St. Pierre Cathedral, Geneva Switzerland

Haunted house or ancient place of worship? I took this shot from the banks of Lake Geneva on a whim when I turned and saw the sun setting behind St. Pierre Cathedral. It was actually quite light out at the time, but for a few brief seconds as the sun fell behind the Cathedral, uphill and in the distance, illuminating it from behind, it created this wonderful illusion of a haunted mansion. While I know I'm technically not supposed to look into my viewfinder when the sun is shining so brightly, I squinted and hoped for the best. I was so excited when the shot came out this way because it creates such a juxtaposition - while it appears to be a haunted mansion, it is in fact a magnificent, beautiful, and quite ancient religious site, which fuses Romanesque, Gothic and Neo-Classical styles. Additionally, beneath this behemoth structure lies one of Europe's most extensive and exciting archaeological sites. A climb to the top of the North Tower afforded Brian and I a magnificent view of Geneva and Lac Leman, not to mention Mont Blanc and the Swiss Alps in the distance.

Eye of the Needle, Tignes, French Alps

"Man plans and G-d laughs." - Anonymous

My husband and I were just two days away from spending our two-week vacation in Winter Park, Colorado. We had been looking forward to spending time in our home there, and I was especially nervous/excited to try skiing after a rather upsetting season on the sidelines. However, when we checked the weather forecast, there was no snow in the near future and only three trails open! Frustrated, we starting thinking of other options. Even though it was last minute, we're both very spontaneous by nature, so no one was really shocked when we changed our plans and had a new itinerary within a day - off to Geneva, Switzerland for a few days then skiing in Val D'Isere/Tignes in France for eight days!

Needless to say, the vacation was phenomenal and one of our all-time favorites. There is something quite exciting (and perhaps adventurous) about such last minute plans - we never had a chance to think about anything, so the excitement was truly palpable. We didn't even realize how lucky we were- apparently the best early season conditions in over fifty years! We arrived in a blizzard and each day skied in knee-to-waist deep powder- fresh tracks everywhere! For me, there was nothing more exhilarating (and emotional) than being back on my favotie Stockli's and to be able to ski hard through insane powder and feel no pain....I am truly blessed and thankfully recovered.

This is one of my favorite shots from the trip- the "eye of the needle" on the Tignes side of Espcace Killy (the name given to both resorts together). It was a beautiful, warm and sunny day and I was following my private guide/sherpa (aka Brian) through some pretty interesting off-piste terrain on the other side of this beautiful rock sculpture.

Espace Killy - Val D'Isere and Tignes, French Alps

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Muriel Strode

"There's no waiting for friends on a powder day. " -Author Unknown

Rusted Car Parts- Greenport, NY

"If you rest, you rust." - Helen Hayes

Windsor Wax Co., Old Hoboken Building

"....to heaven, hell or Hoboken by Christmas...." -Woodrow Wilson

Dried Flower Pot, Long Island, NY

"The Earth laughs in flowers." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Touche - A Wall Near Quechee, Vt

Teenagers on a Waterfall, Northern Thailand

While I normally don't shoot live subjects, I couldn't resist these adorable, happy teenagers playing aimlessly on a ledge of an extremely large waterfall in the jungle of Northern Thailand. While I was nervous watching them at the edge of such a dangerous and slippery waterfall, they were constantly laughing, smiling and posing, and they seemed so carefree and full of life and positive energy. I especially love seeing the universal peace symbol - its interesting how that symbol and its meaning truly cuts across all cultures.

I posted this today to remind myself and everyone reading this that even in hard times, we must look inside ourselves and find our inner teenager, our free spirits, and laugh and play and find even a small piece of happiness every single day.

Masks Outside Wat Doi Suthep, Thailand

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive." -Sir Walter Scott, Marmion, Canto vi. Stanza 17.

I am fascinated with masks and specifically how an object can take on a multitude of purposes of varying significance and symbolism. Throughout history masks have been donned for protection, concealment, storytelling, amusement, and performance. There has also been a significant ritualistic and/or religious aspect to wearing masks, which spans across culture and historical eras.

