WalterC Photo Blog

Isn't it Grand!

2011-12-16T18:42:00.004-05:00

“Besotted” is the word Roberta, my childhood friend since first grade and spelling bee arch-rival, used to describe me after seeing an online gallery of our Thanksgiving family photos. Her e-mail sent me searching online dictionaries to determine exactly what she meant. I delight in words and found her choice to a most appropriate description of what I have become since grandson, Stanley, has come into my life this spring.

For so many years I’ve witnessed—but never fully understood, how people exhibited such an over-the-top ebullient pride when discussing their grandchildren. As one who delights in all children, I could imaging being a grandparent would be wonderful; but I was convinced that there was something wrong these people. Perhaps it was a sign of a personality disorder or even worse—just an annoying “act.”

Now, I get it! I fully appreciate their unbridled joy. Now, it is I who should apologize to everyone I have encountered these last seven months and confess that I, too, have become a delirious sot called a "grandfather."

With hindsight, I probably should have given credit to the other grandparents for how well they had restrained themselves. I’m having trouble just containing uncontrolled smiles that explode across my face when I’m out in public or at business meetings—just from thinking about him.

As a photographer, I annoy family and friends with biweekly online galleries each containing hundreds of loving images which record Stanley's time with us; hundreds from the thousands I actually shot. I possibly wore out one of my camera shutters from all the actuations — it's currently in the shop for repairs.

And, I’ll probably join "Grandparent Photographers Anonymous" to try to control the number of photos I take of him. I promise to take fewer images of him in the new year.

Yeah, right! ;-)

2012 CALENDARS

2011-11-29T13:08:00.002-05:00

Calendar season is here again and for the fourth year, this seemingly endless recession is preventing us from going on press to print wall calendars. For 2012, we are again offering "print-on-demand" calendars available through Zazzle.

Zazzle uses a formula of a high retail price but also offers special sales using discount codes. I would NOT advise paying full retail for these expensive POD calendars. Currently, Zazzle has a promotion for orders of 2 or more calendars. You can get a 50% discount with the code: GIFT4THEYEAR. Also be alert for FREE SHIPPING discounts, often with minimum purchases, which can also be entered at checkout.

If you interested in ordering, please contact us directly to inquire if any other discounts that are currently available or if we have any copies for resale.

Thank you!!! for your support of all our publications over the last 31 years!

Ten Years After

2011-09-10T15:04:00.000-04:00

After a Chinese buffet I enjoyed some ice cream for dessert—butter pecan and chocolate. I looked into the dish and saw my spoon with an equal mixture or both flavors and was immediately awash with emotion —I missed my parents who have been gone from this world 28 years. My mother's favorite flavor was butter pecan and my father's chocolate; somehow my brain translated the spoon into a memory that brought tears of sadness to my eyes.

These last few days I've been crying a lot as I listened to so many heart-wrenching stories in the media on this 10th anniversary of 9/11. I didn't know anyone personally who died in the event, yet I grieve and cry for every one of those innocents who lost their life that day. I also cry for our collective loss of innocence and normalcy that ALL Americans had enjoyed on September 10th and many years prior. Ten years after, life is different, life is harder; things are not the same —nor will they ever be the same again.

Besides the tragic loss of 2996 American lives, I very much miss the visual presence of the World Trade Center towers which were so important to me in my early career in NYC. The WTC was a favorite photo subject since the mid-1970s. With a phalanx of cameras from 35mm to an 8x10 Deardorff, I fearlessly climbed stairways of lower Manhattan tenement buildings seeking unique rooftop views, I canvassed the East and Hudson River waterfronts for the best vantage points and I enjoyed numerous photo flights around the towers and nearby Statue of Liberty creating many images of these iconic structures.

My photos of the WTC were widely published, including a sale to Kodak for a wall mural in their new (1978) Dayton, NJ plant—my payment was a case of 8x10 Ektachrome film. I was also part of a large group show of WTC photographs exhibited in the lobby of the World Trade Center. In the mid 70s I worked at a photo agency in NYC and I recall entertaining clients at Windows on the World. Later, in the 1980s I was excited to visit the WTC offices of the Port Authority of NY & NJ; the audio visual department was a customer of mine.

For a few days after 9/11 the skies were eerily quiet with the ban on all flights. The next week, I had a photo assignment in Atlanta. I recall walking down the isle of the plane towards my seat and noticing many passengers reading the bible or praying aloud before that flight. I looked out my window I had my first distant view of the changed skyline.

It wasn't until November of 2001 when I finally returned to the Jersey City waterfront for a surreal assignment for Moon Travel Guides to photograph lower Manhattan skyline without the WTC for the back cover of their NYC edition.

Ten years after 9/11, I have NOT visited Ground Zero. I pay my respects to the fallen from afar. In the coming years I look forward to visiting the new Freedom Tower upon its completion.

Hunterdon Medical Center Donor Display

2011-07-25T15:10:00.000-04:00

Hunterdon Healthcare / Hunterdon Medical Center Foundation unveiled their new Donor Recognition Display in the lobby of their Flemington, NJ facility on Thursday, July 21st. The project features a selection of my Hunterdon County photographs in 10 hanging panels and two full-length wall murals with a combined span of almost 50 linear feet.

HMCF approached me last October regarding this new project. After our initial meeting where I saw preliminary drawings and model by the designer Mitchell Associates, I knew exactly what images would be perfect for this project. The next morning I photographed a series of farms along Rosemont-Ringoes road stopping every 50 ft to record the view. I then combined numerous files to create a stitched panoramic mural of my favorite farmscapes of Hunterdon County.

Robert P Wise, President & CEO - Walter Choroszewski

Sally Cleary, Director of Development- Walter Choroszewski

Susan Choroszewski - Walter Choroszewski

Summer Sunday

2011-07-19T14:46:00.005-04:00

There was nothing on our calendar this mid-July Sunday. A very hectic few weeks had just expired and this was our first day to regroup. I was up at dawn to tend to Tabby, my bird friends, and to water and weed the gardens before the summer sun was about to ignite the day. The sky had a pale wash of Alizarin Crimson and the air was warm, dry and still. The peaceful silence of this Eden generated a deep feeling of appreciation for the morning.

Last evening, during my walk through the local fields, I found a patch of ripe blackberry bushes and picked a quart of sweet plump berries. When Susan awoke we enjoyed them generously spread over our breakfast cereal. The coffee also tasted better than usual—even though it was the same Chock-Full-Of-Nuts that made yesterday's brew.

After breakfast we started the day with a visit to a local flea market and enjoyed finding a few baby items for our precious new grandson. Unlike other trips to this market, I found myself lingering a little longer at tables and allowing memories from my childhood emerge from the various items on display—tools that my father owned, toys and baseball cards from the mid 80s when our son was a little one. For a change, it was Susan who was eager to move on while I played catch-up.

We returned home for some housecleaning and yard maintenance. I did an afternoon run to the local veggie market and Shoprite. Prior to leaving, I Googled "blackberry dessert recipes" and set my sights on Very Berry Cheesecake and I printed the ingredient list to take with me to the store.

While Susan continued with housecleaning, I spent the afternoon baking that delicious berry dessert and cutting and preparing the fresh veggies for the grill—eggplant, zucchini, peppers, broccoli and portobello mushrooms, which I marinated in a balsamic vinaigrette with a few extra cloves of garlic. I then shucked a few ears of Jersey corn, the first of the season, and placed them on the high rack of the grill.

Later in the afternoon we ate outside on the patio and enjoyed watching hummingbirds visit the flaming orange-red gladiolus that surrounded us. Tabby slept in the shade of the Bradford pear tree as the catbirds and blue jays informed us of his whereabouts.

We talked about how we should have been at the shore or some tourist town along the Delaware River, but decided that this Sunday home was the clearly the best place to be.

CA Adventure - Part IV

2011-07-03T12:28:00.000-04:00

My photo assignment covered a variety locations throughout SoCal and eventually led to the High Desert region of San Bernadino County—the largest county in the continental USA covering over 20,000 square miles.

After our shoot was finished, my host, Andy, treated me to a an unplanned side-trip to visit Joshua Tree N. P. Visiting national parks is a regular part of my "List" agenda and having the surprise chance to visit this desert jewel was fantastic. It was also interesting to contrast a desert environment with the coastal experience I just had at Channel Islands N.P.

We arrived mid-afternoon with temps in the low 100s and the sun near its zenith—not the best time for photography, but anytime is fine be in a special location like Joshua Tree. Mid-week and mid-afternoon the park was ours.

Joshua trees, Yucca brevifolia, were named by the Mormon pioneers that crossed the desert in the mid-19th century. The tree's form reminded them of biblical Joshua reaching his hands up to the heavens in prayer.

When my construction client encounters a Joshua tree on the job site, they must contact a specialist for transplanting this protected plant. Although it's a hardy survivor of the harsh high desert and can withstand extremes of temperature and wind, it is not easily moved. Special care is taken in measuring it's exact orientation to north and the azimuthal angle and inclination of its trunk and branches, all key to the plants survival in the move.

We entered the park at the West Entrance on Highway 62 where the Mojave Desert extends south into the park and is habitat to the park's namesake, Joshua trees. Unfortunately, due to climate change, Joshua trees may, one day, not survive within Joshua Tree National Park. However, they aren't the only special plants found in the park. Interestingly, the original suggested name for the park in 1930s was Desert Plants National Park for the over 800 varieties of vascular plants found there.

Driving towards the center of the park we found some other special residents in the Cholla Cactus Garden, including "Teddy Bear" Cholla, Cylindropuntia begelovii, and "Jumping" Cholla, Cylindropuntia fulgida. Very photogenic!

Besides the botanical features, I was equally drawn to the wide variety of geologic formations found within the park. Volcanic extrusions of pillow basalt and monzogranite monoliths created a surreal landscape and fantastic shooting.

JOSHUA TREE NP Gallery

CA Adventure - Part III

2011-07-02T17:14:00.002-04:00

After the Channel Islands tour, my plan for the balance of the afternoon was to take it slow drive down Pacific Coast Highway and visit some of California's famous surf spots, using the lyrics of a favorite Beach Boy's song, Surfin' USA as my guide.

Second only to actually surfing, my next best thrill is photographing surfers— where I can vicariously experience the action through my lens.

CALIFORNIA SURFIN' Gallery

On a future visit to CA, I'll continue with my "LIST"
... I'll be plannin' out a route that I'll take real soon,
to visit and photograph surfing at these CA surf spots,
and maybe even catch a wave or two myself.

Surfin' USA

Brian Wilson / Chuck Berry
You'd catch 'em surfin' at Del Mar (San Diego County)

Ventura County Line (PCH - Tonga & Yerba Beuna Rd., Ventura County)

Santa Cruz (Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz County)

and Trestles (Pendelton, San Diego Co)

...

All over Manhattan (Manhattan Beach, LA County)

And down Doheny Way (Dana Point, Orange County)

...

Haggerty's (Torrance Beach, San Diego Co)

and Swami's (Sea Cliff County Park, Encinitas, San Diego County)

Pacific Palisades (Sunset Beach, Pacific Palisades, LA County)

San Onofre (San Onofre State Beach, San Diego County)

and Sunset (Huntington Beach, Orange County)

Redondo Beach L.A. (Redondo Beach, LA County)

...

All over La Jolla (La Jolla Shores Beach, San Diego Co)

Everybody's gone surfin' - Surfin U.S.A

CA Adventure - Part II

2011-07-02T16:18:00.004-04:00

Channel Islands National Park is Marine Sanctuary that is only accessible by plane or boat. I scheduled a North Shore Tour with Island Packers. The tour departs from Oxnard Harbor and visits Anacapa Island where I hoped to photograph some coastal birds and cetaceans.

A thin veil of morning fog was burning off as we boarded the VANGUARD for a 9:30 departure. Hats, sunscreen and warm clothing were suggested at the time of making reservations, but no one warned of the very choppy seas that began almost immediately as the VANGUARD entered the Santa Barbara Channel. The jovial mood quickly vanished as many found it difficult to cope with the wild ride.

About fifteen minutes into the channel the motors went silent as we approached a passing pod of dolphins. Although I was ready with cameras out and long lenses mounted, my first attempt to shoot was a total failure. Getting a shot of dolphin was like trying to photograph lightning while riding a roller coaster. The speeding mammals quickly passed us by and we were soon on our way with the promise of calmer waters just ahead.

After an hour of bumping across 12 miles of open sea, Anacapa Island was finally in sight, and NO—calmer waters never were delivered. Nor were there any more wildlife sightings after the first dolphin encounter, except for an occasional trailing gull.

Near the Anacampa Lighthouse some travelers disembarked to ride kayaks, others climbed the multi-leveled stairway leading up the cliff side. Brown Pelicans flew above and nested on the nearby cliffs.

The VANGUARD then departed for a shoreline tour of the island. Circling around the landmark Arched Rock, we went to the south ocean-facing side of the island where it seemed much warmer with still waters. On the rocky south shores, we could see California Sea Lions resting in the late morning sun.

Brandt's Cormorant, California Gulls and Brown Pelicans were the dominant resident breeders on the island, but I also was fortunate to see and photograph a rare Bald Eagle and a few Pigeon Guillemots.

The second hour of a "3-hour Tour" passed by far too quickly as I scanned the horizon and volcanic shoreline in search of any wildlife. Other than the resident seabirds and few Sea Lions, I was disappointed not to see the touted walruses, whales or any of the other 30 species of sea mammals that pass through the Channel Islands.

Everyone dreaded the return crossing back to the mainland, but we were pleasantly surprised that the seas were much improved. Sitting on the upper deck I passed the time shooting some passing Pelicans, Gulls and Cormorants and an occasional Sea Lion that surfaced near our boat.

Mid-crossing the motors slowed the boat to a crawl. We were informed of a small satellite pod of dolphins sighted just ahead of the boat. Everyone rushed to the port side to see them; I didn't expect much and chose to sit it out on my bench. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a few dolphins also cruising alongside the starboard side where I was in perfect position to grab a few frames of this wonderful encounter.

Others seemed to enjoy the tour, but issued complaints about not being warned of the rough waters. My expectations were set too high and I felt the tour did not live up to its description. In reality, it was less than a 1-hour tour sandwiched between two long Channel crossings. However, those final dolphin shots salvaged the day!
CHANNEL ISLANDS TOUR Gallery

CA Adventure - Part 1

2011-06-30T11:37:00.005-04:00

A photo assignment in Southern California gave me the opportunity to leave a day early and enjoy some personal time along the coast. Friday evening the alarm was set for 3:30 AM for my early flight to LAX. Susan was motivated to program the coffee maker for the first time so I could wake-up to fresh brew before my trip.

