Birds of New Jersey: The Great Egret

Welcome to another installment in the series of posts about the Birds of New Jersey. Today I bring to you the Great Egret. If you were to ask me about my favorite bird it would be the egret, closely followed by the heron. There are many different egrets (and herons) and I find them all quite fascinating. My favorite egret would be the Great Egret, aka Great White Egret; few birds can match its grace, both on the ground and in the air. I can sit for long stretches of time doing nothing but watch an egret hunt for food.

I worked for six months in Union Beach, New Jersey and found a small park not too far from the office. I would go there on nice days if I wasn't walking along the Henry Hudson Trail (more on that another time.) There was a walkway that ran along the water and I often sat there watching the gulls and terns fly by or plunge into the water to catch fish. I had been there mostly around times of high tide but one day went when the tide was low. This exposed a stretch of sand and I noticed a great egret walking at the edge of the water looking for fish. I quickly found a source of tide information for the area and made a point of being at the park when low tide and lunch coincided. The image above was taken at this park during low tide.

This shot of the egret in flight was taken on a different day but same location. The tide was a bit higher that day and it was flying to a small marshy area a bit west of where I was standing. These photos were taken during the Summer of 2012, not too long before Superstorm Sandy blew through New Jersey. Union Beach was hit hard, as was much of the state, and I haven’t been back since. I know many of the businesses and homes in the area of the park were severely damaged or destroyed – I don’t know how well the beach area held up.

I literally have 100’s more great egret photos that I have shot over the years – many on Kodachrome – and I’m sure they will show up from time to time in other posts. I will never stop “hunting” these magnificent birds. I hope you enjoyed this installment of “The Birds of New Jersey” as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you. Stay tuned for more.

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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App Review: Exsate Golden Hour

What is the “golden hour?” Here is what Wikipedia has to say – In photography, the golden hour (sometimes known as magic hour, especially in cinematography) is a period shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which daylight is redder and softer compared to when the Sun is higher in the sky.*

I have been using “Exsate Golden Hour” for Android for a couple years and love it. I was looking for something that would help me to know where the sun was going to be and when it was going to be there. A few years ago I found a website called SunCalc (www.suncalc.net) that will allow you to input a location and date, it will then show you where the sun will be throughout the day sunrise to sunset. I found it while doing a search to find the optimal time to shoot some sunrise photos at the Fishing Pier in Ocean Grove. It worked beautifully and I have been using it to plan shots ever since. The problem is that I may not always have an opportunity to scope out a place while sitting at home. I don’t like using websites on my phone and so I have been searching for “the” app – I have found it.

p/> The images shown here illustrate how much impact shooting during the “golden hour” can have on your final image. I used Exsate Golden Hour before going on a recent photo shoot at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. I have done a lot of shooting at the Sutfin House but wanted something a bit more dramatic than what I had been getting. By using the application I was able to see where the sun was setting in relation to the house and the best time to get the shot. The result is the first shot shown here. The second photo was taken during a mid-day walk.

The name of the app is a little misleading because it does quite a bit more than just tell you when “golden hour” will be but I will start with that. When you first open the app you will see three (3) tabs – “Summary”, “Diagram” and “Map”. Directly under the tabs you will find the location name along with current date/time. The location can be your current location or you can enter a specific location either by name or GPS coordinates. Selecting the “Summary” tab will give you the following information:

• Sun rise and set times
• The moon phase along with rise and set times.
• The date of New Moon and Full Moon
• Golden Hour – time and duration
• Blue Hour – time and duration
• Civil Twilight – time and duration
• Nautical Twilight – time and duration Astronomical Twilight – time and duration

As you scroll down there is more detailed information and an option to add your own “special” conditions.

Now let’s take a look at the “Diagram” tab. You can get to the tab either by touching “DIAGRAM” at the top of the app or by touching one of the descriptions on the “SUMMARY” tab. Once you open the diagram you will be presented with the name of the location you have set along with the date and time represented by the blue vertical line on the diagram. Directly under this you will see two sets of numbers; one color and one white. The colored numbers show the Altitude and Azimuth of the sun while the white numbers show the Altitude, Azimuth and % Full of the moon. Below that you will see the weather forecast. The diagram itself looks like a sine wave and is color coded. The colored line represents the sun, while the white line represents the moon. You can move the diagram through different days and times by touching the diagram and moving your finger left or right. You can also use the little calendar icon at the top of the screen to change the day.

The “MAP” is just that; an aerial view of the set location with a compass superimposed. The compass has a color-coded ring along the outside to indicate the “Golden hour”, “Blue hour”, etc…. and also shows the current position of the sun and moon.

The app is customizable beyond the aforementioned user-defined special conditions – you can set distance units (mile or kilometer), temperature (Fahrenheit or Celsius), GPS coordinates format and which weather service to use. These features, along with everything else make this application one that you must have. The application is only available on the Android platform and I see no indication that they are working on an iOS version. That’s okay with me, I don’t use my iPad when I am in the field but I always have my Android phone. For more information about the app, check out the website here.

The bottom line is this – if you are serious about your photography, get this app! It is not only the utilities that I have found it is also FREE!

