Archive
Winter Wonderland / Snow Scenes
Last Glimmer of Light, Winter Park CO 2007
Missing the snow and cold weather this winter, I am posting a couple of old favorites that I have previously posted. The trick with photographing snow is to not over-expose the white stuff. Best accomplished in overcast weather, make sure to keep the detail in snow by capturing edges, footprints or anything else that might break up the all white scene. The situation above was an exception to the rule. The very last glimmer of sunlight was disappearing behind the mountains and barely highlighted the far away peak. The low clouds and tree-line below makes this winter scene. In the printed image, you can clearly see snow on all the trees and the ridges in the snow on the peak.
Equine Snow Scene, Winter Park CO 2007
Above, this beauty stood alone in a fenced-in meadow with a bare forest behind. Seeing this perfect winter scene, I pulled over and captured the image before the animal moved and the composition was gone.
In December, the Colorado Rocky Mountains are truly a …winter wonderland.
Welcome Fall / The Gold Standard
It’s Only Black and White…But I Like It / Three Horses in Snow
Three Horses in Snow, Colorado 2010
Three Horses grazing after an unexpected, brief summer snow in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. A scene like this called for Black and White. The composition of the horses within the frame and their respective poses are what make the image. Watching for head, leg and tail movement all go into the final image. Including some grass on the bottom frames the scene.
Ok, so the original lyric was about Rock and Roll… and I like that too.
Sunset Mountain / (Almost) Missed Moments
Sunset Mountain, Winter Park, CO 2007
In contrast to my last post, other sunsets are spectacular. Case in point, we were driving to Winter Park from Denver a few years back and looking for the condo we were going to stay in for a few days. It was getting close to sunset and as a photographer who loves shooting landscapes, the last place you want to be when the sun is setting…is in a car.
We finally located the place and I ran inside to check the view (which is my primary requisite for any vacation rental) and there, through the wall of windows, I saw the scene above. I barely had time to grab my tripod and set up to shoot the scene when the beautiful sunset light was gone. I did manage to get off a few great captures in the brief moments I had before the light disappeared.
Moral of the story, even in photography (maybe especially in photography)…timing is everything.
Shooting the Moon…from right here at home
Moon and Stars, 2013
With today’s modern technology, good cameras and lenses can shoot great distances. At first glance this image might seem as if it had been shot from an approaching space shuttle. To the contrary, I captured the Moon in a Waxing Gibbous phase, craters and all, from the driveway in front of my house…on Earth.
Utilizing a Canon 50D camera, a 100-400mm L lense and setting an ISO of 2,000, I was also able to expose the surrounding stars. No telescope, just a tripod, remote shutter release and some patience. Now, that’s over the Moon.
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.
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.
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
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.
Oh, Give Me a Home Where the Buffalo Roam
Where the Buffalo Roam, Wyoming 2005
Seeking the promise of hundreds of miles of unbridled snowmobile trails we took the extremely long drive from Denver, Colorado, north to Wyoming. Seemingly placed as a welcome sign for the state, the moment we crossed the border into Wyoming, there was a herd of Buffalo, or Bison if you prefer, grazing on the plains. This is one of those scenes that I definitely stop the car for. Killing two birds with one stone, I enjoyed a must needed stretch and also created an image framed by the fence posts in the foreground leading back to the foothills. The bright blue sky seemed to go on forever and topped off the memorable scene, luckily it was a bit “cloudy all day,” at least enough to compliment the scene.
So yes, there are definitely Buffalo in Wyoming…even as soon as you get there, and hundreds of miles of unbridled snowmobile trails to boot (pun intended).
Bears and Wolves, Oh My – Wild Scenes Repeated
Bear in Field of Flowers, British Columbia, 2004
Although my specialties are close-up intimate portraits of animals and iconic landscapes, when you are out shooting and a beautiful wild animal happens by, you can’t help capturing them (photographically speaking) in their natural environment.
On the trip to British Columbia mentioned a few posts ago, I had seen a brochure for a “bear tour” offered at the extreme sports desk in downtown Whistler. Run by a bear “expert,” a few of us adventurous (ie. crazy) souls hopped into this man’s SUV for a summer drive up the ski slopes and into the woods. There he brought us (on foot) to within a very short distance of some 300 to 400 pound Black Bears in the wild. Apparently (and gratefully) they were used to his presence, because they went about their business as we quietly stood by in awe. The darkness of the woods made it very difficult to get a good shot (I didn’t think using a flash was wise), so I was lucky to capture this one image as the bear left the woods and crossed a field of flowers.