I first became interested in the role of masks in a college theater course where we studied traditional Japanese "noh" masks, learned about the historical traditions of "black face," and interpreted modern western commedia dell'arte and the use of puppetry, clowns and masks to entertain. However, masks are also prevalent as metaphors throughout history and indeed in our daily lives in modern society. For instance, when we wear makeup or hide behind a "mask," we further perpetuate the idea that we are something other than our true selves.

Oliver Wendell Holmes once quipped, "Without wearing any mask we are conscious of, we have a special face for each friend." Furthermore, William Somerset Maugham felt that "Sometimes people carry to such perfection the mask they have assumed that in due course they actually become the person they seem." What mask or mask(s), if any, are you wearing?

Surreal Statue in Bordeaux, France

"Photography, alone of the arts, seems perfected to serve the desire humans have for a moment- this very moment- to stay." Sam Abell

Painted Wooden Plank, Hoboken, NJ

"Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways."- Oscar Wilde

White Orchids, Royal Flora Rachaphruek- Chiang Mai Thailand

"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power." - Alan Cohen

Fall Door Chime, Hoboken, NJ

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower" - Albert Camus

"Besides the autumn poets sing.....a few prosaic days...a little this side of the snow....and that side of the haze" -Emily Dickinson

Tractor Parts- Winter Park, Colorado

Sometimes the most mundane objects make the best photographic subjects, especially when dissected and photographed in small parts. I love the color contrast, chipped paint and overall texture of this portion of a very large tractor left on the side of my hiking trail in Winter Park, Co this past summer.

White Horse, Barn and Continental Divide- Colorado

Rapids, Rocky Mountain National Park, Co

"Who knows where madness lies....too much sanity may be madness....but the maddest of all is to see life as it is and not as it ought to be." -Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (via Judy Cotter)

Longtail Boats, Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

"The way we get to live forever is through memories stored in the hearts and souls of those whose lives we touch. That's our soul print. It's our comfort, our emotional nourishment at the end of the day and at the end of a life. How wonderful that they are called up at will and savored randomly. It seems to me we should spend our lives in a conscious state of creating these meaningful moments that live on. Memories matter." -Leeza Gibbons

Venus De Milo, Lourve, Paris

The Venus De Milo is perhaps the most famous Greek sculpture known today, and for good reason. Discovered in 1820 by a peasant farmer in the island of Milos, the statue's arms and plinth have never been accounted for, creating an aura of mystery about what exactly she was doing (ie. holding an apple is a popular theory), and where the rest of the structure could be found.

Nevertheless, her beauty is on display at the Louvre, one of my three favorite museums (along with the Musee D'Orsay in Paris and Metropolitan Museum in NYC). Here, I was trying to capture the texture of the stone, while simultaneously trying to black out all the other tourists surrounding her and the flashes from their cameras. Thankfully, I was able to get the image of her alone with the black background as the perfect juxtaposition. (I must confess I still have no idea what I did with the lens/camera to achieve this but as I continue this "journey" I hope to figure it out so I can reproduce this effect at will).

Red Barn, Weston, Vt

This image was all about the angles and multitude of lines throughout, in addition to the magnificent deep red color of the barn, accented by the white angled roof. I tried to capture it at a rather odd angle to further highlight these features. While the linear patterns of the barn are so sharp, I included the shadowy tree in the background for its billowy contrast.

Basilica Sacre Coeur, Paris

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the highest point in Paris, in Montmartre. On this rather grey and cloudy day, I tried my best to capture its beautiful color and contrast its size with the tourists hanging out in the foreground. I purposely took the shot from a low vantage point, looking up at the Church, to hopefully send the viewer's eye upwards towards the sky or heavens, as the structure itself intends.

Flowers in Doorway- Hoboken, NJ

An Infant's Grave- Vermont

One of my favorite aspects of any type of art (music, dance, literature, acting, poetry, painting, sculpture, etc.) is its ability to affect human emotion. Whether it makes one smile, feel enraged, become saddened, etc., what makes the arts so fulfilling and universal is the ability an artist has to affect, even if only for a moment, the viewers' emotions or feelings. Therein lies the power of the arts (coupled with the ability to bring about change in the universe).

