Travelin' About

Feel Like I've Been Through a Cyclone

2012-02-13T14:30:00.000-05:00

Moving is Nuts! The million and one decisions, variables, games that are played and work to be done is all exhausting and insane. But, we finally made it and are beginning to see progress in our new home. Of course, it has meant that I haven't gotten a lot of photography accomplished of late, and I'm definitely behind on blogging, but I am back in the saddle and looking forward to some great, new experiences.

Check out the bold colors we decided to go with. This is my new TEAL kitchen with the TERRA COTTA Dining Room in the background. I am loving the new vibes. We hope to re-do the cabinets in the future, but for now it's a pretty nice lace to cook. Here's a view from the other side:

Our living room is still a work in progress - desperately in need of some seating, but look how we changed it.

So, I guess you can see why the blog has gone neglected. But the best part of being in Austin is being able to enjoy my new status as a Grandma:

Look, she's already a Nikon fan!

This weekend I'm planning to get serious again, as I join a group on the East Side of Austin for a Photo Walk. I'm really looking forward to it. I hope the weather is warm and the Austinite Photography Community is friendly and welcoming. Looking really forward to get those creative juices flowing again! Enough with the boxes already, let's get shooting!

Happy shooting, friends.

2012-01-12T09:13:00.001-05:00

I love following some wonderful photographers and teachers on a regular basis. There are so many out there filled with free, enthusiastic wisdom and challenges. Earlier this week, photographer Rick Sammon showed an image that he composited and enhanced with a NIK filter. He provided the original images and challenged folks to use those same images and create a different picture. Here are the originals:

Go to Rick's site to see the image he crafted. This is what I came up with by duplicating the birds, placing them a few inches away from one another and then using Nik's Color Efex Pro filter Color Contrast. Actually, I used Color Contrast twice - an accident because I was looking up the name of the filter, but I decided I liked how it popped.

Thanks Rick, for providing the challenge. It was lots of fun. Can't wait to see what others come up with.
(Check out a really cool one at Darina Boycheva )
Happy shooting!

Visiting the High Line

2012-01-11T15:01:00.000-05:00

We were so blessed with a warm, sunny day last Saturday and I thoroughly enjoyed strolling New York City's newest attraction, the High Line, with my brilliant and successful daughter, Kiryn. A city girl who resides in Brooklyn, Kiryn loves accessing all that the Big Apple has to offer. I am just beginning to realize that I am leaving behind many wonderful places that I have not yet experienced. But, that's what coming back and visiting will accomplish for me in the future.

Check out the High Line's website for a more organic view of what exactly it is. In a nutshell,
it's a spectacular public park built on an elevated railway along 16th- 34th streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Their website and blog do a whole lot more about telling it's story, but I will say it was a treasure of a find and a place I would like to go back to again and again.

Brilliant daughter, Kiryn

View of the Empire State building beyond an old church

New Frank Gehry building

Even when you are packing like crazy and getting ready for a big move, it's important to take time to grab a few shots. I had a lot of fun using my new 70-200mm lens on this trip. It was a challenge because it brought things in so close, but it's great to be challenged. Good things come from it, like this.

Keep shooting, friends. Happy trails!

Happy 2012

2012-01-03T08:47:00.000-05:00

A New Year always brings new promise of change for the better. Here's hoping you keep up your resolutions and find the changes in your life that you seek!

As for us, those changes are coming fast and furious. Our house is looking mighty sad as it's contents are all boxed up. Our days in New York are numbered and we are in shock as we realize the enormity of change that we are facing. While moving to Austin, Texas holds a lot of promise for new adventures (and less snow) and lots more of being in our Granddaughter's life, it also means leaving behind a lot of wonderful friends. Saying goodbye has become a daily effort and it's not getting any easier.

I thought I'd post a few pictures of Austin to remind myself of why we decided to move.

May the randomness and color of Austin fill our souls, and may you find all that you are seeing in this hopeful New Year!

Keep shooting!

Merry Christmas - Happy Holiday!

2011-12-23T15:05:00.000-05:00

Ah - I just discovered 45 free minutes while my pecan pie bakes. I am thoroughly enjoying this holiday season as I have made time to make some presents from my heart, stop and enjoy the company of people who have been tremendously meaningful to me and take walks as often as I can (thank you weather for remaining mild) to help me ward off the abundance of sugar and unneeded calories.

Life has been hectic as we bid on a house but lost it to a higher bidder and then discovered another that is a truely lovely house, but it did require a relatively unplanned trip to Austin Texas last weekend. All-in-all, life is good. The engineer gave it a great report and, despite the need for cosmetic surgery, I believe we will live many long and productive years in this new house.

In other news, I won Print of the Year at the Dutchess Regional Professional Photographer's annual print competition. That blew me away! There were so many gorgeous photos - I was stunned when I realized they called my name. I feel like I've come full-circle. A few years ago I joined that group because I saw a photo in the newspaper of someone showing their award-winning photo that had just won Print of the Year and the article gave info about the group, so I joined. Now I have that kudo under my belt. Pretty cool...and yet, it's just another day and I still feel the need to go out and take better images and more compelling photos. Here's the winner:

I am really looking forward to going to Big Bend National park in March and try to capture the cactus' in bloom. Which reminds me, I just saw an EXCELLENT movie called Desert Flower. Awesome - enlightening and frightening at the same time.

But I digress, I just wanted to take the time here to wish all my friends, followers, fellow photographers a wonderful holiday season, surrounded by good friends, good food and good photography,

Keep shooting! And have fun!

Keeping Busy

2011-11-22T16:46:00.000-05:00

Well, as if packing up a house isn't enough to do, my past year's worth of marketing is finally paying off. A few lucrative jobs have come up and I'm doing what I do best - photographing events. I felt "part of the family" recently when I shot a Ribbon Cutting for Nerak. Maria and Simone were so much fun to work with - they and the Nerak staff - transformed an industrial site into a warm, inviting setup for a celebratory luncheon.

Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce came out in full force for a lovely, Autumn Ribbon Cutting at Nerak.

Many people were fascinated about the conveyor belt system and the success of this German based company in our local area.

That job reminded the Vice President of Development at New York Academy of Science that I am a specialist in candid shots and getting people who are socializing to pause and smile for the camera, so she hired me for their recent Gala at Cipriani's in NYC. Close to 500 people showed up and squeezing in front of them to ask them to pose momentarily was no easy feat. I just received an email from them telling me that they are quite pleased with the images, so all-in-all it was a successful venture.

Editing is always the challenge - whether to give the client ALL of the photos of the night or only my best picks. In the case of Nerak, they were thrilled to have all of the photos - it was like re-living a wedding. I was a bit more selective for NYAS, getting rid of any images with closed eyes or too many backs. As a rule, though, my husband has learned to stay far away from me on editing days - I am very hard on myself and am meticulous about giving the client the very best images.

When I head out to relax, I don't always bring my big guns (lenses, that is). I generally carry my old Nikon D200 with a 24 mm lens because it is the lightest gear I've got. But it's tough looking at my finished images - they are not as tack sharp as my D700 and the better glass. Still, it's fun to throw the old camera in my bag and be able to grab a few fun shots on the run.

My sisters and Mom in NYC last Sunday.

As Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, I am grateful to be a photographer who is getting some nice jobs. I am thankful to have a talent that allows me to capture some of the beautiful vistas this word has to offer. And I am thankful for my wonderful family, good health and the fun of writing and sharing the great adventures I get to experience. Happy Thanksgiving, all and Keep Shooting!

Life is one great adventure

2011-11-08T13:28:00.001-05:00

“Do not go where the path will lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

So, I was surprised to see that my last post was only 2 weeks ago and a lifetime ago. I've been to a memorial service in South Carolina, shot school photos in New Rochelle, did an engagement shoot,

a Ribbon Cutting at a Conveyor Belt company, and visited Austin for our granddaughter's first Halloween.

My little lobster with her carniverous Mommy and Daddy.

Oh, and we sold our house in New York and are buying one in Austin. This is more of a shock to me than to anyone. I never WANTED to move to Texas. I am the Hudson Valley Gal. I wrote tourism articles for years boasting about all of the amenities the Hudson Valley has to offer. I have a website, www.HudsonValleyScenes.com! And yet, we experimented this past summer and rented a condo in Austin and fell in love with it. There is relatively no snow in Austin, the price of living is cheaper than NY and our beautiful little Granddaughter is there and we so want to be a part of her life.

Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans – John Lennon

And so we are starting a new adventure in life. One that I hope is filled with family and friends coming to visit, lots of new travel experiences and a new perspective on the Southwest. A photographer buddy told me yesterday that the color balance we get used to here is very different than the color balance that is accurate there. Interesting.

One thing I know for sure, I will always enjoy coming home to this view from the airplane.

Happy shooting, friends, and may you encounter many fabulous new adventures, too.

Fly Me To the Moon

2011-10-17T16:22:00.004-04:00

Note the plane about to land that is BELOW us!

A pilot friend of mine has been offering to take me up in his Piper Cub - a 2 seater that was built in 1946 and refurbished more recently - and our schedules just never seemed to mesh. But last week he called and I jumped.

The Hudson Valley is a spectacular place to see from the air and we are right smack dab in peak season!

For the most part, the trees are not all changing at the same time and there is still a lot of green, but there are some outrageous clusters of shocking color, especially in eastern Dutchess County, that make up for the lackluster year. The reds and oranges in these clusters just seem to pop.

What made our flight even more fun was spotting sites that I've written about or visited in the past.

Mid Hudson Bridge and the Poughkeepsie waterfront.

Walkway Over the Hudson

Walkway

Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park.

Innisfree in Millbrook


Vanderbilt's Estate - one of the smallest of their homes.

It was an awesome experience. We flew west from Eastern Dutchess over to Ulster County, then up the majestic Hudson and back east again to Sky Acres airport. I was like a puppy dog salivating at every sight, turn and view we experienced. Thanks again, Michael, for making it happen!!!!

Enjoy this beautiful Autumn, friends and keep shooting!

Kelby's 4th Annual Photowalk

2011-10-10T15:34:00.000-04:00

Trophy Point

Cadets paused to pose.

It still amazes me to discover there are folks who don't know who Scott Kelby is. As a Photoshop nut, I've been following him for years. He is the founder and president of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) as well as a prolific writer of books, magazines and educational materials for many software programs as well as photography, how to light it and process it. He has made a huge difference in the lives of most photographers and everyone who uses Photoshop. I remember reading his blog 4 years ago and realized I missed the first "Photowalk" where he suggested that photographers get together and help one another learn new things about their photography. Since missing that first one, I haven't missed another. Three years ago I walked with about 50 other photographers in Coney Island. Last year I stayed local and walked across the Walkway Over the Hudson and this year I was fortunate enough to be invited by leader Catherine Bale, an amazing photographer herself, to participate in a walk on the West Point campus.


West Point Chapel is gorgeous with many stained glass windows and spectacular architecture.

We were blessed with a glorious Autumn day, after weeks of rain. West Point not only has magnificent architecture, but awesome views of the Hudson River, as well.

The camaraderie of other photographers was wonderful. There was even one very young photographer who was happy to play model as well as photographer.

As always, I took way too many photos, so if you'd like to see more, go to www.chriscina.net. Be sure and sign up for a Photowalk next year, or just grab a group of photography-nut friends and plan a photowalk for yourselves. I currently have a very long list of places I'm dying to get out and shoot. I'll work on that list, in the meantime, you have a great time shooting yourselves!

Looking at life vertically

2011-09-27T10:23:00.000-04:00

Chrysler Building

Browsing through my images, I realize that I take a tremendous amount of vertical images. Perhaps that's because I used to work as a magazine editor and I see everything as a potential cover. But there is something about vertical images that I really like. It especially works well in NYC with the many spectacular buildings.

Grand Central Terminal

Even Grand Central Terminal, which also looks wonderful horizontally, manages to still look stately in a vertical presentation.

Not sure what this building is. I saw it in a movie last night and was excited to see that I had shot it not so long ago. Any readers who can help me name this building?

NYC is always a place of inspiration and offers so many photo opportunities, no matter what time of day, year, or where you find yourself in the city. You can even find cows....

And there's always the famous Empire State Building with it's ever changing colors.

Empire State Building

But you can't lock yourself in. Playing with verticals is lots of fun and I highly recommend it for a creative change of pace. But some things just look better horizontally. Try it both ways and see what you like best.

Happy shooting friends!

View from 7 World Trade Center.

Trying different things

2011-09-19T16:19:00.000-04:00

OK, so I had a tough time explaining to my family and friends why I was taking a trip to the Thimble Islands, mid-week, with a busful of senior citizens, without my husband on our 13th anniversary. We rarely do anything celebratory and this trip was only available to Marist CLS (Continuing Lifetime Studies) members, a group I applied for and was fortunate enough to be accepted in (a few years earlier than I anticipated). It seems most of the members are 10-20 years my senior. I am actually the baby. As I am always up for a worthwhile photographic journey, especially when it includes lunch and no driving, so I signed up.

Those seniors really know how to have a good time. They started out by playing with bubbles.

I was afraid I'd be like a fish out of water, not knowing anybody. But I pulled out my trusty ipad2 and started showing it off. Before long, I had shared that I used to work for our local newspaper and pretty soon folks were calling me "Miss Poughkeepsie Journal"

Bubblegum pop music from the 60's played on the bus radio - "The Purpose of a Man is to Love a Woman," "Tracy Never Let Go," "Oh, Sweet Pea, C'mon and Dance with Me," - songs I had long forgotten. The bus pulled up to the restaurant at 11 am. Mmmmm. Lobstah!

The Thimble Islands themselves are 25 small islands with some ritzy, New England summer homes situated on granite off the coast of Branford, Ct. Charming to look at, they are not all electrified or have water available to them. One is nothing more than a gazebo.

But many have large, magnificent mansions on them, including pools and tennis courts. One of the islands, Money Island, has several homes and was once a bustling, self-supporting community. Today, they are all just summer inhabitants and many of them took a beating with the recent storms.

The Seniors were a fun bunch. They all seemed to like my photography, so I felt like quite a celebrity. We lucked out and had wonderful sunshine as we cruised around the islands. The trip home, however, the skies opened up. But, it was a nice day and I made a few new friends. Next time, though, I'd like to bring the old husband along. He loves the sea and sharing my silly adventures with me. He probably would have liked Chuck (below) who was happy to have his picture taken.

