Archive
America….My Country, Tis of Thee
Through the lunacy these days of our political “landscape” (pun intended), it is crucial for us all to remember the simple basics for which we stand. From the physical beauty of our land to the inner
Nubble Light, York, Maine 2004
beauty of so many of our good people, it is a national pride that should join us all. To me, these classic images created along the coast of Maine are the epitome of the feeling of Americana. The commonly shot Nubble Light above was perfectly lit at low tide when I came upon it while two seabirds were circling the tiny island that sits 100 yards off of Cape Neddick Point.
I watched as the two birds circled, and timed the shot so that one bird fit the composition of the scene in the sky while the other blended into the image just above the little red shed.
New England Light, Maine Coast 2004
The bottom image was shot at dusk in what was again, perfectly warm New England light. The tiny white specs on the rocks and in the water are seabirds settling in for the night.
I will never forget stopping to ask directions from a local to the best place to eat lobster. He was out for an evening walk and did everything short of drawing me a map, going well out of his way to make sure that I knew exactly where I was going before I pulled off.
To me, these are true examples of America…and, btw, the lobster was unbelievable.
The Art of the Sea from the Motion of the Ocean
When most people look at the ocean they see the waves as they ebb and flow. Although most find it enjoyable to the senses, something additional happens to me. I tend to follow the actions of the
Ebb and Flow, Deerfield Beach 2013
waves as they come ashore and then again as they retreat back out. I also gravitate to those sea shores that contain rocks, piers or any other solid structures around which the water must traverse. I visually slow the motion of the water down in my mind’s eye and foresee the beautiful form it takes as it surrounds the rocks or pylons in its way.
Time and Tide Wait For No Man, Deerfield Beach, FL 2013
Using a tripod during the dawn or dusk hours I can capture the slowed down motion of the water as it crests and eventually hits the beach and returns from whence it came. Seeing the scene in advance helps me create the final image and timing is everything.
I am sure that for all eternity, one of my favorite forms of art…will be that of the Sea.
After the Storm / Surf’s Up / Time to Shoot
As indicated in the last post, as a long time resident of South Florida, if you pay attention to the local media broadcasts, you can maintain a pretty good idea as to what, if any, effects a storm will have on your area.
Goodnight Irene, Deerfield Beach, FL 2011
As often happens, it is not until late in the game that the storm takes a wobble one way or another. Matthew went 30 miles west just before passing South Florida, resulting in 100 miles between the eye and us. That turned out to be good news for our area, only downing some branches, and the occasional tree uprooted by a strong gust.
Sunrise after Sandy, Stuart, FL 2012
Notwithstanding, in the past I have gone to the beach to shoot after the danger has subsided and created some classic images. The sky is eerily beautiful and the waves are always strong (hopefully not too strong because the storm surge is often as damaging as the wind).
Not feeling up to it this time, here are a few from some former storms. Until the next one.
Cure the Blues with a long, dry walk into the Ocean / Lit Pier
For me, in the past, nothing cures the blues, or brings you right into them, like a walk out on the pier at night. No matter what time of year, there is ususally a nice breeze blowing and once out toward the end you are walking just above the ocean waves.
Lit Pier, Deerfield Beach, FL, 2014
If you are lucky during the summer months you might see some lightnining strikes out at sea, but whatever time of year you head out, you are sure to take a mental break from whatever is happening in your life at the time as the sea flows around you.
So, in order to cure the blues, head straight for them…the deep dark blues…and hopefully you can accomplish this and ..still stay dry.
Photo District News recognizes BSG’s Lightning, Outer Banks, NC 2005
Photo District News (PDN) is the award-winning magazine for the professional photography industry whose on-line presence is Photoserve.com http://bit.ly/1zmIcPX
The PhotoServe newsletter goes out every month to over 15,000 industry creatives. As a photographer (or creative), a subscription to PDN is essential to keeping your pulse on the photo industry.
Considering the quality of imagery in PDN on a regular basis, I’m honored to have my image “Lightning, Outer Banks, NC” chosen as one of their Top 10 images of June 2016.