* – you can read the entire Wikipedia article about golden hour here – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_hour_(photography)

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Interview with Sports Photographer Dave Schofield

This weeks’ interview is with retired sports photographer, Dave Schofield. Dave retired in 2016 after an incredible career which got its start while still in college in Buffalo, New York. His story is a lot like other photographers – his father was a talented amateur photographer who passed along his love for the medium. The trusted Brownie was his first camera, using this until he got his first Nikon 35mm camera as a hand-me-down from his father. He has been a Nikon shooter ever since and, naturally, has handed down equipment to his children along the way.

He got his first break almost by accident; he brought some contact sheets to someone for a critique and walked away having sold five prints and, ultimately, a job. Pretty good for someone who was still a junior in college. I was introduced to Dave as the team photographer for the Trenton Thunder and Lakewood BlueClaws but as I looked into his career I discovered that is just a small part of who he is as a professional, as you will discover in the interview. He was the first photographer hired by the Thunder when they started in 1994 and it was he who initiated the meeting. Dave’s wife told him about a stadium being built next to her office; he kept his eyes and ears open. When the offices opened he introduced himself and secured a meeting with the ownership. They worked together right up to his retirement in September 2016. The Thunder and BlueClaws share the same ownership so it was only natural that he shoot them, too.

When I asked Dave to send me some images to include here I was expecting the typical – diving catch by the shortstop, a dramatic play at the plate or the grimace of a pitcher throwing his fastball. Instead I was treated to images showing more personal moments of the game. The celebratory shots that show the unbridled joy of the players and the inner kid that we all have inside of us.

I have enjoyed getting to know Dave through this interview and looking at his work, I only wish I had met him when I was a young man and maybe get a chance to work with him. Though he retired from his work with the Thunder and BlueClaws, he certainly has not gone out to pasture; he is still quite active shooting both sports and landscapes. I encourage you to check out his Facebook page (see link below) or search for his images online.

The Interview

Personal questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

I grew up the second eldest of nine, in Louisville, KY, so there was always a lot going on. Picking a favorite childhood memory would be tough. But I guess it would be the time my Dad took the four oldest, all boys, to Crosley Field in Cincinnati to see the Reds play the Chicago Cubs. I think I was 6 or 7 and could probably count that as the day I became a die hard baseball fan. Dad was a big baseball guy who grew up on the South Side of Chicago, the heart of White Sox Country.

What are the five foods you can’t live without?

WOW! I will give this a shot

1. Meatloaf
2. Mashed potatoes
3. My wife’s Irish soda bread scones
4. Apple pie
5. Tea

What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?

Professionally: Bob Shaver the renowned photographer for the Buffalo News and Buffalo Sabres once told me two things. He said, “Never cry in the darkroom”. He meant shoot loads of photos. He said that (in that day and time) if you sell one or two photos it will pay for your work and your expenses. I have followed that axiom to this day.

Personally: My Dad used to say, “Always tell the truth, if you lie there is too much you have to remember.” I truly hope I adhere to this advice.

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't shooting?

Travel, which of course always involves shooting photos. Brennan (my wife) and I travel to her native Ireland nearly every year. If I ever went there without a camera I would deem myself quite foolish. It is such wild and beautiful country. In our travels there I have met many photographers, some of whom have gotten me work shooing Gaelic (Irish) games and football (soccer). We have also traveled to Spain, France, Argentina, Uruguay, Canada, Scotland, England, and all around the USA. Travel is something I hope I always do.

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

My Dad, because I surely did not pay close enough attention to him when I was young. There is so much more I could have learned from him if I had paid more attention..

As for famous person, I’d love to sit down to tea with Seamus Heaney, the Irish poet.

Professional questions

Why photography?

As a sophomore in college, the editor of the newspaper, The Griffin, asked if I could take some photos of a baseball game being played in Delaware Park, a short walk from the campus. He had a Nikkormat 35mm camera for me to use and two rolls of film. I took the camera and a short lesson from the Photo Editor and off I went. Apparently I had an aptitude for it as they assigned me to several events the next week. While working on the paper and the yearbook, I worked beside people who went on to write for some of the most prestigious publications in the USA. It was a great training ground.

Every day since then I have seen my images bring some joy to someone. Photographs are memories and when you provide people with those, you make them happy.

Can you explain your photography in 10 words or less?

I make action photographs of boys and girls playing games.

What is your greatest achievement in photography?

Providing support for my family by doing something I loved doing every day.

If you could share a gallery show with anyone past or present, who would it be?

Ken Babbitt, a close photographer friend of mine who passed away this day a year ago. He was one of the warmest people I have ever known, with one of the gruffest exteriors. If we shared a gallery, it would mean he was still here.

Where do you draw inspiration from when you shoot and what’s your favorite part about the process?

I love to look at the photos of some photographers I respect. Before their terrible layoffs the Asbury Park Press had some of the most talented shooters I have ever met in the business. I always check in on the MLB website to see what they are doing. And ANY website on Irish Photography. Some of the most amazing photos I have seen of this beautiful island have been taken by Damien Stenson who is a gifted Irish musician and teacher and Conor Ledwith, who is a police officer in Co. Galway. Look them up, just amazing work!

And I am inspired and learn from every photographer I have ever stood in a photo well, sat on the floor or in any way have come into contact with in my career.

