Theme #10 "Aged"

I just could not end the year without at least one more image. This was taken when my wife and I attended a ships reunion in Norfolk, Virginia. While there we visited President Thomas Jefferson's Home and had a fantastic day touring. This particular photo was taken in the wine cellar of his home. Side lighting was coming in the basement window from the left and I used the on camera flash as a very small fill. I don't know how long they aged the wine but I bet it was good.

Theme # 256 "Reflections"

I belong to a couple of other photography forums and one member suggested that I make a "Motivational Poster " from my Autumn image ( a few below this one ). What do you think?

Theme # 121 "Ghosts, Ghouls, or Gobins"

We took the kids on a hay ride at the Holloween Party and saw this guy holding his head screaming as loud as can be that he had a horrific head ache. I wonder why. We were bouncing around on this hay ride so I don't know he stayed in focus. Had a great time.

Theme # 57 "Clown"

We went to a Holloween Party and my my wife posed with non-other then "Bozo-the-Clown". Fun Day.

Theme # 15 "Autumn"

My wife and I and my neice went over to the Sportsman club I'm in and had a very nice day at a Holloween Party. Plenty of food, hay rides, scary stuff and a magic show. After the festivities I saw the late setting sun and went over to the Peconic River's edge and saw this scene. One of those magic moments.

Exif data: Nikon D-90, 10/25/09, !8-200VR lens @ 18mm, ISO-400, 1/100sec f/3.5, VR on, Polarizer used, hand held.

Theme # 6 "Abstract"

These images were taken on the beach at Horton's Point, located in Southold, NY. I included two images so I could better describe how I arrived at my attempt for an "Abstract" image of the little rock. The first image is just a shot of two large rocks say 15' feet off shore. Notice the small green, moss covered rock in the foreground ( center ). It caught my eye because of the beautiful, shinny, green colored moss. I then took my zoom lens in closer and took about fifteen or so shots of the small tiny waves ( 6"-12" ) breaking over the rock. I choose the second image to post because of the wave action, and blurred movement of the water. Because I had the camera set in Aperture preferred mode and the f/ stop @ f/11 my shutter speed would change depending on the meter reading. I got lucky because the speed was changing for each shot from as slow as 1/10 th sec. up to 1/60 th sec. This image was shot at 1/40th sec. which is why I was lucky. I should have put the camera in Manual mode and kept varying both the aperture and speed to get the effect I desired. The image you see on the back of the camera is almost impossible to critique when outside in bright sunlight. I guess my next "toy" purchase will be a hood for the LCD screen so one can see what is what in bright sunlight. I have the Hoodman Loupe which fits over the LCD but is difficult to use when taking pictures. I hope I didn't loose you on this one but I learned that I must play more with the Manual Mode. I'm very comfortable with the Manual mode but more likely a little lazy. Hope you enjoy my attempt at an "Abstract".
Nikon D90 2009/07/19 17:41:04
RAW (12-bit)
Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G
Focal Length: 95mm
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern
1/40 sec - F/11
Exposure Comp.: 0 EV
Sensitivity: ISO 200
White Balance: Auto
AF Mode: AF-S
VR Control: On

Theme # 244 " Public ( Military ) Transportation"

My wife and I needed some relaxation so we took a nice Sunday afternoon drive out on Eastern Long Island. It's a very rural area with a lots of farms and wineries. We stopped at the Hallockville Museum Farm which was having their annual LIAPA Tractor Pull and Show with demonstrations and displays of antique farm machinery by the Long Island Antique Power Association. In addition to the antique farm machinery there was displayed all kinds of antique cars and trucks. This Jeep is a original 1948 and in good running condition and shape. We got there late which worked to our advantage as the spectators were at a minimum. I couldn't resist to take this shot with the two flags and the bright blue sky. As you can see I used my polarizer to full advantage. A couple of links on the history of the jeeps are below.

http://www.olive-drab.com/od_mvg_www_jeeps_origin.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep

Exif Data:

Nikon D90 2009/07/19 15:55:01

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 18mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/25 sec - F/14

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-S

Utilized Circular Polarizer.

Make your own theme......"Answer this question"

I'm so glad to be back after a too long R & R. I hope you all enjoy my weird sense of humor on this post. Now pay attention real carefully, this will be very difficult for some (Ron). The theme is "Answer" this question.......... "What is the name of the town located in Pennsylvania where there is a rather large localized area of Amish immigrants". A very good clue is located somewhere in the image.

After you have discovered the clue and know the answer here is a good link which describes the area. http://www.800padutch.com/intercourse.shtml

I know I'm bad.

