Hard for the layman to discern, but those of us who live in Snowmopolus can tell in an instant that this sewer drain is functioning as intended. A sure sign that the tilt of the earth is adjusting to a more efficient direction for New England and spring is just around the corner. Sure it may be a slow turn around this last bend in the road of winter, but hope will not be denied.
Nikon D610, 1/30 second at f/16, ISO 100, 50 mm (50mm f1.4) - 0590
The Web We Weave
I pulled over into a snow bank to get this picture. I took a dozen shots. This wasn't technically the best, but it moved me. The amber glow of the sun low in the sky bouncing through the trees and landing on the lines was blinding for westbound drivers. It warms the road and almost makes the snow banks warm and inviting.... but doesn't quite succeed. Happy Friday!
Nikon D610, 1/125 second at f/5.6, ISO 100, 50mm (50mm f/1.4) - 0509
The American Antiquarian Society, the oldest historical society in the United States is in Worcester, Massachusetts. Recently, I spent hours in this building sifting through boxes of personal and business documents of a very generous individual in an attempt to understand his extraordinary generosity. It is no simple task to discern a persons motivation when there is more than a century that separates you.
Nikon D610, 1/125 second at f/13, ISO 800, 19mm, (17-35mm f/2.78) - 0450
The lighting of this church is eerie to say the least. I noticed it almost immediately and I had to stop and try to capture how scary it looked from the street. Again, it was too cold to be out of doors, but I wasn't happy with the other one hundred pictures I had taken earlier in the day. Some days seem to work out like that. The most rewarding pictures are those that call to me.
Nikon D610, 1.5 seconds at f/9.5, ISO 800, 17mm, (17-35mm f/2.8) - 00360
A Glow In The Night
What a strange glow the camera picked up tonight. The air was bitter cold, reported as 17º - I wasn't buying it. The wind chill atop Princeton common was unbearable. At ground level, it was clear. But there was a mist in the air. Mysterious, ominous, and a bit eerie. But very clear. Click on the image or head to my Flickr page for a larger image and you can see the detail clarity in the distance horizon. I just love shots like this.
Nikon D610, 4 seconds at f/2.8, ISO 100, 35mm (17-35mm f/2.8) - 00212
The Cold Front Cometh
The color changes as the sun falls lower in the sky. Blues begin to transition to magenta with a tiny flavor of pink. The cold of day succumbs to the frigidness of the night soon to arrive. Wachusett Mountain ski trails in the distance, it is shaping up to be a beautiful evening as yet another cold front is pushing southward. It is clear in the distance leaving the skies stark and bitter cold.
Nikon D610, 1/30 second at F/5.6, ISO 100, 35mm, (17-35mm f/2.8) - 00061
And The Oscar Goes To...
The sky won the Oscar today! The snow and overcast gray skies of the past gave way to higher temperatures and sunshine. Today, the deep blue skies and full-of-life clouds took center stage giving us a performance steeping with drama that surely gave us all hope that winter will not last till the end of time as we only yesterday had thought.
Nikon D610, 1/90th Second at f/8,ISO 140, 17 mm (17-35mm f/2.8) with ND8 Neutral Density Filter - 9931
Looking at a flower is wonderful, but looking at a flower close, very close is remarkable. They hold so many surprises that we can't see with our naked eye. The glowing stars geometrically positioned on each of the well-organized six-sided florets. As though it where part of a galaxy beyond our imagination. Is this what Dr. Seuss was looking at when he considered writing about Whoville?
Nikon D610, 1/30 second at f/8, ISO 140, 105mm (105mm f/2.8) - 9840
I took one picture today, just one. I may take more, but right now, this is it. Compared to the hundred or so I take most days, this is pretty incredible. Profound? No, just simple. Maybe too simple. But it just caught my eye as I was walking by and I had to shoot it. I get that feeling every once in a while and I am learning to listen. I find this pleasing to just stare at. Then I squint my eyes and look again. I see a Marquis. I don't understand the math behind that. I just like it. It seems perfect to me.