For sports photography I just love the way the game or event develops. From start to finish the excitement and emotion of the event changes so dramatically. I love following the effort and emotion exhibited by the athletes.

How did you get your start and what advice would you give to someone looking for a career in photography?

When I was a junior at Canisius College, a Jesuit College in Buffalo, NY, I was working on the newspaper and Yearbook as a photographer. I was also playing soccer and picked up a little, nagging injury during the season. Canisius did not have athletic trainers. The Buffalo Braves NBA team used our gym for practice so they made their training staff available to us. While being treated at War Memorial Auditorium, The Aud, as it was called, I snuck into the arena with my Nikkormat and three rolls of black and white film while the Buffalo Sabres were playing. I shot the three rolls of film and went back and developed it and made contact sheets. I grew up in Kentucky so I knew nothing about hockey. I wanted to see if the photos were any good and what I could do to improve them. I dropped them off at the Sabres offices for Paul Weiland, their PR director. Within a week he called and said he’d be happy to sit with me and discuss the photos. I went to his office and we had a nice, frank discussion. At the end he gave me back the three contact sheets and three photos were circled. He told me he would like an 8”x10” glossy of each of the circled images and that they would pay me $20 each. This floored me and probably sealed the deal that I would be a sports photographer if I could make it work. He also gave me a season pass and told me to work with Bob Shaver, the man whose work I admired most. So in this one meeting I got paid for the first time for my photography AND was invited to serve, basically, a paid internship with the man I saw and the best in the business.

Mr Shaver taught not just the X’s and O’s of the technical aspects of photography, but a great deal about the business of photography. Later I worked with Paul Imgrund, a professional photographer here at the Jersey shore, who taught me an incredible amount about lighting and set up. These two men were my biggest influences in the business, to whom I will be indebted forever.

I would advise someone who wanted to go into photography today to learn how to become a plumber. THOSE guys are making money. If I could not dissuade them, then I would suggest that they find a niche in the business that no one else is doing. Since the digital age arrived the business has become saturated and EVERYONE wants to do professional sports. I would also say that if you are young, work for a local publication, print or digital. It will give you the experience of learning your craft while it is being published. And shoot, shoot, shoot! When I was learning I was limited by how much film, developer and paper I could afford. Now with digital you can fire away and learn. And when you meet someone who has been in the business for a lot of years, keep your mouth shut and your ears open. There is a good chance that photographer with lots of experience will not be terribly impressed with what you have done to date.

Bonus question:

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

Sorry, I love music too much to limit myself to 5! If I cannot take at least 200 I am not GOING to any deserted Island. But I will limit myself to 10 for this purpose.

1. Blue-Joni Mitchell
2. American Beauty-The Grateful Dead
3. Island Girl-Altan
4. Any Album-Mark Knopfler
5. The River-Bruce Springsteen
6. Blonde on Blonde-Bob Dylan
7. The Baseball Ballads-Chuck Brodsky
8. All the Roads Running- Emmlou Harris and Mark Knopfler
9. Music from Big Pink-The Band
10. Sodomy Rum and the Lash-Pogues

Check out Dave on Facebook at:
David M. Schofield/The Druid’s Eye Photography - https://www.facebook.com/David-M-SchofieldThe-Druids-Eye-Photography-182695008430746/

The images are, in the order of appearance:

1. Dave shooting the 2008 World Series for the Phillies.
2. Ali Castillo, hoisted by his Trenton Thunder team mates after winning the 2013 Eastern League Playoff MVP, The Thunder won the Eastern League Championship
3. Shane Victorino jumping on the pile at the end of the game - World Series 2008
4. The 2009 Lakewood BlueClaws celebrate winning the South Atlantic League Championship.
5. Classie Bawn Castle, Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo, Ireland

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All photos by David M Schofield

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National Photography Month

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is that time of year again! April Showers are giving way to May flowers and National Photography Month.

I can't believe it is already May! I guess it is true - as you get older the years go by in the blink of an eye.

You may have noticed that I am a big fan of Ocean Grove and so I start off with a photo of "Ralph" sitting on the railing of the Fishing Pier. This shot was taken in October 2011; a little more than a year before the pier was damaged during Superstorm Sandy. This is the same pier I wrote about in "God's Square Mile - Ocean Grove, New Jersey"

The deer was one of six that I found in the woods just outside my back yard one day. I was at the kitchen sink getting a glass of water and I noticed something brown - it looked like part of a downed tree but I couldn't be sure. I grabbed my camera (I always grab my camera when I go out back) and slowly walked over to where I saw the tree. It turns out that it was this young deer laying down among the leaves. It got up as I approached and I was able to grab a few shots before it took off. It wasn't until she ran off that I noticed the other five - they scattered at the same time. Years ago, before the dog and the fence, I would get deer coming almost to my backdoor. I have a holly tree about 10 feet off my kitchen and there was one fawn that came just about every day and stood under the tree eating. I would sit for the longest time doing nothing but watch her eat. Yes, my life was THAT exciting back then....