Nikon D90 2009/07/19 16:35:23

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 12-24mm F/4 G

Focal Length: 15mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/80 sec - F/16

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-S

Theme # 315 "Symbols"

What better image could I post for "Symbols" then our National Symbol our flag. The lower flag is of course the United States Marine Corps flag. This shot was taken at the air show at Jones Beach , NY. As you can see it was very windy and gusts in the 25-35 mph range. The flag pole was a couple of hundred feet away from me but I just could not resist and had to take at least one shot. I've posted a few other flag shots so now I'll be considered a flag-aholic. Julie commented in my last flag post that the flag appeared to have depth to it. This was true as I sort of, if I can say, nailed the exposure of the flag pretty well ,which then enables one to get the most contrast which in turn gives that depth to the two-dimensional image. You can see the shades of grey on the white portion and that gives the 3-D effect. I remember this from the old film days but the theory is still the same with digital. I wanted to see a little movement in the flag so I lowered my shutter speed a little. You can see the curl in the flag at the right most edge and to me it adds a little flavor to the image. I really do not particularly care for that guys head in the fore ground but its a beach scene, what can I do. Good thing it was not a bikini clad young lady as I never would have noticed the flag or the air show for that matter.:)

Nikon D90 2009/05/23 13:35:52

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 125mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/320 sec - F/11

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-C

Theme # 345 "Upside Down"

I was at the Air Show on Saturday during Memorial Day weekend and these pilots put some show on. They were the Canadian Snowbirds in their CT-114 Tutor jets. Because I was taking the pictures I could not pay attention to the announcer and hear exactly what you called this maneuver. Originally there were nine planes and when these planes went straight up, two pealed away then the seven which you see here completed the inside loop then from other points of the compass the other two rejoined the group. As you look at these planes they are belly up meaning they are flying upside down at this point with the cockpit inside the loop at all times. Completing a inside loop as they say is difficult because of the overall dynamics of the maneuver. Any way it was quite the show. These planes were pretty far away and was hard to keep in focus no less sharp focus so I closely cropped to enlarge and you will see some noise in the sky. I also added some more then usual vignetting to help the eye focus on the planes better (IMHO). As mentioned in my other post I had the camera on what Nikon calls "Continuous Focus" which means that if I keep the subject on the focus bracket and pan at the same time and keep the shutter button half way depressed it will track the focus and when fully depressed it should be in sharp focus. Because the Nikon D-90 has only 11 focus points I sometimes had trouble keeping the subject locked in on one point. Practice makes for better images and I had a lot of training that day.

Nikon D90 2009/05/23 11:51:34

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 300mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/1250 sec - F/9

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-C

Theme # 47 "Childhood Antics"

Now who do you think those two young senior citizens may be. Correct, it is yours truly and the bride of 49 years. We just got done with the sight seeing and grand tour at the "Manor of St. George and on our way out of the parking area I saw this contraption and begged the bride to let me take a picture of her. No way she said but she offered to take one of me. So Eveline took one of me and just then the tour master asked if we would like one taken of both of us together. Of course before my wife could answer I accepted and got my camera all set up and locked myself in the contraption of captivity and we were digitally immortalized for the time being. Lots of fun. This was made for tall people as I had to stand on my toes in order not to break my neck and choke my self.

Nikon D90 2009/06/07 16:27:42

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 22mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/125 sec - F/9

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-S

Theme # 191 "Museum" #2

I tried to visit this museum two or three times before but it has always been closed. Today we had good luck. "The Manor of St. George" and its 127 acre site located in Mastic, NY and is now a public museum and park. It constitutes an important chapter in the history of these United States and the Colonies that preceded them for a span of over 261 years. It is an action-filled chapter that revolves basically around the life of Col. William "Tangier" Smith, first Lord of the Manor of St. George. A complete history of this site can be found here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manor_St._George

It is a very interesting read if you have the time.

Nikon D90 2009/06/07 16:03:55

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 24mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/125 sec - F/11

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-S

Circular Polarizer used

Theme # 195 "National Pride"

This is of course a replica of the "Grand Union Flag", which is the first flag adopted by the Continental Army back in 1775. A very good description of this flag, its origins and history can be found here.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Union_Flag

I found this treasure at the "Manor of St. George" located here on Long Island in Mastic, NY.

Nikon D90 2009/06/07 15:59:23

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 70mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/400 sec - F/11

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-S

Circular polarizer used

Theme # 348 "Vapor"

Now this is what I call a "One In A Million Shot", Taken today by me at the Air Show at Jones Beach, Long Island, NY. Before I go any further here is an explanation of what and why's of this vapor plume.Quote: At sea level a plane must exceed 741 mph to break the sound barrier, or the speed at which sound travels. The change in pressure as the plane outruns all of the pressure and sound waves in front of it is heard on the ground as an explosion or sonic boom. The pressure change condenses the water in the air as the jet passes these waves. Altitude, wind speed, humidity, the shape and trajectory of the plane - all of these affect the breaking of this barrier. The slightest drag or atmospheric pull on the plane shatters the vapor oval like fireworks as the plane passes through it.This plane is a Navy Super Hornet F/A-18F Jet stationed at NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, Va. I got three shots of this jet with the plume in various stages of shapes and sizes. The actual speed of this plane according to the MC was 2 mph less then required to break the sound barrier. If the pilot was going just a little faster we would have had a lot of broken windows in the area. I wonder what effect that phenomena has on my camera lens glass ?Here's a link (a must read) on what happens but also how lucky I was in capturing this shot.http://www.rense.com/general8/boom.htm There is also a prize winning photo of the plume and my image is almost as good (IMHO). I'll bore you with the details as I am soooo excited. I used my AF-S VR Zoom Nikor 70-300 mm f4.5-5.6 G IF-ED lens. I had my focus set to continuous which means that the camera will try and maintain focus if the subject is moving and believe me the subject was moving. I did not use burst release mode but single -frame release mode. So in essence I squeezed off three shots of this bird in three seconds according to my exif data. The reason I used single-frame release mode is because I shoot in RAW and I did not want a couple thousand shots.

