previous / next

This is another shot from Saturday in Iona Island. This view is looking toward the former Naval Ammunition Depot turned Eagle Sanctuary where I shot the previous photo. In the previous photo these buildings would have been behind me.

You 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

previous / next

On Saturday we spent the afternoon in NY State along the Hudson River in Bear Mountain and the surrounding areas. It had turned out to be a beautiful day. It was not terribly cold with the temps around 40° or so and light winds. We even enjoyed a picnic lunch in Bear Mountain State Park.

This 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

previous / next

Well winter is starting to let up with some more moderate temps...thank God...I just got my gas bill for the past month and YIKES!!! I've never had such a high heating bill in my life. It was cccccold last month. But I digress...This is another shot of the wooden paths through the Great Swamp. You can see a slightly different view of this same walkway in black and white from Fall 2006 here.

NIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70 f2.8
1/250 second
F/5.0
ISO 360
70 mm

previous / next

I have photographed this tree several times over the years. You can see 2 of those shots here and here. This tree stands alone in this spot which is just a little spit of land , a jetty more or less, that sticks into the bay across from NY in the Atlantic Highlands. You used to be able to go onto the jetty but they recently replaced the fencing and gates which now extend into the water preventing access, unless you don't mind getting wet to get there. I shot this from a restaurant parking lot that is adjacent to the jetty.

NIKON D700
1/500 second
Tokina 80-200mm f2.8
F/8.0
ISO 200
100 mm

previous / next

From Sandy Hook taken the same day as the previous post.

NIKON D700
Nikkor 50mm f1.4
1/160 second
F/10.0
ISO 200
50 mm

previous / next

These were the trails to the beach that are behind the gun batteries in the previous posts. It was a warm Feb. 1 so we took a nice walk on the trails through the dunes on the beach.

I'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

previous / next

A different view from the top of the gun batteries. I think the hole is where the huge guns were mounted and the steps were how the gun was rotated...but I am not entirely sure.

NIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8
1/320 second
F/8.0
ISO 200
28 mm

previous / next

...of the gun batteries at Fort Hancock in Sandy Hook. These are the same gun batteries as in the previous post only this is the view from above. We found our way up here from a trail on the beach side.

NIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8
1/320 second
F/8.0
ISO 200
28 mm

previous / next

This is one of the old Gun Batteries at Ft. Hancock in Sandy Hook. We had been walking along the beach and followed several foot paths. One of which led to the top of one of the gun batteries quite to our surprise. They are supposed to be off limits to the public for a very good reason as they are crumbling and very dangerous places.

After 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

previous / next

The Great Swamp is beautiful all year round with lots of amazing flora and fauna to be found if you take the time to look. I am especially fond of this place in the fall and winter. In the fall the beauty of the place is obvious with the wonderful vibrant fall colors that abound here. In the winter the beauty is more subtle and quiet. I find the haunting quiet stillness of this place in a gentle snowfall to be so soothing and despite the cold, there is a kind of warmth in this place.

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

previous / next

I had not originally planned on posting this shot as it seemed a little too chaotic to me and I usually prefer to focus on details for places like this...but the more I came across it the more it had grown on me.

This 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

previous / next

I took this in the Great Swamp a couple of weeks ago in a light snow storm from an observation blind in the Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge.

The 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.

I did not have my long lens on at the time since I had not planned on taking this type of shot which might have worked better with the longer lens. I had set out that afternoon with other ideas in my head.

The cold weather brings lots of photo-ops but I find it difficult to stand still long enough to get the shots I want. I am not a fan of cold weather.

NIKON D700

Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8

1/250 second
F/2.8
ISO 200
70 mm

previous / next

A word about the previous post.

Before 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.

Camera Settings:
NIKON D700
Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8
1/200 second
F/7.1
ISO 6400
70 mm

previous / next

This is a shot that I took on New Years Eve in Watchung Reservation about 20 minutes from my home in NJ during a light snowfall. I had not been here in years so I thought it would be interesting to see if anything had changed.

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.

Camera Settings:
NIKON D700
Nikkor 50mm f1.4
1/320 second
F/5.6
ISO 900
50 mm

previous / next

This is the second shot of the same geese from the previous post. I was running toward them trying to get them to fly so I could get a shot of them in flight. As you can see I failed to get them to fly.

Camera Settings:
NIKON D700
Nikkor 50mm f1.4
1/1250 second
F/5.0
ISO 800
50 mm

previous / next

I want to thank everyone for their kind words on the previous post. There has been an amazing outpouring of support for this family and I am sure they appreciate it.