My wife planted a lilac bush a few years back and the buds are beginning to come out. I took this a couple days ago on one of my excursions around the yard. I like to go out a couple times a week with the camera around my neck to see if I can find anything new and interesting. I especially like to find trees, flowers, bushes, etc.... in various states of bloom and chronicle them during the spring and summer. I like the lilac in particular because there is always a lot of action around it during the spring and summer. Birds, butterflies and bees all seem to enjoy hanging around our bush and the ones that my neighbors have along their fence. I have some nice close-up shots of bees that I have shared in the past and hope to get even better ones this year.

The photo of the red maple leaf is another example of my meanderings. This was taken towards the back of my yard, just about where the yard ends and the woods begin. There are a few maple trees back there along with birch, holly, cedar and others. I have found that it is just as important to look down when you walk as it is to look up (and not just because the above mentioned deer leave their "calling cards"....) If I was looking for something instead of just looking around I never would have seen this red leaf all alone among the brown.

I will leave you with a shot of a black-crowned night heron that I shot back in the 1980's. This bird used to show up on a regular basis and perch on my neighbors dock support. I found this slide a few weeks ago while looking for something and did a quick scan. The slide needs to be cleaned and the scan isn't the best but I like the shot and wanted to share it with you.

And so ends my tribute to National Photography Month 2017! Now that you have read this, turn off your computer and go out and shoot!

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Parks of Monmouth County - Deep Cut Gardens

Welcome to the initial installment of a new series - Parks of Monmouth County. I will publish a new park on the 1^st day of each month; the posts will spotlight the beauty of the parks and share some of my favorite trails or attractions at each. I am writing this on a rainy April afternoon and the rhyme "April showers bring May flowers" popped into my head. I thought, since this is going to be published in May then maybe it should be about flowers. In my mind there is no better park for flowers than Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, New Jersey.

For a full list of the series, with links, check out the "Parks of Monmouth County" page.

Tulips at Deep Cut Gardens

I made my first trip to the park in 2012 and have been back a number of times since. The tulip bed shown here is one of the first images I made there and I didn't even have to leave the parking lot! This was taken in April 2012 and all of the tulips were in full bloom - this is the main tulip bed but they can also be found in other areas of the park and the median strip in the parking lot. It doesn't matter when you go to the park because this flower bed always has something to see, depending on what is in season. Below is a similar image of the same flower bed but taken in August 2014.

Daisies at Deep Cut Gardens

If you walk past this bed and around the corner you will find the Koi Pond where you can sit on a bench, admiring the fish and flowers planted around the walkway. Continue past the pond to the Visitor Center; stop in and say hello to the staff - they are very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. They can help you identify something you saw in the park (although everything is usually well labeled) or fill you in on any interesting "visitors" there may have been - deer or hawks, for instance.

 

When you leave the Visitor Center continue your journey to the Rose Parterre - you will be glad you did. The panorama at the top of the page shows the entire parterre; it is even more beautiful in-person. When the roses are in bloom it is so colorful and fragrant you may never want to leave. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden, taking in the beauty. Each plant is identified so that you know exactly what you are looking at. I guarantee you will see a variety of rose that you never knew existed. There are benches on either side or you can go sit in the shade of the gazebo before continuing. Don't make the mistake that flowers are the only things to see; this tree is just a few short yards from the parking lot, just before the koi pond. It is just one of many throughout the park. You will find these trees along either side of the walk/stairs leading from the Visitor Center to the Rose Parterre. Park benches can be found under the trees, many of which have a small pond next to them. These benches make wonderful resting spots - you are out of the sun and can see a world of beauty spread out below you.

While walking make sure to keep an eye out for the fauna that take up residence in the park. My wife and I found this little guy while walking along one of the wooded paths. You will also find chipmunks, squirrels and deer to name but a few. Look up to the sky and you are bound to see a red-tailed hawk circling overhead, I don’t think I have been to the park yet where I haven’t seen at least one. Birders would do well to bring their binoculars, too.

I think this is a good place to end the words and leave you with a few more images from my trips. I hope you will put Deep Cut Gardens on your “to-do” list and visit at least once.

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Nature is the art of God eternal. – Dante

I am always on the lookout for something to inspire me - whether it inspire my writing, my photography, or something else. I will often see a quote somewhere and stash it away for safe keeping, just in case. This post is inspired by Dante; yes, the guy who wrote the Divine Comedy.

The beautiful rose shown above was shot at Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, New Jersey. The name of the rose escapes me, if anyone recognizes it please let me know in the comments section. I was drawn to it by the mix of colors the the lone blossom. You can see there are two buds about to open. Deep Cut Gardens is an incredibly beautiful place to visit and photograph. If you are in the area you owe it to yourself to stop and walk around - there is something to see year-round.

This is a section of the Patriot's Path at Black River Wildlife Management Area in Chester, New Jersey. I spent a lot of time in this part of North Jersey when I was growing up but it was only a few years ago that I discovered this beautiful trail. The river is just beyond the trees to the left. I was there on a beautiful October afternoon a few years ago and ended up walking 3.5 miles along this trail before turning around and walking back to the car. There are several trails that break off to the right and I took one of them to the top of the hill.

Lastly I present a purple iris. There is a small park close to my office called Lake Topanemus Park. I go there often to take walks and shoot during my lunch breaks - I have written about this park before in Birds of New Jersey: The Gray Catbird and you will be reading more about it in the coming months. There are a variety of flowers growing in a small flower garden along the lake, these iris' are just a few.