Nikon D610, Hand held, 2 seconds at f/3.0, ISO 140, 105mm, (105mm f/2.8) -9672
Living on the Edge
Life lesson. It is said that no rewards come to those who do not take risks. This little gal is proof that in nature, even the littlest things take risks. Who knows how the rim of this stainless steel mug has enticed Ms. Ladybug to walk on the never-ending ledge, drown to one side or fall the equivalent of 530 stories to the other. Is she thirsty and a confident swimmer? Is she new to life and ignorant of its dangers? Did she end up here by accident? Or is she on in years and finds this little jaunt exhilarating – akin to mall walking. Who's to say. Does it change your perspective on life? Are you inclined to take risks and live on the edge?
Nikon D610, 1/125 Second at f/9.5, ISO 200, 105mm (105mm f/2.8) - 9608
A Child's Hand
Who knew how special a child's hand can be? You know that feeling when a delicate hand is placed inside yours. There is a feeling of guardianship flavored with love and affection. And with some sadness and some pride, that little hand quickly grows to be independent, sturdy and strong. Alas, the memories of those times are forever cast in your mind - just like the cast of this little hand.
Nikon D610, 1/500 second at f/5.6, ISO 3200, 300mm (28-300mm f/3.5-5.6) - 9485
There is something about a ski resort! This is a small one compared to the White Mountains up north or those my friends and family visit near the Serra's, Cascades or Rockies. But this is just a few minutes from home and is sufficiently warm and inviting. The design, colors, lighting and setting add to the ambiance. Our little mountain is only 2006 feet high, but that is plenty high enough to have a good time.
Nikon D610, 1/45 Second at f/2.8, ISO 3200, 35mm (17-35mm f/2.8) - 9422
Dawn Over the City
At dawn, even a city can look beautiful. At a crisp -6° F with occasional wind gusts of 35 mph, the feels like temperature was -25°. Unbearable. But there was no snow in sky, only the dawn light tinting the buildings accompanied by the sliver of the crescent moon soon to disappear. It was a beautiful morning indeed.
Nikon D610, 1/45 second at f/4.8, ISO 100, 17mm (17-35mm f2.8) -9203
Aged But Not Old, Who Cares
I am not sure there is a big difference between authentic antiques and the rustic beauty of crafts made to look antique, to a novice. Maybe it doesn't matter. The pictured pottery looks centuries old, but if it is more than ten years old, I would be surprised. None-the-less, the color, the imperfect hand-made quality, the patina and character is beautiful regardless of the age.
Nikon D610, 2 seconds at f/8, ISO 100, 105mm (105mm f/2.8) - 9181
Turtle Crossing Sign Almost Buried by Snow
Not sure how many hundreds of times I have driven on this rode (Muddy Pond Road) and neglected to open my eyes, but I did today and was surprised to find a Turtle crossing sign. I had never seen one, but on this road, there are signs in both direction. The signs were designed by a couple of Chocksett Middle School students, Izzy Glow and Monica Grady who won a contest for best design. Then the class waged a campaign to raise the necessary funds to have the signs created and installed. Bravo! Muddy Pond Road is home to Muddy Pond, a protected water shed area and sanctuary to birds and apparently turtles as well.
Nikon D610, 1/90 second at f/11, ISO 100, 35mm, (17-35mm f2.8) - 9012
The Sun Cometh
This church, on the National Register of Historic Places was built in 1892 but after a fire in that same year, was never really completed since the local village was leveled by the construction of the Wachusett Reservoir. It has gone through some hard times including a collapse of three-sides in 1974. It was finally rebuilt in 1977 and rededicated in 1983. It is a very popular photo spot for weddings and photographers in general. Unfortunately, there are so many roads, poles (shadows in foreground) and wires, getting an acceptable photograph is difficult. I liked how the sun, very low in the sky rose casting a shadow on much of the scene.
Nikon D610, 1/125 second at f/8, ISO 100, 35mm (17-35 mm f/2.8)
Standing Proud and Tall
I am quite spiritual but I am not religious in the conventional and institutional sense of the word. That said, I have tremendous respect and admiration for those who are. The monuments that are constructed as a testament to that sense of commune and reverence are beautiful and inspiring. I photograph churches all the time, but at night time is the best. This is a fine example of a simple and clean New England church standing proud and tall.
