often anyway. The window of opportunity has been small and infrequent for me this winter. It's been very cold and there's been no snow to speak of which really annoys me. I am not a big winter person to begin with but if I have to suffer through the cold, gray, overcast, then at least let there be some snow to make it interesting! Every week they call for snow, even this weekend there were supposed to be 2 storms that were supposed to offer us an inch or 2, maybe 3 but Noooooo! Just cold, gray, overcast, and irritating weather!
I have to drive quite ways out of suburbia to find things that I find interesting to shoot but I just haven't had the time or opportunity to do it. When I find the time, I've encountered the most annoying light conditions...Grrrr! So I resorted to looking for stuff inside my house using my lightbox and snoots etc., but there are only so many things around the house that I find interesting. Not to mention that when I am home, I usually find other pressing projects that need attending to and get distracted by those.
Perhaps this afternoon will yield a little better light. It looked promising earlier this morning, but now it looks as though the gray, flat, overcast is returning to spoil my plans...I just checked the weather and it doesn't look good. Oh well! Tomorrow is another day!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Pine Under Glass
previous / nextThis is yet another one from the ice storm. The ice storm is a distant memory due to the 50-60 degree temps we've had the last couple of days. I've been trapped in the house though unable to get out and enjoy it or take photos. Well maybe tomorrow. In the meantime I was perusing some of the archives and I found a few that I've overlooked in the past and may post in the future...we'll see.
Labels: black and white, ice, plants, winter
Friday, January 04, 2008
Baby, It's Cold Outside!
My internet was being funky for a few days. My router burned out and was seriously limping until yesterday when it wouldn't hold a connection for more than 5 seconds at a time...fun! Anyway I got a new router and I'm back in business so I will be catching up with everyone soon.
This photo was actually from a few weeks ago, but it really fits considering how cold it is. This is one of the paths along the Rahway River in Mohawk Park after an ice storm. It was a little scary walking there because you could hear branches starting to give way to the weight of the ice. I decided to stay on the wide paved path.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Ice Storm-Berries 3
previous / nextTuesday, December 18, 2007
Ice Storm-Berries 2
Thanks to Kathleen, I now know that this is called Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora Thunb.ex Murr.) Actually I know a lot about it now because she is a master when it comes to this stuff and left a wonderful detailed description and history in the comments on the previous post. Thanks Kathleen!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Ice Storm-Berries 1
previous / nextSunday, December 02, 2007
Pussy Willows in December's First Snow
previous / nextThere is a Pussy Willow bush/tree next to the parking lot. I thought Pussy Willows bloomed with their little fuzzy buds in the early Spring, I didn't know they could have buds in the Fall/Winter. I know there are a few gardeners who visit my site and I would love if one of you could enlighten me.
Monday, February 19, 2007
One Year Ago Today...
This blog was born. Wow!!! I cannot believe a year has passed. In fact I was taken somewhat by surprise when I realized today was the anniversary. In that year, many posts and many new friends have been made. So many of you have been with me since the very beginning and I have really cherished all of your visits. You all keep me going. The blog has evolved in style over these 12 months thanks to Azhar and his immense talent and kindness. Thank you Azhar!!!Getting back into photography was one of the best things I've done for myself. It's been rewarding and fun! I hope to stick around for a long time to come. I've come a long way in that year. I look at things differently now, even more so than in my younger days, I find beauty in the seemingly mundane. Sometimes I hit, sometimes I miss, but nearly every shot I take means something to me, even if not everyone else gets it.
I wish this shot was more profound for the 1 year anniversary, but I've been so very busy that I've really not had a chance to go out and shoot other than some jobs for a couple of weeks now. I'm hoping that will change soon and I will have more time. This shot was of the only significant snow we've had so far this winter. It was the Valentines Day snowstorm and it was actually more ice than snow here. This was taken on Friday, a couple of days after the storm, from my Kitchen door looking out onto my deck. I liked the way the sun was coming through the trees and I particularly liked the shadow lines that were created.
When I don't have a post here, there is likely to be a different one on "Parallel Universe" so I invite you to check it out as well. I was moving the archives from here over there since I had issues with the archives so you may see some posts that are duplicates of these but they would be in the archived posts, not the current post, all current posts will be different from what's here.
I want to thank you all for the supportive comments, particularly on the last post regarding Robert and his upcoming deployment to Iraq. It means so much me to have your moral support.
Labels: black and white, shadow, snow, winter