Some of my “List” items were calling out to me and SoCal was a great place to make them happen. It was time to visit another national park or two, and also time to surf again.

It was 4 years ago during a previous CA trip that I took my first surfing lesson at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. I’ve mentally relived that first-time thrill countless times and shared my excitement of the experience with everyone and anyone who would listen.

Since 2007, I dropped 30 lbs. and I'm in much better physical condition, thanks to a regular routine of morning exercises including weights, leg lifts and squat thrusts—motivated to prepare for my next surfing safari. Now, I was amped-up and ready to hit the waves!

The flight and the car rental process when smoothly. I chose a white Chevy Malibu and headed up Pacific Coast Highway passing through Mailbu, en route to Oxnard where I had a private surfing lesson scheduled at noon.

After booking my Channel Islands N.P. boat tour from Oxnard, I did an online search for surfing lessons in Ventura County and found Silver Strand Surf School. Proprietor, Chris Shoemaker, greeted me at the parking lot under fog-laden skies. We quickly suited-up right on the beach—somewhat embarrassing when I tried to put my second leg into the arm sleeve and succeeded in getting my ankle stuck. Some laughs for the onlookers.

Chris began the lesson with some basic fundamentals about the surfboard —nose, stringer, rails, fins. He showed me a few ways to stand up and was not a fan of the “swing leg” method that I learned in my first lesson. Chris preferred a “Ninja” style pop-up stance, however suggested that I learn a more traditional Hawaiian method of standing by pulling both knees up under the chest, then standing by planting the lead foot in the center of the board and rising to lean back on the other foot.

We only did a few practice drills on the beach before quickly heading into the water. I carried the 10’ long board and paddled out through the early breaking waves. Chris taught me to “push-up” and let the waves pass through the space between my body and the board. For bigger waves I was taught to “duck-dive” and let the wave crash over me. One of them turned into an unintentional roll, which I later learned is “turtling”—using the board as cover.

The waves seemed bigger with more powerful than I expected, yet I was undeterred. When the calm eventually followed these first powerful sets, Chris turned my board around and asked if I was ready to go. He stood nearby studying the waves and directed my moves.

“Get ready. Paddle, Paddle, Paddle ...1,2,3 GO!

My first attempts were a failure, apparently there was no carryover from my last lesson nor the practice on the beach. I was often knocked off the board either at the point of pulling up my knees or attempting to stand. After persistent attempts, progress was slowly becoming apparent and I succeeded with brief standing runs lasting a few seconds. These later falls were the result of either not centering my front foot on the stringer, or planting my back foot too close to my front. Chris was able to observe the mistakes and offer corrections.

We took a break and went to the beach for a refresher course; I needed to firm the standing sequence in my mind. Chris and I both agreed that I had to get to the stance quicker than before. Perhaps the “Ninja” style pop-up would be better? We decided to stick with the basics and after a few more “knees-up” traditional rehearsals on the beach, I was more determined than ever to get back in the water.

This time Chris suggested we move closer to the jetty where the waves were calmer. My first attempt in this new location was a winner with a decent standing ride that curved to the left. Subsequent runs showed continuous improvement with more short run rides—I stopped counting.

My stamina was strong and I was not fatigued from the first hour’s battle with the sea, clearly my training had paid off. Everything was going great until I started to develop a leg cramp in my left calf —apparently from pushing off the sea floor to jump onto the board. It continued to worsen until I had a full-blown charley horse that had me hobbling back to the beach for recovery.

The muscle spasm eventually calmed and we returned to the water. I then began to use my right foot for push-off in mounting the board. For this third return to the water, we carried out a waterproof video camera to record a successful ride. Unfortunately, the pressure of being camera conscious led to a few quick wipeouts. We regrouped and then ventured out a little farther through some “hard duck” breakers to await the perfect wave. Chris studied the sets and as I lay on the board awaiting his commands.

“And this is the one ...let's go with it
...paddle, paddle, paddle —a little quicker!
... and you're gonna feel it on 3 ...1,2 ...AND 3
...KNEES ...FRONT FOOT ...BACK FOOT
... and HE'S UP!"

My concentration on the sequence was highly focused and everything felt right for this last wave. I quickly rose to my best stance of the day and comfortably rode it all the way to the beach, until all the wave’s energy had been depleted.

I turned around with both fists pumped high in the air to see Chris with video camera in hand capturing the moment and celebrating my success. NO, you won't see it on YouTube, but you may catch a glimpse of that wave in my upcoming presentation:
it's on my List!

Bird Week Journal 2011- Part 2

2011-05-21T08:13:00.000-04:00

Thursday May 12

Some of my bird boxes are occupied by Bluebirds, others by Barn Swallows. This morning as I walked past the boxes into the field I was immediately intercepted by some F-22 swallows flying low at 2 o'clock. They didn't break away until close—scary close—eye-to-eye contact establishing I wasn't a "Bandit." There was no time to raise the camera and my auto-focus would have been no match for their acrobatic moves as they circled away. Soon a pair of Mockingbirds spiraled overhead with similar stealth maneuvers.

Retracing yesterday's steps Red-winged Blackbirds rose from the field as I approached the large corner maple tree—this morning no sign of orioles. The fields were quiet and drier than yesterday.

I eventually made it to a favorite spot, an intersection of hedgerows where I heard a welcome greeting Sweet Sweet Sweet than Sweet and a beautiful Yellow Warbler perched on a branch for a few minutes of posing for pictures.

Along that hedgerow I saw the same small cluster of Bobolinks flying to and from the field. The field grasses are not fully seeded—perhaps a reason for delay of the larger flock.

On my walk back home I visited my Gray Catbird friend and enjoyed photographing some morning preening.

Bird Week Journal 2011- Part I

2011-05-11T11:00:00.001-04:00

Tuesday May 10

The everlasting winter seems to have delayed the spring arrival of my avian friends. I have been eagerly awaiting the return of my Bobolinks —now five days behind last year's first appearance on the 5th of May. This will be the 19th year of their return to South Branch.

The morning air is chilled by northwest winds—perhaps the reason the fields are fairly silent. After feeding my resident regulars which included cardinals, blue jays, catbirds and white-crowned sparrows, I walked past the bluebird boxes into the farm fields that border our property.

The only birdsong heard was the familiar conk-a-reeeee from a few Red-winged Blackbirds that rose from the grasses. As I walked along the farm road to distant fields, I strained to hear a faint trace of Bobolink chatter. Along the hedgerow I spotted a few birds continuously moving away from me as I approached them. This small group of about 8 birds was probably the advance scouting team ahead of a larger wave to follow.

In addition to seeing the first Bobolink, the hedgerow offered a surprise sighting of an Orchard Oriole who didn't seem as bothered by my presence.

Wednesday May 11

I don't know why I even bother to attempt to repair my rubber boots with new duct tape considering I know that I'll be walking through thigh-high wet grass —but I did a quick fix anyway.

At 6:30 AM I began an earlier walk through the farm fields, anticipating a larger presence of Bobolinks, but again the winds were silent and no birds were topping the seed heads. The crisp Canadian air mass was still with us, but the fields were much wetter with dew and my jeans were soaked with the high-water mark rising fast.

I visit a tall maple tracking some happy bird songs that were unfamiliar to me. A pair of Baltimore Orioles flies directly overhead back towards my house. I'm lucky to catch the glimpse of another male oriole happy to continue singing in the morning sun.

A few more orioles took flight from the tree as I continued to walk to the distant upper fields hoping to find it filled with Bobolinks.

Unfortunately only a few fearful buff-crested males were found—even less than the day before. The fields seemed silent except for the song of distant red-winged blackbirds.

Along the hedgerow I enjoyed an encounter with a resident Song Sparrow

and Gray Catbird

both local birds which I have visited before and seem to accept my presence and willing to pose in the warm morning light.

EARTH DAY MORNING 2011

2011-04-22T10:35:00.001-04:00

Winter's chill greeted me this morning as I removed a layer of ice from the bird bath and spread some breakfast seed for a few waiting songbirds. Earth Day's sunrise was piercing and illuminated the spring blossoms and birds that share our little piece of the earth in central New Jersey.

To celebrate Earth Day, I take my annual morning walk (with Tabby) to photograph and share my appreciation for nature's beauty.

EARTH DAY 2011 GALLERY

compare to recent years

EARTH DAY 2010 GALLERY

EARTH DAY 2009 GALLERY

Random Observations and Prose

2011-04-17T19:38:00.000-04:00

April is National Poetry Month! I'm joining the celebration with some creative expression about the day.

ESCAPISM

Stormy Saturday, completed projects, anxious energy …What’s next?

Sunny Sunday, flooding everywhere,
I need to break out —a change the scenery

How about Princeton?

Art Museum ?

Ice cream?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Traffic crawls, circling the town,
searching for illusive space

I’ve had enough let me out here, meet me at the corner

Palmer and Nassau are crowded

Everyone needs a change of scenery

Cameras around their necks

A chilly wind—everyone thinks

they didn’t dress warm enough

Bikes flow past me toward Nassau Hall

I stand motionless,

grab a few shots

Art Museum straight ahead—
check that bag

Too many people crowd inside

Some snicker
others confused
—they don’t get that channel.

Schwitter’s avant-garde collage didn’t move me.

Warhol, de Kooning, Ernst and O‘Keefe inspired

Impressionist collection is always a favorite

Seurat died so young at 31 ! Why?

ASK GOOGLE …meningitis, pneumonia, infectious angina, or diphtheria. His son died two weeks later from the same disease.

…too sad!

Susan looks at gifts, I wait by the door people watching

A tall Japanese man, probably my age,
long black hair, tied back in a pony-tail,
WHITE side burns (not sure if naturally aged or bleached)
A long midnight-blue trench coat with snaps and straps
His calf-high black boots unlaced ...an artist!

Winds blow across the campus.

Skip the garden, head to the Chapel instead

Palms randomly strewn on the flagstones

Sitting in the pews, reflecting in the silence

Blue stained-glass windows and flowing banners

Call out

Shortcut back to Nassau Street

Challenging the traffic, I lead a crowd into the crosswalk

Window shopping, children’s books
Spread on a sidewalk table Labyrinth

Pear blossoms make a white canopy over Witherspoon

What a shame that Lahiere’s has closed!

Never ate there, but we miss it anyway.

Still windy! Coffee and pastry instead of ice cream?

NO, it’s HALO time!

Grab that table
two cups—chocolate chip and coffee chocolate almond

I face the street and people watch on sunlit Hulfish

A lizard-faced woman presses up against the window

Trying to look inside—she sees nothing

Colorful clothing and patterns abound

People struggle to find quarters for the meters

Susan is shadowed in the paper store

“When I tell you she does embroidery…

SHE

DOES

EMBROIDERY!

Get me out of here!

Back To ADAM

2011-03-09T20:53:00.011-05:00

Back To ADAM
An Introduction to Genetic Genealogy
Based on my fascination with genetics, I developed a new library program which shares my personal experience with DNA testing and teaches audiences how to use this new tool as a complement to their traditional genealogical research.

Many people are not aware of their ancestors before their grandparents or great grandparents. Traditional genealogical research follows a paper trail going back 5,10—sometimes up to 20 generations—tracing a history that spans hundreds of years.

Genetic genealogy through DNA testing offers a new perspective allowing a deeper ancestral view spanning tens of thousands of years. Thanks to the accurate historical record found within our Y chromosome we can trace our patrilineal descent from son, to father, to grandfather, to great grandfather—through hundreds of generations of great grandfathers, directly to Eurasian grandfather “Adam” and African grandfather “Adam.”

A recent genetic test revealed I was (L260+) confirming I was member of the newly found "Polish" Y-Haplogroup R1a1a1g2 ...no real surprise considering my surname—Choroszewski. Originating in Central Europe, sub-clade R1a1a1g2 is theorized to be a recent group of Slavs that settled today's Poland almost 2,000 years ago. This sub-clade is part of the major Haplogroup R1a which originated ~15,000 years in the Eurasian Steppe and populated an arc from South Asia to Eastern Europe long before the constructs of borders, religion or ethnic groupings evolved.

My R1a brothers are spread from Siberia to Scandinavia with greatest concentrations in Eastern Europe and India. R1a members may differ physically with variations in skin coloration and physiognomy. They also differ in their philosophies and ideologies, some practicing within most of the major religions of the world including: Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Islam and Ashkenazi Judaism.

Early R1a ancestors have been associated with the Yamna, Kurgan and Corded Ware cultures. R1a ancestors were a patrilineal society that buried their dead in mounds. Their culture centered around animal husbandry and they are credited with domesticating the horse. R1a ancestors are also associated with the development of the Proto-Indo-European language.

Back To ADAM is a program which encourages people to explore their own deep ancestry tracing their genetic paths back to African “Adam” and Mitochondrial African “Eve.” I briefly cover the history of genetics from Gregor Mendel to the Human Genome Project completed in 2003. I tap my science education to help simplify and translate the often confusing terminology, acronyms and data associated with DNA testing. I review some of the leading companies offering genetic testing and explain the differences between Y-DNA, mtDNA and atDNA testing, including costs and types of data obtained from each test.

Library Presentations

AZ-UT Adventure Slideshow

2011-02-07T15:20:00.000-05:00

AZ-UT Adventure Slideshow

Click on title "AZ-UT Adventure" to launch.

AZ-UT ADVENTURE - Day 2

2011-02-05T18:44:00.005-05:00

After spending the night at the Holiday Inn Express in Kanab, UT, I departed the hotel around 6:30 AM under starry skies in hopes of shooting a colorful sunrise at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

Park signs began a few miles north of Kanab on Rt 89. A desolate road led southwestward across the high desert for too many miles without additional signage, causing doubt if I made the correct turn or even the right decision to seek this location. The sky lightened during the long drive and the road finally descended from the mesa to an intersection with a small sign indicating that I was still three miles away from the park.

Pink Navajo sandstone eroded to create the 1,000 acres of sand dunes that resembled Egypt— the reason this location was used in numerous movies. The dunes were in the shadow of the mesa and although the sun had pierced the horizon to illuminate the distant hills, it would be another hour before it would shine on the coral sands. The air temperature was still in the 20s, with cold hands holding cold cameras I enjoyed photographing the shadowless dunes and the curious deer that inhabited the surrounding scrubs. Although Coral Pink Sand Dunes was not as colorful, or illuminated, as I had expected, it still yielded some very nice images.

