Peru Star Trails

February 19, 2017

This is my first ever attempt of photographing star trails. As you probably know, I take hundreds (thousands, if I’m honest) photos on all our trips. I don’t process them immediately after the trip. I get bored of processing to many photos in a row from one spot. So I jump around. I’ll process 5 photos from NYC, then some from Florida, then some from Pittsburgh, etc… You get the idea. Anyway, that means sometimes is takes me a few years to process all the photos from a trip. Why did I mention all that?

Well, back during our 2015 Peru trip, Michael and I went out one night to photograph the Milky Way. The moon cycle and weather was perfect for star photography. Plus that part of the world is great for Astrophotography. I took a bunch of photos of the stars, Milky Way and the sky. While I was there, I took a series of photos to create this star trail picture. But the photos sat on my computer for almost 2 years before I processed them last night. So my first attempt at star trails took 2 years to complete. I hope you enjoy it.

By the way, the structures in the foreground are ancient Incan building (thousands of years old).

Have a great day.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/199183387/star-trail-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

Arizona Desert

February 18, 2017

Today’s post is an aerial view looking straight down from a hot air balloon in the Arizona desert. Our balloon ride was very early in the morning and we floated over this campsite. What a peaceful ride in a beautiful part of the country.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/199069859/arizona-desert-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

Abandoned China Factory

February 17, 2017

About a month ago, Blair and I explored an abandoned china factory. It was a fun morning checking out this large complex and photographing all the items left behind. We spent a few hours there, but could have spent all day there. I liked this assembly line portion of the facility.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/198914071/abandoned-china-factory-by-brook-ward

Wet Foot Steps

February 16, 2017

Tonight’s post is a rare photo from me because it includes a person. I don’t normally include people in my landscape photos. But I liked this setting with the kid leaving wet footprints behind as he walks towards the village.

Anyway, this is from Puerto Morelos in Mexico. This is a great little fishing village about 20 minutes south of Cancun.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/198766059/wet-foot-steps-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

Only In Your State

February 15, 2017

I found this article on the Onlyinyourstate.com website that list a great road trip to Pittsburgh’s most famous abandoned places. They used 4 of my photos in the article. You can see the entire article here: http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/pittsburgh/abandoned-road-trip-pittsburgh/

NYC Bridge Structure

February 14, 2017

Our last trip to NYC was such a great time. We had great weather and hit so many wonderful spots. This photo is the underside of the Manhattan Bridge. If you look closely, you’ll see a lady riding her bike between the bridge pillars. It gives you a perspective of the size of this structure. Have a great night.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/198446065/nyc-bridge-structure-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

Turkish Grand Bazaar

February 12, 2017

So….I’m sorry that I’ve been absent lately. MJ and I were on another badly needed adventure with our good friends (Kris and Scott). I’ll be the first to admit that I needed that time away and I had a great time. As far as trips go (for us) it was a very relaxed trip. Lots of naps, down time, sun, a few beers and just fun (no stress) activities.

We’ve traveled with Kris and Scott many times and they make it easy. We all get along, enjoy each other’s company and just go with the flow. I want to thank them and MJ for the wonderful trip.

Anyway, while we were in St. Thomas, Kris found this awesome store called the Turkish Grand Bazaar. I loved this place. The store employees were great. I think they are all family members, but I don’t know that for sure. We shared, talked and laughed. They had so many amazing items in this store, MJ and I could have spent a lot of money in that spot. I loved all the colors, lights, and cool items. Tonight’s photo is some of the colorful lamps. I loved them all.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/198110491/turkish-grand-bazaar-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

My Pick To Win The Super Bowl

February 4, 2017

Since my Detroit Lions will never win a Super Bowl, I have to celebrate through other teams and with their fans. This year, I’d like to see the New England Patriots win the big game for a few reasons:

1. Tom Brady is from the University of Michigan

2. I want to see Tom go down in history as “the” best quarterback…which I think he is already

3. He’s not a cheater…. Just saying

And that’s it. I have nothing against the Falcon’s and if they win, I’ll be happy for their fans. But I’m going with Tom. Before are a few photos from the Steelers vs. Patriots game last fall that I photographed for the Observer-Reporter newspaper. What a fun little gig that it.

Have a great Super Bowl weekend, regardless of whom you’re cheering for!

