I was in awe of The New York City Skyline this trip. The unique weather conditions had blown out all the stuff normally floating in the Air around “The City”. This visit we enjoyed a totally unobstructed view of the city for the first time ever, Both Day and Night…

The sunset this night was incredible… (Photo’s to follow in a Day or Two)

This was the Last Photo of the Night. I was in the mood for an artsy shot. So I asked Mom to Pose with her camera and that unbelievable skyline. In the Lower right is my shadow with the camera pointing towards the Empire State Building. Those long white streaks in the shot are passing Helicopters. If you look close at the railings you can see the graffiti…

This was my favorite Photo of the Trip…

New York City Skyline at Night with Mom

HDR Time Lapse Photograph Taken on: 04-17-09 7:49PM EST
Model: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
Shutter Speed: 180.6 Seconds  F-Stop: F18  ISO:100
Focal length: 20mm Lens: Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR [Vibration Reduction] DX Lens

New York City Skyline at Night… What can I say…

NYC at Night with The Empire State Building Shining Bright Green on Tax Day…

After Two weeks in the Hospital, Mom was in desperate need of some fresh Air. I thought a quiet dinner at the Charthouse in Weehawken, NJ then a few photo’s from the pier would be fun. It offers unobstructed views of the NYC skyline and especially The Empire State Building. Dinner with a View. what Fun… Click Here for Map.

I have never had the opportunity to work the NYC skyline at Night. After Dinner I took two Photographs, Both the same Photo, second one as a backup, just in case. Then we headed home. After all it was Mom’s first day out…

HDR Time Lapse Photograph Taken on: 04-15-09 7:44PM EST
Model: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
Shutter Speed: 45.1 Seconds  F-Stop: F18  ISO:100
Focal length: 18mm Lens: Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR [Vibration Reduction] DX Lens

Click on photo to enlarge

Sunset Madeira Beach, Fl

This Photo of Madeira Beach at Sunset takes me back to my childhood. I grew up here. Mom brought us here all the time. We lived many a day here digging holes, making sand castles, collecting shells. Right behind where this photo was taken is an old Hot Dog shop that benefits the Veteran’s. We always had to have a snack at the beach.

Later as a teenager, watching sunset in the car. Late night dates going for a walk on the beach, maybe some smooching with that special someone.

Tonight it was the being a teenager again, thing…  and a few Pictures…

Photograph Taken on: 08-24-08 6:58PM
Model:Nikon D80 Shutter Speed: 1/30th Second F-Stop:f11 ISO:100 –0.7 step
Focal length: 18mm Lens: Tamron 11-18mm Wide Angle

Click on Photo to enlarge

Timber Wolf Silhouette - Lakota Wolves Preserve

Today I was looking at the Moon. I immediately thought of the Wolf. So today’s post is a silhouette of a female Timber Wolf…

I also have a bit of trivia today. The Full Moon in January is called the Full Wolf Moon. It is called so because Native Americans needed a way to keep track of the seasons. And over the millennia, they noticed that always in January. The hungry wolf packs howled outside their villages…

They had a nickname for every full moon. Cool…

Here is List of all the Full Moon nicknames at the farmers almanac:
http://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-names

Lakota Wolves website: http://www.lakotawolf.com/

Related Wolf Posts: Timber Wolf Circling for Another Pass

Photograph Taken on: 09-30-08 1:27PM EST
Model: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
Shutter Speed: 1/320 Seconds F-Stop: F5.3 ISO:200 –0.3 step
Focal length: 18mm Lens: Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR [Vibration Reduction] DX Lens

Click on any Photo to enlarge

Today’s Photographs are what Lori (In Memoriam 9/13/60 – 11/30/08) thought were some of her best nature shots. These first three shots are from The Big Cypress Preserve in the Florida Everglades. All taken near the Sweetwater Strand off US41.

The Frisky Gator before Chocolate Donuts.

A baby gator sunning himself

Great Heron with one eye on the Gator

This next three shots are from our trip to Florida’s forgotten coast.