Returning to Rt 89, the red, beige and orange sandstone cliffs along the canyon walls were glowing in the morning sun, causing me to pullover numerous times to photograph the brilliant colors. At one location I hiked up the hill to visit a small cave. Standing inside the portal, I tried to imagine being one of the first ancient visitors who also shared this view.

The road led back through Kanab and eastward to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which is a fairly recent park created from a patchwork of BLM parcels that are clearly worthy of this designation. I stopped often to photograph the multi-colored formations from the roadside.

I arrived at Lake Powell, AZ around 11AM, just in time to register for a Navajo guided tour of Antelope Canyon, another of my "list" locations. The small storefront lobby soon began to fill with tourists and two groups of 8 were each assigned a guide and departed to climb into the back of bench-seated and canopied white pick-up trucks. I was the only obvious American amongst this international group. The first truck departed with a group of Japanese tourists—in the lobby a very cute little boy from their group pointed to the soft drink case and said "COO COO COOLA."

I was first to climb up our truck; my bench mates and new friends following me onto the truck were an 80+ year old Korean couple with their 50-something son. They all admired the 3 cameras dangling from my neck so I took their family photo while we waited to depart. On the other side of the truck we were joined by a couple from Germany and another couple from Brazil.

Our Navajo guide "Bruce" was a wild driver. He whipped us onto Lake Powell Drive for a wild 15-minute drive out of town with jack-rabbit starts at every light, followed by a rough drive up an alternating washboard and sometimes soft sand road into the wilderness. Bouncing around and hanging onto the rail the Korean family seemed to enjoy this wild adventure.

At the entrance to the slot canyon, Bruce gave some tips on how to get good photos. "Set your ASA to 400 and shoot at 5.6 or use the "sunset" setting ???? and DON'T use your flash because all the tiny silica and crystal particles will reflect the light back and ruin your shots." He also offered a brief explanation of how the canyon was formed—a possible earthquake and erosion— I vote for erosion.

After allowing the other group a 5-minute head start, Bruce announced it was our turn to enter. Reminiscent of guided cave tours from my childhood, Bruce would stop every 10 feet to use his green laser to point out the formations with hallucinatory interpretations of what they supposedly looked like. "There's Abe Lincoln, there's Monument Valley, there's the eagle, the bear, the deer, the etc. etc. etc. "Stand here and point your camera in this direction and you get a shot of the... " I soon zoned out the stories and stayed in the back of the group to shoot the beautiful sandstone formations behind me. The Brazilian couple also faded to the back and we enjoyed some geology talk together.

Occasionally Bruce encouraged me to keep up with the group and was sure to point out something special that he thought I had missed. A few times, he offered to take my picture (with my camera) standing in front of the eagle or whatever—I eventually obliged. The Korean family seemed very happy when I was getting my picture taken.

Once we made it through to the exit on the other side, Bruce then announced we had twenty minutes to make the return trip through the canyon to shoot at our own pace. I was the first one back into the canyon to again shoot unobstructed. The light was extremely low, I'm not sure Bruce's 400/5.6 advice would have helped others, considering I was shooting at unreasonably slow shutter speeds even at 3200 ASA. Fill flash sometimes helped, but often disappointed. I should have brought along a tripod, but that may have diverted me to the higher-priced photographer's tour. I was successful with positioning on camera on the ledges and walls to create some great shots without a tripod.

As we exited the canyon, I allowed my senior Korean friend to use my camera and take my picture with Bruce. Following another rough ride back to headquarters, we all generously tipped Bruce and this international group of new friends each shook hands and wished each other well.

My 2-day adventure was coming to a close as I still had a 5+ hour drive back to PHX. Through the afternoon I continued southward down Rt 89 passing the Sacred Mountain and Flagstaff. Although not a location on my list, everyone asks me if I have ever been to Sedona. I knew that it was red rock country, but I often dismissed it thinking it was only the land of high-priced resorts and spas. On a whim, I took the exit for Rt 89A and decided to detour through Sedona.

From the north, one drives a few miles through an unremarkable stretch of forested roadway before coming to the precipice of the highlands and an unexpected and amazing drive down a winding narrow road into the spectacular Rock Creek canyon. The drop in elevation was over 2,000 feet and the road seemed endless with continuous switch-backs and few, if any, places to safely pull off for a shot. At the time, I wished I had a companion driver so I could hang out the window to get some shots.

Once into the valley, I was able to safely stop at various points to photograph the amazing red cliffs and formations. Part of Coconino State Forest this landscape was clearly "national park" worthy on par with Bryce and Zion. The town of Sedona was upscale and beautiful, adobe style estate homes were striking and the downtown reminded me of Banff or Jackson Hole. Departing the valley to the south, I continued to shoot the last red cliffs before returning to Highway 17, followed by a few more hours drive to a hotel near PHX where I spent the evening packing my bags for the first flight home early Saturday morning.

AZ-UT Adventure Slideshow

AZ-UT ADVENTURE - Day 1

2011-02-04T08:19:00.004-05:00

After photographing at a convention in Arizona earlier in the week, I decided to stay a few more days to have my own photo adventure in pursuit of some items on my list.

At 5 AM I took the first shuttle from the hotel to the airport and rented a car for the 6 hour drive northward to Utah. The weather was unusually cold and record setting for Arizona. At my first stop, a McDonalds in Flagstaff where I checked e-mail, the overnight temperatures were near zero and it was still only in the single digits at mid-morning.

At my next stop in Page, AZ, I stopped at Walmart to buy a knit hat to keep my ears warm. Three very nice ladies each allowed me to rapidly move up the checkout line because I only had a single item. I thanked them all and commented on how kind they all were and what a nice town Page was to visit. We shared a love connection and I waved goodbye like we were all dear friends.

My first photo stop was at the dam at Lake Powell, the view of the lake was great, but what attracted me most was the large slab of dinosaur footprints. Next stop was the BLM office at Escalante - Big Springs. I enjoyed about a half hour of "dino talk" with the two rangers who redirected me to another BLM office in Kanab where I would enter the lottery for a chance to see "The Wave." Unfortunately, I didn't win (not lucky with lotteries). So "The Wave" will remain on the list to try another day.

From Kanab, UT I continued westward to Zion National Park. Even before arriving at the park the views were fantastic. While driving I spotted the flash of a white head perched atop a shrub along the roadside. I slammed the brakes and backed-up for a better view. Indeed it was an eagle, I prepared two cameras with long telephotos and quietly got out of the car, climbed the hill then slowly walked towards him, getting a few good shots before he took flight over the valley.

Zion was beautiful but my schedule wouldn't allow me to stay very long as my ambitious plans were be at Bryce for the late afternoon sun on the east views red hoodoos. Driving north on 89, the local sheriffs were everywhere. Driving was challenging shifting from 65 mph to 45 to 35 back to 65 for a few miles then down to 45 again for the next village and local speed trap.

Within the last twenty miles to Bryce, one drives through Red Canyon, part of Dixie National Forest. The late afternoon sun on the red and orange formations was a real treat.
Timing for Bryce was perfect. The snow and ice made the hiking a little difficult but it was worth the effort for the climb to Inspiration Point and view the hoodoos.

AZ-UT Adventure Slideshow

2011 PRESENTATIONS

2011-01-01T20:47:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! I'm starting 2011 with a full January schedule of presentations at libraries throughout Central and Northern New Jersey. It was exciting to recently be honored with an Award of Recognition by the New Jersey Historical Commission for my history program, TIMELINE NEW JERSEY.

New for 2011, is a presentation entitled: ...it's on my List! This is a "work in progress" as I continue to pursue my passions in 2011 with plans to share stories and photos in this fun new offering.

Digital Photography programs (Parts I & II) continue to be my most popular presentations with full house attendance at many locations. The Great Tree Adventure also is popular with nature and travel audiences.

I hope you to you at one these upcoming events.

WalterC Presentations

WalterC Events

2011 Calendars now available

2010-11-24T10:53:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately, the economic downturn continues to leave us in limbo, and for the third year, it is preventing us from printing our wall calendars. With an improving economy we "hope" to resume traditional publishing, possibly for calendar year 2012. For now, calendar year 2011, I again am offering "print-on-demand" wall calendars available through Zazzle.

Zazzle uses a formula of a high retail price, and offers special sales using discount codes. I would not advise paying full retail for these expensive calendars. If you interested in ordering, please contact us directly to inquire if any special discounts are currently vailable or if we have any copies for resale.

Besides these calendars, our current New Jersey book is available on our Aesthetic Press website.

Thank you!!! for your support of all our publications over the last 30 years!

NJ Historical Commission Award of Recognition

2010-11-21T13:26:00.000-05:00

As an amateur historian, I was very pleased to be the recipient of a New Jersey Historical Commission - Award of Recognition, presented at the New Jersey Forum on Saturday, November 20, 2010, at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ.

This award was given in recognition of my "lifelong commitment to increasing public awareness and appreciation of NJ state history." The Commission also made special note of my school presentations and lecture "Timeline New Jersey" which presents the history of NJ from the beginning of time to the present through words and images.

Thank you New Jersey Historical Commission for this award.

SOUTHWEST ADVENTURE PHOTO GALLERIES

2010-11-13T18:57:00.000-05:00

NEW MEXICO & COLORADO

CO - MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK

NM - BISTI WILDERNESS

NM - BOSQUE DEL APACHE N.W.R.

NM Adventure - Summary

2010-11-09T07:40:00.001-05:00

My 1000-mile whirlwind weekend to New Mexico and southwestern Colorado far exceeded my expectations.

It appealed to many of my passions on my checklist of life— geology, birds, wildlife and making a primal connection with the land of the ancients.

Visually, New Mexico was an artist’s paradise with colorful rock formations, brilliant golden foliage and a warm desert palette under endless blue skies. It offered me countless opportunities for making memorable photos.

Slideshow / Gallery to follow soon!

NM Adventure - Day 3

2010-11-07T22:04:00.003-05:00

Sunday began with another dark predawn drive up the mesa from Farmington and southward on NM 371 towards Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness with plans for sunrise on the hoodoos. My timing was perfect, arriving to see a thin pink glow in the cloudless eastern sky.

I hiked a short distance to the a nice cluster of hoodoos and awaited the sun’s light to break the horizon and illuminate the formations. The first hours of daylight were fantastic and climbing and photographing these multi-colored hills was as thrilling as my morning at Mesa Verde.

After departing Bisti I drove many miles towards Chaco National Monument, but at a distance 20 miles from the park, the road became very primitive with warnings to travel at your own risk. I chose not to gamble it with my rental sedan and I changed direction to drive southward.

My next destination was about about 3 hours drive to—Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to see the winter arrival of sandhill cranes, snow geese and countless other bird species.

The golden color of aspens and seemingly every other tree along the Rio Grande was striking in the afternoon sun. I arrived in San Antonio (NM) and drove down Rt 1 to the entrance of the wildlife refuge. This was one week prior to the Bosque’s Crane Festival and I’m pleased to say this was the BEST weekend to shoot there. The tour road around marshes, ponds and farm fields was visually perfect --golden trees, beige fields and blue water, and the presence of many early arrivals of winter migrants made for many great photos.

In addition to the cranes and snow geese, I photographed a bald eagle and a variety of raptors, ducks and other avian friends. It was hard to leave when the light was so perfect, but I still had a few more hours drive to my hotel in Albuquerque to prepare for my very early flight home.

Wake-up call at 3:45AM!!! Summary and photo gallery to follow!

NM Adventure - Day 2

2010-11-06T22:25:00.012-04:00

After a broken night of sleep caused by my eastern-time body clock combined with restless anticipation about getting up for the sunrise, I awoke at 3:15 MDST and forced myself to stay in bed in a twilight state—checking the clock every twenty minutes until 5 AM when I finally launched into action.

A moonless night and a late sunrise meant a very dark drive northward on Rts. 170 and 140 towards the southwest corner of Colorado and my first destination—Mesa Verde National Park. After an hour’s drive, there was faint twilight in the eastern sky which illuminated some distant snow-capped mountain tops.

I reached the junction of Rt. 160 in a colorless dawn and was troubled to not see any signs for Mesa Verde, but instinctively drove westward regardless. I already had much lower expectations for Mesa Verde based on the one cliff dwelling image used to symbolize the park, and that expectation barometer was falling even lower when the park was nowhere in sight. (Yesterday, I had very high expectations for Petroglyph N.M. and was greatly disappointed. However, after reviewing the great shots I took there, perhaps I may have been a little too critical ... I guess I just wanted to see all 24,000 of them!)

Cresting the ridge near Hesperus,CO I could finally see red light illuminating the top of a great flat bluff which was still 30 miles distant. I quickly mounted long lenses capturing that glow as I drove into the Mancos River Valley and the magic light of sunrise started a shooting spree. My disappointment turned to instant euphoria with everything looking wonderful.

The park opened at 8AM and I arrived soon afterwards, after some great shooting in the Mancos Valley. When I reached the exit and sign for Mesa Verde, I spent another twenty minutes shooting the glowing rabbit brush and amazing views of the mesa before even reaching the gateway to the park. I shared my excitement with the mellow bearded ranger who took my fee as he directed me up the steep switch-backs of the Mesa on a 23 mile drive to the cliff dwellings.

Euphoria continued as I stopped continuously to shoot the amazing exposed strata and wonderful birds and wildlife seen along the way. Originally I expected or planned to be "in-and-out" of Mesa Verde in about an hour, but it was two hours before I even reached Cliff Palace, the first of the dwellings, stopping often for great pictures around every turn.

My visit to Mesa Verde overwhelmed me with emotion (not quite as extreme as Double Rainbow man....but the potential was there!). I realized that THIS is what is was all about to be a photographer. Sure it’s great to get the shot, but the experience of just being there and seeing it in its best light is the real treasure. This experience cannot be replicated on film or digital.

I could go on and on and on about my amazing experience at Mesa Verde, but hopefully my pictures will soon convey this joyful day. The whole experience was enhanced by listening to public radio station KIXQ. Radio in northwestern NM was a disappointment, but I really enjoyed listening to artist DJ “Cosmo's” mellow Saturday morning show—it was the perfect soundtrack for my morning.