Any day taking pictures is a good day. Happy shooting, friends.

Sure has been awhile

2011-09-05T17:29:00.002-04:00

It's important to blog on a regular basis. I read that all the time. You have to keep your audience interested and coming back. That said, I see that I have not lived up to my own expectations. However, I have been active in researching new places, new technology and new ways to try and communicate. While sifting through my images, I see I have been a very busy photographer, even if I haven't been a dedicated blogger.

One of the new places I explored was Asheville, North Carolina. We visited very dear, old friends....

Who took us to see the Biltmore, the largest privately owned home in the US. Surrounded by lush, rolling green mountains, the Biltmore is as exquisite inside as it is outside and the grounds are spectacular as well.

Getting closer to their own home in Boiling Springs, South Carolina, we even had time to fool around with Einstein.

As the owner of a new ipad2, I showed my toy off to friend, Judy, who immediately had to have one. (Hey Apple - do a get a referral fee?) I am having a blast playing with the ipad - discovering new apps and new ways to look at the world. It's astounding to be able to take a quality video on it, use it as a dictaphone, read current magazines with awesome graphics and play games when I am bored (which rarely happens, but I have become an Angry Bird fanatic). I am reading more and more about the importance in Twittering (tweeting) and, while I haven't quite grasped the language, I do like to follow the wisdom of other photographers and social media mavens. My challenge for the week is to become even more adept at utilizing Social Media.

So, with that in mind, I really hope to get some more followers and provide some really good, quality information in the coming weeks. Keep shooting, friends, and PLEASE tweet me, follow me, tell your friends about me....or just let me know what you DON'T like, so I can work to improve it.

Oh, and here's a link I stumbled on today that I thought was absolutely outrageous!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0EnhXn5boM&feature=share

Fredericksburg - A German town off the beaten path with an exciting find!

2011-08-08T15:59:00.000-04:00

Never heard of Fredericksburg, Texas but we stumbled on it when we went out to find Lyndon Johnson's birthplace and what a lovely surprise the town itself and what it offered is! With it's German architecture and shops that pride themselves on authentic German food and goods, the town itself is pretty just to drive and even more fun to stop in and visit. But the icing on the cake was our discovery of the National Museum of the Pacific War.

This panorama of 3 images shows me that I need to upgrade to Photoshop CS5 for it's virtual fill feature.

Originally named The Admiral Nimitz Museum because it was the home of respected Admiral Chester Nimitz who lived in his family's Nimitz Hotel, the National Museum of the Pacific War contains more than 50,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space, including an impressive display of Allied and Japanese aircraft, tanks, guns and other large artifacts made famous during the Pacific War campaigns. A maze to walk through, it tells the story of the Pacific War utilizing modern technology, virtual battles fought on maps that make the experience frighteningly real.

It also includes a Peace Garden that was given to the facility by the Japanese and a large garden full of memorials. You can easily spend two days in the museum and the ticket allows you to do just that.

And, when you are finished seeing all the museum has to offer, be sure to check out the great shops the town has to offer, especially the ice cream shop right across the street where I got the best coconut milkshake!

Happy shooting, friends!

Visiting Charming San Antonio

2011-07-30T09:53:00.000-04:00

It's 108 degrees today in Austin and yet all my friends back East keep calling complaining about the heat. Weenies! Although I will admit that the heat here was one downfall of our visit to San Antonio. I am told that Christmastime is the best time to visit San Antonio, when it's festively decorated. Unfortunately now is when we are here and so, despite the heat, we made the 110 minute journey to see the famous Alamo, River Walk and some of the missions. As we drove through the downtown streets, in search of the missions, I was impressed with the Spanish architecture and really would love to go back and walk around downtown - it was quite an interesting place to explore.

The missions themselves were not designed for tourists in the blazing sun. We stopped first at Mission San Jose´ "Queen of the Missions." The chapel was under construction, but we did get a sense of the beautiful architecture, the size and the purpose of the Mission itself and we stumbled on a bride being photographed. What a lovely setting! What a brave bride out in the beating sun!

My personal favorite part of this Mission was seeing cactus grow on an old tin roof.

Mostly the Mission was a large, open, shadeless courtyard and so we decided to head straight for the one that is most well known, the Mission San Antonio de Valero, otherwise known as the Alamo where we got to learn about the 13 fateful days in 1836 when the battle that is remembered as part of the Texas Revolution occurred.

Thankfully we found an air conditioned room where they showed a movie reminding us of the history that took place on this site. I still want to rent a movie where I can see it played out from beginning to end. Netflix has several of those. Anyone want to recommend one?

Finally we headed to the famous River Walk. It was easy to find - directly across from the Alamo. What surprised me was how extensive it was. 2.5 miles of shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, hotels, bridges, color and charm. Very European looking, the walk itself is two stories high with treasures to be found at every step. And, despite the heat, many folks were eating outdoors. We were not as resilient - we eagerly found a Mexican restaurant with air conditioning and enjoyed a wonderful meal.

I hadn't realized that San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the United States. With it's two big attractions withing walkable distance of each other, one could easily see the Alamo and the River Walk and think it's a small, quaint city. In reading it's list of attractions, however, Six Flags, many museums, IMAX, you could easily spend a week vacationing there. We only had a day to give it but I do look forward to returning and making more time to explore lovely San Antonio.

Happy shooting, friends!

When in Rome....

2011-07-17T14:47:00.000-04:00

Guess that really should be "When in Austin..."

We've been here six weeks already and we really are falling in love with it, even despite the hottest summer on record. I have taken so many pictures of this colorful city, I'm trying to figure out what to do with them all. I'm contemplating writing a "Travel" article and pitching it to a magazine. It seems to me that when I ask Austinites where they came from, most seem to be transplants, but all seem to agree that they love it here. What's not to love? Great restaurants, outrageous music scene, colorful sights at every turn, lots of cool watering holes and beautiful flowers everywhere.

This week we headed to Juan in a Million for an outrageous brunch. They offered a plate of their special blend of eggs, cheese, bacon and potatoes with FIVE taco shells for $3.60!!!

That was two meals plus sharing for me! But it was oh so good. Then we headed to the University of Texas' Ransome Center where they house the world's FIRST photograph and lots of other wonderful treasures, including the Gutenberg Bible and original letters from Tennesee Williams.


Hard to make out, but you can really see a rooftop scene if you walk around at several different angles. Pretty amazing since it was an 8 hour exposure created in 1826!

The University itself has some amazing architecture, beautiful grounds and some intriguing history.

And let's not forget the definitve photo everyone takes.....

This was just ONE day among many very photographic days we've had here. Stay tuned for my look at San Antonio and my upcoming visit to the Cathedral of Junk!

Happy shooting, friends.

The Reason We're Here

2011-07-05T23:45:00.002-04:00

Our trip to Texas to see if we can stand the heat had one wonderful purpose, Miss Charlotte Anne.

She's our very first Grandchild and every moment we get to spend with her is precious and so full of love. I've been blessed to have a fun city to run around and focus on while awaiting her birth. Now I have several hundred photos of her as well as a few thousand of the area that she will grow up in.

Austin is such a colorful, friendly and fun city, with wide walking and biking trails that loop around Lady Bird lake, passing through downtown as well as more suburban areas.

Folks gather at night around the Congress Street bridge to see the largest urban bat population (1.5 million) fly out into the night to devour mosquitoes.

Downtown statue.

Crowd dispersing after viewing the bats flying south.

Crowds gather on bridge and below to watch over a million bats come out.

There really is a lot to see and do and eat in Austin - it is a very "user friendly" city. One weekend we tried the duck tour.

We passed the famous, beautiful and classy Driskill Hotel. It was a fun and informative way to get to know the city a bit better.

Today, I enjoy the entire city, from it's colorful skyline to it's cool waters in Barton Springs. I've taken more pictures than I know what to do with - it's a very funky, colorful town and has many unique facets to it's personality.

But my favorite part is the reason we came here this summer and will keep coming back, and that is to photograph (and love and hug) the beautiful, enchanting, sweet new Granddaughter,

Charlotte Anne Evans.

Happy summer, friends. I'm having the best one of my life!

Exploring San Marcos

2011-06-16T12:24:00.000-04:00

"Photography at it's most potent can transcend mere reportage and reveal our very souls like a magic mirror: to make us think, to make us feel, and to remind us always that we're all fellow travelers on this spinning globe." - Bill Wittliff

We heard this was a cool town to visit so we drove about 30 minutes south to check it out. San Marcos is sitting on the Edwards Aquifer and it prides itself on it's clean, clear waters that remain 72 degrees year round. Home to Texas State, you'll likely find many of the college students enjoying the cool waters that snake through the town, swimming and tubing. The Aquarena Center contains a section of the Aquifir that is home to several rare protected marine species and provides Glass Bottom Boat Tours that educate tourists about the ecological and archeological riches of the region.

Wonder World is another attractionthat allows you to explore the deep caves created by earthquakes that occurred along the Balcones Fault 30 million years ago.

San Marcos has plenty of personality and great places to eat. But our favorite part of our visit to San Marcos was a visit to the Wittliff Gallery of Southwestern and Mexican Photography located on the 7th floor of the library at Texas State University. The black and white images by Mariana Yampolsky were just breathtaking! They made me really want to explore black and white in greater depth. She really captured people beautifully and her skill with black and white film was truly admirable.

San Marcos is also known for its outlet malls, but that's just not our thing. We're out looking for great photo ops and, while San Marcos is charming, our day in the hot sun didn't provide me with thrilling pictures. That's the way it goes - some days are better photographically than others - but you've always got to be scouting for good opportunities.

Happy shooting, friends!

Keeping Austin Weird

2011-06-07T17:04:00.000-04:00

I just realized that we are starting week three of our adventure today. We left two weeks ago today; took possession of our condo one week ago and have been acclimating and discovering ourselves to beautiful, but hot. Austin ever since. Austin has a lot to see and offer. They have a very funky sense of art. Graffiti seems to be everywhere.

And they love color!

There are some magnificent flowers and signs of nature.

And some great places to dine... our list of places to try is quite long. The Iguana Grill was so good we're going back on Sunday for Andy's birthday. (See views from dining below)

We visited the LBJ Library on the University of Texas campus. Here's what his oval office looked like. It was a wonderful place to explore seeing as how the temperature was 105.

The evenings and early mornings are a little cooler. Sunday night I met up with a group of photographers to try and capture the city's ambiance in black and white.

But I still like it in color.

I am looking forward to going to the Weird museum and the Art museum as well as getting back to the Farmer's Market with my camera. But, for now, I'm headed to my favorite place:

Keep shooting, friends and keep COOL!!

On the Road Again

2011-06-02T18:34:00.000-04:00

I originally started this blog because I wanted to be a traveling photographer, learning about new places, photographing unique vistas and telling people who don't get to travel about some cool cities and landscapes in our world. I began with a trip to Ireland and Scotland two years ago and somehow have gotten a little off track by relating tales of photographic shoots, techniques and things that I've learned that have helped me to be a better photographer.

But here we are on a new adventure, visiting Texas and seeing if we "can stand the heat."
Our first granddaughter is coming and we'd like to be nearby and the reality is, we'd like to be present as she grows up. So, we're checking out Texas and I'm seeing what I can photograph here.

There seems to be an abundance of "different" things - the architecture is different; signage is bizarre and they really seem to like color and spunk. So, that should keep me busy for awhile.

Tomorrow we'll explore San Marcos. Can't wait. Life is just one big adventure. Jump on the merry-go-round or it may just pass you by.

Happy shooting, friends!

Macro Week

2011-05-14T09:52:00.000-04:00

The sudden popping of beautiful spring flowers always calls to me for macro photography.

So, my lenses of choice for this past week have been my AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm 1:28G ED (both flowers above taken with this lens) and my old workhorse film lens AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 D which is ailing but still has a sharp focus and provides me some damn decent images. (see both flowers below)

After a week of experimenting, I stumbled on this article by Tony Sweet which I found very informative. So, I see where he tells us that the longer lenses can bring about a softer bokeh. Oh how I love that pastel effect in the background! I also discovered that my 105mm works great as a portrait lens as well as for macro. I shot a mature but bawdy female comedian this week who made it difficult for me to focus on my settings as she ripped off nonstop one-liners.

So, after listening to Zach Arias telling me to "know my lenses, know my lenses," I am really getting to know them quite well. And, despite the fact that the 70-300 is still able to perform, it no longer performs at an aperture wider than f4 and it no longer zooms automatically, so I've really got to start seriously saving for a replacement. I am getting a whole lot better with the "head in a clean spot" recommendation but that IS a LOT of work!

Worked a lot on portrait retouching and playing with the ring flash. More tk next week about both. In the meantime, happy shooting, friends!

Always learning

2011-05-03T14:23:00.000-04:00

Got slammed by a bad cold last weekend, but life provided me a great remedy - a FREE 3 day webinar with Zach Arias thanks to CreativeLIVE.com. I only chanced upon this opportunity because a BFF photographer posted it on FB and I am so glad she did! It was an awesome, creative way to spend a beautiful weekend while I felt like crap. Arias is a good teacher, repeating mantras like "head in a clean spot, head in a clean spot, head in a clean spot" and "know your equipment!" "KNOW KNOW KNOW your camera," and "don't do what other's do - find your own way." Great inspiration. But now I'm left with wanting to change up everything I've been doing. He showed examples of his own work where his compositions were filled with triangles, repeating lines, great use of negative space.

A former catalogue artist, he told of how he hated the job of putting transparencies over images for cover shoots but how he now realizes what a great learning experience that was in developing his own vision. He and his wife Meg critiqued portfolio's of 6 participating class members and, as painful as it may have been for them, it made me want to re-do my main web.

Thankfully, though, I have been busily at work creating a new site for myself that focuses on my landscape photography and I just launched it last Friday. www.HudsonValleyScenes.com is a place where I hope to showcase stunning landscapes that might sell to businesses or folks that would just like some nice images on their walls. At least I've selected a smaller body of work and presented it in a clean, easy to navigate fashion.

Even though I'd like to focus on landscapes, I still do enjoy shooting portraits. This is Aiden and Austin who, despite colic and chilly weather, managed to pose for me last Friday.

As Arias said, I love my job. Not only do I get to constantly learn, but I get to spend time with nice people and see some terrific scenery and occasionally I get to be a little creative myself.