And so ends my homage to Dante and the beauty of nature.

For more information about the places mentioned here, check out their websites:

• Deep Cut Gardens website and Facebook page
• Black River Wildlife Management Area

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Interview with Equine Photographer Bill Denver

It is my pleasure to introduce New Jersey Equine Photographer, Bill Denver. I learned of Bill through my friend, Chris (Interview with Photographer Chris Gahler), and once I saw Bill's work I knew I had to interview him and share his work with my readers. I think you will be as intrigued by his images as I am.

Bill is a New Jersey native from Monmouth County where he still lives and works. His career in thoroughbred photography began when he was hired as an assistant photographer at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey in the early 1980's. It wasn't long before he moved from being the assistant to the Official Track Photographer at Monmouth Park Racetrack, as-well-as Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. In 1989 he started his equine photography company, Equi-Photo, and, like one of his famous subjects, American Pharoah; he has not looked back since.

His career is not confined to the New Jersey racing scene; he lists The Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes among the many races he has covered along with the Haskell and Breeders’ Cup here at home. If you are not familiar with horse racing let me put it into perspective; shooting these races is akin to shooting the NFL Super Bowl, MLB World Series, PGA Masters or U.S. Open tennis.

While his credentials are rather impressive, his body of work is even more so. I asked Bill to send me some images to spotlight (my favorite is the shot at sunrise) and they are quite spectacular. I encourage you to check out his portfolio (link below) and make certain to check out the “Equine Portraits” – stunning! When shooting portraits it is so important to capture the essence of the subject - show us who they are as well as what they look like. Bill captures the personality of the horse and the relationship between human and animal as well as anyone I have seen.

I do hope you will use the links below to learn more about Bill and his photography; in addition to his equine work he does canine and feline portraits, corporate portraits, events, editorial and real estate/architecture photography. I know you are anxious to get to the interview so I will not keep you any longer. Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you, Bill Denver.

Personal questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Water Skiing on the Navesink River with my brothers.
(Joe: the Navesink is really nice – I’ve been fishing a few times. I grew up on the Shrewsbury River.)

What are the five foods you can’t live without?

Chicken Tikka Masala (I love Indian Food), Thai Basil Chicken (Love Thai Food Too), Pizza, Eggplant Parmigiana and Sauteed Broccoli Rabe!

What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?

Being that I am self taught, I think Ansel Adams put it great, "There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs".
(Joe: You cannot go wrong listening to Ansel Adams. I have used this quote in my email signature block from time-to-time.)

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't shooting?

I love hiking, preferably with my family.

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

Warren Buffett. I recently watched a feature about him and think it would be really inspiring to meet him.
(Joe: I am always surprised at the answer to this question; this is another terrific response. Warren Buffett would be fascinating to sit with.)

Professional questions

Why photography?

Photography has opened many doors for me. I have met many amazing people both famous and not so famous. Photographed Space Shuttle launches, Kentucky Derbies, Professional Sports, etc. I am always excited about the next assignment. I love my job!

Can you explain your photography in 10 words or less?

The study of light.

What is your greatest achievement in photography?

Longevity I guess. I've been at it for many years and have always been fortunate to keep busy with what I love doing.

If you could share a gallery show with anyone past or present, who would it be?

Stephen Wilkes. I've met him on a few occasions and would be honored to be part of any show with him. He is not only extremely talented, but very inspiring to me.
(Joe: I have to admit, I had not heard of Stephen Wilkes but he does some great work.)

Where do you draw inspiration from when you shoot and what’s your favorite part about the process?

I draw inspiration from everyday life, especially when I'm around horses. My favorite part of the process is when I'm out shooting thoroughbreds working out during morning workouts and I find scenes that just inspire me to stop and photograph. Nothing beats a morning at the racetrack with all the sights and sounds of horses and people going about their daily routines. Great morning light helps as well!
(Joe: I already mentioned my favorite here was the sunrise shot.)

Bonus question

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

• Bruce Springsteen - Darkness On The Edge Of Town
• U2- The Joshua Tree
• Dave Matthews Band - Under The Table And Dreaming
• Eric Clapton - 461 Ocean Boulevard
• Eagles- Desperado

Equi-Photo - http://www.equiphoto.com/
William Denver Photography - New Jersey Corporate Head Shot Photographer - http://www.williamdenver.com/

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All images are Copyright William Denver ©1983-2017. They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer.

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An Abstract in Yellow

In an earlier blog post, An Abstract in Red, I wrote that I don't often do abstract work. That's true but I do enjoy it from time-to-time. I decided to have a bit of fun with this image, the unretouched image is shown above. This was taken in my backyard a few years ago as I was about to enter the woods for a hike. It was a sunny day and by exposing for the underside of the leaves I totally blew out the sky - not always what you want to do but in this case it made the photograph.

I decided to take the original image and play around a bit. I recently wrote Improve Your Photography: Editing - Selective Color where I discussed highlighting elements of an image by making everything around it monochrome - I did that here. I then decided to invert the mask I used and make the single leaf black & white.

Lastly I just got tight on some of the leaves to make it a little more abstract.