Early afternoon, I departed the park and continued my drive on 160 West through Cortez and on to Four Corners Monument . Visiting this tourist trap was a fun experience, especially taking my photo as I positioned myself in a game of solitaire “Twister” —with hands and feet in four different states. I bought Susan a pretty necklace from jewelry artist “Rose”— one of the many Navajo vendors at the Four Corners site.

My late afternoon drive back to Farmington was like passing through the movie set of every Western ever made. I photographed the spectacular mesas and rock formations including Chimney Rock and Shiprock before returning to base.

It's time to close out so I can prepare for tomorrow’s NM adventure in search of hoodoos, petrified wood and sandhill cranes!

NM ADVENTURE - Day 1 PM

2010-11-05T23:02:00.001-04:00

The car rental process went smoothly and I was soon driving northward on I-25 and 40-W to Riconada Canyon at Petroglyphs National Monument in Albuquerque. Visitors must hike along a 1-1/2 mile trail at the base of a winding hillside covered with huge volcanic boulders from the recent Sante Fe formation dating from about 200,000 years ago. Supposedly the site contains over 24,000 petroglyphs created by the Pueblo people between 1300 to 1600. My expectations were very high for this location, but I was disappointed at how few I had found, probably less than 10 that were worth photographing. The hike was easy and very welcomed after sitting on jets the entire morning. I enjoyed the sight of a red-tailed hawk soaring above and common crows or ravens calling from the distant hills.

After my petroglyph adventure, I began a 3-1/2 hour drive northwest on Route 550 through the Zia, Jemez and Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservations, where political signs for "Lynda Lovejoy - Navajo Nation President 2010" dotting the roadside beneath sandstone cliffs.

Rising elevation exposed new geological layers of time. I enjoyed photographing the colorful formations in the warm afternoon sun. After crossing the Continental Divide at 7,000 ft the Colorado Plateau was an amazing expanse of high desert. The New Mexico desert landscape from Albuquerque northward was almost void of any vegetation except for the beautiful ochre colored rabbit bush and spectacular golden aspens along the Rio Grande and every other small riverbed.

Near Cuba, I photographed some free roaming sheep along the roadside, surprisingly they were under the watchful eye of a black border collie that accompanied them. As I approached San Juan County trees returned to the landscape. The low setting sun illuminated some very golden aspens bordering a horse farm near Farmington.

Farmington also offered some vintage signage and lighting that made for interesting shots in the dusk light after sunset. I checked in to the Hampton Inn where fresh Macadamia Nut cookies and coffee welcomed me.

P.S. -I'm sorry to report that I forgot to bring my card reader and I'm currently not able to upload photos to share along the way. Gallery to follow as soon as I'm able.

NM ADVENTURE - Day 1 AM

2010-11-05T14:49:00.002-04:00

Sitting in seat 33L of a 767-200 awaiting take-off from EWR. Light drizzle and gloom shrouds the airport but I know that clear skies are above and sunny 70s await me in New Mexico. Seven-across seating with narrow rows makes for chaotic boarding—especially with everyone carrying-on too many bags to avoid the checked baggage fee (including me...with only a camera case full of gear and a small hand bag with basics needed for a short weekend adventure.)

A full plane and few overstuffed roller-bags that just won’t fit into the compartments creates a little tension, but finally all is calm and everyone is seated. Suggestions to upright your seats and tray tables triggers complaints. A heavily-accented woman directly behind me protests to her husband. “WHY? WHY do we have to do that?” “ I’m sure they have good reason,” assures her husband. “I know why—they are afraid everything will break!” she fearfully retorts. “Nothing will break. It will be fine,” he adds.

Soon two powerful GE turbofan engines each deliver over 63,000 lbs. of thrust pinning me back in my seat (a thrill I’ve not experienced in years—reminiscent of my first flight on a DC-10). Within seconds we were steeply climbing through the dark gray blanket above Port Elizabeth. The rain-streaked windows soon cleared and the morning sun illuminated the wall-to-wall cloud carpeting now below me. I took a few quick shots of the changing colors and textures before permission was given to use electronic devices and I began to blog.

I set the headrest video monitor to “Flight Channel” and enjoyed charting my flightpath and monitoring the stats: -40 °F below, slicing through a 55 mph headwind at over 500 MPH, 38,000 feet just south of Charleston, WV, cruising down the Cumberland River Valley towards Houston, TX. I’m closing in on the last 10% of goal to visit all 50 states. New Mexico will be #46— an abundance of unused air miles, hotel points and a open calendar prompted this spontaneous weekend adventure.

Just landed at ABQ - NM is now checked off the list!

...it's on my List!

2010-11-04T19:58:00.003-04:00

New Library Program for 2011!

...it's on my List! shares stories and photos of my adventures across America in pursuit of my life passions. This ever changing list includes visiting all 50 states and seeing as many National Parks and Monuments as possible; as well as searchingfor arrowheads, trilobites and minerals... still haven't found any yet ...that's why it's still on my list!

List stories would not be complete without sharing my love of surfing! I've always enjoyed photographing surfers, but I took my first lesson in Southern California in 2007 and I hope to repeat with more surfing lessons at other locales —culminating with surfing in Hawaii, which will likely coincide with visiting State #50 on my list.

Looking forward to see you at a presentation soon!

Autumn in Hunterdon

2010-10-23T07:40:00.004-04:00

Autumn colors are finding their way to northwest and central New Jersey. Friday afternoon I enjoyed a photo safari through Hunterdon County—passing through Raritan Township, Franklin Township, High Bridge, Califion, Lebanon Township, Holland Township and Milford. Enjoy some of the fall spectacle I captured in Hunterdon!

Slideshow: Hunterdon Autumn 2010

Southampton Morning

2010-09-27T10:22:00.000-04:00

After attending a friend's wedding on Long Island, Susan and I enjoyed a brief Monday morning tour of Southampton, NY. The weekend crowds were gone and the quaint village and spectacular beach was ours alone. Wild waves from Hurricane Igor with backlit spray made great photos. While Susan did some window shopping, I walked the streets and shot a quick photo essay.

Slideshow: Southampton Morning

ATL Rant!

2010-09-19T14:12:00.004-04:00

It has been a few years since I have flown into Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). I have to say that my tolerance for this airport has reached its limit. My next business trip to the southeast will be to any other nearby airport than ATL— the busiest airport in the America with over 88 million passengers in 2009.

In the main lobby of the terminal they have numerous posters singing the praises of their airport’s history and design. “It's all about the flow” was their catch phrase. In my opinion, the "flow" of this airport was not a feature to brag about—a flow that was so clogged, that the airport was on the verge of a stroke or heart attack.

The travel recommendation of arriving two hours before your flight was truly necessary—the first time since flights immediately after 9-11. Why? I don’t really know. I guess it’s all about the “flow” ...or lack of it.

Traveling home on a Friday evening is often a disaster so I opted for staying at an airport hotel and taking a morning flight on Saturday, supposedly a lighter travel day. By staying over, I also saved a ridiculous $600 over the Friday fare.

I enjoyed sleeping-in and had a relaxing breakfast before I dutifully departed the hotel at exactly 8AM for my 10AM flight. I stopped to fill the gas tank of my rental car before taking I-85-S one exit into ATL. The car rental complex is huge and accommodates all companies within in a single parking-garage building which connects to the airport via an monorail.

Carrying a large air-case (with no wheels) filled with equipment (49.7 lbs.) and hand-carrying another ~25 lb. case filled with my cameras and lenses, my biggest complaint about ATL is the insane amount of walking required. No carts are available, so one is stuck hand carrying heavy bags over great distances. After checking-in the car, there was a long walk across the parking garage deck to an elevator, up one level to another long walk leading to a long escalator ride up to a third level followed by more walking to the air train monorail which takes you to the main terminal.

Exiting the air train, one has another long walk on the platform to get to a long escalator ride down to street level, followed by another long walk outside and into the crazy main terminal terminal. Remember at ATL, "It’s all about the FLOW!" which is why you enter the SAME doorway you exited only few days earlier. You have to walk past the unsupervised luggage claim, swimming up-stream against the current of out-flowing travelers. Great planning!

More long walks down long pathways without any real “flow”— instead travelers seem to be ignoring traditional stay-to-the-right rules and preferring random chaos instead. Like everyone else, we are all looking up, trying to follow confusing arrows that lead us to the busier central area, where I first found the self-praising signs of how great their "flow" was. I’m a fairly bright guy and public signage usually isn’t an Achilles heel for me... but I was wounded today and spent way too much time in the central part of the terminal, making incorrect choices down different spokes before finally feeling defeated and asking for help at the Delta check-in area.

“Sir, Continental is in North Terminal ... it’s just across the central area.”

Oh no, not back into that maelstrom again!!! Once again, I tried to find meaningful signs, something simple like “Domestic Check-In” or airline names would have been nice—instead all I could see were those great “Flow” charts which were really starting to get on my nerves.

I finally found North Terminal and I was able to read that Continental was one of many airlines that shared this side of town. Again I followed arrows which led me down a long parallel walkway and I still didn’t see anything that even remotely looked like check-in. Finally, I broke the rules and stopped following these wrong-way arrows, taking a detour which led me to the promised land.

There I found a very long wall of check-in stations for very many airlines. Of course, there weren't any visible signs extending "into" the long hallway, which may have helped "flow" by possibly helping you find YOUR airline. No, instead you again have to cross currents through chaotic lines of people. One practically has to be in directly in front of each check-in station to be able to see the airline's logo on the back wall under a deep overhang.

Finally I find Continental's check-in and I find no line, just me! I thought.... I'm the only fool taking Continental through ATL. I dared to ask where Security was and the Continental agent smiled and directed me back into the central vortex to begin the second HOUR of my ATL travel trauma. Within the central area, I found a corner far from the towering “Flow” signs where I prepared by getting my laptop out and throwing everything else from my pockets into my camera case before entering security.

Down another long hallway, I finally enter an area where I find multiple serpentine lines, similar to what one would find at an amusement park. It was like security lines when traveling back from a foreign country. Fifteen minutes later, shuffling through this line, making small talk with frustrated line-folk, pushing my smaller camera case along with my foot, I finally reached the initial TSA screener.

Apparently TSA agents at ATL takes their job very seriously. They are not worried about "flow" instead they have all the time in the world and want get to know you personally. They want eye-to-eye contact and make chit-chat conversation with EVERYONE before they allowing them to pass. The dazed woman in front of me was a little slow in responding to his questioning, so he peppered her with more talk, asking if she is feeling alright, before finally allowing her to pass.

It was now my turn, saying good morning and offering him my boarding pass and drivers license.

"So how are you today?"

"I'm fine"... long pause through his stare down..."I'm looking forward to going home."

"So, New Jersey is your home?" ...."Yes"

"Here on business?" ... "Yes"

Trying to lighten things up, I add, "I'm already tired from all the walking through this large airport."

He replied, "Sorry to say there's a lot more walking to come," and he finally stamped my pass.

I thought the initial screeners were the bottle neck in the security flow; but I was wrong, that conversation was just filler, because only a few steps past the first screener, you immediately continue the crawl of another endless line leading to the main screeners. This second serpentine line seemed like an eternity. Everyone was now pushing their bags with their feet ( I think they copied my lead) as I listened to frustrated travelers venting about possibly missing their flight.

After 15 more minutes, we finally reached the second screeners and that went smoothly. After putting myself back together—shoes, belt, laptop, cell phone— it was time for another walk to a bank of very long escalators leading to the underground train which takes you to the gates.

"Next stop, "A" as in Alpha. Teaching everyone the aviation alphabet, good for trivia, but not for the "flow" it would have been nice to hear what airlines were at the "A" gates. The train rushed on to "B" for Bravo, "C" for Charlie and then to my gate "D" which is for Delta, but that would have been too confusing considering Delta is a hub airline at ATL (using the "A" alpha gates). The synth voice then announced "D" for David??? ... choosing to blend the police alphabet with the aviation.

After the long walk to the end of the platform, up very long escalators there was another long walk down the "D" terminal in search of my gate. I lost track of time and was shocked to find my plane was almost completely boarded and I felt relieved to finally be in my seat. Reflecting on the last two hours I was incredulous to think that this is what travel has come to. Although my parents have long passed from this world, I couldn't help but think how challenging it would have been for them, or others from their generation.

I could continue to rant about the flight as well, but that's enough complaining for one entry. Next trip will be to a different airport, or better yet—I'll make it a road trip!

JERSEY SHORE

2010-09-01T07:54:00.007-04:00

No, I'm not talking about the MTV reality show which showcases invading New Yorkers behaving badly at Seaside Heights—continuing to malign New Jersey’s identity. To me, the Jersey Shore is 127 miles of white sand beaches and barrier islands dotted with a variety of resort communities, each catering to a specific community that faithfully returns to their favorite locale, like migrating birds have done for millennium.

The last days of August are when I make my annual return. This pattern begins when I notice earlier sunsets and High pressure fronts that clear and cool the heat of summer. I then realize that I haven't been to the Shore all season and I make a mad dash to grasp the last beautiful days summer. It also helped to have NJ Tourism call me and ask if I had any new Shore pictures to show them.

Early Saturday morning, I began my Shore pilgrimage to LBI, driving north on Long Beach Boulevard sharing the road with many bicyclists and joggers in Harvey Cedars and Loveladies on to my first stop, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. The lighthouse was not yet open, so I walked along the jetty all the way to it’s end where the ocean’s cross currents have menaced sailors for over 400 years. The name Barnegat comes from the Dutch “barende-gat” which loosely translates to inlet of breaker waves.

Numerous fishing boats— large and small and colorful jet-skis hurried past me through the choppy inlet to enjoy their day on the Atlantic. Across the waterway, I could see numerous vehicles and fishermen lining the southern point of Island Beach State Park.

I was in search of a wildlife and new angles to photograph Old Barney’s red and tower illuminated in the morning sun. I enjoyed close sightings of sanderlings, gulls and ruddy turnstones which didn’t seem to fear my presence. Pelicans and cormorants also crossed overhead.

After spending about two hours in the dunes, I returned to my car and enjoyed lunch which consisted of three Jersey tomatoes that I brought from my garden (along with a paring knife and salt shaker).

I ventured north to the next barrier island to visit Seaside Heights, curious to see how the reality show has changed that community. I parked in a municipal lot and filled a meter with 8 quarters (10 minutes per quarter!) before realizing that the meter was broken and I had to move to a new spot. In the harsh mid-day light I planned to do a brisk walk along the boardwalk grabbing some beach and amusement images. I had only 4 quarters remaining for the new meter which would cover a 40-minute dash onto the boardwalk. 45 minutes later I rushed back to car to find a bicycle-riding meter man leaving my Blazer with a $45!!! overtime parking ticket on the window.

