Out Of Action

August 20, 2015

Equality Lifts

August 16, 2015

Prior to our NYC trip, I did some research looking for a few photo opportunities. As you can imagine, I found lots of typical iconic NYC spots. But I also found a few out of the way little spots that might slip past others. Tonight’s photo is one of these little gems. This street graffiti/mural (art) is in the Little Italy neighborhood near the corner of Kenmare Street and Mott Street.

It was created by Kelsey Montague. Kelsey’s mural (called “Equality Lifts” and “What Lifts You”) was created by her to highlight equality across the human race. I love this as an artist piece of work and for the message she is sending with it. You can see and learn more about her here: http://kelseymontagueart.com/equalitylifts/

To see the entire gallery, click the photo above.

Graffiti Religion

August 14, 2015

This is a picture from inside the abandoned St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Pittsburgh. I’ve been to this site numerous times over the years and I am always amazed at how it changes over time. The most recent changes are all the graffiti paintings that are new. Have a great weekend.

To purchase a print or view the entire gallery, click the photo above.

Bottom Bay Barbados

August 10, 2015

There are so many wonderful little bays and beach all the way around Barbados. Many of them are in out of the way places. So once you arrive, it is very likely that you might have the place to yourself. If the beach isn’t abandoned, it won’t have more than 5 people or so hanging out. These little bays are like having a bunch of private beaches to explore.

I don’t know if our traveling companions remember this specific beach or not, but it was a unique location. I’d go back in a second.

To purchase a print or view the entire gallery, please click the photo above.

Pittsburgh North Shore Panorama

August 8, 2015

Today I have a panoramic picture for you from the North Shore of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. If you haven’t been to Pittsburgh, the downtown area is beautiful, safe, and very photogenic.

I took this photo when Michael (from Sacramento CA) was here for a photo walk with me. We covered a bunch of the city from mid afternoon to very late that night. It was fun catching up with him and it resulted in some great photos as well. This panorama is made up of 25 exposures.

Top Of The Rock View

August 6, 2015

Quick post tonight. Prior to our trip to NYC, we purchased tickets in advance so that we could be at the Top Of The Rock observation Deck (Rockefeller Center) at sunset. I heard from another photographer that it would be very crowded. So as soon as we got there, I should find a spot at the railing and not leave that spot. Otherwise, I’d never get a spot to photograph from again with all the people.

And I can tell you, that was great advice. We got up there about 1 hour before sunset and almost didn’t get a spot. Once I secured my spot, I couldn’t really move even if I wanted to. It was so crowded up there and at times it was six people deep all the way around the observation deck. MJ was a super wife and patiently waited at the top of this building with me for over two hours while I took over 900 photos. I photographed the skyline as it changed from full sun, to sunset, then blue hour and finally to full night sky. I just took a ton of photos as the sky changed. I loved it. MJ tolerated it, but as always she didn’t complain.

Machu Picchu's Back Yard

August 4, 2015

I realize this picture is basically of nothing, but I like it. This is the backside of Machu Picchu looking down the mountain behind the back city wall. You can see numerous Inca terraces cascading down the mountain. Other that the terraces, its just a long long drop to the valley floor below.

Grand Central Terminal

August 2, 2015

MJ and I had a great trip to New York City. The weather was nice, the people were polite and the attractions are always outstanding. Like normal, we packed a ton of activities into a short stay, but it was worth it. On the first night, I got really lucky while I was out photographing Grand Central Station.

I was lined up in the middle of the road shooting right down Park Avenue towards the terminal trying to get a photo without too much traffic or people….. And the City of New York decided to help me out. At that moment, they parked a construction vehicle in the middle of the road to block all traffic just for me (or to start some construction). Anyway, that meant I had full use of the street all to myself. I could take my time. Shoot from different angles. Not worry about being run over by a taxi. It was great. Plus I met a Russian (now a U.S. citizen) who was photographing the same area. Great first night in the big apple.

So I got this great photo and you get to see it.

Moray

July 29, 2015

This is an archaeological site in Peru in the Sacred Valley region near Cuzco. The elevation is around 11,500 feet at this site, so it wasn’t the highest point during our trip. This unusual Inca ruins, consists of several enormous terraced circular depressions. The largest one of the group is approximately 100 feet deep. Today, it is unclear what the purpose of this site was built by the Incas. The theory today is that the Incas used this to study the effects of different climatic conditions on crops.

Regardless of the original purpose, the site makes for a very unique location and one I am glad we had a chance to see. The picture won’t come close to really being there in person, but I hope you enjoy it.

Allegheny County Courthouse Upshot

July 27, 2015

I took this shot a few weeks ago, while on a photo walk with Brad and Dave Truxell. We started out around the courthouse and covered that area of downtown Pittsburgh.

Anyway, we spent some time inside the courthouse courtyard, which is where I took this photo. I have to give my friend Jay Cassidy credit for this perspective. He took a photo with a perspective similar to this a while back and I loved it. So I took my own version.

Have a great night.

Austin At Dusk

July 25, 2015

I took this photo overlooking the Colorado River last fall. I climbed up the hill and parked myself there for a few hours watching the sun go down. I researched this spot in advance and it didn’t disappoint me with its' beautiful view.

