LET'S GET REAL

Cornwall on Hudson, December, 2009

Hey, it's Cindy and it's digital. Precision Camera did not come through as expected. We never really did find out what the problem entailed just that the prognosis was grim. Never fear, within hours of the fatal diagnosis of his current Minolta Vectis- the photographer scored another on Ebay. So allowing for the turnaround on the camera purchase in addition to the expanse of time it takes to shoot and blog film as well as the reality that no one wants to see pictures of Florida sunsets when we're all digging out of record snow; my digital and I took matters into our own hands. We've taken back the blog - temporarily at least until the photographer and his camera are back on their feet.

Digital- at least until film is back in the picture

FOG ON THE BLOG

Cornwall on Hudson- December, 2009

No surprise, with the camera in the shop (no verdict from Precision Camera, but any day now) this is a shot by Cindy from Cindy's phone via Photo Bucket. It's the same golf course as my header picture which less than two months ago was sun bathed in glorious fall colors best captured with FILM!

Go digital if you want speed, ease and you aren't terribly particular about your colors otherwise always film

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD

Vero Beach, FL- August, 2009

Pickings are slim, but my camera has returned from Florida and is currently en route to Precision Camera in Enfield, CT for a comprehensive physical. I've hit the archives and found this gem, overlooked from my August trip. Just a few paces to the south from "Here's to you John" http://icreateimages.blogspot.com/2009/09/heres-to-you-john-ocean-grill-vero.html

Vero Beach, FL- August, 2009

from the August collection this print is proof (yet another pun) that back in the day I was batting close to .500, well photographically anyway.

Never digital- always film and awaiting the verdict from the good folks at Precision Camera Repair.

WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?

Vero Beach, FL- November 2009

I wish I had good news. I wish I had better pictures. Three weeks and three rolls of film including a trip to Pelican Island, and this one shot is all I have to show from my recent trip. I've narrowed it down to the following:

1. Fuji: I used a three pack of Fuji film...could it have been bad? Unlikely, the film was years away from the expiration date.
2. Processing? Since Kodak discontinued processing I've been happy with the results from Fuji (well, the prints anyway- their CD roms on the other hand are less than desirable).
3. Camera? Auto focus and/or Auto Exposure.... the likely culprit. That means the camera needs to be brought back from Florida (Cindy has graciously agreed to fly down to Florida next weekend to escort the camera home) and shipped over to Precision Camera Repair in Connecticut. These guys are the best. If it's the camera they'll get the job done.

In the meantime for your viewing pleasure Ceslovas Vaicys, MD, PhD., FACS my physician/saviour who performed an emergency laminectomy/discectomy on my L4-5 herniated disc last summer at Indian River Medical Center. Long on skill but a little short on bedside manner, Dr. Vaicys takes a good picture.

In fact, the only good picture.

Never digital- always film- it might be a while before I come up with some new shots, so be patient (no pun).

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

________________

------------------------

Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY - October, 2007

Hoping a plane this afternoon leaving paradise and headed for what is left of fall. Bringing a couple of rolls of film with me and looking forward to seeing these recent fall photos in the flesh (well, sort of) instead of on the internet.

Never digital, always film and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSICoacOT60

CORNWALL-on-the Hudson

or

the walls of fall

Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY - October, 2009

Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY- October, 2009

Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY- October, 2009

The opening line from Robert Frost's poem Mending Walls reads "Something there is that doesn't love a wall". Perhaps he never traveled in Cornwall on Hudson or the Hudson Valley for that matter because we all love our walls.

Never digital- always film and tomorrow I'll be 'on the road' so stay tuned.

Colors

of

The Fall

Vero Beach, FL- September 2009

I must admit, I've rather enjoyed photographing the fall. I took two days in Vermont, did much better running around Cornwall (more sunshine and a lot cheaper) and a couple of weeks later flew down to Florida where the extent of my leaf peeping has been gazing at the palm trees as the sun dips over the horizon. Just last night I took a sunset cruise to Pelican Island on the intercoastal and took an entire roll of film. Hopefully I'll get some nice results.

