# 270 - "Reflections. . ."

What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.” - Karl Lagerfield 

f/38 @ 1.5 sec.   ISO 140 on a tripod   Polarizer

Icy Blue

When winter comes, cameras generally go into hibernation. One cure for the winter blahs – if cold enough - is to visit a local waterway and look for ice. One of my favorite local spots is my town park that has water flowing throughout it. After walking around the various water routes, I came across ice along the edge of a stream. Upon closer inspection, I found the right spot to capture what was happening around me.

Here, I set up my tripod and added my polarizer filter as I wanted to enrich the blue in the water as well as get that silky feel from the flow. With a small aperture (f/38) and low ISO (140), I could muster up an exposure of one and a half seconds – slow enough to get the effect I wanted in the water! Numerous shots were taken to find the right combination of detailed ice and the silky water texture.

“Icy Blue” was that final image!

Bonus Image
View from the deck of my room.

# 269 - "Reflections. . ."

“A good image keeps a moment from running away.” 
   - Eudora Welty

f/9.5 @ 1/90 sec.   ISO 100   Polarizer

Torcello Window 

Traveling in Italy with a camera affords the man behind the camera thousands of photo ops. Sometimes it is the ordinary that catches one’s attention. This was the situation for this window in Torcello. It was the variety of textures and shapes and shadows, which stopped me from walking along any further. Curiosity had me wondering what was behind the wall? And, did the builder of this structure compensate for that tree limb?

With this image, I began to critically look at my overall capture to find pictures within pictures. Soon, I found a commonality in quite a few of my “Bella Italia” shots – la finestra!

To get a closer look into my “Windows of Italy” go to

www.JoeKennedyPhotography.com

click on the “Bella Italia” folder and got the end for a peep. . .

Bonus Image

"The Bookcase"

As I was driving to the Needles section Of Canyonlands, there was a pullout for an overlook. It was a twenty-two mile road to this view!

Due to technicalities within the Navajo Nation, I was unable to acknowledge those who responded yesterday - Tony, Michael P., Phil, Michelle, Joani, Carol, and EMO.

# 268 - "Reflections. . ."

“The Native Americans say to draw someone's portrait is to steal their soul if I am taking photographs, does that mean that I am just borrowing them?” - T. A. 

f/8 @ 1/80 sec.   ISO 200

Edgy Crissy

Portrait and wedding photographer, Jeff Turner, set HDP club members up with one of his favorite subjects, Crissy. Her tattoos and colorful outfits in a shut down mill made for an interesting shoot. Crissy’s edginess was obvious in her ability to pose around the abandoned building without thinking about the dust or the run-down conditions around her. She posed where Jeff thought would create the greatest impact. His attention to detail was evidenced in the sites around the former mill that he chose. This coupled with suggestions on where we should stand and how we could capture Crissy was invaluable.

Model was converted to monochromatic for effect.

Bonus Image

"Deadhorse Canyon"

I was hoping for a chance to shoot this state park where thr colorado River makes a u-turn but the level of the water was too low so, I opted for a landscape instead.

Still hanging in there: Phil, Deana, Michelle, Tony, EMO, Milt,  Joani, and Mike D.  Happy vacation, Mike!

# 267 - "Reflections. . ."

The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things with words.” - Elliott Erwitt

                                               f/4.8 @ 1/1500 sec.  ISO 100   Polarizer

Ponte Vecchio Bridge

It’s Italy! It’s Florence!! It’s the Ponte Vecchio Bridge!!! On this very sunny morning my wife and I walked along the Arno River toward the iconic bridge. The blue sky and the bridge’s reflection were what caught my attention. There were numerous shots along the Arno River with this bridge and its likeness as the main subject.

I don't think this image needs any further explanation!

Bonus Image

This the the "Wooden Show Arch" found in the Needles section of Canyonlands.

Fond memories of the school bus brought out Liz, Phil, Michelle, EMO, Milt, Tony, Joani, Michael K., Michael P., and Joyce.

# 266 - "Reflections. . ."

“A photograph is usually looked at - seldom looked into.” 
   - Ansel Adams

f/11 @ 1/15 sec.   ISO 200 on a tripod

Snow Day

This is the same bus I showed in #12.  As you can see I did return to capture that abandoned school bus after a snowfall. This was one of my efforts for braving the cold and the downed wires. I moved around the bus looking for the right composition. The snow did add several interesting angles for capturing. At the rear door I noticed signs of others leaving their marks on the abandoned vehicle. I positioned my tripod so that I filled my frame with the opening through that back exit. I was immediately transformed into another world – a world punctuated by the dismantling of the inner workings of this school bus and the graffiti left behind.

With the support of NIK’s Silver Efex Pro 2, this image was transformed into a B&W.