Here is the exif data. Nikon D90 2009/05/23

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 270mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/640 sec - F/11

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-C

The three images above are Photo # 2, 1 and 3 in that order.

Exif data shows the times for each shot are as follow:

Photo#1 May 23, 2009 @ 13:09:35 (Middle photo)

Photo#2 May 23, 2009 @ 13:09:36 (Top photo)

Photo#3 May 23, 2009 @ 13:09:38 (Bottom photo)

Sorry for the confusion but when I posted the images they got out of order and I had all the typing done and I did not know how to fix it up. I like The last one #3.

Theme # 177 "Looking Down"

These swan's are swimming in the Peconic Bay located right behind Main Street, Riverhead, NY. Probably about 100 yards to the right is where the Peconic River empties its water into the bay. This area is affected by the normal tidal action of the bay. This family of Swans were on the other side of the river/canal and I kept calling them softly and throwing pebbles into the water hoping that they would come closer. But they would not follow my lead. I went back to my car to get my big glass (70-300mm) and a bunch of kids came over and started making a whole lot of loud noise and the Swans came right over. The Moral of the story is that Swans are hard of hearing so yell louder. They came to my side and I almost had to look straight down at times as the dock is say 6-7 feet above the canal. Cute little family aren't they?

Nikon D90 2009/05/17 16:50:19

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 22mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/30 sec - F/11

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-C

Theme # 33 "Break the Rule of Thirds"

I was in Riverhead today taking pictures and I spotted this restored 1933 Packard in absolutely mint condition. These old spoked wheels enticed me to take a few shots but here is a good example (IMHO) to break the rule of thirds, golden ratio or the golden spiral. Are not these wide white walls the neatest. I had a 1949 Ford coupe in HS with wide white walls like this. I know I'm dating myself, but I truly love the old stuff.

Nikon D90 2009/05/17 17:27:43

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 35mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/25 sec - F/6.3

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-S

Theme # 199 "No Exit"

The location is Meeting House Creek Dock, Aquebogue, NY.

What you see is a natural tragedy which happens every once in a while. These fish, Atlantic Menhaden commonly called "Bunkers" are on the food chain for Striped bass and Blue fish. The bunkers travel in very large schools measured in area (miles/km's) and most likely were being chased by Blue fish and ended up the creek with no way out/no exit. Due to the size of the school and quantity of bunkers, no exit, no oxygen they die. It is such a shame but sometimes nature in its purest form is cruel. Meeting House Creek empties into the Peconic Bay which is in the upper most part of the image. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_menhaden

Nikon D90 2009/05/17 15:21:45

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 12-24mm F/4 G

Focal Length: 12mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/125 sec - F/16

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 340 "Fowl"

This is the infamous "Big Duck" which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places located in Flanders, New York. In 1931, Riverhead duck farmer Martin Maurer and his wife Jeule decided to construct a giant duck-shaped duck shop. They hoped to sell the Peking ducks they raised to passing motorists who would surely be drawn to the striking form of a "Big Duck" along Riverhead's West Main Street. The Big Duck roosted at this location till 1936 until it was relocated to Rt 24 in Flanders. Long Island duckling can still be found as a menu offering at the finest restaurants around the world. Here is a little more trivia about Mr. Big Duck.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Duck

Nikon D90 2009/05/17 14:53:30

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 27mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/250 sec - F/8

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 154 "Humor"

This one half of a "Tin Man" was found at the junk yard where I took the picture of the VW posted below. As you can see I cropped the lower extremities of Mr. Tin Man off in order to not violate the regulations of posting X-rated material on this blog. Need I explain any further. When I first saw this creation I could not stop laughing. The artist certainly had a sense of humor. It's mounted and chained to a trailer that can be towed by a car or whatever. It appears that he has three kegs of "Beer" hoisted above his head and he is showing off his masculinity, male proneness and strength. I would love to know where this was displayed and what for. My DW said this was x-rated and could not post it. But with my sense of humor I could not help myself and had to just show a portion of the piece of local folk art. I will find out the history of this piece of local folk art and update the post.