I used this technique just to mask the color but there is so much more you can do - I could have change the black & white selection to red, for instance. This is a great "rainy day" project and a lot of fun. You will need an editing package that allows you to work with masks - I use Photoshop but there are many others, including the freeware GIMP. You can get Photoshop & Lightroom on a subscription basis for $9.99/month - just follow this link

While I guess these aren't "true" abstracts it is about as close as I usually get. It's a great exercise to break out of your comfort zone from time-to-time and shoot things in ways you never have before. In this case I was shooting up which is not something I do a lot of, at least not in this manner. Try getting down on the ground and shoot from a low angle, climb a tree and look down. The possibilities are endless and you will be surprised at how fun it can be.

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Interview with Photographer April Bryant

To call April Bryant a photographer is akin to calling Michaelango a painter. Yes, she IS a photographer but she is more than that – she is truly an artist. She is the photographer than many of us aspire to be but fall just short. April started her photographic journey as a child, embracing it and learning all aspects of the craft – from composing a photograph to developing and printing. She worked in a darkroom as a teen and has taken that knowledge into the digital age becoming a skilled technician with digital image processing.

As proof of her extraordinary talent I offer the fact that she has had work published by the Sierra Club, which has one of the highest standards for photography in the business. If that isn’t proof enough, April is a contributor to Getty Images, a very prestigious stock photography agency and is a First Collection Contributor for 500Prime. In 2015 she had two (2) photographs win awards at the Open Art Exhibition hosted by Light Space & Time Online Gallery.

April is generous enough to share her work and knowledge as a blogger and recently published “RAW vs JPG the Information You Need to Settle an Age-Old Argument” (https://niume.com/post/210497) which I consider to be a “must read” for anyone who is even slightly serious about their photography. “Walk Your Path” (https://niume.com/post/152775) is just one example of her beautiful landscapes, this one taken in Rogersville, Tennessee. I encourage you to read these posts and the others, you will be blown away by the beauty of the photography and, if you aren’t careful, you may learn something, too!

So, now that you have a bit of background let me present to you April Bryant, in her own words.

Personal questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memory I think would be learning about the outdoors with my dad. Having lived in the hills of East Tennessee all my life, his lessons on how to walk through the woods have served me well. How to watch out for copperheads (venomous snakes), and to turn and look back and find a landmark so you are able to find your way out of the woods, have been important lessons to a photographer, especially when out alone.
(Joe: Wise words, indeed. An encounter with a copperhead could ruin your whole day....)

What are the five foods you can’t live without?

The five foods I can't live without are Publix Organic Chocolate Ice Cream, anything spicy, Kahlua Brownies, Chicken Portobello, and bread (any and all kinds!).

What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?

I think the best advice I have ever received was from a little, elderly man who lived in our small town. He used to say, "Kill them with kindness, Honey, kill them with kindness." He had long since passed away before I ever really grasped just how wise he was. As I grow older it means more and more to me. It's so simple, yet covers a vast complexity of the human experience. No matter how badly you are treated by someone, you will be happier if you treat them with kindness and just let it go. In turn, the person who treated you badly will often realize their mistake and apologize, or at least change their attitude towards you instead of becoming defensive of their own bad actions. It's a snowball effect of always trying to be nice.

Also, well, it's not so much advice, but a motto I developed for myself based on the kindness principal, "Don't be bitter, be better." Instead of being envious of another photographer's work, give them a compliment (they deserve it), then work harder on yourself to learn ways to make your own work better. Strive to make your work your own. Nothing is a better compliment than to have someone say they knew it was my work without looking at my name.
(Joe: the advice is pure gold and your motto is something everyone should go by - not just photographers.)

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't shooting?

I have two favorite things to do when I'm not shooting. One is organic gardening and the other is doing pen & ink drawings. The garden ties photography and drawing together for me, though, as I often photograph and draw the designs of plants and flowers, all beautifully designed by Mother Nature. I even published a coloring book of my drawings right before Christmas, called Fibonacci Flowers.

One of my favorite quotes by Sir Walter Scott is, Nothing is more completely the child of art than a garden.

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

If I could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, I would choose an hour with Nikola Tesla. Tesla was one of the most brilliant, innovative, and interesting people to ever walk this Earth. We still use many of his inventions today. Being a tech-girl (my degree is in Computer Network Systems), I am blown away by his inventions. He also was quite the humanitarian and wanted to give people his gifts instead of becoming rich from them, himself. He was a man decades ahead of his time, and we've never had anyone else like him on this planet.

Professional questions

Why photography?

I have loved photography since I was a little girl, begging to use the camera whenever anyone would let me. When I was in high school, my dad bought a Canon AE-1, and I promptly took it over, and I fell head over heels for all the things it could do. I took classes in high school and worked in the darkroom. Photography has been a life-long, learning adventure. There is always something new to learn!

I love capturing moments. Time does not stop for anyone but photographers. It's a magic time machine, a memory box, a link to our past. I want to share with the world the way I see it, through my lens. With my camera, I can take you on a tour of everything that is beautiful where I am with the click of the shutter button.
(Joe: that is such a great camera. My dad had a Minolta SRT-101 that I commandeered in my early years. I since turned to Canon. I have been at this for more than 40 years and am still learning....)

