Exploration Photography Daily View - December 31, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Well folks here we are at the end of another year. They sure do seem to go by fast nowadays! Or maybe it's just me getting old :) But the end of one year means that another is just beginning. And that is sort of the theme of today's photo.

These are roses that I gave Kim for Christmas.

Some of the flowers like this one are doing very well and actually just recently opened. But if you look at the background you will see some that are a bit past their prime. In a way it's the same as the passing of another year. One is ending to give way for a fresh new one. My sincere wish is that each and everyone reading this has the opportunity to make it a great one.

Happy New Year my friends!

Until next time (year)...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 30, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Moving along with the older photos I would like to get a bit more "vintage" today. For your viewing pleasure (I hope) here is a shot from around 2002. I'm not 100% sure of the year but it's from around there somewhere. I do know however it is SeaWorld in San Diego California. This guy was looking for some more of the minnows I just fed him.

I scanned this from a print that was made from a digital image from my Fuji S602Z camera. Say that 10 times real fast :) I loved that camera and actually still have it but am unable to find a memory card that fits it. Also I am not sure if I have shared this before or not. I don't think so but of I did please enjoy a second look.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 29, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Today I am continuing with the "looking back" theme I started yesterday. It's kind of fun going through some of the stuff from throughout the year and giving it a second chance at meeting the world.

So let's take a look at our trip to Washington DC in July. July 12 to be precise.

 
A shot from one of my favorite sites in DC. The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. I have many good memories of visiting there with my cousin Charles many times over the years. Charles passed away a few years ago and I miss him every day but I am thankful for all of the great memories and places we visited together. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 28, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

This afternoon I was going over some photos from the last several months. Ones that I have not previously shared. My normal process after I go out shooting is to create a folder with the days work and carefully screen them for the few that I want to show. I then do whatever post processing I feel is needed and decide what I want to share and where. Some I show here and some may be posted to one of the dedicated photo sharing sites that I use. Then like today, every once in a while I take a second look. And sometimes I find something that I skipped over the first time around for whatever reason that I think has some merit and decide that I would like to share it. And that is what happened today.

Today's photo is from September 26th of this year and was shot at Longwood Gardens.

As all of us in the Northeastern U.S. knows the weather has been very unseasonably warm. So now it is of no surprise that this bee was still buzzing around in late September. But when I shot it I was very surprised. As I have said before I really, really LOVE this weather we have been having but I sure hope it doesn't affect this Spring and Summer too much. It's just not normal.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View And Weekly Roundup - December 27, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View and a slightly late Weekly Roundup!

Last Thanksgiving (2014) my Sister Elaine gave us an orchid that bloomed for several months. Then finally it lost it's flowers and for another several months all we had was leaves. But they were healthy so I was hopeful that one day it would bloom again. And then about two weeks ago it happened. The very beginnings of new flowers. And today they are really getting big. They're not open yet but they will be. So today I would like to share one of the buds with you.

And now for the late but better than not at all Weekly Roundup. As usual you can click on any of the links below to take a second look at the last week's posts.

 Saturday December 19, 2015

Sunday December 20, 2015

Monday December 21, 2015

 Tuesday December 22, 2015

 Wednesday December 23, 2015

Thursday December 24, 2015

 Friday December 25, 2015

Saturday December 26, 2015

And there you have it folks. Thanks as always for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 26, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View

Most of the photos I share here on my blog are shot using my Canon DSLR. It gives me a lot of choices in how I capture an image including changeable lenses, decent sized image sensor and a myriad of settings to make each frame my own. But sometimes it is not feasible to carry it and I must rely on something a bit more compact. In years past that would mean a point and shoot pocket camera. I still have a few (several) actually. But more and more I find myself replying on my phone. Until recently I was using a Motorola Droid Turbo. On paper and in fact even in practical use this was a pretty good option. But there was also a lot of bugs and just some downright annoying issues. So very recently I was able to move over to what is thought of by some to be the best phone/camera on the market in 2015. The Samsung Galaxy S6. And wow what a breath of fresh air! It's exactly what I have been looking for. Fast convenient quality. In fact some of my recent blog photos were shot using the GS6. I will be doing a full review in an upcoming post but for today let me share this with you.

My favorite tree with my new favorite addition to my photography arsenal.

Now to be fair this is not "straight out of the camera". As usual I did some mild post processing. Nothing major just the regular stuff that helps me convey the image in my head to your eyes. I will go into this a little more in my upcoming review but I would like to touch on one thing for now. 

I hear over and over from "professionals" that they set up the image in the camera and skip "Photoshopping" it. My answer to that is most Photographers do at least some post processing before sharing an image. There is nothing wrong with using Photoshop. After all I am trying to share it as I see it. So if you wonder if I use Photoshop, yes. Yes I do. And I do so unashamedly.

