I am currently in San Diego working on a project for my employer. This trip I am here over a weekend so I made plans to explore at a greater distance than I have in the past. As luck would have it A friend of mine who lives in L.A. was free this weekend. We coordinated a meeting at a favorite spot of Amy’s where it was my pleasure to spend the afternoon with her.

We spent the majority of our time exploring the botanical gardens on the grounds of the Huntington Library & Art Collections in Pasadena CA. What a great place! We walked the grounds and also visited a photography exhibit featuring images in and around L.A. There were lots of interesting images large and small, new and old. Although in L.A. "old" is a relative term. Back home in Maryland my county is celebrating its 350th anniversary this summer. The city of Pasadena CA, where the Huntington Botanical Gardens & Library sits, incorporated just over a hundred years ago in 1886. L.A itself incorporated less than 50 years before that. Of course our European friends find all U.S. history fairly brief in the big scheme of things but more about them (Europeans) later.

It was a scorcher in L.A. Saturday. 105 degrees by the time we finished our walk around 3 p.m. Although, IMHO, the lack of humidity here made it not so bad. There are days back in D.C. where at 95 degrees I want to swallow my own tung to make it end because the humidity is so high.

The grounds are wonderfully done and I enjoyed walking them almost as much as I did the conversation with my host.

Near the end of the afternoon we ended up in the book store to brows and soak up some air conditioning to bring our core temperatures down. It was there that those Europeans will re-enter my story.

I noticed a poster of Johan Gutenberg in the book store. Hmmm, interesting I said to myself. It seemed a bit out of place among everything else I had seen this day. Inside the book store I had seen nothing else near the rolled Gutenberg posters that linked them to anything else. So I went on looking around and chatting with Amy. Next we went into an outdoor courtyard where we took on some delicious and I might add super chilled iced tea. Gulping at my tea I stood reading items inside the display cases at the edge of the courtyard. An item I read mentioned Johan Gutenberg's printing press... The thought hit me. Amy had mentioned to me at the beginning of the day that Mr. Huntington had an obsession with books, and the Library before it was a public place was Mr. Huntington's personal library. Could it be true? A wealthy book lover…. There was a chance…. Had I been all day within steps of an original Gutenberg Bible, printed by my ancestor Johan more than 600 years ago! I had never seen one in person. I had to know. I walked with purpose up to the information desk in the courtyard and said to the gentleman there "this may be a dumb question... but is there a Gutenberg bible here on display?" His response, "why yes there is" "Please direct me to it" I said eagerly. "Down the sidewalk to the right just inside the door by Neptune" And that is where I found serendipity in L.A.

Amy and I stood and looked at this more than 600 year old book, the first printed on a moveable type printing press. The invention of the moveable type printing press is the event that signifies the dawning of the information age. Sorry to my techie friends, but it was not the PC or the internet. (It could be argued that the internet is a sign the sun is setting on the information age *wink*) It was pretty amazing to see that book up close. Looks great btw.

Thank you Amy for the wonderful afternoon, I enjoyed your company very much.

Hello Son. George and I went for a drive in California tonight and we took pictures for you. I miss you and will be home soon to see you. ~love Dad.

If you know me well, or even at all, you likely know I am not what would typically be classified as a sports nut. I don't have anything against spectator sports it's just I am more the type of guy who goes out and does exciting things rather than to sit and watch others do exciting things. One of the many great things about having kids is that they challenge everything you ever thought you knew about yourself. I am really enjoying going to spectator sports with my son. Soon he'll be playing them and I expect that will make them even better.

We have a new professional baseball team (The Blue Crabs) here in southern Maryland with a brand spanking new stadium just 10 minutes from my house.

Saturday I took my 5 year old son to his first "professional" baseball game. He loved it! I loved it! Firstly, the scale of going to a local baseball game verses say a Washington Redskins game is just huge! The Redskins game he and I went to last fall had 90,000 people in attendance! At the time I said a NFL game in a stadium is something everyone should do once, its a hell of a spectacle. In contrast the Blue Crab game last night had 5,000 in attendance! Much better on a human scale if you ask me. The stadium has seats for 4,200 with a grassy hill catering to families which several hundred more people can watch from. This is something I will do again. There were tons of things for kids, with attention spans shorter than an inning, to do. And the best part... At the end of every Saturday night home game, FIREWORKS! And they spared no expense on the fireworks either, these were the big boys worthy of any hometown 4th of July display I have ever seen short of those on the National Mall. Thats another spectacle that should be done once ;-)

I took, as always, a few photographs of the boy. There are a set of three images I took of him eating cotton candy that I am particularly fond of. I present them to you below, they are hyper linked to a proper viewing resolution (for your enjoyment).