"Have a nice day, sir!" he sneeringly said as he pedaled down Ocean Terrace.

I restrained my internal reaction and silently vowed to share my “situation” with as many people possible, encouraging them NOT to bother stopping at this “Jersey Shore” shakedown—stay away from Seaside Heights ...it's not worth it!

After that bad experience, I needed a change of scenery and attitude adjustment so I drove northward along the coast to a favorite location—Manasquan, where I often enjoy photographing surfers and vicariously share their experience through my lens.

The late afternoon light was fantastic as I joined a circling band of cars, each trying to get lucky in finding a parking spot. Twenty minutes flew by and no luck was with me, yet I was determined NOT to allow my parking ticket episode ruin my day and I persisted until a spot was finally found.

Throughout the year, I often checked SURFLINE' for surf conditions and to check their webcam. This summer was common to read that the sea was flat and surfing conditions were poor. I was hopeful that offshore Hurricane Danielle would provide some good action. As I walked out onto the jetty I could feel my mood change. The surfers were out in number and although conditions were generally glassy, there were intermittent sets of intense waves (thanks to Danielle!) that provided great shooting and created exactly the Jersey Shore experience that I was looking for.

MANASQUAN SURF 10 Gallery
JERSEY SHORE 10 Gallery

Canon 400mm f/5.6L in ALASKA Review

2010-07-29T20:17:00.003-04:00

My recent purchase a Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L telephoto lens proved to be an excellent choice for a July trip to Alaska. The morning of my departure I also made a last-minute purchase of the Canon EF 1.4x II Extender which effectively added a 560mm telephoto option.

This Alaska Adventure was a combination wildlife photo safari shared with photographer friend, Loren, combined with some location shooting for my corporate client—for which the 400mm f/5.6L also proved to be invaluable.

I brought along 3 Canon bodies including a 5D, T1i and new T2i. Loren, also using Canon equipment, borrowed a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L for this trip. This provided us with a unique side-by-side comparison of the two 400s and quickly revealed why the f/2.8L is priced at over $7K— 5X the cost of my f/5.6L with more than 5X the benefits.

The only minor advantage I had using the smaller f/5.6L was the ability to handhold some fleeting out-the-window shots. Loren's use of the behemoth f/2.8L always required his use of a mono or tripod. In most situations we both used a tripod, where I expected the f/5.6L would compete well, but soon found that the big glass and wide aperture of Loren's f/2.8L allowed him easier and faster focusing.

When we both added 1.4x extenders, the decisive advantage went to the f/2.8L which still used the camera's auto focus. In my situation, adding the extender to the f/5.6L changed the minimum aperture to f/8.0 and reduced me to manual focusing only. It was no contest when we each tried to lock onto the numerous eagles soaring by along the coast. Loren was effective on almost every shot, whereas I had a very high percentage of "almost" great shots which were slightly out of focus (possibly exacerbated by my age-related deteriorating vision). Although I did come away with some winners as well!

As mentioned in my previous review, my intuition was that a 400mm lens with 8X magnification would not be long enough for Alaska. I was somewhat correct (obviously 500mm, 600mm or 800mm would have been better), but I was pleasantly surprised that a 400mm focal length, and 560mm with extender, was quite effective in most shooting situations involving large mammals and birds. The $300 extender was a bargain in providing a 25% increase in focal length for the 560mm option. The very sharp 400mm f/5.6L did not seem to suffer in that category when the 1.4x extender was used.

Comparing the results with this lens with the different camera bodies, the full-frame 5D clearly produced the best images; however I was extremely happy with the results from the new T2i even with the 1.6x crop factor. The higher ISO sensitivity of this new camera was amazing and the image quality with both the 400mm and 560mm with extender far exceeded my expectations.

Canon 400mm f/5.6L - ALASKA GALLERY

AK ADVENTURE Slideshow

2010-07-17T17:45:00.001-04:00

Alaska Adventure Preview (4 min)

http://walterc.com/pages/akadv.html

AK ADVENTURE - Day 10

2010-07-15T14:20:00.006-04:00

Homeward bound! Today began as another run-on from the previous night. Our 1AM flight from Fairbanks rose above the clouds to reveal the midnight glow illuminating our way southward to Seattle. From very early Tuesday morning through whatever this day is... I have only had very brief periods of survival napping, so I was tired enough to catch some of sleep on the first leg of the flight.

Alaska matched some of my expectations, but surprised me in many other ways. One does not realize the sheer vastness of the land until you drive 2,200+ miles across it in a week, nor the sameness of the monoculture flora which can remain unchanged for hundreds of miles. The small and irregular-shaped black spruce tree may not be as majestic as its other conifer cousins, but it is a true survivor and that's what it takes to be the dominant tree of Alaska. On the other end of the plant spectrum, I did enjoy the great variety of July wildflowers that colored the walkways and fields.

I also never expected the difficulty in sighting 50 wildlife species, a challenge which took the entire week of intent and focus—by two experienced photographers equipped with long telephoto lenses. That translates to only one sighting every 44 miles. Perhaps surprising to others is that I could probably see 50 species in a single day with a 200-mile drive around New Jersey. I was happy to have seen and photographed a number of special AK birds and animals including eagles (both bald and golden), moose, reindeer (caribou) and, of course, the plentiful and beautiful sea gulls!

Besides the flora and fauna, I found great pleasure in meeting the unique people of Alaska. They were laid-back, warm and friendly and not afraid to share their views or defend their AK lifestyles. I could easily relate to their independent spirit. It was very easy to differentiate native Alaskans from the tourists—especially some of the cruise-based tourists who were often wider than tall!

As we fly over the lower 48 with the luxury of in-flight WiFi I am able to enter this last blogpost about AK. (You should also check Loren's blog and his great AK photos!) I am filled and elated from the Alaska experience, but now eagerly look forward to my return home to my wife, family, cat, feeding my backyard birds and appreciating the wonders and beauty of New Jersey!

AK ADVENTURE SLIDESHOW

AK ADVENTURE - Day 9

2010-07-14T18:03:00.015-04:00

Wednesday began at midnight —for us a marathon extension of Tuesday. Through my corporate client, we had special access almost 100 miles into Denali National Park and Preserve. A 4-hour drive along a one lane road over Polychrome Mountain offered amazing views of the wide McKinley River Valley and the Alaskan Range. Spectacular!
Wildlife sightings started immediately with a roadside Ptarmigan (the real state bird of Alaska) and a huge trophy-racked caribou running across the tundra. Around the bend on a precipitous cliffside (30 miles later) we viewed a cluster of Dall Sheep high on the ridge. We heard tales from our hosts of their regular sightings of grizzly bears and a wolf with many cubs expected at certain locations—but none were found tonight. I guess they all stayed home because of the rain.

Upon reaching Katishna and the road's end, we turned around for an even more white-knuckled ride in the foggy all-night twilight. Wildlife sightings were few. Our hosts were extremely disappointed and felt guilty that they could not deliver the missing link— a bear sighting! At around 3 AM within a few miles of the leaving the park, we finally saw a small Toklat Grizzly running along the roadside before dashing into the low shrubs where he would stick his head up to check us out —run a few more yards, then check again. He was too fast for a photo in the low light, but this bear sighting was thrilling and everyone felt uplifted from it.

We then bunked in the car to catch a few hours sleep before heading north on Parks Highway. We had breakfast at Rosie's Cafe in Healy, then coasted downhill for a few hours through Nenana and eventually ending in Fairbanks . We immediately went to Creamer's Field to see and photograph sandhill cranes—this sighting put us over the 50 species mark on our trip checklist. We only saw the cranes browsing the field, but hoped to see their famous mating dance—maybe later when the light is low and they're in the mood!
After a midday break for file maintenance and blogging, it was out the door again for more Fairbanks touring and bird watching before packing for our eventual return to reality.

AK ADVENTURE SLIDESHOW

AK ADVENTURE - Day 8

2010-07-13T21:46:00.011-04:00

After a rainy 2-hour drive north from Trapper Creek we arrived at Denali National Park. En route, we spied a roadside coyote who didn't seem too bothered by our car with cameras out the window. He was so relaxed he sat down and looked like everybody's pet dog.

Apparently this will be "Tourist Tuesday" as we have to share this special place with many other people. Numerous transits back and forth across the 15-mile tourist road through the park yielded only a few opportunities to shoot a few bull moose that were grazing on the shrubs of the taiga.

At one vantage point an AK state gull was trained to land on the roof of every car and pose for pictures. We went back and forth so many times that one time he flew out to our car to escort us to the vantage point.

This evening we will spend the night deep in Denali National Park were we finally hope to get our still missing bear photo ...time is running out!

AK ADVENTURE SLIDESHOW

AK ADVENTURE - Day 7

2010-07-12T21:22:00.003-04:00

We're staying at a lodge in Trapper Creek which is part of the Borough of Mat-Su—a municipality larger than the state of West Virginia. After a morning shoot for my corporate client, we had breakfast in Talkeetna (Northern Exposure) and enjoyed photographing the interesting local people and colorful shops in this artistic tourist town.

Exploring the local roads for wildlife, I saw a "cross fox" but couldn't easily identify it because the AK version is dark gray, almost black with a white tip on its tail. We also encountered a large porcupine. He climbed a pine tree to escape the crazy NJ photographers following him, then relaxed on a high branch and posed for us.

Back at the lodge for an afternoon break, I uploaded the morning pix to computer with an awesome view of Denail out the window—this 20,320 ft summit is still over 120 miles away. We're going there tomorrow where we hope to finally find some bears!

AK ADVENTURE SLIDESHOW

AK ADVENTURE - Day 6

2010-07-12T02:41:00.007-04:00

Another 4-hour night of forced sleep ended when the sun returned to Kenai. Our plans were to go eastward to Seward for a glacier or whale watching tour. En route, we saw our first "bull" moose in the wetlands.

Before heading to the coast, we had one last mission to accomplish. After numerous eagle and moose sightings, we are frustrated at not seeing a bear. We heard that the Russian River Falls in Copper Landing was a hot spot for bears so we thought we'd give it one last try. It required a 2.3 mile hike up a mountain path to reach the falls. The ranger informed us that the salmon indeed had reached the falls and that we had a good chance of seeing them jump up the falls AND a 40% chance of seeing bears!

We were very excited with the news and began our gear-laden hike with a new spirit of optimism. Unfortunately, he was wrong and yet again, we came away empty. The only wildlife found at the falls was the Alaska state bird—the seagull. We did see a few non-jumping salmon that were resting in the pools, and great wildflowers along the path...but NO bears! Interestingly, they had a sign-in logbook at the trail head so they know who to look for when you didn't come back!!!The 3-hour, 5-mile round trip hike was worth the effort and it felt good to finally get some serious exercise, but it changed our plans with regard to our trip to Seward. Considering we had a 5 to 6 hour drive still ahead to our next hotel in Trapper Creek near Talkeetna, we opted to pass on Seward and turn north for some glacier views near Whittier.

We passed by Turnagain Point where we saw mountain goats very high on the cliffs, and also stopped at Potters Marsh for more bird watching with the bonus of a beaver sighting.

The long drive took us through Wasilla, but unfortunately the skies were cloudy and we couldn't get a good view of Russia ;-}.

AK ADVENTURE SLIDESHOW

AK ADVENTURE - Day 5

2010-07-11T03:33:00.006-04:00

After our late arrival to our hotel in Kenai, we uploaded pix and organized our equipment until almost 1 AM. 4 hours later we were awakened by loud pounding on the outside window of our neighbor's room—apparently he had slept in and his friends couldn't wait to get on the river and start fishing for the late Kenai Kings. Kenai, like much of Alaska, absolutely did NOT match my idyllic mental expectations. Instead of a simple Russian fishing village at the end of the long two-lane, possibly unpaved road, our hotel was on a 5-lane road across from Home Depot and McDonalds.

Rain was falling hard and we took our time trying to decide a plan for of the day. Fishing for salmon was very high on my Alaska list—in fact, it was the #1 reason for coming here; however, after considering the great expense involved, the equipment logistics, deciding whether or not to use a high-priced guide or go it alone, as well as confronting my emotional indecisiveness about fishing at all ... I made a choice to postpone this checklist of life goal for yet another day. Instead, I would be content photographing others as they fished for salmon and vicariously share in their experience.

We heard the Sockeye "Reds" were starting to run on the Kasilof and decided to head down Sterling Highway to photograph native Alaskans dip-netting at the mouth of the river. I thoroughly enjoyed this people shooting experience, photographing their children that played nearby and many handsome dogs in this panoply of ramshackle tents and RVs on the mud flats near the inlet.

We continued south to Homer—the farthest point south on the peninsula. There we found an eagle perched above her nest and posing for some great portraits at a main intersection in town, as well as sea otters playing along the Homer spit. On the road back to Kenai I noticed eagles soaring along the inlet. In Ninilchik I followed a residential street which led to that cliff's edge. With the winds blowing in off the inlet, a parade of 50+ bald and golden eagles soared by us at eye level.

In the evening, we made another gallant effort to find bears at Captain Cook State Park but, as usual we came up empty. Other wildlife of the day included a young calf moose and a surprise sighting of reindeer (caribou) at 10 PM! It was our best wildlife shooting day of the adventure!

AK ADVENTURE SLIDESHOW

AK ADVENTURE - Day 4

2010-07-10T10:41:00.011-04:00

The sun returned to Anchorage for the first time in weeks and we told everyone we brought it with us from New Jersey and they all were grateful. After shooting locations in the city for my corporate client we had a very amazing afternoon adventure. Loren recently had reconnected online with his childhood friend, Tim, who was now a commercial pilot. Tim also had his personal airplane in AK and so generously offered to show us the sights (from the air). Loren had not seen him in 30 years so it was a special reunion for him.

We departed from Merrill Field and followed the Knik Arm to Palmer and the Knik Glacier for a rare sunlit view of this primordial landscape—the intricate patterns of silt in the river flats was pure art.
We then crossed the wetlands near Palmer to look for wildlife near the lakes and delta of the Sustina River. We appreciated Tim's masterful flying skills as he banked his low-flying Cessna for our viewing pleasure of some moose in the wetlands. To the north, we enjoyed another rarity— a sunlit crystal clear view of Denali. Thanks Tim!