Thoughts of coming back for the other seasons have been thwarted with the cutting down of the birch trees in front of the bus.

Heard from Deana, Tony, Doris, Michelle, Phil, Peyton, and Mrs. Beth about the "Brimfield Bag Lady."


Bonus Image

"Roadside Guardians"

Monoliths guarding the roadway into the Needles area of Canyonlands National Park. These stone structures continued for miles!

# 265 - "Reflections. . ."

“One of the risks of appearing in public is the likelihood of being photographed.” - Diane Arbus

f/4.8 @ 1/800 sec.   ISO 200

Brimfield Bag Lady

Recently, I attended a workshop presented by street photographer, Lou Jones. Lou keyed on several considerations in order to be successful in this area of photojournalism. Two of his steps involved moving slowly and becoming invisible. With New England’s largest antiques festival coming up, I decided to try to capture some people with Brimfield as my canvas.

Using Jones’s guidelines, I was able to blend in with the characters who frequented the week-long event. The “Brimfield Bag Lady” was one of scouting out a location and waiting for the right subject. I came across a full- length mirror propped up at the side of one of the tents so I had my spot. Within minutes potential subjects strolled by. This one lady with her purchases filled the mirror to my liking.

I decided to use B&W for my final image as I didn’t want the colors to distract from the overall feeling.

Someone in one of my study groups felt this shot was an invasion of her privacy – but isn’t that the case for all street photography?

Commenting on yesterday's challenge and the bonus image: Deana, Michelle, Peyton, EMO, Tony, Joani, Phil, Jeff W., and Joyce.

"Roadside View" These humungous structures are along the road in Arches National Park.

# 264 - "Reflections. . ."

Of course it’s all luck! - Henri Cartier-Bresson

f/7.1 @ 1/500 sec.   ISO 500

Lead Racer

No truer words describe this image than what Henri wrote about luck. This sailboat race in Buzzards Bay exudes pure luck! First of my good fortune was the opportunity to shoot these boats in full sail on the bay. One of the members of my club offered seats on his motorboat to head out to see these races. My name was selected to fill one of the spots on his small craft. My luck would really be challenged as the boat was buffeted by the winds and waves, which is usually not a problem, unless you are holding your camera and trying to focus on the action in the water. I was able to figure out the rhythm of the rolling surf to fire off several shots. 

It pays to be lucky after all!

Quite a reaction to yesterday's "Outer Space" from EMO, Michelle, Michael K., Phil, Joani, and Tony! Welcome back, Doris!

How about this one - 

# 263 - "Reflections. . ."

“Sometimes one waits too long for the perfect moment before snapping the picture. You never realize that you needed was to change perspective.” - Miguel Syjuco

f/5.6 @ 1/8 sec.   ISO 400

The Outer Limits

After leaving the CN Tower experience in Toronto, I came across this cityscape. There was something mystical about this arrangement so I walked around it for a few minutes. When I sat down on the wall, it came to me - outer space! I managed to get low to the ground and shot straight across the walkway. When I opened it up in PhotoShop and NIK, I saw several opportunities to make it appear more like deep space. I was able to make it monochromatic while selectively bringing the little color back to the globes. Then I chose the background and darken it so that I had the look of twinkling stars. 

Chiming in on the West Quoddy Lighthouse was Michelle, Tony, Milt, Carol, Deana, Phil, Joani, and Mrs. Beth.

From my travels today - Wilson Arch.

# 262 - "Reflections. . ."

“A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in 

the deepest sense, about what is being photographed.” 

   - Ansel Adams 

f/11@1/45 sec. ISO 200 on a tripod

West Quoddy Lighthouse

It was all about the light! I was in Baxter State Park for a moose shoot (camera not gun) and decided to stay overnight in Lubec to catch first light on this magical lighthouse. Mother Nature cooperated with a beautiful sunrise to fill the sky and cast just the right amount of light on the beacon. I did shoot this originally in color but the contrasts, the angles and the sky all screamed monochromatic! 

Thanks to NIK Silver Efex Pro 2, I was able to capture the feel of the moment.

Raising a cold one to Tony, Phil, Joyce, EMO, Joani, and Michelle for their response to "Lite Beer!"

Bonus image taken from Route 70 on the way to Moab. . .