Nikon D90 2009/05/06 16:15:27

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 12-24mm F/4 G

Focal Length: 18mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/50 sec - F/20

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 28 "Blue"

This junk yard is right up the street from the old church in Yaphank which I posted below. Nothing special just an Old Blue VW dating back to the mid-fifty's. The battery was still there and it was 6-volts and the tail lamps were the very small ones which dates this VW back to the 1950's. Back in 1960's I had a 1956 VW Bug and used it to commute back and forth to work.

Nikon D90 2009/05/06 16:14:27

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 12-24mm F/4 G

Focal Length: 20mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/50 sec - F/20

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 235 "Place of Worship"

This quaint little old church resides in the town of Yaphank, NY. It is right up the street from the old garage that I posted earlier in April. The little town of Yaphank was settled in 1726.

The Yaphank Presbyterian Church had its beginnings according to church and county records in the late 1700s. In 1817 the local Millville (Yaphank) schoolhouse on Sundays hosted a Sunday School mission of the Middle Island Presbyterian Church. After a number of years of worshipping in homes and in the schoolhouse, the present church was built as a chapel in 1851. In October 1871 the Yaphank Presbyterian Church was officially recognized as an individual church by the Long Island Presbytery.

After days of rain I could finally go outside and attempt something for the blog. This is basically a straight forward shot meaning I just got out of the car,got my camera and took a few shots. I purposely used the tree branches (on top and right side) and the bush on the bottom to sort of frame the photo for me. I used Lightroom for PP and PSE-7 for the frame and also the removal of lens distortion(both vertical and horizontal). I very rarely will shoot a building straight head on as I like to see the perspective and depth of the building. If you have been following my exif data in my posts you will notice that 90% of the time I shoot in Aperture mode and set my f/stop to give me that good DOF. I focused on a spot of grass on the left side in front of the church. That way the bush on the right and the whole church was in acceptable focus. I also used my circular polarizer in this shot and it is quite noticeable.

Nikon D90 2009/05/06 15:53:36

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 18mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/30 sec - F/22

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

Hand Held

Theme # 285 "Silver & Gold"

Well I back to post another one. Have not had the time for an outside shot so since it rained all day I got my home made light box out and snapped a few. This is the result of about four attempts. I tried using some of my wife's jewelery but the DOF is so short that half was in focus and the other half out of focus. The gold cross is thin enough to give me a little play. I used two lights mounted on the sides of the Light Box with 60 watt bulbs. Even with this much direct light the shutter speed as you can see was pretty slow. I also tried putting more lights on the top of the Light Box but this added too much glare. I used a tripod and manual focus. PP in Lightroom and added the frame in PSE-7.

Nikon D90 2009/05/03 21:59:09

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 105mm F/2.8 D Macro

Focal Length: 105mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/4 sec - F/25

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: Manual

Tripod

Light Box

Theme # 148 "Historic Lighthouse"

Well Julie guessed it. The first comment on the image below was from Julie and she asked if I was going to show off the Lighthouse. Well here it is and here is a little trivia about this Historic Land Mark. By the time I got here late last Sunday afternoon it was past 6pm. and we could not tour the Lighthouse but I got a good shot of it from the main parking lot across the street.

It was Authorized by the Second congress in 1792, under President George Washington and
Construction began on June 7, 1796 and was completed on November 5, 1796. It was the First lighthouse in New York State and Fourth oldest active lighthouse in the United States. The
Foundation is 13'deep and 9' thick and Constructed of sandstone blocks from Connecticut, 8" high and varying in length front 18" high to 44". The walls are 6' thick at the base tapering to 3' thick at the top. The height of the tower is 110' 6" with 137 iron steps to the top of the tower.
The light flashes every 5 seconds and can be seen a distance of 19 nautical miles. My first visit to this place was probably in 1945 or 1946 when I was a young boy. I remember going here on a Sunday afternoon ride with my family. My how time flies by when you are having fun. Here is a good link for this lighthouse if you are interested.

http://www.montauklighthouse.com/

Nikon D90 2009/04/26 18:03:28

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 52mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/160 sec - F/8

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 354 "Water's Edge "

This beautiful scene was taken at "Camp Hero" State Park, Montauk, NY. This is the first time I have been here and it was quite the treat. The Light house you see in the top left corner is the famous Montauk Point Lighthouse located at the eastern most tip of Long Island. Needless to say as you look east you are looking at the Atlantic Ocean towards our friends in Europe. As you can see the coast line here is hilly and rocky. No where else on the Atlantic coast of Long Island is this true. Just a few miles west of this spot the shoreline is beautiful, with sandy beaches famous word wide like the Hampton's where the pompous rich and famous live and have their summer compounds (who cares) with the like of the Kennedys, Speilberg, Billy Joel etc, etc. Camp Hero a former military base was originally a coastal defense installation during WW-II. During the cold war it served as a Antiaircraft Artillery (AAA) training site through the 1950's. It also served as a Revolutionary War Canon site during that era. The Park itself consists of over 400 acres with miles of heavily wooded trails, picnic areas and the historic military buildings. It is a beautiful place to take a long hike on Long Island.