On the ground we enjoyed the beautiful parks in and near Anchorage. We found moose in Kincaid Park and enjoyed bird watching at Potters Marsh where Loren was "head-pecked" by a territorial Arctic Tern. A bridge view on Ship Creek also provided a glimpse of the last few King Salmon returning to their birthplace at Elmendorf Hatchery.

By evening the familiar clouds and some rain returned for 3-hour drive to Kenai.

AK ADVENTURE SLIDESHOW

AK ADVENTURE - Day 3

2010-07-08T21:11:00.006-04:00

Awake at 4:30 AM local time, I felt totally refreshed from an overdue night's sleep. I slipped out the door and went to the hotel lobby to see the sun already high above magnificent Mt. Wrangell and streaming into the lodge windows. With a cup of black coffee and my laptop I found a corner to catch up on email and blog about the adventure.

By 6 AM Loren and I were on the road driving south on Richardson Highway before turning eastward on Edgerton Highway (AK 100) towards Chitina and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. A great horned owl, perched atop the omnipresent Alaskan Black Spruce trees along the highway, was #14 on our wildlife sighting checklist and the first photo-op stop of the day.

It seemed we were stopping often for amazing vistas of snow-covered Mt. Blackburn and colorful fireweed displays before reaching our first target destination, the magnificent Liberty Falls. Climbing and photographing the waterfalls in this wild Alaskan setting was an exhilarating experience.

We stopped to photograph an eagle at Second Lake and again at the Copper River where they fished (scavenged) for salmon near the special dip-net and fish wheel fishery located near the Chitina Bridge.

Rural Alaska lacks the typical roadside amenities one finds everywhere else in America. In fact these services—when you do find them—do not look like their counterparts in the lower 48. We were running very low on gas and I hoped to fill up in Chitina. I drove past the only gas station in town because I didn't recognize it. Loren had to point out to me that the gas tank was above the ground and a small old-fashioned pump was tucked close to it.

By noon, we circled back to the crossroads at Glennallen and found a small grocery store where we got our first food of the day and finally had a cell signal to call home. Loren took over the driving for our westward trip on Glenn Highway to Anchorage, while I uploaded images to my computer.

The beautiful weather we had unexpectedly experienced all morning had slowly faded away to overcast and chilly conditions in Anchorage.

AK ADVENTURE SLIDESHOW

AK ADVENTURE - Day 2

2010-07-08T09:55:00.005-04:00

Wednesday, Day 2, was really an extension of my seemingly endless and sleepless Day 1. After spending a few hours in ANC airport we finally boarded a hybrid 737 (half cargo and half seating) for the last 1-hour leg of the journey and rose over the clouds of Anchorage to land in sunny Fairbanks. The plane was filled with oil industry workers heading to Prudhoe Bay and Barrow and a few displaced souls that were rerouted from EWR.

FAI was small airport and empty at 7AM. Ours were the only bags at baggage claim and the car rental went smoothly. They didn't have our mid-sized car in inventory, so upgraded us to a full-sized Ford Explorer SUV with 4WD for the same price. A good omen to start the adventure.

I have a corporate client that has locations throughout Alaska, so it was great to combine a little business with pleasure and start the day shooting low morning sun on a few of their locations near Fairbanks. Loren and I stopped to take tourist pictures near the roadside highlights of North Pole, AK, before heading down Richardson Highway in search of wildlife and scenery unlike that found in New Jersey.

About noon I began to feel drowsy and requested that Loren drive and I would be the sleepy navigator. This first full day in Alaska would require a 300-mile transit southeast toward Copper Center and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Our goal is to keep a species count of all the AK wildlife we see and identify. Loren spotted the first big mammal of the day, a large moose cow on the roadside grazing on small shrubs. We pulled over and took a few great head shots of her. Afterwards, there seemed to be a general drought of wildlife sightings, with only 13 species for the day, and although many were common to NJ, we ended with nice loon and eagle sightings.

The endless daylight is maddening and frustrating, especially when one's energy is gone.

AK ADVENTURE SLIDESHOW

AK ADVENTURE - Day 1

2010-07-06T21:51:00.004-04:00

I'm finally on my way to see the last natural frontier of America—Alaska! Its been on my "checklist of life" for quite some time and I'm thrilled to be making it a reality. Last year I made similar AK reservations but canceled at the last second because of the terrible recession. Don't think things are better this year... they're not! ...but I can't stop chasing my dreams just because of the hard times. Although this trip is clearly a luxury and will add to our already Mt. McKinley-esque mountain of debt, I figured that this year was as good as any to have this adventure.

On a positive note, I had accumulated enough airline miles and hotel points to pay for two air tickets and a few hotel nights with nice beds and free breakfast. Susan wasn't as motivated to experience the primitive back-to-nature Alaskan adventure that I was envisioning, so she generously suggested that I bring along a friend.

In January I found a great offer on Alaska Air and booked a summer adventure for my photographer friend, Loren, and me—a trip which we've been eagerly planning and counting down the days for the last six months. The countdown ended today as I left home around 3 PM and picked up Loren for our 45 minute drive to Newark Airport. Loren had just received a text alert informing of a 2-hour flight delay, one that would force us to miss our Seattle connection to Fairbanks. This deflated our mood for the quiet drive to the airport.

At check-in, we had to do some creative re-booking through Anchorage and on to Fairbanks only 5 hours later, and not losing a full day like Alaska Air was suggesting. We accepted our fate, found a quiet corner of the airport with an open power outlet and parked ourselves on the floor. I made a few calls to change our revised Wednesday plans and changed the car reservation, with time to spare to charge all batteries and write blogposts.

Now on the plane with a 9 PM takeoff, we hope to arrive in Fairbanks at 7AM AKDST (-4 hrs) from EDST. I was happy to find that Alaska Air had FREE wi-fi to upload this post.

A fantastic orange glow awaits us on the western horizon!

AK ADVENTURE SLIDESHOW

My new Canon 400mm 5.6L - Field Test & Review

2010-06-26T13:23:00.004-04:00

An upcoming photo adventure has prompted me to purchase a new lens. Rationalising that I needed a longer lens for my birding and wildlife interests, I purchased the Canon Telephoto EF 400mm f/5.6L from BH Photovideo.

Considering my very limited funds, I opted for the f/5.6L at $1269 (still too pricey for me) as opposed to its big brother—the 400mm f/2.8L IS, which was totally out of my league at $7,190. I really yearned for the 500mm f/4.0 IS, but that was also off limits at $6140. In other words, I settled for cheap champagne on a beer budget.

After reading many professional and user reviews, I decided that this lens would give me the most bang-for-the buck!  I chose it because it was lightweight (only 2.8 lbs.) and hand-holdable without IS, more importantly almost all reviewers celebrated its amazing sharpness which was the primary reason behind my decision.

The lens arrived on Tuesday, but I was so immersed in clerical work I didn't even open the box, instead I placed it at my feet near my computer. Throughout the week the lens sirens called out to me to open the box, but I had deadlines to meet and remained strong-willed not acknowledging the seduction.

Friday afternoon, I needed to stretch and get some air so I stepped outside to give the birds some fresh water. The weather was spectacular! A high pressure front had cleared the humidity. As I stood by the bird bath I looked skyward to see a variety of birds spiraling in the rising thermals.  Two of the birds seemed larger than the others and when they banked and turned, the sun illuminated their brilliant white tail feathers and heads to reveal their identity as bald eagles.

This prompted me to drop the hose (with water still running) next to the unfilled bird bath and sent me running at break-neck speed back into the house.  Streaking past Susan, I shouted ....run outside and see the eagles! —while I flew up the stairway to my office to tear open the box. I fought my way through the well-taped box and through assorted layers of packaging to finally behold the new lens.

I quickly mounted it to a Canon Xt1i body (to benefit from the 1.6X multiplier) and back out the front door to see the last glimpse of the eagles as they soared eastward out of range.   All that remained in the thermals above were turkey vultures surveying the recently hayed fields. It took a few frames before returning to my work.

Saturday morning I decided to take my new lens with me for the early morning bird feeding and a slow walk through the fields to literally "field test" ;-} my new lens. My first impression was that it was not long enough! My mental expectations far exceeded reality. The look and feel of the lens was extremely similar to that of my 300mm f/4.0L but at 8X—only 33% more magnification. I expected the view of my catbird and wren friends to fill the frame, instead they appeared just slightly larger than my usual 6X perspective.

My second disappointment was discovering the 11.5 ft. minimum focusing distance. I found myself questioning the focus, before having to back farther away from my subjects. This, seemed to me, to dilute the benefit of the slightly increased magnification.

After the initial negative impressions, my attitude improved as I slowly walked along and soaked in the solitude and natural beauty of this peaceful summer morning. Not many birds were present, so I shifted my focus to plant life and wildflowers. Other than having to adjust to the increased minimum focus distance, I enjoyed the added compression offered by the 400mm; however the shallower depth of field required some trial-and-error learning to find my preferred apertures.

Matching other's reviews, I found that the lens was indeed very sharp and easily hand-holdable for me. I'll certainly enjoy and appreciate the benefits this new lens brings to the arsenal, but I have to honestly add that I'm disappointed with its limitations and hoped that $1269 would have made a bigger "bang" for my buck.

Canon 400mm 5.6L - Field Test GALLERY

Birder's Delight - Day II

2010-05-07T19:39:00.005-04:00

When I opened the door at dawn to venture out and feed my feathered friends, I was very pleased to find bobolinks on the tree tops at the edge of my property.

Their song was softer today, more like morning prayers instead of the raucous chatter that celebrated their arrival yesterday morn. As I approached, they did not fly off in fear.

I think they finally remembered me!

It was obvious why they chose this location as a major stopover: a vast expanse of lush fields pregnant with mature grasses that fortunately had not yet been harvested into first-cut hay. The bobolink's vital grassland habitat has been in steady decline throughout America, primarily from human sprawl. I feel deep gratitude for the preservation efforts that have kept these farm fields natural, ensuring that the bobolink migration can continue for years to come.

I walked along the field to see many bobolinks restfully perched on the tall grasses, occasionally small groups taking flight to reset only a few yards distant. I saw more females present today, often eating seed, while the males watched me and sang their morning song!

“Pu-puck pi deedla ehah eeee-ew d-t-d-t dee”

Retracing my path from yesterday morning, I strolled toward the same hedgerow and revisited my vocal catbird and red-winged blackbird friends, which were again illuminated by the clear crisp sunlight now spilling over the horizon. I spent an hour in the upper field quietly observing the bobolinks and other birds, whose activity seemingly heated-up in sync with the rising sun ...speedier flights to and from the tree line, active preening and more up-tempo bird chatter.

At the crest of the hill, I could see the approach of large bird from the west, which I anticipated to be a great blue heron, one of many that I often see transiting to and from the Raritan River. With a 300mm lens now raised to my eye, I was pleasantly surprised and excited to see a distinctive large white head with prominent yellow beak illuminated by the warm low light of the sun.

This high-flying majestic eagle was crossing directly overhead, likely bringing breakfast for its two chicks nesting at nearby Duke estate. You can see this eagle family online thanks to the Duke Farms Eagle-cam.

I've added more bobolink and eagle photos from today's adventure.You can enjoy them at:Birder's Delight Photo Gallery

Birder's Delight

2010-05-05T11:27:00.003-04:00

Amplified by morning mist blanketing the fields, the unmistakable happy chatter of Bobolinks on a distant hedgerow signaled their eagerly-awaited return to Central New Jersey on May 5th—a few days earlier than expected.

Excited to confirm the arrival visually, I immediately marched through the dewy field, carrying a camera equipped with a shorter lens than I needed and wearing black rubber boots which were equally ineffective for the soggy conditions. After only a few steps, I was soaked to mid-thigh and the waterline was rising fast on my pale blue jeans.

My hike across the field was exhilarating. The crisp morning sun now illuminated the droplets of dew to diamond brilliance and I stopped to grab a few shots of this irresistible light show. I could still hear the exciting bobolink chatter, now mixing with the almost electronic song of the red-winged blackbirds that also shared the field.

On a straight-line course, I moved steadily but cautiously toward them, all the while thinking of a fantasy conversation that I wish I could share. How was your long trip? Is your family in Argentina doing well? Any fledglings visiting NJ for the first time?

My emotions quickly shifted to a feeling of being "hurt" from their rejection. I was incredulous they just didn't fly across to greet me considering we have not seen each other for a full year—and also considering our 18-year tradition of meeting in this same field every spring since 1992. Instead, small bands of bobolinks moved away from me as I approached them. Clusters of 8 to 12 birds dashed across the field, some groups flying together like synchronized air-show pilots, others alternating in a syncopated rise and fall pattern.

As I crested the hill I looked over to a freshly plowed field and noticed an odd combination of wildlife—a fox, deer and turkey, all within a few yards of each other. A joyful catbird sang me a series of tunes while I photographed these animals, and a pair of song sparrows quietly observed from a nearby branch.

I spent about an hour in the field enjoying the sights and songs of a variety of birds on this beautiful morning. The Bobolinks eventually accepted my presence and allowed me to watch as some preened their feathers on the highest branches of a tree filled with cascading white blossoms. On a nearby tree, a "local" blue jay and mockingbird, perched side-by-side, seemed very aware of the new arrivals causing a stir in the neighborhood.

On an amazing 6,000-mile journey from South America which includes a 500-mile ocean stretch, the Bobolinks will spend a few days of respite in the fields of Central New Jersey. During this week, I will spend as much time as I can with them—observing, photographing and enjoying their visit. One day next week, I will again be alone in the quieted field, knowing they departed for their breeding range in New England and Canada, and I will offer them a silent Adieu until their return next spring.

Enjoy my photos of this morning at: Birder's Delight Photo Gallery

Bobolink Information:

Birdnote

State of New Jersey DEP (PDF)

Conserve Wildlife New Jersey

Audubon Magazine

Earth Day 2010

2010-04-22T12:05:00.002-04:00

Each Earth Day, I start the morning with a slow walk around my garden, camera around my neck, and a reflective spirit of appreciation for the natural world that I treasure and enjoy.

A shroud of fog brought a strange quietness to the day. Even my feathered friends were silent, only a few of them welcoming me, awaiting their breakfast seed that I bring. I felt fearful, recalling Rachel Carson's, Silent Spring, knowing that common birds have been in significant decline over the last 40 years.