As we were leaving my son looked up at me and said, thanks dad this was super fun!

You just can't beat that!

If you care to see more they are located in my spring 2008 family gallery.

Good weather is back providing ample opportunity to enjoy down time outside. Traffic can be a nightmare on Fridays, this Friday I bailed out and headed downtown to pull up a piece of Potomac River shore front.

I prepped for this evening by visiting Chipotle and my Virginia tobacconist for carry out snacks (yes I have a Maryland tobacconist too). With dinner, a cigar, and my MP3 player I was good to go for hours.

The sunset fizzled out just as it was about to get good as clouds rolled in. But no worries, the temperature was 85 degrees so I sat in the warm breeze and listened to music until after dark leaning on that tree. Within eyesight of my chosen position were, Arlington cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, Air Force Memorial, Washington Monument, and several Potomac River bridges. A very good spot despite the photo ops being slim this night.

A fellow 5 year old came to play with my son tonight at the house. These two play so nice together. I have not pestered them with my camera in the past but tonight I could not resist. Although these images depict a general sense of calm enjoyment between the two I assure you these are but fleeting moments captured in time. The two 5 year olds you see here are full throttle, high octane, go getters! Good grief the constant bouncing and talking and running and just being five... to have a tenth of that energy again :-) In less than ninety minutes they consumed 2 apples, 1 banana, 1 cup of dried banana chips, and 2 glasses of water. This food consumption occurred between coloring with crayons, chalk board pictures, a game of go fish, playing grocery store, playing space man, driving cars, playing ice breaker, playing lets go fishin', trying on a chest full of hats, and reading one story. In 90 minutes..... and please to remember I am a single dad which means I am working without backup :-) ... It was great fun and I would not have it any other way!

This Veterans Day weekend I traveled to Arlington National Cemetery. I wanted to walk and reflect on the grounds where so many veterans from throughout our nations history are interred and memorialized. It is not my style to visit such places on a tour-mobile, although I do not cast dispersions on those that do. I chose this day to deliberately walk the grounds away from the more heavily trafficked areas of the site. I entered the cemetery by a little used entrance on the north side only open to foot traffic. I was immediately rewarded as I walked alone in the gently rolling landscape, with not another sole in sight, as a group of 5 deer presented themselves to me. It was a crisp and beautiful mid Atlantic fall day. I will keep my reflections from this walk to myself but I do want to share what I feel are unique views from that walk inside Arlington National Cemetery this Veterans Day weekend.

You May View Images From My Walk By following The Link Below

Just a simple shot of life from my front porch. A very nice weekend after a very busy work week.

I love this view.

I spent some quality time on the tidal basin Friday after work. The temperature was perfect and the view, well… you be the judge. I sat on my bench under a tree alternately reading, watching the sun set, and taking the occasional photograph for 4 1/2 hours. Just a very nice evening all things considered.

Directly in front of me was the tidal basin and Washington monument, alternatively to my right was a view of the Jefferson Memorial. Very nice indeed. This was one of my first night time outings with the new tripod and I am very pleased with the results. I notice a marked improvement in image quality. Over the course of the evening as the views kept changing I found myself so drawn to waiting for the next change that I never even ate dinner! Very unusual for me. I like to say that a body like mine does not happen by accident, it requires sustenance! ;-)

My Roads Less Traveled: Tidal Basin Gallery

Our first moment...

