Friday, December 31, 2021

Friday View - 31 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Hey it's time for a Friday Schnitzel picture. And what better way to end the year huh? Here he is Christmas morning resting up after we got done opening gifts. Happy New Year my friends! Let's hope the new year is better than the last.

 

That's all for today (and this year). Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Thursday View - 30 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Well it's Thursday Smidge picture day and let me tell you she sure didn't want to cooperate today. I had to get on the floor and shoot this under our dining room table. And since I didn't want to use a flash I had to use a high ISO so there's a bit of grain. But that's okay, I think it adds atmosphere to the image.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Wednesday View - 29 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today I would like to share another picture from Peace Valley Park. I'm not sure what kind of bird this is so if anyone does please let me know. And stay tuned because I have another two to show you.

 


That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Tuesday View - 28 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today I am sharing something a little different. Normally when I shoot the Moon I try for as much detail as possible but this morning when I looked up in the sky I decided to go a little wider. I wanted to capture some of the clouds that were passing in front of the Moon. I think this is okay but I really do need to work on it a little. Take a look and if you like let me know what you think.

 


That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Monday, December 27, 2021

Monday View - 27 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

I was going through some more of my pictures from Peace Valley Park from last week and came across a couple more I would like to share with you. So for today's view I am starting with this bluejay. Like I said in a previous post I spent some time at the bird blind near the nature center at the park and was able to get pretty close to a lot of birds. I will probably make another trip there soon but I hope it's a little warmer when I do.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Sunday, December 26, 2021

Sunday View - 26 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

With the Christmas holiday I just didn't seem to find the time yesterday to do a regular post but I am glad to say I will be resuming today. I actually did shoot this yesterday and while it's not my best work I wanted to share it with you anyway. This is one of our many resident squirrels enjoying a bite to eat here at the Cafe. I guess it was his Christmas brunch.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Saturday, December 25, 2021

Merry Christmas

Hi friends. Just a quick post wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. I am taking the day off but will resume posting tomorrow. 

Friday, December 24, 2021

Friday View - 24 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today I would like to share a shot I made yesterday while on a short walk at the Norristown Farm Park. The park is just up the street from us and offers many miles of trails that vary in scenery. The picture here was shot along a set of railroad tracks that runs through the park. I think these tracks only see one train a day and it's usually in the middle of the night. Though I have gotten stuck waiting for one to pass on my way to work at 6:00 am just a short way from where this was shot.

And here is your regular Friday Schnitzel picture. He decide to sit under our unfinished Christmas tree so I grabbed a couple quick shots.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Thursday View - 23 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Being off from work for most of the week I have made some time to get out with my camera. Nowhere far just some local spots. And one of those spots is also one of my all time favorites, Valley Forge National Park. I was there yesterday and did a little shooting at Washington's Headquarters. I must say it was a rather cold morning so I wasn't there long. Just long enough to grab a handful of pictures from the surrounding area. And for today's view I would like to share these two with you.


And don't think I forgot about a Thursday Smidge picture. Here is another shot of her sleeping. It really is the easiest way for me to photograph her.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Wednesday View - 22 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today I am going to continue sharing photos from my trip to the nature center bird blind yesterday. Though I think the woodpecker shots I posted yesterday are really good I think today's offering is pretty close. Here we see two different but familiar birds. First we have a female cardinal and next a bluejay. I have said before that shooting bluejays can be difficult because they don't seem to sit still. But when they don't know you're there it's a little easier. And you can pretty much say the same thing about cardinals. They can be very skittish. Anyway check these out.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Tuesday View - 21 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today started my first day of Christmas vacation. I had a few days off to use before year end so I figured this was a good time. And of course today was also a cold one but I really wanted to get out and spend a little time with the camera so I took a drive to a really cool place called Peace Valley Park in Bucks County Pennsylvania, about 15 miles from our house. I was there once before and I remembered they have a nice bird blind at their Nature Center. In it I was able to get up close and photograph a variety of local birds including the one in today's view. This little woodpecker was only a few feet away from me but seemed totally oblivious to my presence. He didn't even react to the noise of my camera's shutter.