Where were they today? The bluebirds were asleep in their boxes, a lone mockingbird stood guard on a branch and I was fortunate to see a male goldfinch roller-coastering away from me into the fog. I could hear a distant crow and some soft sparrow songs that assured me it was not totally silent and that everyone was just sleeping late today.

The last few weeks of riotous spring color was waning and shades of green, white and blue now dominated the landscape. It was like walking around the morning after a great party.

Earth Day Gallery 2010

Bluebells

2010-04-17T09:19:00.010-04:00

Perhaps you are more familiar with their domestic garden cousins, Forget-Me-Nots, but in my opinion, Virginia Bluebells leave an equal, if not greater, visual impression.

One of my favorite spring events is to see this spectacular natural garden of Virginia Bluebells which thrive at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Duke Island Park lies in the path of the often-flooding, South Branch Raritan River—its name from the Algonquin language literally means "stream overflow." Each year the spring floods nourish the flood plain and colorful wildflowers follow after the waters quickly subside.

The bloom is very early this year and the brilliant blue coloring may last about a week.

Duke Island Park is part of the Somerset County Park Commission. Their website provides Directions, and an excellent park map which you can download as a PDF. Park in Lot "D", which is the farthest lot to the right (west) and then walk south towards the Raritan River where you will find a bike/walking path. Walk westward and find the best area for bluebells. This eventually leadsto the headgate dam "12", where you can then return along the towpath of the Raritan Power Canal and look for turtles basking in the sun.

You may also choose to park in Lot "A", turning left after you enter the park. Follow the longer walk path towards the Raritan River then turn left to walk eastward where you will find more bluebells.

If you can't make it this year, you can enjoy some photos on my Bluebell Gallery.

April Morning

2010-04-14T11:23:00.006-04:00

Spring came very early this year. After a relentless winter of serial snow storms and n'oreasters, it all ended in an instant when summer temps arrived in late March prompting a parade of yellow, white and pink blossoms which has lasted for weeks. It's only mid-April and the flowers of mid-May are now coloring the Central Jersey landscape.

Last night, a chill awoke me as I sensed the covers were not quite doing their usually good job, that was later confirmed when I heard the heat go on for the first time in weeks. This was a reminder that it is, indeed, early April, and that the reality of this colorful spring could be taken away with one frosty night.

Looking out the bathroom window at dawn, I could see a milky fog dancing over the fields and a clear sky above. I stepped outside to feed the birds and give them fresh water. I didn't wear a jacket, defying the reality of the morning chill, perhaps hanging on to those summer memories of the last few weeks. My hands could have also used gloves as I poked through and removed a thin layer of ice from the bird bath. My cardinals, jays, crows and other feathered friends greeted me with song and appreciation for the gifts of the new day.

Over my shoulder I could see the morning sun breaking over the silhouetted tree line and dewey grass. I quickly returned to the house to get ...No, not my jacket and gloves—that would be too logical.. but rather my cameras. The artistic appeal of capturing this special morning light on the colors of our garden was more important than keeping warm.

With cold metal cameras chilling my already frozen hands I quickly captured the changing light. The rapidly rising sun illuminated new trees and flowers with each tick of the clock and I rushed to get it all. I knew it may be their last day of perfection until next spring— as the heat of the day will likely bring the downfall of blossoms.

I allowed "Tabby" to join me outside and experience the morning. Although he has plenty of his own water dishes, he still likes to steal a drink from the birds.

Enjoy the day with me!
April Morning Gallery

February Snow

2010-02-08T12:44:00.003-05:00

A weekend snow blanketed Central and Southern New Jersey. Here's a gallery from my Sunday morning shoot.

My Brave Fellows

2009-12-25T11:02:00.006-05:00

It's Christmas morning, the presents have been opened and a day of visiting family and friends lies ahead.

I considered taking a brief side-trip to Washington Crossing before venturing to New York, but the gray skies and light rain kept me home. I checked the Washington Crossing Historic Park website for the status of the event and was deeply moved by reading General Washington's (and Thomas Paine's ) words which inspired the troops that historic Christmas night in 1776.

I'll share with you the last words they heard before the crossing.

Yes Men, Tonight we cross back into Jersey. I beseach you all, remain close to your officers. They are good men. Heed their commands. On the march south a profound silence is to be enjoined and reflect upon what we owe those mercenaries. And when the hour is upon us fight for all that you are worth and all that you cherish and love. The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct that you show.

The watch word is VICTORY OR DEATH -- for I am resolved that by dawn both Trenton and Victory shall be ours.

Read the complete text of "My Brave Fellows"

DNA ... too interesting to keep to myself!

2009-12-11T08:13:00.009-05:00

Randomly we spread out across a large room, trying to find some personal space and privacy amid a sea of stainless steel cryogenic tanks that seemed like futuristic lily pads.

I broke the ice (bad pun) and the room's awkward silence by announcing my surprise at how difficult it was to provide the required amount of saliva. Others agreed, laughing and joking about this hyper-surreal tableau of approximately 25 random people, mostly graying baby boomers interspersed with a few younger adults, people who came from Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and and as far way as Jackson Hole,Wyoming, all "spitting" into plastic vials within a sci-fi setting reminiscent of the 1985 movie Cocoon.

"Please, no overachievers!" the director warned adding that researchers did not give extra points for overflowing vials. "Simply fill to the line!" But "simply" was not so simple! After about five minutes of sucking my salivary glands dry, I finally hit the mark and departed the Coriell Institute for Medical Research where I had just added my DNA to a long-term research study investigating personalized medicine using the latest genomic information available.

I was born in 1953, the year Watson & Crick discovered the double helix model, and the year the Coriell Institute was founded. As a "student of life" I've been fascinated by the discovery and research of DNA since my first awareness of it studying Biology at Penn State in the mid-1970s. Today, I'm thrilled to experience the benefits that genetic and genomic research has achieved during my lifetime.

I've also utilized my DNA in genealogical research. In February 2007 I watched a wonderful television show on PBS, African American Lives produced by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (also famous for his role in the July 2009 "Beer Summit") Immediately after seeing African American Lives, I Googled the DNA company credited, Family Tree DNA, and promptly ordered a test kit and joined a Y-DNA project. My Y-12 data revealed that I was part of the very interesting R1a1 haplogroup, information which still has me Googling new tangents almost two years later.

Yesterday's surreal experience at Coriell Institute prompted me to share my passion about DNA. It's far too interesting to keep secret. I encourage everyone to do the same and discover the stories and secrets held within their own DNA.

Book Launch & Reception

2009-12-08T19:41:00.003-05:00

Sunday afternoon, December 6th, old friends and new friends from the public gathered at The Wellness Community of Central New Jersey center in Bedminster to help us celebrate the launch of our new book, The NEW JERSEY We Love!

Books were sold at a discount and all profits from the day were donated to TWC-CNJ.

We are pleased to announce the success of this fundraiser which has generated almost a $1000 for our favorite non-profit which provides psycho-social support for people affected by cancer in Central New Jersey.

Thank you to all who came out to wish us well, and thank you for your support of this fundraiser.

Slideshow

My Calendars available at ZAZZLE!

2009-11-30T16:13:00.011-05:00

For calendar year 2010, I have two "print-on-demand" wall calendars available through Zazzle.

I just wanted to share a great 44% discount currently available from Zazzle. This promotion runs now through December 10th!

At checkout, enter code: calendars998

The economic downturn of the last two years has prevented us from printing our retail wall calendars for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. With an improving economy, we hope to return to normal and resume publishing for calendar year 2011.

Thank you!!! for your support of our publications over the last 30 years!

Aesthetic Press - Zazzle Store

NEW JERSEY 2010

LIGHTHOUSES Atlantic Coast 2010

The NEW JERSEY We Love!

2009-11-26T06:22:00.011-05:00

As the title implies, there is far more to appreciate and love about New Jersey than the negative press ever recognizes.

This year New Jersey celebrates the 400th anniversary of NJ's "discovery" by Henry Hudson on September 3, 1609; although Verrazano and Gomez were likely visitors in the early 1500s, and the Lenape people have called this land home for thousands of years. I prefer to give thanks and credit to all the discoverers who have come before me.

To help celebrate this special event I am am pleased announce the release of my newest book: The NEW JERSEY WE Love!

You can see a slide show of images from the book at: http://aestheticpress.com/pages/apb_njwls.html

You can order online at:
http://aestheticpress.com/pages/apb_njwl.html

Guy Fawkes Bonfire

2009-11-08T19:40:00.006-05:00

I had not been to a bonfire since my childhood, so it was great fun this weekend when friends invited Susan and I to attend their "Guy Fawkes Night" bonfire—a tradition from England dating over 400 years!

The bonfires of my childhood were not of this origin, but rather summer gatherings where neighbors gathered to roast potatoes and sometimes corn.

I was curious about the origin of the word "bonfire" and incorrectly assumed that the "bon" had a French origin to mean "good" or "good fire". I was surprised to read that the word was originally written as "bane fire" with a tradition involving the burning of bones.

Bonfire Photo Gallery

Here are some links to some interesting reading about bonfires:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bonfire

http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/BLA_BOS/BONFIRE_in_Early_English_bone_f.html

http://www.ehow.com/about_4567895_bonfires.html

VERMONT

2009-10-10T10:57:00.022-04:00

I just returned from a 48-hour photo adventure to Vermont.

Loren, a longtime friend of mine, was hosting a photographer's weekend at his vacation home in Vermont and invited me to join the fun. Earlier in the week I scouted the weather forecast and learned that clouds and rain would be omnipresent all week and into the weekend, except for a brief clearing on Thursday.

I decided to pass on the weekend gathering but rather visit him midweek to help scout locations on Thursday. Wednesday afternoon I departed on my 5-1/2 hour drive to Woodstock, Vermont. Clouds and light rain followed me all the way on the New York State Thruway and into the Green Mountain state.

A red barn and the first colors of fall under slate-colored skies caused me to pull over and break out my cameras for the first photos of the day near Manchester. Continuing a little farther north on Route 7, the skies began to lighten and a faint rainbow appeared ahead, which I interpreted as a harbinger of good things to come.

I arrived in Woodstock around 5 pm and Loren suggested that we immediately jump into his Jeep in hopes of getting a sunset on the peak foliage of central Vermont. As we drove up a country road in nearby Pomfret the sun broke through under the clouds and illuminated Sleepy Hollow Farm to perfection! The brief illumination lasted only 10 minutes, however our drive back down the mountain through Barnard allowed for window shooting of colorful vistas, farms and livestock.

After a quick bowl of multi-grain Cheerios we were out the door at 6 AM on Thursday with plans to be attendance at the ritual sunrise gathering at

Jenne Farm in nearby Reading. As we turned onto Jenne Road we encountered about a dozen cars and the expected line-up of photographers, all vying for the best spot on the road and adjacent field. It wasn't the classic Jenne Farm vista we were after, but rather a shot of this strange phenomenon.

The weather forecast of a wonderful sunrise never materialized and the disgruntled mob reluctantly departed without their shot.

Loren and I continued on our sojourn throughout central and northern Vermont, which included visiting as many covered bridges as possible for a personal project of Loren's. I suggested that we revisit some classic locations like Waits River and East Orange, places I often frequented in the 1970s. We continued northwesterly towards the Green Mountains where I got my geology "fix" and reveled at climbing through the awesome Precambrian-aged boulders found at Smugglers' Notch.

The weatherman lied! Gray clouds blanketed Vermont for the entire day. Accepting that no sunset was in our future, we decided to chase something more elusive than sunlit foliage... a moose! From Smugglers Notch we continued northward to within about 15 miles from the Canadian border to an area where Loren had previously seen (but didn't photograph) a moose.

In Loren's 4-wheel drive Jeep, we drove through the barely passable roads traversing the wetlands near Belvidere in search of a moose. Moose Crossing signs were everywhere but no moose were to be found. Two moose tracks were the only things we saw.

After a few hours of searching, our patience was finally rewarded...not with a moose sighting, but rather a 1-minute brilliant illumination of the wetlands which generated some of the best shots of the day.

Friday morning offered more the of same dreary weather, so I departed early taking the back roads home where I finally got my moose photo ...in downtown Bennington!

Vermont Gallery

Vermont Slideshow

Upcoming Presentations

2009-08-24T07:50:00.009-04:00

In this recessionary economy, photography has become a luxury; however, I'm glad to find something that people need and that is information about digital photography. Recent presentations have been very well-attended. Somerset County Library had so many pre-registrations that they added an encore date in September and more libraries and groups have been scheduling presentations into the autumn and the coming year.

I'm currently offering three presentations:

Getting To Know Your DIGITAL Camera PDF
The Great Tree Adventure PDF
Timeline New Jersey PDF

Come see me at one of these upcoming venues:

Thursday - August 27 - 6:30 PM
Getting to Know Your DIGITAL Camera
Cape May County Library
Cape May Court House, NJ

Thursday - September 17 - 7 PM
Getting to Know Your DIGITAL Camera
Somerset County Library
Bridgewater, NJ

Wednesday - October 14 - 7 PM
Getting to Know Your DIGITAL Camera
Hunterdon County Library
Flemington, NJ

Thursday - October 15 - 11 AM
The Great Tree Adventure
Somerset County Library
Bridgewater, NJ

Thursday - October 22 - 7 PM
The Great Tree Adventure
Cliffside Park Public Library
Cliffside Park, NJ

Thursday - October 29 - 7 PM
Getting To Know Your DIGITAL Camera
Morristown & Morris Township Library
Morristown, NJ

Sunday - November 15 - 2 PM
Getting to Know Your DIGITAL Camera
Mercer County Library - Ewing Branch
Ewing NJ

Getting To Know Your DIGITAL Camera

2009-07-13T07:18:00.011-04:00

Photography is still photography... and cameras are still cameras!

However, a tsunami of "digital" devices is rapidly replacing traditional and familiar analog devices... cameras included.

Confusion abounds! Since the mid 1970s I have taught a photo course called "GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA." I have recently updated the program and created a new presentation covering the history of photography and it's transition to digital. The program also is designed to people understand the challenges and complexities of getting to know their new "Digital" cameras.

Perhaps you can join the fun and see me at one of these upcoming scheduled events.

August 13 / 7 PM
Somerset County Library
Bridgewater NJ
August 27 / 6:30 PM
Cape May County Library
Cape May Court House NJ
October 14 / 7 PM
Hunterdon County Library
Flemington NJ

Photograph Your Summer

2009-07-03T10:04:00.015-04:00

I was recently interviewed about photo tips for an article in the July 2009 issue of HUNTERDON LIFE magazine.

