Archive
Happy Father’s Day 2013 / Parental Guidance
Parental Guidance, 2010
Happy Father’s Day
Islands in the Sun / Florida Keys in Color and Black and White
Island in the Sun, Florida Keys, FL 2012
Two Trees, Florida Keys, FL 2012
Heading south from Miami, the road eventually narrows into just two lanes, north and south. The Overseas Highway is a 127.5 mile highway that carries U.S. Route 1 from Homestead/Florida City south to Key West at the end. All along the way the road is surrounded by water, islands and wildlife.
Seen in countless movies (remember the limousine chase in Schwarzenegger’s True Lies) http://bit.ly/1bqdZ55 and the majority of television car commercials, the road through the keys is a unique and beautiful place to travel and photograph. And when you reach the end to Key West (AKA Margaritaville), you can enjoy, as Jimmy Buffet sang, a Cheeseburger in Paradise http://bit.ly/11rWT17 …or at least a slice of Key Lime Pie, which is as good as it gets and where it originated.
The Birth of a New Series / Feral Cats, BORN TO BE WILD
Black Cat, Aqua Eyes, 2013
Albino, 2013
Siamese, Blue Eyes, 2012
Feral Cats are a breed of domestic feline that are born and/or survive outdoors rather than living as house pets. They either hunt for their own food or are fed by humans in their immediate surroundings. In South Florida, many of the local tourist venues that exhibit captive wildlife, also have Feral Cats living on the premises.
While shooting the formerly wild animals in many of these locations for the Series: Of the Wild, I noticed that in addition to the type of common cats you might see on the street, there were many with unique, even striking features. Eventually, I decided to do what I do best and capture the beauty of these hybrid, varied species of feline. As is my signature style, the images are shot outdoors in natural light, cropped tight to emphasize their personality as seen through their beautiful eyes and …on the animal’s terms. Due to their wild nature, capturing the images is often challenging because they are very skittish subjects and don’t usually pose for the camera.
Nevertheless, for all cat lovers, witness the birth of a new series, Feral Cats, Born to be Wild.
Fire on the Mountain / Colorado Springs
Fire on the Mountain, Colorado Springs, CO 2010
Having chased the setting sun one evening in Southern Colorado, I came across this scene just after it went below the horizon. I used just enough of the silhouetted mountain to compliment the large area of negative space featuring the reflected sun and evening clouds.
As often happens, I caught this “fire on the mountain” for a moment, and then it was gone.
By the Sea, By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea / Dusk Seascapes
By the Sea, Deerfield Beach, FL 2013
Time and Tide Waits For No Man, Deerfield Beach, FL 2013
To create low light, dusk Seascapes such as these, you need: a.) patience, b.) a tripod), c.) a shutter release cable and d) bare feet. The patience is required to wait until just the right light, here, just after sunset. The tripod is a necessity to hold the camera steady to allow for a long exposure to capture the smooth motion of the ocean. The cable release adds an additional amount of steadiness when clicking the shutter. The bare feet are required because you will get wet, and you will sink into the sand as the tide ebbs and flows beneath you.
Here are some tips to avoid disaster, and hopefully capture a great image: a.) keep the camera strap around your neck in case somehow the camera becomes detached from the tripod (nothing worse than an SLR in sea water,) b.) aim one of the Tripod legs down towards the ocean so it remains somewhat steady as the surf comes in and goes out, c.) force the tripod legs deep into the sand (inevitably, it will still move with a big wave, but try to hold it down when that happens, d.) keep the shutter release cable high, (I lay it around my neck), so it won’t get wet dangling down, e.) pay attention to the waves in the background as well as the tide in the foreground to create a solid composition.
Do all of the above and you may come away with something great. Worse case scenario…there is no place better to find yourself as the sun sets on another day.
Birds of a Feather / Flamingo Triptych
Flamingo Triptych, 2009-2013
While we are on the subject of Flamingos (from my last post), an additional Triptych available to collectors is the Flamingo Triptych which was created from 2099 through 2013. Three images of three different birds exhibit the diversity in color and design of the beautiful feathers seen on different animals. This piece can add some beautiful color to the right residential or commercial space.