Happy shooting!

Spring Brings New Possibilities

2011-04-29T14:47:00.001-04:00

Warm weather and sunshine showed up this week after a month of rain, and it brought with it some beauties! I'm fortunate. My husband loves to garden and plant me some wild varieties of flowers and they are all so pretty and exciting after the winter we just had.

On top of flowers, nature is popping:

And we're getting outside more:

And we're finding a larger variety of thing to photograph:

My 2.5 year old nephew is FAST! Most of all, though, is that it's a fabulous time of year to get out and make pictures. Weekend time is here. Happy shooting!

Playing with a new toy

2011-04-22T12:32:00.001-04:00

As I mentioned last week, I purchased an Orbis Ring Flash in an effort to get more dramatic portraits and also discovered that it's an excellent tool for lighting macro photography as well. My friend Amy was a willing subject this week. She allowed me to experiment with my new flash modifier. An artist, Amy invited me into her studio and I set up my Nikon SB 800 on a stand and shot it through a white umbrella as my main light. Then I played with the ring flash, holding it up on my left and putting it around the lens, so I could see what the results would be like.

Her dog played a willing subject as well.

Amy is an amazing jewelry designer and I enjoyed trying to capture some of her designs.

I like the dramatic look on Amy in the photo below. Think I'm going to really enjoy the Ring Flash.

Happy Easter, friends. Have a great weekend shooting!

Following the Light

2011-04-12T08:35:00.000-04:00

"Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.” - George Eastman

Photography itself means writing with light, and those of us consumed by photography are hell bent on an endless quest of finding or creating the perfect light. In that quest, I wake up at ungodly early morning hours to find the magic light for a landscape and I try and study the Masters for how to utilize flashes and modifiers to create a beautiful light when the ambient alone isn't enough.

Went to Photo NorthEast Convention two weeks ago and got inspired by several good speakers - all whom made me painfully aware that I need to market, set firm prices despite "friendships", and get a better handle on how to light my subject.

Got up early on a bitter cold Sunday morning to go out on a sunrise shoot. It being the last weekend of March, the world was still mighty brown and ugly and unfortunately I got separated from the leader, so never learned what he might have offered to the landscape. This was my best effort.

At least I've learned to find some light.

Learning how to light your subject was reinforced and focused on at the Flashbus Tour last Thursday in NYC which was AWESOME!!! I felt like I was at a Rock Concert, watching two of my favorite photojournalists talk a mile a minute about the different ways to enhance the image of the person you are shooting by using 1 or 2 speedlights. David "The Strobist" Hobby has been a total source of inspiration to me over the past few years, as he writes a daily blog and freely shares tips and techniques to lighting a subject. A former Baltimore Sun photographer, David, like me, likes the story behind the photo and likes to present each photo in "a different light," which is to say that you have to determine what you are trying to say with the image and determine how best to light it. He showed an image of a female opera singer he took recently, singing in the shower, fully dressed with the water pouring down on her. He wanted to show her singing in the shower but still show her as a dignified, talented woman and he discussed how he got her to "get wet." And how he set up his lights to best capture that. Really cool!!!

I lunched with a very nice couple from NJ who are totally getting into better lighting because they had their first granddaughter. I can relate to that! Really nice people and he was as crazy about reading Hobby and McNally's blogs and books and trying to figure out new scenarios for lighting.

Then, the dessert of the day was having Joe McNally talk all afternoon, while showing how he determines the lighting in similar situations. Joe comes with a crew who pose for him and hold his lights and generally just help him show himself off with a lot of fun. I've loved Joe for years. He is an incredible photographer, having shot covers and centerfolds for Life, National Geographic and Sports Illustrated, as well as a terrific writer and a humble, sweet human being. Once again he impressed me and taught me and entertained me - and a slew of other folks. At the end, both Hobby and McNally sat in chairs up front and took questions. Really an incredible day! Catch the FlashBus if it's coming your way.

Now I'm psyched. Bought myself a ring flash and Pocket Wizards and I'm dying to get out and find some folks to shoot. Stay tuned!

Happy shooting!

Family Time

2011-04-05T17:04:00.000-04:00

While decorating for my oldest daughter's baby shower recently, my younger daughter asked me "did you bring a camera?" REALLY? Do I ever go anywhere without a camera? At any rate, I never get to socialize as much as I'd like to, but I do get to collect memories of the fun events we have in life. I had a WONDERFUL time at the baby shower (except for looking at some of the photos that included me) - we were so blessed to have so many people pitch in and help - my sisters and my Mom made the delicious and beautiful cookies that we gave out as a "Thanks for coming" gift.

My daughter Kiryn spent a day with me making some magical owls and birds as decorations.

All of the guests decorated some onesies I purchased, and they all did a BEAUTIFUL job. But, best of all was the fabulous cake made by Nova's dear friend Meg Murphy Grabar that not only looked wonderful, but was the best tasting cake ever!!!! And she made matching cupcakes to help us celebrate a couple of birthdays, as well.

We were blessed with a wonderful crowd of family, friends and great food. Thanks to Longobardi's in Wappingers Falls and to everyone who made it (especially the Jaeger girls coming up from North and South Carolina!) And, despite my not liking to have my picture taken, I LOVE being with my girls!

Trying to build a new website

2011-03-22T13:36:00.000-04:00

HELP!!!! I am having a devil of a time trying to select my very best images to showcase on a new website. One minute I'm focusing on the majestic Hudson Valley, the next I'm entranced with Acadia, Maine or Scotland! How can I select only 23???? Luckily I just called the web designers and they informed me I can load up more after the design has been approved - so now it's just trying to settle on categories and which 23 I am sending them. This is not easy! Here are some I've decided are a go.....

These three images have been sold at local gift shops as post cards and 5" x 7"'s . As a matter of fact, Surviving Sisters' Boutique just signed me up as a participating artist and is currently selling these images there (4412 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538). They have some great things at that store - stop in and check it out!
If you've seen (or purchased) any of my other images that you think I should include on the new website, please add it to the comments below. I love hearing what other people's favorites are. Thanks for your input!
Keep on shooting!
Chris

At least I've been shooting

2011-03-16T09:53:00.000-04:00

Between my computer being so slow lately (more memory and new Hard Drive is on the way!) and having to plow through more email than ever before, thanks to social marketing, I got into a funk about how frustrating it is to try and run a photography business. So, the thing that always gets me OUT of that funk is, enjoy doing what I love doing - shooting beautiful pictures.

Took a break from the frustrations last week by heading to the Norwalk Maritime Museum in Connecticut to find some Meerkats. Actually, the seals stole my heart and I was totally entranced by the Jellyfish.

The following day I was asked by BFF photographer Patti Hale to assist her on a shoot with two beautiful young ladies. That was a blast! Hannah and Courtney were great models to work with and we found some really cool barns and graffiti covered ruins that made wonderful backgrounds.

So, I invited Patti to come along with me on a "Mommy and Me" shoot of a special young woman in my life who just had the most adorable baby boy.

I shot the American Heart Association group shots on Saturday and then yesterday enjoyed an early morning sunrise shoot with another BFF, Lynn McCabe and enjoyed some quality light.

Got lots of nice images from that shoot, despite the fact that the world is still drab and colorless. Here's what greeted me when I came home:

The weather is starting to warm up and the earth is beginning to green uo, so get out there and take some quality photographs. Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day and Happy Shooting!

Top 12 Dream List

2011-03-07T17:06:00.000-05:00

OK. I actually had a few folks write and ask what are the things I am lusting after... and I have a birthday coming up, so it's not a bad list to pull together for hubby. As always, though, I don't know how to order these things. I want them all!!!!!

1. Nikkor 70-200 mm lens. I actually have an OLD film version of this lens which makes me happy, but the new one is tack sharp and has vibration reduction and makes shooting portraits a dream. A friend offered me her "last year's version" at half price (still $1300) but the reviews for the newest one make me want it (still, tough to substantiate $2400).

2. I want the IPad. And now there is a brand new version! Again, I have a tough time convincing myself I NEED this toy but I sure do want one. There have been recent reviews on non-Apple netbooks and I'm wondering if someone can help me find one that works as good as the ipad but doesn't cost as much. What a cool way to show off your images and keep yourself busy when you are stuck waiting.

3. Photoshop CS5. Now we are getting into an area that is more practical. As a photographer I need to keep up with current technology and Photoshop CS5 does offer the next level of digital darkroom coolness. The content aware feature is ALMOST worth it's price. I just downloaded the free trial! What the heck - maybe it really is worth the price and this is the first thing I should invest in.

4. New tripod. Unfortunately the one that is calling my name is $849 with a ball head/pistol grip that is an additional $349...so this isn't going to happen anytime soon. I have a really decent tripod but it has screwy leg adjusters that are a pain in the neck - not those quick snap jobbys (or twist tighteners). And why, oh why, did I not get the pistol grip when I knew it was cool? Perhaps I can find one of these on some secondhand site. I really want this but don't want to settle for "not good enough" any more.

5. A new background would be nice. I have white seamless paper but it is a dull white and boring. I am contemplating getting one of those collapsible backgrounds but I fear going to a client's and not being able to collapse it!

6. Hey, here's something that I can probably order today. A Gary Fong lightsphere. When I went to the Hudson Valley Click shoot out last week, several photographers had these. They called them their "tupperware." I liked the quality of light I saw when these friends posted their images. I can get the whole basic kit for $83. Not bad. By the way, here's one of my pictures from that shoot.

7. A colleague has been raving about the Totally RAD actions. As a matter of fact, he applied 2 actions to the image above and her skin sure does look soft. For $149 this is probably a very good investment.

8. A new hard drive! This was not on my list originally, since I just purchased one recently. But I asked a friend why my Lightroom is running so slow and he informed me that the HD I bought is attached via USB which makes it very SLOW. I need to get a Firewire 8 hard drive to store my images on and then I can use the USB one as a nightly back up. This is not a fun purchase, but it is definitely a NEED.

9. The Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens. I love looking at Ryan Brenizer's posts - he's got a system with this lens and it's beautiful. But at $1000, it is not going to happen for me anytime soon.

10. How could I have forgotten either the Radio Poppers or the Pocket Wizards. I know the latter are more expensive but I really must research the pros and cons of both. At any rate, I enjoy shooting with the flash remotely and have been doing OK with the Nikon CLS system, but it is time to take it up a notch and use a radio tranceiver. My friend Nuby raves about the Poppers, so I think I'm headed down that road. I just have a tough time figuring out which exact pieces I need. Someone please help!

11. This is totally an "if I win the lottery" item, but the Nikon 16mm f/2.8D AF Fisheye-Nikkor Lens sure would be fun!

12. OK, realistically, honey - if you are reading this for my birthday, how about the book, "Get Your Photography on the Web", by RC Concepcion. Then, if I start selling big time I can afford all of the other goodies!

Happy shooting, friends!

Ooops. Late on the blog this week!

2011-03-04T15:12:00.000-05:00

Does anybody care? I've been pretty good about posting once a week for over a year now, but this week I was busy with all good stuff...but busy nonetheless. My business, Chris Davis Cina Photography, is "Business of the month" at Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (HVFCU) which meant I had to make up some marketing materials to present on the table that focuses on me. My new brochure printed up pretty nice, thanks to Dutchess ProPrint:

The same evening I set my table up at HVFCU, I attended at "You Pick The Theme Shoot Out & Party" party planned by HV Click. That resulted in over 400 photos that all needed to be plowed through, edited and selected. Here are a few:

If that wasn't enough, I've been working on a promotional portfolio book and I am just about ready to hand that over to the lab.... so, I've been shooting and being creative. How about you?
It's weekend, folks! Happy shooting!

Top 10 Favorite Pieces of Equipment

2011-02-22T17:39:00.000-05:00

I recently wrote myself up a wish list of all the cool gadgets and equipment I would like to own.

The reality is thought, those are things I WANT. I have already managed to acquire the things I need.

1. First and most important is my Nikon D700. I had a D200 and a fellow photographer suggested that I would grow in leaps and bounds if I invested in the D700. She was right. It is just such a great camera, with easy to use controls and it's always dependable and reliable.

2. The Nikkor 24-70 lens. Tack sharp and offers a nice range. Good for landscapes and events. Mine has even taken a couple of falls and still manages to produce sharp, stunning images for me.

3. Lightroom 3. I'm still learning things about this powerful program, but it does allow me to see all my images quickly, make global changes to them, export them in a variety of sizes for different purposes and make several different versions.

4. Photoshop CS4. While CS5 is high on my wish list, I still enjoy all that CS4 can do.

5. My SB800 speedlights. I have 2 and they allow me to shoot events by bouncing off walls, and shoot portraits by shooting through umbrellas. I would love to own all kinds of great studio equipment, but the speedlights give me great versatility until I hit the lotto.

6. My Nikkor 105 mm lens. Great for macro photography and pretty sweet for portraits as well.

7. My old Nikon ED film lens 70-300. It is frustrating because it has a variable aperture of 1:4 - 5.6 so I don't always get enough light, but it is still sharp and does a great job on portraits.

8. My light green, National Geographic camera bag. I bought 2 others before I found "the perfect one." It holds 1 body, 2 extra lenses, 2 speedlights and extra filters, batteries and accessories with no problem.

9. I recently purchased some plug-ins like Topaz and Nik filters which I am totally loving. They definitely help make a nice photo POP!

10. I guess my tripod. I definitely want a better one, titanium, with a pistol grip and better snaps for tightening the legs, but I am grateful to have a sturdy, lightweight tripod with a quick release that has been by my side for some fun shoots.

Perhaps next week I'll share my wish list with you. I was going to talk about images that told a story, so I'll leave you with this one. I hope Santa is simply commenting on the end of a very cold and snowy winter. Uh Oh!

Getting back to what I love best...Photography

2011-02-15T14:12:00.000-05:00

This is the image on my business card. You would think people would realize that I TOOK the photo (why would a photographer use someone else's image?) but it seems to be a source of conversation with folks when I meet them and share my card that I tell them that it IS a photo I took. Sometimes it springs a conversation about "where and when" but on the whole, I do need to remind people what it is that a photographer does.

I've been creating several promotional materials lately and it is mind boggling letting people know about all of the different kinds of photography I do. I know it would be better to "specialize" - I've read all kinds of things recommending that you market to ONE audience letting them know that YOU are the professional in one particular kind of photography. I do love landscapes - but I also like to make money and selling landscapes is really a huge challenge. I do love capturing people.