Sangrias

February 3, 2017

During our last trip through Fort Lauderdale Florida, MJ and I had lunch at this beach side restaurant and bar. To my surprise, they had an huge neon Yuengling inside the place. So getting a Yuengling was tempting, but I went with this extra large drink instead.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/196615493/sangrias-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

Breeze Bar

February 1, 2017

Tonight’s post is from our last trip on the Carnival Breeze. I loved the lobby area within the ship. Typical of my cruise ritual, I got up at 5am on a couple of days to photograph the ship when everyone else is asleep. That’s how I get these great photos without any crew or tourist in the way.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/196306271/breeze-bar-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

St. Peter's Basilica

January 30, 2017

During our trip to Vatican City, we visited St. Peter’s Basilica. What an amazing visit!! I don’t know if our guide bribed the Vatican official or not (hard to believe), but we got to skip the entire line. There were thousands of people in line (at least it seemed like it) and they said the wait was about 2 hours long. Regardless, the guide got us inside in less then 10 minutes. It was an outstanding experience and I tried to capture as many photos as possible. This is of the ceiling just inside the front doors. I couldn’t use a tripod, so I did the best I could hand holding the camera.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/195966209/st-peter-s-basilica-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

Simpson Bay Sunset

January 29, 2017

Today’s blog post if of a sunset from Simpson’s Bay in St. Martin. We had a wonderful time traveling to this island with a few family members. Mother nature treated us to a week full of wonderful sunsets like this one. I took this photo from the beach at our resort. I like the moody feel of this photo and it takes me right back to our time sitting on the beach watching this unfold. Good times, great location.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/195692711/simpson-s-bay-sunset-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

Wynwood Fans

January 27, 2017

Today’s post is another photo from the Wynwood Walls area of Miami. I love this area of the city. The artwork is amazing and the creative use of old abandoned facilities is cool. This space is an art exhibit using old fans and color.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/195430011/wynwood-fans-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

Art Exhibit in the Wynwood Walls area of Miami

Malta Sculpture

January 25, 2017

Today’s blog post is from Malta. While I was exploring the city of Valletta in Malta, I found this wooden sculpture just inside the walled city. This has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This sculpture is one of many that are inside the walled city, which just helps add to the environment. I don’t know who the artist is or the story behind it. Sorry about that. Regardless, this city is an amazing destination. Don’t miss this spot, if you can help it.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/195112375/malta-sculpture-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

Boiler Or Something Like That

January 23, 2017

Yesterday, Blair and I went on a little photo walk to an abandoned china factory in the Pittsburgh area. This location is well known to Pittsburgh urbex photographers, but most of the population has no idea about it or its location. Which is perfectly fine with me. I’ve had this on my “to do” list for a while now and I’m glad we got a chance to explore this spot. As you can imagine, there was china (cups, bowls, plates, platters, etc…) laying all over the place and in wood crates. There is also bunch of molds that were used to make the china. I’ll post some photos later of the china and molds. Those are for another day. In the mean time, I’m sharing this photo of the boiler or whatever this thing is. Maybe you can tell me???

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/194777631/boiler-or-something-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

AFC Championship Weekend Continued....

January 22, 2017

In a few hours, the Patriots and the Steelers will hit the field to decide who is Super Bowl bound. It should be a good game. Enjoy the game and the rest of your weekend.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/194548849/bell-vs-the-patriots-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

AFC Championship Weekend

January 21, 2017

Tomorrow is a big day for Pittsburgh Steelers fans. Not me, but Steelers fans. They’ll get stressed hoping their team can beat the Patriots in the Championship game. I’ll post some pictures this weekend that I took during their (Patriots and Steelers) regular season game.

Have a great football weekend.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/194350627/steelers-vs-patriots-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

Make America Great Again...Black Inventors

January 20, 2017

On our recent trip to Charlotte, MJ and I wandered around the downtown area. It was basically deserted, since it was Christmas day. We found this mural on an abandoned building a few blocks from Marshall Park in the southeast corner of downtown. I thought it was an appropriate photo following today’s event.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/194226185/make-america-great-again-black-inventors-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

Renaissance Hotel Ceiling

January 19, 2017

Last spring I went on a photo walk with Blair, Dave and Brad. We explored some portions of downtown Pittsburgh. During that morning, we took over the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel to take pictures from every angle. The hotel staff and manager were great. They let us do our thing without any problems and even took us up to a room to take photos out the hotel windows. I may post a picture from that perspective/location at a future date.

This photo gives you a good look at the glass dome inside the beautiful lobby. Side note, I just processed this photo last night. So this photo sat on my hard drive for months just waiting for me to bring it to life. And now you get to experience it.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/194069463/renaissance-hotel-ceiling-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

Liberty

January 17, 2017

Tonight’s post is from our last trip to NYC. MJ and I had a great time exploring Manhattan and the surrounding areas. We’ve never visited the Statue of Liberty, but we’ve traveled by it a couple of times. I took this photo from our site seeing boat trip around Manhattan.

To view a larger version, click here: https://500px.com/photo/193733891/liberty-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440