Cruising the Harbor - Newport, Rhode Island

Newport Harbor, Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island, is a great New England destination for many reasons. It is best known for it's opulent mansions that border the city's Cliff Walk. The mansions that were built by the ultra-rich during the Gilded Age are a must-see attraction (I have posted numerous photos of them). Newport is also well known for its sailing, and it is a sailing mecca for the sailing enthusiast. In fact, it has hosted twelve America's Cup races (the last time was in 1983). 

My wife and I visited Newport in September with friends, and the city was bustling with a boat show in town. The weather was terrific the first day we were there, and we decided to book a cruise the next day, Of course, the weather turned cold and became quite windy, but we headed out anyway. When banking for turns, the boat seemed to go almost straight up, and there were times I was looking almost straight down into the water when I looked across from my seat. I can only image what it must be like in one of the America's Cup races. Anyway, on the way back to port, I spotted this beauty heading in the same direction.

Fall in Acadia - Acadia National Park, Maine

Eagle Lake, Acadia National Park, Maine

There are two large lakes in Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island, and both have views of the Bubbles (two mountains that look like bubbles). Earlier, I posted this photo of the Bubbles from Jordan Pond that was taken in the morning, after the rain and clouds began to move on. Later in the afternoon, the NxNW crew headed to Eagle Lake to shoot a bit. As you can see, the weather front had totally moved on, leaving us with a great fall afternoon. From the northern edge of the lake, one of the Bubble's back side (could be the front side) can be seen in the distance. The lake was pretty still, especially for the middle of the afternoon. A bonus is the silhouette of a crane and it's reflection that can be found in the middle of the lake (you can see it better by clicking on the photo).

Empty Epcot - Walt Disney World, Florida

Epcot, Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

After my trip to Colorado, NYC and Acadia, I actually spent a couple of weeks at home before my wife and I headed to Disney for two weeks with great friends. Given all of the photos I have shot this year, I went there with the intention of shooting very little and just enjoying the warm weather. That doesn't mean that I didn't shoot at all, but I shot less over these two weeks that I normally shoot in a day. The park was relatively busy, as Disney was hosting it's annual International Wine and Food Festival. We signed up for a French breakfast in Epcot at the Les Chefs de France restaurant. Since the breakfast began before Epcot was open to the general public, I was able to capture this shot with some terrific morning light, and there was not a soul to be seen (that is right, no pixels were erased using content aware fill). I only wish that we had the park to ourselves for the rest of the day.

Guarding Acadia - Acadia National Park, Maine

Bass Harbor Light, Acadia National Park, Maine

I hope that you enjoyed my photos in the Black and White Photo Challenge last week as much as I enjoyed participating in it. Now we are back to normal and posting color images. I haven't focused much on my recent trips to Colorado, Acadia, Newport and Disney and will try to over the next few weeks.

First up, we head to Acadia National Park and one of my favorite subjects, lighthouses. The Bass Harbor Light is located in the southwest portion of Mount Desert Island in the park. It is one of the iconic shots that commonly shows up when searching online for Acadia. Given its popularity, photographers are drawn to the location at sunset, when the soft light glows on the lighthouse. The challenge is to get there early enough to get a spot. It is not unusual for photographers to climb down on the rocks (you definitely must be sure footed) to get there two hours before sunrise to secure a good spot. 

For this shot, the NxNW crew (all ten of us) got there a little later than we wanted, and we were really lucky to get a spot in the very small parking lot. After unpacking and scrambling over the rocks, we barely had enough room to get a decent angle at the light. It is always fun shooting with a group because time passes quickly with a lot of laughs. Once the sun started lowering to the horizon, all talk was gone and only the sound of cameras clicking was heard.

I tried quite a few compositions, and I really like this one--a bit wider shot that captured some of the water in the foreground. 

Dirt Road - Moab, Utah

Professor Valley, Colorado River Scenic Byway, Moab, Utah

Five Day B&W Photo Challenge - Day 5

A few weeks ago, I was nominated on Facebook to participate in the 5-day B&W Photo Challenge by three fellow photographers (Jimi Jones, Edith Levy and Bobby Strader), and on Google+ by another photographer (James Howe). As a result, the blog will feature only Black and White images (all edited this past weekend for this challenge) this week.