Below is Annie, the lead singer of Approaching Storm.

This takes a lot of marketing to get the word out...and I am working on that. I've done lots of advertising photography because I worked for the Poughkeepsie Journal and they sent me out to shoot all kinds of restaurants, jewelry, clothing stores, doctors offices, etc. Another tough market to connect with.

I can handle EVENTS - Retirement parties, Sweet 16's, Special Birthday parties, nonprofit events, WEDDINGS - you name it!

I'm ecclectic. What can I say? Now to try and get an audience to recognize this and pass my name along. If you or someone you know are looking for a photographer, remember me! See more at my website: www.chriscina.net

Thanks for spending time reading this. Happy shooting yourselves!

Social Media 101

2011-02-08T16:32:00.002-05:00

"The wonderful thing about modern technology is the amount of communication and information-sharing it facilitates. And the awful thing about modern technology is the amount of communication and information-sharing it facilitates."
- Mark McGuinness, author of Time Management for Creative People
recommended by Robert Rodriguez, Jr.

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by today's technology and keeping up with it vs. getting out there (in the cold!) and making new images. I understand that I have to develop an audience and let folks know what I do, but the variety of ways to do that today seems all consuming (leaving little room for my artistic creativity).

I attended a seminar today, provided by my local Chamber of Commerce (DCRCOC), SCORE and Verizon on Twittering (Tweeting?). Debbie Gioquindo was the lovely host who was an absolute fountain of information - so much so that I feel more like a neophyte than ever before. She provided pages of links to ancillary sites that do things like make your url smaller (who knew?)

I've had an account but really haven't known why or what to do with it. Here are her dot points for why to Twitter:
instant feedback
instant q & a
instant recommendation
instant referrals
turns you into a resource for others
instant marketing
find conversations
find like minded people
see what others are saying about your company
easy to partner with other businesses and see what your company are doing and selling

OK. So I like the turning me into a resource for others. So let me ask my followers (do I have any?), what exactly can I share with you that will make you want to continue following me? I can babble on about Social Media, or tell you about the newborn photo shoot I did the other day...or perhaps you'd like to hear about "How to Make a Good Photo Composition." Now that I can tweet, I can be a resource for all kinds of things. Want to know how to use InDesign? How to plan a vacation? Or would you just like to see some recent photos and hear a little about their background? I'd really like to make this blog more useful and get more followers, so please help me out.

Otherwise, I'm just going to have to spend more time shooting and less blogging and tweeting.

Happy shooting!

"I get by with a little help from my friends" - John Lennon and Paul McCartney

2011-02-01T11:15:00.001-05:00

"The miracle is this: the more we share, the more we have."
-Leonard Nimoy

Just wanted to talk about the importance of forming a good, supportive network. I am so blessed to have several "bff's" - at least that's how Sandy O'Shea Viola puts it. I believe she means "best photography friends" as opposed to the best friends forever acronym that the kids like to use. At any rate, I am so glad she considers me one of her bff's because she is a truly talented photographer who has been an amazing friend and resource and who is willing to share trade secrets, techniques and frustrations. She's also an inspiration as she posts a daily photo on Facebook - her 365 Day Photo Challenge. And each one seems to be better than the day before.

Another fantastic photographer who has become a very valued friend and who has made herself available to help me with a some complicated shoots is Patti Hale. Not only does she offer advice and suggestions, she's shared her very expensive equipment with me and been there by my side to help me with new situations and challenges.

Sharon Lieberman is another woman I am blessed to have in my network. I met all of these women at DRPP and always recommend that you get involved with a local photography group. Sharon is one of my biggest fans, always there to cheer me on, comment on my best images and make suggestions about how to make other images better (and she's a bookkeeper who makes sense of my disorganized paperwork).

I've had the opportunity to have lunch with all of these dynamite women this past week and realize how lucky I am to have them in my life and how important it is to have people you can speak the same language with, share camera and software frustrations with, and simply watch grow as artists.

So, here's to friends who challenge you, help you, hang out with you, value you.

Happy shooting this week, my friends!

Sharing the great thoughts of others

2011-01-27T11:25:00.001-05:00

Just read a GREAT essay by Scott Bourne, entitled "Seven Steps to Becoming a More Creative Photographer" and wanted to share it: http://photofocus.com/2011/01/27/seven-steps-toward-becoming-a-more-creative-photographer. Step one was "organize your photos in more than one way." Sounds like a good plan for these snowbound days.
The article was so good that I printed it and posted it on my bulletin board to read again and again. I especially like the idea of pursuing more poetry and music to gain a better sense of rhythm. I suppose I should just "Tweet" this but I am still shoveling my way through the blizzard of social media. (and the blizzard of a New York winter)

Just made a book of some of my portraits

2011-01-26T17:07:00.001-05:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Make lemonade....

2011-01-24T12:28:00.000-05:00

"Creativity is perhaps best described as a combination of inventiveness, imagination, inspiration, and perception." -Bryan Peterson

I generally start each day looking for some inspiration. We are so fortunate to live in a time where there are endless sources of free blogs/websites/tutorials to ignite us (all too often to distract us, as well). I subscribe to several of these and enjoyed photographer and author, Bryan Peterson's suggestions via Adorama.com on shooting reflections. I've read several of Peterson's books and they are filled with all kinds of great information for photographers (as well as great images). He reinforced the concept that local mentor, Michael Nelson, once recommended, that you make time each and every day to shoot, shoot, shoot.

Last week, despite ice storms and more snow than anyone wants to deal with, I did make the most of my days by getting out and shooting what I thought told the story of the days. Above is my Christmas Cactus that FINALLY bloomed despite me (First time in 4 years).

An icy branch, finally catching Mr. Red Cardinal and a walk while it was snowing.

And a beautiful sunset from my bathroom window.

Keep on shooting, friends! And keep on getting better and better!

Out of commission; but Back in the Saddle now

2011-01-17T14:33:00.002-05:00

Came down with strep last week but the worst part was, I had a coughing fit while on my feet and threw my back out. Thankfully my husband nursed me and I slept for three solid days. I discovered that was much better medicine than trying to "continue on" which I've done in the past and ended up suffering with a bad back for close to six weeks instead of this much more reasonable 3 days.

I did miss getting out there and shooting but I was entertained by watching the images my photographer friends posted on Facebook while I was down and out. I felt well enough to help shovel our walkway and get out to take a few images in the latest 10" we got.

Poor Santa. He's really hoping to get back to the North Pole soon.

I was able to attend the Photo Competition at Dutchess Regional Professional Photographer's last week and did feel good about having two of my images receive merit scores. There were many spectacular images presented that evening, so it was a tough night for the judges. There is a tiny red speck in this image which is, in fact, another photographer. I titled the image "Looking for the Perfect Sunset" because that's what he looked like he was doing to me. The judges advised that I clone him out and give the photo a simpler name.

OK. So I may give this one another try sometime. In the meantime, I got to go to Long Beach Island this weekend, where my pictures sell at several galleries. I thought it would be nice to get some winter shots. Tell me what you think?

This last one is an icon at LBI. It's been there forever, so people look forward to seeing it as they cross the bridge to get to their favorite vacation spot. Well, I sure was happy to be there shooting away and feeling human again.
Happy shooting, friends!

Off to a fresh start

2011-01-03T16:04:00.002-05:00

Well, first work day of the new year and I've been organizing, catching up on updates from my some of my favorite photographers, and just generally looking out to the year before us. As for traveling, we are planning a trip to the beach in a couple of weeks. What, are we nuts? Winter at the beach? Well, we thought it would be a good time to do a little real estate research and perhaps get some innovative new photos. I did well last year selling my beach pictures at the beach, so perhaps I can get a new perspective in January. So, I'm looking forward to our beach trip.

In February we're going to visit Austin, Texas. Hopefully we'll find a kinder, warmer climate. Again, we're researching where we'd like to live and Austin will bring us close to our first Grandchild. Right now we're having fun exploring all alternatives. I can wear my "Keep Austin Weird" t-shirt and fit right in. After 18" of snow last week, Austin is looking better and better.

I'm thinking of trying out Savannah in March. Stay tuned.

All in all, I'm looking forward to new photographic opportunities and the chance to experience life at it's fullest. Meanwhile my husband is researching cruises where you save money by deciding last minute to take off. Looks like this just might be a real great year!

Happy shooting!

Searching through the archives for "the best"

2010-12-29T13:33:00.001-05:00

Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer – and often the supreme disappointment. – Ansel Adams

While I constantly feel compelled to capture a scene, I have a difficult time looking through my images, many of which are really quite lovely, to find one or two that I'd like to submit to competition. I have participated in competitions for years. They are, in a word, brutal. Judges tell you why the image would have been better if it had been taken at a different time of day, from a different perspective, if it were only darker, or lighter, or had fewer distractions. Spectacular images are presented to the judges. The audience pauses, not daring to breathe, and then the judges proceed to say that the image is good, BUT....

And once again, after having spent hours trying to decide which were best and which I should submit to the ridicule, I carry my images home feeling depressed that, once again, I have not "scored." Somehow this process does educate me and makes me continue to seek that perfect image. (Perhaps I am a masochist?) In the process, I do come home from a shoot, happy at the newest images I've captured (even if the judges may find fault with them). Even writing this, I want to grab my camera and head out for a snowy sunset. But my objective today was to sift through my recent images and see if I can find one that I'll have printed as a 16" x 20" competition print and open myself up to more critique. In order to get that process rolling, I paused to read a blog and some articles from photographers that I admire. Thus I found the quote above which makes me realize that even Ansel Adams was not always pleased with the results of his photography. So it is an ongoing process, in search of the perfect composition, elements, colors, shapes and ultimately, to create a vision from those elements that moves others.

Think I'll run out and seek a new snowy sunset after all.

Happy New Year's, Friends. Here's to continuing that bizarre compulsion to capture the perfect image. Happy Shooting in 2011!

Merry Christmas and Thank You

2010-12-20T12:08:00.002-05:00

'Tis the season to recognize others and the impact they have on your world. I am very grateful to the people who have put their trust in me and allowed me to photograph their events and be part of the special moments in their lives.

I am also grateful to those of you who read my blog. I don't get a lot of feedback (feel free to respond in any way!) but every now and then someone tells me they've been reading and it makes it all worth my while! Hopefully, in 2011, I'll do more "behind the scenes" articles where I'll show you what the set up looked like and what challenges we met.

I was blessed this past week with being asked to take portraits of some very beautiful young women of varying ages, all who made great subjects. They make photography easy and a pleasure to edit.

Here's wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, a holiday filled with love and laughter and a year to come complete with many, many wonderful, photographic moments.
Happy Holidays!

Love and thanks for being a part of my world,
Chris

2010-12-08T09:20:00.001-05:00

Been busy this week with a nice variety of tasks. Shot a young boy who is contemplating modeling and had fun with his younger brother as well who looks like he'll make a great director/manager for his sibling.

I hope to go back and take some outdoor shots as well. I think the texture of the rocks in his backyard and a barn down the street will make some great backgrounds.

I also shot a dance company's recital. It was full of energy and capturing the young women was quite a challenge. The one above is my favorite.

I shot a one year old's birthday party. She is part Korean and they dressed her in her mother's traditional garb to see how she would choose her destiny.

As you can see, she'll be a scholar since she immediately went for the book.

On Monday night I shot a nonprofit event at Locust Grove, Samuel Morse's Estate, that provided Women in Transition with spa treatments. It was a lovely event and I actually got to do some much needed networking as well as get a facial, so taking photographs definitely has it's perks.

It's been a productive week - and one where I've had computer and phone issues as well. But I am a much happy camper when I keep busy and creative, so it's been a fulfilling week as well. I am looking forward to a Fashion/Photo Op Teenage party this coming weekend.

Happy Shooting!

Christmas is coming

2010-11-29T14:14:00.000-05:00

So bring on the red!

As you can see, not everyone got the memo (or paid attention to it) but my point is, pay attention to what you chose to wear for a photo shoot (or advise your client). Solid colors with no logos work best. As you can see, my family is very cooperative about posing for the group shot. I am always surprised at having to tell clients how to line up, since my family is so accommodating. We usually even fall into "age order." But most people haven't spent their life being photographed by their nutty oldest sister, so they do need some direction. Looking for triangles within the heads is a good technique (unfortunately not seen in the haphazard photo above.)

This was a fun client that I shot the "whole" family - 20 members and then shot each of the 3 daughter's individual families. Each of the daughter's selected a different version of blue for their t-shirts so the large family shot looked like this:

I'm looking forward to a 13 year old birthday party/fashion portrait shoot next week. I'm hoping the young women all come with fun hats, scarves and mittens and I'll do some nice portraits outdoors using reflectors and some fill light. I'll be sure to bring plenty of colorful scarves and mittens of my own in case the girls forget to bring theirs.
Think about what you wear this season. You may just get photographed yourself!
Happy shooting!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T10:48:00.000-05:00

I am so blessed to have a big, healthy, happy family: My mom who is an inspiration to us all, four sisters, three brothers, a great husband, three daughters, numerous nieces and nephews, one who is in Marine boot camp right now getting ready to defend our country. God has blessed me with so many gifts, people, experiences and great times to enjoy with all.

I am thankful for all of this and more. May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember the great things in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!

Love, Chris

Reviewing Some Things That I've Learned

2010-11-22T14:01:00.001-05:00

I took the train to NYC to enjoy Indian food and a Broadway play with my youngest daughter and got the opportunity to read some photo magazines and re-read through all the notes I’ve been taking this past month. I cart around an old-fashioned spiral notebook with me everywhere I go and take notes but I hadn’t taken time to review those musings until now. These are some of the things I’ve learned recently:

• Light is the key to a great photograph. A perfect subject is nothing without light and the QUALITY of that light is the most important factor. (Robert Rodriguez, Jr. )

• Google calender something I need to investigate further. (John Ianelli)

• My next purchase needs to be two additional hard drives and I need to organize them better. I also need to research off-site storage places. ( the Apple Store in Danbury, Ct.)

• Things I should blog about – A look at behind the scenes, show off recent work, provide tutorials, interview other photographers, give reviews, pose questions to your audience. OK, audience, what would you like me to blog about? Is there something you'd like to know? Please, please, please respond.