# 261 - "Reflections. . ."

“These are the two basic controls at the photographer's command--position and timing--all others are extensions, peripheral ones, compared to them” - David Hurn

f/4.2 @ 1/15 sec. ISO 560

Light Beer

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta has several activities to keep the throngs of spectators involved. In the early hours around dawn the SEVEN HUNDRED - PLUS balloons are launched. On some mornings there will be various competitions (closest drop to the pin and grab the key) held. When these mid-morning events are completed, Fiesta Park is shut down. A few hours before dusk the masses return for the Glowdeo – a unique activity involving the balloons and the night. Over the intercom speakers, there is a countdown when the balloonists will fire up their jets for a few seconds thus lighting up their woven envelopes. There is an eerie look all around you. Some of the special shapes take on an entirely different look.  “Light Beer” was one of them. I had to be careful with my camera flash as it had the potential to wash out the effect. There was considerable experimentation with my settings to get the look and feel of the Glowdeo.

My pre-posting caught up with my manual postings - hence the twofer yesterday. Thanks for checking in - Phil, Michelle, Tony, Joyce, Joani, Mike Di., and Michel P.

# 260 - "Reflections. . ."

“Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer - and often the supreme disappointment. ” - Ansel Adams

f/6.7 @ 1/250 sec. ISO 400

Kalapana Lava Flow Sunset

Oh, how I wish I took my tripod along! To have some control over those flocking to this spectacle of nature, the government decided to pave over the lava flow so spectators could drive closer to the point where the molten lava enters the ocean.  Cars were not allowed on the paved roadway until 5 PM. Once I got my car parked, I headed off to find the best viewing spot. As the hike was over lava rock that was much like broken glass if you fell on it, I decided to leave my tripod in the car and concentrate on my footing in the dark. I managed to get right up to the cordoned off area and braced my camera against my body to reduce movement. Mother Nature cooperated with a beautiful sunset! Handholding my camera for this spectacle of nature was not a great idea. Even so, I managed to rescue a couple of keepers from the batch.

# 259 - "Reflections. . ."

“Don’t shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like.”

      - David Alan Harvey

f/4.8 @ 1/15 sec.   ISO 200 on a tripod

Winter Gazebo

My town runs an informal contest for local images to feature on its town reports so I did a quick check of my archives to find something that I could submit. I remembered that I had a shot of a gazebo after a fresh blanket of snow covered the town. The image was processed so that I was able to literally “turn on” the gazebo light! 

The final picture has a Thomas Kincade look to it.

Oh, the town competition? “Winter Gazebo” was featured on the cover of the 2013 Town Report!

Not needing any Roadside Service were Tony, Phil, EMO, Michelle, Peyton, Jeff W., Deana, and Joani.

# 258 - "Reflections. . ."

“Photography is not selfish. Although it captures the moment, it doesn’t keep it. Photography gives back to the viewer the fraction of time, which it once captured. Making it generous for years and even generations to come.” - Mickey Burrow

f/4 @ 1/400 sec.   ISO 100

Roadside Service

As my wife and I were exploring the backroads of southern Vermont, I passed an old garage with antique vehicles parked out front. I made a mental note to come back the same route to get this area in later sun. The truck, the garage, the sign were all vintage and screamed to be done via HDR. I was able to tone-map the one image I had via NIK software. Using NIK’s stellar B&W plug-in, Silver Efex Pro 2, I selectively colored specifics of the truck.

 As for"Blast from the Past," I heard from Lisa Daria, EMO, Phil, Peyton, Tony, Liz, Joani, Michael K., Michelle, and Joyce.

# 257 - Reflections. . .

“The context in which a photograph is seen affects the meaning the viewer draws from it.” - Stephen Shore, Ed.D.

f/5.6 @ 1/400 sec.   ISO 100

Blast from the Past

What would I do without my camera's burst mode! One of my favorite shoots is reenactments. In my area of New England I am able to relive the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and World War II through the eyes and ears of these dedicated historians. 

"Blast from the Past" came down to timing. Prior to the battle the artillery held several demonstrations on their weaponry. Watching closely, I was able to determine within microseconds the actual firing of the canon. I was hoping to capture the fiery blast from the muzzle end. Using burst mode I did get this shot. When I got home I discovered that there would be a lot of cleaning up on this shot, as there were spectators on the other side of the green. 

I would highly recommend doing your homework and finding out just where these battles are to take place.

Yesterday's "Duck Brook Scenic" was liked by Phil, Tony, Michelle, Michael P., Peyton, and Joani.

# 256 - "Reflections. . ."

“A photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you.” - Brigitte Bardot

f/22 @ 2 sec.   ISO 200 on a tripod with a GND filter

Duck Brook Scenic

A group of club members from Stony Brook spent three days in Acadia looking for sunsets, sunrises, and other natural phenomena germane to this national park. Another photographer and I left the group and found this gem at the bottom of a bridge. I must admit the difficulty getting to and from this spot was a little beyond what I would normally do BUT the view was beautiful. Because of the bright sky and darker foreground, I used my Graduated Neutral Density filter to tone down the sky. The filter did what it was intended and I was quite pleased with the final result – now I just needed to get back up the hill to the bridge and my car!