Here is a lone tree on the Dunes

Lori said she thought this tree stump looked like “The Lockness Monster”

“The Lockness Monster”

And Sunset at Mexico City Beach, we were hanging on the dunes

Sunset at Mexico City Beach

And Lastly, we travelled a lot to this old petrified tree forest on Longboat Key. That certain photo always eluded me. But Lori captured a wonderful shot…

Old Petrified Tree Forest on Longboat Key

All Photo’s taken on her Panasonic Lumix FZ20 with a Leica Lens. From 01-13-07 to 08-21-07
Related Lori Links:

1. Lori’s Gigantic Snaggle tooth Gator
2. Dolphin Smiling at Lori
3. The American Alligator and Chocolate Donuts - Big Cypress National Preserve

Click on Photo to view Larger

Gateway to Yosemite Valley Rainy, Heavy Fog at Sunset

Today’s Photo continues our travels in the Yosemite National Park. As we headed back to the Crane Flats campgrounds, we stopped by our favorite place in the valley. A spot called “The Gateway to Yosemite”. My favorite spot in all of Yosemite. We spent the whole trip stopping here at all times of the day and night. Looking for those special Photo’s.

This Photograph was one of my first attempt’s at a panorama photograph. Time was short. It was beginning to rain, The fog was rolling and thickening  thru the valley. The temperature was falling fast. I squeezed off a few Shots before the temperature inversion fogged all my lenses and ended the day…

The next morning after it rained all night I captured this Panoramic Photograph, my personal favorite of all time: http://www.awesomephotographyblog.com/2007/famous-landmark-photography/gateway-to-yosemite-valley-during-twilight-in-heavy-fog-after-all-night-storm-yosemite-national-park-ca/

Photograph Taken on: 10-01-06 6:49PM
Model:Nikon D80 Shutter Speed: 1 Second F-Stop:f5.6 ISO:100
Focal length: 18mm Lens: Tamron 11-18mm Wide Angle

Click on Photo to view Larger

Outrageous Clouds -Lake at Tioga Pass - Yosemite National Park

Today’s Post follows yesterdays. Here is a Photo taken a few hours later in the day. These outrageous Clouds started to form. They were clumpy in spots, stringy, crisscrossing, and moving real Fast. Maybe it was one of those Pineapple express storms rolling in. This whole day was visual Treat.
It was a perfect day for Black and White photography…

Right after this Photo was taken we headed down the pass. One of the scariest drives ever. Mom snapped this shot on the way down to Mono Lake…

Heading down the pass. One of the scariest drives ever...

Top Photograph Taken on: 9-30-06 11:47AM
Model:Nikon D80 Shutter Speed: 1/200 Seconds F-Stop:f7.1 ISO:100
Focal length: 11mm Lens: Tamron 11-18mm Wide Angle

Bottom Photograph Taken on: 9-30-06 12:47PM
Model:Nikon D50 Shutter Speed: 1/321 Seconds F-Stop:f9 ISO:200
Focal length: 28mm Lens: Nikon 18-200mm

Today’s Photo is courtesy of Mom, Ann Ogden in Northwest NJ. This Photo taken late in the day as the Storms rolled in. Shortly after this shot was taken, It went Grey and the Fog and Rain rolled in around dark.

Mom has an Amazing Eye for Photography…May I present “The Tioga Pass Ranger Station with Outrageous Clouds”…
Click on Photo to view Larger

Outrageous Clouds – Tioga Pass Ranger Station –Yosemite National Park

Bottom Photograph Taken on: 9-30-06 3:47PM
Model:Nikon D50 Shutter Speed: 1/402 Seconds F-Stop:F10 ISO:200
Focal length: 18mm Lens: Nikon 18-200mm

Click on Photo to enlarge

Lake at Tioga Pass Sunrise with Cloud Spaceships - Yosemite National Park

Three years ago Mom and I took this incredible, Magical trip to the Yosemite National park. There is no better place to Cleanse the Soul than Yosemite. It has it all, The Majesty of the Valley, The Awe of the Sequoia’s and the Scary Heights of the Tioga Pass.