• If you are contacted by a prospective client by e-mail, respond to them with a phone call, not an e-mail. Make a personal connection. OK - tried that one this morning. Took more time on the phone but hopefully the mom feels more confident about my talent now than she did before.

Well, it was great having time to catch up on the train, but it was even better getting to NYC at dusk and having fun getting some new photos. Thank God for high ISOs!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for the ability to shoot the beauty that is in this world as well as for the fans I've developed and the chance to share those images. Happy Thanksgiving & keep on shooting!

Keeping up

2010-11-15T15:14:00.000-05:00

I've been writing this blog to share photography tips and great places I've discovered to photograph for close to two years now. Sometimes I get a little off the beaten track but for the most part I'm hoping that there are a few folks who take the time to read what I have to say and maybe even look forward to the next installment. A week ago I heard a speaker talk about the importance of "Building a Community" and getting more people to follow your blog. So, aspiring photographer friends, please let me know what you'd like me to focus on (get it?) and how can I make this a better blog?

I made my first "tweet." Not sure where it went or if anybody noticed but I am trying to decipher the world of Twitter. I also posted a few images on Flickr. Again, it seems like a black hole to me at the moment but perhaps I'll get discovered there.... One can hope.

On a more productive note, I shot the American Society of Fundraising Professionals Award luncheon last week. It was a lighting challenge because it was such a large room and it had such a variety of lighting already. Still, I put a gel on my flash to try and prevent everything looking too yellow and I got some nice shots of some very impressive people.

Above is J. Douglas McDaniel, Director of Special Gifts for the Salvation Army, who won an the Outstanding Fundraising Professional award. Below him is a very enthusiastic 15-year old, Sara-Elizabeth Clark who was awarded Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy for all the work she has done both by raising money and bringing about an understanding of epilepsy. I found myself tearing up as I listened to the their stories of dedication, determination and selflesness. Sometimes it is an honor to be a photographer to document important events in the lives of others.

I was fortunate enough to get a couple of hours with Robert Rodriguez, Jr. the following day who showed me his gorgeous studio complete with large prints of his beautiful work and he shared with me some awesome details of his Lightroom workflow. He shared the names of some photographers to check out: Bill Atkinson, Brenda Tharp, Allison Shaw and of course, Art Wolfe. It's always great to go to great photographer's site to get inspired.

Happy shooting!

Absorbing great new information

2010-11-09T12:04:00.000-05:00

What a great day! My head is bursting with information. I went to a TEP - that is Hudson Valley Professional Photographic Society of NY's (HVPPSNY) Talent Exchange Program - an all day learning experience for Photographers in Newburgh. I highly recommend making sure you get in on any advanced education opportunities that are available. The morning speakers was Lindsay Adler who spoke about lighting for fashion photography. Her basic message was break the rules and you can make anything work. She showed examples of a variety of lighting techniques and then gave a live demonstration with a model. Adler seemed to be a a font of knowledge as she confidently turned the subject matter to new media social networking (she's got a book on the subject, "A Linked Photographers' Guide to Online Marketing and Social Media"). Her enthusiasm and comfort with a large variety of networking programs made me excited about exploring more thoroughly the world of social networking. Stay tuned while I try and figure out how to tweet. She did encourage us to "Build a Community" - that is, to develop an audience who will participate in a dialogue and be our "voice" in letting others know it's worth following our blog. So, that's your job if you are reading this. She had lots of other great suggestions that I hope to incorporate in the coming days.

The afternoon speaker was Neil van Niekerk who provided insight at one flash photography for weddings which I really appreciated and hope to try out tomorrow when I'm shooting an award luncheon for a philanthropic group.

All in all the day was great and I am so excited about the things I learned.

Here's a photo from last Saturday when I tried my hand at horse photography:

I am so blessed to grow as a photographer and I encourage everyone reading this to enjoy your growth as photographers as well!

Housekeeping

2010-11-01T16:02:00.000-04:00

As much fun as it is to TAKE pictures, there's a job behind that called "managing your photos" (Photo management). My task has become a bit more complicated lately since I am now working with Lightroom (I was working exclusively in Photoshop). I USED to save everything in folders by year and then by month. Lightroom seems to have a design for me that I haven't quite figured out....thus I have managed to duplicate things and even seem to be missing one complete photo shoot. The lesson I have learned here is that it is important to LEARN the program thoroughly and stay on top of all new innovations.

I went with a friend to Photo Expo in NYC last Thursday and was reminded that there are CONSTANT innovations in photography. The nice part was that some of the vendors were willing to explain things or tell us where to find additional help. It was fun watching experts demonstrate how to use the Wacom tablet and to see how the pros utilize the newest HDR techniques. I purchased some paper samples and plug-ins that should help me to enhance my photos. The best part of the day was bright and early as we stood on the train platform and saw a magnificent vision as the fog sat on the Hudson River and the sun shone on the boats and the fall colors. Naturally I didn't have a camera with me. But, I woke up early Friday morning hoping to get a second chance at capturing that beautiful site. Naturally, Friday was overcast and gray. Definitely not the same conditions as Thursday. Still, I had fun hiking along the waterfront and trying to see what I could still glean from the cold, bleak day.

I guess my favorite picture from the weekend still goes to my beautiful niece, Brynn. She can make anyone smile.....

Happy shooting, friends.

Some of life's little lessons

2010-10-24T13:51:00.003-04:00

"Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

I've come to a quiet place in my new career. I left the newspaper industry in July to spread my wings as a freelance photographer. I was fortunate to have several assignments and plans in the ensuing weeks. I've shot a few weddings, worked with a team of school photographers, done a few head shots a few advertising shots and now... life has gotten quiet.

Time to take a look at some of the images I've taken to see how they can be improved and select some favorites for a new portfolio. I've been fortunate to have learned some new techniques for enhancing existing photos. Like making panoramas....

and making already dramatic skies pop.....

This world is filled with great teachers who are willing to share their expertise. I've learned so much from joining camera clubs (DRPP, HVPPSNY) where guest speakers like Joe Brady share their amazing expertise. And I've had the pleasure of taking photo workshops with geniuses like Joe McNally, Moose Peterson and Robert Rodriguez Jr. all of whom are eager to share their knowledge and help watch a fellow photographer grow. All of those I've mentioned, and many others, provide tons of great information on their websites, blogs and in books they have written.

We are so blessed to live in a spectacularly beautiful world and be given the talent and education on how to try and capture the emotion we feel when we witness a beautiful landscape. So, it is a joy to share some of that and try to encourage others to get out there and try and capture a moving image. As Robert Rodriguez said to us in Acadia, "Do not say 'this is how the landscape looks', but rather 'this is how I represent and interpret the landscape I encounter.'"

I hope I am making moving representations.

Always Important To Remain Teachable

2010-10-13T16:42:00.000-04:00

Share your knowledge.

It is a way to achieve immortality.

Dalai Lama

"Less is more"

Originally by poet, Robert Browning;

more currently by photographer Robert Rodriguez, Jr.

I am still reeling from a five day landscape photography workshop led by one of my favorite photographers, Robert Rodriguez, Jr. I’ve yearned to capture just one image as spectacular as his ever since I saw him speak at my camera club two years ago. His images just speak to me…they make me feel all kinds of emotions and totally captivate me.

So, when I saw that he was leading a workshop in the Fall at Acadia National Park, a place very high on my list of places to visit, I immediately signed up. The workshop met all of my expectations and more. The only down side is that I am currently very dissatisfied with my own photos. The images I used to show proudly suddenly seem cluttered and “not good enough.” I hope this is a good thing. It must be because I am still happy to be plowing through them and thrilled that I have learned new techniques to enhance them. Perhaps I just need some time to distance myself from them.

One of the first things he taught us, and he was a wonderful teacher, willing to share all of his magical insight, was that we should look at our scene and determine “if I have to capture this image, what would I caption it?” Well, that’s one of my biggest problems right there. I want to call all of my photos, “pretty scene.” But that doesn’t tell the story or help you recognize the subject. So, that is something I need to continue to work at.

He stresses that quality light is the key – you can have an amazing subject, but without magic light and good composition, your image simply will not work. Suddenly many of my images are not working. They are still moving images, I believe, and I will share some here now. I have certainly been fortunate to receive a lot of positive feedback from my pictures in the past. And my mother and friends remind me today that I have a style all my own. But I’m just not as pleased with the light and composition in many of my images as I would like to be.

I had a lot of fun waking up with the group and racing to see the sun rise at different, magnificent sites that Rodriguez selected for us. If nothing else, just being up watching the light was exhilarating. His enthusiasm for nature’s beauty was absolutely contagious. He was eager for his students to see as he sees and I am getting it – I am beginning to realize that there is an innate beauty in simplicity. “What does not add, detracts.”

Then why are my images so filled with clutter? And why do I capture "everything" and am having so much trouble simplifying? I believe I am just beginning this journey of actually "seeing the light" and improving myself, perhaps not only as a photographer, but maybe as an intuitive human being as well.

The Big Adventure

2010-09-23T16:16:00.001-04:00

Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans – John Lennon

The PLAN was to travel and photograph and write about the experience (and sell it to a magazine). We DID travel and I DID take an enormous amount of photos (why did I shoot every one of Elvis' rooms in Graceland?) but while we DID get to see some great places, the joy of the trip was in the PEOPLE we visited with. The photos I took tell the story of our days, ad I'm glad to have them but they are not artistic gems that would be coveted by national magazines.

On our way to Texas (to visit daughter #1) we stopped off in Gettysburg,

Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky, Elvis' Memphis home, Graceland (even stayed at the Heartbreak Hotel) and Hot Springs, Arkansas.

We climbed up this tower

To get an outrageous view of Hot Springs, where they are know for having springs that are 140 degrees. Over the years, people have flocked there for the healing power of baths in these unusual waters. The town once flourished as a healthy retreat and it remains a charming place to visit.

There was a National Park Visitor Center that showed us how sterile and clinical the whole thing looked - not spa like at all (which I had hoped for). So, we passed on the bath experience.

Next stop was Elgin, Texas, home of my daughter and son-in-law. It really was a beautiful drive from Arkansas to the Austin area, as we passed pine forests and some very small towns. Even stopped by for charming antiques

and got to visit a Texas dance hall

But the very best part of the trip was in the people we got to see and spending quality time with some very important people who we don't get to spend enough time with and for that I am quite thankful!

Living my dream

2010-08-25T15:40:00.001-04:00

Had lunch with a dear photography buddy yesterday and her enthusiasm for my new lifestyle was contagious. "You are doing everything you set out to do!" she beamed, "you are living your dream." Yes, I am. Shot a wedding last week and have another one coming up. I'm studying Lightroom and HDR every free moment I can find (isn't that what everyone's reading about in local doctor waiting rooms?). I've got my website www.chriscina.net set up so that you can purchase images there and a profit check will be sent to me (eventually). I am working with someone to build an even more professional site. The only thing I haven't mastered is writing the travel stories (complete with photos) and hawking them to publications. But wait... we've got a neat road trip coming up followed by a whole NY wintertime which should be a perfect time for doing just that.

Did a portrait shoot for a friend last week and posted it on Facebook – and then got two more requests to take portraits to update people's FB profile picture. Hooray!

My challenge to you today is to take photos that tell a story... or that you want your audience to figure out the story. Like:

Give yourself an assignment. For example, focus only on things that are blue. Or only on round things. There's a whole group of people who seek out letters in the alphabet for their images – this can be an especially fun thing to do in a big city. Just keep shooting and having fun doing it. Read inspiring books on how to get better and look for that great shot that has a subject and tells a story, I'm still searching for that perfect picture.

Happy shooting!

Shooting means lots of editing.....

2010-08-17T21:45:00.000-04:00

Got plenty of shooting last week. Participated in a Beauty and Fashion Shoot thanks to Hudson Valley Click. It was awesome! There were beauty and hair consultants who prepped the models and we shot onside Wings of Love's studio as well as outside as the evening light was constantly changing. For some reason I felt more comfortable directing young Ronak, an aspiring actor, who happily posed for me.

What do you think of my new watermark/logo, by the way? I'm thinking it may be too obtrusive, but I'm trying to come up with something that defines me.

Saturday I shot a wedding in Connecticut. The day was a #10 - absolutely beautiful, but the sun was right behind the bride and groom as they said "I Do." A bit of a challenge.

Thankfully it went down behind some tall trees right after the ceremony and allowed me some nice light for some nice portraits.

All in all I shot well over 1000 images with both shooting opportunities and it meant a LOT of editing time. I'm still really bad about eliminating duplicate poses. Tell me, if I were shooting an occasion for you, would you rather have the entire event documented or just have me present you with 50-70 of the very best images?
Hudson River Disco Cruise tomorrow night – hope there will be a pretty sunset to shoot!

Happy shooting, all!

Getting into a Groove

2010-08-10T12:39:00.000-04:00

Finally feeling like I'm getting adequate shooting time, working time and playing time. The Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce asked me to shoot their "Uncorked Cocktail" extravaganza at Dia:Beacon, a magnificent modern art mecca that has greatly influenced the local art scene exponentially. One is not generally allowed to photograph inside Dia, so this was a rare honor and privilege.

It was a real lighting challenge since sun was streaming in but it was such beautiful light, I enjoyed trying to work with it the best I could (constantly changing my settings).
To treat myself to some "fun" time, I took my macro to Andy's outrageous garden. There is a wall of sunflowers over 7 feet tall!

The bees were having a field day with them, so I sat back to watch some pretty cool butterflies.

I'm happy shooting. Hope you are, too!

Some creative shooting time

2010-08-03T11:37:00.000-04:00

I've been doing a lot of writing lately – not what I PLANNED to do but somehow I accepted a few freelance writing gigs and, bingo, I'm researching and banging away. One interesting article just published at http://www.photoenthusiast.net was on How to Get Freelance Photography Jobs. Everytime I wote a suggestion, I had to follow up and TAKE my own suggestion. So, it took me a while to write, but I already got a posting from a photographer who enjoyed it and thanked me for my tips!

To treat myself to some "me" time, I signed up for a workshop with Robert Rodriguez Jr. that was arranged by Scenic Hudson at it's Long Dock Beacon park.

