Archive
Usually a Straight Shooter, Sometimes, my Imagination Runs Wild.
Fantasy Island, Many Locations, Over Many Years
I am primarily a straight shooter, I try to capture what I see. There is often some type of post-production required, but again, with my subjects being natural, I try to keep them that way.
Every once in a while, I have been known to create something that I saw, but only in my mind’s eye. Case in point, Fantasy Island. A composite image of various portions of many different images I have created that come together in an M.C. Escher..esque type fantasy. Taken over many years in places from Niagara Falls to Carlsbad, California, an Oregon lake to a waterfall in Boulder, Colorado and many more. Following the image around, water flows down then up again, there is a full moon, yet lightning strikes in the distance. Horseback riders on a Washington State beach, mystic lake boaters and even a Roseate Spoonbill from the Florida Everglades flying across the scene.
Taken together, this an example of how the overly creative side of my mind works. The black and white helps produce the seamless nature of the composition, the rest of it, I can’t really explain…it just happens.
Here’s to the New Year: 2019
Having had several rough years, I have not been posting nearly as much as I should. This image reminds me of better days, driving up the California Coast and stopping to shoot every beautiful scene I came across. 
Surfers, Carlsbad, CA 2008
Taken some ten years ago in front of the magical cliffs of Carlsbad, California, it captured several surfers waiting for the next big wave to pick them up and carry them forward. Although their small silhouettes are dwarfed by the grandeur of the overall scene, when the image is enlarged, you can almost see the contentment on their faces.
I post it for two reasons.
First, the early morning quest of the surfers symbolizes the hope of a New Year.
Secondly, having come full circle, ironically, my son now lives a short drive up the coast and surfs these waters himself.
So, taking a deep breath here’s looking to 2019…
Not just Pretty Pictures / Vetted Artwork for Display
I greatly appreciate all of the positive comments on the images I post via social media. Today’s post is a gentle reminder that the work, which has been widely published, exhibited, awarded and collected, is available as framed (or behind acrylic) prints for residential, corporate, healthcare
and even yacht display. Working with Interior Designers, Art Buyers and sometimes clients themselves, I have developed a process by which the images can be viewed in any space first by virtual reality (adding several choices onto a photo of a blank wall to see how it would eventually look). This has also allowed me to do projects around the U.S. from my base in South Florida.
I have enclosed a few samples of installations, some of which have been accomplished as mentioned above, others which contain work that has been chosen directly from my website: https://www.barrystevengreff.com 
So for future reference, whenever you come across a blank wall, imagine the possibilities of hanging an iconic image there and what it can ultimately do to create a beautiful, impactful space.
That being said, here’s to hanging with you someday:)
The Unpredictability of Mother Nature / Unexpected Snow
Wikipedia defines snow as “forms of ice crystals that precipitate from the atmosphere (usually from clouds) and undergo changes on the Earth’s surface. It pertains to frozen crystalline water throughout its life cycle, starting when, under suitable conditions, the ice crystals form in 
Row Boat in Snow Storm, Colorado 2010
the atmosphere, increase to millimeter size, precipitate and accumulate on surfaces, then metamorphose in place, and ultimately melt, slide or sublimate away.” To me, it’s magical from a photographic point of view. The scene above occurred in June after an unexpected, instantaneous snow storm that began and ended within an hour on an otherwise sunny spring day, a couple of weeks before summer. I used a tripod held camera from under a covered tree so as not to get everything wet.
- Momentary Blizzard, OH 2013
The scene above also took place without a moments notice. One minute it was clear as day, the next minute brought blizzard conditions, and then it was clear again. Due to the instantaneous nature of the event, this was shot through a car window that had to be opened and closed quickly due to the power of the momentary storm.
Prone Grey Wolf in Snow, West Yellowstone, MT 2010
Finally, a few years back I was shooting wolves in West Yellowstone just outside the National Park. I had spent a good part of the day trying to capture iconic images of these beautiful animals. As luck would have it, just before i packed up my gear, it began to snow. Clearly not concerned by the sudden change in weather, this Grey Wolf laid down in the wide open for a rest, always mindful of his surroundings and I captured this image as he peaked out through the falling snowflakes. Again, a tripod mounted camera with a 400mm lens, shot from under cover and protected from the subject.