Although I don't actually live in Hunterdon County, I still consider it to be "almost" home. When we moved to New Jersey in the mid 1980s we made three attempts to purchase property in Hunterdon, but each time something went awry with the sale. For the last 25 years, I live on the "edge" of Hunterdon in neighboring Somerset County.

Hunterdon is a special place and is my favorite county in the state of New Jersey. I've published two photographic books about Hunterdon, each very popular with multiple print runs. My most recent book on the county is HUNTERDON, A Celebration of Communities

This book contains over 400 color photographs which celebrate the the 26 municipalities of the county. Here is a preview gallery of images from the book. This book can be purchased at select bookstores and gift shops in Hunterdon County or it can be ordered directly from Aesthetic Press -- note only a few copies remain from the second printing

On a Hunterdon side note, I will be judging the 2009 Hunterdon County photo contest this fall and will present a special program to the winners (and public) at the Hunterdon County library, 7 p.m. on October 14, 2009.

KODACHROME remembered (1935 - 2009)

2009-06-26T07:22:00.022-04:00

In the same week as the uncanny dual passing of 70s icon, Farrah Fawcett, and 80s-90s "King of Pop," Michael Jackson, we also heard news of the death knell for KODACHROME, a beloved slide film from my first years as a professional photographer. Kodak announced the discontinuance of this equally iconic product on June 22nd.

At the contract-signing meeting with the publisher of my first book, NEW JERSEY, A Scenic Discovery, I recall showing the editor my large format transparencies shot on 8x10 Ektachrome film. He liked the large images but asked if I could shoot in 35mm...the book contract specifically mandated my shooting 300 rolls of KODACHROME.

After transitioning from smaller to larger formats in stock photography, I was introduced to this wonderful ultra-fine grain film with a dynamic range of 8 stops and awesome saturated color. Shooting in large format was no longer a requirement as the resolution of KODACHROME held up even to mural-sized prints. I wasn't alone in my appreciation of this film, KODACHROME was the de facto standard for a majority of professional photographers in the 1970s and 1980s.

Perhaps the most famous of all KODACHROME shooters was photojournalist, Steve McCurry (a fellow Pennsylvania native and PSU alumnus) with his June 1985 National Geographic cover shot of Sharbat Gula, a.k.a. the "Afghan Girl". Like Farrah's iconic 1976 red swimsuit poster, "Afghan Girl" became the poster girl of KODACHROME.

I was a shooter of KODACHROME 25 (KM) for many years and cartons of yellow-boxed slides (processed by mailers sent to Kodak's NC lab) still fill my shelves. During the early 1990s, my allegiance shifted to Fuji VELVIA (RVP), a new daylight reversal film with the same ultra-fine grain, spectacular color and more convenient E-6 processing. More importantly, VELVIA was also available in medium and larger formats which I continued to shoot. I began shooting RVP across all formats and the Fuji green boxes soon replaced the Kodak yellow ones.

Kodak's 1986 attempt to introduce KODACHROME (KR) in medium format was a disappointment for me. I missed shooting KODACHROME (KM) and I wished it could have survived and have been available in all formats. Unfortunately, Fuji's VELVIA was a stronger competitor and almost twenty years later, it continues to be my preferred film, and numerous rolls of VELVIA occupy a substantial portion of real estate in our freezer.

As digital continues its march of dominance, I am afraid that one day I will be mourning the complete loss of photographic film. On a recent visit to my local film lab in NJ, I heard more disappointing news that this lab was no longer processing E-6 (Quite understandable, considering I was probably one of their only customers still shooting the film). I'll be taking my film to a new lab in North Jersey ... I understand that its the last one in the state still processing E-6. Although I shoot digitally, I still prefer to shoot film and I will continue to do so until the last lab falls.

Here is a gallery of some KODACHROME images from the 1980s, as my tribute to the passing of this wonderful film.

SURFING photos Manasquan NJ

2009-06-14T17:29:00.008-04:00

I made my first visit to the Jersey shore this season early Saturday morning. I arrived at Manasquan around 8 AM—parking was easy and other early risers were enjoying fishing or watching the boats leave the inlet.

I walked to the jetty to vicariously enjoy the thrill of surfing by photographing some NJ surfers at Manasquan. I was glad to see a few baby boomers mixed among the younger surfers.

http://walterc.smugmug.com/gallery/8550530_oP8yg/1/563191193_7b6WC

Drumthwacket In Bloom Garden Party

2009-06-08T07:05:00.004-04:00

I spent Sunday afternoon as a guest artist at Drumthwacket, the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey. The Drumthwacket Foundation has a spring event called Drumthwacket in Bloom: Garden Party Open House. At the event I sold books, prints and greeting cards to a friendly gathering of visitors, and offered some photo tips to aspiring garden photographers.

Link to a Gallery of the spring bloom at Drumthwacket!

Hackensack Meadowlands Tour

2009-06-04T07:38:00.010-04:00

One of the best eco-tours in New Jersey is the Hackensack Meadowlands Pontoon Boat Tour offered by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. Last September I enjoyed my first boat tour and I recently returned for a spring trip.

The tours provide great photo opportunities for birds, wetlands and more. The volunteer guides are excellent and they provide natural and historical information and interesting stories about the Meadowlands. It's the best $15 adventure you can buy.

You can find more information about tours on their website:

http://www.njmeadowlands.gov/environment/tours.html

More information can also be found on The Meadowlands Blog:

http://www.meadowblog.typepad.com/

During my two trips I enjoyed seeing and photographing: Peregrine falcons, egrets, herons, swans, ducks, cormorants, terns and numerous other species. Here is a selection from my Meadowlands trips:

http://walterc.smugmug.com/gallery/8590770_CJfdj/1/566393234_uWoVc

Memorial Day Commentary

2009-05-24T06:56:00.013-04:00

Holidays were "holy" days, and people were ordered to stop work and observe the occasion. Over time, things seem to have gone astray. The act of taking time off has become more important than the reason for the holiday.

Memorial Day is one holiday that should be held in reverence, and not the time for celebrating the pool opening, firing up the barbecue, or chasing holiday sales.

This day of remembrance was originally called Decoration Day and began after the Civil War. It was during WWI that the tradition of selling poppies was added to commemorate the fallen at Flanders Field in France. Every year, I look forward to getting my lapel poppy from a WWII veteran at a table in front of the local Shoprite supermarket. Veterans from the greatest generation are passing away at a rate of over 1000 per day. Perhaps next year, it may be a Korean or Vietnam vet selling the poppies.

Visit the local cemetery and notice all the flags near the graves. I would encourage you to attend a local parade or memorial service. At the parade, thank a veteran for their service for they witnessed the losses of friends and foes. When you return home to flip burgers or open a cold one, remember the many people that gave (and are still giving) their lives for this wonderful freedom that we all enjoy.

FYI: 18 Americans died in Iraq this month - May, 2009.
http://icasualties.org/Iraq/index.aspx

Just Waiting On A Friend

2009-05-10T08:47:00.016-04:00

Early Sunday morning, I walked the fields near my home—just waiting on a friend. This friend is a migrant traveler who leaves the grasslands of Argentina in mid-March and makes a brief stop in Central Jersey before continuing on to Canada.

Last year, a flock of over 100 bobolinks returned to this field around 4 PM on the afternoon of May 8th. It was the largest number of returning birds I witnessed since I recorded their first visitation on May 8th in 1992—17 years ago. Waiting is not always rewarded. I have recorded their return for only about half of those years; however, the years when I did see them it was often between May 8th - 10th.

Last year was the first time I heard them before seeing them. Their almost electronic-sounding chatter of the 2008 flock was thrilling to hear. In spite of losses of grassland habitats in the state, I was happy to notice greater numbers of returning birds. In the 1990s, I would have sightings of single birds, sometimes up to ten. In 2007 there was a small flock of 35 birds, and last year's super flock was record breaking.

On Friday, May 8, 2009, I was watching this field with great anticipation, but was disappointed with no sighting of my friends. Perhaps they were going to make a grand entrance on May 9th, to coincide with New Jersey Audubon Society's 26th Annual World Series of Birding. Again, I was disappointed with no return of the bobolinks, although I did manage to see about 20 different species of birds, which paled in comparison with the winning total of 229 species in this year's competition!

The cold front from Canada blew-in overnight, clearing out the week-long rainy spell. It was just after sunrise, I filled the bird feeders and greeted the usual first avian visitors. I then ventured into the field in search of the bobolinks. As I approached the field, I thought I heard their call so I ran back to the house for a camera (or two). The bright morning sun illuminated the dark green alfalfa and hay fields. Unfortunately, it was the song of red-winged blackbirds and the whistling of the brisk north winds which were the only sounds present.

With my travel mug of coffee hanging from my belt and 2 cameras around my neck, I continued to walk the fields in search of my friends. After about a half hour, I finally saw a single male bobolink rise from the alfalfa and perch on the hedgerow, staying long enough for a quick confirmation photo.

I spent about an hour in the fields. I enjoyed watching the hawks and vultures spiraling upward into the deep blue skies. As I departed the field near my home, I spied 3 more bobolinks as they flew overhead into the field. I 'm hopeful more will return tomorrow.

Gift Books to Somerset Schools

2009-05-04T06:38:00.014-04:00

Thank you Somerset Patriots!

Steve Kalafer, Chairman of the Somerset Patriots, working in cooperation with Peter S. Palmer, Somerset County Freeholder Director, made a generous gift of 100+ books—one to each of the schools of Somerset County, New Jersey.

A presentation was made at Bernards High School Library in Bernardsville, New Jersey, where Principal Scot Beckerman accepted the gift from the Somerset Patriots.

Choroszewski's book, SOMERSET, A Celebration of Communities, celebrates the county with over 400 color photographs organized by municipality. The book can be purchased at leading bookstores in Somerset County or directly from the publisher:

http://www.aestheticpress.com/pages/apb_som.html

Cloudy & Colorful

2009-04-30T20:00:00.004-04:00

After an exceptionally beautiful and summer-like weekend, the procession of spring blossoming is reaching a crescendo in Central New Jersey. Recent days of sunshine have been replaced by clouds which is my cue for the best time to photograph brilliant garden color.

I made a late morning visit to Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills, NJ. The garden is located on the western slope of the second Watchung Ridge where Glacial Lake Passaic and the Passaic River once flowed, carving the early Jurassic basalt and creating today's Moggy Hollow.

Driving past the stone gates of estates of Somerset Hills, the pale-green leafing of the Watchung hills welcomes you as you turn onto Layton Road. Buck Garden's small parking lots were almost full but I managed to find one spot remaining in the spillover parking lot. I decided to carry only one camera—a Canon 5D with a 70-200mm f/4.0 L, and quickly scouted the garden paths taking inventory of what's in bloom. (If exceptional, I would return to my car for a tripod and film cameras and lenses for more thorough shooting.)

The first color of spring (forsythia yellow) was beginning to pale and hide behind its new leafing and a new palette of red, pink and white flowers replaced the yellow. Ferns, columbine, trillium and assorted other plants provided ground color and early azalea and dogwood blossoms colored the lower canopy.

After a quick walk and some fast hand-held shooting, I decided NOT to extend my shooting (Too many tourists and photographers). Upon returning to my car I reviewed my shoot and was pleasantly surprised to see the colorful results.

Buck Garden Spring Gallery: http://walterc.smugmug.com/gallery/8060055_JabY7/1/525151557_7omrE

TIMELINE NEW JERSEY Premiere

2009-04-27T07:07:00.012-04:00

Timeline NEW JERSEY was presented for the first time, Friday, April 24 at the Annual Awards Banquet of the New Jersey Planning Officials (http://njpo.org).

Walter was welcomed by NJPO Executive Director, Joseph Doyle and NJPO President, Terence Maguire.

New Jersey is so much more than beautiful imagery and Walter's program, Timeline NEW JERSEY, presents his striking photos in a new perspective—from the primordial beginnings of the Highlands to the present day news of Great Falls designation as a National Historical Park.

One attendee commented, "I was so wrapped-up listening to your fascinating stories about geology and history, when I finally noticed that these were really great photos, I thought to myself ...Oh Yeah, he's a photographer too!"

To find out more information on this presentation visit: http://www.walterc.com/pages/present.html

Download PDF Brochure: http://walterc.com/pages/pdf/TIMELINE%20NEW%20JERSEY.pdf

Earth Day 2009

2009-04-22T16:41:00.005-04:00

An Earth Day gallery to celebrate the natural beauty of the day.
http://walterc.smugmug.com/gallery/7979498_ht3hr/1/518526694_Un8p7

Surfboards at Belmar

2009-04-13T17:35:00.015-04:00

New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism has selected my photo of surf boards on the beach at Belmar for their 2009 Travel Guide cover. (NJ Tourism also featured my photo of Hobie Cat races in Wildwood on the 2008 Travel Guide.) You can download a PDF of the 2009 guide at at: http://www.state.nj.us/travel/download/2009-nj-travel-guide.pdf

As some of you already know, surfing has been a life-long goal of mine that was accomplished in June of 2007. On a trip to southern California, I took my first surfing lesson at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, CA.

I also enjoy photographing surfers. One of my favorite locations along the Jersey shore is at Manasquan. One can walk onto the inlet jetty and shoot the surfers as the waves roll by. The close range shooting allows for great shots with only a 200mm or 300mm telephoto lens. I also find opportunities to shoot surfing at many NJ shore points including Sandy Hook, LBI, Brigantine and Ocean City.

Spring In NJ

2009-04-05T19:39:00.007-04:00

Spring has started to blossom in NJ.
http://walterc.smugmug.com/gallery/7814517_RSDij/1/506008302_exRUc

Star Magnolia, magnolia stellata, forsythia, forsythia x intermeida, daffodils, narcissus, buds, tabby, cat

Greetings

2009-04-05T07:56:00.003-04:00

You're talkin' a lot, but you're not sayin' anything
When I have nothing to say, my lips are sealed
Say something once, why say it again?
David Byrne / Chris Frantz / Tina Weymouth
lyrics from Psycho Killer (1977) Talking Heads

Greetings and welcome to my first blog!
I'm not sure why I'm even embarking into the blogosphere, considering my views are more closely aligned to the lyrics above; however, enough friends have encouraged me to start sharing my thoughts with the world.

Topically, one can expect posts on photography, art, New Jersey and random musings covering whatever I've learned today. In creating the brief bio, I tried to simplify things by calling myself a "student of life."