https://www.cstanleykjohn.com/focusmeterexpose daily 0.75 2022-11-01 https://www.cstanleykjohn.com/focusmeterexpose/nicetomeetyou monthly 0.5 2021-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614621044151-PA81YPJXXIATQEU3H227/20180709094300_IMG_2213.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Morning Visitor This Tanager or others similar to it would visit in our yard in SVG on mornings. This particular rainy morning, he sat around for some time hopping from branch o branch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614621054557-35A7OPKZEWN01NV3F9Z6/DJI_0308.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Calliaqua Bay From above I caught this snap of the bay in Calliaqua, SVG to the southern tip of mainland St. Vincent. These boats can be found throughout the islands wherever calm waters reside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614621083340-GOIOOYYYNYCHFT71ARPR/20180705_182250.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - A Thousand Sunsets this scene is imprinted in my mind. It may be the specific light I chase at sunset wherever I go. It is the first scene I ever tried to master https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614621063438-RAOJ60YY7Z2FCZVSRY8Y/IMG_2313.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Playing Mas Or as we call it; “Jumpin wid de band”. Masqueraders in their costumes feting around Kingstown, SVG in their costumes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614621085432-63TD9SQUAHISMRXPHHWY/20180717_151736.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Montreal Gardens One of the most beautiful scenes. An almost free to grow jungle like scene on the interior of SVG, lush and well watered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614621660477-SMSG1C7QSK8VQ7CY4NKR/IMG_5073.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Plum Season April always mean Bequia (Beck-Way) plums were about to be available. These unripened little morsels are filled with childhood memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614621769298-ERTF6F76VR1RZ5A6OSOC/LillyWhite.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Anturium Lilly This white Anturium reminds me the flowers my mother would fill our house with every week as a child growing up. I owe them many positive memories. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614557893417-IUET9LQZNDQLE3RVW0AF/20170809_181243.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Rain Over Bangkok Sunset rainy conditions chasing away the day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614557894456-9V9HFPSLECQV8WKZ9XQI/20170810_122956.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan Temple of the Golden Buddha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614557897215-K1FPANGVFRH4Y4MGLH6U/20170811_085351.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Long Tail Boat Cruising around Chao Phraya River in Bankok, Thailand in a long tail boat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614557898371-ZO6021QL3KR55GOC1GGY/20170812_140541.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Ayutthaya The temples of Ayutthaya Historical Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614296252865-DJX3PY829VAK1GRKZMX6/stan_easyInsp-5.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - So how did I get started making photography? My name is Stanley John, I am a landscape and street fine art photographer. I was born and raised in one of the world’s coloring books; the South Eastern Caribbean island chain St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). These days I live in New England, an adventure I gratefully credit my wife, a Mainer, with. My discovery of photography isn’t a straight forward one. In many ways, I might say my subconscious chased the art form for years before it became truly obvious to me. I remember three particular experiences from my childhood, that on reflection, were the earliest photography seeds planted in my mind: My first experience with a digital camera. It was 2001 and my father purchased a digital camera, with the intent of capturing family moments. As a youngster I had an intense fascination with technology and “figuring things out.” Unfortunately this curiosity often accompanied a somewhat destructive streak. In the case of this camera (whose make and model I cannot remember) I spent hours mining ways to utilize all of it’s features. I distinctly remember taking my first macro shot. Just outside our front door was a large Buttercup bush, draping two wooden awnings hanging above two windows. I can recall the bush’s vivid golden flowers almost perennially in bloom. I remember taking a photo of a buttercup flower, as well as the blossoms of the mango tree in the center of our yard. The details in these photos were unbelievable! I had seen similar photos in books or while watching nature television shows, but the thought of recreating anything of the sort seemed so foreign to me. Here I was, holding in my hands, a device that would allow me to explore the fibrous details of the yellow buttercup leaves and their water filled nooks. I was able to see the singular flowers on the long strand of mango blossoms, some of them on the verge of bursting. Most importantly, I could spend hours doing this, experimenting, deleting photos, taking them again and again. It opened my imagination and made me curious about what else I could see from this perspective all around me. Using a disposable camera exploring Times Square, NYC. It was 2003 and my Mom and I were in NYC visiting my aunts over summer vacation. We found ourselves wandering around Time Square with my uncle, who was listening to me wax lyrical about all the lights, the air dense with noise, the buildings and the various ways this environment was engaging my senses. He popped off to a street vendor selling random bits and bobs and came back with a disposable camera and suggested I “capture it all with that roll of film.” I burst into action. taking photos of taxi cabs whose roofs were mounted with ads for The Lion King on Broadway. Of the building that housed MTV. I captured Astor Plaza and the Paramount Building. I made sure every surface of every building was memorialized. I was back in SVG in the Spring of 2019 and came across these pictures I snapped over a decade before and the rush of my senses related to each scene came back to me. The glass buildings with light reflecting off them, the people in funky clothing, a gentleman covered in silver paint plying his trade as a robot, the manhole covers donning the brand of the city, taxi cab medallions. I could not believe even in those moments, the attraction to photography had not gripped me entirely. The first Digital Camera I owned. For my 16th birthday my Dad bought me a Konica Minolta Dimage Z5 (I still own this camera today). From our veranda in SVG we have a beautiful view overlooking the bay, and I am certain I took thousands of sunset photos from almost the identical view over the next couple of years. I also remember when some family members came to visit us in SVG, we ventured down to the Grenadine islands. I went truly photo crazy snapping anything of interest visible from the water. The yachts sitting in the bay, the colorful fishing boats locals venture far out to sea in, the flora littering the coastline and the waves lashing against the boat whenever we were anchored in place. Again, how did I not notice the calming and creative effect photography had on me? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614620925483-WNO2USW2YMVD17BW2XSS/DSC02197.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Tethered Competing ropes and fishing boats fighting for their spots against the Cape Porpoise Jetty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614620925839-PKSGHB0AR751YZ5R4ZLC/DSC04923.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Sea Blast Beautifully weathered house sitting on the edge of Marginal Way with subtle golden light in the background https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614620947889-OHHQ5XWK2339103HTH2M/DSC09039.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Reflection Marsh Reflections and colorful skies are stunning morning treats, especially in the winter months when the banks are snow dusted adding extra texture to these scenes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614620951530-EK1VKQ61UJ8FO04RJWOW/DSC09225.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Tin Sunrise Corners of these aluminum sided buildings almost absorb morning color when the light hits just right! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614620970637-1UABLMH2IZN2Y7K2QL4Q/DSC09674.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Desaturated Pier This was taken the day after Christmas, I finally wasn’t working during the hours I could visit this site during low tide and snatch this Long Exposure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614621136564-HH5VBJCS4ATLCX97EJ0N/20180714_104810.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - The River Bed Approaching the crater of the volcano looks like a true wilderness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614621249540-Z11LKO2QP70EPITXFQNL/20180714_115938.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - The Crater The crater is often covered in fog, at 4049’ above sea level it boasts a massive crater with steep slopes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1614621253270-8MYVD0N8MTR49VEYJFVA/20180714_110111.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Greetings - Nice To Meet You! - Bush Tucked in between the bush is me, climbing my way up! https://www.cstanleykjohn.com/focusmeterexpose/light-thinks-it-travels-fastest monthly 0.5 2021-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1620170786481-88LZ4M4K3GZPKRV31EEF/DSC01962.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Light thinks it travels faster… - Bits Between The Cracks Lens: Sony 20mm F/1.8 Apeture: ƒ/8 Shutter Speed: 30s Focal Length: 20mm ISO: 50 Filter: 10 stop Winter in 2021 was a bit Jekyll and Hyde. It felt as though some days would be the coldest day we have experienced, and others were so mild it almost felt like Spring was right around the corner. This snap was taken on February 21st. I was standing in the middle of this breakwater, anticipating a deep orange and magenta sunset. Imagine my disappointment when the sky only offered this light pastel sky. The tide was rushing in and naturally because the light was not intense, it was disappearing quickly. I decided a long exposure was the way to go! The snow clung to the contours of these rocks, adhered with the salty water that splashed on the craggy surfaces during high tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1620336018167-3C6PEK2YE5WSKZYU3V19/DSC02016.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Light thinks it travels faster… - Just a Little Bit Lens: Rokinon 35mm f/1.4 Apeture: ƒ/7.1 Shutter Speed: 1/80 Focal Length: 35mm ISO: 100 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1620335362370-F5O3CD4JMICY5QVP3UUR/DSC02017.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Light thinks it travels faster… - Drawing Lines Lens: Rokinon 35mm f/1.4 Apeture: ƒ/11 Shutter Speed: 1/80 Focal Length: 35mm ISO: 100 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1620335346370-JU1CYDZ6FKMQXGUVSF3R/DSC02452.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Light thinks it travels faster… - Sticks and Shores Lens: Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Apeture: ƒ/5 Shutter Speed: 1/1600 Focal Length: 103mm ISO: 800 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1620335358000-N6EQ8TXAVT3R6SN4VDFK/DSC02454.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Light thinks it travels faster… - Anchor Buoy Lens: Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Apeture: ƒ/5 Shutter Speed: 1/2500 Focal Length: 103mm ISO: 800 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1620335360440-4TVCBZ9YK57MCQXDKM34/DSC02455.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Light thinks it travels faster… - Tiny Dancer Lens: Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Apeture: ƒ/5.6 Shutter Speed: 1/2500 Focal Length: 176mm ISO: 800 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1620242665167-9NE0NK6ZNVCCDXYI2UQ6/DSC03525.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Light thinks it travels faster… - Mirror Stump Lens: Sony 70 - 300mm f/4.5-5.6 Apeture: ƒ/11 Shutter Speed: 20s Focal Length: 288mm ISO 50 Filter: 10 stop When the sun is high in the sky, these are often the most intimidating light conditions to capture photos in. But, if you wait just a bit, for those hours when the sun is getting ready to creep low it allows one to survey the scene and find subjects that initially did not stand out. I found myself out with my friend in photography Jack Bjorn recently. During our trek along the marshy wetlands of Knight’s Pond Preserve, I captured this gem. With a 10 stop filter and my telephoto lens, I could use the flat water in the background to absorb the light blasting through this scene. Considering the sun was quite high in the sky, this long exposure came together as perfectly as I could hope for. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1620336604961-64SN7GYBMI6ZCK9WS26V/DSC02877.