It was written up as a "Beginners" class so I thought it might help me with this blog, offering some good tips. Everyone who showed up had "big guns" - I guess they were all followers of Rodriguez's work. He did REMIND me of the IMPORTANCE of having my tripod (which I had taken out of my trunk for full moon pics 2 days before and never returned) and, all in all, we had fun shooting a "not so exciting" sunset in a magnificent setting.

I also did an engagement shoot this weekend at Pepsico Sculpture Park. Gorgeous day and place but not my best shoot. Bride kept closing her eyes. UGH! How am I going to deal with THAT at the wedding? Stay tuned!

Happy shooting!

Busy Week

2010-07-24T16:07:00.000-04:00

So I'm making some progress at this freelancing stuff. Did a little consulting at the Poughkeepsie Journal and wrote a story on Electric Windows 2010, an artistic street festival that is happening next Saturday (7/31) in Beacon where 30 artists will be creating 8 x 12' paintings to be hung in an old blanket factory building for permanent display. (Below is a courtesy photo)

I'm also writing an article on Getting Freelance Work for a Photography Forum called Photoenthusiast but, every time I write a suggestion, I am following through and following my own suggestions, so it's taking me a bit of time to complete it. For example, I recommended making a list of e-mail contacts to send a notice to, letting them know you are currently for hire. Got my list together - now to send the e-mail.

I did get to shoot this week, too. My son-in-law wrote a play and the music for it based on the myth Persephone. He got an art grant and gathered some very talented folks together and presented a staged reading for one night only in Brooklyn and it was AWESOME.

Bravo, David!

I hope we all get to see it on Broadway one day soon!

The week ended with a Photowalk, inspired by Scott Kelby, the Photoshop guru. Today was the third annual Photowalk and it was anticipated that 31,000 photographers would be shooting together in over 1,100 cities all over the world. Last year I participated in one in Coney Island.

This year I stayed a little closer to home and joined a lovely group of about 20 folks who were willing to walk over the Poughkeepsie Railroad bridge in the brutal heat. I didn't get any fabulous pictures, but I did enjoy spending the day with some new friends and fellow camera-nuts.

Getting out there, enjoying yourself and making new friends is what it's all about!
Happy shooting!

Making photographs

2010-07-20T20:25:00.000-04:00

"You don't take a photograph.... You make it."

–Ansel Adams

This seems truer than ever after taking a full day seminar with Scott Kelby on Lightroom 3 in NYC yesterday. It was inspiring watching him make blah images pop. Naturally I downloaded the free trial version today and can't seem to do any of the great things he did yesterday. Perhaps the free trial is missing some of the bells and whistles.

The photo above needed only a little cropping as my post production work. I was blessed with a beautiful sunset and I like the silhouette effect I got as I approached the scene.

I really like this image, although I remember that sun to be a much more vivid orange. It was a hazy day and I captured that, but the sun seemed to pop right out of the haze and I haven't found a way to reproduce that.

Help me out here. Is this one worth saving? What can I do to it in post production that will help make it better? Perhaps if I spend the next few days learning Lightroom, I'll find the answer.

Happy shooting!

Things are about to "click"

2010-07-12T14:07:00.000-04:00

7.12.10
Today is my first day of retirement - er, that is the first day of my life as professional photographer. It's kind of a mixed bag - I have so many ideas I want to pursue, yet I kind of feel like I'm on vacation. It's a beautiful, warm, sunny day and I have an agenda - declutter my office, mat and frame beach pictures to sell this weekend at LBI, make a wedding album to show my work, update the website, figure out how to use some new software, practice lighting techniques with some new equipment I purchased recently..... Oh dear, I've got more on my list than I'm going to be able to handle.

I gave myself an assignment to start the new career off - photography my brother's family. Now THAT was a challenge! Even with a great deal of help, trying to get 5 people to smile at the same time was quite an effort. There are 3 I like:

Even so, the baby, Brynn just doesn't look happy. I may have to do some cloning of heads. I did do a bit better just trying to focus in on the children individually.

Oops -he's not one of the children! Well, he was as we were growing up - that's my baby brother, Paul. Rather, handsome, huh? And here's the child I'm trying to train to smile for my camera, Mr. Ryan.

OK, so even though I feel like I'm playing on my first official day as a pro, I really am working hard. Thanks for stopping by and keep on shooting great photos!

What I Learned

2010-06-25T11:42:00.000-04:00

Shot a Sweet Sixteen party last weekend and learned a few things.

One thing is that I don't need to take quite so many photos - and I need to learn to be a better editor. Posting 400 images is a bit much....even when the birthday girl looks like Cinderella.

Another thing...I'd like to learn a technique for dealing with glasses.

And, I need to figure the crop in camera better, too. To make a print of the image above, I have to either chop off his shoulder or her hand. I chose his shoulder - her hand looks terrible chopped off.

Also, I need to utilize my extra flash more. I own two and the second one would have helped fill in the girls in the back, but I get flustered and forget to bring out the tools that I have invested in. I need to slow down and make sure everything is RIGHT before pushing the shutter. I allow the momentum of the day to propel me, rather than taking the control I need to take.
Despite my scolding myself for what I did wrong, I did get some awesome shots.

And Ariana had a great time being the star. She even got into posing with each of her friends before the evening was over.

Shooting Sweet Sixteen's is fun! I'm available for hire! And I promise to get better and better!

Happy shooting folks!

Photographing the Falls

2010-06-18T11:23:00.000-04:00

Whew - for a four day vacation, it's taking me quite a while to tell all about it. Our two days in Canada were lots of fun. We did all the Tourist things - Maid of the Mist (the boat that takes you right under the falls), Journey Behind the Falls, and a cool multi-sensory movie-in-the-round where it rained and snowed and the ground shook as we felt like we were actually going over the falls and of course the IMAX and shrine to those who tried to go over by barrel. They light the falls up every night from 9 -10 pm which is quite lovely. We even got to see a rainbow from our bedroom window.

Unfortunately it rained on Fireworks night, and while they still put on a show, I was unable to photograph it. As we left Ontario, I studied our map and realized there was a lighthouse on the New York side in Fort Niagara, so we took a detour to see that. Their information people told us of an even better lighthouse, Thirty Mile Lighthouse, so we we went another 30 miles east and saw that one which was cool! So many lighthouses to still find! Keeps us traveling, photographing and staying happy! Happy shooting, friends!

Onto Niagara Falls

2010-06-11T17:03:00.000-04:00

You actually see a lot of these windmills as you are traveling through New York State. They are quite graceful and appear to be saving energy... hopefully not too many birds are being affected. Sure does seem like a good resource.

Andy & I love to find lighthouses that we haven't seen before, so, after a brief visit to East Aurora, NY, (looking for a potter recommended by my son-in-law) we stopped in Buffalo.

Did you know that Buffalo smells like muffins because the General Mills factory is there? Wish I could shoot in scratch n sniff and share that great smell with you. It was a pretty lighthouse, located at a Coast Guard station where it was well protected from lighthouse vigilantes like ourselves.

Next stop was over the Rainbow Bridge and into Canada where we were told we'd have a better view of the Falls. The town itself appeared to be a GAUDY TOURIST trap! As we entered, it looked like the worst of every major tourist center I've ever seen - with every chain restaurant and souvineer shop you can imagine.

But the Falls themselves were stunning and we stayed at a nice place where we could see Horseshoe Falls from our bedroom window. I never realized how all encompassing the Falls were - how you can see them from everywhere you go - they just kind of become a background after awhile.

More to come....later.

A Taste of New York State

2010-06-10T17:40:00.000-04:00

In dire need of a vacation, we set out to explore a bit of New York State. First stop, the Museum at Bethel Woods: The Story of the Sixties and Woodstock. Really bizarre seeing stuff I lived through (albeit from afar) being documented as "history." Kiosks said things like "In 1965 the women wore beehive hairdos." Thank God I was 12 and never had a beehive, but it sure made "the women" sound like a bunch of aborigines who followed a cult trend. (Hmm. Maybe that's not so far from the truth, after all) The museum really was a lot of fun, with all kinds of multi-media experiences to make you feel like you were really THERE. Great music, cool vibes, people helping people, rain and mud and fun. But the very best part was an exhibit on Eddie Adams photography and how he helped to end the Viet Nam war. Absolutely awesome! Made me realize the power of this gift I have been working on perfecting.

Next stop, Letchworth State Park - the "Grand Canyon of the East." I had never heard of this place until I posted a request of Facebook for places to stop as we headed to Niagara Falls. And what a great treasure it is! This is a photo that was taken at about 5 am. The amazing part of this is that I FORGOT my tripod (trust me, I've beaten myself up about that a LOT!) and this photo was taken HANDHELD at 1/6 of a second (800 ISO) and, while not the sharpest image I've ever taken, look at all the detail at that hour of the day! There are things you can do after you beat yourself up, if you've forgotten your tripod. Like placing the camera on a ledge, going for a time exposure or trying the burst mode. Trust me, I tried them all. But the payoff was the sunrise - which I didn't capture as perfectly as it actually looked - but shooting straight into the sun I could go for a faster shutter speed.

Letchworth is a very large park and I realized I needed some sleep, so I returned to the hotel room for a two hour nap, had a lovely breakfast at the only restaurant in town (Perry, NY) and returned to spend the rest of the day exploring the gorge, the trails and the waterfalls. Look at all the Pollywogs....

Much nicer than the snake I saw. Andy challenged me to walk into the middle of the water....

I don't think it made for that dramatic an image, but it felt nice and cool (a little slippery, though).

If you'd like to see more, go to http://www.chriscina.net/Travel. And stay tuned for the next day - onto Niagara Falls!
Happy shooting!

Some Basic Rules

2010-05-31T14:06:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I forget that I've come a long way as a photographer. I expect that everyone who owns a camera can shoot good photos. A colleague at work today asked me what resolution he should set his camera on. He was referring to the size of the .jpgs. I told him it all depends what you are doing with the .jpgs. If you intend on having a picture blown up to say a 11" x 14," then you'll want the highest quality you can get. If, however, you just like showing your images off on your computer or posting them on FaceBook and you have no intention of printing them, then make them as small as possible. You'll get lots of pictures on your memory card and there is no need to take up so much space on your hard drive. If you understand this basic concept, a lot of the time you can choose the larger size when attempting a portrait of your grandchild, but then change the setting to a medium or small ,jpg when getting generic photos of the kids playing in the pool.

First and foremost, read your camera's manual. It is an invaluable source of information. It doesn't hurt to have it stored in the case with you to look up things when you feel like getting a bit creative. My first digital camera had "modes" to select for different lighting challenges. There was a "night portrait" I discovered one evening when my husband and I were shooting photos on a dock at sunset. Using that selection allowed me to take gorgeous photos of us where you got us in the foreground but didn't loose the background. Essentially I know how to do that with my SLR today but it takes a little figuring and shooting and adjusting sometimes. Knowing you have a "night portrait" selection can make the difference between getting what you want in the long run.

Happy Memorial Day! We're headed upstate tomorrow to see some beautiful settings. Stay posted for some new photos. Happy shooting!

Dance photos

2010-05-19T15:58:00.000-04:00

In an effort to make money as a photographer, I proposed to colleague Sandy Viola that we shoot portraits and group shots of the dancers at Taps N Toes where my niece's dance. It sounded like it would be an enormous task but probably quite lucrative. I got us the "go ahead" from the owner and took the day off from the full-time job in order to clean lenses, format memory cards, charge batteries and pack the car up. I was excited to see how Sandy set up her lights and worked with the children. While the experience turned out to be a lot more chaotic than I'd anticipated and much less lucrative given that the dancers had to constantly change costumes and had little to no time for posing for a camera, I still did gain insight into being a better photographer from working with Sandy. She gets down with the kids and convinces them to act silly and have fun with posing. She likes knowing what to expect from her light. She reminded me not to cut off the feet (a disaster considering we were shooting ballerinas). My task was to try and get the group shots which wasn't easy since many of the kids had to prepare for another dance number or two and many of them wanted to watch their friends perform, so they disappeared into the auditorium. In the long run I got SOME of the groups, not all and Sandy did a wonderful job capturing about 20 lovely dancers - a small percentage of the girls that were there. Perhaps some more will realize the lost opportunity and make their way to her studio. It was a learning experience for me. Should we do it again? Only if we can figure out how to control the situation better (or if our reputation gets out and they are actually looking forwrd to the experience). As for me, I playd with my niece's images today:

I can still have fun with my photography even if I can't get rich on it!

Happy shooting, friends!

Finding places close to home

2010-05-11T10:06:00.000-04:00

I've always said I'm lucky to be living in the Hudson Valley - we have so many photographic opportunities here. Lots of historic sites, a beautiful river and lots of cool mountains. And FOUR very different seasons that all bring with them new photographic opportunities. Why, within 10 minutes of my house I can find a castle.....

Magnificent mountains.....

The Poughkeepsie cityscape...

Or just flowers at my own house. The important thing is to keep shooting, trying different angles and settings and learning from what you've shot. Happy shooting!

Learning from the past

2010-04-27T14:46:00.000-04:00

I spent time this morning looking for a particular image and it gave me an opportunity to review images from the past. In 2006 I decided I wanted to really learn to be a better photographer. I had always been happy as an amateur but I found myself out of a job and thought "what would I like to be when I grow up?" The answer immediately came to me - a photographer because I enjoyed taking pictures so much. A mentor recommended that I shoot for at least an hour a day, every day, and select one image as my favorite and throw all of the others away. While I was never able to toss the entire shoot, I did learn from the "select the best" method and I still do that today. Looking back on the ones I should have deleted, I see that I have learned a lot in the past few years.

This should be titled "Things Not to Do." I was trying to capture a friend's Ichibana creations and thought natural light would help - but look at that BUSY background. It totally takes away from the flower arrangement. This one is a little bit better...

But the background is still competing with the subject. Today I would bring some solid backgrounds along and provide some diffuse lighting so that the flower arrangement stands alone.

I just read some good landscape tips by Matt Kloskowski on Scott Kelby's blog (http://www.scottkelby.com/blog) today. Simply put, they are: 1. Get up earlier than you think (an hour before sunrise) 2. Get ready the night before - this is important - make sure you've got everything you will need and all batteries have been recharged. 3. Shoot and move - don't just stand in one spot. Look around for other sweet light opportunities. 4. Try photographing people and 5. It's all about luck - sometimes it's just being at the right place at the right time.

Keep shooting!