That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Monday, December 20, 2021

Monday View - 20 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

So here it is the 20th of December and we are experiencing very seasonal temperatures. When I got up today it was 22°F. It didn't get a whole lot warmer during the day either barely reaching the upper 30's. So then I get home from work and get out of my car to notice today's view. I would say by the looks of it we are going to get a lot of dandelions in the Spring because these seeds are super hardy.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Sunday, December 19, 2021

Sunday View - 19 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today we take another look at the Cafe yesterday morning. In particular we are looking at one of our avian friends. This is one of many Bluejays that just love to stop by and grab peanuts. They, like the squirrels, seem to know the sound of the bag. And though they can be tough to photograph they are not shy in any way. But they are very quick and seldom sit still. I was lucky to get a shot of this guy in our dogwood tree. And right after I snapped this he flew down, grabbed a peanut and flew high up in another tree.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Saturday, December 18, 2021

Saturday View - 18 December 2120 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

I didn't know it was going to rain overnight but when I got up, our yard (aka the Cafe) was soaked. And so were some of our visitors. But rain rain or no rain a squirrels gotta eat right? So like normal I tossed some peanuts out and they ran for them.. There was probably four or five squirrels scrambling to get their share. Naturally I saw this as the right time to snap a picture or two. Or three or four.... And for today's view I would like to share this little guy with you.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Friday, December 17, 2021

Friday View - 17 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

It's time again for a Friday Schnitzel picture and it's getting late so let's get right to it. I shot this after work today. He actually stopped and posed for me.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Thursday View - 16 Decembver 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Can you believe it's already time for another Thursday Smidge picture? The week has just flown by. I guess it's the rush of the holiday season. Anyway, today's view was shot yesterday and as you can see it is another sleeping pose. These seem to work out the best. Though sometimes I can get her to stay still while awake. Just not often.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

 

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Wednesday View - 15 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today's view is from the archives. I have been going through a lot of older images and found some really cool shots I made at the original Cafe and in  particular shots of one of our regular squirrel visitors. And let me tell you this girl was friendly. She would actually scratch at our and a neighbor's door for peanuts. And she would even eat out of my hand. One early morning after a sunrise trip to Valley Forge she was eating and let me sit right in front of her a snap a bunch of pictures as she continued about her business. A very unique squirrel indeed.

 

That's all form today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Tuesday View - 14 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

I don't have a lot of time to photograph in the Cafe during the Winter months. Not during the work week at least. But I did give it a try this afternoon and I grabbed a few shots of our cardinals. We have about a dozen of them that come around daily for a bite to eat. Especially in the late afternoon. So as soon as I walked in I filled the feeders and grabbed my camera. This isn't my best work but it's what I was able to get in the low light. This girl was really enjoying her meal.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Monday, December 13, 2021

Monday View - 13 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today we take a trip back into the sky and see another and larger view of the Moon. I know I just posted a Moonshot on Saturday but I am having a lot of fun playing around with this newer camera and it's long zoom. I still have some practice to do but I really like how things are coming along. I especially like the detail of the craters. The real test for me will be when the Moon is full in a few days. I hope the skies are clear.

Be sure to click the image for a larger view

Can you see the "Man in the Moon"?


That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Sunday, December 12, 2021

Sunday View - 12 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today was another busy one getting getting things ready for the holiday and general cleaning up around the house. But I did manage to get a little shooting done. Not a lot but a little. And one of the little things I photographed today was this little squirrel that was up in a tree enjoying a peanut.

Remember to check out my SmugMug gallery. You can get there by Clicking This Link .