This photograph always gets to me in a way that very few others have. I have a hard time not looking away from it, or thinking about the circumstances of the infant, whose grave literally leans into one of his parents' graves for support.

A "Tunnel" of Benches- Hoboken, NJ

"I used to think that going to the jungle made my life an adventure. However, after years of work in exotic places, I realize that it is not how far off I go or how deep into the forest I walk that gives my life meaning. I see that living fully is what makes life- anyone's life, no matter where they do or do not go- an adventure." - Maria Fadiman (Geographer, Ethnobotanist and National Geographic Explorer)

Magnificent Sunset- Long Island, NY

This shot was taken while riding the Fire Island Ferry from Bayshore, NY to Ocean Beach. This magnificent sunset, after a late afternoon storm was simply breathtaking. It is moments like this one where I find myself beholden to Mother Nature and the beauty that surrounds us, and feel so fortunate to be able to experience every moment.

Snow-Covered Branches in NYC

Groovy, West New York, New Jersey

I tend to be a creature of habit, so once in awhile I force myself to step out of my shoes, try something different, make a change (however slight) and do something- anything- differently. It is staggering how easy it is to get stuck in a habit or pattern, or even a rut, if you will, without ever realizing it. It is so much harder to do something different- taking a different path (literally and figuratively). However, it requires awareness in order to do so, coupled with a certain amount of willingness to try something new. However, I believe that it is only when we dare to change our norms, make small changes in our lives or try to see things from a different perspective (or someone else's viewpoint), that we can tuly feel alive.

To this end......stepping away from my usual subject matter, I tried here to capture something totally different that what I usually aim for. (I.e., no barns, farms or horses) :) In this way, I am trying to gain new perspectives, trying to learn different techniques, and trying to see the world differently, if just for a moment. I chose this particular photograph to further this idea because it is totally unclear what is going on....what do you think this photograph depicts? No answers here- it is for each viewer to decide for him/herself.

Devils Thumb Ranch in Sepia - Tabernash, Co

"There are no mistakes. The events we bring upon ourselves, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary in order to learn what we need to learn; whatever steps we take, they're necessary to reach the places we've chosen to go." - Richard Bach

Graffiti or Art? - An Alley in Chelsea, NYC

I recently read an article about people who created graffiti being considered artists and initially took umbrage with the author who not only likened, but elevated the crime of vandalism to an art form. (The obvious initial reaction of a lawyer) :) So I began to do some research to learn more about the history of graffiti, art and the distinctions between creating and destroying in order to produce "art," and whether or not it constitutes a crime. Interestingly, the more I read about the subject, the more questions it has raised. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating topic and one worth exploring, if only for a moment.

On the one hand, examples of graffiti have been traced back to ancient Roman and Greek societies. It can consist of anything from simple wall scratches to elaborate designs, can be used to communicate political messages or simply to beautify a otherwise drab piece of concrete, bricks and mortar. However, it can also deface someones property, leading to a lot of money (personal or government tax dollars) spent to have it removed. It is also highly prevalent in the gang world, to denote a gang's "turf," send messages about rival gangs or potential attacks, etc. And finally, while it may sometimes be lauded by ending up in a museum or art gallery, its creators may also be booked, indicted and found guilty of vandalism and destruction of public property. All of this leads me right back to one of my favorite questions to grapple with: Who gets to decide what constitutes art?

For instance, is it in the discretion of the viewer or the creator? Does graffiti become "art" when it is more appeasing to the eye? When it is done on one type of structure or another? Does is depend on the size, colors, or actual design? Does it become art if it ends up in a museum or gallery? If the creator was paid to produce it? When it is created for the purpose of beautifying a structure as opposed to destroying one? These are certainly intresting questions to think about and debate. Hopefully they lead to even more questions and raise the discourse of this interesting distinction/duality of graffiti and art.

Here, I hoped to raise the question through photography.... is this your idea of graffiti or art? (And to delve even deeper, does my photograph of this image constitute art?) Enjoy.....

