photography

All posts tagged photography

Snowy tracks on a dark day

Posted by Photonstopper on January 5, 2014
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Photo: Cross-country skier on trail to bridge. Photo by James Guilford.

Bridges to Cross

The weather has been interesting if uninviting for a currently part-time photographer like me. I’ve managed to get out now and again and have added photos to my Google+ account. I have also neglected this blog and my portfolio site(s). Bad. Today we took a brief walk at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Station Road trailhead to see what the rails, bridges, river, and canal looked like on a dark, mild, and snow-covered winter’s day. I shot a number of images of slush-covered wetland areas of interesting color; I’ll need to work on those some more. A couple of other shots, shown here, rather illustrated quiet midday moments in the park.This year I hope to put together another photography show, enter a juried show or two (if I can find them), and possibly enter a contest, though I usually avoid those. For now, however, I’ll simply try and get out and shoot more than I have and bring back some pleasing images to share one way or another. Happy new year!

Photo: Rabbit tracks along slushy edge of canal. Photo by James Guilford.

Tracks Show Path a Rabbit Took along the Canal

Sky filled with multi-colored clouds

Posted by Photonstopper on December 23, 2013
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Photo: Cirrus Clouds in the Evening Sky. Photo by James Guilford

Cirrus Clouds in the Evening Sky

The sky cleared for a while Sunday afternoon and evening, providing us a break in the recent long string of gray, wet, and chilly days. As the sun set beautiful cirrus clouds graced the western sky.

Photo: Rust-colored clouds. Photo by James Guilford.

Clouds the Color of Rust

Though the day’s grand sunset was blocked by trees from our direct view, we did receive an extraordinary and beautiful gift. High-altitude clouds, lit by near-full sun, were bright and white while scudding along under them, low clouds were stained in rusty tones by rays of sunset-tinted light.

Photo: Colorful clouds at sunset. Photo by James Guilford.

Colorful Couds at Sunset

The sight was typically short-lived as clouds dissolved into darkness and overcast again overtook us. For a shining moment, however, the sky was filled with multi-colored clouds.

2014 Photo Calendar Published

Posted by Photonstopper on December 18, 2013
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Photo: Calendar Cover

Cover Page of My 2014 Calendar

Whew! I’ve managed to put together the 2014 edition of my photographic calendar. It was quite a struggle working with the foibles and requirements of the publishing site but, at least, it should be easy for any buyer to purchase copies. I selected some of my favorite images from 2013 for use in the calendar. Selection wasn’t very difficult and it was fun looking back over the past year’s shoots. I know I left out a bunch of pictures I loved but only had space for a “baker’s dozen” in the calendar. Next project: the annual bicycle events calendar and after that, perhaps a photo exhibition for mid-2014. To view or purchase my 2014 calendar, click here!

Now arriving: The Polar Express

Posted by Photonstopper on December 15, 2013
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Photo: Excursion train arriving in Peninsula, Ohio. Photo by James Guilford.

Now Boarding: The Polar Express

On a jaunt through the countryside, we stopped by Peninsula, Ohio known these days at The North Pole. Peninsula is the center of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s annual Polar Express excursion rides. Children from all around, many wearing pajamas, ride the train through the snowy countryside entertained both on the train and at trackside by costumed staff. Buildings and objects near the line are decorated and renamed, recalling scenes from Chris Van Allsburg’s wonderful book. At the “North Pole” train station, the tracks are lined by wreath-decorated antique-style streetlights. The whole scene is pretty even by day, and said to be enchanting by night. While steam enthusiasts may be disappointed that a 2-8-4 (Berkshire) locomotive isn’t heading up the train, it’s a wonderful time nonetheless.

Photo: Lone rail car sits, collecting snow, on a siding. Photo by James Guilford.

