Exploration Photography Daily View - August 31, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Exploration Photography Daily View!

Where oh where has the Summer gone? As August wraps up today and we step into September I can't believe how fast time has gone by. Maybe it's just part of getting older or maybe it's the fact that Kim and I are making use of all the time we can to get out there to see and do new things. Sort of a "Time flies when you are having fun" situation. Whatever it is we can't stop it so we will just make the best of it.

Our recent trip to the Philadelphia Museum Of Art on Saturday was my first time there since Kindergarten. About forty years ago. And it was the first time I have visited the Fairmount Water Works which by the way is very, very cool. And the photo ops there are incredible. To that end I share this with you.

Click For larger Image

This is a panorama that I made up of five separate frames. And just like yesterday I struggled a bit getting it "right" due to haze mixed with a very bright sky. Both of which could have been solved by using my circular polarizing filter that I left at home. But I still think it came out good in the end. And there is nothing wrong with working a little harder.

And now on another note I have a video for you. The past few days have been very busy around here and I haven't had a lot of time to hang out and look for our Hummingbird friends. And believe me when I say that if you don't have patience and keep an eye out you can certainly miss them. I do take the time and make sure they have fresh nectar and a clean feeder though. This is very crucial for the well being of these tiny wonders. And I was lucky enough to capture them on (digital) film.

And now I must go my friends. But I'll be back real soon and I have lots to share with you. I thank you for stopping by and invite you to come back again.

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 30, 2015

If you read yesterday's post you know that Kim and I spent the day at the Philadelphia Museum Of Art and the Water Works in Fairmount Park just next door. And as you know I shot lots and lots of frames. But no such trip would be complete without a photo shot from the famous Art Museum stairs. It's been done literally millions of times over the past three plus decades thanks the the movie Rocky and I am sure even before that people have taken advantage of the wonderful view of the city from this vantage point. So for today's Daily View I present you this...

This was a bit of a challenge because there was a lot of haze but I think I tamed it pretty well. I wonder if there would ever be a time to shoot this without people in the frame? Yeah probably not. And just think that 28 years ago there were no buildings taller than William Penn's hat that you see in the distance atop City Hall allowed in Philadelphia. And for some interesting reading on that subject check out this link. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...
 years

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 29, 2015

Sometimes the best places are right in our backyard. And I believe it is common for us not to visit those places. I guess we just kind of take them for granted. At least that's how it is for me. This Summer Kim and I have been making a point to get out there and see the world around us. Right around us. And a large part of this involves Philadelphia. Now I know that Philly often gets a bad wrap. I can't even tell you how many times I hear about that little booing Santa Clause thing back in '68. But Philadelphia also has a lot of history and culture. It is after all the Cradle of Liberty. And of our founding fathers who is more popular in Philadelphia as Benjamin Franklin?

I shot this bust of Benjamin Franklin at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. One of those places I always meant to visit but put off. And it is about 20 minutes from home. I have been there before. But it was in elementary school and more years ago than I prefer to think about. At first this very life like bust seemed a bit creepy. But I think the "cool factor" outweighs this and think about how amazing it is to be able to able to look him in the eyes. Well sort of anyway.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 28, 2015

Good evening my friends! Or good whatever time you are reading this. And what better way to bid you a good evening than by sharing this mornings sunrise? I didn't have a direct view but I like it.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 27, 2015

Hi there and welcome to the Exploration Photography Daily View!

After two days of sharing the Moon with you today we take a look at something a little closer to Earth. Today's photo is a little odd as there is an absence of wildlife in it.

I was outside this evening enjoying the perfect weather and took a few test shots of the hummingbird feeder and kind of like how this one came out. Too bad a bird didn't show up because I think it would have made for a great scene. But if you would like to see a hummingbird check out this video. This was from yesterday afternoon at the cafe and there was a whole plethora of patrons.

As usual this is best viewed at full screen and in HD.

Thanks for stopping by my friends!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 26, 2015

Today I would like to share a different view of the Moon. Actually this is the photo I originally planned to share with you yesterday but couldn't resist capturing a closeup with the clear and crisp weather we had last night.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 25, 2015

Hi there folks and welcome to the Daily View!

How about this weather we are having here in the North-East? It's nice and comfortable and the sky is crystal clear. A perfect night to enjoy the outdoors for a bit. And as I was out there taking advantage of the situation I looked toward the sky and saw this.

I have literally shot hundreds or maybe even thousands of frames of the Moon and it never bores me. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 24, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Yesterday I spent a good amount of time in the Cafe sprucing up a bit and cleaning up after some messy patrons and of course doing a bit of photographing and some video work. And I shared a shot of one of our hummingbirds in my last post plus a pretty cool video. But as you know we have more than just hummingbirds. Take a look.