Two White Horses Foaming at The Bit- Woodstock, Vt

This is one of my favorite horse shots to date (and I have taken hundreds since begining my "journey through the lens"). The reason is that this photograph was taken from literally a football field away, with the aid of my zoom lens. The detail I was able to capture, especially around their mouths, with the foam produced from their hard work, is absolutely remarkable to me considering my distance from them when this shot was taken. This is one of those times when photography simply amazes me. The ability to capture and image and stop time, if you will, at such a disance and in such detail never ceases to amaze me.

Horses have always been my favorite animals. Perhaps it has something to do with their vast contribution to life as we know it- from aiding us in war, agriculture, and productivity of all kinds, to symbolizing power, strength, beauty, grace and freedom, they truly are magnificent creatures.

Tractors in a Row, Dorset Vt

If you know me or are familiar with this blog, you know how much I love photographing anything and everything having to do with a farm- barns, machinery, cows, horses, etc. Vermont always seems to have the best objects/subjects to work with. I love how these tractors are lined up so perfectly for me to shoot, and their range of colors is really beautiful.

Mailboxes in a Row, Fishkill, New York

Whenever I see a row of mailboxes together, such as the one above, I have to stop and shoot. I have no idea why, but it somehow reminds me of something cozy, home-y, and "American." That being said, in this instance, I loved the contrast in the fence posts supporting the boxes. White objects are oftentimes the most difficult to photograph, but the varied colors of the posts and the boxes themselves really make the white parts "pop." Here, by not using my flash, at dusk, I was able to get the color I wanted.

Grand Palace, Bangkok

The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand served as the official residence of the King of Thailand from the 18th Century until the mid-20th Century. It is a magnificent complex of buildings on the east bank of the Chao Praya river which runs through Bangkok. These demons/ monkey-faced sculptures are positioned outside the more religious/holy areas to keep out the evil spirits.

Mirror Lake, Lake Placid, New York

"May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand.... May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism.... Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone.... May you discover enough goodness in others to believe in a world of peace.... May a kind word, a reassuring touch, and a warm smile be yours every day of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them.... Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending." - Sandra Sturtz Hauss

Sculpture in Boulder, Co

I love the way the sunlight has such an effect on this metal sculpture in Boulder, Colorado. While only showing part of the artist's work (this is part of a large sculpture/ waterfall), I was trying to capture the fascinating rainbow of color emitted from the metal when the sun hit it. When the clouds hid the sun, the colors disappeared, but when the sun came out again, it was truly beautiful! Such an apt metaphor for how we literally see things differently in a "different light" (pun intended).

Kayaks in the Snow- Vermont

I have to confess that this isn't one of my favorite photographs, but for some reason my friends and family always seem to gravitate to it and comment on it, so I figured I would post it and try to figure out what makes it appealing. Perhaps it is the burst of color on an otherwise gloomy/dark day? Perhaps it is the juxtaposition of the kayaks amidst the snow in wintertime? Or perhaps it is simply knowing these items won't be used for awhile, and instead of setting these objects aside, they are kept out for us to admire? Whatever the reason, I hope you like it, as it is indeed growing on me.

Stuck Old Truck in Vermont

Pretty old red truck, stuck in the snow, with nowhere to go.

Canoes on a Lake, Somewhere in NJ

I love the way these canoes literally lean on each other for support on this beautiful lake, in New Jersey. I came across this scene while surprising my cousin Barbara, Aunt Lois and Auntie Betsy while they were on an incredible journey "Trails For Dale," which I encourage everyone to read/learn about through Barbara's blog, TrailsForDale. blogspot.com. My mom and I walked down to the lake at the campsite where they were spending the night, and I saw these canoes and snapped the shot which evinced for me such an apt metaphor: we all have to lean on each other and lend our support. No matter our circumstances in life, as human beings, we must learn to give and lend each other support.

Speaking of which, the lead stories on the news this very morning are of the destruction caused by Hurricane Ike and the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Whether people experience the loss of their physical assets, their homes, jobs, or loved ones, we must remember that we are all in this together, that everything we have can be taken away in a flash, and that we must do the best we can to help and support one another.