Art in Nature / The Devil is in the Details / Caribbean Flamingo
Flamingo Fire, Florida 2013
To capture a good photograph, sometimes you need to look at the big picture. Many other times, the image can be found close up. Here, the Devil is in the details. The back feathers of a Caribbean Flamingo rise as if forming a beautiful fire.
Six Months from Sandy / Seascapes from a Superstorm
Touch of Light, Jupiter, FL 2012
On the six month anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, a couple images of her effect on the South Florida coastline as she headed north. Wishing a solid recovery to all those affected by the storm.
Crest and Crash, Jupiter, FL 2012
Bright Eyes / From the Series: OF THE WILD / Chimpanzee
Chimpanzee, 2010
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), from West and Central Africa are members of the Hominidae family, along with gorillas, humans and orangutans. This particular Chimp shows his age by the grey in his beard, but still has a bright fire in his eyes.
Males can grow to 5.5 feet and weigh up to 150 lbs. they live in large multiple-male and multiple-female social groups called communities. Social hierarchy’s exist within the community and are dictated by the position of an individual and their influence on others.
In 1960, Jane Goodall discovered that Chimpanzees used tools, and now it is believed that they have done so for some 4,000 years. Chimps communicate in a manner similar to human nonverbal communication, using vocalizations, hand gestures, and facial expressions. This one was clearly looking at me while I was looking at him.
The Eye of the Tiger / Amur Tiger from OF THE WILD
Amur Tiger, 2010
More from my series: OF THE WILD. Intimate, close-up portraits of animals, formerly wild, now in some form of captivity. Looking at them as they are looking at me. Additional images from the series can be seen at www.barrystevengreff.com in the Portfolio: Of the Wild.
My favorite animal has always been the Tiger. Majestic beauty, magnificent coat and as fierce as they get. Here, the Amur, or Siberian Tiger is the largest of the big cats and is primarily found in the far east of Russia. They have been known to grow more than 10 feet long (head to tail) and weigh more than 700 lbs. Although their numbers had declined in the past, it has been somewhat stable for the last decade thanks to conservation efforts.
The phrase “Eye of the Tiger” means to have laser focus on your goals, failure is not an option. Used in the Rocky films by the band, Survivor, it is clearly an anthem to live by when you want to get things done. Yo….Adrian.
Here’s Looking at You / From Of the Wild
African Crowned Crane, 2010
In appreciation of significant, continuing interest in my popular series: OF THE WILD, I will post some previously unpublished images from the portfolio. An adult African (Grey) Crowned Crane, as shown above, is approximately 3 1/2 feet (1 m) tall and weighs 7-8 lbs (3.5 kg). It has a wingspan of about six 1/2 feet (2m), and a bright red inflatable throat pouch that stands out from its grey feathers. The crown of stiff golden feathers and beautiful blue eyes clearly make these one of the most beautiful of all the crane species and it is also the only one that roosts in trees. The additional red markings at the top of the face seen here are predominantly found in the birds of East Africa.
They have recently been elevated from threatened to endangered in most parts of their habitat due to drainage, overgrazing and pesticide pollution. On a positive note, the seductive dances performed by the adult birds are part of their courting/reproductive ritual and also an expression of joy (I’d say that we humans can relate to the connection between these activites and emotions, as well:)
Here’s looking at you.
Smoke on the Water and Fire in the Sky / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Fire in the Sky, Coeur d’Alene, ID 2010
Smoke on the Water, Coeur d’Alene, ID 2010
Heat Wave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 2010
Some mornings, in some locations, are simply magical. This particular morning on Coeur d’Alene Lake in Idaho was just such a morning. The light, the fog, the rising sun made for many great images as the conditions changed. In the first image, the key was catching the rising sun, the second was about the fishing boat on the lake, and the third required quickly moving to another location for a different view before the fog lifted.
The trick is moving camera direction quickly, sometimes only slightly, because often the scene changes so fast that if you are not paying attention to your surroundings, you miss something great. And as a photographer, when you miss a great shot, you never forget it…it remains in your mind’s eye, but you can’t show it to anyone else.