Just goes to show that you should always expect the unexpected and that anything worthwhile…. is worth waiting for.
Happy New Year 2017 / 2018
A New Years tradition at the Keystone Resort in Keystone, Colorado is known as the Torch Run. Skiiers, and now snow boarders, snake down the mountain as the clock ticks toward midnight, carrying red flaming flare/torches. The sight is something to behold, as I did in 2007 and I have
Torch Run,Keystone, CO 2007
included a couple of my images here along with a still screenshot from a You Tube video of the event.
Looking back into the archives, I found this image that I hadn’t seen in a very long time, of some of the participants at the bottom of the mountain. Clearly, in the dark, these were difficult images to capture. A tripod, gloves and a great deal of patience helped.
Torch Runners, Keystone, CO 2007
Wishing a Happy New Year to All.
Happy Holiday Season 2017 / Let there be Light… Displays
Wherever you are located in the country, this time of year brings out varying forms of holiday light displays. For generations they have come to represent the spirit of the season. So, whether you are in the city:
Ornaments, New York City, NY 2012
in the suburbs:
Holiday Light Display, Davie, FL 2013
or even in the mountains:
Lit Tree, Winter Park, CO 2007
The tradition will inevitably be handed down for generations to come:
Enlightenment, Davie, FL 2013
Wishing a Happy Holiday season to all.
Mother Nature Shows Her True Colors / Despite Showing Her Wrath
As Autumn arrives in much of the rest of the country, Mother Nature exhibits some of her most vibrant colors. Although she has recently slammed many of us with her most extreme weather, in between dealing with the reality of the storms, I remember those moments of glorious color that
Gold Standard, near Steamboat Springs, Colorado 2008
I have witnessed in years past. From the western golden Aspens to the eastern Blue Ridge swatch of colors, this is the picturesque side that reminds us of her best…
Autumn Cascade, Tennessee, 2009
Rocky Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 2009
while we are still seeing red from some of her worst (Harvey, Irma and Maria)….
Seeing Red, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 2009
So, here’s to the day when we can again concentrate on her beauty and not so much on her wrath. In the meantime, here are ways to donate to Hurricane relief for the ongoing devastation in Puerto Rico. Unicef ….. Save the Children ….Red Cross. Every bit helps.
It’s Been a While / Unveiling a New Look
It’s been a while since my last post. Although I have dealt with health issues for some time, recent circumstances exasperated the situation, hence the lack of posts. As not to be a total loss, the down-time has been used to re-vamp and re-vitalize my on-line presence.
Last Glimmer of Light, Winter Park, CO 2007
To that end (and to take a visual break from the summer heat), leading off the images on my new, state of the art website I exhibit an old favorite of mine, Last Glimmer of Light in the newer, larger format. Captured just as the sun set on the Continental Divide as seen from Winter Park, Colorado, a moment later the light was gone.
As with all my images, the Fine Art prints exhibit far more detail than can be seen on-line, with this one showing the ridges on the mountaintop and snow on the dark trees at the bottom.
I captured this image many years ago and at the very last-minute as I dashed into a vacation rental and out to the deck just as we arrived at sunset. I barely had enough time to set up the tripod with a Canon L 400mm lens to assure the required detail in a subject that was so far away.
So, as I sometimes do, I twist the meaning of the title and present this new website to represent the opposite of…the last glimmer of light… for me. www.barrystevengreff.com
Granite Flow on a Rainy Day
Another black and white image of water flowing downward over and around hard granite rock in the beautiful state of Colorado. Although I usually stay away from even the slightest political
Granite Flow, Boulder, Colorado 2008
reference in my photography, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to achieve considering the way things are going, which certainly wouldn’t be described as smooth.
Notwithstanding, in my work I always try to concentrate on the natural beauty that has (so far) survived all that has occurred around it. This image was created on a rainy day, just outside the classic Colorado city of Boulder. The muted sky allows for the tripod mounted camera’s shutter to remain open long enough to slow down the motion of the water and the rain emphasizes the sharp detail of the granite rock.
Here’s to hoping things around us flow more smoothly going forward… although as I hear myself write it, I recognize just how hard it will be to achieve.