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Saturday View - 11 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Welcome back my friends! Today I have a familiar view for you but with a little difference. I have posted many Moonshots over the years but it is a subject that keeps me coming back for more. I know that to us here on Earth the Moon really doesn't change much. It looks the same as we have always remembered it. But the difference I am talking about is my actual image. I believe that this is my best personal capture with the most detail of any of my Moon photos. But don't take my word for it, have a look and let me know what you think.


Also, I want to share a link with you. I have been looking for a way to share even more of my work with you and I think I have found it with a service called SmugMug. I have used them in the past but over the years they have made many improvements and I am really liking what I am seeing. So if you would like to check out what I have done so far please Click This Link . Once there you will be able to peruse my ever growing galleries of images past and present and soon will even have the opportunity to purchase prints if you so desire. I hope you get a chance to take a look.

And one more thing, you may notice the odd link in my posts. This is something that I used to do but has fallen by the wayside. Well it's back and the links will take you to informative pages that relate to the subject. 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Friday, December 10, 2021

Friday View - 10 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

It's Friday and of course that means it's time for another Friday Schnitzel picture. Just like Smidge Schnitzel is pretty smart. And on what was a rather chilly day he found his spot right ion front of the fireplace. And it seems like he actually posed for me too.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Thursday View - 9 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

It's Thursday and that means it's time for another Thursday Smidge picture. And this time she's not sleeping. I actually got her to "pose" for me. Well not pose maybe but at least she stood still. So for today's view here's Smidge.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Wednesday View - 8 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

For today's view we take a look back at my trip to Valley Forge a couple weeks ago. In particular I would like to share a shot of the house at Pawling's Farm I made as I was walking along the trail that leads to the "Witness Tree". Well at least part of the house. This is all that remains of what was once a very large structure that was probably four times it's current size. And what amazes me is how quickly nature has taken over. There is grass and weeds in place of where the house once stood.

 


That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Tuesday View - 7 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Thousands of leaves have fallen since Autumn has begun and I am taking about just one of our trees. But for whatever reason this one leaf caught my eye this afternoon. On another note I just wanted to tell you that there will be some upgrades coming to my blog soon. I am still working on it but for the first time in a couple years I am going to tweak it a little. Both in design and content. Stay tuned. Now here is today's view.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Monday, December 6, 2021

Monday View - 6 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today's view is just a bit of fun I was having when cleaning the yard so I could decorate for Christmas. I still had some pumpkins left over from Halloween and Thanksgiving and as I was disposing of them the "design" on top of one of them caught my eye. I guess this is nature's artwork.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Sunday View - 5 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today I am sharing another picture from sunrise yesterday morning. Like I said before there wasn't any sun to shoot but at least I had some scenery. This barn off in the distance serves as headquarters for the park. And as you can see there was the tiniest bit of color in the clouds. Still no sun though 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Saturday View - 4 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

For the first time in a while I got up early to shoot the sunrise. I was up nice and early, had my camera ready and got to the park with plenty of time to spare and wouldn't you know, clouds. Not puffy clouds either. Fully covering the sky clouds. And not even a speck of color in the sky. But I made the best of it and found some other things to shoot. After all I was at a park. So for today's view I would like to share this with you.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Friday, December 3, 2021

Friday View - 3 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

It's Friday and that means it's time for another Friday Schnitzel picture. He cooperated today by napping. In other words I was able to grab a picture while he was napping on the couch. Looks like s good idea.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Thursday View - 2 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

It's that time of the week again. Time for a Thursday Smidge picture. And I think this is a good one. I shot today's view a few days ago when the weather was cooler and Smidge decided to lay in front of the fireplace. Smart cat huh?

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Wednesday View - 1 December 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

For today's view we take a look at the sky as seen through the "eyes" of the witness tree. The witness tree of course is the estimated 250 - 300 year old  at Pawling's Farm at Valley Forge. Just think of how many skies this tree has seen and the generations of people who have viewed them through these sprawling branches.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time... 