A Horse is a Horse, Of Course, Of Course
Waiting by the Bell, Southwest Ranches, FL 2013
Exploring close to home I discovered more of the hidden beauty of Broward County, Florida less than a half hour west of Ft. Lauderdale. The area boasts beautiful homes on large lots of land, many including stables for the horses that inhabit the properties, situated in Southwest Broward, hence the name, Southwest Ranches. On this image of a horse waiting near the dinner bell for his next meal, it needed a little magic, so I added some in post production. I use software such as Photoshop/Elements or Nik, sparingly, and usually only to clean up or tweak an image to what I saw through the lens. Sometimes, as here, I add a touch more to make an otherwise average image, pop a bit.
Equine Profile, Southwest Ranches, FL 2013
This profile portrait shows how beautiful this particular animal is, by capturing it close-up, against a plain background (in this case the wall of the stable). As usual, for me, it’s all about the details. From the creases in its beautiful brown hide to the hairs under the chin, the sharp detail of these and the other features of the subject, make for a great animal portrait.
Seeing several of the horses peeking out from their stables, it reminded me of one of my favorite TV shows as a kid. ”Mr. Ed” was about a talking (white) horse who always got the best of his owner. The title of this blog post contains some of the popular lyrics from the theme song of the show. And if you are old enough to have watched it, then you will remember Mr. Ed’s favorite thing to say……Wilburrr.
I Shoot Horses…Don’t I? / The Art of Equus
Equine Snow Scene, Winter Park, CO 2007
The majestic Horse has been represented in Art since the days of prehistoric cave paintings. I am no expert in breeds and could not tell whether the animal in the above image was, in fact a horse, maybe a Bay, or even a mule, combination of horse and Donkey (anyone with a better idea, don’t hesitate to chime in). All I know is a picturesque scene when I see one, and this clearly fit the bill. Driving up the road toward a ranch near Winter Park just after a light snow, the beautiful brown coat and white back and eyes caught my attention.
The beauty and character of many equine subjects work extremely well in a Fine Art photograph. For me, the right composition (location of the animal in the scene) is key as are the details of the animal’s pose. The placement of the head, legs and even the tail can make or break an image. Patience is a virtue with horses. They usually stay in one area for a while unless they become curious and approach you looking for food. In this case, the momentary lift of a seemingly painted head, with a body lightly covered with snow, created the perfect subject against the snow-covered trees.
Lone Horseman on Beach, Pacific Northwest 2006
Sometimes less is more. This is an example of using negative space to create an ethereal image of an isolated subject. The lone horseman on this Pacific Northwest beach looked out to Sea in the morning fog. The mountain range behind him can barely be seen, but became more evident as the fog lifted. Here, the horse and rider stand alone to signify peace and solitude. Again, timing is everything in that immediately after the image was created, the rider was gone and the fog soon lifted.
If a Tree Falls in the Forest…Tales of the Extraordinary
If a Tree Falls in the Forest, Ash Cave, Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH 2013
When you travel around natural wilderness enough, you are bound to see astonishing things every once in a while. When a baby Black Bear crossed in front of our car one night on a deserted North Carolina road it happened too quickly to photograph. Likewise with the thousand pound Moose I ran into at dusk in the woods of Colorado. That time I wasn’t even thinking about taking a picture, just how to get around him and get out of there in one piece.
So on those occasions that something wonderous occurs in nature and you do actually capture it photographically, that is something special. It’s not just a “Fisherman’s Tale,” there exists documented proof. Such was the case while shooting at Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio. I was photographing the beautiful forest that surrounds the cave, alternating from Black and White to Color, in camera. Suddenly I heard a thunderous sound, as if a bolt of lightning had cracked to the ground right near me. First I ducked, a natural reaction, then, I lifted my camera in the direction of the sound and there, as it was happening, a huge tree, easily hundreds of years old, came crashing down…naturally. Now, it is unusual to be close enough to hear such a rare occurrence, let alone to see it. But to capture it as it happens, that is most likely a once in a lifetime event. I got off four shots as the tree came crashing down, the three consecutive images above were perfect, while the fourth, as it fell to the ground went out of focus. I created this Triptych to memorialize the wonderous moment.
Momentary Blizzard, Southeastern OH, 2013
Usually, I’m lucky if one memorable thing happens per shoot. During the same week in Ohio as the tree falling, we were driving down a rural road on a relatively clear, but cold winter day. Within minutes, the sky became dark and from nowhere came a Blizzard of snow so fierce that it caused a “whiteout” forcing me to pull over. We rolled down the window just enough to get off a few shots, and then, within less than a minute, it was over. The snow was gone and shortly thereafter the sky was clear again. That was the first time I had ever experienced a Momentary Blizzard.