This is one of our many, and I mean many, sparrows. He decided to pose for me on top of the shepherd's hook that holds some potted plants and a hummingbird feeder.

And speaking of feeders I am once again working on an addition to the Cafe. Be sure to stop by again to see what it is.

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 23, 2015

Good evening my friends and welcome to the Exploration Photography Daily View!

It sure was a busy weekend around here and as it always seems to go it was very quick too. I did find time however to spend in the Cafe and do some cleaning and general sprucing up of things. With so many patrons it does tend to get a little messy.

Now I have captured many videos of the hummingbirds in our garden and shared a lot of them here. In fact I have one for you today. But I have had little luck in getting a decent still frame shot. Well it may not be perfect but I grabbed what I think is a good one today. And here it is.

These little buggers sure are fast. But I think this came out pretty good.

And I did promise a video didn't I? This is also from this morning.

You may have noticed that the nectar in my hummingbird feeder not red like in previous posts. That is because I now make my own by simply mixing pure cane sugar with boiled water. And I do not add red food coloring. The reasoning behind the red food coloring used by practically all commercial suppliers is to attract the birds to the feeder. Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors. The problem however is that it is believed that the red dye which is a petroleum bi-product is harmful to the birds. In fact you would be hard pressed to find any professional that would endorse the use of products that contain red dye. And as it stands there is no need for the red nectar. There is enough color on the feeder itself.

I must admit that I was a little nervous that the hummingbirds that come around here may not take to my home brewed nectar but as you can see they like it just fine. And I have the added confidence that I am providing a healthy product. 

I thank you for stopping by and hope to see you again here at the blog!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 22, 2015

Hi folks! It looks like it's gonna be a long day so I am going to do a mobile post on my regular blog.

This is the view from atop the ferris wheel at Gillian's Wonderland Pier in beautiful Ocean City New Jersey. 

 

And be sure to check back because I should have lots to share with you.

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 21, 2015

Hi there my friends and happy Friday!

A couple weeks ago Kim and I spent a day in Atlantic City New Jersey and naturally I grabbed a few shots. I meant to share this with you earlier but I just didn't get to it. The slots were not too friendly to me that day but at least a was "lucky" enough to snap this with my phone camera.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 20, 2015

Today to wrap up our recent trip to Ocean City Maryland I think it is fitting to share the last sunset I shot last weekend. I shared a similar photo last Friday but I like this one a lot better. Though there is always room for improvement :)

What a beautiful scene to wrap up a great weekend.

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 19, 2015

Good evening my friends! Or good morning/afternoon depending on when you are reading this.

Today I continue to share from our recent trip to Ocean City Maryland with this shot of a landmark on the boardwalk. Ocean Gallery.

And I know it's hard to see but if you look at the "Y" in the orange "GALLERY" and glance down a little there is a live webcam of the boardwalk. You can check it out at this link. Pretty cool!

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 18, 2015

What trip to the shore would be complete without a photo or two of a seagull? For me none. But I am not sharing a seagull today. I am sharing seven!

On Sunday as we strolled the Ocean City Boardwalk before the long drive home I glanced up at the roof line of one of the many shops and saw these guys standing in readiness for someone to drop some food.

 
I am sure they had many a feast. The place was packed and everyone seemed to be eating something.

And on another note here is a video of Sunday morning's sunrise. It's just short of 14 minutes and if you would like to skip right to the sun it starts to rise at about 7 minutes an 10 seconds.

And that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by and please be sure to come back soon.

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 17, 2015

Hi there and welcome to the Daily View!

For the past couple of days I have shared one of my favorite subjects. The sunrise. And a sunrise over the ocean is even better. But there is more to the shore than sunrises. Today and for probably the next few days I will share some of these other points of interest.

On Saturday morning well after sunrise and right after we ate breakfast Kim was looking out at the ocean and saw this passing by.

Frontier Town is a campground/theme park located just outside of Ocean City Maryland. I have never been there but it looks kind of fun. And I think this is very clever advertising. After all everyone is looking at the ocean.

Thanks for stopping by my friends. I'll see you again soon here at the blog.

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 16, 2015

Hi there and welcome to the Exploration Photography Daily View!

Well after a long weekend in Ocean City Maryland we are finally home. it's about a three hour ride each way and the traffic this time of year is horrendous. But it was a great time and worth every minute.

Today (tonight) I would like to once again share a sunrise over the ocean with you. I was very pleased with yesterday's but I like this one a lot more. Please take a look.

What do you think?

And that is all for today. It's late and I sure am beat. But I'll be back real soon. I hope to see you again here at the blog. And if you get a chance take a look at my new blog Exploration Photography Mobile.

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 15, 2015

Hello from Ocean City and welcome to the Exploration Photography Daily View!