Can you explain your photography in 10 words or less?

I can actually explain it in two words: magnificent light

That is what I try to capture in each and every image I take.

What is your greatest achievement in photography?

There are three things that I consider my greatest achievements in photography. The first one is my book, The Simple Guide to Great Photography. I wrote it, edited, composited, designed it, and published it. It was given a 4-star review by Peter Bauer (the author of Photoshop for Dummies) in KelbyOne's Photoshop User magazine. I have received wonderful feedback from all around the world, and I am happy to announce that my second photography book, The Simple Guide to Composition, will be out soon! It is in the editing stages right now.

The second thing is having my photo of the Nolichucky River published by the Sierra Club in a campaign to raise awareness for Tennessee rivers. I grew up playing in the Nolichucky. It was literally my back yard as a child, and to have my photo of a river that means so much to me get sent out to thousands of people was overwhelming. The fact that my photo might help to save my river was a very powerful and moving moment for me.

The third thing is more of a personal nature. For years I admired several photographers and watched their work on photography sites and dreamed of being that talented. In the last couple of years, I have really strived to up my game and now several of those photographers I admired from afar are now friends, and it always blows me away when they compliment my work. If you want to push yourself, try thinking that the photographer you admire most is going to see what you share. It has made me a much better photographer, and much more discerning about what I post.

If you could share a gallery show with anyone past or present, who would it be?

If I could share a gallery show with anyone, it would be James Overstreet, the photographer for ESPN's Bassmasters. I am not really a fishing fan, but I have followed his nature and landscape work for years and years and I have learned so much. He is one of my heroes that I have gotten to know, and he is a super-talented, down-to-earth, southern-through-and-through guy. He doesn't take himself too seriously and always seems to be having fun doing what he is doing. I think we would have a blast of a gallery show!
(Joe: I never saw this answer coming. I am going to have to check out some of his work.)

Where do you draw inspiration from when you shoot and what’s your favorite part about the process?

I draw inspiration from lots of different things, from a nature walk, to looking through images of my favorite photographers, to art and sculpture.

My favorite part of the process is the developing and editing. I do get excited when I am shooting when I know it has potential, but I can't wait to get those shots on my screen and see what magic I have captured and that I can bring out to show the world.

Bonus question:

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

• Def Leppard, Hysteria
• Jimmy Buffett, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra, The Lost Christmas Eve
• George Michael, Faith
• The Band, The Band

I hope you enjoyed getting to know April as much as I did. To learn more about her and her work, check out any of the links below. Thanks for stopping by!

• April Bryant Photography - http://www.aprilbryant.com/index.html
• Hoi Polloi Photography - http://www.hoipolloiphotography.com/index.html
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/april.bryant.10297
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Apri1nParis
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/423mermaid/beauty-of-east-tennessee/
• Niume: https://niume.com/pages/profile/?userID=15517
• 500px: https://500px.com/merma1d
• Viewbug: https://www.viewbug.com/member/Merma1d#/Merma1d/awards?filter=all
• Flipboard: https://flipboard.com/@merma1d/april-bryant-photography-pjqrriiuy
• Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110436114646200436342
• GuruShots: https://gurushots.com/bryant.april/photos

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All images are owned and copyrighted by April Bryant and are used with permission.

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Clouds come floating into my life

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky." - Rabindranath Tagore

I came across this quote a while ago and added it to my list of inspirational quotes. Surprisingly, I probably shoot more sunrises than sunsets and I was taking the quote literally. I decided to change the post to one loosely influenced by the quote, in other words - images with dramatic cloud cover. You may remember in my earlier post, What is a "beautiful" day?, that I love clouds in my landscapes.

This is one of my favorites, taken on the beach at Ocean Grove. I had just gotten on the beach and was walking north when this image presented itself to me. I didn't realize until I got home but the star of the show is the cloud formation in the middle. It resembles a figure from my childhood, do you recognize it? This was actually taken with my smartphone. I often will take a couple shots with my phone when I arrive somewhere and post to social media before I get down to serious shooting. This was one of those times.

The black & white image above was shot at Manasquan Reservoir during one of my "gotta clear my head" hikes after work. I had gotten some bad news about a friend and needed time alone. I normally go to a special place at Allaire State Park but it was closed for some reason and I ended up at the reservoir. I was disappointed at first but it all turned out for the best. I think you would agree - without the clouds this image is not nearly as good. They add so much drama and I thought it was a great candidate for black & white.

This is the same as the black & white image above except it is cropped as a panorama and I included more foreground than sky. I like them both and don't really have a favorite - what do you think?

This is actually a sunset - I had to get at least one that was "on topic". This is a quick scan of a KodaChrome 64 slide that I shot in the early 80's. I grew up with this inlet in my backyard and I witnessed countless sunsets while sitting on the dock or in the gazebo. It was a magical time of the day. Just beyond the trees in the distance was Fort Monmouth (it has long been decommissioned) and on quiet late afternoons you could hear taps being played at the fort. I have been slowly scanning slides and negatives that I shot over the years and hope to write about the area more in the future. This image was taken with either a red or orange Cokin filter over the lens.