With that being said I would like to say that I truly appreciate you stopping by to check out some of my work. I hope you enjoy it and come back often.

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 25, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Merry Christmas all! 

Well my friends it's getting late so this is going to be quick. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not this is certainly a special time of the year. I hope that each and every one of you had a good day and had the chance to spend time with family and friends.

As I was saying yesterday the temperatures around here have been way above normal. It is still in the sixties as I type this at about fifteen minutes until 11 PM. Just amazing! I am not complaining though. This is my kind of weather. But I am a little concerned about some of our outdoor plants and flowers. I am afraid they may bloom out of season and not bloom in the Spring and Summer. I guess we will just have to wait and see. On this note I would like to share this photo of our rhododendron from this afternoon.

As much as I would like to see it's flowers I can wait until it's supposed to happen.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 24, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Well it's Christmas Eve folks but it sure doesn't feel like it. We made it to the 70's today and as I type this at just after 9 PM it is currently 61° F which is way above normal. And tomorrow the forecast is calling for a high of 66° F.

I was off work today but still up nice and early. It's just a habit that I can't break. So knowing that the yard needed some sprucing up I headed right out and got to it. The Cafe was particularly in need of some cleaning. And it looks pretty good. Not perfect but good. So for today's photo I would like to share this with you.

One of our squirrels enjoying a peanut.

Thanks for stopping by! And may I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 23, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

To wrap up Sunday's trip to Philly I am sharing one more shot from the City Hall area.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 22, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Continuing with our trip to the city on Sunday I would like to share this with you today.

One of the many Christmas displays at Macy's located in the Wanamaker Building in Center City. The entire store is decorated for the holiday season. A tradition that started when the John Wanamaker department store was still in business. It's nice that some things stay the same :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 21, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

And welcome to the first day of Winter! If you are from around here it sure doesn't feel like it though. And that's just fine by me.

Today I would like to share another shot from our trip to the city yesterday. Last week I shared a view of City Hall and today I would like to show it to you from a different perspective.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 20, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Today was another busy day for Kim and myself. After running a few local errands we headed to the city to see an afternoon show at The Prince Theater. While in the city I took advantage of the opportunity to shoot a few frames and would like to share one with you. This is "TheSign Boy" statue outside of the historic John Wanamaker Building.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stay tuned for more!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 19, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Well what do you think about this weather? A little more seasonal but not that bad. And by next week we are supposed to be back into the 60's and maybe even see 70° F.

Today Kim and I spent a lot of time running out and about finishing up some stuff for Christmas and buying stuff for the house. We have lot's to do but I think we are finally getting somewhere. One of our stops was Ikea and while there Kim spotted these.

Yeah, we had to have them! Very fitting and symbolic of the "Cafe" :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View And Weekly Roundup - December 12, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Exploration Photography Daily View and Weekly Roundup!

For today's photo I would like to share one last (probably) shot of Lock 60 on the Schuylkill Canal in Phoenixville Pennsylvania.

And now for the Weekly roundup. Click the links below for another look at this past weeks blog posts. And if you like share them with someone who may like to check them out.

 Sunday December 13, 2015

 Monday December 14, 2015

 Tuesday December 15, 2015

Wednesday December 16, 2015

Thursday December 17, 2015

And that will do it for another week my friends. Thanks for stopping by and please do come back soon!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 17, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Continuing with the "little things" theme I touched on yesterday I have another piece of the big puzzle to share with you today.

A bit duller than the leaves I shared about a month or so ago. And a lot more brittle. And though it may be dead it is not done yet. As this leaf and millions like it dry and crumble away they will become nourishment for next years plants and flowers. A small part of the big picture.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 16, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

When I am out shooting (photos) I generally concentrate on landscapes. It is after all my favorite subject. But while photographing the "big subject" I often find myself distracted by many of the "little things". It's a habit that has increased over the years. And I feel fortunate for it. Remember it's the little things that make up the big picture. So to that end I share this with you today.

I saw this while shooting at Lock 60 in Phoenixville Saturday. Doesn't nature find the most interesting places to show up? Perhaps this is a case of nature taking over something that man has created. Interesting twist huh?

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 15, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

For the past few days I have been sharing photos that I recently shot at Lock 60 in Phoenixville. But what I haven't showed you is a picture of the actual lock. So here you go.

You can also see the lock keepers house at the top left of the frame. Both are part of the Schuylkill Canal which is now open to the public as a park and is very popular with joggers and sightseers alike. You can also see people canoeing and fishing. Makes me look forward to Summer :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 14, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Today we continue with Saturday's trip to Lock 60 in Phoenixville with this reflective scene shot along the Schuylkill Canal.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 13, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

It would be an understatement if I said "Wow! what great weather we had this weekend!". As I type this it is 63°. On December 13 in the Northeast. This is a welcome but unusual occurrence. Naturally Kim and I wanted to enjoy the outdoors a little so we headed to a local place that we visited several years ago and kind of forgot about. Schuylkill Canal Lock 60. The only remaining lock on the Schuylkill River. It's kind of a well known but at the same time forgotten part of the local park system. You can check it out at this link if you like. As we walked long the river I shot several frames and would like to share this one with you today.