Vero Beach, September, 2009

Cornwall on Hudson, NY - November 2009

This is the closest thing I have to a palm tree at home. It is one of my favorite trees because it is entirely low maintainance.

What I have to look forward to ...

Never digital- always film and you'll find me back in New York raking by week's end

Hello again, I'm back

Cornwall on Hudson, NY- October, 2009

When we couldn't open the internet on our desktop, nearly two weeks ago I was convinced our computer caught the H1N1 virus. I carted it off to the local geeks who decided it was some sort of computer auto immune disorder; the antivirus/spyware turned on itself somehow and told the pc it had a virus when in the end it just required new security software and a much needed disk defragmentation.

Sounds like I know what I'm talking about, huh?

Couldn't post without my trusty scanner which is installed on this desktop but after sixteen days and a trip to Rite Aid to get my latest prints from Fuji I bring you this gazebo.

After considerable discussion and introspection I've changed my banner from I create images to I capture images. An acquaintance who is totally into digital photography photoshops pictures for days trying to get each little pixel picture perfect. And he does, and they are beautiful images that adorn his home and office. Truly, he creates images, and I hoping for the best each time I shoot, knowing I will never near absolute perfection, capture images.

Never digital- always film and I can't change the name of the blog only the banner.

To everything there is a season

Jenne Farm, Reading, VT - October, 2009

My wife tells me that there is a movement among foodies and health enthusiasts driving home the importance of eating local and in season. She finds it difficult to post pictures of paradise (aka Vero Beach), palm trees swaying in balmy breezes in the middle of fall which has surprised us all with winter like temperatures and conditions (hey, it SNOWED on the mountain last Thursday, October 15).

So I acquiesced posting a recent picture shot a few weeks ago in Vermont. I can't say I was happy with the photo ops during my two day trip to the central part of the state. It was cloudier than I would have liked, the contrast was nil and the colors weren't up to my standards.

Jenne Farm is said to be New England's most photographed farm. It has appeared in numerous magazines, the movie Forrest Gump, a Budweiser commercial and now on my blog.

Never digital- always film and all foliage is not created equal.

Do you wish to delete this photo?

Highland Falls, New York - August, 1997

If I didn't use print film, I'd have a lot more room in my closets ( my drawers, my desk). I have a hard time throwing out prints, even those that don't make the grade.

This shot was most definitely a 'do over'. It was my annual Christmas shot (yes, yes, taken in September, working under variable conditions such as weather and children plus allowing for the turn around time of print film it is most advisable to start the process early) and I had my three posed on the deck hoping for happy grins to adorn our holiday greeting card.

Check out the look on Meaghan's face, really check it out. Somehow she wasn't coming up with that natural spontaneous smile I'd hoped for. Perhaps it was due to the fact that baby Kerry picked that moment to pee through his diaper all over her lap.

Had it been digital that shot would have ended up in the recycle bin and that family story wouldn't hold any water.

Never digital- always film along with an occasional really bad pun.

Sweet Sixteen

Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY- October, 1993

Back before Kodak decided they would no longer process film and Fugi became my savior, back before the advent of digital, I used a mail order photo company "Seattle Filmworks" In 2000 Seattle Filmworks changed their company name to Photoworks. I'd given up using them by that point opting instead to work with Kodak. When I pulled out this print I decided to do some internet research on the artist formerly known as Seattle Filmworks now Photoworks only to find....

PhotoWorks is no longer accepting or processing rolls of film

Gee now there's a shock... however, according to their website "With PhotoWorks, you can still capture your memories digitally and showcase, preserve, and tell your stories"

Ahh, who needs them? I've got my print film, an occasional CD rom (but only if the color is right) and my trusty Cannon scanner.

I call this sweet sixteen because it's been sixteen years this week since Cindy and I hiked up Mohonk mountain to get this shot. The mountain resort is part of the Shawangunk region which was awarded the distinction of being named "one of Earth's "Last Great Places" by the Nature Conservancy. Better yet, Cindy was two weeks from her due date when we made this hike.

Mohonk Mountain house is celebrating its 140th birthday this year and Kelsey will be sweet sixteen in sixteen days.