Nikon D610, 20 seconds at f/16, ISO 100, 17mm, 17-35mm f2.98 - 8875
City Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. I really like taking long exposures at night. The light is so different. Sparkly. This skating rink is empty now, but on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, it is open to the public. I will come back to check it out when it is crowded with skaters having a grand old time.
Nikon D610, 10 seconds at f/11, ISO 100, 17mm (17-35mm f2.8) - 8829
Worcester is Number One!
I wanted to give props to Worcester today for becoming the snowiest city in America. That's right Erie, PA, you have lost that distinction. The latest storm has brought the total to 90.1 inches. If you have the opportunity to drive in Worcester, you will experience first hand the impact this much snow has on the hills and side streets. Pictured here is Union Station this evening. The station which was renovated in 2000 hosts Amtrak service to Boston and New York and beyond.
Nikon D610, 8 seconds at f/11, ISO 100, 25mm (17-35mm f2.8) - 8779
They used to be everywhere. As a child, it was our very first art collection. We would hold these 12" x 12" photographic and artistic masterpieces without really understanding the value or effort that made them. Some wild and far out, some plain and ordinary, yet always shared with our peers. Decades later, they still hold a special place in our hearts and bring back memories of the trials of our innocence. Sad to say this lost art is so not replaced by the likes of Instagram or Facebook.
Nikon D610, 1/125 sec at f/11, ISO 100, 17mm Flash fired (17-35mm f2.8) - 8581
Hope Springs Eternal
A month ago I took a photograph of an ice covered branch of our red maple, Today, in a moment of desperation I guess, I needed to see the promise of spring. It was ever so small, but it was there. Evidence that underneath the more than five feet of snow, there is a new beginning in the works. A hopeful sign that the cycle is not broken and after the cold and white is gone, the colors will once again flourish. Somehow, I think this spring will be better than any other.
Nikon D610, 1/125 sec at f/11, ISO 100, 105mm Flash fired (105mm f2.8) - 8575
Art Within Art
How pleasant it is to visit an Art Museum and ours is quite special. The Worcester Art Museum first opened in 1898 and is home to the country's largest floor mosaic from 3rd century AD Antioch (city was destroyed by earthquake in 6th century AD). The collections were remarkable, but what really captured my attention was the medieval architecture of the great hall and the Chapter House. Originally from the Benedictine Priory of Saint John in west central France, the Chapter House has exquisite vaulted arched ceilings popular in the 12th century . See more photographs on my Flickr page.
Nikon D610, 1/90 sec at f/2.8,ISO 1600, 17mm (17-35mm f/2.8) - 8492
The Art of a Plumber
The Art of a plumber is understated. The heated joints and graceful bends all fit together in a menagerie of what appears to be senseless beauty. Add some color and you have true art that we all can recognize. Were it not for the steadfastness of these connections, the temperature out of doors would surely have a grave impact on our lives. Literally!
Nikon D610, 1/180 sec at f/32, ISO 1600, 105MM Flash Fired - 8400
If There Be Heaven on Earth
No doubt, everyone in New England is getting bored with the monochromatic beauty of snow. I visited Tower Hill Botanical Gardens in Boylston, Massachusetts this morning to see some color. I posted some images of color on my Flickr page. It was nice! Below, you can barely make out the railings across the turtle pond and the steps are well buried. The inscription reads "If there be heaven on earth, this is it, joy everlasting"
Nikon D610, 1/125 sec at f/13, 25 mm (17-35mm f/2.8) - 8288
Paddling the Icy Waters
I stop here often, but this morning was especially beautiful. Just after sunrise, there was a subtle pink glow in the otherwise cloudy sky. The brush was icy from the extended frigid temperatures. As the ducks casually swam away, the leader turned for just a moment to make sure his mates were coming along, understanding full well that a leader without followers is no leader at all.
Nikon D610, 1/60 sec at f/11, ISO 400, 116mm (28-300mm f3.5-5.6) - 8087