The bottom line when it comes to Mother Nature, there is only one thing that is certain …she is absolutely unpredictable.
A good tip results in an unexpected…Paradise Found
Cascade through Old Man’s Cave, Hocking Hills State Park, OH 2013
When photographing in the Midwest you expect rural farmland, old barns, snow in winter, fall colors in autumn. What you don’t expect are rushing waterfalls cascading down granite cliffs, especially one after the other after the other. Thanks to a tip from a great friend of mine who grew up in Ohio, I took a chance and drove a couple of hours south of Columbus and west of Dayton. Well…alter your expectations. Having traveled to Hawaii, the Caribbean and the Pacific Northwest, who knew there was a combination of all of them in the Midwestern United States.
Hocking Hills State Park http://bit.ly/15mtjP4 in Logan, Ohio is 2,356 acres of towering cliffs, waterfalls and deep hemlock-shaded gorges. After stopping at the park’s Visitor’s Center for a map and some very helpful information, you drive down the road to the large, open parking lot. It isn’t until you descend down the trail at either end of the lot when the magic starts…immediately. I happened to be there in winter on a cold and rainy day and after melted snow had created a significant flow through Old Man’s Creek. The weather made it a bit challenging with a large camera bag and tripod, but ideal for shooting waterfalls, of which there were so many. Carefully protecting the camera from rain and mist and making sure the lens glass remained dry, it was a labor of love (including a rain poncho, plastic bags and an umbrella). Descending through the gorge trail I followed the cascading water over one cliff after the next. I literally felt as if I was in a movie, like Jurassic Park… without the Dinosaurs.
Devil’s Bathtub, Hocking Hills State Park, OH 2013
Halfway through the gorge trail is the Devil’s Bathtub. A whirlpool created from the rushing water of Old Man’s Creek seems to flow in all directions as it makes its way down the gorge.
Fog Around the Bend, Hocking Hills State Park, OH 2013
Road to Ash Cave, Hocking Hills State Park, OH 2013
Ash Cave, Hocking Hills State Park, OH 2013
At the southern end of the park is the horseshoe-shaped Ash Cave named after the huge pile of ashes found under the shelter by early settlers which was believed to have been left from Indian campfires built up over hundreds of years or used by them for smelting silver or lead from the rocks. Measuring 700 feet from end to end, 100 feet deep from the rear cave wall to its front edge with the rim rising 90 feet high, it is the largest, most impressive recess cave in the state of Ohio.
While in the area there are several great places to stay and eat including rustic lodges, cottages and cabins. Check out the Hocking Hills Resort http://www.hockinghillsresort.net/ and the Inn at Cedar Falls http://innatcedarfalls.com/, both of which had romantic accommodations and dining.
All in all, this tip from a friend became a very welcome and totally unexpected…Paradise Found.
Know the Lay of the Land / The Magical Midwest
Road to an Old House, Ohio 2013
There are two themes to this current blog post. (1.) Research your location prior to shooting and (2.) Don’t ever underestimate the scenic beauty of a place, case in point…Ohio.
First, the best way to increase your chances of coming back with some good images is to research the location before you arrive. I always look for a book or two on the area in the travel section at Barnes and Noble www.BN.com. Better yet, go to the B & N in the place you are shooting and they may have, as Ohio did, an entire section dedicated to their State. I look for books that are well illustrated, preferably with color photos so I can get an idea of what the scenic locales look like and whether they are worth shooting, always keeping in mind the images may be taken in a different season than I am traveling. Such was the case in the book I purchased entitled: A Photographer’s Guide to Ohio by Ian Adams http://amzn.to/VnpOY0. It gave me (literally) a roadmap to numerous waterfalls located in the area I would be traveling, and these are clearly one of my favorite subjects to shoot. Following the book, my GPS and a trusty old map (remember those?), I successfully located all of the falls in my area, and was pleasantly surprised by the strong, rushing cascades created by recently melting snow.