Twisted Barn, Dorset, Vt

This barn has clearly seen better days, however I find its beauty through the lens.

Bee on a Flower

"Melissa" - Greek origin, meaning honeybee.

Bees are dying; it is frightening and true. We are in the midst of an "ecological apocalypse" which has the potential to completely change/destroy our food system and throw off the balance of our eco-system, as we know it. Without the bees there would be no more pollination, no more plants, animals, or man. I encourage everyone to read and learn more about this phenomenon, as I am grossly under-educated about it. However, if I can use photography to bright light to, and spread the word about this issue, than I can do my small part.

Nittany Lions Huddle - PSU

My blog would not be complete with at least one photograph of my favorite team - Penn State Nittany Lions! We were front and center (or 30 yd line) for Penn State's win over Oregon State this past weekend. While my typical photographic subjects don't move around too much (barns, tractors, nature, etc.), I had fun trying to take a decent shot of my team, and this was about the only time that day that they actually stopped moving! :)

Flower in Princeton, NJ

I saw this flower in Princeton, NJ the other day and really wanted to photograph it, but was afraid I wouldn't be able to do it justice, as its beautiful white color is so difficult to accurately capture. After several unsuccessful attempts, I finally got what I wanted with this image and like how the dark surrounding light plays up the white color of its petals.

Hoboken Firefighter

After witnessing the attacks of September 11, 2001, I will forever hold a special place in my heart for firefighters and all the men and women out there who put their lives at risk everyday to save others.

One day I happened to be walking by the Hoboken Fire Station when two huge fire trucks and about a dozen or so firefighters were returning from presumably fighting a fire. I wanted to capture the red and silver glistening truck as it maneuvered its way back into the garage, but just couldn't seem to find the right angle, the right moment, nor the right way to capture what I was looking for. Ready to give up entirely, I snapped this image at the last moment just before they shut the garage door, when the firefighter jumped up and hung off the front of the truck for just a second. I imagined it his way to relieve the tension and stress of his job or of what he may have witnessed prior to returning to the station, and I wanted to honor that sense of "letting go" and closure, just as the doors to the garage closed again.

Part of a Barn, Vermont

While I undoubtedly have thousands of photos of Vermont barns, with this series I was playing with capturing only part of the structure to produce an image. I recently read somewhere (in one of my photography books) how barns do not make sense outside their reality, meaning they should be photographed in their entirety to make sense to the viewer. I could not disagree more; it is absolutely possible to capture the beauty, texture, and presense of a barn without having the photograph the structure in its entirety. In fact, I believe it is sometimes a bolder statement to photograph only part of a scene, object or person in order to tell a story, convey an emotion or capture a moment.

(See also "Tractor in Dorset Vermont," an earlier posting, for additional thoughts on this issue).

Cow In A Field- Woodstock, Vt

I came across this beautiful cow in a field just outside Woodstock, Vt. She was laying down so peacefully and I just had to capture the moment. I find this photograph very relaxing and calming to look at and hope you do too!

Red Garbage Cans in Hoboken Alley

On a dreary, cold winter day I stumbled upon these bright red garbage cans in an alley in Hoboken, NJ. Despite literally being depositories for waste and all that people find worthless to keep, their touch of color on such a gloomy day made me smile and brightened up my day, so they were not worthless to me!

This is but one example of how photography enables me to take something that would normally be consdiered ugly or not worthwhile to look at, and transform it into something worth gazing at, and considering (even if only for a moment).

Truckin' in a Storm- Colorado

"Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm”

While traveling on Route 40 in a Colorado snow storm last year, we were behind this truck trying its best to power through, while swerving left and right from time to time. However, despite the bad weather and flat lighting which made the driving really bad, the driver kept on driving.