Trip to the Beach

2010-04-22T14:47:00.000-04:00

Following the theme of getting away, I am happy to report that I just returned from a 3 day "Girls" weekend at Long Beach Island in NJ. My "girl friends" are as young as 18 and as mature as 87 and all 6 of us are creative, intelligent compadres who enjoyed a lot of laughs and way too much great food.

As all my weekends go, it also provided me with a nice modicum of photography.

Notice how the lines all lead you into the picture. Look for patterns and textures and lines. We were fortunate to have such a beautiful sky. Gray skies make good light on a subject but are horrible in the upper part of a photo. On a gray sky day, focus tighter on your subject. Try and cut out the sky entirely. If you are photographing people, put them up against a brick wall or a weathered building - the texture will add to feel of the picture. Don't put people in front of a very busy background - it distracts the viewer from seeing what is important. Keep it simple. Fewer elements are better than many elements. Happy shooting!

Many thanks to all who came to see the show!

2010-04-14T15:33:00.000-04:00

It's still up if you missed it! It's at the East Fishkill Library, Route 376, Hopewell Junction through April 30th. We had 92 folks show up for the Artist's reception last Friday night. It was awesome! I asked one aspiring photographer what is the best time of day to take pictures. She responded "noon." Heck no!!!!! Early morning and an hour before and after sunset are the best times. Those are the times of day with "magic light." Noon creates HARSH SHADOWS! So, if you do nothing else, notice how lovely the light is tonight as the sun is going down and grab your camera and take a few shots.

Getting back to photography tips

2010-04-08T07:43:00.000-04:00

I started this blog a year ago to talk about my travels...and I have (Ireland and Scotland can be found in "older posts") but the sad truth is I spend more time dreaming about traveling than actually traveling. There is a photo trip coming up in Page Arizona that I've been obsessing about - a chance to capture the slot canyons, Lake Powell early in the morning and more - but I'm haven't found a way to afford all that I want to do. That doesn't stop me from constantly trying to figure out how to make it happen.

As much as I want to head for beautiful places to photograph, sometimes the best photography experience can be found close to home. I've discovered that living in the magnificent Hudson Valley. We are blessed with mountains, rivers, lakes and four totally different seasons. There is a cemetery within walking distance of my house where I've found gnarly old trees, a heron who hangs out with the geese and a pond that reflects Fishkill Ridge. I've even gotten some great gravestone images but I have no idea how to market them. I do use the place to "exercise" my craft. I'll head over there early morning, or just before the sun goes down, with one lens and challenge myself to find a good picture. One of my favorites is an old dead tree that looks as if it's chasing me - I call it "Monster" - it's many limbs are all akimbo and it seems to be reaching out with a spooky blue sky behind it. That tree is long gone now - I'm glad I captured it when I did. I especially like photographs that tell a story. The story can be different for everyone who views it, but they should all look at it and know that there's a story in there somewhere.

When I get home after a shoot, I upload all my images and delete any that are flat out garbage (we all have those) and try to zone in on what's my one favorite from the shoot. Which one is a "keeper." This habit has helped me become a more discriminating viewer of my own images. Sometimes I upload the "keeper" onto Facebook to get reactions from friends. Other times I'll save it for a photo competition or exhibit. But the routine of critically reviewing my images and selecting only the best has helped to make me a better photographer. I spend a lot of time looking at other photographer's images as well. I work for the Poughkeepsie Journal and always review the photography department's "Photos of the Week." I review stock company's sites and National Geographic. If you know what looks good, it will be easier to try and capture something good yourself.

Have fun shooting!

My first exhibit

2010-04-03T19:18:00.000-04:00

"These are a few of my favorite scenes" is the name of the exhibit of random photographs that I prepared for my very first solo exhibit at the East Fishkill library in Hopewell Junction. A friend, Lynn McCabe, who exhibits frequently talked me into it and I've had a full year to prepare. I've got 20 photos up and it is absolutely exhilarating to know that that whole wall of photos is all mine. As I told a friend earlier, next week at the "artists opening" is going to feel like I'm at my own funeral - only I get the benefit of being there alive and hearing what they're saying about me. Here's a shot of what it looks like:

I'll let you know how the reception goes, but I will admit, I stopped in to visit the photos today myself and I really enjoyed the experience. Thanks Lynn, for encouraging me to do it.

Here comes the bride

2010-03-23T16:17:00.000-04:00

I started 10 days ago...and never got to the place where I got to say how beautiful my baby was! She was so busy with the details that she didn't get to enjoy herself until she saw her dress and flowers, and then she just beamed!

We really lucked out on the weather - it would have been a disaster had it rained, since there was a walk to the chapel and the chapel itself was open-air, but as it was, the weather was mild, the lighting was perfect and the bride was stunning!

Pre wedding fun

2010-03-13T15:34:00.000-05:00

You wait and wait and in the blink of an eye it's all over. I want more! I want to re-live the day again. Guess I can by telling about it here. Our trip to Austin was awesome, albeit short. Mom, Andy and I stepped off the plane on Wed. March 2nd at 4 pm and immediately felt like we were on vacation. The day was warm (70ish) and we headed to Nova's to be with Kiryn and David for a barbeque. Nova had made delicious bride and groom cookies that held us over while we waited for David Evans to come home and do some grilling. It was so nice to sit OUTSIDE and enjoy AIR and see the beginnings of buds and all kinds of signs of spring.

Fast forward to Thursday, another glorious, sunny day and we enjoyed every moment by enjoying the backyard again, headed to the peacock park, hiked Mount Bonnell and then visited Ladybird's Wildflower Gardens.

Thursday night was "Meet the Parents" and David's father and step-mother were absolutely great people. Great Tex-Mex food and wonderful company. Who could ask for more? Friday we set out to get our nails and hair done and then suddenly it was time to get dressed and head for the wedding......

Composition

2010-02-22T14:24:00.000-05:00

Composition is the most important element to exceptional landscape photographs, after good focus, that is. There are some tried and true guidelines that have been stated by far better photographers and artists than I. One of the best recommendations I can offer is look at as many good photographs as you can and decide for yourself what you like. Check out other photographer's websites, stock photography sites, museums, special exhibits and photography books. I was fortunate that, as part of my job when working for Scenic Hudson, a nonprofit that protects Hudson River land and vistas, I had to peruse a lot of stock photography as well as local photographer's sites to try and find great images for use by that organization. It allowed me to see and recognize how certain images were framed, how different elements led me into the image and how some images sparked an emotional response.

One of my favorite landscape photographers, Tom Doyle, recently stated, "Successful composition occurs when the maker arranges the elements in an esthetically pleasing manner." But how can you rearrange the elements? You can't – but you can change your perspective. Walk around. Study your palette. What colors are you working with? Are they complementary? What would make a good subject? What elements need to be eliminated from this vision? Work the image and the site by trying different perspectives (try getting down lower or climb up higher), different exposures, different framing, changing lenses or adding filters.

One fundamental tool is to arrange your elements using an imaginary tic-tac-toe grid and place your subject in the upper or lower quadrant of that grid. Make sure your horizon is level and it's best not to be going straight through the middle of the photograph. Got a great sky? Put 2/3 of that sky into the image. Is it a gray day? Perhaps you don't need the sky or you need very little of it. Make sure you have a distinct background, middle ground and foreground and that there is one element in the photograph that draws your eye more than any other.

In this image, the sun is the subject. The gazebo and the log are the supporting elements to give strength to the photo.

Blogging

2010-02-18T09:42:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking of trying to post more often. Of course, that is where it began and look where it's turned out. I see I have ONE "follower" (thank you Danielle!). Not even my kids read what I've written. Heavy sigh. Could it be because I have written nothing of worth? Yes. That is it! What have I offered of value to the general reading public? A blog needs to offer some information (or at least a laugh). The blogs I enjoy most are photography blogs that show me new techniques on lighting or provide inspiration or identification with a shared experience. Joe McNally talks about being compelled to go back to Starbucks to take a photo of a pair of hands. I've been there - don't always have the courage to go back and get the shot (hmm- that should probably be rarely have the b____s) but I definitely ID with the feeling. Scott Kelby tells me about new equipment (and now I'm craving the ipad) and David Hobby is the best as he shares all kinds of wonderful lighting techniques. I especially love when he talks about being in the newspaper industry since that is where my home is.

So, what can I offer? I always love the concept of "giving back." But waht can I share and who will be willing to read it? I can talk about Introductory Photography or How to work in Quark, In Design, Photoshop. How to mother (Get those kids away from the computer and PLAY with them!!!!), How to Diet (I'm a pro at that - losing weight is a whole nuther topic though), how to write a press release that will get noticed..... My problem often is that I FORGET that others don't know what I know. I just ASSUME (making an ass out of u and me) that everyone knows ... well, everything. Even m freelancers write articles telling you how to decorate your house and I am stunned that anyone can state "start with fresh paint." Duh. Doesn't EVERYONE know that? So I guess I need to dumb myself down and start from scratch (or are there a million other blogs already providing into information?)

I spoke to 2 friends recently who were eager to become better photographers and they made me realize that I DO have something to offer. Perhaps I can get them to read my blog and try speaking to them directly. I told them to take their camera's off automatic settings (the P setting on Nikon's - for "Program") and try "A" for aperture priority. This is something I learned from Moose Peterson, the god of nature and wildlife photography (another blog I follow regularly). Experiment with different "f" stops. Know that the lowest numbers allow you the most light and tightest focus on one element, blurring out all else, thus the least depth of field, and the higher numbers offer you the MOST depth of field but least light. I sure wish someone had explained that to me better 10 years ago (hell, 40 years ago!) Thinking back, I did know that...but I rarely put it into practice. With kids growing up and moving fast, I just decided it was easier to park in "P" mode and hope for the best. No more. Now I want to see what I can make of the scene. How I can dress it up it's best. I work a scene. I take way too many pictures and get it from every angle and try to find a way to show it off that hasn't been done before or will allow my viewer to feel the emotions I felt when I shot it. So I look for compelling scenes and try my best to capture them in a way that others will say "oooh, ahhh" or, better yet, "Wow."

Here's an example of using shallow depth of field (smaller f stop number/more light) to get the flower sharp but the background blurry.

Addicted to Photography

2010-02-17T15:22:00.000-05:00

Hi, my name is Chris and I am an addict.

My addiction is photography.

It runs my life. I own 3 cameras, 6 lenses and untold flashes, filters, bags and doo-dads and still I want more. I work as a graphic artist for a small town daily newspaper (making a pitifully small salary) and I’m elated when they send me out to take a photo of a doctor, new retail store or a product shot for advertising. I spend my weekends doing portraits, weddings, children’s theater and my own personal favorite, landscapes.

I am president of a “professional” camera club and a member of two others (as well as being a member of NAPP and PPA). I have had images selected to be in juried shows and have placed in photo competitions (alas, I haven’t achieved ‘gold’ yet). My ego gets stroked by my compulsive desire to post my images on Facebook. I’ve been told I’m good but I long persistently to be better. I want my obituary to ready “great photographer.”

I’ve joined support groups but I just can’t break this habit. I got to meet Moose Peterson (the famous landscape and wildlife photographer) and he taught me the value of Aperture priority and I’ve never turned back. I’m having my first solo exhibit in April and am using an image I got thanks to DLWS as my Invite. I yearn to get more images like this.

As I said, my name is Chris and I am a photographic addict.

(To see some of my images, go to www.chriscina.net)

Missing travel and wondering where to go next

2010-02-16T09:45:00.000-05:00

I started this blog to get used to the idea of writing on a daily basis...and it has fallen into a once every couple of months syndrome. Perhaps that's because I'm not traveling enough. I am certainly craving a trip right now. My boss just came back from a wonderful time in Mexico, near Cancun, but in a more off-the-beaten-track, cabin-on-the-beach setting near a tropical preserve and ancient ruins. I'm dying here! She said she thought of me when they took a trip to an island where all kinds of exotic birds live and they all flew home at sunset, allowing her the heart-stopping exhilaration of hearing them all call to one another in their own comfortable space. I need a vacation!

Andy and I have been contemplating our next trip lately. There's a photographic learning experience available in June at Lake Powell that will also be visiting Antelope Arch and more cool sounding places. I really want to do that. Or there's a cruise in September, leaving from NY and headed up the coast, stopping off in Bar Barbor, Maine and Halifax. Oooo - I've been dying to see that lighthouse on Peggy's Cove - and a cruise should allow a great many sightings of cool, New England lighthouses. Judy has reminded me that I haven't seen her new home in South Carolina. Which reminds me, I'd love to check out Charleston and Savannah. And while we're south, why not see the Florida Keys? Oh yeah, and there is that nagging pull to see Glacier National Park, the Grand Tetons, Lake Tahoe or even the finger lakes in good old New York State.

I suppose this is the "good stuff." The dreaming and coming up with a plan. But all I can think of, is there are so many places to see and so little time or money. And I haven't even allowed the thought of Europe, Iceland or Indonesia to enter my consciousness. Someone suggested yesterday that I should put all the places I named above into a hat and choose one. Is that the best way to go? Stay tuned.

Winter Wonderland

2010-01-06T12:02:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I posted (and a longer while since I've traveled) but I was looking over some recent pictures I took one early morning on a snowy day and thought I'd like to show folks why I love the Hudson Valley so much. We are blessed with FOUR totally different and totally gorgeous seasons. While winter can be hazardous, it has a beauty all its own that is so magical and special. Here are a few recent shots.

Great weekend

2009-11-09T16:09:00.000-05:00

It was chock-full of good stuff. Friday night was an art opening for a group photography exhibit that I am part of. Nice crowd - the photos look great and it was a good reminder that I've really got to get to work with deciding on which images I am going to use for my solo show in April.
Saturday was Mom's 80th birthday and she was happy and it was great to be together with all my crazy siblings. Got to visit with Dad for a short while, too. I am so blessed to have a large, wonderful, healthy family.

Sunday we took Andy's sister Margaret for a walk across the Walkway Over the Hudson. It was a magnificent day and we saw quite a few people we knew as we had a lovely stroll from Ulster to Dutchess and back.

Sunday, Sunday

2009-11-05T16:31:00.000-05:00

Had a lovely trip down Route 9 last Sunday, reliving memories from past trips down this same route, and speaking to a dear old friend along the way. Stopped and took some pictures along the way. Then I met my lovely daughter, Kiryn in Tarrytown and we went over to Piermont to see the spectacular artwork of Mary Altobelli. What a lovely day! Dined at Pasta Amore and saw a brilliant full moon before the day was done.