This particular morning while waiting for sunrise by the Lake at Tioga Pass. These two clouds popped up just before sunrise and I thought they looked like a couple of spaceships taking off….

Photograph Taken on: 9-30-06 6:41AM Aperture Mode
Model:Nikon D80 Shutter Speed: 0.62 Seconds F-Stop:f25 ISO:100
Focal length: 16mm Lens: Tamron 11-18mm Wide Angle

Click on Photograph to enlarge

The Korean War Memorial at Sunrise

Here is the Korean War Memorial with a visiting dignitary. This Korean officer wearing full military dress was dropping off some wreaths. He posed for a few shots.

This Monument is Spectacular. I love the symbolism of the American Soldiers fighting their way to the American Flag. On the Black Granite Wall to the left is etched all the support people who helped in the war effort. All The Nurses, Doctors, truck drivers, pilots etc. I love the way the Soldiers reflect upon them in the morning light…

a little later in the Morning…
Here is a shot of The Korean War Memorial with The American Flag in Reflection.  Our visiting dignitary is Posing for a quick Shot. Then his attaché chased us off so they could do pictures.

The Korean War Memorial Reflection Pool with Dignitary

Here is a shot from just after 9/11 that I did with some Models. I love this shot. It makes me feel very patriotic. The Turkish Army delegation was here. You can see them to the left in the reflection. We heard a few days later that they denied our Boys access to their country. ARGGHHH…

The Korean War Memorial with Patriotic Models

Top two Photo’s are HDR Photography with my Nikon D80, Top Photo with an 18-200mm VR and the middle shot with a Tamron 11-18mm. Bottom Photo with my Nikon E5000 circa 2003

Click on Photographs to enlarge

Angoon Fishing Trip - Sunrise with great Mountains - Alaska

Today’s Alaska Photo’s are brought to you by Robert Maass. In Juneau. On a a fishing trip last New years, Robert and Eddie took a fishing trip out to Angoon . He saw these awesome mountains one morning.

and as they approached the lovely city of Angoon, Ak. He captured this shot…

Welcome to lovely Angoon, Alaska

All Photo’s taken with a Nikon D50 and a 55-200mm lens.

Sharon recently took a an early morning hike to see first light at the Mendenhall Glacier. What she found was an amazing winter wonderland under the unique perspective of Ice fog….

Click on Photo to view Larger

Sunrise at the Mendenhall Glacier - Looking thru Icicles - First Light and Ice Fog

Click on Photo to view Larger

Approach to the Mendenhall Glacier at Sunrise with Ice Fog

All Photographs in this series taken with a Nikon P1with 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor Glass lens with a focal range equivalent to that of a 36-126mm lens.

Starting with Today’s Juneau, Alaska Photo. I will present a series of Photographs over the next few days taken by Sharon W Zuboff. The winter this year has been historical. Sharon recently took a an early morning hike to see first light at the Mendenhall Glacier. What she found was an amazing winter wonderland under the unique perspective of Ice fog….
This Photo is on the hike approaching the Glacier…

Click on Photograph to enlarge

Approaching the Mendenhall Glacier - First Light and Ice Fog

About the Mendenhall Glacier. Naturalist John Muir named it the “Auk Glacier” after a local Tlingit Indian village when he visited Southeast Alaska in 1879. Eventually it was named The Mendenhall Glacier to honor Thomas C. Mendenhall, superintendent of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. His administration surveyed the international boundary between Alaska and Canada.
Official Mendenhall Glacier Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall/

All Photographs in this series taken with a Nikon P1with 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor Glass lens with a focal range equivalent to that of a 36-126mm lens.

Click on Photograph to enlarge

Mr. Max, My Sun Conure in Sun Valley, ID

Here is Mr. Max, my Sun Conure. Age: 15 years old. He’s affectionately known as Nuticus Birdicus. Max is a magnificent creature with a wonderful personality best described as a Party animal. When people are around he is right in the mix. He loves Coca-cola, martini’s and anything you are eating. He especially loves those blue chips for dipping in salsa, as shown here….