I was complelled to caputre this moment to remind myself of our ability to "weather any storm." When faced with adversity, such as a bad day, a bump in the road of life, or a traumatic experience, it is so easy to curl up and hide from the world and from ourselves. It is simple and acceptable to cower, give up, or "pull over" and juat stop. However, each of us has the ability and the power within ourselves to rise to any occasion, learn from every experience and continue to grow, and live on. In doing so, we become wiser, stronger and more emotionally and physically powerful.

To that end, whenever I am faced with a challenge, no matter how small, I will remember this image and do my best to power on through, as I know we all can do!

Cows in a Row- Devils Thumb Ranch, Tabernash, Co

This photograph reminds me of an old postcard, and the sepia tone helps set the mooood (haha).

Getting these cows to stand at attention and look at the camera was no easy feat! Just kidding, it was actually quite serrendipitous and funny. While leaving the Devils Thumb Ranch restaurant (one of our all-time favorites!), Brian and I came across a field with about a hundred cows all grazing in the dusk. Although the lighting was too dark, I really wanted to try to photograph them. As we slowed the car down and pulled over towards the field, the cows started running away from us and forming a line. While cows are not known for their speed, nor their ability to run at all, these cows were collectively running to stand at attention. When they arrived in their predetermined spots, they abruptly stopped and faced us and I snapped this shot! It was incredibly funny and perhaps somewhat bizzare how they ran, got into a long line and stood still while in perfect formation. I was so happy to be able to witness yet another of those wonderful suprises and mysteries the universe unveils for us.

Shadowy Mountains of the Continental Divide, Colorado

"The Colorado rocky mountain high... I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky; The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullabye... Rocky mountain high" - John Denver

John Denver said it best - there truly is a "Rocky Mountain High" you feel when surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of a majectic mountain range. This photograph was taken in late March of 2008 in Tabernash, Colorado, at the foot of the intercontinetnal divide. The peaks were gorgeous in the waning daylight and I love the contrast in the various shades and layers of light.

Mountain symbolism is manifold; they are seen as obstacles to overcome, cautionary everests warning of perils, lofty ideals pointing us towards the heavens, and peaks of contancy, eternity, firmness and stillness. Whatever the mountain image evokes in you, there is no doubt the role the great mountain ranges have played in the history, topography and cultural development of our planet, in much the same way as their symbolism shapes our lives.

Water Droplets on a Leaf- Landgrove, Vt

Last weekend, while dining at the beautiful (and delicious!) Landgrove, Inn in Vermont, I had the great pleasure of photographing this leaf after a momentary sun-shower. It was a hot, hazy and humid night, and the rain couldn't have lasted more than a few minutes, thus, the droplets were able to hang on to their beautiful round shape atop this rather waxy leaf (a perfect surface)....such a peaceful and rare sight!

Train in Fraser- Grand County, Colorado

Trains have undoubtedly had a tremendous impact on the settlement and development of the western United States and have shaped the course of our country's history, demographics, population, etc. With this photo taken in the town of Fraser, Co., just before sunset on July 4th, I pay homage to the capacity of the train to shape our lives and landscape.

In Grand County, Co., the train continues to play an important role. In the past, it carried tourists and supplies into the mountains and carried out lumbar and other natural resources to Denver, Chicago and the East Coast. The trains also had everything to do with shaping my favorite pasttime- skiing.

Today, Winter Park Resort remains one of the only ski resorts in the world still connected to its roots via train. The historic Ski Train routinely takes skiers to and from Denver right to the very bottom of the chairlift through Moffat Tunnel, one of the most famous and longest train tunnels in the world! It runs throughout the year and enables modern day tourists to experience a little bit of the "old west."

With this photo, my aim was to capture the train at a "standstill," even though it was speeding past me while I was snapping away. I quickly toyed with the various settings on the camera, and although admittedly too many of the pics in this series came out blurry, or didn't capture the feeling I was looking for, this one did it for me. Although its moving so fast, it appears to be somewhat still. My hope was that the stillness of the train emphasizes the constant, enduring and inflexible character of the mountains in the background. I typically find myself trying to juxtapose everything in my photography, so my natural inclination was to capture the train and its speed to contrast the mountains; however, with this photo, I feel that capturing the trains stillness infact highlghted the mountains even more so.