West Milton Falls, Miami County, OH 2013
One other good idea in researching a location is asking a local, or former local, who really knows the lay of the land. In my case, it helped that one of my best college buddies originally hailed from Ohio and he turned me on to a magical place known as Hocking Hills. HH is so beautiful that I am saving it for the next post to include several images, so stay tuned.
White Farm, near Dayton, OH 2013
Finally, as for the scenic beauty of rural Ohio…judge for yourselves here and in a new section I have devoted to it at www.barrystevengreff.com entitled Magical Midwest. From the farms, most of which have an old barn on property, to the trees, to the waterfalls, who knew? …I do now.
Back to the Sea…and it’s Changed / Dinner with a View
Blue Lines, Dania Beach, FL 2012
Having shot at this particular Pier many times over the years, there had long been an empty restaurant location at the beach end. In 2012 construction began on a new Restaurant. Shooting at sunset one night I noticed that they had installed some blue neon lighting near where the restaurant was being constructed and it eerily reflected blue lines on the surf below it.
Dinner and a View, Dania Beach, FL 2013
At my most recent shoot at the location, the restaurant had been completed and was packed with diners. The Quarterdeck Restaurant http://www.quarterdeckrestaurants.com/ at Dania Beach Pier, clearly offers Dinner and a View. It also changes a subject I have shot for a long time, opening up new posibilities for images… and great meals, in the future.
I’m in a New York State of Mind / Central Park in Color (Pre-Blizzard)
The Dakota from Central Park, New York City, NY 2013
Duck Race, Bow Bridge, Central Park, New York City, NY 2013
Cardinal Under the Bridge, New York City, NY, 2013
And here are some color images from Central Park (before the big snow they were just hit with) to compliment the Black & Whites of the park from my last post.
The Dakota image looked good in Black & white as well as in color, so I re-posted it here. Next, I was photographing the Bow Bridge in Central Park when two ducks raced towards me (they must have thought my camera was a bag of food).
Finally, as for the Cardinal under the Bridge, the beautiful red bird perched in front of the stone structure sits in a perfect location compositionally speaking, and makes the image more interesting. Sometimes it pays to be in the right place at the right time…and there’s nothing wrong with a little good luck once in a while.
Just a walk in the park…Central Park.
The Dakota, Black and White, NYC, NY 2013
Statue and Trees, Central Park, NYC, NY 2013
Bare Winter Tree, Central Park, NYC, NY 2013
Before leaving the Big Apple after my solo exhibition at 25CPW Gallery, I spent the last day shooting in Central Park. With a little help from our pedicab driver, we toured the park in his semi-motorized two-wheel rickshaw. Covered with a blanket to protect against the cold, we zipped through the park from Central Park South, north to Belvedere Castle. It was a cold winter’s day with totally gray skies, creating some photographic challenges and opportunities. I needed to cover the cloudless skies while capturing the muted light from the overcast day. Since I always try to bring natural elements into my images, even in the city, the tree branches became an intrical part of the shots.
First, The Dakota, where Beatle, John Lennon lived and was killed and where his wife, Yoko Ono still lives. Shot from atop Central Park’s Belvedere Castle, the bare winter trees created a perfect frame. Next, a statue and symmetric row of trees shows the elegance that is the design of Central Park. Third, many of the trees in the park are beautiful within themselves, sometimes you just have to look up. For this type of shot, composition is key, as is filling the frame with the subject.
Bottom line, beautiful images can be created in all types of light, as long as you adjust, and compensate, for the specifics of the situation. Once you do that…it’s just a walk in the park.
If you build it…they will come / BSG Solo Exhibition in NYC closes.
Manhattan Portrait, Central Park, New York City, NY 2013
I would like to thank all of the people who came to my Solo Exhibition at 25 CPW Gallery on Central Park West in NYC these last few weeks. Some were good friends, family and people I have met in the photography world. Many others were individuals that came because they love Fine Art Photography. Special thanks to my collectors, past and future and to the legendary photographer Robert Farber www.farber.com who came to my Artist Reception. I have included some images of the event taken by talented wedding/event photographer Vik Manchada http://on.fb.me/VMqG6x.
