Tranquility I

ss 0.5 f 22 ISO 50

Nikon D800, Nikkor 24-70 58mm

My family and I spent a couple of weeks in Hawaii this summer.   Our trip was nothing short of amazing.  I have so many stories to tell through photographs, but so little time to blog.  I want to share so much with all of you, but with the start of school, sports and activities for the kids, and work, I just haven’t been able to dedicate the time needed to effectively write blog posts.

I am thrilled to be as busy as I am.  I have had a steady flow of head shot clients, family portraits, and events to photograph, which is all good and means business is growing.   The best part about all of it is that I am getting to meet some really spectacular people.

My children are busy running cross country, playing high school football, dancing and playing tennis.  I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy watching them run, dance, and play.  My heart bubbles with joy every time I see them working hard and having fun while doing it.   One would think that I have a lot to photographs to share with you of all of these fun activities, but, I have actually been taking the time watching them to relax and do just that, watch them.

Enough about why I haven’t been blogging and a bit about this shot.  If you haven’t already figured it out, the subject is the ocean.  I took a long exposure shot of water to create that flowing, cotton candy like effect.  I find it to be peaceful and tranquil, thus the title.  The location of the photograph is Kauai, Hawaii

To see a similar photograph but in black and white visit Monochromia for my Thursday post.  Which do you like better, the color edition, or the black and white edit?

The Porch at 560

ss 1/60 f 5.6 ISO 200

This home was once grand, beautiful and well-maintained.  In more recent years it was the Mill Creek Bed and Breakfast.  Until, someone purchased the “mansion” next door and later purchased this historic building to tear it down and build a garage.   The town of Nashville, IL would not allow this and the new owner is letting the building grow into ruin.   It saddens me to think that someone would let this happen just because she didn’t get her way.   The former owners of the Inn are wonderful, kind people and would never have sold it had they known what was going to happen to it.   Can you imagine living across the street having to see the building you poured so much love into a crumbling, mis-happened mess?  This building was the location of many special occasions in my youth…bridal showers, baby showers, and more.  Despite the dilapidation and ruin, the building still has character, charm and is fascinating from a photography perspective.

To see a close-up of the door and the “letter” box on the outer wall, see my post on Monochromia.

 

Place of Stories – Black and White Thursday

“Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark.”

~ Kate DiCamillo

A hallway in the New York City Public Library.

SS 1/60 F 2.8 ISO 2500

Nikon D800, 50mm 1.4

For more black and white photography, check out my Thursday post on Monochromia.

A Corner in the New York City Public Library

Yesterday I had the great pleasure to wander around New York City with some amazing people: Leanne Cole, Stacy Fisher,  Robert Marsala, and Nicci Carrera.  One of our stops was the New York Public Library – wow!  If you have never been inside you need to add it to your bucket list.  The architecture is inspiring and the people watching…entertaining.   And if you are a lover of books…you’ll feel right at home.

SS 1/60 F 4.5 ISO 2500

Edits: Slight Curves Adjustment in Photoshop CC