For my last photo on this challenge, I am taking you to sunrise along the Colorado River Scenic Byway (aka River Road). This was taken back in March, as part of Jeff Clow's Moab Photo Tour (not to be missed). This particular dirt road is part of the Professor Valley area of Moab. I really like how the different layers of light pop in this black and white version. The well-lit road and the partially-lit peaks contrast well with the dark shadows below the peaks.

I really enjoyed this challenge, as it made me really think hard about selecting images for black and white treatment. One of my goals for 2014 was to process more B&W images, and I think that I have posted more of them this year than in the previous five years. Many thanks to Jimi, Edith, Bobby and James for offering me the opportunity to participate.

Island Flow - Jasper National Park, Alberta

Sumwapta Falls, Jasper National Park, Alberta

Five Day B&W Photo Challenge - Day 4

A few weeks ago, I was nominated on Facebook to participate in the 5-day B&W Photo Challenge by three fellow photographers (Jimi Jones, Edith Levy and Bobby Strader) and on Google+ by another photographer (James Howe). As a result, the blog will feature only Black and White images (all edited this past weekend for this challenge) this week.

One of the subjects that I think really benefits from black and white treatment is flowing water that has been captured during a long exposure. I think that the movement of the water is accentuated, making it more visual to the eye. I took this image just off of the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park. The water flows toward the Sumwapta Falls, which can be found downstream. The little island in the middle is a little reminiscent of Spirit Island, also located in the park.

Lighting in the Storm - Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Five Day B&W Photo Challenge - Day 3

A few weeks ago, I was nominated on Facebook to participate in the 5-day B&W Photo Challenge by three fellow photographers (Jimi Jones, Edith Levy and Bobby Strader) and on Google+ by another photographer (James Howe). As a result, the blog will feature only Black and White images (all edited this past weekend for this challenge) this week.

This past September, I spent a couple of days in Rocky Mountain National Park before joining Rick Louie for his excellent Colorado Fall Photo Tour (highly recommended). The first full day the weather was pretty bad, and the beautiful sunrise and sunset I had planned to shoot was not going to be. Of course, bad weather has it's own benefits that can result in some pretty dramatic shots. This was the case as I was driving the Trail Ridge Road that connects the eastern and western sides of the park. I spotted these sun rays lighting up a small part of the landscape and pulled over quickly to capture it. Since the colors of the scene were a bit muted, I felt that this photo screamed black and white.

Stark - Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Five Day B&W Photo Challenge - Day 2

A few weeks ago, I was nominated on Facebook to participate in the 5-day B&W Photo Challenge by three fellow photographers (Jimi Jones, Edith Levy and Bobby Strader) and on Google+ by another photographer (James Howe). As a result, the blog will feature only Black and White images (all edited this past weekend for this challenge) this week.

For my second day of this challenge, we head to Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. It is a mecca for Urbex photographers even though it is now a historical site and museum. The prison was built in 1829 and was the largest and most expensive public structure in the country at that time. It is an eerie place, with all of the ghosts of past prisoners probably floating around. I thought that a black and white treatment would convey the starkness of the place.

Reflections in Black & White - Banff National Park, Alberta

Herbert Lake, Icefields Parkway, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

 Five Day B&W Photo Challenge - Day 1

A few weeks ago, I was nominated on Facebook to participate in the 5-day B&W Photo Challenge by three fellow photographers (Jimi Jones, Edith Levy and Bobby Strader) and on Google+ by another photographer (James Howe). I am not sure why I was so popular for this challenge, but I hope I am up for the task. Due to my travels over the past four weeks, I am finally getting around to meeting the challenge. As a result, the blog will feature only Black and White images (all edited this past weekend for this challenge) this week.

Since I am primarily a landscape photographer, I wanted to pick a landscape for my first B&W post. What better subject for that medium than capturing snow on the peaks of magnificent mountains? I knew immediately that the Canadian Rockies would be my subject. A quick look through my Banff National Park images resulted in picking this view of Herbert Lake, located on the Icefields Parkway. The sun had just risen and it lit the peaks perfectly, creating the contrast of the snow with the rugged dark mountain. The fact that I had a perfectly still lake added to the beautiful scene.