As usual, while in NYC for the show, after the gallery doors close…I create. I will post some of my new Cityscapes here and going forward. As those that have now seen my work in person know, I am known for the detail in my images. Hence, in the image above, the tourist on the right side of the bridge is taking a photo of her smiling friend standing on the bridge as I am taking one of them…and the city beyond. I always look for the Big Picture.
Entrance to 25CPW Gallery at Central Park West and 62nd St. NYC, NY
BSG Artist Reception, January 10, 2013 at 25CPW Gallery, NYC, NY
BSG with legendary photographer, Robert Farber at BSG’s Artist Reception
Until the next show…Thanks again.
BSG Solo Exhibition at 25CPW Gallery on Central Park West in NYC
After participating in a group show at 25CPW Gallery in December, I am having a Solo Exhibition at the gallery. This coming Thursday, January 10, 2013 will be the Artist Reception from 6-9 pm. The Gallery is located on Central Park West at 62nd Street, one block north of Columbus Circle. Anyone that is in New York at the time is very welcome to come by. Additionally, there will be gallery hours from 12pm to 8pm that weekend. www.25cpw.org
A portion of the proceeds will go to Evan’s Team, a foundation created in memory of Evan Lieberman, an amazing young man we lost in a tragic car accident. www.evansteamny.com
First Sunrise of 2013, Fort Lauderdale Beach. A Sign of Things to Come.
First Sunrise, January 1, 2013, 7:09 a.m., Ft. Lauderdale Beach, FL 2013
Getting up some 5 hours after watching the ball drop in Times Square (on TV), I caught the first sunrise of 2013 from Ft. Lauderdale Beach, FL, and even the seagull cooperated on this one.
Hoping this is a sign of good things to come in the New Year.
BSG Extends Exhibition at 25CPW Gallery on Central Park West in NYC
Select images from the Series: Of the Wild at 25CPW Gallery, NYC, December 2012
Select images from the Series: Atmosphere at 25CPW Gallery, NYC, December 2012
Select images from the Series: FLOW at 25CPW Gallery, NYC, December 2012
After initial participation in a group exhibition at 25CPW Gallery in NYC, the presentation of my work has been extended and the selection of images increased. For those that live in New York or happen to be vacationing there this week, the Gallery is at street level on the northwest corner of Central Park West and West 62nd Street. 25CPW is located just one block north of Columbus Circle which features the Time Warner Building and Trump International at the corner of Central Park West and Central Park South.
Situated in one of the most exclusive sections of New York City, my work is currently the only artwork featured at the gallery through the New Year and can be seen through both the Central Park West and West 62nd Street picture windows. To announce the exhibition, 25CPW’s website currently showcases my signature image, Niagara and contains the contact information for gallery hours and appointments. http://www.25cpw.org
GALLERY HOURS: The Gallery will be open: Wednesday (12/26) 5-8pm; Thursday 5-8pm; Friday 5-9pm; Saturday 3-9pm.
Thanks to Bess Greenberg, Founder/Curatorial Director; Abby Verbosky, Manager of Exhibitions and Matt Slater, who hung the exhibition, photographed it and will be at the Gallery showing the work.
Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season.
BSG Joins Art Photo Index (API) Created by PhotoEye of Santa Fe, NM
Moonscape, Matlacha, Florida 2007
I am proud to have been selected as a member of the newly launched Art Photo Index (API) http://www.artphotoindex.com. I join some world renowned photographers such as Nick Brandt, Hiroshi Watanabe and Martin Parr, amongst many others.
This great new index of vetted art and editorial photographers was created by Rixon Reed, Director of PhotoEye photoeye.com of Santa Fe, New Mexico which is considered one of the leading resources for art photography. The press release can be found at http://bit.ly/RF8NXr and my specific page on the site is http://bit.ly/UOALvq.
Closing Out 2012 in Grand Style – BSG Exhibiting @ 25CPW Gallery/NYC
Cab Ride in the Rain, Radio City Music Hall, NYC 2009
Closing out 2012 in grand style. I will be exhibiting work at 25CPW, the great New York City gallery located at Central Park West and West 62nd Street. http://www.25cpw.org/ Bess Greenberg, Founder/Curatorial Director and Abby Verbosky, Manager of Exhibitions run the gallery which has recently held a 100 year celebration of Editta Sherman’s celebrity portraits that was covered by ABC News and the New York Times. They have also mounted exhibits with the Magnum Foundation, the New York Camera Club and continue to show the work of established and emerging artists.