A bit overcast but oh so warm!

I have a lot more to share but for now I must go. I'll be back real soon though and hope you will be too!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View And Weekly Roundup - December 12, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View and Weekly Roundup!

Yesterday's post was kind of rushed and I also did not get the Weekly Roundup out due to time constraints. After I got home from work I had to rush and get changed to drive into the city for dinner and a show that Kim booked for the two of us. We saw a live stage production called "Baskerville" at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre on South Broad Street in the Philadelphia theater district. It is comedic take of Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes mystery "The Hound of the Baskervilles". While I cannot go into any depth of the show in this post I will say that it was very well done and the comedy side is not over the top and well executed. I can recommend this show to Sherlock Holmes fans of any age.

So while in the city we experienced one of the unfortunate side effects of driving in Philadelphia. Traffic! But I tried to make the best of it and shot a photo or two including the one I am sharing with you today. This is City Hall while driving North on Broad Street.

This was shot with my phone so it's not the highest of quality but I like how it came out.

And now for the Weekly Roundup (a day late). Click on the links below in case you missed a day or just want an easy way to take a second look or perhaps share with someone who may be interested.

Saturday December 5, 2015

Sunday December 6, 2015

Monday December 7, 2015

 Tuesday December 8, 2015

Wednesday December 9, 2015

Thursday December 10, 2015

Friday December 11, 2015

And that will do it for another week my friends. As always I would like to thank you for stopping by and checking out my photos. I hope to see you again real soon!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 11, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

I have a bit of running to do so this is going to be quick. Also, I will do the Weekly Roundup tomorrow. So without further delay please enjoy my view of the Sun this morning.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 10, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

To wrap up Sunday on the river I would like to share another shot of the railroad tracks. This time with a little color. And again please do not attempt this unless you are 100% sure you are safe.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 9, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Continuing with photos of Sunday morning on the river trail I would like to share this view with you.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 8, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Today's shot is from Sunday morning when I was checking out the new to me trail along the Schuylkill River. On the side opposite of the river is a a set of freight train tracks. And along with the haze that was just starting to lift I could not resist shooting a few frames. Remember not to try this unless you are absolutely sure you will be safe.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 7, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

I was home from work today and spent most of it getting things cleaned up around the house and also tackling some holiday stuff. I did have to run out to the store briefly and after returning home realized I forgot something in my car. So I headed out to grab it and saw this.

A beautiful bird but I'm afraid he's preying on the smaller birds that dine at the Cafe. But I suppose it's all part of nature. I did a little reading on the subject and learned a few things. Firstly a hawk such as this one has a 10% success rate in catching it's prey. That gives the smaller birds a good chance of survival. And second he only eats an average of two birds a day and not just from one site. And third that me having feeders that attract the hawk's prey does not mean I am putting the small birds in danger. It just makes everything visible to me. It would happen anyway.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 6, 2015 (500th Edition!)

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

About two or three weeks ago Kim and I were out driving and our journey took us down a road I have never traveled before. And it wasn't far from home either. It was just around the corner about two miles away. And right off of this road is a trail that goes along the Schuylkill River. So this morning I decided to take a quick drive to the trail and shoot a few photos. And now I would like to share one with you.

A little foggy and a bit chilly but it sure did warm up. Hard to believe it's December.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - December 5, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Well I know I said I was wrapping up last Saturday's trip to Longwood with yesterday's post but if you remember I also said "probably". Well "probably" happened due to me not getting out to shoot with all of our running around today. So here is one last shot from that outing and hopefully I'll have something new for you tomorrow.

This is a bit different from some of my other photos. Obviously shot outside in the dark, I was trying to capture all of the little bright lights on one of the hundreds of decorated trees. I think it came out okay. What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View And Weekly Roundup - December 4, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Exploration Photography Daily View and Weekly Roundup!

Today I would like to (probably) wrap up our trip to A Longwood Christmas last Saturday evening. But as you know there may be as straggler or two :)

This was shot at the Italian Water Garden.

And now for the Weekly Roundup. Check out the links below if missed a day or just want a convenient way to take a second look.

 Saturday November 28, 2015

 Sunday November 29, 2015

Monday November 30, 2015

Tuesday December 1, 2015

Wednesday December 2, 2015

Thursday December 3, 2015

And that will do it for another week my friends. But as one week ends another starts. I'll be back real soon and I hope to see you here at the blog.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...