Flowing Downward / Rocky Mountains
A classic black and white image of a mighty river flowing downward in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
Downward Flow, Colorado 2010
After a particularly snowy winter, the melting runoff created a powerful flow down river. Captured using a tripod from a bridge over the river, the slow shutter speed caught the motion of the rushing water as it made its way around boulders and fallen trees.
Happy New Year 2017
Happy New Year 2017
Torch Run, New Years Eve, Keystone, CO 2007
An image that has always represented the celebration of the New Year to me was capturing the “Torch Run” on the slopes of Keystone, Colorado on New Years Eve ten years ago this year. As the clock struck midnight, skiers, holding red flares, slowly came down the slope in a wide “S” formation. The resulting scene was spectacular to behold live.
Due to the darkness of night and the motion of the skiers, it took quick experimentation to capture just enough blur to show the movement, while maintaining enough detail to see some of the individual skiiers holding up their flares.
This was clearly an image I pictured in my mind before taking it, and had set up my tripod at the bottom of the mountain at the correct angle to capture the snaking skiers.
Here’s hoping the future year…is a bright one, I could certainly use one about now.
U. S. National Park Service Celebrates 100 Years Today
On August 25, 2016, the U. S. National Park Service turns 100 years old. By the Act of March 1, 1872, Congress established Yellowstone National Park in the Territories of Montana and Wyoming “as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people” and placed it
River of Fallen Trees, Yellowstone National Park, 2010
“under exclusive control of the Secretary of the Interior.” The founding of Yellowstone National Park began a worldwide national park movement. initially, these parks were run by various government agencies so No single agency provided unified management of the varied federal parklands. On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service http://www.nps.gov, a federal bureau in the Department of the Interior
Bison, King of the Mountain, Yellowstone National Park, WY 2010
responsible for protecting the 35 national parks and monuments then managed by the department and those yet to be established.
Over the years I have had the privilege of visiting several of these jewels. Yellowstone has so much diversity to offer. Its variety and abundance of wildlife; steaming, colorful, prismatic springs and gushing geysers to name a few. The Visitor Center at Old Faithful actually has a clock on the wall that notifies visitors of eruption times within a few minutes either way. Now… there’s an App for that….assuming you can get service in the Park, you can time your visits to make sure you capture an eruption.
So, Happy 100th to the National Park Service. Here’s wishing it many more centennials of protecting these magnificent, natural wonders. Here’s also hoping they are still around to be enjoyed by our children and our children’s children. For this folks… is Mother Nature at her absolute finest.
Missing the Mountaintops / Lofty Goals
Mountaintops Reflected, West Yellowstone, MT 2010
With all the News reports of snow around the country, I miss the endless photographic opportunities that comes with it, along with the all the chaos.
On this particular day, in a place where snow is a fabric of the landscape much of the year, I made my first and only, unsuccessful attempt at flyfishing in a Yellowstone river. When I finally realized there would be no fish this day, I looked up to see the remaining light highlighting what looked like the clouds reflecting the mountaintops below them. I quickly exchanged my fishing gear for my camera gear to capture the scene before the light was gone. Using the almost sihlouetted row of Evergreens as a foreground element, this image was the one good thing I caught all day.
Later that night I enjoyed a fresh local trout, pan fried to perfection, at a small, West Yellowstone restaurant …the next best thing to catching it myself.
And Now for Something Completely Different / Time for a Change
Fantasy Island, Ode to M.C. Escher, 2006-2010
Albert Einstein is attributed with the clever quote: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” Although it has come into question as to whether or not he actually said it, it is still both catchy and thought-provoking.
After an absolutely awful year of health, which is still challenging me through the new year, it leads me to think it would be insane not to try something new going forward. That being said, my work has always been known for its rendition of Mother Earth’s natural beauty with very little, if any, help from post production “magic.” Notwithstanding, over the years, I have (secretly) dabbled in the creation of scenes which have been born in my mind’s eye and then generated from several composite images I have captured over time.
Hence, for the first time seen beyond my eyes, one of my more complicated compilations, Fantasy Island. Created from over a dozen images taken over several years, this is truly one that the viewer can see new things at every different turn. Produced in the mystical style of M.C. Escher, following the composition around, brings you back to the beginning…or does it? It’s enough to drive you insane.