Bridge Crossing - Banff National Park, Alberta

Num Ti Jah Lodge, Bow Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Just got back from Disney after spending a couple of weeks relaxing. I shot sparingly on this trip, as I was probably "shot out" (if that is possible) from all of the great adventures that I have had this year. I have thousands of images to go through this winter and I am looking forward to reviewing them. 

Earlier this year, I visited Banff National Park with Jeff Clow on one of his great photo tours. One morning, we stopped at one of my favorite locations along the Icefields Parkway - the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. Located on Bow Lake, it is a great location for mountain and lake shots. Every time I visit Banff, I say that I will stay at the lodge and never do. I will make it a point to stay there on my next Banff trip. This is a scene from behind the lodge before the buses of tourists showed up. That is Crowfoot Mountain in the background.

Newport Granduer - Newport, Rhode Island

The Breakers, Newport, Rhode Island

Every time we visit Newport, Rhode Island, we end up visiting the mansions that line Cliff Walk. These architectural wonders are remnants from the Gilded Age, when the captains of industry built these opulent "summer cottages". The term Gilded Age was coined by Mark Twain to satirize the social problems of the times that were masked by a thin gold gilding. 

Perhaps the most visible disparity between the workers and the rich is the Breakers. This mansion boasts 125,000 square feet of space ("only" 62,500 square feet of living area), and was used by the Vanderbilt family during the summers. It is now owned by the Newport Preservation Society and can be toured daily. Photographs are prohibited inside the mansion, and the only place where they are allowed is from the second floor balcony that shows the view of Cliff Walk and the Atlantic Ocean.

Look Behind You - Maroon Bells, Aspen, Colorado

Earlier this week, I posted my favorite shot of our Colorado Tour at Maroon Bells. Sometimes we all get so excited about a particular subject, we often don't look around the scene for other great compositions. I try to look behind me to see if there are any different compositions that are worth shooting. After the sun had risen, with the probably 200+ photographers still shooting the lake, I turned around and saw this scene, which was quite beautiful.  

Bah Habah - Bar Harbor Inn and Spa, Maine

Bar Harbor Inn and Spa, Bar Harbor, Maine

A visit to Acadia National Park usually means a visit to or hotel stay in Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor is the biggest town on Mount Desert Island and is loaded with restaurants and stores. It is quite the popular town, and even cruise ships stop there (avoid that time, if possible). One of the most recognizable hotels in town is the Bar Harbor Inn, which is located on the water. I have stayed there several times in the past and it is quite convenient to everything. 

The nXnw crew ended up in the town one afternoon when the light was not stellar. We all had a lot of fun trying to speak with a Boston accent, many times unsuccessfully. The attempts to say Bah Habah were funny and became a constant refrain.

Glorious Maroon Bells - Aspen, Colorado

When planning my Colorado Tour with Rick Louie, one of the places that I wanted to shoot was Maroon  Bells, but I knew that it was not on the tour. I decided to fly out early before the tour and try to fit in both Maroon Bells and Rocky Mountain National Park. After booking my flights, I talked with Rick, and quickly realized that I had underestimated the amount of time I needed (not unusual for me). Rick graciously offered to extend the tour to shoot this iconic location.

We had been dodging the wet weather the whole tour and the forecast was for rain at sunrise. It was a bit disappointing, but one of our tour members was a meteorologist, and he was persistent that we should still get up at 3am (Maroon Bells is an extremely popular destination during foliage season and photographers get there several hours early to secure a spot) to see if the weather had cleared. I had my doubts, but, when I got a call around 3am, I knew that the game was on.

For those of you who think I am borderline crazy for getting up at this hour, I will say that after shooting one of the best sunrises that I have had in a while, it was definitely worth it. The clouds, soft light, golden aspens and wonderful reflection made this magical for me. Definitely my favorite shot on the trip.

The Grey Man in Acadia - Acadia National Park, Maine

Eagle Lake, Acadia National Park, Maine

What is the first thing that people think of when Acadia National Park is mentioned? I will bet that the rugged rocky coastline is number one, followed by the view of Bar Harbor from Cadillac Mountain. Most visitors to the park don't realize that there is a hidden attraction that should not be missed, namely the Carriage Roads.