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Light thinks it travels faster… - Lit Low Tide Skeleton Lens: Sony 20mm f/1.8 Aperture: ƒ/11 Shutter Speed: 1/200 Focal Length: 20mm ISO: 800 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1620336599639-MO87OO4B8Y23JEGV5AE2/DSC02879.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Light thinks it travels faster… - Shadowy Low Tide Skeleton Lens: Sony 20mm f/1.8 Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Shutter Speed: 30s Focal Length: 20mm ISO: 50 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1620171682672-RIB5TPF4IGIFAO4M43TH/DSC02605.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Light thinks it travels faster… - Pouring Out The Sky Lens: Rokinon 35mm f/1.4 Apeture: ƒ/3.2 Shutter Speed: 1/125 Focal Length: 35mm ISO: 100 One of my favorite places to catch a sunset, in particular a sunset after a clear day, is Sand Point Beach, Cousins Island, ME. From this vantage point the sun is at my back and the shadows are minimal. On an evening like this one the sky is clear and the clouds are faint. Most importantly about the compositions I capture here; the tide is low and I truly feel almost as if I am witnessing Atlantis expose itself. Drive by this beach during high tide and most of this scene isn’t visible. Though the water is calm, one would never imagine the barely visible natural debris is waiting to create a perfectly lit stage. Tide pools and reeds, lichen covered rocks and in the distance, tree lined rocky shores with water marks reminding anyone drinking this scene in where the water will rise to, are subtle hints of the expose scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1620231800064-YLNFMZRFXNM829FFCRMD/DSC02859.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Light thinks it travels faster… - Pools of Sand Lens: Rokinon 35mm f/1.4 Apeture: ƒ/2 Shutter Speed: 1/800 Focal Length: 35mm ISO: 100 In the shadow of this image is a tide pool. That shadow is created by the column of wood reaching as high as is can out of the sand, covered in barnacles. I was tempted in post processing, to remove all the debris in the image. When I did the image lost some sense of place. Those flakes and shards add bits of color and contrast, but most importantly, each bit catches a touch of sunlight in a unique way. The sand was entrancing. The colors were impressive on their own, but with the sun fighting to peer through the remains of the boat, the angles of that light transformed this portion of the scene into something ethereal. I really enjoyed capturing these shots particularly because there were no footprints in the sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1620180230713-1VP22TIUWWK07PV3CLQB/DSC02450.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Light thinks it travels faster… - Frosted Tips Sony 70 - 300mm f/4.5-5.6 Apeture: ƒ/5 Shutter Speed: 1/500 Focal Length: 100mm ISO: 800 Shadows win in my book. The areas where light does not pour into at a scene cause my eyes to search and help me gather my composition. This image of frosted seaweed shows what that search looks like for me. These rocks specked with lichen and small mollusques were easy to gloss over when I first showed up. As the sun came up and the light slowly crept over the rocky coast, the details in the seaweed really started showing off all their best features. What really caught my attention when looking at this scene through my view finder is how shallow the depth of field was throughout the entire image and still so much dimension was present. Shadows at their best! Contrast has also been a close friend as I have explored light. I am continuing to learn how bokeh and depth of field can be played with, and help to evolve perspectives as I manipulate the light. The dimension in this photo was further accentuated by positioning myself so the light is not pouring directly into my lens, but instead lighting this scene from the side. My focus distance, and the fact that there are minimal colors in this scene meant I could concentrate entirely on how the sun was painting the seaweed and the darker areas were being overcome. Still, shadows are my favorite! I easily fall into taking moody shots on the edges of daytime. With a texture filled scene like this, making the mundane stunning becomes a bit easier! https://www.cstanleykjohn.com/focusmeterexpose/blue-skies-are-the-best monthly 0.5 2021-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632446345316-Q2ZQOOHN6O7AKNOLU2DY/Blue+Canvas.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Blue Canvas Lens: Rokinon 35mm F/1.4 Apeture: F/2.8 Shutter Speed: 1/3200s Focal Length: 35mm ISO: 100 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632446345499-2RSX1YWA20LZ8LKK63XE/Brick+%26+Blue+Steel.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Brick & Blue Steel Lens: Rokinon 35mm F/1.4 Apeture: F/2 Shutter Speed: 1/4000s Focal Length: 95mm ISO: 200 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632426182002-6PK5F0KL44NCIEL1BU7I/IcyPortlandHead.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Icy Portland Head Lens: Sony 20mm F/1.8 Apeture: F/8 Shutter Speed: 25s Focal Length: 20mm ISO: 50 Filter: 10 Stop I have visited Portland Head countless times, which photographer in the greater Portland Area hasn’t? But one photo I have always imagined is a lovely long exposure as the tide is coming in before sunset, during the winter. I climbed down these slippery rocks on a negative temperature day, and waited about a half hour or so to be rewarded with these stunning scenes. With the shadows taking over in the cove I was perched in and the waves crashing on the far walls, I set my camera up from a low perspective and let the icy rocks in the foreground show off the entire scene! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632499692800-1JRQY4D8IL57RQV90Q9Z/Screenshot_20210924-115725_Instagram.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Ray Larose: Instagram: @ray.larose | Website: https://sqid.ink/ Ray’s work is striking to say the least. Always filled with colorful, beautifully lit tones. It almost feels as though he has never taken a bad photo. All his shots are composed in stunning fashion, and nothing seems ordinary after looking at the shots he takes. You’ll notice quickly that he spends his time around town, likely strolling down an alley or along the busiest street you can think of in whatever town he is in, showing off the scenery for that day in absolutely stunning fashion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632499509793-JWW7SDZW9WIF8IZJ0K65/Screenshot_20210924-115814_Instagram.