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After a heavy rain last evening, the sky was gray and overcast for most of the morning. Our day was slow to start and after taking the pups for a run in the fields, B and I went for lunch at the Chinese Buffet (insert yummy here). After filling our bellies, we decided to drive over to the beach and to our luck the sky had started to clear.

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Standing, under the cover of gray skies, in South Street Seaport looking across the Brooklyn Bridge ~

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We enjoy visiting the City, not driving in it.

In an effort to avoid the gridlocked streets, we took the ferry across the river. 

It was a nice relaxing 5 minute trip which allowed for great views of the skyline.

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late afternoon sun, perfect for creating a sunburst and getting fabulous flare

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For several months now, while blog hopping, I have read many moms post about just how difficult it is to photograph their young children. I read about how they swarm around, they don’t stand where you want them to, and they wouldn’t smile nicely. Pretty much they are unwilling to take part in the photo session.

Last evening B and I were out and about, the sunset was breathtaking and I’ve been playing with silhouettes and starbursts. This was the perfect set up.
Me ~ “ B please pull the car over, no there, right there, no over there.”
Me again ~ “I know it’s freezing but I really need you to get out and stand still for me.”
Me yet again ~ “Ok now hold your hand up, a little higher, now over a bit, no my right, and lower your hand a little more.”
Me one more time ~ “Now stop moving, ok let me check it, oh darn, no starburst.” “Let me check my settings and try again.” “Hon, why did you move?” “oh come on, just a few more.” “I know you told me it was freezing.” “Now stand there, no, come on I said there.” “ Yes put your hand back up, no a little lower.” “ See if you didn’t move this would be easier.”

And you young ladies talk about your children! Good thing this man loves me. ♥

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SkyWatch Friday

I Learned

Yesterday we received our third snow storm since Christmas. While this storm was considered a mere dusting at 6”, it was a enough to create a marvelous winter wonderland. The soft powder lay still on all of the out stretched tree branches. Although temperatures were frigid, my friend and I could not pass up the opportunity to capture some photographs.
When the sun finally made it’s presents, I played around with creating starbursts. While this photo is over exposed for my liking, I am pleased with the starburst.

ISO 200, f/25, 1/400

ISO 200, f/14, 1/800

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Last evening, a photo friend and I were practicing night photography. To be more exact, we were trying to create a starburst effect from the light which sits a top our local lighthouse. We had been successfully practicing this effect with Christmas lights and the sun; and after seeing several photographs, of different lighthouses, with fabulous starburst, we knew we needed to have a photo like that of our neighboring guiding light. Off we went on a 19° F night, we set our tripods, adjusted our setting, crossed our fingers and with a remote opened the shutter.

While I am happy with the images we obtained, we were not able to capture the effect we set off after. Perhaps we were too close to the light? Do you need to be further away? Does the light need to be stationary? Ours revolves. I believe I had the correct settings as I did get a burst from the lower illumining tower light. Any suggestions??

I learned, I am getting better at night photography but just when I think I have this down ~ I really don’t!

Please critique, any and all comments are always welcome.

ISO 1600, f/5.6, .77 sec


ISO 800, f/22, 30 sec

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Final Post/SkyWatch of 2010 ~

Northeasten USA was blasted with a blizzard the day following Christmas. Shutting down most of my state for 2 days. Now, 5 days later the sky is clear and bright. The temps have raisen to a warm 38 degrees. After being "trapped" in the house for several days, we decided it was a good day for a trip to the beach. We waited abit for the sun to be at it's strongest. By the time we arrived the fishing ships were back with their mornings catch.

Happy New Year to Everyone!

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SkyWatch ~

the sky was bright and blue, the wind strong, the tide tough, and the air temps in the single digits, yet we enjoyed the day playing with props and photography

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SkyWatch ~

Would you know from looking at the photo the temps were in the low 20s with a wind chill of 10? Pretty darn cold!

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23 days, the count down ~

Better not cry, better not pout. Santa Claus is coming to town.

For "click it up" ~ I learned to layer photos.

For SkyWatch ~ When what to my wondering eyes should appear.

*I have used this photo previously, however I thought it looked like the perfect backdrop for Santa.

SkyWatch ~

Grey and rainy skies surround this "Captain of the Ship" ~ the last one off.

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SkyWatch Friday ~

... and I was fortunate enough to see it in person.

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SkyWatch ~

The water is still as glass, the air is crisp and cool and they're coming home after a night's work.
Hopefully the catch was good.

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Blue SkyWatch ~

I knew of 3 local lighthouses. Recently after doing an internet search, to my surprise, I discovered there are actually 12 land based and 11 water based lighthouses. There are, also, 2 lightships all within an hour drive. We plan on visiting them all. I had known of the one pictured for years but had not make the trip to visit. One glorious day last week, I packed up my camera and with my husband in tow, headed up to take some photographs. We can now check this one off the list.

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SkyWatch Walk ~

With each sunrise, we start anew.

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A Grape SkyWatch ~

With the passing of summer, the fruits of her labor are ready for harvest. As the rain clouds scatter, these grapes wait their turn to be plucked from the only home they have known. Soon they will become a great spirit.

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Welcoming ~ SkyWatch

Under a blanket of blue sky, our Lady, proudly stands waiting to welcome one and all.

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SkyWatch Friday ~

On the last of summer, the sky was bright and beautiful.

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The Pollinators ~

~ SkyWatch Friday ~

@ work, under the cover of bright blue skies.

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