Peruvian Market

July 23, 2015

I’ve been busy with work this week. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to post on my normal schedule and tonight’s post will be short.

So here you go…. This is a photo I took at a market in a small Peru village. From our experience during our 10-day trip, this is a very typical market for tourist to select high quality hand crafts.

Milky Way From Peru

July 20, 2015

During our trip to Peru, I had a chance to take some photos of the night sky. Luckily, the timing was right….meaning the moon cycle was perfect and it wasn’t cloudy. On top of that, the Milky Way is about 70% bigger in the southern hemisphere….but don’t ask me why.

This photo shows you about 30% of the Milky Way that was visible that night. You could see the entire arch (like a full rainbow). It was an amazing sight. Sorry I couldn’t get the entire Milky Way in my shot. It was just way to big.

By the way, the orange glow at the bottom is the city of Puno Peru in the distance, which created light pollution in my photo.

Red Line

July 18, 2015

Here is a tone mapped photo (HDR image created with one exposure) I took at the US Steel Building subway station in downtown Pittsburgh. I took this photo last week while on a photo walk with Dave and Brad. Honestly, I had a great time and we walked around for a few hours, but I didn’t take a bunch of photos. I don’t really know why….normally I take a ton. I just wasn’t feeling it. Anyway, I captured this scene and liked it. So I’m sharing it with you.

By the way, the passengers waiting to get on the subway and getting off gave us a bunch of weird looks. Clearly, they are not used to seeing photographers there. I just stared back at them.

Cruising

July 16, 2015

Tonight’s blog post will be short and sweet. I’m sharing a photo from the front of the Carnival Valor as it is sailing at approximately full speed through the Caribbean Sea just after sunrise. I don’t know about any other cruise line, but this is the closest Carnival will allow you at the front of the ship. If you look at the water, you can see the ship is moving fairly quick.

Ollantaytambo Peru

July 13, 2015

Ollantaytambo is a town and an Inca archaeological site in southern Peru about 38 miles from Cusco and is at an altitude of 9,160 feet above sea level. During the Inca Empire, this was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti who conquered the region, built the town and the ceremonial center. During the Spanish conquest of Peru, it served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui, who was the leader of the Inca resistance. Today, it is a tourist attraction due to the great Inca buildings on the side and top of the mountain.

At the base of the mountain, the Ollantaytambo village is very cute. As you go up the mountain, you have to climb up and past numerous terraces that the Inca people built in the mid-15th century. And when you get to the top, the Inca temple buildings and walls are amazing. Thus they call it Temple Hill.

This picture is a 20-exposure panorama view from the top of the mountain between sets of terraces looking back at the valley with the village of Ollantaytambo in the center. This picture probably doesn’t do it justice….you’ll just have to trust me. It was an outstanding experience and view.

Me in 3D

July 12, 2015

Peru was full of extremely cool locations, people, events, geography, and experiences. One of them was my chance meeting of Antonio Mocciola. At one point, we pulled off the side of the road to stop at this scenic overlook. Per normal, I was taking a ton of photos while we were standing there. Right before we left, Anotonio showed up with this travel group. Antonio is from Milan Italy and loves photography as well. He wanted to take my picture with this cool dual camera setup that he uses to take 3D photos (see a photo of him and the dual camera setup below). Of course I agreed….. He had me stand next to my camera setup with the Andes Mountains behind me. You can also see Michael’s tripod next to me on the right. Anyway, I thought it was cool and I am sharing it here with you. So get your 3D glasses out and take a look below.

Since returning from Peru, Antonio and I have communicated a few times. And of course he sent me the photo. If you want to check out more of Antonio’s work, please visit his website. (www.laborart.it)

Kris: Note the Cubs hat I wore in your honor. It didn’t come home from South America.

Lindy Hop

July 11, 2015

This is the Lindy Hop. A piano bar themed after the Spirit of St. Louis airplane. Charles Lindbergh flew the Spirit of St. Louis in 1927 on the first non-stop flight from New York to Paris. It only took him 33 hours and 30 minutes to make the flight. Interesting, Mr. Lindbergh named it the Spirit of St. Louis in honor of his supporters from the St. Louis Raquette Club.

Anyway this piano bar is on the Carnival Valor ship, which sails out of Port Canaveral in Florida. The bar was pretty cool and I made sure I captured it. Enjoy your Saturday.

Moray Eel

July 9, 2015

I try to get some scuba diving in on every trip we take. It doesn’t always work out, but it happens often. Today’s picture is from our recent cruise. I got a chance to complete 4 dives and captured this beautiful moray eel near Costa Maya Mexico. He was a friendly little guy….okay, he wasn’t so little (maybe 4 feet long), but he was friendly. He came out of his hole to present himself to me. I sat there watching him from about 2 feet away for a few minutes. It was a great experience.

Anyway, I hope you like him.

Andes Mountains

July 7, 2015

Here is a photo from our Peru trip in May. I took this as we traveled from Cusco to Puno. The Andes Mountains in South America are beautiful.