Well the second part of my Saturday “Roads Less Traveled” journey took me back to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. I went back here for two main reasons. The thought of dinner outside on the water (perfect weather for it Saturday) and as most of you know I love a good night shoot. I had an idea to shoot the harbor from a vantage point I had never visited but always wanted to. Usually when I have been in Baltimore I have been with folks more interested in other endeavors. On the far side of the harbor there is a very large hill with a park on top. That was to be my penultimate destination for the day. I drove one hour back down I95 from Wilmington to Baltimore. I parked downtown and took a quick visit to the camera shop in the Galleria. Camera shops in high end malls are sometimes very well stocked with pro gear. So it was worth a chance to do some window shopping. No such luck this time, the camera shop there was focused on one-hour prints and camera bags for tourists. Moving on I took a long walk completely covering the entire Inner Harbor, making notes of possible shots for later in the evening. I was also scouting restaurants. I was looking for just the right atmosphere for my mood. I wanted people but not big large loud crowds. A bit upscale, but not pretentious or too formal. A view and outside seating near the water. Really just a general kind of place nothing specific, LOL… ;-) I selected J. Paul’s appropriately enough. Right at the center of the Inner Harbor and having all the attributes I mentions above. Dinner was great. I had a glass of scotch and a steak salad, filling without being heavy. Plenty of people watching was done as I sat and took in every thing going on around me. J. Paul’s was a good pick. I was happy to receive a phone call from a friend while I was finishing dinner. I had considered the fact that I was about to venture alone on a night shoot in Baltimore with camera gear worth the price of a small car over my shoulder might not be the smartest thing I have done of late. I took the opportunity while speaking with my friend to tell them where to have the cadaver dogs start if I should not be heard from by morning. One of the smaller problems of living alone is worrying no one would notice if you went missing or died. On that light note, after dinner I made my way to the hillside next to the harbor. Upon arriving at about 6:30 I selected a bench and set about watching the sun take its position on the horizon for the show. What a view! It was wonderful, I spent more than two hours up there. I talked with a few less hearty photographers who ventured up and, lacking patience, left for other sights prior to the evenings grand finally. A film crew also showed up at my chosen location. I spoke with the guy running the staff who came over to where I was set up and just wanted to say he hoped they were not disturbing my shoot. I told him they would not and I planned on moving about once the light did what I needed and that I would stay out of their way. He was a nice guy it was interesting watching them set up all their sound gear and lighting equipment as well. They had a crew of 8 who arrive ten minutes after myself and had not even started to shoot anything by the time I left; I guess they were waiting for the talent to arrive. Talent, yuk! After shooting my skyline shots and speaking with one other serious amateur photographer for a bit I set off down to the harbor for one last walk through. I had planned to take the few waters edge shots which I had conceived prior to dinner that evening. I made it back to the well light & heavily trafficked area and continued my intended work for the evening. All in all it was a very nice journey today. I am very pleased with my images. The drive home I was very tired.

When in Gettysburg I recommend heading straight for Lincoln Square, and move out from there. That’s what I did and found both food and entertainment on the square for the better part of 3 hours and all for under 30 bucks! First I ate at a small pub right on the corner of Lincoln Square. It was very much a locally run (read non corporate) restaurant. The food and beer were fantastic after my hike. I had what could only be described as someones grandmothers’ recipe for chicken & broccoli Alfredo. Mmmmm and a pint of Yuengling beer, again mmmmmm. After eating I walked across the street to what I will describe to you as one of the finest cigar clubs I have ever experienced. The Union Cigar Club located just off of Lincoln Square, wow, what a place. I only wish my buddy could have been there with me. I had a fine cigar and met two engaging gentlemen whom I had separate very interesting conversations with. One of the two gentlemen whom I spent the most time talking (about an hour - one cigar) with was a town historian & guide. We spoke of local history and also of current events in the context of how our history relates to them in a very relevant way today. An interesting man and a very nice chat. I did however politely excuse myself from the conversation as the time of sunset drew near. We shook hands and exchanged pleasant compliments before parting. So I headed out from the Union Cigar Club to the Gettysburg National Battlefield area just one mile outside of the town center. It is a beautiful place and doubly so at sunset.

The loss of life on that ground is staggering and the care the veterans of that battle took to assure it was preserved for the rest of us is both inspiring and humbling. They never wanted the significance of that place and what happened there to be lost on us lest we be tempted to repeat it. We truly have a blessed history in this country. I have traveled to countries on 3 continents and I have seen many beautiful and historic places. I think we sometimes forget how many beautiful and historic places we have here in America. It was really nice to get out and walk parts of the Gettysburg battlefield and take these images as the sun went down.

Have a great weekend all. And the next time you have the chance to take the road less traveled... take it, it will make all the difference. :-)

At the right time of the evening I like to put the sun at my back and drive. Doing this paints the landscape with wonderful light tones as the sun goes down. With the sun at my back and my camera by my side I just let the world unfold in front of me. Its a simple pleasure that gives me a front row seat to fantastic picture opportunities. I stumbled onto this gem tonight at just the right moment in time. This little Inn was simply glowing at the end of the street I was traversing in the setting sun. At any other moment I likely would not have even noticed this tiny little place tucked into a narrow lot on a side street.

Thanks for the nice send off "care package". I will heed your words...

The boy and I were in the kitchen tonight telling knock knock jokes after dinner. He's 4, you understand. Well they were kind-of funny but after each one he told me he asked me to do one more. This went on for several rounds. The last one I made up for him was an original. It went like this;

Me: Knock Knock

Boy: "Who’s There?"

Me. "Ach"

Boy: "Ach-Who?" (Sound of a sneeze)

Me: "Gazuntite & God bless you!"