Starting to Snow / At Least That’s What I Hear
Momentary Blizzard, OH 2013
Gray Wolf in Snow, Prone, West Yellowstone, 2010
Three Horses in Snow, Colorado 2010
From my immobile position in South Florida I hear that other parts of the country are starting to see their first snow fall.
Since I won’t see any of it first hand this year, here are images from some early snows that I memorialized …in days gone past.
Seen Again, but Through Different Eyes / Falling Water
Multnomah Falls, OR 2009
In my humble opinion, the Pacific Northwest in one of the most beautiful places our country has to offer. From spectacular granite cliffs, to sand dunes to majestic waterfalls cascading through dense, green foliage. Back in another lifetime, I went there when I could, to re-charge my batteries through the peaceful energy Mother Nature provided in her most spectacular locales.
The 620 foot Multnomah Falls is the most well-known of a series of 77 waterfalls that dot the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. There are only three higher falls in the nation and Multnomah is arguably the most beautiful of those. A trail from the famous Multnomah Falls Lodge (built in 1925) climbs up the side towards the Simon Benson Bridge and then winds further towards the top. Due to 25 years of spine issues, although I have been known (on a good day) to head down a relatively level trail, this uphill battle was not one that I took on.
Instead, I tried unsuccessfully to capture the entire falls, including the zig zagging upper part, in my frame. The bright light at the top of the image is from the setting sun which also prevented me from properly exposing the entire falls. Finally, using a wide angle lens and a tripod, I cropped out the majestic lower falls and slowed down how the eyes see the water movement, which I could only do after the sun had slipped almost entirely behind the mountain. The smooth cascade and deep green surroundings transforms this visual capture of an iconic place from the usual scenic shot into a Fine Art image.
As my analogies have gone for some time, for those of you who actually read what I say, this also exemplifies the downward fall I have been experiencing with my health. After a very long battle, hopefully my future posts will begin to elicit some hope in that department. We shall see. …Either way, I have captured some serious magic in my time, in my images and in my mind.
Happy Father’s Day 2015 / Make My Day
Lowland Gorilla (Make My Day), 2010
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY 2015
Looking Ahead.
Hope is on the Horizon, Coeur d’ Alene, ID 2010
Here’s hoping that 2015 brings bright new light…after the fog.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2014
Lit Tree, Winter Park, CO 2007
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
BARRY STEVEN GREFF
Falling Water / Collector’s Edition
Scenic Waterfall, Boone, NC 2005
Earlier this year, a couple who are not only two of my oldest and dearest friends, but earliest and continuous supporters, added some new pieces of my work to their collection. In addition to the custom Cityscape in their luxury Manhattan apartment, they added two country scenics to their new vacation home.
This image, Scenic Waterfall, created in 2005, had never been printed or even shown before. After some post production love, the piece was enlarged to accommodate an approximate five foot high space and hung in their new country home.
Here’s hoping the piece watches over many wonderful family memories in their new escape and as always…I thank them for their friendship and support.
BSG shows 3 Images at “Forgotten” Exhibition at A Smith Gallery, Texas
Road to Old House, Ohio 2013
River of Fallen Trees, Yellowstone N.P. 2010
Old Pilings, Naples, FL 2013
Esteemed juror, Blue Mitchell http://bluemitchell.com/ has chosen three images from three different series of my work to be shown at the “Forgotten” Exhibition at the A Smith Gallery http://asmithgallery.com/.
Established in May, 2010, A Smith Gallery is located in Johnson City, Texas in the Nugent Avenue Arts District. The gallery exhibits the work of both amateur and professional photographers through juried and invitational exhibitions. Amanda Smith is the Gallery Director assisted by Kevin Tully serving as Assistant Gallery Director.
Blue Mitchell is an independent publisher, curator, educator, and photographer. Based in Portland, Oregon, he has been involved with many facets of the photographic arts. Mitchell received his BFA from Oregon College of Art & Craft where he teaches studio school classes and workshops. Mitchell is the Founding Editor of Diffusion: Unconventional Photography, an independent, reader and contributor supported annual that highlights and celebrates unconventional photographic processes and photo related artwork. In addition to organizing and curating physical exhibitions around the country, Mitchell curates Plates to Pixels, an online photographic gallery that bridges the gap between antiquated photographic processes and new digital media.