Never digital- always film - 2,200 scenic acres

He ain't heavy...he's my brother

Highland Falls, NY- September, 1997

Although she complains about him we know our Kelsey loves her younger brother. Somehow as she's gotten older she has lost some patience with him but it is evident from the look on her face that she adored her baby brother back then. For his part, then baby Kerry didn't even mind having the squeeze put on him. His expression in this picture reminds me of a Cabbage Patch Kid.

Never digital- always film- cherished memories

Sunrise Stroll

Vero Beach, FL -August, 2009

There's almost nothing I like better than taking a shot like this except maybe being in a shot like this. The couple seemed to be enjoying their sunrise walk along the deserted beach. What's not to enjoy? The conditions were perfect that morning for photography and crunching one's toes in the sand. The Florida August humidity (more like the Florida August H U M I D I T Y) hadn't kicked in just yet so I was able to capture the light orange sunrise casting a pink golden glow on the ocean.

Never digital- always film (and although I can't prove it, I believe Florida humidity can exceed 100% especially in August).

HERE'S TO YOU, JOHN!

Ocean Grill, Vero Beach, FL- August 2009

Back in April I introduced my then Boss (did I mention I'm retired?) John Dolan to my passion, the love of my life and he promptly and irreversibly fell in love himself. I assured him I don't mind sharing either. Oh don't be scandalized.... I'm talking about Vero Beach. Since that fateful day in April John and his wife Nancy have bought a place of their own. But as much as John adores his condo I think his favorite place in Vero (and quite possibly his favorite place on the planet) is the outdoor bar (which just happens to overlook the ocean) at Mulligans. John, Nancy and I spent a sun filled fun filled week late in August and although he has returned to the daily grind (did I mention I'm retired?) I gave him this shot to get him through the tough days to remind him its all going to be worth it once you get yourself settled in a chair at the bar, overlooking the ocean, with your cold beer (or is it a gin and tonic?)...

Never digital- always film - and think about joining me in retirement John so you can get to Mulligans whenever you want.

What a difference a couple of decades makes..

West Point- September, 1989

Sometimes, actually much of the time, for most of the people photography is about preserving memories. Nineteen years, three hundred and sixty two (but who is counting?) days ago my nephew, Jeffrey Lunham attended my wedding. Now, almost twenty years to the day, it's my turn to attend his. If we'd known he was going to make my blog we would have gotten a better shot of him. I'm sure we will make up for it today.

Middletown, summer 2009

Never digital - always film, Congratulations Jeffrey and Jennifer

Never Forget 9/11/01

World Trade Center, summer 1978

Before high schools and colleges, I worked in the 'real world'. While earning my MBA I had the good fortune to be employed as an international personnel recruiter for an engineering firm, Ebasco Services, Inc. a nuclear power company located on the 79th floor of Tower 1. Our whole department (of three people) was let go after Three Mile Island scared people off nuclear power. The firm was eventually taken over and moved to Dallas, TX so I wouldn't have known anyone who would have been on the 79th floor.

I'm glad I still have this photograph shot from the Circle Line Tour Boat using my Mineolta XE-7 camera way before digital was ever conceived.

Never digital- always film - never forget.

Thanks, but no thanks

Mission de Alcala- San Diego, CA- July, 2004

My brother, a multi media manager, and a faithful reader of my blog (I hope so anyway) has stepped up his attempts to convert me to digital. He claims my scanner is 'one step down dude' from the original shot and I would get better results from digital. He's gone so far as to question my purism to print film.

They will be taking me out kicking, screaming and developing my own prints before I go digital.

Pixel this little guy....

I almost forgot... Never digital- always film

Are we there yet?

Rocky Mountain State Park, CO- July, 2005

Sometimes, well actually most times, the most direct route is not necessarily the most scenic route. Case in point- four years ago we had the opportunity to visit Colorado during a heat wave where temperatures exceeded 104 degrees. My brother in law who lives in Aurora- just outside Denver planned an excursion into the mountains at a resort in Winter Park where the temperature was rumored to be 75 degrees. Clearly a no brainer.