This 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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As of July 2008 I have decided to post the same photos on "Parallel Universe" as I do here. It has become too complicated to maintain two different photoblogs on a regular basis. Feel free to visit "Parallel Universe" and look through the portfolio/archives since there are quite a few photos there that were never posted here. I will continue to post on both since each one gets different viewers. I have also changed the title of Parallel Universe to Capture This Photography 2.

Check out my other Photoblog portfolio/archives:
"Capture This Photography 2"

-ABOUT ME- -LINKS- -HOME- -CONTACT-

previous / next

For Christians around the world today, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week which ends with Easter Sunday next week. I hope that all those who celebrate have a Blessed week.

Monday 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.

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

CONTACT

HOME

previous / next

This is an old abandoned mill in Milford NJ. I love the detail and colors in the wall and the window. The property is for sale but the building should probably be condemned. The wall on the river side is pretty much falling into the river. It is temporarily shorn up but.

Last week was a rough one. I had the flu and a lot was going on. I am much better, almost 100% although I am still very tired. The weekend was filled with events. Jon had his School Musical which was really good. I had never been to a High School Musical before and the School's production of "Evita" was quite a surprise to me. It was quite good. Jon played violin in the orchestra pit and is a member of the stage crew. The talent on stage was really impressive and the audience seemed very receptive and pleased.

On 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.

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

CONTACT

HOME

previous / next

This is probably the last photo I will post for this series. Once again it is from Hoffman Park. Now I am not certain but I believe the low building on the right is for the cattle to seek shelter in times of extreme weather. I walked over and there isn't much left to the lean-to type shelter but it definitely looks like that is what it was used for. If someone knows better please let me know so that I can offer the correct information.

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

CONTACT

HOME

previous / next

This is a view of Hoffman Park from up at the entrance taken from the parking area looking toward Manny's Pond on the left and Heron Rd. in the middle of the frame. Off in the distance, after the tree line, and before the mountain on the left you can see Spruce Run Reservoir. The farmhouse from the previous photo would be over my right shoulder, behind, and above me.

I 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.

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

CONTACT

HOME

previous / next

This was taken on Saturday the day after our First "real" snow. It is my Aunt's old farmhouse which is located on part of the Hoffman Park Property which is now off limits. The house was grand and beautiful at one time, but has quickly fallen into disrepair and I fear that if the county doesn't restore it soon it will be too late.

I 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!

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

CONTACT

HOME

previous / next

Finally we had a real snowstorm! I am not a big fan of winter but I figure if it has to be cold and dreary at least let there be some snow. I got my wish Friday and so did the kids since school was canceled because of the snow.

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.

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

CONTACT

HOME

previous / next

This is another one from the archives. I took it last January in the thickest part of the woods in my little Mohawk Park. It's a very small park, so by thickest, well let's just say it isn't all that thick especially in the winter.

The 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!

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

CONTACT

HOME

previous / next

I've been so busy I haven't been able to catch up like I wanted to. Lots going on and some of it is very exciting, some of it is tedious, and some of it is stressful, or a combination of all of the above...but more on that later.

This 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.

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

CONTACT

HOME

previous / next

I'm not kidding! The last 2 days have been cccold! It didn't get out of the 20's...Brrrr! I know it's pretty "normal" for it to get that cold, but I don't have to like it!

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.

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

CONTACT

HOME

previous / next

This is the last in the ice storm series...I think. I have more but I don't want to get too boring with them. I hope you enjoyed the series. As I mentioned before I am horticulturally challenged so I have no idea what kind of berries these are. If anyone knows feel free to set me straight.

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

CONTACT

HOME

"Tis' The Season"

previous / next

This is the second photo in the ice storm series which was also shot in Mohawk Park on Friday after the ice storm. This is a more isolated view of the same kind of berries as the previous photo.

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!

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

CONTACT

HOME

"Tis' The Season"

previous / next

This was shot on Friday in Mohawk Park the day after we had a nasty ice storm. I have a series of photos of ice storm shots featuring different berries covered in ice that I will be posting in the coming days. I am horticulturally challenged so I have no idea what kinds of berries they are so if anyone can tell me I would appreciate it.

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

CONTACT

HOME

"Tis' The Season"

previous / next

It is December 2 and I woke this morning to the first real snow of the season. Not a big snow but enough to cover everything with a beautiful Mantle of pure white delight. I of course was very excited. I had to go to church early to set up the coffee and goodies for Fellowship Hour. When the service ended and all the goodies were put out I went outside and got a few shots of the snow outside of the church.

There 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.

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

CONTACT

HOME

"Tis' The Season"

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.

Check out my other Photoblog:
"Parallel Universe"

ABOUT ME

LINKS

HOME