Textures [Sunday Stills]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.