Photographing Children

2009-10-23T11:16:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of taking pictures of Jenn and Bill's beautiful children this week. It made me realize that this is something I've been doing for years but have never really tried to market. It's a beautiful Fall and I'm hoping to get some more clients - I'll take "Pictures in a Park" and people can use them as Christmas presents, Christmas cards, calendars, t-shirts, jewelry, whatever. Sitting fee is $50 and you can purchase images from me (5"x 7" for $10; 8" x 10" for $20; ll" x 14" for $30) or purchase a CD of all the images for another $50. Call me if you're interested 845 527-7608.

A few more Walkway images

2009-10-07T10:57:00.001-04:00

Walkway over the Hudson

2009-10-07T10:51:00.000-04:00

They did it! They met their Oct. 2-3 deadline and opened the Walkway over the Hudson - the world's largest pedestrian bride - right here in our backyard - Poughkeepsie, that is. It was really cool watching the Illuminary parade, seeing a fantastic firework show, and then getting to be one of the first people to walk over it. They did a great job - it's large, clean, sturdy and offers fabulous vistas. Come and check it out!

Opus 40 in Saugerties

2009-10-01T11:03:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful setting for a lifetime's work! Sculptor Harvey Fite spent 38 years creating his vision of curving slate walls surrounded by acres of stone creations with a backdrop of majestic mountains. Fun place to visit and a challenge to photograph especially with a strong sun that kept playing hide and seek with the clouds.

Cead Mile Failte Ireland

2009-07-01T15:44:00.000-04:00

That means 1,000 welcomes in Gaelic and we really did feel welcomed!

Ireland greeted us with sunny, warm weather, very unlike what we had been prepared for. I was looking forward to a cold, foggy trip to the Cliffs of Moher – thought that would make great photography – but as we approached it, we found ourselves shedding layers and were quite surprised, and challenged, to discover bright sunlight displaying the cliffs to us in all of their glory. I set the tripod up and attempted a panoramic view. Don’t think I captured it, in it’s noontime sunlit glory, but it we did witness a spectacular vista.

We drove on, frustrated by the roads. Driving was more challenging than we had ever anticipated. We were prepared for the left side of the road challenge and even the perplexity of the left side driver’s seat. We’ve both driven stick shifts, albeit not on the left, but the twisty windy roads that weren’t wide enough for the traffic…and ongoing, constant impatient cars behind us really made it quite impossible to appreciate the unique landscape we were now having set out for us. The eternal green fields were filled with a bright yellow bush (gorse?), interspersed with massive, wild, purple rhodedendrums and wildflowers and a variety of many other nicely contrasting colors and the view seemed to go forever. The Burren! People had told us to visit it and we weren’t quite sure what it was…it was kind of like the Grand Canyon. Acres of rock and mountains of rock and fields of rock interspersed with flowers. Outrageous – you can’t imagine it until you see it.

I don’t think it helped the traffic situation that it was Sunday – going through towns seemed even more treacherous than out in the country. People were walking to church and they use the same roads you drive on. Andy was mega-stressed with the driving. We each took turns, but between the shift on the left side and the crazy Irish drivers, we were off to a bit of a frustrating start. Then we came to the roundabouts. Between sleep deprivation, honking and hitting the left curb, we were not off to a good start. We finally navigated our way to the first B&B we saw – in the Salt Hill section of Galway - I believe it was called Bohalo B&B and we took a nice midafternoon nap.

We awoke and took a nice walk exploring the area, searching for a view of the bay. My bladder led us back to our lodgings and we attempted the car again and drove west in search of dinner. I had a Salmon salad and afterwards we walked around the town. It was a warm, beautiful evening and we finally felt welcomed to Ireland.

Step back in time and fall in love with the Aran Islands

2009-07-01T15:40:00.000-04:00

Day 2.
Great Irish breakfast (fried egg, ham, sausage, warm tomato & black & white pudding) and off to the Aran Islands. Thought we were late for the ferry but luckily we made it. The Irish don’t seem to be known for punctuality. It was a warm, gorgeous day as we ferried over to the beautiful islands. We got ourselves bikes and headed to the lighthouse. The Aran Isle (Innishmore) was absolutely spectacular! It was a very warm, sunny June 1st, I was actually overdressed with my short sleeve shirt, but the whole island was alive with color, texture and form. Stonewalls everywhere decorated by a multitude of colorful flowers and accented by cows, sheep and horses. I told Andy that if I ever have trouble sleeping, remind me of how wonderful it felt to be bike riding on the roads of the Aran Island.

What a fabulous day, as we were surrounded by magnificent sights, wonderful weather and just a great sensation of finally being away on vacation. My plan was to try and get as far east and south as we could as our next stop was supposed to be the Ring of Kerry. We returned to the port and turned our bikes in early, so we went to have something to eat. The ferryboat pulled out of dock at 4:50 and we had to wait in the blazing sun for another…and it didn’t appear for another 45 min. So, we returned to Rossaveal at 6:30. A might later than planned. We drove and drove (one road I took was the first time we encountered another car who had to back up so I could get through) Finally around 8:30 we were outside of Galway in a town called Kinvara. We tried for a B&B and were told it was full. We tried a second time and lucked out. The innkeeper, Kathleen, sent us nearby to "world famous" Moran’s for dinner, where she claimed, people came by helicopter to get a taste of their fine fish. It was a pleasant pub and we enjoyed our dinner there. Had a tough night’s sleep, though, despite the clean place and nice bed ... it was closer to the highway than we had realized & we heard car noises all night. All part of the adventure I suppose.

How are things in Connemara?

2009-07-01T03:50:00.000-04:00

Day 3:
Another difficult night’s sleep despite the clean place and nice bed .. it wasn’t far off the highway & we heard car noises all night. Kathleen served a great Irish breakfast (her husband had worked for Waterford – he is an unemployed house painter now) We told her we were headed for the Ring of Kerry and she recommended, instead, that we head for Clifden (back where we had come from – west of Galway) and Connemara and Oughterard. She said that Clifden was an hour away whereas Killarney was 3 hours. She lied. Or perhaps the problem was that we kept stopping for photo ops and to check things out. We did have a great day, seeing more magnificent sights, stopping to explore and photograph the Aughnanure Castle, Cong where the Quiet Man Bridge is located, the 12 Bens (mountains), boglands filled with sheep, and visiting the town of Clifden where we were convinced to take their scenic seaside ride (and saw the best caste ever!).

We arrived at the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, that Kathleen had recommended, at 4ish. The stop was quite worthwhile - one of the most beautiful spots on earth - where a gentleman built a dream home in 1868 for his true love and today it is home to the Irish Benedictine nuns. Once again, it was the end of the day and we were way far west when our final destination was to be headed east. So, we drove and drove again, trying to make time and get east of Galway once again. We did stop for dinner in Oughterard and made it to a town an hour east of Galway by 9 or 9:30. Kind of late for getting a B&B. We finally spotted one and went off the road far into the country to find it and it was fully booked. Outrageous. He recommended one on the main road. We were so tired we were happy to find it. A teenager girl showed us a room and we jumped on it. However, it was in a house with a family and all kinds of family noises. Giggling, TV, running…..Still, it was a bed and a shower for the night.

Thoughts

2009-07-01T03:33:00.000-04:00

Andy's thought on Ireland:
Stinks like cow poop
Drivers all think they're Mario Andretti
Good seafood
Stone walls everywhere
The B&B people are nice and friendly

My thoughts:
Gorgeous countryside
Wildflowers everywhere
Lots of ruins - old churches, etc.
Beautiful weather (we were blessed!)
Yummy brown bread!

Headed to Dublin

2009-06-30T16:54:00.000-04:00

Day 4:
In the morning the Innkeeper turned out to be the mother of 4 who was trying to “do it all” The breakfast was not as fresh as the 2 previous days and she certainly didn’t have the time to make recommendations. We paid our fee and drove on to Dublin.

Driving to Dublin was actually lovely, albeit long. Driving IN Dublin was a horror! We had programmed Garmin to find us a hotel and it simply wasn’t there. As luck would have it, we found another soon after called the Castle Hotel. Pricey, but in the middle of the city where we could walk to everything and again, we were happy to have a clean room and BIG shower. The Innkeeper, Finn McCool, was dressed in a baggy, old, dirty suit, but he was the epitome of a leprechaun and he took us up to our room, talking politics and economy all the way. We settled in and headed to the “Hop on, Hop Off bus. We found it parked a block away and sat back to enjoy the sights of Dublin. We got off to check out the Book of Kells, but were put off that it cost another arm and a leg to see it. Back on and took way too many pictures of the architecture of every church, pub, and Georgian building.

Stopped off to see a lovely cathedral which turned out to be a tourism center (and shop). Got a bit lost in the Temple Bar area which was really charming (only lost from where we needed to pick up the bus) and finally got on a bus that announced it was the last one of the day, so we stayed on for the remainder of the city.

Best part of Dublin was visiting with the boys at the firehouse. They treated Andy like royalty and gave us biscuits (cookies) and tea and a tour of the stationhouse. Very nice!

Onto Scotland

2009-06-29T15:56:00.000-04:00

Thursday morning, June 4th, we raced to the airport to return the car and board an hour and a half flight to Inverness. Goodbye warm weather. Views from the airplane were awesome. Inverness greeted us with both sunny and cloudy skies (bipolar weather as Mandy says). Andy upgraded our car to a bigger one and Mandy came to greet us and we all took off for a giant store, much like WalMart, to get some provisions. Not at all what I had imagined we'd find in Inverness.

We headed for the house she lives in and got her bags and computer (Thank God for the bigger car!) and then headed to the adorable little retreat house she reserved for us. Bridge End at Reelig. I didn't want to leave the place - it was such a lovely retreat - quiet and lovely with trails to explore.... Alas, we headed out to inspect downtown Inverness and really never enough time with the grounds around Bridge End.

Inverness was cool, though. Neat and historic, nicely laid out around a river...er, Loch...really very visually appealing with a castle in the center and some cool architecture all around. We had ourselves a spot of tea and a bit of soup and stopped off at the tourism center to collect brochures and ideas. Then we headed to Mandy's L'Arche house to celebrate a birthday. 19 people for a big sit down celebration. It was really quite amazing to participate in this community celebration. Then back to Bridge End for a little bit of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" on my computer and the BEST night's sleep in days!

Traveling to Edinburgh

2009-06-29T13:04:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning we had to pack up our charming retreat house after a lovely country breakfast. Andy wanted to head for some lighthouses. Mandy was eager to get to Edinburgh. We attempted to do both with a poor understanding of the geography and how far everything was from each other. On the map it looked easy - just head east and stay along the coastline and, after discovering lots of cool towns and lighthouses we'd arrive in Edinburgh.
In reality we'd gotten a later start and were headed in a direction that wouldn't get us to our final destination until the following day. Would have worked except we had reservations in Edinburgh and, after Mandy contacted them, learned we would be responsible for paying for the night whether we showed or not. So, we found the Lossiemouth Lighthouse and turned around and headed south for another long drive. Once again, the landscape along the way was magnificent.

Charming, Historic Edinburgh

2009-06-26T13:11:00.001-04:00

6-8. Monday morning & we awake in Edinburgh after being here 1.5 days. It is quite an interesting city – more London feeling than I remember London. Rows and rows of tall, old, tan colored buildings that have blackened with age, all with majestic roofs and a truly historical feel. We climbed to Arthur’s Seat – quite a climb for an old lady with 4 layers on carrying camera and pocketbook filled with an extra lens. I am feeling the aches today. But what a glorious 360-degree view we were met with on top!!! Awesome is putting it mildly.

When we finally got down, we walked through a pretty park at the base of the giant volcanic cliffs and spotted the beginning of a heart walk. Andy wanted a Heart Healthy Scotland t-shirt so we walked over and had a talk with several local ladies. One old woman was happy to tell us that where we now stood had been her backyard growing up and they had boat rides in the local loch and, as we stood beside Holyrood Palace, she claimed that they used to bring excess food to the gates and all would be delighted at the spoils.

Hollyrood Palace is a place the Queen still stays at when she is in Scotland. We toured the palace – ostentatious ceilings, beautiful tapestries, lots of giant portraits on wooden carved walls – then began our decent up the Royal Mile.
We stopped for a lovely break in Clarinda’s – named for the inspiration of a Robert Burns poem – a lovely tea shop, where I had a brie and cranberry toastie followed by an almond delight .. all with tea of course. Up the hill to oooh and ahh over the architecture and the many silly tourist shops. Stopped to buy Scottish souveniers for N&K, past St. Giles –a very Gothic Church. Mandy told us that they make decrees here (still do) and, many years ago, if someone was accused of robbery, he would have his ear nailed to a thing in the middle of the road and have to stay there for 24 hrs. He could pull away, leaving him with a permanent scar that all could see and know his crime.

Onto the castle. But it was getting late and we like to take our time inspecting, so we went across to check out the Camera Obscura. That was a lot of fun. So much so that we went back on Tuesday.

Continuing on in Edinburgh...

2009-06-25T17:47:00.000-04:00

Since Edinburgh has so much to offer, and we booked the B&B for 3 nights (one of out least favorite B&B's - tight quarters, run by a talkative man from Gibralter who sounded Scottish even though he didn't look it) we woke up on Monday morning raring to see more of the fine city. We headed for the castle, at the top of the Royal Mile. We were blessed with yet another beautiful day although it felt more like early April in NY than June - still it was sunny and pleasant. The walk there was invigorating and the castle itself was like a small city with much to explore.

Back to Camera Obscura since they had closed the day before, before we had played with all of the exhibits. We stopped off at an adorable pub with a "story" that I've already forgotten. Then we went for a tour of the vaults built underneath the city, which was cool. 400 years ago they were where the elite had their office space...later they became the den of inequities and the place where body snatchers sold their wares. We went on to explore the "New Town" which was built in the 1700's and had a lovely dinner at the Witchery. Afterwards we took a walk up to Carleton Hills for a lovely sunset (which happens at about 11 pm). All in all a cool visit to a really fascinating city. If you haven't seen enough pictures here, go to http://chrisdaviscina.smugmug.com. Truely a wonderful trip with so many beautiful sights!