Wetlands is the new politically correct word for a swamp. Just sounds better doesn’t it? Wetlands in Pennsylvania are homes to bears, snakes and migratory birds and a valuable water source. In the autumn they take on a wonderful color like this spot in the Pocono Mountains. You can purchase a print of this image and see others on my commercial site by clicking here.
Pennsylvania Wetlands
It is fall in the Pocono Mountains and the leaves are falling down creating splashes of color everywhere. While the autumn is beautiful, the leaves can create a huge mess. Sometimes there are a lot of wet leaves on a mountain road and they are easy to skid on or slip on while walking. Hopefully it doesn’t snow too early because a heavy snowfall on top of leaves equals one colossal cluster ____. However it is all worth it to see the crown of natures beauty. You can see other images and buy a print of this one at my commercial gallery by clicking here..
Falling Leaves
I was out taking pictures of fall foliage and saw the reflections of the trees in the pond. I thought about Monet and wanted to do something that was homage to his style. The first image I took had extreme depth of field and the leaves in the pond were as sharp as the rocks. The result was a pretty but cluttered image and not at all Monet like. I then experimented with depth of field but to no avail. I could get the leaf reflection to be less sharp but then some of the rocks and the background would be unsharp and destroy the eye-flow. So I used mother nature and waited for the wind. I used f-32 and a slow shutter speed so the reflections become blurred through movement. Maybe not as good as Monet but a worthy salute anyhow. You can purchase a print of this image on my commercial taller by clicking here.
Blowing in the Wind
Around the corner from my house is this little pond that is part of the Maple Swamp. Swamp in the Pocono Mountains means something different than it does in the South or near the equator. Sure we have the occasional Black Bear and you have to watch out for a rare copperhead but there are no large snakes and alligators.This is my neighborhood in the fall, you can buy a print at my commercial gallery by clicking here.
Autumn in the Poconos
No, I am not talking about “Game of Thrones”. In the Pocono mountains winter comes early though, just like it does for the Starks. Last year we had our biggest snowfall in October. The leaves were not completely off the trees when we got our surprise snowfall last year and it made a colossal mess. I am hoping for even less snow this year, I hate winter! You can buy a print of this image on my commercial gallery by clicking here.
A Winter Oak
When the leaves start to change color and I prepare for capturing new foliage images, I remember this image and think of Deuce our old Border Collie. Deuce was a unique dog. He was smart enough that I could walk through the country with him as a companion and actually take pictures. I don’t thing that Shadow, our new dog will ever offer that possibility. As each dog is unique each Autumn day is also unique. This one was a beauty with deep color and a young Deuce protecting my blindside. You can buy a print of this image at my gallery by clicking here.
Deuce on a Country Lane
We are looking to move back home to Pittsburgh soon. We haven’t lived there since 1978 although we have visited many times to see family and friends. There is a reason that Pittsburgh is frequently listed as one of the best places to live in recent years. Low real estate costs, reasonable taxes, one of the best medical centers and solid public transportation to list just a few. It is also a very clean city. People frequently see Pittsburgh as viewed from the North Side where you can see the confluence of the rivers. This is a more pedestrian view from the South Side with the deck of the Gateway Party Liner in the foreground. You can buy a print of this image on my commercial gallery by clicking here.
Pittsburgh from the Southside
Steeler nation will begin to shift their focus from Baseball to Football today as the Steelers Training Camp opens in Latrobe Pennsylvania today. I love spectator sports and this year has been a really fun season for me because the Pirates and White Sox are both doing so well. But quite honestly, basketball, hockey and baseball are all waiting around for Steelers Football to start. This shot of Brett “The Diesel” Keisel was taken at training camp in 2008. You can buy of this and see other training camp images by clicking here.
Brett “The Diesel” Keisel
There is nothing that pleases a dog more on a hot day than being at the lake with his buds. This is Shadow, Miss B and Tilly at a Pocono mountain lake.
You can buy a print of this image at my commercial site by clicking here.
At The Lake
One reader pointed out to me that I had misspelled the name of Rockette Morton on my T-Shirt, indeed I had, much to my dismay. Just as bad, I had flopped the image and made him left handed! Well everybody needs and editor, so I stuffed my pride and made the corrections. Here is the new T-Shirt which you can buy at my online store by clicking here.
Rockette Morton T-Shirt and Hoodie