Sidetracked

Winter’s shadow runs ahead

Posted by Photonstopper on December 15, 2013
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Ice/Flow

Ice/Flow

The place where land and water meet is transformed at this time of year. The waters of Lake Erie are rolling free and fluidly but at the shoreline, things change. Objects on shore, some already coated with snow, are wet with spray become anchors for ice. Snow-heavy clouds hang low, block the sun, and turn the world monochrome. Winter is yet to come though its shadow runs ahead.

Last color

Posted by Photonstopper on November 15, 2013
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Photo: Muted fall colors reflected in the still waters of a lagoon. Photo by James Guilford.

Last Color

Autumn is in full-force. Mornings may be frosty and the light softened by cloud. Colors have faded from the brilliance of a couple of weeks ago to, now, browns and deep orange — where leaves are to be seen. Many, maybe most trees have dropped their leaves now drained of chlorophyll and useless to them. This morning was crisp, clear, and dim; beautiful in its own way.

Deer at Breakfast

Posted by Photonstopper on November 5, 2013
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Photo: Group of Whitetail Deer grazing near a driveway. Photo by James Guilford.

Deer at Breakfast

This morning, venturing outdoors, I encountered a small herd of Whitetail Deer enjoying breakfast at the end of our neighbors’ drive. They were a bit wary of my presence but I was able to get my camera, shoot several photos of them, and move much closer to the group than I would have expected. Many consider them pests coming, as they do, into lawns and gardens to graze. I consider the deer beautiful and feel a bit sorry for their plight — they come into unsafe areas seeking food because we humans continue to remove their woodlands to build houses, shopping centers, and parking lots. So, my dear deer, enjoy your breakfast and have a safe day!

A fine day to be stuck indoors

Posted by Photonstopper on November 3, 2013
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Photo: Colorful tree lit by a spot of sunlight. Photo by James Guilford.

A Fine Day to be Stuck Indoors

I thought fall foliage color hit peak a week or so ago but this is an extended season. Even after recent winds and rains there are plenty of colorful leaf-covered trees catching today’s sunshine. It figures, I’m stuck indoors today. I did, however, sneak out long enough to shoot a couple of photos.

Photo: Brilliant autumn leaves. Photo by James Guilford.

Closer-In Leaves Aflame with Color

Moody mists and watercolor landscapes

Posted by Photonstopper on November 2, 2013
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Photo: Red-leafed tree clinging to cliff. Photo by James Guilford.

Clinging to the Cliff, a Tree Shows its Colors

Typical of November, though usually late-November, today was chilly, wet, and gloomy. Braving some morning sprinkles, I ventured near the lake with my trusty old Canon EOS 50D. I thought, at the very least, I could capture some interesting cloud or mood shots; and I did. What turned out to be my favorite was, however, a surprise. I spotted a tree clinging to a lakefront cliff — one I’ve photographed before — enrobed now in deep-red colored leaves. Even in the subdued light of a cloudy morning, the tree stood out against a backdrop of gray clouds and slate waves. As a bonus, light processing brought out subtle coloration in the dark lake waters. I spent too little time on this morning of moody mists and watercolor landscapes, before light rain forced me away.

Photo: Rain clouds over Lake Erie on a November morning. Photo by James Guilford.

A Cold, Wet November Morning on Lake Erie

Fiery sky

Posted by Photonstopper on October 26, 2013
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Photo: Vivid colors of an October sunrise. Photo by James Guilford.

Chasing the Fiery Sky this Morning

Heading out this morning to breakfast and a bit of grocery shopping we were treated to an amazing sunrise. At first sight the appearance was one of floating bits of paper in the sky with edges trimmed with fire. While I had a decent camera with me, there was no decent place to stop for a clear view — only trees, wires, and buildings. We pressed on, looking now for an open space and, at long last, found one. The air will chill and the breeze was strong and it wasn’t long before my fingers hurt. Still, even though I missed shots of the sky’s peak color, the cloud forms and the rapidly changing hues were well worth the effort.

Photo: Vulture flies against fiery sky. Photo by James Guilford.

Early Morning Flight by a Turkey Vulture