As you can see Max is a stunningly handsome creature. I bet he spends 40% of his day making sure he looks his best. Some Max Facts:

He’s very compassionate. After his mom died, my beloved Lori (in Memoriam 9/13/60 – 11/30/08), when ever I would cry Max would start to vibrate his body, rub my neck with his head and give me kisses on the lips. I was amazed…

He is a wonderful companion. He’s always involved in whatever I do. Hanging on to my shirt or sitting at a vantage point nearby. Running his Beak, the Supervisor.

He is an expert Guard Bird. No one can get within 50 feet of the house without him screaming the alarm. And when traveling by automobile he can sense police radar or just police farther than the eye can see and warns you to slow down. I know this to be a fact as we have traveled from Florida to Sun Valley, Id to California and back. Over 24,000 miles in all. Kept Us Safe from tickets…

They say parrots screech when they are happy, he’s one happy dude! When I come home he screeches his bloody head off and many more times a day…

He is a Sun Worshiper. When the sun comes up he screams of joy and to share the moment of sunrise with you. I usually sing “He comes the Sun, do in do do, Her comes the Sun…” Then We have breakfast together. I sing to him a lot, he mimics me.

I remember many a time when he was being Bad, Lori, his Mom would say to him, I raised you from a Yolk Mister, you better listen to me. He would always be good after she said that to him. Usually he would start smooching her. Sorry Mom…

Lori also kidded him allot about how he was the first of his kind to travel so far north. Your the first Sun Conure to set Feathers in Idaho. Now your the first to set foot in Leadville, Colorado… Everywhere we went she told him of the records he was setting. I know like me, she made him feel special…

I read somewhere that Sun Conures are all at once curious, inquisitive, active and playful.

I would just say Max is a good Yolk…

This Photograph was taken on a crystal clear day in June. Robert, Tillie and I had just gone whale watching for the day. This day was so gorgeous that we wanted to see the Glacier with blue skies.
I climbed the rocks next to the Waterfall and pointed my camera towards the Glacier…
Click on Photograph to enlarge

Waterfalls at The Mendenhall Glacier

Here is an earlier Photo of me taken by Robert from the same spot. I call it “Dancing on the Waterfall”. We were really happy and having a great time…
Click on Photograph to enlarge

Jerry Dancing on the Mendenhall Waterfall

The other Day Robert in Juneau wrote me. He was telling me how cold it is there. He wrote me “Jerry, remember that waterfall we used play around, it’s amazing must been below 0 for a long time, global warming? ”. It’s frozen solid…
Click on Photograph to enlarge

Mendenhall Falls Frozen Solid

Mendenhall Falls Frozen Solid

Can’t wait to return to Alaska….

All Photo’s taken with Nikon D80, Nikon E5000 and Nikon D40 Respectively. Using Nikon / Nikkor Lenses in Juneau, Alaska.

Click on Photo to view larger

Kowee Creek Juneau, Alaska

Today’s Photo is brought to you by Sharon W. Zuboff in Juneau, AK. I love the raindrops bouncing off the surface. Her notes for this Picture:

“Most mystical place for me – Kowee Creek”

All Photo’s taken with her Nikon Coolpix P1.

Click on Photo to enlarge

Alaska Sunset - Tee Harbor, Juneau, AK

During my brief sojourn in Juneau, Alaska, l learned that great sunsets are an uncommon occurrence. Mostly cloudy is the forecast I remember most from Juneau.

But, when the weatherman Says “ Weather is perfect for a great Sunset”, everyone hits the western beaches and cranks up a bonfire. Let the party begin….