The Artist’s Market group exhibition will run from Thursday night through Sunday night. Gallery hours are 12 pm to 8 pm, with an Artist’s Reception Saturday night with live music from 6pm to 9pm (gallery will close at 10:00 pm).
I hope that all my NYC friends and anyone else that might like to see some interesting work, will stop by. Thank You.
Art Basel Miami – Looking Forward
Reflection on Mystic Lake, Coeur D’Alene, ID 2010
This week in Miami we have Art Basel Miami Beach and numerous Art Fairs during the week of December 3-9. Originally Art Basel Switzerland, many of the finest galleries in the world now also bring their wares to Miami this week to benefit from the great weather and huge crowds of art lovers.
I have in the past, and will this week, utilize this opportunity to network with galleries around the world with an eye towards additional exhibitions. Looking forward, you’ve gotta believe.
America’s Greatest Animals / Our Big Five
Bison, King of the Mist, Yellowstone National Park, WY 2010
I never know where inspiration for a blog post might originate. I enjoy watching the nature channels on cable to see places I have been and to plan for places to shoot in the future. Recently, I was watching a National Geographic television show www.nationalgeographic.com on Nat Geo Wild (@natgeowild) called America’s Greatest Animals. The premise of the show was to identify America’s version of Africa’s “Big 5″ animals. By the end of the show, the final list was revealed (spoiler alert!): Polar Bear, Grizzly, Wolf, Bison and Moose.
Although some may disagree as to which animals should be on the list, I realized I had classic images of each animal they had chosen. So, to celebrate America’s Big 5, without further ado:
Wolf Shake, 2010 Polar Bear, 2009
Grizzly, 2004 Bull Moose, 2010
Slanted Rain – Natural Frame – Everglades Storm Scenics
Slanted Rain, Alligator Alley, Florida Everglades 2012
While following an isolated downpour along Florida’s Alligator Alley I stopped at a location that had a break in the Sawgrass to capture an interesting foreground in the image. The dark clouds were reflected in the water as the storm moved across the River of Grass, while the slanted rain in the background completed the scene.
Natural Frame, Markham Park, Sunrise, FL 2012
When shooting, composition is key. Often you will see a scenic framed by trees or other natural borders. I like to think outside the Box, pun intended, when I am framing an image. Here I used the dark clouds, approaching downpour and reflection of the trees in the water to form a Natural Frame around the scene.
This image was created at Markham Park http://bit.ly/VSCaWP in Broward County, Florida (@readybroward), which also offers camping, mountain bike trails, a gun range and dog park…fun for the entire family. On some evenings they even have a large telescope set up for viewing other planets that may be closer to earth than usual. It’s an all around stellar place…forgive me, I couldn’t resist..
Under the Boardwalk Exhibited at FotoWeek DC in Washington DC
Under the Boardwalk, Deerfield Beach, FL (2010)
My Black and White image Under the Boardwalk is currently being exhibited during the FotoWeek DC festival in Washington DC from November 9-18, 2012. Created at night while I was positioned under the pier, the biggest challenge was capturing the long exposure to soften the water and then grabbing my tripod and camera before getting soaked from the incoming waves. This image was previously exhibited at the former Camera Obscura Gallery which was owned by the great photographer and gallerist, Hal Gould in Denver, Colorado.
Whether through fine art photography, photojournalism, or the work of emerging artists, FotoDC https://www.fotoweekdc.org/ provides a dynamic, evocative, engaging experience for photographers, cultural institutions, galleries, curators, schools, area residents, and tens of thousands of viewers. Founded as FotoWeekDC in 2008, the weeklong photography festival initially attracted 20,000 participants; including professional and amateur photographers, photography lovers, and partners such as National Geographic, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, The Smithsonian Institution, and various local art galleries. In 2009, the organization received non-profit status and began developing programs to include professional development and new exhibition venues. In response to demand for year-round programming, FotoWeek DC rebranded in 2011 to become FotoDC, and launched new programs to provide greater exposure for all photographers, new venues for exhibitions and new programs for students and youth. The annual Festival in November continues to be FotoDC’s largest project with over 40,000 attendees each year.
