La Bohéme

No picture today but an observation(s). Yesterday I watched La Bohéme for the one hundredth time. And each time I see a performance I am moved to tears during the last scene. I have attended the performances in Boston and New York, watched the opera on television and viewed the presentation on both tape and DVD. So, why after all this time do I still get misty eyed? I do not have an answer but I will watch and enjoy again and again.

Beauty

Some persons have a natural beauty that is not pasted on each morning. They are often very photogenic, have an easy smile that is not forced. These pictures were taken at a family gathering so consider them snapshots. Had I the opportunity I would have chosen the background more carefully.

Below is another natural beauty in the making. She seems to have that "je ne sais quoi" that develops as time goes by.

Reflections

I was wondering when I could get the time for more pictures when I noticed the winter moths gathering on the window pane. Here was a good opportunity to experiment with subject moths and also the reflected image. (I also discovered I must clean the windows).

New/Old photos

It has been a difficult week, I tried but could not find the time to take some new photos. What you see here are two pictures taken three weeks ago.

Veterans Day

Today is a holiday in recognition of our veterans. In chronological order:

The Civil War

World War I

World War II

Korea

Vietnam

Iraq
Iraq

Pastel redux

It seems many assume their own posture when it comes to being comfortable while sketching a subject. Some stand. some sit, others will plunk themselves down on whatever surface is avvailable.


It's interesting to view a scene through the eyes of another person. I suppose if the same subjects were pictured by ten other artists we would have ten different images.

Day 61, Pastels

Today I happened upon a group of students working with pastel colors. The weather was ideal, sunny with a comfortable temperature.


You will notice that they took artistic license with the colors but the results were quite pleasing. I will post more photos tomorrow.

Day 60, Fall reflections

I coming to the realization that the life of a photographer is one of missed opportunities. Today I visited this pond and was trying to get different views of the reflections in the pond. As I moved to another vantage point everything changed. The winds came up and caused ripples on the water, the reflection was gone. There will be other opportunities.

Day 59, Japanese Maple

At this time of year the color of a red Japanese Maple can be quite vivid. Take a picture with the sun as a backlighting source and the color is dramatic. I did not have to go far to photograph this tree, it's another maple in my front yard.

Day 58, Bees

It was a little on the cool side, 58º F, but some bees, wasps, and assorted bugs were on this plant. Unfortunately the bee, below, seems to have expired; It has not moved for 15 minutes.

Color in the rain

Today was another day when I was not able to get some new photos, here are two pictures that were taken yesterday.

Day 57, Fog and rain

Toady was one of fog and rain. Early in the day, when there was just fog, it was a good day for a walk in the woods. Later as the rain took over it was not quite so pleasant, if you were carrying a camera.

Fall Color

The Fall is my favorite season of the year, it's filled with color. The problem many have is taking the time to stop and enjoy.

Day 56, Laceleaf

Sometimes when we search for good photo opportunities we forget about our own front yard. This Japanese Laceleaf maple has become a vivid red. All too soon the leaves will fall but there is time to enjoy the color.

Day 55, Fixed gear

I was enroute to an appointment when I saw this fixed gear bike. An interesting choice of colors. I walked by it again 40 minutes later and that raised a question. Is it a commuter's bike or that of a messenger waiting for an assignment?

Day 54, Snoopy

Another weekend, another football game, another blimp. Although these pictures were taken yesterday I will count them as Day 54. Unfortunately, if the forecast is accurate, this blimp will be grounded.

Day 53, Seagulls

Today was gray and dismal but at least the rain had stopped. The chill in the air made you think, "Maybe it's time to head south!"

Day 52, Fall Color

Fall color has begun to work its way south. Not quite as colorful as some areas up north but close. In the sunset below there is one little object to find. It's easy.

Day 51, Paddington

This is my new friend Paddington; he is a gentle giant, very forgiving of the mistakes made by novice riders. He could use a good grooming, which he will get later. He does love the mud. Paddington is stabled at Apple Knoll Farm, a very nice 300+ acre equestrian site.

Day 50

Interesting cloud formations. Above is facing SSW at sunset, there is a range of hues to please the eye. Below is a direct view of the sunset to the west, the colors are more intense. I enjoy the scenes of sunset, someday I may be able to include the sunrise.

Day 49, Changing colors

The change of foliage has begun. The colors will become more vivid in the next two weeks so I will look for more oppotunities to record the contrast of color.

Day 48, Sunset comparison

The changes in color between these two sunset photos are subtle but at the same time interesting.

Day 47, David Sibley

In recognition of his new book Guide to Trees there is a David Sibley exhibit at the Massachusetts Audubon Visual Arts Center.

It is a very interesting presentation. It includes some of the original art for the book, plus some artwork from previous publications.

They also include a little activity area for children of all ages.