It's been a Busy few weeks

I've had the wonderful opportunity to do some sports photography. I enjoyed it. Here are a few pictures from the events.

In Remembrance.....9/11 We Must Never Forget

There is a lot going on today. We have the victim's and continued damage of Hurricane Irma. There was the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in Houston and other parts of Texas. Please take the time to think about them and consider donating some money to the relief efforts. Thanks to all the first responders who are on the scene or on the way to help. 

Before we forget this is day that we should never forget. On September 11, 2001 the United States was attacked and planes flown into the World Trade Center Buildings in New York and the Pentagon. Many people lost there lives. Make this a day of remembrance 

Interactive 9/11 timeline

 

South Memorial Pool

South Memorial Pool

Update on the move to Fuji- its complete

I have been meaning to update you on my move to mirrorless. Since 2014 I've shot mostly with my Fuji cameras. Today I've sold off most of my Nikon gear. I have a Nikon D200 and a couple lenses. I am making arrangements to sell those. So, why did I make the change. I will start by saying I love Nikon. For me and only me I think that mirrorless is the future. So, I did not make the change because I was mad or disgruntled. I made the change to satisfy me and only me. I love the image quality that Fuji offers, I love the features on the cameras and I love having gear that is much lighter. I'm happy. I'm not writing this to defend and I'm not encouraging you to switch to anything. If you like (love) your camera system I am happy for you. Whatever camera you own be happy with it and make some great photos. This is why I made the move. 

So for the gear heads here is my current lineup. Fuji XT-2 and XT-1, Fuji X100T (For sale) Fuji X100F and Fuji E-1. Lens lineup is 18-55, 55-200, 60 macro, 35mm f/2 and 12mm Zeiss. 

 One World Trade Center, taken with Fujifilm X100F,

 One World Trade Center, taken with Fujifilm X100F,

Gone but Not Forgotten

Yes, I know I have neglected this blog. Been busy and I know that's not an excuse. So I'm back.

So let me tell you about a recent trip. Took a quick trip to NYC with the photo club. It involved taking a late night bus, spending 16 hours in New York and returning. Now, if you think that was crazy I had 11 others who joined me. I had fun, the group seemed like they enjoyed it and I would do it again. When all was done, we walked 10+ miles, visited Chinatown, Little Italy, Freedom Tower, Financial District, Mid-Town, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's and Grand Central Terminal. I know....its a lot. For some of the group they will return, for others it might have been their bucket list trip. 

A few of the members of Hampton Roads Digital Photography Club who took the bus trip to NYC

A few of the members of Hampton Roads Digital Photography Club who took the bus trip to NYC

At the beginning of the year our photo club holds a brainstorming session. The group loves photowalks and suggested we go on a trip. We had to laugh at some of the suggestions, however some said they would be interested in NYC. So, we came up with a date and originally planned to leave Virginia on Friday, spend the night, photograph Saturday, and return on Sunday. Most decided to save costs and travel by bus. So we left late Friday evening arriving in NYC at 6am. We walked, we ate, we photographed. Got back on the bus late Saturday evening and returned home very early Sunday morning. Please view some of the groups work at: hrdpc.smugmug.com

Fall Color

In my search for fall color I traveled to Newport News Park. For those of you who don't know Newport News Park is an 8000-acre park with two fresh water reservoirs. Its one of the largest parks east of the Mississippi River. Here's what I came across. All images taken with Fuji X-T2 and Zeiss 12mm f/2.8

Tangier Island

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit Tangier Island for work. It's always a pleasure to visit the fine folks on the island and it also allows the opportunity to get the "best crabcake ever". Before leaving I had a chance to tour the island. My photos are just a small sample of life on Tangier. 

Yesterday's Daily Press article really gives insight into the challenges occurring on Tangier. Here is a link to a video. Please take the time to view it.

July 28, 2016

Here's a photograph from downtown Charlotte, North Carolina taken on July 28, 2012. I took this photo just before being surrounded by several "friendly" security guards from the Hearst Tower. As I walked down the opposite side of the street of the Hearst Tower I noticed multiple security guards on their radios as I got closer to the building. It was REALLY obvious that I was topic of the conversation. Please note: I was carrying my Nikon D3 with 28-300mm lens attached. 

I had been walking and exploring and not sure what direction I wanted to go but I decided that I would cross the street towards the Hearst Tower. I crossed the street and now I'm on the sidewalk of the Hearst Tower.  At least four security guards surrounded me. They looked nervous. Good thing for them I did not use my black belt Aikido skills and subdue them. (Ok, the Aikido thing is just a joke). The supervisor told me I could not photograph on the property. I asked if the sidewalk was property of the Heart Tower. She said, yes the sidewalk was Hearst property. I asked the supervisor "If I step off the sidewalk and photograph the building is that ok", She responded that the street is public property and they do not have jurisdiction over the street only the sidewalks to the Hearst Tower. 

Truth is I only wanted to walk by and had no intension of photographing from the sidewalk and I communicated that to security. I told them I appreciated the job they had to do and thanks for respecting my rights. They told me that they had trouble with other photographers and were just trying to be prepared. We had a nice chat. I felt comfortable and I made sure that the guards felt comfortable. Ultimately, they couldn't have been nicer. They even gave me a few tips on places to photograph. Morale to this story is be nice and professional but if confronted make sure that you know your rights as a photographer. Have fun!!

Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina

Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina

Photographers you should know- Bryan Peterson

 A few years ago I decided to present information on photographers that you should know. It's an important part of the learning process. Why, these photographers have something to offer. Most will have websites and blogs that you can learn from.

 I've decided to revive the series and will introduce you to different photographers each week. Today's pick is the author of "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. This book is now in its 4th edition. If you don't own it and you want to know learn about exposure then this is the book for you. Bryan is a great teacher and photographer. If you ever get a chance you should attend one of his seminars. I hope that he will return to the Hampton Roads area

You can find his website at: bryanfpeterson.com

The Film Photography Handbook- Book Review

I started in photography a long time ago. I started with Polaroid cameras and eventually started using 35mm film cameras. I learned photography by using film. I started using Kodak Tri-X. I had to learn how to develop my own film and print from my negatives. Learning materials were available but they were not in great abundance, affordable or easy to come by. The public library was the place to go. Today, I still have my test prints from "back in the day". So when I received the chance to review this book "The Film Photography Handbook" I jumped at the chance.

The Film Photography Handbook is one great resource for learning about film photography. It starts with the why of film and covers just about everything in between. The differences between analog and digital, white balance vs. film types and gives you step by step instructions on how to process film yourself. The authors approach the differences between 35mm, medium format, large format cameras and offer tips for buying or purchasing a film camera. If you decide to get into film photography I highly recommend buying this book. 

You buy from Rocky Nook or Amazon. 

Its Hot

I hope you are staying cool to the best of your ability. Make sure that you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. If tough to stay ahead of the game when it comes to fluid intake in this weather. You must drink water even when you don't feel thirsty. I've been the victim of heat exhaustion. You get that sluggish tired feeling, slightly nauseated and headache. That's just not a good feeling. So enough with the public safety announcement BUT make sure to stay cool and drink plenty of fluids...especially WATER.

From the archives

From the archives

Photo Tip for Today

Sometimes you will lose motivation when it comes to photography just like anything else. My best advice and the tip for today is this. Find something that means something to you. When you find that subject, purpose, idea or thought then act on it. Don't wait, do it today. There will always be something in your life that keeps you busy. Do your best to move past it. Life is short and you should eat your dessert first. 

In front of the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk

In front of the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk