Photos by Stan

Trees [Sundays Stills]

2012-02-25T15:24:00.001-05:00

This was shot along the south rim of the Grand Canyon earlier this fall. What caught my eye was the bizarre bending of the trunk. For anyone who has been to Taormina, Sicily, you will immediate notice the resemblance to the shape of the statue in the main town square.

This was also shot along the Grand Canyon's south rim. Even a dead tree can be beautiful!

This spectacular tree belongs to my neighbor. One does not always have to drive for hours to find beautiful fall colors around Rochester.

This ancient oak is in Austin, Texas, in the vicinity of the Alamo. The boughs are huge and in need of articial support to keep them from crashing down. In retrospect, I probably should have taken multiple shots and 'stitched' them together into a panorama -- but, then again, I did not have a tripod along. Still, the single shot conveys the grandeur of this 'mighty oak'.

Winter Sky [Sky Watch Friday]

2012-02-23T17:01:00.001-05:00

For those who experience snow in winter, it is especially nice to get out shortly after a snowfall. If the temperature remains low enough and the winds are calm [or non-existent], then the accumulated white stuff [looks like cotton] offers many photo-ops. These two photos are of our magnolia tree -- I'll post an image in the Spring when the flowers bloom.

Textures [Sunday Stills]

2012-02-19T21:21:00.000-05:00

As of late, I have become (re)drawn to B & W images. This shot of a thick rope wound around a wooden post was not much of an image when it was in color. For me, it was transformed into something interesting after its conversion, as the textures became prominent.

Old Glory [Sky Watch Friday]

2012-02-16T19:21:00.000-05:00

This 'minimalist' photo was shot outside a trading post in south-central Arizona. The wind-whipped flag stood out beautifully against the clear blue morning sky [somewhat darkened by the polarizing filter]. This image is sort of a imetaphor for our space exploration program. A 'grounded' Old Glory [atop the trading post roof] is waving to the moon, reminding it that we put a man there.

Mission San Jose, Austin TX [Sky Watch Friday]

2012-02-09T17:12:00.000-05:00

Mission San Jose is one of several missions located in Austin, TX. I found it to be the most interesting one architecturally and esthetically speaking. It has been photographed many times and from many vantage points -- but, I think I may have found a view that is different. The red flowers set in among the heavy stones, and the overlapping [different style] arches against the blue sky make this a most appealing image for me.

Rush Rhees Library [Sky Watch Friday]

2012-02-03T08:13:00.000-05:00

Contrary to popular belief, the sky is not always gray in Rochester during the winter. I was crossing the University quad, on my way to the pool, I had to stop and admire the Rush Rhees Library tower against the crisp, blue sky. Here was an opportunity to try out the camera in my new smart phone. Yes, a cell phone pic --- Well, not high art, but still a rewarding image. [BTW -- haven't seen too much blue sky since this shot--lol].

What the...? [Sky Watch Friday]

2012-01-26T22:21:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, unexpectedly neat things arise when you play around in Photoshop Elements. After my friend Lori clued me in on the Posterize function, I gave it a try. I liked what I saw and decided it was worth sharing. Hope you agree and will try it on some of your own images.

Tranquil Sunset 2 [Sky Watch Friday]

2012-01-19T19:59:00.001-05:00

Tough to get back to the frozen tundra of Rochester after two balmy weeks in Aruba --sigh-- But, a pic like this warms me up. Of the few times we hung around on the beach to wait for the sunset, we caught a good one here [along with the bird-in-flight]. This was shot [hand held] with my traveling 'point and shoot Canon A720. If you keep scrolling back into my archive, you'll come across an even more dramatic Tranquil Sunset 1, which was taken last year [about 100 feet closer to the shore].

Cityscape Reflections [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-12-22T22:26:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe another week has flown by. Here is an image I've been meaning to post for many a moon. On a city walk/photo shoot in Rochester, I was fortunate to come across this group of windows that reflected different portions of the sky and buildings. It was a no brainer that I was looking at something worth shooting -- the interesting part was getting it composed right. I think I got it -- this was taken with my trusty Kodak point and shoot.

Firemen Memorial @ Mt. Hope Cemetery [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-12-15T16:16:00.000-05:00

Before commenting on this photo, I just want to say it's hard to believe that more than two months have passed since my last posting. I was simply pre-occupied with lots of other stuff and inertia set in. So, I don't imagine that I will have the same passion/dedication here as before. It is what it is --- Anyway, this image was taken in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, which is Rochester's most famous burial place [containing such dignitaries as Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas]. The statue is dedicated to all the local firemen who have passed on, many dying in the line of duty. The cemetery covers a huge area and offers many photo opportunities, especially in the right light.

Opening Day at the MAC Pool [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-10-07T20:30:00.000-04:00

Well, there isn't much sky to discern, but that's part of the the charm of this shot. The Midtown Athletic Club pool opened at 6:30 A.M. on April 1, 2011. The temperature was 45 F, but the water temperature was 81 F, hence the 'steamy' appearance. About a dozen or so brave souls [or nut-cases] were on hand to inaugurate the swim season-- the pool will remain open 'til the end of Nov. Helluva year!!!

Bleeding Hearts [Today's Flowers]

2011-10-03T08:24:00.000-04:00

There is something about this flower that I find irresistible. They are eye-catching, yet seemingly always too close to the ground to get in on, not to mention that they grow up-side down--lol

Day Lily & Rain Drops [Sunday Stills]

2011-10-02T17:01:00.001-04:00

It seems like we are frequently going somewhere during a rain shower. That being the case, why not take advantage of what Mother Nature has to offer. I'm not sure what the dark berries(?) are, but they offer a nice balance to the lilies.

Jackson Square, 'Nawlins' [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-09-29T16:57:00.000-04:00

The rain and clouds couldn't dampen our spirits as we strolled through New Orleans' Jackson Square. The week we spent there last Fall was one of our nicer [domestic] vacations. The French Quarter was virtually unscathed by Hurricane Katrina, so we took the opportunity to pay homage to 'Nawlins'. Lots to see, eat and hear there!!!

Butterfly Meets Flowers [Today's Flowers]

2011-09-25T21:55:00.000-04:00

This was one busy butterfly -- still, I caught it flitting about. Considering that it was fairly windy at the time, I was lucky to have avoided motion blur--

Rochester Skyline from Cobbs Hill [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-09-22T19:26:00.000-04:00

Last week we had one day of the most amazing clouds. It dawned on me in mid to late afternoon to get off my duff and get my camera. I guessed right that the sky over the city would be most picturesque from atop Cobbs Hill, the highest point in the surrounding area. Although several miles from downtown, the telephoto lens brought the cityscape close enough. The polarizing filter was dialed in nicely --

Daisy [Macro Flowers Saturday]

2011-09-16T22:50:00.001-04:00

There's little to be said -- here's a flower that always brings a smile to your face.

Aruba Sunset & Divi Tree [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-09-15T22:36:00.000-04:00

Aruba is one of our favorite vacation spots. Beautiful beaches, lovely sunsets, fine restaurants and friendly people. One of the distinctive features on the landscape is the divi tree, supposedly bent under the influence of the constant trade winds -- whatever--- but, sure is nice to photograph!

The Passenger

2011-09-13T16:04:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd depart from my macro-floral and color shots and post something different. Before commenting on this image, I apologize both for my lack of due diligence in following and in posting to my usual sites. A little 'burn out' --- Back to point. This image was originally on a Kodachrome slide [shot in 1982] shot when I was traveling from Edinburgh to Nethybridge, Scotland by train. Diagonally across the aisle sat this lady with a marvelously photogenic face; she gazed pensively out the window [which provided superb side-lighting] unaware of my presence. I took just one shot with my Canon F1. Weeks later the developed slides came back and I was quite pleased with the result. Some thirty years later, after scanning and digitizing many of those old slides, I resurrected this image [actually quite nice in color]. But, I thought it would also lend itself to B & W, so I made the conversion. I hope you enjot it as much as I do -- such amazing character in this expression. So many different stories can be conjured up about what she is thinking about!!!

Tulips: up close and personal [Macro Flowers Saturday]

2011-09-02T13:10:00.000-04:00

Something about getting inside a flower that I find fascinating. These two image were taken with my trusty old Canon point and shoot.

Sunset on the Erie Canal [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-09-02T12:48:00.000-04:00

This sunset was shot from the other side of the bridge at Schoen Place, shortly before the moonrise pics [scroll down a few spaces]. What is unique, for me, is that this image represents my first foray into the world of HDR. It may sound mystical, but it was deceptively simple. I used three shots [bracketed by two f-stops] and fed them into the software -- Dynamic Phototo HDR [only $54] -- This is one of the resulting images. Cool beans! So, if I can do it, it can't be too difficult'

Petunias [Today's Flowers]

2011-07-24T21:10:00.000-04:00

Sunday's flower market never ceases to please. I wandered into a sea of petunias and did not know which way to turn and shoot -- "a monkey with a camera could have gotten a good pic' -- lol --

Diablo [Macro Flowers Saturday]

2011-07-22T19:26:00.000-04:00

This is one interesting plant -- makes me think of a Buckminster Fuller 'whatchmacallit'-- [geodesic dome]. I apologize for not paying greater attention to getting a better depth of field; that would have given a 'knock your socks off' shot. Anyway, it grows in our side and front gardens, so I'll get it next year.

St. John's Wort [Macro Flowers Saturday]

2011-07-15T22:32:00.000-04:00

I love these flowers with their dense growth of stamen. The bees are always busily flitting from one flower to the other -- sometimes making mowing around them an adventure.

Up, up, up and away [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-07-14T18:32:00.000-04:00

The title of this may bring to mind [to people of my generation] the radio broadcasts of Superman -- be that as it may, it is fitting for a gas balloon rally. It's nice to look at this and remember that we get beautiful blue skies in upstate NY-- I am hopelessly behind in keeping up with the blogs of others; I apologize for not being more attentive, but cannot promise doing better ---lol-- Go USA Women's Soccer [aka Football]!!!!!!

Rose [Macro Flowers Saturday]

2011-07-09T11:47:00.000-04:00

My wife's rose bush continues to go through blooms -- I never tire of their beauty and fragrance [sort of like Rosemarie].

Erie Canal at Schoen Place [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-07-07T20:32:00.000-04:00

Schoen Place [irritatingly pronounced Shown Place] on the Erie Canal in Fairport, NY [a suburb of Rochester] boasts some lovely promenades, restaurants, shops and boat rides. From the bridge over the canal, one can catch some interesting moonrises. I regret having left this one prematurely, as the moon and light reflections against the darkening sky/water became more intense. The coloration on the building in the top panel was due to the last of the sunset [at our backs].

Spring Window [Today's Flowers]

2011-07-04T08:26:00.000-04:00

Can it be that being named Rosemarie, my wife has a 'green thumb'? In any event, she manages to keep her geraniums flowering year-round. This view is through our dining room window, enhanced by the bloom of the magnolia tree. A winter shot will follow next week.

Patriotism and the 4th of July & The Letter F [Sunday Stills]

2011-07-03T19:40:00.002-04:00

Well, here is a true two-fer. During our excursion to Sodus Point [about 30 mi. east of Rochester] today, I saw this wonderful porch bedecked with flags. Perfect, I can use it for the patriotic and/or letter F challenges --- Happy 4th of July all.

Daffodil [Macro Flowers Saturday]

2011-07-01T22:56:00.001-04:00

This daffodil was not among the host that William Wordsworth saw, but it still could inspire a poem!

Rochester's High Falls [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-06-30T17:22:00.000-04:00

Right in the heart of downtown Rochester is a waterfall [ca. 80 feet high]; actually, there is a 2nd one further along the Genesee River. I had lived here more than 10 years and was unaware of its existence. My discovery of it is somewhat of an embarrassment. I was flying back from somewhere or other and, as we happened to pass over the downtown area, I looked down and saw the falls. I exclaimed,"Where has the plane been diverted to?" LOL-- my bad-- Anyway, it is a wonderful sight, albeit not Niagara Falls [which is about 1 1/2 hours away]. There is quite a bit here to see/enjoy in the Flower [nee Flour] City. So, come on down/up/over--

Hydrangeas [Today's Flowers]

2011-06-27T08:02:00.000-04:00

These babies were in my neighbor's garden - they actually look edible [think scoops of ice cream].

Dahlias [Macro-Flowers Saturday]

2011-06-24T18:42:00.000-04:00

The excursion to the Flower Market continues to provide images for MFS. The dahlias really blew me away -- so lush, colorful and full. When I was about 8 or 9 years old, my sister had a friend named Dahlia [from Israel]. I never forgot that name -- Funny the way things in life connect.

Ford St. Bridge at Night [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-06-23T17:58:00.000-04:00

This was taken during the same photo walk in which I got the Freddie-Sue Bridge night pic [scroll down several images]. I was in the right place at the right time, by design of course --- Both were taken with a Kodak Z1015 point & shoot camera.

Celosia [Today's Flowers]

2011-06-19T20:14:00.001-04:00

Occasionally, the Rochester Farmers Market has a Sunday dedicated to flowers. Talk about kids in a candy store-- everywhere I looked there were splashes of bright colors, interesting shapes and wonderful scents. I shot away and, all too often, forgot to note what it was I photographed--lol-- in this case, I drove to a nursery tonight and looked around until I found the name: celosia. Never heard of it -- In the coming weeks, I will post additional images from that visit. It's going to take some self control not upload the whole kit-and-kaboodle now. Enjoy!

Lilies [Macro Flowers Saturday]

2011-06-17T12:52:00.000-04:00

The Easter Lily [top] was shot under natural light in the Baltimore Conservatory; the [Stargazer?] Lily was somewhere around the house -- so much for scientific precision --lol--

Freddie-Sue Bridge at Night [ Sky Watch Friday]

2011-06-16T19:15:00.001-04:00

Now I realize it is something of a stretch to post a SWF pic with only a blck sky, but I promised last week to show the night view of this bridge, as a companion to the day time shot. The only down side to night shooting this was that the neighborhood was not necessarily the safest -- so, we went out in numbers. It was worth the risk--

Lilies of the Valley [Today's Flowers]

2011-06-13T08:41:00.003-04:00

This little beauty has special significance for me -- my wife's bridal bouquet was comprised of Lilies of the Valley. In a way, they are sort of a metaphor for her. At first glance you are attracted by their obvious charm; then, when you look inside [not so easy to do], you discover their true beauty.

Yellow [Sunday Stills & Macro-Flowers Saturday]

2011-06-11T19:32:00.003-04:00

This pic serves as a 'two-fer' in two different postings-- I did not really clean this macro up much -- getting lazy in my old age. For you animal lovers, I did no harm to the bee.

Freddie-Sue Bridge [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-06-10T07:38:00.000-04:00

The Frederick Douglas-Susan B. Anthony Bridge over Rochester's Genesee River is a recent addition to our fair city's attractive sights. Affectionately dubbed the Freddie-Sue Bridge, it has become one of the most highly photographed structures in town, by day or night [stay tuned for my night shot next week]. I apologize for not 'photoshopping' out the log/branch in the foreground; it will get done eventually.

Dogwoods [Today's Flowers]

2011-06-06T09:08:00.000-04:00

One doesn't often get so up-close-and-personal with a dogwood. I'm surprised myself by how nice the texture of the petals turned out. The raindrops were genuine--

Backyard Ferns [Sunday Stills]

2011-06-04T19:27:00.000-04:00

How nice to have a freebie in this 'pot luck' category this week. I wasn't sure how/if I'd find some rubric under which to justify posting this shot. But, these 'lowly' [literally on the ground] ferns in our backyard made such a fine subject for shooting -- a welcome change for me from the flowers.

Rosemarie's Rose [Macro Flowers Saturday]

2011-06-03T21:01:00.001-04:00

This was one of the last on the rose bush of my wife [coincidentally named Rosemarie]. I couldn't resist it [or her] -- I stopped mowing and ran for my camera. Voila!

Colgate Rochester Tower [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-06-02T22:48:00.001-04:00

I realize there is not much sky for this SWF post, but there is enough to justify including it. The Colgate Rochester Divinity School has a marvelous (neo)Gothic tower that has always fascinated me. Unfortunately, it is up on a hill and photographing it is problematic; e.g., the best views are always ruined by poles, power lines, etc. BUT, as my wife and I were walking through Highland Park during the Lilac Festival, I just happened to notice the tower through a small opening in the trees. It is the only place in the park where there is a view of it. BINGO! Got the tower [albeit just a glimpse] and foliage.

Backyard Pansies [Today's Flowers]

2011-05-29T19:33:00.000-04:00

My wife's back and front yard is like a mini-botanical garden. Here are two of the pansies growing there. I'll be posting other flowers of hers over time -- if you are patient enough to keep scrolling down, you'll come to the japanese anemones, rose of sharon and white rose, which were all from around the house. Since I've become interested/active in photographing them, why, I've had to learn their names -- lol.

London Sky/Eye [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-05-26T20:26:00.000-04:00

This is not the sky one would expect to see in London, but we lucked out -- 9 days of sunshine and 1 cloudy day-- so, this sky is not a product of 'photoshopping'. I shot this from Westminster Bridge [love the street lights] down the Thames to catch the London Eye. Blimey, all of a sudden I need some Fish-n-Chips.

Tulips [Today's Flowers]

2011-05-22T21:04:00.000-04:00

Here are two views of tulips that one doesn't often see [speaking for myself]. In any event, they never fail to please. These were shot in the Balimore Conservatory, a lovely place to visit.

Silhouette [Sunday Stills: In the Sky]

2011-05-21T19:24:00.003-04:00

One rather amusing observation we made walking through Madrid was that the most ornamental buildings were banks. I don't know what, if anything, that reflects on Spanish culture -- but it was a fact. I wondered if this statue depicted an angel on its way to make a deposit ---

Austin, TX Reflections [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-05-21T19:05:00.000-04:00

In Oct. 2010, we visited friends who had moved to Austin, TX. We were quite amazed at how much the landscape reminded us of upstate NY. It was green, hilly and abounded with flowers - no tumbleweeds or Stetson hats to be seen -- LOL. On a walk from the UT, I caught this view. Now I just love reflections and silhouettes, so I had to stop and shoot---glad I did.

Still in Texas, we were driving back to Austin from a day trip in San Antonio. I was sitting 'shotgun' and couldn't help noticing the sky in the sideview mirror. Had to shoot it!! I apoligize for the funky way my captions (mis)align under my images. They look good while I am typing, but go astray when I click on Publish Post -- I welcome any helpful suggestions.

2011-05-21T18:59:00.001-04:00

Am Rhein [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-05-19T19:37:00.001-04:00

We were winding up a delightful 'Rheinfahrt' when I caught view of the castle silhouetted against the evening sky. It was almost a one good shot or cry about it situation -- I got lucky [thank you telephoto lens!].

Orchid [Today's Flowers]

2011-05-16T20:43:00.002-04:00

I was not sure whether this is an orchid or not. Since several kind viewers have assured me it is [merci beaucoup], I have modified the title and caption. -- I love to get inside flowers and experience a diiferent perspective. This was taken with a Canon A720 'point and shoot'.

Peabody Institute Spiral [Sunday Stills: Looking High, Looking Low]

2011-05-14T13:28:00.003-04:00

We visited Baltimore's Peabody Institute last month and I spied this wonderful spiral staircase. I actually lay down on the floor and shot straight up! If you don't know the context, it's hard to say what the heck is going on -- cool beans!

Magnolia Tree in Full Bloom

2011-05-09T15:36:00.002-04:00

After the rainiest April on record, the sun has begun to appear with greater regularity in Rochester, NY. And, everything is turning green and in the process of blooming. Our magnolia tree is usually the last one to reach its peak, and it is just about there.

As beautiful as they may be, unfortunately, the magnolias around here have no scent.

I really like this image. Think I'll use it for a photo note/greeting card. The down side of all this is that when the petals come down, there will be one helluva mess to contend with. Sigh--

Rockefeller Center Exit Doors [Sunday Stills: Doors and Doorknobs]

2011-05-07T16:11:00.001-04:00

Rockefeller Center is an absolute gem and model of the Art Deco craze in the early 20th century. We were in NYC in Oct. 2010 and caught a weekend when there was open house at many iconic locales. I couldn't get enough of the glitzy interior of Rckefeller Center -- even something as mundane as the exit doors.

Webster Park Beach Sunsets-- Lake Ontario [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-05-05T18:39:00.001-04:00

These two sunset photos were taken on different evenings -- one never knows what to expect up on the lake. But, who can resist sky, water and a setting sun?

Salt Lake City Sky III [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-04-28T17:01:00.001-04:00

This is the last of my 'big sky' pics from Salt Lake City -- it's hard to believe that 30+ years have already flown by--sigh-- The original photos were on 2x2 Kodachrome slides, which I scanned last year or so when I fully commited to the digital world. Although SLC had some magnificent sunsets, my current hometown of Rochester, NY can hold its own -- below is a preview--

Anemone Study #4

2011-04-23T15:13:00.000-04:00

Last summer I was mowing the front lawn when I just happened to notice this lonely flower on the ground under our living room window. It was a no-brainer -- I stopped what I was doing and ran upstairs for my trusty point-and-shoot Canon A720, which is really great for macro shots. I took a number of pics, and this image is my personal favorite -- you can see this and Anemone Study #1 [two of my best sellers] along with several other flowers by scrolling a little way down to the composite. I was certainly very lucky to have gotten clear and sharp shots without using a tripod. Have a fine weekend and Happy Easter!

Salt Lake City Sky II [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-04-22T07:58:00.002-04:00

This was a wonderfully fiery sunset over the Salt Lake Valley, again viewed from our balcony. Ya gotta love Mother Nature!!

Composite of current photo note/greeting cards

2011-04-18T14:33:00.001-04:00

Thanks to those who have inquired about my (fold-over) photo note/greeting cards. The original uploads to the site are now in the March archive, and no longer visible simply by scrolling down to them. So, I thought this would be a good occasion for an update and an opportunity to try something new [for me] in Photoshop Elements. The result is the composite above; it has all the shots currently on cards, but any other photo you see on my site could be made available. I apologize for any [inexplicable] losses in resolution in producing this. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Happy Holidays!

Salt Lake City Sundown I [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-04-14T18:27:00.003-04:00

Some 30 years ago we spent a year living in Salt Lake City, as I was on sabbatical leave from the University of Rochester. It was a fantastic year for us -- we took up skiing and camping -- The sheer physical beauty of the environs was almost overwhelming; I would have settled there in a heartbeat if there had been a faculty position. But, I still have pictures [slides] to remember the place. Of course, now I've scanned said slides and cleaned them up a bit. This view was shot from the small balcony outside the bedroom of our rental house. Sunsets were so beautiful looking northwest into the valley, that I set up my camera and tripod and left them standing by the door to the balcony. Over the next several weeks, I'll post some shots -- so different from one to the other. Hope you like them. Cheers--

Mackerel Sky [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-04-08T08:53:00.003-04:00

When I was a little boy, I used to gaze longingly up at a cloud-filled sky because I thought they were giant dollops of whipped cream. Well, I've been long since disabused of that notion, but skies like this remind me of that fantasy. [By the way, images that I post here are available for purchase as folding note cards, or photos with or without mats or frames].