Looks as if we have another field trip for the group - Glacier National Park! Michael P., Phil, EMO, Michelle, Tony, Carol, Deana, Joani, Michael K., and Mike Di. And, here is one reason to put this park on your libelist - Touring on the Red Jammers!

**Sorry about the glitch yesterday. I didn't hit the publish button so it the daily blog went into draft mode.

# 255 - "Reflections. . ."

“Patience is the essence of clicking great photographs!!”

     - Abhijeet Sawant

f/22 @ 1/13 sec.   ISO 200 on a tripod

Grinnell Rainbow

Patience filter came in handy this morning. I was lodging at Many Glacers in Glacier National Park and went downstairs to the sprawling back deck to catch sunrise – just me and thirty-plus other early morning risers. Well, it started to rain, which culled the group down to about twenty. As the moisture fell so didn’t the number of tripods in ready position. In another fifteen minutes, it was just me doing a solo. I waited for something to clear and was I ever rewarded!  This beautiful rainbow cleared the top of Grinnell Peak. Many clicks later, I looked to see who might have caught the spectacular as well. No one! 

I’m glad I had my patience filter with me that morning.

Many wondered about what happened with the bus from yesterday's, "Last Stop" - EMO, Deana, Michelle, Tony, Mike Di., Joani, and Milt. Micheal K. felt he could get it running!

# 254 - "Reflections. . ."

“Photography is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.” - Alfred Stieglitz

f/9 @ 1/80 sec.   ISO 100 on a tripod

Last Stop

Someone in our camera club shared a photo of an abandoned school bus in Carver so the hunt was on to locate it! What added to my interest was the cluster of birches in front of the former school children transport. It’s almost as if its last driver crashed into this clump of trees and left it there. 

I converted it to monochromatic and then reselected the reflection for a return to color via Nik’s Silver Efex Pro 2. I did return to reshoot the bus after a snowstorm but someone had chopped down the trees. I think that removal of the birches changed the impact of the setting for future captures.

Joining the "Love that Gordon Club" we have Phil, EMO, Michael P., Michael K., Deana, Tony, Joani, and Michelle.

# 253 - "Reflections. . ."

“When you approach something to photograph it, first be still 

with yourself until the object of your attention affirms your 

presence. Then don't leave until you have captured its essence.”    
 - Minor White

f/5 @ 1/30 sec.   ISO 100

Gordon

My wife and daughter acknowledged my retirement with a weekend moose shoot in Maine with noted photographer, Mark Piccard. Mark knows moose! He was able to steer our group to the best viewing areas to “shoot” the moose without putting us in any precarious situations. Gordon is an old-timer who entertains the locals with his laidback outlook on tourists. He managed to feed in this stream for well over an hour. 

Mark was recently at a local camera club when he told me Gordon will no longer be putting on a show for anyone. I chose this shot because of the story it told – Gordon feeding.

EMO, Deana, and Joyce chimed in on the "Burano Window."

# 252 - "Reflections. . ."

“What's really important is to simplify. The work of most photographers would be improved immensely if they could do one thing: get rid of the extraneous. If you strive for simplicity, you are more likely to reach the viewer. ” - William Albert Allard

f/8 @ 1/250 sec.   ISO 100

Burano Window

Simplify is a lot harder than you would think. All too often we look through the viewfinder wondering if there is enough to tell the story or convey the message. The simplicity of this image harkens to what Allard is saying – get rid of the extraneous stuff! Burano is one of the islands in Venice harbor. The bold yellow color first caught my eye. Then the angles of the window positioned against the rest of the building and the deep blue sky – notice no polarizer used. My last thought was to flip the image to give it a more natural flow.

Positive feedback from Deana, Michelle, Tony, Vicky, Joani, Joyce, Phil, Michael P., and EMO. 

# 251 - "Reflections. . ."

“Sometimes I do get to places just when God is ready to have somebody click the shutter.” - Ansel Adams

f/6.3 @ 1/160 sec.   ISO 100 on a tripod

Grand Prismatic Pool

Nature’s beauty at its finest! Yellowstone is a photographer’s dream location. I was in awe with Nature’s Palette! Everywhere I looked there was another setting with vivid colors. According to what I had read these impressive colors are because of algae-type creatures that live in these pools - the warmer the weather the brighter the colors!  The tones are somewhat muted over the winter months. 

This image along with several others from Yellowstone's Palette found their way into a tabletop book and a folder on my website.

I was fortunate enough to be here when God tripped my shutter many times in Yellowstone!

Lighthouse fans - Peyton, Phil, Tony, Michelle, Joani, Michael P., and Michael K.