This Photo is from Tee Harbor, Rob, Sharon and I enjoyed a spectacular sunset. I cannot wait to return…

Photo taken on my Then Nikon E5000 5 MP digital Camera. No Tripod…

Click on Photograph to enlarge

Bass Harbor Lighthouse - with Approaching Hurricane Kyle

This past Fall while roaming around Maine. We explored the Arcadia National Forest. On the very south tip of the Island that Bar Harbor sits is The Bass Harbor Lighthouse. Nestled on a cliff amidst the craggy rocks is a sight to behold. The rippled clouds show the approaching bands of Hurricane Kyle. The weather turned ugly Shortly after this Photo was taken and we drove for nearly 6 hours in torrential down pours to get to our safe haven in Connecticut.

HDR Photograph Taken on: 09-26-08 7:13 AM EST
Model: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
Shutter Speed: 1/20th Second F-Stop: F18 ISO:100
Focal length: 11mm Lens: Tamron 11-18mm Ultra Wide Angle Lens

Click on Photo to enlarge

Lone Cypress Tree - Hillsborough River State Park

Stopped by The Hillsborough River State Park for quick jog down to the rapids. The river this time of year barely covers the rocks. The Gators are also easy to see. Tonight they were lurking at every turn.
Hoping to go back when I can camp and get some Moonlight / Twilight Shots.

HDR Photograph Taken on: 01-30-09 5:29PM EST
Model: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
Shutter Speed: 3.6 Seconds F-Stop: F11 ISO:100
Focal length: 18mm Lens: Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR [Vibration Reduction] DX Lens

click on Photograph to enlarge

NASCAR's - Richard Petty Driving Experience - Las Vegas Motor Speedway

While visiting some dear friends in Las Vegas Last Year. They convinced Lori (in Memoriam 9/13/1960 – 11/30/2008) and I to go with them to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Dan said “Lets go, nothing better than the wind blowing thru your hair at 165 MPH”. Being a NASCAR and a Speed freak he didn’t have to ask me twice. Lori was going for the pictures and the company. Her Idea of wind blowing in her hair was atop a creature of the four legged variety!

This Photo was captured while we were waiting for them to open. The People at the Richard Petty Experience were the friendliest / nicest people. I guess when you love your job it shows. You can rent a race car for few laps to a bunch of Laps. The more you do it, the more they let you do. It’s a Great Time. What a Rush…

I will show more shots from the track in a future post. The Petty Experience official Website:
http://www.1800bepetty.com/home.aspx

HDR Photograph Taken on: 04-190-08 1:25PM PST
Model: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
Shutter Speed: 1/50th Second F-Stop: f11 ISO:100 Aperture Priority
Focal length: 20mm Lens: Nikon 18-200mm VR

Click on photograph to view larger

World War II Memorial - The Mall - Washington DC

During our fall trip to Washington DC we visited America’s newest Monument, The World War II Memorial. When I first heard about it I was excited. A monument to commemorate the generation that sacrificed the most in the whole history of our great nation. And it’s a beauty… Picture this:

Awe inspiring Marble works, Flowing Fountains and Pools, Symbolism galore etched in stone at every turn, Arches to triumphs in the Battle of Good versus Evil, All right in the middle of The Mall . Birds eye views of The Washington Monument and The Lincoln Memorial are just a bonus.

This Photograph was taken just minutes to Sunset…

HDR Photograph Taken on: 09-21-08 6:07 PM EST
Model: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
Shutter Speed: 1 Second F-Stop: F11 ISO:100
Focal length: 11mm Lens: Tamron 11-18mm Ultra Wide Angle Lens

Click on Photo to enlarge

The Washington Monument at Sunset

When visiting Washington DC, the place where you always seem to gravitate is the Washington monument. I always think of Egyptian Obelisks when standing nearby. What will it look like in 2500 years, how will age treat this masterpiece built to honor our first president. What will people be saying, thinking in this future time.

Well, I cannot answer these questions. I do know that it’s a pretty awesome place to hang out and watch the sunset. The perfect place for picnicking with friends and family.  Stimulating Cardio is had here by climbing the  897 steps to the top and Lastly an impressive 360 degree aerial view of DC once you get to the top of the monument.  It’s all Here.