Nikon D90 2009/04/26 17:30:13

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 12-24mm F/4 G

Focal Length: 17mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/30 sec - F/20

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 174 "Local Landmark"

The "Old Hook Mill" is located in East Hampton, NY right on Main Street.

The owners of a post mill at the north end of town commissioned Nathaniel Dominy V to build a new smock mill with two pairs of millstones. The mill was built in 1806 and incorporated the main post of the 1736 Hook Mill. Nathaniel Dominy VII's "Register of Wind, Weather R Doings" documented the mill as being surprisingly active from I887 through I908 when it ceased operation. The Village of East Hampton bought the mill and the lot in 1922 and restored the mill to working order in 1939. It operated seasonally into the 1950's The village made additional repairs in 1984-1985. It is open during the summer months for a short tour.

Nikon D90 2009/04/26 16:41:14

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 20mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/100 sec - F/11

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 55 "Closely Cropped"

On Thursday evenings, in the nice weather, they have a car rally in the local King Kullen parking lot. This has been going on for years and I know some people who display their restored automobiles at these get together's. Yesterday when I took this shot of the 1965 Black Ford Mustang, the 6PM late afternoon sun was burning directly, straight on into my lens. I told my wife "no go", the light is not right, all I will get is burned out highlights and bad reflections with a lot of lens flare. Well she said take a few shots and see what you get because it will probably be raining next Thursday. So I took about ten clicks and and true to my expectations there was a lot of very over exposed highlights. So I went off to the Police Museum to get some other photos(see below). When the sun is a little higher in the sky in late June/July I will go back. Last evening I was playing around with these shots to see what I could salvage and use for the Blog Monster. I'm so far behind I figured what the heck post it. I kinda like it, it's different. The extreme close crop (IMHO) adds to the mystery of what this auto looks like in full view. I'll keep going back on Thursdays and get a good full shot of some of these autos. The original un-cropped version had the sky blown out with pure white pixels and a lot of lens flare off the fenders. I'm getting good look at the shutter speed (1/13 sec.)hand held non-VR lens.

Nikon D90 2009/04/23 17:47:55

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 12-24mm F/4 G

Focal Length: 15mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/13 sec - F/22

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 191 "Museum"

This is the first in a series of images I took at the Police Museum in Yaphank, NY. As you can see it is an old Shell Gas Station dating back to the early 1940's. The Police Wrecker (tow truck) is a 1942 Dodge. The price of gas as seen on the pump was 15 9/10 cents per gallon. The two posts below show one of the gas pumps and the restrooms (little bldg. on right side).

Nikon D90 2009/04/19 13:00:14

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 12-24mm F/4 G

Focal Length: 14mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/320 sec - F/11

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 213 "Orange"

This old orange Shell gas pump dates back to the 1940's. It is part of the Police museum mentioned in the post below. The price of gas at that time was 15 9/10 cents per gallon. What a bargain. But remember that ones salary was much less. I know that in 1951 I worked in a drug store in Sayville, NY and made a whooping 57 1/2 cents per hour.

Nikon D90 2009/04/23 18:29:09

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 12-24mm F/4 G

Focal Length: 19mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/25 sec - F/18

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 79 "Doors"

Well this pair of "Doors" belong to a restored Old Shell Gas Station from the early 1940's. It is located in Yaphank, NY and is part of the Long Island Police Museum. It's really a very interesting Museum to tour which I did quite a few years ago. One of these days I will go back and get more pictures. I took this one today as it is outside and not in the museum which was closed today.

Nikon D90 2009/04/23 18:37:08

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 12-24mm F/4 G

Focal Length: 20mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/60 sec - F/11

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 357 "What's for Dinner"

Well looking at this image I guess you can easily guess what is on the menu.

In 1896 the original restaurant and bar opened for business in the well-known J.J. Sullivan Hotel at its present location on East Main in Riverhead. It is believed to be the oldest continuing restaurant, bar and hotel in the town of Riverhead and the North Fork. Tweed's even continued to operate through the Prohibition by imaginative use of secret doors and dumbwaiters. The mahogany and marble bar originally constructed for the 1893 Exposition in Chicago still stands.

Today named "Tweeds Restaurant and Buffalo Bar" has been totally restored to it's original charm, featuring Victorian chandeliers, stained glass, the original stamped tin ceiling and a beautifully mantled oak fire place. And what Buffalo Bar could be complete without a trophy head of the last bison hunted by Teddy Roosevelt in the Dakota "Badlands." I personally have never eaten here but I here it is excellent and will make a point to visit this establishment. That said the Buffalo you see in the picture are raised on the owners Buffalo farm a few miles north of this restaurant. I have heard and read conflicting reports about whether the Bison at the farm are indeed used for food at the restaurant. Some reports indicated that the Buffalo's at the farm are for breding purposes only while other articles I read claim that the Buffalo are raised for food at the Restaurant. Here is the link for Tweeds and as you can see this place has quite the history. http://www.tweedsrestaurant.com/index.html

