My Photography and Travel Blog

Archive for March, 2013

Fine Art Collection


Some of my favorite subjects are the weathered remnants of this pier. For years these great timbers have greeted and parted the incoming and outgoing tides. The sea’s salty caress has eroded and chipped away at these once sturdy wooden goliaths. Yet still they remain through wind, rain, storms, low, and high tides. Maybe I spend too much time observing and thinking of how these old weary wooden stakes remind me of life….or maybe I should spend more time here just enjoying the lady of the sea as she constantly caresses and quietly takes from everything she touches. When she is peaceful, she conveys such a wonderful sense of calm and harmony. And when she is furious, she brings such a sense of perspective at just how small we really are in the grand scheme of life and nature. Still, I find it most theraputic to watch aas she slowly erases the lines in the sand, cleans and heals the scars on her shores. And, brings a fresh start to everything she touches.
Maybe, I should not sip as much wine while I am photographing seascapes…lolol !!
Have a safe (and peaceful) Easter Weekend everyone.


Nature and Wildlife


Portrait of a PachydermPortrait of a Pachyderm
I was able to capture this image after waiting patiently for nearly an hour. This big guy finally decided to give me a much appreciated short span of his attention. The more I waited, watched, and studied this huge subject, the more I was simply amazed by the texture and roughness of his skin. The fine details of the texture on his forehead and trunk were amazing. I found it quite magical at how gracefully and silently they can move their great frames and bulk! Heartfelt thanks to this “gentle giant” for his time and cooperation at my attempts to capture the moments he offered my lens.

Equipment used: Nikon D700, nikkor 70-200 2.8 lens, nikkor x2 teleconverter.
Software Used: Adobe Lightroom 4, Adobe Photoshop, Topaz Labs Details Extractor, Topaz Labs Black and white Effects 2.


Nature and Wildlife


Kodiak Bear PlayKodiak Bear Play
I can relate to this Brown Bear…it’s the way I feel before coffee! lolol…had a great time photographing some Nature and Wildlife this weekend. It was the perfect excure to try out my new Nikkor x2 teleconverter (I am just not real comfortable actually being this close to all those claws and teeth!)

Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR lens, Nikkor x2 teleconverter.


Nature and Wildlife


Reptile LoungeReptile Lounge
Had some fun so far this weekend photographing some wildlife and nature images. I caught this guy lounging around in the sun.

Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 70-200mm 2.8 VR lens, Nikkor x2 telecoverter.


Stills and digital artwork


Recovery RoomRecovery Room
When I first saw this portion of the fire station, my first thought was, “looks like all the bunker gear is taking a break”, to which one of the firefighters responded, “Recovering!” lolol…
This is image number two of a small series I did to honor our brave and tireless FireFighters and Emergency Responders. Based on some feedback, I feel I may not be finished with this series yet. More on this next week. For now, I hope you enjoy the image and remember to say thanks, and stay safe out there this weekend! Oh, and have a Happy St Patricks Day everyone!

Equipmnt used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens, Induro CT213 tripod, Induro BHD2 ballhead.
** A HUGE thank you to all of my followers, guests, visitors, and commentors! Photography for me is made extra special when I see and hear that my images are appreciated. The input I recieve from my guests and commentors helps to inspire me to look in other directions, and to see things in a different way and light. Then bring those thoughts and ideas to my imagery. So thanks again to each of you!


Stills and digital artwork


Rainy Day TravelRainy Day Travel
No matter where you go or how you get there, it’s the good and the bad that make the journey worthwhile. In the words of Frankie Beverly and Maze, “Joy and pain, are like sunshine and rain”.
Hoping everyone has a safe and happy Friday and also a wonderful and safe weekend.

Location: Charleston, SC
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens
Image available as wall art print, gallery wrap, puzzle, mouse pad, and more. Don’t forget the 18% Discount code for my WordPress.com friends!


Monochromes


Sending a shout out to all my Borthers and Sisters in the Fire, Police, and Emergecy Services. Thanks to all of you for your time, dedication, and sacrifices. As a former Professional Firefighter, Paramedic, and Law Enforcement Officer.. I know first hand the challenges you face. I ask all of you to dedicate a moment of time to honor and remember our Fallen. And, to remember those who still answer the call. A demanding life that takes it’s toll every day.
Thanks again to each of you! Stay safe and NEVER assume!


Fashion and Glamour Gallery


Wow, I took this shot 2 days ago, and already I have been asked, (by several), to make it available as a poster. I must be getting a little bit better with my photography (thanks to you guys!) As you all know, the artist is his/ her own worst critic. So what do you guys think?

Camera Info:

Image shot with a Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens. ISO 200, f/9, 1/125 sec,

Key light: Einstein 640 via beauty dish.

Fill light: Einstein 640 via parabolic reflector with silk screen diffusior

**UPDATE** It’s official, this (and several other images featured here in my blog) are now available as posters and much more. For all my WordPress friends, please use the new Discount Code STANBLOG2013 to recieve 18 percent off your purchase. Please let me know if you have any problems using the code (it’s new!) Thanks so much to all of you for your constant feedback and support!