April Fool/Pool

2011-04-01T16:25:00.002-04:00

Early this morning [6:30 AM] The Midtown Athletic Club opened its outdoor pool season. This is the view at 6:25 before we crazies jumped in as a group. Well, the pool water was 81 F, so the swimming was the easy part. Getting out wasn't as bad as I anticipated -- lots of towels, sweat shirt/pants, hat, hot coffee/bagels in the Adirondack hut, along with a roaring fire and an adrenalin rush made it an awesome event. Oh, going to do it again at 6:00 PM tonight -- lol.

View from Erice (Sicily) [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-03-31T16:04:00.002-04:00

This shot was taken in the vicinity of Erice, Sicily. It was cold and windy and the ominous clouds were moving very rapidly across the sky. My patience was rewarded as the view in the distance suddenly opened and -- CLICK, I got it. While the dark sky is anything but pretty, it makes for quite an atmosphere.

A Pensive Moment

2011-03-24T18:47:00.003-04:00

In addition to photography, I have been deeply involved in African drumming. Some of you may have seen Lori's photos/videos of drum ensembles playing at Brockport State on her Skoogfarm Journal site. The leader of our group is an amazing, modest and gentle man named Khalid Saleem. He is not only our drum instructor but also something of a spiritual guru. The photo below is a portrait of him, which I think speaks volumes -- I thought I'd submit it to the Sunday Stills/Blue exhibit.

Tranquil Sunset [Sky Watch Friday]

2011-03-24T17:13:00.003-04:00

Well, I promised some warmer pic(s) and I think I have just the one. This was taken in Aruba in January; and I will enter it in the Skywatch Friday derby. Oh, the birds were not inserted via Photoshop-- I caught them in flight [the 2nd bird is not as obvious as the one in the foreground].

Rochester Springtime

2011-03-23T23:18:00.004-04:00

Well, what can you say?! Springtime in Rochester offers many surprises. For example:

These are views out the front door this afternoon.

While we are on snow scenes, I think I'll add a few more shots taken over this past winter.

This is the view out our dining room window -- geraniums bloom the year-round.

This is a detail from our magnolia tree after a thick blanketing of snow.

This was shot at the High Falls, near Pont-du-Rennes. The undulating shadows and red benches caught my eye.

This was shot through a rather dirty window from inside the High Falls Gallery. A lucky catch ---

Having shown these, let's turn to warmer thoughts. I'll have to find some relevant pics to post next time.

Maiden Voyage

2011-03-20T22:48:00.004-04:00

Hi out there in cyberspace! Welcome to my blog site in the making-- I am new at this so I apologize in advance for any misfires [like I just deleted my whole post while trying to delete one photo]. Anyway, I invite you to comment on any of my photos -- thoughtful criticism can only make me a better photographer. OK-- I'll give it another try.

Amaryllis 2

Amaryllis 1

Anemone Study 1

Anemone Study 4

Whadda you know. Seems to have worked -- cool beans! That's encouraging. Let's try several more--

Orchid

Rose of Sharon

Rosemarie's Rose

Water Lily

[In contrast to the other pics, this was shot with a telephoto lens.]

Hibiscus??

Wow! Not too shabby. These were all taken with a 'point and shoot' digital camera, no fancy DSLR with a macro lens. I've made photo note cards using a number of the above images; if anyone is interested in purchasing some, please send me an e-mail and we can discuss the details.

Peace and love, Stan