Now the direct route between point A (Aurora) and point B (Winter Park) is approximately 80 miles with a driving time of one hour and forty minutes. However as research would have it there is a seasonal/scenic road which could get us there in a mere four hours and five minutes with untold photographic opportunities as an added bonus. Unfortunately I didn't account for road work and photo op stops which added a good (actually not so good) hour and a half onto the drive time resulting in a six hour drive to travel 169 miles.

While there were some tense moments in the car toward the end of our trek, four years later I think I'm forgiven and in the meantime I landed myself some amazing shots this being one of my best that day.

Never digital- always film and I'll be back from Florida real soon with a new stash.

Arrivedeci Estate
(goodbye summer)

Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY- August, 2009

Yup, that's all folks. Here you have the last sunset of summer before return to work tomorrow. My brother who works 50 weeks a year will remind me not to complain as "the rest of us only get two weeks vacation" so I'm not at liberty to moan. The photoblogger is still on island time in Florida and since there was a deadline to meet- the last day of vacation- digital was the answer this time in order to get the shot posted oh... sometime before mid October.

That's right digital and if he has something to say let him come home and blog for himself!

Here's Joan Rivers!!!

Tropic Groves, Vero Beach- July 2009

Remember when talk show host Johnny Carson would go on vacation? They'd always bring in a series of guest hosts most notably Joan Rivers. Joan substituted for Johnny a total of 93 times until she went and got her own show which aggrieved Johnny so much he banned her from his show for life. (Does that mean if I get my own blog?)

Anyhow with the photoblogger on vacation his producers have resorted to bringing in some guest photographers.

This picture breaks the most important of the photographer's rules "never shoot into the sun". I don't know any other way to get a sunset so I took a chance with this shot - it was the only one of five that wasn't too dark but hey it's digital- yes digital so I can delete the other four.

Don't tell the photoblogger or I won't be asked back. I read that Carson never watched the show when there was a guest host, so maybe I'm in the clear.

Never digital - always film (I'll say it just to play it safe)

The apple doesn't fall far from the photographer

Shenandoah Valley, VA- August 2009

Now my daughter has gotten in on the act. Not bad considering she was shooting from the window of a car going about 60 mph. Both my girls have inherited a knack for photography; Meaghan was a student at Maine College of Art for a couple of years and Kelsey is patiently awaiting senior year when she can take a photography course at her high school. I'd like to ease her into film photography but in an age where she can take a picture using her phone and post the results to the internet before I have a chance to set up my next shot, she might be tough to convince.

Never digital- always film- except in the case of guest appearances by budding photographers who happen to be related to me.

PIECE OF C*#P

Epcot, Disneyland- Orlando, FL- July 2009

Forget health care reform for just a minute... do you know that it is near impossible to buy print film at DisneyWorld of all places? I searched in vain amidst the gift shop of the "moderately" priced Wilderness Lodge, which had all manner of t shirts, candy, coffee mugs, and a full complement of liquors available for consumption in one's room only to be told that they 'might' sell film in the theme parks. After sacrificing an arm and a leg for admission to Epcot ($75. x 3) I could barely afford the throw away camera I was "coerced" to buy as I was 'discouraged' to bring my camera into the park in case there was no overpriced film available to purchase.

Although I don't remember, it was reported to me that I said derogatory things about the throw away Kodak as I photographed the theme park. I wasn't too far off- out of the twenty seven shots I took this is the only one I was reasonably excited about.

Never digital - (I'm insistent and consistent) always film- even if it means scouring the World of Disney only to wind up with mediocrity.

PARADISE BECKONS

Sexton Plaza- Vero Beach, FL- July 2009

These photos were shot during my recent six day (short, but who is counting?) summer vacation stint in Vero Beach. What?!?! Summer vacation?? Nonsense, I'm retired so now I can revist Paradise in precisely twelve days and twenty two hours (but who is counting?) I'm planning to venture out; up the coast aways in a little piece of paradise called Sebastian Inlet. Now remember, I deal in FILM, so the results won't be posted twelve seconds after I capture the shot.