This is one of several bucket-list items I have tried once, I cherish the memory of, but don’t plan on doing again…at least not for this species.
Wolf in Field, Yellowstone, WY 2010
Driving along the road seeking landscape images in Yellowstone, I came across this wolf making his way across a field. Reminded of the bear image I captured many years before, I shot this as he passed in front of me. The image tends to show my progression as a photographer and in this National Park the wildlife is accustomed to humans, which can be very dangerous when we get too close to them… Thank goodness for long lenses.
Into the Clouds – Top of a Glacier in Black and White
Into the Clouds, British Columbia, 2004
While at the top of the Glacier mentioned in the last post, I would have been remiss not to have created some Fine Art work. Special places tend to result in special images, as I like to believe this one is. The granite mountaintop is lightly covered in snow and breaking through the clouds. Clearly, not something you see…or feel, everyday.
Christmas in July – To the Mountaintop for a Walk in the Clouds
Glacier, British Columbia, 2004
Blackcomb Helicopter, British Columbia, 2004
Having seen various marketing ads this week featuring the concept of Christmas in July, I was inspired to post a cold image during the sweltering heat we feel here in South Florida at this time of year, and now being felt by much of the country as well.
Several years ago, on a trip to British Columbia, Canada, we took a helicopter flight to the top of a glacier near the resort town of Whistler with a company that is now known as Blackcomb Aviation http://www.blackcombaviation.com/. Landing and then walking around at what seems like the top of the world, the peace one feels standing in the clouds is inexplicable. After this experience, I knew where they came up with the term “walking on cloud nine” to describe the feeling of blissful happiness…that about describes it.
Water Down – Wild River Scenic
Wild River, Rocky Mountains, CO 2010
One more cascade image to go with the flow… of the last two posts. After an exceptionally harsh winter season in the Rocky Mountains, the runoff from the melting snow made for some powerful rivers and waterfalls. I captured this image from a bridge that was right in the path of the thunderous cascade, just before being ordered off by some Park Rangers (justifiably) concerned for my safety.
A tripod was necessary to capture the detail of the trees and rocks and to make a long exposure emphasizing the flow of the water. The key to an image like this is an overcast sky to avoid overexposure of the smooth water and carefully composing the scene while maintaining secure footing. The idea is to get the shot, without losing any equipment…or your life.
Attitude – Cougar Style
Cougar, CO 2008
Usually, the key to a good animal portrait is capturing the eyes…but not always. Although my series of animal portraits: Of the Wild www.barrystevengreff.com concentrates on the eyes, I can’t resist a good growl, yawn, or shake.
Case in point, this image of a Cougar, mid yawn. In an image like this I seek to capture clean, crisp detail of the the teeth and the papillae of the tongue. These sharp, raspy projections act as a sort of comb for the animal to groom itself, just like a common house cat. Unlike Tabby, a Cougar’s tongue also allows it to remove all the meat from the bone of its prey.
The largest Cougar on record weighed 276 pounds and depending on the region of North America, are also known as mountain lion, puma and panther. Although in the wild they feed on deer, elk and moose, an occasional hiker has had their journey end when unexpectedly crossing paths with one of these beauties.
One is the Loneliest Number – The Colors of Spring
Lone Tree, Davie, FL 2012
To celebrate the first day of Spring I wanted to create a new image that would exhibit the bright colors of the season, which begins March 20th. To that end, this weekend we explored a local park that although it had been around for years, I had never been inside.
I have often mentioned here, my photographic frustration with South Florida’s virtually flat topography. You have to drive north to Winter Park, outside of Orlando before you start seeing varying elevations. So it is an unusual experience to find a South Florida park with (large) rolling hills. In order to accomplish this, the Parks and Recreation Department (Leslie Nopes would be proud) covered the local landfill with grass and punctuated the top with an occasional tree (Broward County’s Vista View Park http://bit.ly/GAPt30). Shooting a (Canon L) 400 mm lens from atop one hill across to another, I isolated one of those trees against a magnificent sky full of clouds. Utilizing a circular polarizer or graduated neutral density filter brings out the deep blue of the sky. The exaggerated use of negative space makes for a dynamic composition emphasizing the concept of…one.
Snow Gets In Your Eyes – Gray Wolf in Yellowstone
Snow Gets in Your Eyes, Prone Gray Wolf in Snow, West Yellowstone, MT 2010
Living in South Florida it is easy to forget that other parts of the world are being snowed upon. Although I understand this has been a particularly mild winter throughout the U.S., I decided to get in one last (previously shot) snow image before Spring.