Exhibition dates | September 19 to November 2, 2014
Reception | September 27 & October 25, 2014 both 4 to 7pm
My gratitude to Blue and Amanda for their support of my work.
Up the Creek Without a Paddle
Mountain Stream, Boone, NC 2005
I captured this old favorite of mine while we were staying in a cabin outside of Boone, North Carolina close to the Blue Ridge Highway. Breathtaking during autumn, this area is also quite beautiful throughout the year. This particular tributary was located right across the roadway from our cabin. When I first found it, the lighting was too bright to slow down the water to show motion.
It is always a good idea to re-visit locations if you can during different lighting situations. I returned to the scene when the sky was overcast and there had recently been a light rain. This type of lighting is best for these situations and allowed me to set up my tripod just inside the flow and capture the water as it made its way towards me. The blue and yellow butterflies that were fluttering around me didn’t make the picture, but still remain in my mind’s eye.
Arctic Thunder / Glacier Calving
Hubbard Glacier Calving, Alaska 2004
From fire (in my last post) to ice, here. The sudden release and breaking away of a mass of ice from a glacier is known as calving. Witnessing this phenomenon is a once in a lifetime experience.
The sound that occurs when the ice breaks off is like a resounding crack or boom you might hear in a severe lightning storm. All in all, one of the great natural acts one can witness that stays with you forever.
…On a separate note, sometimes a photograph can exhibit an image inside an image. If you look to the bottom right of the frame, you can see what looks likes a human face in the crashing icy water. I have isolated it below to exhibit its eerie likeness. Just a little something extra in an already phenomenal experience.
Ice Face, Alaska, 2004
Earth Day 2014
Mother Earth
In 2011, I decided to create a 3 minute montage of some of my images to commemorate Earth Day (April 22nd each year). My goal was to celebrate the planet’s natural beauty and put forth the message of conservation and preservation.
Initially, I planned on making a new video each year, but life got in the way. So, until such time as I can create a new one, I re-post the original around Earth Day each year.
I added natural sound to the finished piece and the haunting musical soundtrack is Willow and the Light by Kevin MacLeod. (A good pair of stereo headphones can enhance the experience).
If you haven’t seen it before, I hope you enjoy it and when it comes to Mother Earth…choose wisely.
The Lost Coast / Where Heaven Meets Earth
Where Heaven Meets Earth, Lost Coast, CA 2009
To get to this pristine paradise in Humboldt County, California, one needs to hike in from either the north or south. There are no roads for a 25 mile stretch, hence the name “Lost Coast.”
On this particular day, the low clouds drifted in and practically touched the Sea…the closest I have come to a place where Heaven meets Earth.
Winter Snow / Neverending Story
Momentary Blizzard, OH 2013
Gray Wolf in Snow, Prone, West Yellowstone, 2010
Having grown up in the Northeast and traveled throughout the West, I am no stranger to snow and snowstorms. Not having left South Florida this winter, I am relegated to the TV to see the relentless barrage of snowstorms a large portion of the country has been subject to.
Here are a couple of images created over the years as the snowflakes fell (or blew in the case of the first image)… thinking about those effected by the continuing storms and hoping they make it through to the thaw.
SERIES: The Roads Less Traveled / The Vanishing Point
Country Road, East, Florida 2013
For as long as I have been creating images, I have been intrigued by the concept of the “vanishing point.” Railroad tracks, roads, pathways, all leading to the unknown. Here are a couple of country roads exemplifying the concept, one in the eastern U.S. and one in the western U.S.
To me, the series I have entitled: The Road Less Traveled, speaks not to where I have been…but to where I am going.
Country Road, West, Colorado, 2009
Capitol Snow
Denver Capitol in Snow, CO 2008
All the news about extreme weather in the Northeast and Midwest, got me thinking about images I have created in snow over the years.
With that in mind, as well as the constant barrage of political news, here is an image that combines the two but represents an example of a(n image of) Government…that actually works. The added fog is a metaphor for, …well you know.
Happy New Year from Barry Steven Greff
Torch Run, New Years Eve, Keystone, CO 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Fireworks No.1, 2013
Happy Holidays from Barry Steven Greff
Whether you are in the COUNTRY, or the CITY…
Lit Tree, Winter Park CO 2007
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from BARRY STEVEN GREFF
Ornaments, New York City, 2012