Sexton Plaza-Vero Beach, FL- July 2009

It's worth getting up early for these sunrises. Early, schmurly- heck I was getting up at 5 am just to be on time for work. Sunrise in Vero these days is approximately 6:47 am (again, who is counting?)

Never digital- always film and patience is a virtue because film takes longer sometimes resulting in greater intervals between blog postings.

LIFE IS A BIRCH

Southern Vermont- summer 2004

With the arrival of fall I turn into somewhat of a tree stalker in stark comparison to the other three seasons when they are just part of the scenery as far as I am concerned. I did run into these two bare trees mid summer a few years back. I thought they made a terrific natural 'frame' for the shot of the tractor and the barn. I waited with baited breath after sending the roll of film in for processesing; it is that delayed gratification that I enjoy so much about film photography, the anticipation of how the pictures will turn out never grows old.

The stark white of the leafless trees provides an awesome contrast to the green mountain background and the azure sky.

Central Vermont - fall 2004

I was pretty surprised then to see a birch tree show up in this shot. I forgot that birch trees tend to be real 'show offs'. They seem to shed their leaves sooner than their neighbors the Sugar Maples and while I thought I was taking a picture of a Vermont covered bridge this birch inserted himself to the left of the subject. He sticks out like only a leafless birch can providing the only white among the plethora of fall colors.

Never digital - always film and is it just me or do leafless birches tend to jump further than those bogged down with leaves?

EASY TZ

Tappan Zee Bridge, Tarrytown, NY- 1990

When we lived in our first apartment in South Nyack we were blessed with spectacular views of the Hudson on an almost daily basis. I became quite spoiled because getting the perfect shot only involved walking the ten feet from my couch to the balcony at just the right time of day. This photo took a little more effort; to shoot a sunset I needed to drive the three miles across the span and park my car. I like how the shadows obliterate the traffic and construction which were and still are a constant on the span.

The bridge opened for traffic on December 15, 1955 and I remember my mom taking me and my two sisters for a ride across which was free that day.

A short blog entry for an easy picture.

Never digital - always film and (sigh) there were a lot more film options back in the '90s.

You CAN take it with you...

Highland Falls, summer 2001

I loved our first house. I would have married this house except for the fact that I was already married. We landscaped this house within an inch of its life. We painted it, added on to it and yes, named it (Whispering Waters for the stream - Buttermilk Falls actually, that ran just behind the 1,000 square foot deck and patio). We even went as far as having a playhouse replica made for our daughter.

I found a company ( http://www.exposuresonline.com/ ) that will take any photograph and recreate it in pen and ink so back in the early years (before the addition of our son resulting in the addition to the house) I paid thirty bucks even though I never dreamed we would ever leave our little corner of heaven....

but alas, my wife was unhappy with the school system and while the house was adequate for two small children we had an inkling they wouldn't always stay that small. So we moved to Cornwall on Hudson, seven miles up the line and over Storm King Mountain where we lose electricity at least once a month and have given up landscaping which we found is just a really expensive way to feed the deer. Our Highland Falls neighbors warned us in a variety of ways that we would miss this house; one thought the new property would be too overwhelming (it has been), another cautioned us about winter travel over Storm King Mountain (horrendous) but the most poignant going away sentiment came from our neighbor Nancy who built a birdhouse rendition of our house and better than a photo it's a 3D reminder of the good ol' days.


Never digital - always film and a story for each and every photo.

It's not all fun & games

Cornwall on Hudson- October, 2003

Sometimes composition, lighting and f stops don't mean a thing. Although I am loathe to admit it there are occasions when traditional processing proves to be too lengthy and a digital camera might be just the ticket when say .... homeowners coverage is the issue. Suppose out of nowhere (oh okay, after three days of rain followed by heavy winds) a forty foot oak was to fall on your house.... admittedly you'd want the expediency of digital vs the art of film.

One day, out of the blue (oh okay, after three days of rain followed by heavy winds) my wife received a call from our neighbor, who in the understated manner only the very British can pull off reported... "I was walking your dog Winter (in case we'd forgotten our dog's name) when I noticed a rather large tree was resting on your house."