Although my usual animal images are close-up, intimate portraits, every once in a while I can’t resist an environmental portrait. This gray wolf took the sudden snowfall in stride, sleeping on and off and occasionally peeking out to see what was going on. Living with other wolves in a beautiful West Yellowstone refuge, these animals could not be re-introduced into the wild for various reasons and live a good life less than a mile away from Yellowstone National Park.
President’s Day – Honest Abe – That’s Just Capital
Honest Abe, Washington DC 2005
A bit of a departure from my usual Fine Art work, a unique view of the Lincoln Memorial to remember President’s Day. Since a scenic is never far away…here’s That’s Just Capital. If you thought it didn’t look like the U.S. Capitol, you were correct. This is actually the Denver State Capitol Building in Colorado.
That’s Just Capital, Denver, CO 2008
Recap 2011 – The Sun Sets on Another Year
Front Row Seats, Torrey Pines, CA 2008
Not one for shooting sunsets and silhouettes, I did feel that this image of a couple watching the sun set from high atop a cliff, best depicted a (not so) fond farewell to 2011. In a year marred by two surgeries and their aftermath, my mobility was surely limited. Notwithstanding, I was pleased to have my work recognized as follows:
-Dreams Exhibition, Center for Fine Art Photography, Fort Collins, CO, (Aline Smithson, juror);
-Artists Haven Gallery, (Wendy M. Blazier, Senior Curator, Boca Raton Museum of Art, juror);
-Portfolio Showcase Volume 5, Center for Fine Art Photography, (Chris Pichler, Publisher, Nazraeli Press, juror);
-PDN on-line, Photo of the Day (Amber Terranova, Editor);
-Featureshoot, one of LIFE’s 2011 Best Photo Blogs (Alison Zavos, Publisher/Managing Editor);
-The OPEN (“BSG is among other things, a master at close-up, intimate portraits of wildlife”);
-Freshly Pressed, Photo Blog: www.adventuresfrombehindtheglass.com, WordPress;
-SHUTTERBUG Magazine, Website: www.barrystevengreff.com, (Inspiring Images And Image-Makers, Joe Farace on BSG: “He’s created insightful works of great authority and style.”);
-The Photocloser (Frank Meo); getaddictedto.com; notcot.org, Light & Composition, etc.;
-Agency Access & Chatterbulletin (Louisa Curtis);
-Black & White Spider Awards, professional Fine Art nominee;
-added to exclusive private collections in New York City, Baton Rouge, LA, etc.;
-and starting January 2012 by inclusion in the book resulting from the Chris Pichler juried Portfolio Showcase No. 5 at C4fap.
I would like to thank all of the curators, publishers, editors and writers for their gracious support of my work in 2011 and here’s looking forward to a great 2012. Barry
…As I stated in an earlier post entitled Promise of a New Day which featured this next image:
At the fleeting moments of dusk, the sun shines a final stroke of light as it sets below the horizon. More important than the beauty each sunset exhibits, its greatest asset is …the promise of a new day.
*Happy New Year from Barry Steven Greff Photography*
Last Light, Torrey Pines, CA 2008
It’s All Downhill From Here.
Torch Run, Keystone, CO 2007
Having had a very rough 2011, I turned 54 yesterday and I greatly appreciate all of the well wishes. New friends can always join me on my FaceBook Photography Page which can be found at http://on.fb.me/dFOCUU. Coincidentally, I also read a blog yesterday on WordPress’s Freshly Pressed http://bit.ly/nI1ORa claiming that photographers create their most influential work between 20 and 45……Not.
Although the writer is a very well-respected Fine Art Photographer, Alec Soth, to me, age knows no photographic limitation. Heart, vision and soul can be exhibited at any time in your life. In my case, maturity has increased my photographic insight and patience. Looking through some of my older work recently, I realized that much of it was good, but predictable. Although my images were often published editorially in the past, it is only since 2008 that I have sought (and gained significant) recognition in the Fine Art Photography world. So much for the argument that my best photographic years are behind me.
This particular image was created on New Years Eve 2007. Waiting at the bottom of the ski run, at the countdown to 2008 skiers dressed in black and snaked down the mountain carrying red flares. To capture this image required a tripod and fast shutter speed. Stopping the action with just a slight blur to show motion, while using only the available light from the flares, was definitely a challenge (for a photographer of any age).
That being said, I plan on creating unique and interesting images for as long as I can see and carry a camera. Notwithstanding that which I may have been dealing with in 2011, in 2012 and beyond I seek to continue on a prolific photographic path, and to accomplish that I have to believe …it’s all downhill from here.