Huntington Lighthouse

I got to go for a sail today.  We had our astronomy club picnic, and one of the members owns a 36 foot sailboat (more on that in a later post.)  As we sailed out of Huntington Harbor, we passed this lighthouse, and it made a nice photograph, given the background of the cumulus clouds.  This lighthouse was at risk in 1983 because it was falling into disrepair and the Coast guard wanted to demolish it.  In 1985, a group called Save Huntington’s Lighthouse was formed by local citizens to save the lighthouse from demolition. It became the first private group in the country to successfully take over and restore an offshore lighthouse.  Isn't it wonderful they saved this classic!

Sitting on the Bench

After my bike ride today, I sat on the bench down by the water, like I usually do.  I noticed these stalks on the other side of the fence, and decided to move in very close to them for a picture.  When I  moved in close it made the stalks the subject of the photograph, instead of just something that happened to be in the frame.  It is funny about how my sense of composition changes. Sometimes I will realize that I haven't taken any really close pictures recently, and the way I look for photographs changes.  That's what happened here.

My Favorite Tree

I pulled into the driveway this afternoon, and there was very soft light on the trunk of the Japanese maple tree.  It is one of those things, where I see this tree everyday, and then one day I see it differently.  I shot this in both color and in black & white, and have chosen the black & white.  It is amazing to me to see how gnarled the roots and trunk and branches are.  The tree almost has human form to it.  Please click on this to see it in more detail.  OK, so I am having second thoughts, about whether or not the black & white is the best rendition.  So I went back and found the color version.  Maybe I like the color version best.  I dunno...  Anyhow, here it is.  You decide

What?

So this is the project I am working that I can't tell you about, until September.  I was doing another shoot, and needed to do a test photo to check my lighting.  The woman who is producing the exhibition was a stand in for the test.  I took one or two frames, then for some reason she looked down at the painting while standing behind it, and instantly I saw this and took one frame!  I can't explain what made me do it, but it was done intuitively, with no thought involved.  And I have no idea why I like this so much.  I guess because it makes no sense to look at a painting this way?  Never ask a photographer what they are up to, because they haven't the slightest idea.

Three Days Later..

So three days ago I showed you the Peony with all the buds as perfect spheres.  I was stunned to look outside the dining room window this morning and see the bush in full bloom.  It is just stunning, and the aroma of the blooms is just heavenly!  So I went out to take a nice photograph of the bush in its new state of bloom.  Only thing is, I can't decide which picture I like the best.  Does anyone care to vote, and help me out?  Thanks.

Skyscrapers

Walking back to Penn Station for the trip home, I came to 34th street, and the building between me and the Empire State Building was blindingly brilliant, because it was reflecting the afternoon sun.  I love the contrast of this, and the reflection was so bright that I could under-expose the picture which gives me the brilliant blue sky as well.  I like the feeling that this is just a little bit unreal.

Repent!

We were in the city today to see an off-broadway show, and that involved walking through Times Square, which is always interesting.  This is one of my favorite places to people watch, and photograph.  Only thing was, I was not alone, so I couldn't spend any time with any particular subject.  So this is a bit of a quick grab shot, rather than stopping to shoot for any length of time.  Here is the thing I don't get.  There were three people like this in the space of three blocks.  I wonder if they think they will actually change the minds of passers by with their signs, and in some cases, their broadcasts with a megaphone.  What is their motive?  What do they hope to accomplish?  If I was alone, I probably would have spent some time talking to one of them, to see what I could find out.  You know me, I love to talk to strangers!