This was not an entirely accurate description. The 'rather large tree' was a live oak, which defying all odds grew EXACTLY on the property line fell first on our neighbor's house and somehow found itself... (if a tree falls in the neighborhood and no one is there to see it does it roll or bounce? Your guess is as good as mine...) on ours. Our house looked worse but supposedly

theirs sustained more structural damage. One worker from the local gas company, dispatched to ensure we were not at risk for blowing up the neighborhood, in an attempt at gallows humor, told me we needn't worry about a Christmas tree that season; we could simply add lights to the intruder tree.

Yes, you had to see it to believe it. Unfortunately the turnaround time on these prints was upwards of five days and about a year and a half before my wife got her digital for Mother's Day.

Oh well, as I've been known to say

Never digital - always film- but in the end neither can argue with a forty foot oak.

IT'S A KEEPER

"The Baths" Little Dix Bay

British Virgin Islands- May, 1984

This print and I recently celebrated our silver anniversary (it was a private affair and please, no gifts). It has occurred to me that this shot, taken on my honeymoon, far outlasted my first marriage and is older than my three children. I've had it blown up to 2 feet x 3 feet, entered it in contests (the print, not the blow up), made it into notecards and most recently laminated it onto wood using an amazing company out of Maine www.artiplaq.com

Over the years the 2 x 3 blowup has graced the walls of five offices at three colleges and two high schools. "We" retired yesterday. Last week, cleaning out my office I brought "The Baths" to my sister Kathleen's house for an undermined stay but I have a feeling it will be coming home just as soon as I can clear out some wall space.

Never digital - always film - protected from moisture, dust and harmful UV rays courtesy of Artiplaque.

Tree of Life

(or Art imitates Disney)

Storm King Mountain
Stillman Estate
summer 2004

The photographer really ought to be more careful about disclosing his password. He's in a temporary photography lull while awaiting retirement. Actual retirement promises to be a whole different animal; he's already talking photography trips to back country Florida, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in Canada, and his beloved fall foliage in Vermont.

In the meantime out of the archives we present to you the Tree of Life. Though technically not on our property it is within walking distance to admire the view of the Hudson and distant Newburgh-Beacon Bridge by day and spectacular sunsets by eve. We've also enjoyed box seats to the fourth of July fireworks courtesy of the Village of Cornwall and the City of Newburgh from the privacy of our lawn chairs with a glass of wine in hand.

We call this the Tree of Life because it reminds us of the Disney creation of the same name.

Animal Kingdom, Disney World- Orlando Florida

As talented as the Disney folks may be nothing compares to the hand of God in creating the beautiful sunset seen here. Digital or film it doesn't matter.

Storm King Mountain
Stillman Estate
summer 2009

Occasionally digital- mostly film - always God- with help from Mother Nature

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

The Dairy Barn, Stillman Estate
Cornwall on Hudson, NY- circa 1970

Our home has an interesting history (which goes a long way in explaining the 'interesting' people that surround us)... we live on what used to be a working farm owned by the locally famous Stillman family. Back in the 1950s our house, a former dairy barn, was converted into the cape cod style house pictured above. Our house is flanked by a former pony barn (now an art studio) as well as a pig barn, carriage, caretaker and nanny's home all updated to house their twentyfirst century occupants. Most of the time the beautiful ambiance and serene setting makes up for the harsh mountain winters and the eccentric neighbors...

After this old snapshot made its way to us we filed it away for a year or two until my wife decided to have our (Pig Barn) neighbor who moonlights as a painter capture the scene in oils...

painting- January 2009

which prompted me to search for a photo I shot of the house in 2004. I was fortunate enough to meet up with one Dennis Harrington who took a bunch of prints of our home and its surroundings and compiled a book for us called Whispering Winds (God's Little Acre).

Whispering Winds- summer 2004

Never digital- always film, although I must say Dennis did us fine taking those prints and making them into notecards and address labels and meanwhile I do have my eye on a Kodak C 750 which has a digital preview but uses print film.