Here are a couple sunrises shot in Ocean Grove. This is my favorite place to catch a sunrise, especially when the Fishing Pier was still there. Sadly, Superstorm Sandy destroyed the pier in November 2012. It was partially rebuilt but stops short of where the building was located. I haven't heard if there are plans to rebuild the rest of the pier. Clouds bring so much to an image and I have all but stopped shooting landscapes on cloudless days.

So, what do you think? Do clouds bring color and excitement to a landscape? Do you have some great cloud shots? I would love to see them - leave a comment along with your image.

BTW - the cloud formation reminds me of Wile E. Coyote. Do you see it?

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Interview with Photographer Simon Cook

Simon Cook is not a working professional photographer but rather a talented amateur. His first love is writing (check out his blog - "The art of writing and photography on the web") and he has found a way to combine both passions through his blogging. I have been following Simon for close to a year now and I enjoy his writing as much as I do his photography.

Simon grew up in Wales and emigrated to the U.S. after meeting his wife online (more on that later.) He has since settled in New Jersey and has explored quite a bit of our beautiful state. Through his posts I have "discovered" places that I didn't know about and have added them to my list of places to shoot and I am grateful.

Personal questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

When I was about 12 my parents were not very well off; my brother and I had no idea, but my parents always felt like they were not giving us enough. One Christmas, we opened our presents on Christmas morning and were very happy. We had dinner and then my parents surprised us with an additional gift of a huge cassette player (yes I am that old!). It was the greatest memory of my childhood. It became an even better memory when 30 years later I found out my parents had spent their last money the day before just to make our Christmas special.
(Joe: that's a great memory - you think you're old, my first tape recorder was a portable reel-to-reel!)

What are the five foods you can’t live without?

Does Guinness count as a food?
Let’s see:

• Steak – need I say more? Somehow steak, smothered in garlic mushrooms with a nice loaded baked potato is something to die for – it would be my last meal if I was on death row.
• Tiramisu – decadent, creamy, rum filled, coffee topped joyous piece of dessert!
• Fish and Chips – my dad was born in Grimsby which at the time was a thriving port. The fish and chips were as fresh as fresh could be – add some mushy peas and I am in heaven.
• Curry – well on those days when I went out for a beer or ten with the lads in Wales I could always blame the curry in the morning for the hangover!
• Lasagna – but only the way my wife makes it. Mozzarella, ragout cheese and chopped meat – and enough to feed an army.

What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?

I met my wife on the internet – she lived in the USA and I lived in Wales, UK. I went out with my dad once I had made the decision to move to the US to tell him – I was expecting a lecture. However he surprised me and basically said that sometimes in life you have to ‘jump’, otherwise you’ll regret not jumping. I jumped – and 20 years later I’m still happily married.
(Joe: great advice and welcome to our side of the Pond!)

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't shooting?

As you’ll see when I answer the photography questions, my first ‘pleasure’ is writing – so when I’m not shooting I’m either writing or reading. I love learning and part of that process for me also involves writing.

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

Stephen Hawking – not only is he a genius, but he is also very funny. To achieve so much while be extremely disabled is astonishing. I’d love to spend just a few minutes in his presence – to try and even understand how he communicates, how he thinks, how he feels would be very profound to me.
(Joe: very interesting choice. I think it would be fascinating, too.)

Professional questions

Why blog about photography?

I am an amateur writer who loves expressing himself in words; as I’ve grown as a writer I stumbled across photography (mostly thanks to my dad). What intrigues me about photography is that it allows me to see the world from a slightly different perspective and it also allows me to amend the reality I am seeing; the blogging process for me therefore becomes in exercise in being more creative in my writing, but also I am finding that the thought process involved in combining writing and photography seem to help me improve at both.

Can you explain your photography in 10 words or less?

Eclectic mix of reality and fantasy experimenting with perspective and texture.

What is your greatest achievement in photography or blogging?

I won a grand prize in a competition on Hubpages – although I would not consider that blogging! In reality, my best achievement is having a school class ask my permission to use part of one of my blogs in a school play. It was a tongue in cheek article looking at what you would do if the world ended (it was written ready for December 21, 2012) – it was a humbling experiences knowing that children read my work, but also appreciated it enough to include in a play.
(Joe: I read that article - quite funny!)

If you could interview any photographer for your blog, past or present, who would it be?

Without a doubt Annie Leibovitz; I love music and was lucky enough to visit the Rock Hall of Fame in Cleveland when her work on famous portraits of rock stars was there. Her photographs were amazing; they were raw – you didn’t see the rock star as you see them on stage but you saw their souls – it was almost as if they were nude.
(Joe: she is one of my idols. I would have loved to see her work "live" and hope I can get an interview with her for this blog.)

What comes first - the blog or the photography and what’s your favorite part about the process?

The photograph always comes first for me, although I would like to be able to come up with a theme and then write about the photographs later. I enjoy the process of trying to get a different perspective in my pictures and then explain why I wanted that perspective.

Bonus question:

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

• Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd)
• 2112 (Rush)
• The White Album (The Beatles)
• Led Zeppelin IV (Led Zeppelin)
• Tapestry (Carole King)

To learn more about Simon and to read his posts, please check out his profile at https://niume.com/profile/100576#!/posts. I would also like to suggest you read Love's Road by Simon Cook and bookmark it.