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!