Nikon D90 2009/04/18 17:50:40

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 240mm

Exposure Mode: Manual

Metering Mode: Spot

1/400 sec - F/5.6

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 54 "Closed"

This my friends is the infamous Shoreham/Wading River Nuclear Power Plant. The plant itself is located in Shoreham on the edge of the Wading River which you can see in the foreground. It never opened but fuel was loaded for low power testing. The building of this monstrosity was a never ending effort with cost overruns and delays. This is where I live and all the locals voted against this plant but the politicians and Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO) new better. The opposition grew real stiff after the Three Mile Island incident and Chernobyl disaster. Finally because NY Governor Mario Cuomo would not sign off on an Emergency Evacuation Plan the new plant could not get the AOK from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In the end it cost us tax payers over 6 Billion Dollars which we local tax payers are still paying. Here's a good link for the history of this beloved place.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoreham_Nuclear_Power_Plant The setting sun was off to my right as you can see from the magic colors.

Nikon D90 2009/04/16 18:47:12

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 18mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/25 sec - F/16

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 400

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 360 "Who Put That There?"

This is a crazy fun shot. I went looking for a specific image and it did not work out. So I took a little ride and went down to the docks to see what I could find. There was not a boat in the Patchogue town Marina and it was around 7PM and I could tell with the dark grey clouds no sunset was in the coming. So I made a U-turn and on my way out I spotted this owl on the vertical pole. While I was in the car I thought it was real. So I silently and quickly got my camera and put the tele-zoom on and stepped out of the car. It was then I realized that it was a carving. Pretty neat, I've been here many times and never saw it before. These VR lens are great, look at the exposure 1/25Th sec @ 170mm with the ISO cranked up to 640. Hand held.

Nikon D90 2009/04/13 19:10:25

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 170mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/25 sec - F/11

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 640

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 56 "Clouds"

Today was a beautiful spring day with high winds and lots of big puffy clouds. I was up on Bald Hill taking the pictures of the Vietnam War Memorial ( posted below) and figured I would use this one for the theme title. When I took one of the picture of the Memorial I was facing directly into the sun. So I made a left turn (90degrees) put my polarizer filter on and took one shot. The filter really added to the depth of the clouds and color of the sky. I rotated my filter for maximum effect and then just backed off a bit. I find that this gives a more even effect all over the image.

Nikon D90 2009/04/07 12:36:49

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 40mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/80 sec - F/22

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 228 "Patriotic #2"

OK, so you saw the image below that is the Vietnam War Memorial here on LI, NY. When I took the image of the Memorial and was putting my camera gear away I turned around and saw these flags waving in the stiff breeze so I figured why not take a few shots. They are directly behind the Memorial. Easier said then done. It seemed that exactly when I pressed the shutter button the wind stopped for a second and the flag decided to drape downwards and the image did not look very good. So after about 20 shots I finally got a few that looked good. The Lower flag is the MIA/POW flag for the Vietnam War era.

Nikon D90 2009/04/07 12:50:10

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 280mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/200 sec - F/22

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 640

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 228 "Patriotic"

"Suffolk County Vietnam War Memorial", Farmingville, NY.

Situated on top of Bald Hill, one of the highest points on Long Island, this monument was constructed under the guidance of the Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee in 1991. The monument, a sharply sloping pyramid, painted boldly in the colors of our nation's flag, acknowledges the service and sacrifice of all Vietnam Veterans - those who died, those who were wounded, and the men and women who served. It is hoped the memorial will help heal the trauma of those war years in a spirit of reconciliation and remembrance. This site affords a spectacular and inspirational, unobstructed view of Suffolk County for miles in all directions.

I made about four trips here to capture this image but the light just was not what I wanted. Usually it was later in the afternoon around sunset. Today I happened to be in the area and saw those extremely large, puffy cumulus clouds and I knew that I better hurry. I got there at around noon time and by the time I got my camera gear and walked to the Memorial site I suddenly realized that I will be facing directly into the high noon sun. I took about thirty or so shots and tried to be exact in aligning up my camera and be centered properly. That said it was a hit and miss deal as the wind was blowing probably in the 30-40 mph range and the clouds were zooming by. The sun is shining through the dark clouds just to the right of the top of the memorial. Believe it or not I did not blow out the highlights because of the sun being behind the cloud so I lucked out and IMHO this is a keeper. Other shots I took where the clouds were white and not dark were over-exposed with hot spots. I use Lightroom for my PP and I did use the gradient filter on the top and left side to reduce my exposure. It acts the same as if I used a neutral density filter but to me its much better as I could use it on the left side also. I kept just a smidgen of the four ground trees on the bottom so that the Memorial did not appear to just emerge from the granite walk way. The Memorial is surrounded by heavy guard rails because I believe it was in 1997 that a couple of teenagers were painting there Graffiti art on the sides of the granite walls of the Memorial. They were caught and apprehended by the local police.