It's been quite a while since I have shared a sunrise photo here but today I have a really nice one for you. So without further delay...

One of the first things I did when we arrived down here in OC Maryland was check the weekend weather and the time that sunrise occurred. Well the weather was perfect and I made sure I was up at least fifteen minutes ahead of time. Luckily we have a patio on the twelfth floor that sits oceanfront and I was able to prep my cameras the night before. Everything came together and I captured fifty or so frames. I also recorded a really cool video. It's a bit lengthy but I am so glad I started early. Take a look at it and be sure to watch the bottom of the frame closely.

Did you see the dolphins? I have never seen them so close to the shore. They hung around until right after the sun broke the horizon. So cool!

And before I go I have a link I would like to share with you. For the past week or so I have told you that I was working on a new project. Well I ran through it in my head for quite some time and today it has finally gone live. I have created a second blog that I am dedicating strictly to mobile photography. And I call it Exploration Photography Mobile . Catchy huh?! This is still a work in progress and will likely evolve over time but the main principle will remain. Posting photos and videos from my phone. Please check it out and let me know what you think. It should be a lot of fun.

And that's all for now. Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again at the blog(s).

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 14, 2015

Hi and welcome to another late evening Daily View! Kim and I are on a short weekend getaway and traveling took up a lot of our time. Plus checking in and getting settled in. But I did have time to grab a couple of shots. I have to say that I am not 100% pleased with what I am sharing today but I think it came out okay.

This is the sun setting over the bay in Ocean City, Maryland. Sunsets have never really been my thing but sunrises on the other hand... I hope to capture some nice shots over the weekend. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks for stopping by my friends!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 13, 2015

Hi folks and welcome to the Daily View!

Well it's getting late and I have a lot of stuff to do so I will get right to it. Sound okay? Good!

Today I am sharing one more shot of the squirrel from Saturday morning. I know this is two days in a row but what the hey. I like squirrels.

And that will do it for today. But I will be back real soon with some cool stuff I think you will like. I hope to see you again here at the blog.

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 12, 2015

Good evening folks and welcome to the Exploration Photography Daily View!

I didn't get a chance to do much shooting today so in lieu of something "new' I would like to share something that I got on Saturday morning. And yes it's a squirrel!

  
This is the same little guy that was on our fence. He was a little thirsty and decided to stop for a drink.

And I must go for now. I have some stuff to wrap up for my next project. Keep watching this spot!

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 11, 2015

Hi and welcome my friends!

Here at Exploration Photography I share a lot of images of our local wildlife with a strong emphasis on birds and squirrels. And flowers. Lots and lots of flowers. But today I would like to share this.

After all without these little guys there would be no flowers. We have always had a decent number of bees but now that I have added a hummingbird feeder to the Cafe those numbers have gone way up. And I couldn't be more pleased. I understand more and more every day how one part of nature works with other parts. By adding that feeder I have attracted hummingbirds. To attract more hummingbirds I added more flowers. I have also attracted more bees and those bees will help produce more flowers. It's a big circle. And how about the other birds that frequent the Cafe? They also help keep the insect population down. The squirrels? Well if nothing else they provide lot's of entertainment. Isn't nature awesome?!

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 10, 2015

Hi friends and welcome to the Daily View! Happy Monday yeah...right! Where did the weekend go?

As you know I share a whole lot of photos of what I call my "outdoor pets". I don't think there is a bird or squirrel around here that I haven't photographed. Today though I would like to share one of our indoor pets. This is Bandit.

Bandit loves bags. But of course what cat doesn't? When he crawled into this one and tucked himself into the tissue paper I knew I had to grab a shot.

And now I must go. I am working on a new project that will be debuting soon. I think you will like it. At least I hope so.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 9, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Sunday edition of the Daily View!

I have been really busy working at the Avian (and squirrel) Cafe. We have a couple of new additions and a minor remodel that took place today and the results were almost immediate and were definitly awesome. At least I think so. So for today's photo I would like to share one of the additions.

Well I guess this is actually more of a replacement than an addition. This is our new bird bath complete with running water (fountain). I had birds using it about 10 minutes after it was installed. And I think the hummingbird is very fitting. And speaking of hummingbirds check out the video below. I moved the hummingbird feeder and also added some petunias. And soon after... well check out the video.

And here is a video showing a wider view of the improvements.

And that's about it for today. Thanks for stopping by and please be sure to come back soon. I have something new I am working on and will be unveiling it in the next couple of days.

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 8, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Exploration Photography Daily View!

Well another busy day is upon us and I would like to get this post out now just in case I get home a bit late. So for your viewing pleasure I present you with this squirrel.

I made this photo this morning when I was working in the Cafe. Little guy came up to me looking for a peanut. I actually got a lot of great shots and I'll share them soon.