The intricate  57 miles of Carriage Roads were financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. over a period of 27 years, ending in 1940. The roads were designed for the use of horse-drawn carriages, but are also quite popular with hikers and bikers. All motor vehicles are prohibited on the roads.

This shot was taken of a very small section of the carriage road near Eagle Lake. I waited to have all of the hikers and bikers clear the road and thought I had. When I started editing the photo, I noticed that fellow nXnwer Mark Garbowski was in the shot. Mark is a terrific photographer and blogger and you can check out his work at http://toomuchglass.net/. I titled this post after Mark's running series of photos featuring the Grey Man.

Waiting Out the Rain - Bar Harbor, Maine

Just a a quick post and run for today. On the nXnw trip to Acadia National Park this month, we were rained out for sunrise. We were all antsy to get out and shoot, so, when the rain slowed down a bit, a couple of us went out into the yard of our rental house and shot a few photos. This is one of the leaves that I found that was just waiting for a photographer to shoot it.

Colorado Backroads - Telluride, Colorado

Having lived in New England for 22 years, I have seen my share of great foliage seasons. I have my share of photos that I have taken there, and I have always wanted to see what the fall season was like elsewhere in the country. One of my bucket list items was to shoot the golden aspens in Colorado during the foliage season, so, when I saw Rick Louie's Colorado Tour, I jumped at the chance. As with planning any trip for shooting foliage, it is a guessing game when the peak of the season will be, and it is a hit-or-miss proposition. On this particular tour there were more hits than misses. There were parts of the Colorado countryside like the Dallas Divide that was not yet there with peak foliage, but there were others that were at or near peak. One of the things that I noticed was, while New England has a greater variety of colors, Colorado has it's own personality, with golden leaves contrasting with the dark greens of the fir trees. In this photo (I am not exactly sure where I took it), the golds are the most prominent. Channelling a little bit of my inner Jeff Clow, I made sure that I used the road as a leading line.

New York Public Library - Manhattan, New York

In all of the times that I have visited New York City, whether working or not, I have walked by the New York Public Library, but never went inside. I know that many photographers have done so and have come away with some great shots. So when Chris Nitz, Rick Louie and I walked past the library on a rainy day, in we went. Once inside, I regretted never doing it before, as it is target rich with some great subjects to shoot. We were all hoping to get the much photographed scene of one of the reading rooms, but it was under construction after part of the ceiling fell to the floor. Too bad, but there were other scenes like this one to shoot. The architecture sort of reminded me of Grand Central Terminal, and you will see more shots from the library in the future.

Looking for the Pot of Gold - Telluride, Colorado

Near Last Dollar Ranch, Telluride, Colorado

There are many times that Mother Nature seems to wreak havoc on a planned shoot, and there other times that she gives us a pot of gold. On this night, we got the gold. On Rick Louie's terrific Colorado Tour (check it out here), we had just shot the entrance gates to Last Dollar Ranch, and we drove a bit further to capture the sunset against the mountains. After setting up, it was clear that a storm was coming, and, as we got closer to sunset, the incoming clouds began to take on some great color. It started raining, but not hard, and all of a sudden, this rainbow appears left of the mountains. Suffice to say that we all forgot the mountain and focused our shooting on this terrific scene. Thanks Mother Nature. It does make up for some of the bad shooting days you send us. 

Clearing Skies - Acadia National Park, Maine

Jordon Pond, Acadia National Park, Maine

The first morning that the nXnw crew had was a rainout and instead of getting up at an ungodly hour for the sunrise, we got to sleep in. The good news was that the forecast was for clearing up in the late morning. In anticipation of this weather improvement, we headed out to Jordon Pond (not sure why it is called a pond as it as big as many lakes). It was a great decision as the overcast skies began to clear up. We worked around the lake and I took this shot at the southern end of the pond showing the bubbles across the way. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Acadia, the Bubbles (north and south) are the two mountains in the distance. As you can see, they do look a bit like bubbles. Both measure less than 1,000 feet high (872 and 766 respectively) but look considerable bigger. We probably got to Acadia a week too early as the foliage was not yet peaking. The photo does show a good start to the changing of the colors that autumn brings to New England.