Nikon D90 2009/04/07 12:23:05

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 12-24mm F/4 G

Focal Length: 20mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/250 sec - F/22

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Hand Held

Theme # 137 "Halls of Justice"

Riverhead, Long Island, NY is the County seat and this is where the old Supreme Court Building resides. The original wooden structure was built in the mid 1800's and damaged by fire and rebuilt in 1928. The County has since built a new court building behind this structure and is attached to the nineteenth century complex by bridges. The whole area is roped off and is undergoing a major face lift.

Nikon D90 2009/04/05 14:47:45

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 12-24mm F/4 G

Focal Length: 14mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/80 sec - F/14

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 300 "Spring"

Well "Spring" has arrived. I have been trying to get a picture of these little spring " Crocus's" for about two weeks now. My wife and I walk our dog all over the place and every time I spot one of these little guys I say to myself I'll come back in a day or two with my camera and get a shot. And the next time when I go back all set to get a fabulous picture the little flowers are gone. Needless to say I think Ron (from down under) has been reading his mystical powers book and has put a hex on letting me capture a spring Crocus picture. Well yesterday, when I saw these little guys I placed a Rosary, Garlic Cloves, a Wooden Stake and a Cross in front of them and it worked I got my shot today. I waited until almost sunset for nice warm, soft light. This location is down the block and across the street in the local non-denominational cemetery. I took another image here for my blog titled "Rusted". Because of the setting sun almost everything was in deep shadow except for the little flower. The light was perfect and I was able to isolate the Crocus from the background pretty well. On the light side I took a little plastic water bottle with a spray attachment and when I sprayed some water on the flower it closed up on me. Luckily I took around a half dozen shots before I did that. Sadly I must also say that the gravesite where I took this picture was an aquaintance on mine who was killed in the 9-11 attack on the WTC. I used my Nikkor 105mm Macro lens and a Tripod.

Nikon D90 2009/03/31 16:41:57

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 105mm F/2.8 D

Focal Length: 105mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/15 sec - F/22

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: Manual

Theme # 329 "Tilt"

Well this is the "Tilting Tower of Riverhead. These surrounding area's are the last remaining rural areas on Long Island. At one time most of these farms were growing potatoes and various other vegetables. Now one by one they have been bought out by developers for housing developments or wineries. They have found out that the sandy soil and the climactic conditions are ideal for growing wine bearing grapes. This little tilting water tower is situated on a farm that still grows vegetables. It is totally covered with thick, heavy Ivy vines. In the summer you cannot really see the tower very well because of the Ivy vines. I moved out to this area thirty years ago and the tower was not on such a steep tilt as one sees today. The water tower it self is made out of wood and one wonders how long it will remain standing. I have passed this spot thousands of times and finally this blog has forced me to get my first image of the "Tilting Tower".

Nikon D90 2009/03/17 15:54:54

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 40mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/60 sec - F/14

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 320

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 233 "Photographer"

I have been struggling with this theme since we started. I had no clue on how to do a self portrait. I got this idea from one of my CS-3 books , "Photoshop CS-3 Essential skills " by Mark Galer and Philip Andrews. Personally I think it looks pretty neat ,I love it. But of course I am biased in my opinion. My wife doesn't really care for my artistic sense of humor she kinda thinks I look gross in this picture. The Flag image is the same one I posted the other day (Old Glory). That handsome guy is me (of course) and with the help of my dear bride I got a shot of myself. My wife has no idea on how to work a Nikon D-90 so I set up the tripod in the living room, placed two modeling lamps (the ones from my Lightbox ) on each side pointing to the sides and upward. Placed the D-90 on my tripod with the flash (SB-800) on the hot shoe pointing up toward the ceiling. Then I got my wife to sit on the sofa and I zeroed her in with a full face shot with my focusing spot on her right eye. Then we swapped spots and all I did was adjust my position till the focus spot was on my right eye ( my wife looked through rear viewfinder) and when she said OK , I pushed the infra red remote to fire the shot. So it was a self portrait with a little help. We took six shots in which four of them were use able. Of all the posts so far this to me was one of the ones I had the most fun with. I converted the image to Black & White in Lightroom (not auto-then really boosted up the contrast) an did the rest of post processing in CS-3 and the frame in PSE-7.

Nikon D90 2009/03/28 21:28:12

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 80mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/60 sec - F/11

Exposure Comp.: 0 EVS

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

SB-800 Flash and side lighting

Theme # 187 "Monotone"

I took this image about ten days ago and did not where to place it in my blog. So I finally Googled "Monotone" and it said basically in photography it means one color like Black & White so since this image had a lot of contrast I figured it may work. This little house is situated in either Baiting Hollow or Riverhead. I am really not sure. When I passed this house I told my wife that on the way home remind me to get at least one shot at a picture. So on my way home I pulled into the driveway got my camera and got out of the car and all of a sudden I realized that this place possibly was occupied. The side door has a lock on it and there are ground lights all around the front lawn in front of the little house. There also was tire track in the driveway. I quickly took about a half dozen shots jumped back in the car and drove off. I wonder if it really was some sort of grinding mill or that if the wind mill was a prop. Any way I converted it to Black and white in Lightroom 2.3. If I can find out any more info on this little house I'll update the blog.