Lightning, Outer Banks, NC 2005
The image, which is the most powerful bolt of lightning I have ever seen captured on film, was created under some unique circumstances. We were visiting the quaint city of New Bern http://www.visitnewbern.com/ which served as the capital of the North Carolina colonial government, then briefly as the state capital. After visiting places where historical figures such as George Washington, John Adams and Alexander Hamilton had slept, I wanted to visit the famous Outer Banks.
This being before the days of Mapquest, I thought it was going to be a quick day trip and didn’t even bring my tripod. After a two hour drive just to get there, then realizing it would take a day to drive the Banks and explore https://www.outerbanks.org/, I found a hotel on the beach. That night, a thunder storm that shook the building brought me out to the balcony to improvise in an attempt to capture some of the continuous lightning strikes. Using a cloth on the balcony railing, I set up the composition, stabilized the camera enough to leave the shutter open and watched the storm move until…bam, this incredible bolt hit beautifully composed behind the life guard stand. The fact that everything in the image is “tack” sharp, including the lightning hitting the water, as the sawgrass blows slightly in the wind, is extremely fortunate and makes this an iconic, beautiful large print for display.
So, thanks again to PDN for the recognition, and if anyone is interested in having an image on their wall…that will definitely blow everyone away, reach out through http://www.barrystevengreff.com or barrystevengreff@gmail.com
Meet me in St. Louis…at least my work.
St. Louis Fine Print Fair – May 6-8, 2016
CITYSCAPES
Touch the Sky, 30 Rock
Cab Ride in the Rain, NYC
This weekend, from May 6 through May 8, is the 10th annual St. Louis Fine Print Fair http://bit.ly/R5eI8K. Stop by the booth of photography addict/rep, Jeff Appel of Photography Past & Present, Missouri http://www.photographypastandpresent.com/ to see the work of some highly respected photographers as well as some terrific emerging artists.
Jeff works with many prestigious photographers such as Roger Ballen, Paul Caponigro, John Sexton, Jock Sturges, Roman Loranc and Alan Ross, who was Ansel Adam’s photographic assistant. Other artists such as Cole and Kim Weston, whose father was the famed 20th Century photographer Edward Weston, have created great work themselves. Finally, Jeff works with some talented emerging and/or mid-career artists such as Camille Seaman and…yes, Barry Steven Greff. The four images above will be available at the fair and many others can be viewed at http://www.barrystevengreff.com. So, “Meet me in St. Louis” (sort of) this weekend. Anyone interested in getting on the guest list can reach Jeff through his website or on FB at http://bit.ly/1WECQN7. Friday night is a Silent Auction and Preview Party from 6-9 pm.
So if you happen to be in Ole St. Lou, stop by and see Jeff…and tell him Barry sent you.
Happy Valentines Day / Moments to Remember
A Moment to Remember, South Pointe, Miami Beach 2011
Over my lifetime, I would match those romantic moments I have created with anyone.
On these two occasions, I cannot take credit for anything other than being in the right place at the right time and capturing such moments photographically.
In the image above, I was shooting the waves crashing against the South Pointe jetty as the sun set. There are always people on the rocks fishing, taking pictures or just contemplating. On this particular evening, a young couple was standing there as a huge cruise ship passed them heading out to sea. The epic nature of the moment was not lost on them, and they turned it into a romantic moment to remember. A tripod allowed me to capture the slight movement of lights on the seaward ship while keeping there motionless embrace in focus.
Front Row Seats, Torrey Pines, CA 2008
On the opposite coast, this couple planned ahead and took the time and effort to climb up the seaside cliff to await the sunset. Meanwhile, I had been walking up a trail on the mountain behind them towards the ocean view, unaware of how far it was to the top. As I have often done in the past, racing against the setting sun, I reached the top just in time and this is what I saw in front of me. Moving to the best vantage point for this composition, it was clear to me that this couple had the best seats in the house and had created there own …moment to remember.