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Tuesday View - 30 November 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today we go from the moon to a place a little closer to home. And that place would be the Cafe. So of course for today's view we take a look at one of our many squirrels. This little guy is really cool and I believe actually posed for this picture. I'm sure the peanuts helped.


That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Monday, November 29, 2021

Monday View - 29 November 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

I always say that the winter months are the best time to shoot the moon and that seems to hold true. At least for me. I guess it's because the air is drier and less hazy. So I have been wanting to snap a few shots of the moon with one of my newer cameras, a Canon SX70 HS but the moonrise has been in the middle of night while I'm sleeping. But when I got up this morning there it was, bright and clear high in the sky. So I grabbed my camera and tripod and made a few pictures. For today's view I would like to share this one with you. This new Canon's long 1365mm lens sure delivers a lot of detail. Notice the craters?


That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Sunday View - 28 November 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today was forecasted to get some snow and cold weather but neither really happened. So I took the opportunity to take a walk at Valley Forge National Park. Specifically Pawling's Farm to photograph the "Witness Tree". The Witness Tree is a sycamore that has lived now for an estimated 300 years. And if you know anything about the northeast United States you know that is very old. The tree is very sprawling to say the least and for today's view I am sharing a few shots I made during my walk. The first shot is a wide view and is followed by a shot of one of it's large branches laying on the ground. I also added a leaf that I just thought was cool looking. And though what you see is bare this tree is very much alive and thriving. It's simply beautiful and amazing




That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...


Saturday, November 27, 2021

Saturday View - 27 November 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today's view was shot with one of my many cameras, though I haven't really used this one much. I really should get to know it better because it has a lot of potential with its very long lens. Anyhow I made this picture this afternoon in the Cafe. This guy was pretty far up in the tree and was apparently resting after a long day of eating peanuts.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Friday, November 26, 2021

Friday View - 26 November 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today's Friday Schnitzel picture is here but it's not my best work. He REALLY didn't want to cooperate. But at least I got something.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Thursday, November 25, 2021

Thursday View - 25 November 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

And welcome to another Thursday Smidge picture. She cooperated nicely today. She was sleeping 😀. Hey, I'll take what I can get.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Wednesday View - 24 November 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

I had to dig a little for today's view. Between work and less daylight hours I just haven't shot much this week. But I did find a picture from a few weeks ago that I'm pretty sure I haven't already shared. This is a cardinal having a bite to eat at the Cafe.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Tuesday View - 23 November 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today I am sharing one more squirrel picture from the other day. Hey, why not? You can never have too much squirrel.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Monday, November 22, 2021

Monday View - 22 November 2021 Edition


Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today's view is another squirrel from yesterday at the Cafe. This guy is in our dogwood where he enjoyed a peanut on one of the higher branches.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Sunday View - 21 November 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

This afternoon as I was getting home from running some errands I thought about how I didn't get out with my camera to shoot something for today's view. I proceeded to bring in some packages from the car and as usual looked out the door at the Cafe and what did I see? Some squirrels looking for peanuts of course. So I grabbed the bag and tossed a few hands full their way and then grabbed my camera. And now I would like to share this with you.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Saturday, November 20, 2021

Saturday View - 20 November 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

Today was a rare occasion that I had to work on a Saturday. That of course means I didn't have time to get out and shoot anything new. So for today's view I am sharing a picture from the zoo. I'm not really sure what kind of bird this is but he looks pretty cool.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Friday, November 19, 2021

Friday View - 19 November 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

I had Hard time getting a Friday Schnitzel picture today. I guess he took lessons from Smidge and decided to not sit still. So while today's view is not my best effort I think it's kind of cool. I caught him in the middle of a yawn.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Thursday View - 18 November 2021 Edition

Welcome To The Exploration Photography Daily View

It's that time of the week again. Time for a Thursday Smidge picture. To get today's view I had to catch her napping because as usual she wasn't cooperating.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...