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Stephen Wells: Instagram: @stephen.wells Stephen is a man of many hobbies and undeniably committed to mastering whatever he tries. He loves everything analog, and will wax lyrical about his favorite artists over a few beers anytime he can. He’s become a good friend of mine, and I am looking forward to getting out to shoot with him often in the years to come. I first noticed Stephen’s surfing photos. He often has a shot or two of friends crushing waves with a blue sky and the sun blaring through. Stephen also helped me get over the hurdle of starting to shoot film, and there will be mention of him in future blogs for sure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632429181849-6PZYWHRYN1MVEPBJW5YK/MarginalSplash.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Rock Salt Lens: Sony 70-300 F/4.5-5.6 Apeture: F/4 Shutter Speed: 1/4000s Focal Length: 33mm ISO: 320 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632494279464-762JU9HMAVUOVIAVDXX5/ThunderPebbles+1.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Thunder Pebbles Lens: Sony 70-300 F/4.5-5.6 Apeture: F/14 Shutter Speed: 20s Focal Length: 20mm ISO: 50 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632427484653-MGAPO75IIUTVY2AKZT09/DustedBarn.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Barn Slopes Lens: Sony 85mm F/1.8 Apeture: F/4.5 Shutter Speed: 1/800s Focal Length: 85mm ISO: 100 This horse stable was perched on top of a gentle slope, serving I am guessing, as a pasture for the horses. In the distance to the left that mountains were just catching the remnants of sunrise light. The rest of the sky though was this interesting shade of blue and the clouds were sharp lines in the sky. Beautiful motivation for the hike ahead! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632444618497-MHRD6MU9NGHK01Z0JV0N/Pemaquid+Waves.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Back Splash Lens: Rokinon 35mm F/1.4 Apeture: F/3.2 Shutter Speed: 1/1000s Focal Length: 35mm ISO: 100 These waves spent the morning reminding the rocks they have a worthy opponent. For the first time in about 10 sunrise shoots, I not only picked the correct morning to get out, I also found an ideal location! The timing was on point; that hour or so just after sunrise where the light truly feels as concentrated. But for the air, you could be tricked into thinking a late February morning is offering a kiss of spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632448520387-U7UKJCTNU7ILAF2CKLJH/Green+and+Gold.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Green & Gold Lens: Fujinon XF 18-55 mm f/2.8-4.0 Apeture: F/11 Shutter Speed: 1/30 Focal Length: 21.4mm ISO: 320 And so, one of my latest favorite shots was executed between the reeds in the middle of this marsh, fighting off the swarms of bugs that were inquiring about my late afternoon activities. Sunset was creeping in quickly, and while I would usually embrace this sky going golden. I was in love with all the contrast and rich colors from these blue skies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632447895970-EZCOTY7KGN9BQD9C334Z/Early+Bloom.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Early Bloom Lens: Rokinon 35mm F/1.4 Apeture: F/2.8 Shutter Speed: 1/2500s Focal Length: 35mm ISO: 100 Speaking of walks, getting through the neighborhoods during springtime is a great opportunity to take on photography experiments in places that are familiar. I find when I am not trying to figure out how to photograph a place, when the scenery comes naturally, I can focus more on executing. Motivated by warmer days in March and May created photos similar to this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632495108394-PU7X00I5R3GBSQEVHU6G/LichenBlueSkies.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Lichen Blue Skies Lens: Rokinon 35mm F/1.4 Apeture: F/7.1 Shutter Speed: 1/250s Focal Length: 35mm ISO: 100 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632495108699-05QGPLKNDE2ZN356ABXS/Stick+Stairs.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Stick Stairs Lens: Rokinon 35mm F/1.4 Apeture: F/2.8 Shutter Speed: 1/800s Focal Length: 35mm ISO: 100 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1632426978337-AQTI3OZ623EUGEZ927J3/FrozenField.jpg Focus, Meter & Expose - Blue Skies are the Best… - Snow Field Lens: Sony 70-300 F/4.5-5.6 Apeture: F/5.6 Shutter Speed: 1/320s Focal Length: 217mm ISO: 50 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The tide slowly pouring back in was hitting reset on how so many of these pools had settled. The contrast in colors between the sky and rocky foreground was one obvious layer. What served as a distraction; was how subtly each second formed stark changes in the sand, was also casting a slow trickling spell on the sky! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/4265a9d3-a49b-43f6-93d5-347ba2e0a9cf/CottonSky.jpg Gallery - Coastal Cotton Sky - If I could pick one place in Maine to take in a sunset from, this beach would be on a shortlist. At low tide you can hear the crackle and pop of air bubbles in the sand. Rhythmic low crashes of water off in the distance and the bits of gritty sand below my feet. But really, this curved beach pointing to headlands in the distance and a sky screaming, with it's reflection of the sunset in the about facing direction, are simply...wonderful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/3fac0e44-d569-4889-895a-0ff731eb93ff/AfterTheStorm.jpg Gallery - Coastal After the Storm: This composition came in the aftermath of days long stormy weather. So off to the coast I went, with my mind set on images full of moving water and blaring light. I wasn't disappointed, instead intrigued by what happened as the sky started to brighten. The water was raging, distractingly so; in little pockets along the shelved rocky coastline, swirls of water collected and emptied. Due to the angry splashes, foam was abundant in the slowly leaking pockets. As the light changed the textures in these swirls absorbed and reflected that light in so many interesting ways! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1602885287255-YHEBQYFSSCCBS0SX8I7R/DSC02744.jpg Gallery - Coastal Golden Marsh - This photo was taken during mid summer, on a warm, rainy day. I was contemplating whether or not to catch golden hour over this marsh.After a day of continuous thundering rain, the clouds had just started parting to allow the sun to peek through. I was so happy when I got to this location to see just how perfectly the light was settling over this landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/2097ad95-4210-49fc-b8f1-d5d649d7a704/DSC02978.jpg Gallery - Coastal Drama Rocks - This summer was foggy and cool. On this particular day along the coast the winds were a bit high encouraging the rough waters seen in this shot dancing between the rocky shore. The fog in these photos brought the perfect diffusion to the light coming from the sun fighting to peek through. All of this combined to create this dramatic image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1602885659539-1IBZR4JP3SXCPVGIT5JS/DSC04028.jpg Gallery - Coastal Burning Sunset - I visited this location with my wife and friends celebrating a birthday. As any responsible photographer would, I brought my camera, hoping to capture something spectacular. What a treat to be greeting with these dense dramatic clouds dancing around this sunset. This sheltered Bay in Georgetown, Maine was also calm and quiet with cute small homes littering the rocky shoreline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1602885727030-S6S76PMV8CTIRY42S08P/DSC03933.jpg Gallery - Coastal Mid Coast - These little islands along Maine's Mid-Coast are bursting with photogenic spots. These interesting rocky textures and fish houses combine to tell the story of what happens in these small towns everyday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/88b76ea5-5427-460c-9a57-e64b7711465f/ElephantRock.jpg Gallery - Coastal Elephant Rock: This boulder shaped like an elephant staring at me was striking. I got to this spot early on the day hoping for some warm, low light pouring over the low tide water covered rocks. With the sky overblown, black and white was the way to go https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1602885983384-N6MWYTCCKDCMYMY4U96B/DSC03371.jpg Gallery - Coastal Low Tide - This is one of my favorite places to take in sunset. There are so many aspects of life in Maine along Cousin's and Little John islands that remind me of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The island life vibe of folks hanging out from their houses, or walking around chatting with their neighbors as all the wildlife sings their last songs of the day are so homely. Then subtly in the background are the sounds of small boats and a lapping shore. Very peaceful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/68b01497-45ba-4678-adb6-15d5795c9820/ReflectionHouse.jpg Gallery - Coastal Reflection House - This is a popular spot in Cape Porpoise, Maine. Langsford Road has seen many photographers snapping away at this fish house. On this day there were some interesting colors in the sky, and while it was very overcast, the light behind the clouds right before sunset was very reflective. All of this combined to create a spectacular reflection in the calm slightly rippling water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/3d3241f6-e7fa-40ec-96e6-dbc2ed942a36/CurveOfTheCoast.jpg Gallery - Coastal Curve of the Coast - I spent so many afternoons this summer searching for the perfect coastal scenes. Rock curving coasts with late afternoon sun were the perfect salve for busy weeks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/59c5616c-0bbc-4663-a307-ee5d7f5f9d23/GlassandSand.jpg Gallery - Coastal Glass and Sand - Summer days create unique moments. This one was from a random need to get out after work. I headed down on the Southern Maine coastal beach town of Ogunquit and between the tide pools were these interesting bands of sand. The mood was ideal and this specific moment captured the sense of the place perfectly! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1602885982125-NAENHY3XLN18WWEUT3K0/DSC03408.jpg Gallery - Coastal Sky Mirror - I love dramatic clouds. On this day the combination of a warmly lit blue sky, and large slow moving clouds created such a perfect scene. Fortunately, the tide was low enough to allow me to get to eye level with this body of water on the tiny causeway to Little John island and snap this mirror reflection of the sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1602885854977-1V540T3I6FGZ9ZB92PUN/DSC03610.jpg Gallery - Coastal Splash Light - This photo was taken on a hot early August day. Cape Neddick in Maine is one of the most quaint and enjoyable beach towns. This, however, is a popular spot. The Nubble lighthouse is a great place to visit anytime of year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1602886333421-4TUH7EP2O9MRPRQGQ6TP/DSC06528.jpg Gallery - Coastal Holding Firm - Old Orchard Beach, Maine is a popular vacation spot. The Pier in particular is always buzzing with action. I caught this photo during early Fall 2020. It was on a sunset morning, just after the sun rose high enough to cast the shadows of these pylons holding the pier up perfectly through my frame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/9fa55b24-26cf-4530-afd2-0e6b95a6ecfb/BitsBetweenTheCracks.jpg Gallery - Coastal Bits Between The Cracks - Winter in 2021 was a bit Jekyll and Hyde. It felt as though some days would be the coldest day we have experienced, and others were so mild it almost felt like Spring was right around the corner. This snap was taken on February 21st. I was standing in the middle of this breakwater, anticipating a deep orange and magenta sunset. Imagine my disappointment when the sky only offered this light pastel sky. The tide was rushing in and naturally because the light was not intense, it was disappearing quickly. I decided a long exposure was the way to go! The snow clung to the contours of these rocks, adhered with the salty water that splashed on the craggy surfaces during high tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/83ec15d1-fa43-4f34-9ea3-c1c936dc35b1/MattNicolesMorning.jpg Gallery - Coastal Nicole & Matt's Morning - This was taken the morning of some of my closest friends, overlooking the spot we were about to celebrate their nuptials from eight hours later. Golden sky, with crashing waves and a sky ready to show off a spectacular day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/0fa12fe8-8442-4071-88e3-9df7373ac1d5/EdgeOfAcadia.jpg Gallery - Coastal Edge of Acadia - Standing between the trees after the sun set with this cotton candy sky was one of the most breathtaking scenes of Summer 2021. I couldn't help but get a long lens out, introduce some compression and this came together beautifully https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/c9e5ed60-b080-4078-b208-5b50ff3b9905/WaterReeds.jpg Gallery - Coastal Water Reeds - Revisiting this spot along the Southern Maine coast. The high tide action with this rising landscape in the background drew me in perfectly! I was obsessed with the colors of this late summer summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/72335619-c4c1-4985-a3a4-03972160beed/OttersSteps.jpg Gallery - Coastal Otters Steps - Big granite slaps sprawled out ahead of Otter Cliffs along the ocean in Acadia National Park is a great way to start any day. The pine tree littered cliffs shown here made for brilliant contrasty colors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/25595099-449f-4fb5-a344-98291b8b3ec8/DogRocks.jpg Gallery - Coastal Dog Rocks - This was my favorite spot of the summer season 2021. The rocks scattered around looked like pups laying down while the sun came up in the background. The clouds were soft and broad in the sky, and the blue tones made this a stunning painterly scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/d02d97e7-02fe-4b9e-8c56-ae3752d26052/BackSplash.jpg Gallery - Coastal Back Splash - These waves spent the morning reminding the rocks they have a worthy opponent. For the first time in about 10 sunrise shoots, I not only picked the correct morning to get out, I also found an ideal location! The timing was on point; that hour or so just after sunrise where the light truly feels as concentrated. But for the air, you could be tricked into thinking a late February morning is offering a kiss of spring. https://www.cstanleykjohn.com/gallery/street monthly 0.5 2021-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/b7abf179-9dab-42cf-b2d4-029822c4c2af/NightDesert.jpg Gallery - In-Town Night Desert - Rain is one of the most useful photography tools in urban settings. It naturally adds contrast to your scenes and reflections where they usually don't exist. On a dark, cold rainy night, this gentleman returning his nozzle to the pump at this gas station added that extra bit of human interest to an already stark scene set before me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/6a9e20fc-04d2-4005-8e71-6a813ffabc3a/AllTheBlue.jpg Gallery - In-Town All The Blue - I went on an adventure to explore blue skies more in 2021. Through all the seasons, the time of day I have most available for photography is when the sun is high and the sky is clear. Combined with a tin building trying to match the sky's tones successful scenery can be found! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1602884778528-M7UVWQ66N2LK1XU92SMA/DSC05900.jpg Gallery - In-Town Glass and Light - The mirror effect of so many surfaces in street photography can completely transform a scene within minutes. Here I was on this late summer afternoon, chasing the light. The clouds I could see setting in the distance, coming out almost reluctantly after the rain. Then of course I get to this intersection on Portland's waterfront. The opportunity to refocus my intentions brought all the elements I was chasing together perfectly. The light, the traffic, the heavy rain clouds and the late afternoon retreating light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/95ca5793-f0f1-405e-9446-0801692cdffb/ContrastandLines.jpg Gallery - In-Town Contrasted Lines - If you have ever walked by someone with a camera pointed in a location that looks like nothing interesting is happening, believe me there is something lovely in that frame. On this occasion, I was looking to catch the various layers of this building, then as I was framing it up, I noticed the birds flying over. Waiting for one of them to come into frame took some time but added some great interest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/cd11297f-c090-402d-a7ab-a3525548e34c/BayleysIceCream.jpg Gallery - In-Town Bayleys Ice Cream - There are some curious buildings around town and many of them look stunning to me under the right light. These shots are inspired by another photographer's work; Nick Carver. I love the classic look, ironic colors and seasonal interest from these shots. More of them will pop up from time to time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/b4b58cd3-6cc1-48e7-97b9-f809fc7b43b8/DSC07176.jpg Gallery - In-Town Static Movement - This bike was my companion during a late afternoon shoot. I found that while the light was blaring and people were exploring Portland from the angle of the street I was standing on, I noticed everything but this beautiful Harley sitting right below me. I was break the street photography rule of scrolling through my shots when my eyes focused on a truck rolling by the front of this bike - that's what brought this image to life. Doing what I was not supposed to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/392d7551-a2eb-4099-aaf5-8ac170e5d601/LongShadowDay.jpg Gallery - In-Town Long Shadow Day - This may be one of my favorite places to photograph in Portland, I love the way the light hits the buildings at sunset and the steeple from the church sitting between these two. I come back anytime I am in town around this time, wondering if there is anything a little interesting going on that can change the way this scene looks in picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/cdfd4abf-b555-4a4d-965b-c02a84d5889e/WintersCorner.jpg Gallery - In-Town Winter's Corner - I come back to this corner every now and again often times just to try out new camera gear, sometimes on a night when I have a feeling something interesting could exist due to the conditions. The wet surface and rushing lights meant this building was lit up beautifully and I was more than happy to take it all in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1602884758541-MEJ1V6DFI43WSYX8AHVI/DSC06206.jpg Gallery - In-Town Cloud Tracks - Follow the path to the sunset. Portland, ME has a skyline brimming with facades from another age. Coincidentally, many of the brick buildings are also draped in the perfectly contrasting colors and tones of a bright blue sky. Add a sunset like this one and clouds showing their intent and the perfect photographic cocktail is mixed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/df980f13-a05a-41d1-b4ac-5eaf75ee3ec5/DSC07107.jpg Gallery - In-Town The Classic - In the early fall of 2020, I had ideas in my mind of photographic ornate brick facades around Portland. Sadly I was in the middle of a creative slump. Work was particularly busy and I found myself too tired at the end of the day to turn my mind on for photography. One evening, I was sitting on my porch drinking a beer and decided, grab the camera, one lens, and go catch the late afternoon in the Old Port. I hadn't taken a photo in weeks, I stepped out of my car, changed my camera settings to where I remember them working for this time of day and took this shot as a test. I walked away with it being my favorite of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/d9bafeed-476c-49c7-96f5-28cc8e2d834c/BlueReflections.jpg Gallery - In-Town Blue Reflections - The sky and the water with wonderful tones is fantastic. Shadowy days along Portland's Old Port is great to saunter around and take a look at. Sometimes a scene that's pleasurable to the eye doesn't make for a good photo, but the working wharfs of the Old Port don't fall under that category. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/3de18744-8157-481d-887d-e604bd72a13c/DSC08940.jpg Gallery - In-Town Burning Morning - I caught this sunrise by chance. I woke up thinking I would go out to catch a few snaps, but I had no idea where I would go to. I hit the Old Port parked my car and started walking. Then as the light poured through, against this raw architectural surface, I was reinvigorated out of my creative slump. This moment right here is why sunrise never disappoints. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/7e1e1e19-940b-47e2-af49-91bd3d87d7cf/BrickandSky.jpg Gallery - In-Town Brick and Sky - Pointing the lens up towards the corner of a building is something I never get tired of. While I was standing around warming up for the day, I noticed this cloud creeping between this scene, lined the shot up, and snapped away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/0496da68-677f-41cf-a30b-d423508f29f8/BayleysFriedClams.jpg Gallery - In-Town Bayleys Fried Clams - In the middle of winter, after a few strong snow storms, I braved the cold on a dark evening to this clam shack. The sky is open and clear, not disturbed by any light and with the parking lot full of folks waiting for the food they purchased the scene was set https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/6a9ccf50-408a-413a-963b-2d3404424d86/DSC09574.jpg Gallery - In-Town Beach Barn - Old Orchard Beach, ME is an interesting spot. The beach spans forever with hotels and motels spilling off the edge of the sand. Every few buildings or so, happens to be a bar/restaurant. This one during a golden lit morning, with it's very classic look and feel, painted in colors expected from a time past and that single sconce was such an appealing composition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/7b98ed66-5342-4c6f-91b7-47a534467499/DSC06194.jpg Gallery - In-Town Lean on Me - One of the easiest ways to get around any city, and yet finding a safe haven for the intervals between use can be a bit tricky. I pass this bike regular on my jaunts through town, and I am tempted to photograph it every time. The curve of the handle bars in their powder blue dressing against the rigid tough brick is too much contrast to resist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/0a1f1fe7-d5c9-4699-b158-5845a64a2bbb/BloomStreet.jpg Gallery - In-Town Bloom Street - Springtime really brings a neighborhood alive. My wife and I spent every afternoon we possibly could exploring the streets around our house. We went down the streets we didn't know and gazed upon the houses we never noticed before. But this perfectly lit classic home was an absolute homerun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/abb439bf-7c33-4bc7-ab71-6b65b89f5b7c/NightLights.jpg Gallery - In-Town Commerical Gas - I drove past this gas station once while the snow was falling and noticed the bright glow in the background from the snow accumulating. Unfortunately I did not have my camera gear with me at the time. So, I returned one night after we had a few snowfalls and captured this in the brutal cold. How strange it must have been to see someone snapping away at this shot in the dead of winter at night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/1d75bca2-aa0e-4554-9d07-17715d31bfa9/TheOldPort.jpg Gallery - In-Town The Old Port - I don't often take the chance to catch the sun blasting away on the Portland skyline. While the light was perfect on this mid winter afternoon, the windy conditions coupled with my need to throw a long lens on and zoom in to get the well lit details made for a difficult adventure. It was a beautiful afternoon, the sky was full of color, the waves were crashing, but I just couldn't bare the cold gust filled wind against my back. The reward was this shot! https://www.cstanleykjohn.com/gallery/woodland monthly 0.5 2021-10-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/260bbcfa-4732-4ed3-b5ff-f928ef134eba/Mustard+Sticks.jpg Gallery - In-land Mustard Sticks - This Beech forest was blanketed in rich yellows. The warm colors from a slightly overcast day had the whole place almost glowing. Soft winds kept a bit of a trickle in the leaves and a soft soundtrack of branches clanking together. This gathering trio was accompanied by a lovely batch of mustard colored leaves posing perfectly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/a236a582-ef65-4f33-8fa2-23959339c308/NightDesert.jpg Gallery - In-land Battle of Seasons - This scene surprised me. I walked by it several times while I was snapping away at late afternoon scenery around this woodland. Suddenly, the harsh light disappeared, some soft mist appeared in the air and the rich yellows started blasting through. With the remnants of both Summer and Fall colors shining through, I had to snap away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/eb91bb78-9077-488e-993d-415c8433ffef/FoggyDecorations.jpg Gallery - In-land Foggy Decorations - Just a few leaves were left on the trees. A day of rain and a late afternoon's fog meant I needed to rush to the exact location I knew I would find a composition. The wild shapes of branches and intertwined trees in the woods creates these almost human-like figures among the trees. The fog helps with the depth in this scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/8471f7b7-9604-41c9-a432-27ae0b4aeddf/SherbertRiver.jpg Gallery - In-land Sherbert River - Fall 2021 generated a spectacular display of color and texture. This was inspired by a recent obsession with the woods and a need to just find fun places to run around in. This area of New Hampshire during Peak Foliage in the white mountains meant every woodland was an opportunity to find brilliant colors and surroundings that contrasted beautifully! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/8710aecc-796b-4198-abda-082fbb9a5403/Green+and+Gold.jpg Gallery - In-land Green & Gold - The temptation of fall almost ensures inspiration is on the way. On this particular day while visiting some friends on Peak's Island, ME, I had a chance to steal away to their back yard and let these birches and rusting reeds in the distance soak up my frame. This photo does the peacefulness of this scene no justice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/43ffc2e2-10bc-4a9e-9f5b-85918b49ea24/DSC01088.jpg Gallery - In-land Snow Boot - This tree was perfectly garbed in its warm mossy socks. The morning light and hard shadows were perfectly lighting the day and tones of blue were intense on the fresh powdery snow. The wind had spent it's time blowing around the forest, caressing the feet of tree trunks with the winter insulation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/e4fafe8c-0f5d-415e-8cdb-b481d086d687/DSC09947.jpg Gallery - In-land Pastel Pine - Growing up in the Caribbean I imagined pine trees being an element of the holiday season. They have a conical shape, and a deep rich green. Living in New England as an adult, in the Pine Tree State, has put on display the full gamut of pine tree genus. They are undeniably one of my favorite models in their beautiful garb and colors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/12bd4c84-1e7a-409d-a897-7f1c347df75a/MagicMoment.jpg Gallery - In-land Magic Moment - Sometimes you come across these moments that truly look and feel like a fairytale. But the tricky thing is figuring out how to photograph it. How do you create this moment permanently? Well on the edge of these boulders, with the water rushing and the early morning light pouring in, the camera really did the rest of it here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/bdbbf9b5-6408-4a38-b433-db8235fae7fa/FieldOfPeaks.jpg Gallery - In-land Field of Peaks - The light pouring over the valleys around Mt. Washington were alive with fall foliage in this shot. In addition, the timing of my visit up this mountain side was great when the light poured over the slopes in the foreground. The land was littered with many rocks and hiking paths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/3aad38e0-aaa5-4785-8600-1abdcd3e9c0b/InTheStix.jpg Gallery - In-land In The Stix - I found myself in the woods during the late afternoon Spring 2021. My wife and I were vacationing and had been doing a fair amount of hiking, so I decided to ditch the camera and camera bag as we chased this trail traveling along the riverside. The sun was absolutely blazing through these thick trees and as we broke a corner on the edge of a stream this scene stood proudly displaying itself! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/b88d52eb-1462-4f41-bed5-9e1a6b4b68eb/RunningOnTheEdge.jpg Gallery - In-land Running on the Edge - There was so much color going on at each layer of this scene. The sun was playing endless tricks and the wind was starting to pick up so the water was losing its flat glassy texture. Then, this runner on the edge of the water started going by and if this scene wasn't enough already, that small element took it over the top for me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/d7cd8ae8-4a5a-4506-af05-43f502753593/PortalToDay.jpg Gallery - In-land Portal To Day - I caught sunrise on this morning for the first time in a long while. A snow storm had come through on the coast the previous day. In addition to the fresh snow, we had beautiful light with the sun coming in slowly, a sight we had been missing for quite a few days, particularly this early in the morning. I made some really silly mistakes in my excitement. I showed up to this spot and saw all the signs of a great morning of photography. I chalked up my scatter brained moment to being just a bit rusty. While on the scene I never looked at my shots, desperate to both enjoy what I was seeing as well as wanting to take advantage of the light and conditions. When I got home that morning and looked at my fresh treasures, I had the combined feelings of disappointment, looking at brilliant compositions photographed out of focus. My joy was maintained by looking at this image, which depicted truly, the elements of photography that wake me up early on a cold snowy morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/c1f86fef-ae9e-43ab-a89c-826afaae4374/GoldenFalls.jpg Gallery - In-land Golden Falls - Loved the fantastic colors around these falls. My favorite trees during the autumn are bitches and beech. Through to the water carved crown was this beautifully lit tree line than was slightly warming the water pouring over these rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/a3045b8f-e8cf-4ffe-8d01-452c4d320764/FoggyCrown.jpg Gallery - In-land Foggy Crown - Sometimes the warmth of sunlight diffused between the clouds is great. But when you are in the clouds looking down at lower peaks the colors and textures go absolutely wild! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/aca8eb6d-054b-418f-b6f3-05e7e6a13513/BedOfFerns.jpg Gallery - In-land Bed On Ferns - Sauntering through the woods during the early fall, looking for hints of the season changing, and I happened upon this very simple but still beautiful scene. The ferns were happy to show their hints of surrendering to winter, and to camouflage this fallen tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/319fe72c-cf0e-4ec9-8b5c-973a89a2f100/FoggyMorning.jpg Gallery - In-land Foggy Morning - I found out that August in Downeast is affectionately known as Fogust - and in fact saw this season in action on morning during my recent visit. What a sight to see. Initially when I was looking on at this river, I didn't think there was anything to photograph. but as I sat, drinking my coffee, just letting the morning roll by, the light started hitting the golden slopes. The low clouds and thick fog were blocking the early light and there was an interesting blue tone bathing everything in the air. I was so happy I stuck around! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/54b23589-705a-4bd8-ad5d-cecd274f0a23/DSC01460.jpg Gallery - In-land Coated - The woods always call when there has been fresh snow. Golden light is the best companion for the deep greens of pine tree forests and completely untouched snow. Every surface on this morning was lightly covered in snow that wind, rain nor sun was able to disturb. All the trees sat quietly and almost as if in a studio itself this particularly tree was perfectly staged in a corner, begging for me to turn my lens on it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f89f56275a54c0f74160d5d/d957b01d-12f0-4668-8b0d-764fac61246f/EchoFall.jpg Gallery - In-land Echo Fall - One of my favorite things to photograph is a good reflection. They are everywhere, some of them you have to search long and hard for. This one, was on the edge of the beach at Echo Lake in New Hampshire. I caught it in late fall and it was such an easy scene to embrace photographing because I spent the summer past enjoying the pleasures of capturing big blue skies. Here the fall colors contrasted in stunning fashion.