This image was taken late Saturday afternoon as we left the Virginia State fare. It was a long, hot day that featured all the signs needed to prove that the human race, as we remember it, is as good as gone.
Happy Travels
Tag: Virginia
Ongoing Project Continues…
Another ride to Washington DC on the Metro and another opportunity to explore the architectural beauty of the areas transit system. Saturday offered a bit more patience from my wife. Giving me the opportunity to spend a little more time composing my images. I’m looking forward to future solo trips that will allow me even more time to set up images. Until then.
Bring the Calm.
The majority of this weekend and every weekend is spent in Baltimore or Washington DC. With so much more to explore and enjoy anytime soon. Chances are we won’t run out of things to do anytime soon. While Belvedere, Maryland. Our Sunday had a calmer tone, as me spent much of the early afternoon on the relatively sleepy Potomac River. Despite the very hard sun, I manged to find some shade and get some nice shots. We finally agreed on what to eat on Thanksgiving and got most of our food shopping done. Happy Holidays.
Another Trip to Richmond
We were back in Richmond for our friend Tracy’s pop up record store last weekend. As old as I get, being around fellow music geeks, and talking the talk while digging through crates of records still provides a buzz that can only be compared to the finest things in life. During my short dig, I picked both of Sweeping Promises albums and a late 70’s no wave treasure by the Nina Hagen fronted Teenage Jesus and the Jerks. It’s always a pleasure to see Tracy and her beautifully warm smile. Richmond is great city of art, personality and diversity. Having the chance to live within reach of it will guarantee many future visits. I captured this photo of Jefferson Avenue’s Pizza Bones while my wife checked in at a bakery across the street.
Top of the Morning to ya’.
I’ve always enjoyed that hour or so before the sun rises. The air seems cleaner, the scent is much different from any other part of the day, and the quiet solitude has a charm all it’s own. I cherish these moments and try to participate in them whenever possible. On a recent pre-dawn walk, I arrived home just as the sun began to show itself. The rental across the street from me that was still be constructed when we moved here in 2021, is finally active. I snapped this at about an hour before the hustle and bustle of the rush hour began. Rewarding, to say the very least.
Achieving Motion Blur.
Since purchasing the Canon R6 Mirrorless camera, I’ve explored many aspects of photography that, until recently, have been somewhat foreign to me, as of lately. I’ve set my camera settings to capture some motion blur—another aspect of photography I’ve wanted to explore. In contrast, waiting for my train to DC the other night. I caught this train heading in the opposite direction, slowing my shutter speed to 1/4 of a second. I could adequately capture the train car’s motion while capturing the building in the foreground. Somewhat neat. There I was, proving that an old dog can learn new tricks. A wise man named Albert Einstein once said, “You never fail until you stop trying.” I will keep that in mind and the many quotes regarding the subject
Day Trip to Richmond
This weekend, for the first time in more than ten years. I took a trip to Richmond to attend a long-time friends inclusion in an intimate record show. Aside from seeing this beautiful friend, getting the stuffing hugged out of me, and meeting her husband. I enjoyed nourishing food, walked the streets of a diverse city and took lots of pictures. On the right is the restaurant, delicatessen where we started our day.
Bringing Lost Treasures back to Life.
I’m finally getting images off the floor, out of the closet, and onto the white walls of our condo. Thoughts arise regarding what goes where and the themes they represent—taking a nod from childhood memories. Two impactful ones immediately come to mind. The coop my Mom raised me in as a child had two bathrooms. The smaller one, just off the kitchen, was always the one that doubled as a bathroom/art gallery. Small, yet functional. The small area was lit by one of those funky colored bulbs and rotating art that varied from nudes and movie posters the company she worked for produced. At the same time, my Father ushered in my love for boxing by installing a heavy bag in his garage and sharing his love for the sport with me. A passion and appreciation that has stuck with me since.
So, when needing one last print for my boxing-themed room. I dug deep into my Lightroom 4 images and found a long-lost gem that perfectly captured my envisioned mood and vibe. Taken ten or more years ago by an actress, model, and stuntwoman I worked with in my small, Hoboken studio. The session this image came from marks the beginning of my love, understanding, and practice of adding shadow, contrast, and mood to my studio lighting.
To your right, is one of the first print/enlargements I’ve made in more than five years and my first with District Cameras Arlington location. Having done business with them numerous times in the past month, I can only say the most positive things when recommending their service.
Train of Thought
With the wife at the office and my wanting to take advantage of the warm weather and a barely baptized new camera. I carefully navigated the sidewalk cracks and pot holes, and walked my way down to Dolly Madison road to attempt some shots I’ve been wanting to take since arriving in the area. Arriving at the edge of the great divide. I took to time to steady myself and compose the area I wanted to focus on. With my main focus on the soon to arrive train and two towering buildings in the foreground serving as bookmarks. I waited for my photo version of Moby Dick to come into view. This photo opportunity served several purposes, as the day marked my longest solo walk since my diagnosis, capturing a shot I’ve long envisioned, and later discovering the route to a rewarding nature walk.
Once Upon a Tripod
I’m not sure what made me head back into freezing temps, but whatever it was, I brought a more relaxed attitude. I might not have achieved my ultimate goal or even understood why I was having issues with taking long exposures in manual or bulb mode. I just wanted to take some pictures of the brisk night sky. Below is one of my favorites from my few minutes in the dark.
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