I've gotta go for now but I'll see you again real soon!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 7, 2015

Hi friends and welcome to the Friday edition of the Daily View! 

A few days ago I told you that I was adding an addition to the ever expanding Avian (and squirrel) Cafe. Today I would like to show you what I installed.

Yep it's a hummingbird feeder. In the past I have bought feeders and put them out but have never been able to attract any hummingbirds. So I never really thought a lot about getting one. However after talking to our neighbor about a week ago I had some hope. She told me that she saw a hummingbird near some of her potted flowers. And one of Kim's clients regularly attracts hummingbirds. So I figured I'd give it a shot. And it worked! Check out the video below. And needless to say it is best viewed at full screen and in HD.

I shot 30 minutes of video to get this 1 minute or so but it was so worth it and very rewarding. The feeder has only been out for three days and I have seen hummingbirds using it at least three times.

So what's next? I don't know for sure but I have some things rattling around in my head. But whatever it is I'll be sure to share it with you.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 6, 2015

Hi my friends and welcome to the Exploration Photography Daily View! Well tomorrow is Friday and the weekend is almost upon us. Is it just me or does time seem to be traveling at hyper speed? Not to mention this Summer season.

Today I would like to share a photo I made a few days ago at the Cafe. It was standing room only that day!

You should see the lower level dining area. But I'll save that for a future post.

Thanks for stopping by. I'll be back real soon with more.

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 5, 2015

Welcome to the Daily View!

It's getting late and I am beat. But the work week is more than half over and the weather is getting a bit "friendlier" so we have that going for us. Yesterday I shared a photo of the Sun shining through our neighbor's tree. I got that shot while I was shooting some flowers and birds in our yard. Today I would like to one of the flowers with you.

This is one of our Vincas. I love these flowers. They are so resilient and can take a lot of sun and heat. They even do okay if I forget to water them every now and then.

And hey how about a quick video? I shot this after work today. It's one of our squirrels enjoying an afternoon peanut.

And that's all for now. But I'll be back real soon. I hope to see you here at the blog!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 4, 2015

Hi there and welcome to the Daily View! Well folks it was another warm one today and when I got home from work I really didn't feel lime working any more. So I took a break and instead of mowing or weed whacking or cleaning I decide to just sit in our yard and enjoy it for a while. After all isn't that what the hard work is all about? Naturally I had my camera in hand and was casually photographing some birds and flowers. I will share some of those over the next few days but for today's Daily View I would like to show you this.

I caught the Sun right in the middle of our neighbor's tree. Very cool! At least I think so :)

And I'll see you again real soon. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 3, 2015

Hi there folks! Welcome to the Exploration Photography Daily View.

I have been working in our yard most afternoons when I finish work trying to take advantage of this period of no rain we have been having. Up until about a week ago there was rain just about every day and most of it in the afternoon. It is to be expected this time a year in this climate. So it is nice to be able to get so much done. Anyhow, when I finished for the day I was talking to our neighbor and he happened to look up at the roofing over our front porch and what did he point out?

Yep! One of our squirrels. He didn't seem go be up up anything. I think it was just a stop over in whatever daily journey a squirrel makes. But I'll keep my eye on him.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 2, 2015

Hi and welcome to the Daily View! Well it certainly was a very busy weekend here and as usual it went by way too fast. But anyone who knows us knows that we try to get out there and enjoy every moment. It breaks up the monotony of the daily grind. But as I look toward the next weekend or day off I try to remember something Mom always said to me. "Don't wish your life away". And I must admit that I have a tough time with that. She was certainly right though. So work aside I try to make the most of every day. And I use photography as my daily "getaway". But more importantly I share a little piece of it with you.  But enough of that. How about today's photo? Well here you go :)

Today Kim and I had lunch at a nice little Irish pub on 2nd Street in South Philly called quite fittingly "The Irish Times". We got there about noon and had a wonderful lunch. Kim had the Fish and Chips and I had Bangers and Mash. And both were quite good I am happy to report.

After lunch we headed to the famous Italian Market a few blocks away. Now I grew up and have lived about 20 miles outside of Philadelphia my whole life but oddly enough have never been there before. It was a really cool experience and I think we will be going back. And of course it is the subject of today's photo.

Before I go I would like to let you know that I am working on yet another addition to the ever changing "Cafe". Watch this spot!

And that will do it for now my friends. Thanks so much for stopping by. I'll be back real soon!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - August 1, 2015

Hi and welcome to the August 1, 2015 edition of the Daily View. Well it's been another busy day of running errands and I am very late getting this post done so it's going to be brief. So for today's photo I am sharing another shot of our neighborhood cardinal from the other day.

And I must go now but not before I share a video from the Cafe this morning. Check it out below.

I'll be back soon with more. I hope to see you again here at the blog.

Until next time...