Well that, he thought, was pretty funny. So funny he pushed his legs forward while he was laughing. So hard in fact his stool went backwards. I leapt across the counter but just missed getting enough of his pant leg to stop the fall. Although the crying was quite dramatic he was more startled and scared than hurt. I took him into the living room for a little TLC. By his request I got him his Spiderman pillow and tractor blanket. All the commotion made him fall asleep in the pose I present here.

Photo Blog Entry

This is a gritty image of Lacledes Landing in down town St. Louis. Lacledes Landing is a fantastic spot for dinner and people watching. However if you are ever in town in January during an ice storm the place takes on a different look. I played around a bit shooting the steam coming up from vents in the street while I was walking the mostly deserted downtown. Mostly I was un happy with what I captured. The image here was worked over a bit in Photoshop Elements, the boy is napping so I had some free time. I gave it a grainy feel, like you would see using a high speed B&W film. To me it makes the scene more interesting. I made the entire image black and white with the exception of the tail lights of the car moving away from me in the image.

The Empire State Building on my 35th Birthday. I love the classic look of this NY icon in black and white. The wispy clouds were cooperating nicely that day as well. I am traveling to St. Louis next week to visit a very good friend I’ve know since my Air force days. The plan, among other things, is to spend an afternoon in the historic district taking photographs. I haven’t been to St Louis in a bit more than two years and I am looking forward to the outing. I hope to get some nice new portraits of my friends and some iconic St. Louis architecture images too.

And the Apprentice Shoots the Master

The boy had a wonderful Halloween this year. He was amazed at some of the bigger kids and the house with the flashing strobe lights was a big hit! I had a fantastic time too! He is so cute with all the ARRG's all night long. He also kept pointing out to me that I was his "Pirate Leader". I promise he came up with that all on his own without any suggestion from me.

Lady Mallory passed away on 7 July 2008. She lived a very happy life after her rescue in 1997. She will be jumping fences and laying in the sun without pain in the clouds ever after.

She will be missed.

This is lady Mallory. She is a mix of an American foxhound and something else. Whatever the mix its just right! Mallory & her sister Lily came into our lives 10 years ago. We found them at a no-kill shelter in Tidewater Virginia. They were in pretty bad shape and took quite a bit of nurturing to help them accept us. Photographs of Mallory are rare, she is very shy and does not like things pointed at her; I respect that and don’t pester her for pictures much. If you have ever visited our home you know what I am talking about. Today she looked so good outback sunning in the beautiful fall day we are having here. Because I am moving soon and will not be able to experience her like this very often I decided to try her patience with my camera. I haven’t tried in years, literally. Well, it did take some coaxing but today Lady Mallory allowed some of the best shots of her ever.

This red barn is located just about two miles outside of the town I grew up in, Earlville NY. I really love it up there in the fall, actually I really love spring and summer there as well. I have been living in the Mid Atlantic for too long to enjoy the Upstate New York winters any more!

So a dear family member believes the run of arguably bad luck our family has experienced over the past 12 months can be traced to one fact. The past two years we have not put up the Christmas tree at their house because they were traveling during the holidays. Although I am not superstitious I am willing to try anything at this point. I hope putting the tree up on the internet gets the luck flowing back our way! Besides last week (19 Sept) I saw the Christmas section already up at Macy's!

Nick had a really nice birthday at home this year. Thanks to the family for their birthday wishes. Many images of Nick opening gifts are located in the "Family Photo's" Gallery.

This is my first try at a concept I thought about a few months back. My intention is to have 6 or more representations of me in chronological order. I like the "present" image being in color with all past images in gray scale. I have some sorting through slides and prints to do (don’t we all) before I work up a more refined version. For this version I gathered up some images already on my laptop. I will do one of Nicholas as well, of course I have a lot more images to work with for a chronology of Nick.

Today I worked out a better technique for shooting macro images of my Galileo Thermometer. I am using a Canon 5D with an EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro. My first attempt was horrible so I went back to the drawing board by examining the work of photographers more accomplished than myself. I corrected some things I did the last time around. Here is a summary of what I did to adjust:

1. Bottom Lighting

2. Black Background Material

3. Reduced Ambient Light

Bottom lighting better exploits the colors of the fluids. The black background material gives better contrast. Glass spheres and cylinders gather light from every direction, reducing ambient light helps clean everything up and aids contrast.

For bottom lighting I used an old 12”x9” light table, which I used to look at my negatives with. I used the black under sides of two 16”x23” Kodak film boxes as background material. I am very pleased with the results of this effort over my last attempt where I shot outside in bright sunlight.

This image is also available as a desktop wallpaper in my Wallpaper Gallery.

1024 x 768………………...1280 x 768………....……..1280 x 1024

My Desktop Wallpaper Gallery