And it’s a great place to just do some Photographs !…

Washington Monument Site with links for Tickets: http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash/dc72.htm

HDR Photograph Taken on: 09-21-08 5:40PM EST
Model: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
Shutter Speed: 1/15 Second F-Stop: F11 ISO:100
Focal length: 18mm Lens: Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR [Vibration Reduction] DX Lens

Click on Photo’s to enlarge

Awesome Gigantic Snaggle Tooth Gator - Big Cypress Swamp

Today’s Photograph is Lori’s (In memorandum 9/13/1960 – 11/30/2008) Awesome Alligator Photograph taken in The Big Cypress Preserve. This Momma Gator was guarding her brood of 15 or so babies. When we saw her I froze. She was the biggest, baddest, Snaggle Toothiest  Gator we ever saw in all of our travels. Just after this shot was taken she did one of those perfect Olympic dives (A 10 for sure) into the water with no Splash / no Wake. Torpedoed straight at Us… Real eerie…

We jumped into the truck in 2 seconds flat. Heart’s a Racing.

Many miles down the dirt road, we encountered this little guy sunning himself and I asked Lori to go Pet him for the camera. This is one of those perspective shots. She was really nervous after Momma Gator gave us a run for our money.

Lori Carbin Petting an Alligator - Big Cypress Swamp

Gigantic Snaggle Tooth Gator - Big Cypress Swamp - Photograph Taken on: 01-13-08 8:49AM
Model: Panasonic Lumix FZ20
Shutter Speed: 1/125 Second F-Stop:f2.8  ISO:200 -1 step
Focal length: 72mm Lens: Leica 6-72mm

Lori Carbin Petting an Alligator - Big Cypress Swamp - Photograph Taken on: 01-13-07 12:37PM EST
Model: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
Shutter Speed: 1/125 Second F-Stop: F5.6 ISO:100
Focal length: 26mm Lens: Nikon 18 – 200mm VR

Click on Photo to see larger

Great Blue Heron - North Jetty Beach - Venice, Florida

On my way back from the Florida Everglades, I always stop for sunset at the North Jetty Beach Venice, FL beach. It is very photogenic place. It has a beautiful beach, a Huge Jetty with boats coming and going, and wildlife Galore. The perfect setting for a sunset for Photography or for Romance.
North Jetty Beach info site: http://www.petvacationhomes.com/travel-tips/74.html

This particular evening I saw a Great Blue Heron standing between the many fisherman. I guess he was enjoying sunset and waiting for his turn to catch the big one…

Here is a shot looking East with some great Post sunset Clouds.

Great Post sunset Clouds

Great Blue Heron - Photograph Taken on: 01-14-08 5:54PM EST
Model: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
Shutter Speed: 1/15 Second F-Stop: F11 ISO:100 Aperture Priority
Focal length: 120mm Lens: Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR [Vibration Reduction] DX Lens

Post Sunset - Photograph Taken on: 01-14-08 6:01PM EST
Model: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
Shutter Speed: 1/10 Seconds F-Stop: F11 ISO:100 Aperture Priority
Focal length: 15mm Lens: Tamron 11 – 18mm Mega Wide Angle Lens

Click on photograph to see larger

Portland Headlight Lighthouse, Sunrise - Maine

Love Lighthouses, Living in Florida’s Suncoast really make you appreciate a real lighthouse when you see one. The lighthouses here are metal and more for function. While traveling in Maine this past Fall, I grew a deep appreciation for Maine. There are these gorgeous majestic lighthouses everywhere.

One in particular was my favorite. The Portland Headlight they say is the most Photographed Lighthouse in all of North America. I don’t know if that’s true, But She sure is a Beauty basking in the morning light…

TTHDR Photograph Taken on: 09-24-08 5:58AM EST
Model: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
Shutter Speed: 1.6 Seconds F-Stop: F18 ISO:100 Aperture Priority
Focal length: 18mm Lens: Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR [Vibration Reduction] DX Lens