Nikon D90 2009/03/17 16:03:55

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 32mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/60 sec - F/14

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 320

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 101 "Flags and Banners"

I am sure that most likely I do not have to explain this image. It was taken a few day's ago when I took that picture of the invisible tower that was supposed to look like a pine tree. Both images were taken from the same spot, the parking lot of the local Catholic Church, Saint Jude's. It was a beautiful clear, very windy day with gusts probably in the 30-40 mph range. It was perfect for a waving Flag and I took about twenty shots. I had the camera in shutter priority mode and started shooting at around 1/50 sec. This gave the flag some blurred movement but I couldn't get it right. So I kept increasing my shutter speed until I had a balance between stopping the motion and lending a little blurred movement to add something to the photo. In this photo there are very slight blurred areas when viewed at 100% magnification. I really like to take images of flags waving in the breeze. Gives me a sort of patriotic feeling.

Nikon D90 2009/03/23 16:53:22

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 95mm

Exposure Mode: Shutter Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/200 sec - F/7.1

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 53 "Clock"

This structure about ten years old replaced an old Lace Mill dating back to the late 1800's. My wife worked there back around 1959 while in High School. The local department store Swezey & Newins which also dated back to the late 1800's was located on Main Street , Patchogue, NY. It was considered by many the mercantile monument of the area. The Swezey family ran that business for over 100 years. I really do not know the exact reasons but the younger generation of owners built a new Swezey's at the site of the old Lace Mill and it never really took off. Possibly the ill fate of many a main Street in rural America as a result of the encroachment of larger and larger shopping malls. These large shopping malls on Long Island has laid ruins to many a main street. The new Swezey's Department store , a portion seen in the above photo lasted maybe 5 years or so. They sold the property to a local small college called Braircliff College and they sublet a portion of the building to Quiznos Restaurant and also a well equipped Gym. I have fond memories of the old store with its squeakie wooden floors and little nooks and cranny's all over the place . The old store had class and even particular odors that were inherent in very old wooden buildings. It still stands on Main Street but has been unoccupied for at least ten or so years. I made about three trips to this place before I got the image I wanted. Today was a beautiful day with a clear blue sky and when I took this image there was a fire red setting sun directly behind me as I snapped this photograph. The sky never changed colors as there was no clouds. But the setting sure warmed up the red brick on the building.

Nikon D90 2009/03/23 17:59:17

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 56mm

Exposure Mode: Shutter Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/50 sec - F/4.8

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 60 "Communication"

Believe it or not this tower is for our wireless communications commonly called "Cell Phones" connections. It is located right behind a beautiful Church in Mastic Beach, NY. When they originally designed this tower the "locals" objected to its horrible, ungainly, sight right smack in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I believe these large telephone companies paid off enough Lobby Money and had a law passed that basically said these towers will be put up wherever required. The only concession was to make the tower look like a pine tree and look like part of a natural landscape. IMHO they failed miserably. But Uncle Sam gets what it wants and when it wants it no matter what.

Nikon D90 2009/03/23 16:47:32

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: VR 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 G

Focal Length: 60mm

Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/40 sec - F/8

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 200

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF-A

Theme # 260 "Rest in Piece"

The location for these grave sites is Calverton National Cemetery in Calverton, NY. I have friends and relatives interned at this cemetery. Being that it is so close to my house I make frequent trips here to pay my respects. Sometimes I will just drive around and say hello and reminisce about the good old days and times we had together. In each of these small vaults are the cremated remains of the respective individuals. A very close friend of mine, Harry had his father buried here in this section and I payed my respects a couple of weeks ago. This is the area where I took the other picture "Repeating Pattern" that I posted a while back. It's kind of hard to capture a great image as it's sort of confined and difficult to set up and compose. Any way you get what you get. I think its because we all are so used to seeing the headstones so perfectly aligned, row after row, for as far as one can see. This type of scene is not one usually sees in the Military Cemetery. This is the first time I tried to make a Collage or Montage from three different images. All three images were photographed by me on different occasions. The Statue of Liberty photo was taken when we went on a Circle Line Cruise around the island of Manhattan back in October 2007 and the waving flag was taken here at this cemetery during the Veteran's Day ceremony back in November 2006. Both of them were taken with my Nikon D-80. The reason for the Collage was to try and give some depth to the photo by adding the symbolic symbols of our Nation. Harry's father served in the US Army throughout out WW-II and was a active member of many Veterans organizations.

Nikon D90 2009/03/12 15:46:15

RAW (12-bit)

Lens: 12-24mm F/4 G

Focal Length: 12mm

Exposure Mode: Shutter Priority

Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern

1/80 sec - F/18

Exposure Comp.: 0 EV

Sensitivity: ISO 320

White Balance: Auto

AF Mode: AF