Exploration Photography Daily View - February 29, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Continuing with our trip to Longwood yesterday and orchid Extravaganza I share with you this scene.

Shot in the Conservatory this is one of my favorite places to photograph and even make the occasional video. Here it is nicely decorated with some white orchids to make a beautiful scene even better.

And now...

Yesterday's View:

Sunday February 28, 2016

And that's a wrap my friends. Thanks for stopping by and please come back soon!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 28, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Well it sure does feel a lot like Spring around here. Today the temperatures were in the mid 60's and it was dry as a bone so Kim and I took advantage and took a drive to Longwood Gardens. And right now Longwood is having their Orchid Extravaganza so as you can imagine I shot lots and lots of frames. Going through my days work I have found some good stuff to share with you and to start out I would like to show you this.

I don't normally shoot the back of an orchid but this one called to me. I love to translucency that lets the light gently flow through. The front was very nice too and I will probably share it soon.

Anyone who has been reading my blog for a while knows that I have a few "favorite places" to shoot and Longwood is near the top. And I mean it when I say that if you get a chance to visit make sure you do. I promise you will not be disappointed. Especially when there is a special exhibition taking place.

And now for...

Yesterday's View:

Saturday February27, 2016

Thanks so much for stopping by my friends! If you like what you see please share it. And please be sure to stop back real soon!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 27, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Did you get any rain last week? We did. A lot of it. Both at home and during our getaway in AC it was either raining off and on or it was just pouring down on us. So what is one to do on a rainy evening in Atlantic City? Why take a stroll on the Boardwalk of course! Naturally I had to grab a few photos along the way. Here is one as we were approaching the Tropicana Casino.

This was made with my Samsung Galaxy S6.

And now in lieu of the Weekly Roundup along with every day's post I will be also be sharing "Yesterday's View". Basically it's the previous post. Simple huh?

Yesterday's View:

Friday February 26, 2016

And that's about it for today my friends. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 26, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Most who live in this region have undoubtedly heard of the financial woes that Atlantic City had faced due to the legalization of gambling in Pennsylvania. If not a quick visit will conform this. But if you look closely you will also see some revitalization taking place. The Boardwalk in particular.

The famous Atlantic City Boardwalk extends from border tio border on the north and south ends of the city but what I never knew is that at one time it also wrapped around and extended in along the inlet for several blocks. Several years ago it was wiped out by a storm (I believe Sandy) and has remained mostly unusable since. But it seems that within the next two years it will be repaired and once again open for public use. And from he plans and projections I saw it should be very nice. I sure hope it happens because the way I see it there is no reason Atlantic City should not be a booming ocean front resort as it once was. Geographically it is near perfect.

Today I would like to share a photo of this unknown to me section of the Boardwalk. It is one of the last pieces that still has boards.

I am sure that the actual boards have been replaced over the years but from what I have been told the concrete supports are original. A true testament to how well things used to be built. And check out the bench.

On another note I am changing up a little on the Weekly Roundup. I am working something out and will probably debut it tomorrow but overall it was somewhat time consuming and at times difficult to keep up with. So rather than continuing on a sporadic basis I am changing to something a bit simpler that I should be able to continue regularly. So stay tuned!

And that's all for now my friends. Thanks as always for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 25, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Yesterday I shared a very foggy view of Atlantic City with you and today for a little contrast I would like to show you a somewhat clearer perspective.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 24, 2016

Hi and welcome o the Daily View!

Well after a less than enjoyable but thankfully uneventful drive Kim and I are home from Atlantic City. The weather is just nasty out there. Between heavy downpours and very high winds it is just not friendly on the roads. But we made it. And I must say that as windy as it is here it was twice as bad in AC. Just taking a quick walk outside of the condo we stayed at was a challenge. But it was worth it. I shot a lot of frames and have some cool stuff to share with you over the next few days or so. For today though I would like to show you our view from the balcony of our 29th floor suite. It was like we were in a different weather system. The winds were even nastier and the fog was very thick up there as you can tell by today's photo.

And this was after it thinned out. First thing in the morning I could not see anything past the fog. Just crazy.

And that's all for now. I need to get some stuff done but I will have more for you real soon. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 23, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Why did the chicken cross the road? Or in this case the parking lot? I don't know for sure but it was probably to look for food. This guy and many more like him could be found all over the grounds at Historic Smithville Village in Absecon New Jersey.

There was also a lot of ducks and geese. And if you are in the Atlantic City area I recommend you check out the village. Especially in better weather than Kim and I had today. There are lots of shops and restaurants and in the warmer months all kinds of special events. Check out the link above for info.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 22, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

For a couple of days now I have been sharing the beautiful sunrises that I have been enjoying here in Atlantic City. But what about the rest of the day? Well as I always try to do when at the shore I grabbed some shots of a seagull or two. And naturally I am sharing one with you today.

I call this "Ready For Takeoff". And that's just what he did followed by his friend. But I was able to get pretty close.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 21, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View1

Kim and I are still enjoying some R & R so that means I had the opportunity to grab another great sunrise over the Atlantic. And fortunately today was a lot warmer than yesterday with a lot less wind early in the morning.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 20, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Kim and I are spending a few days away and I can tell you that we really need it. Yep some rest and relaxation... and some different scenery! So to start things off I would like to share this morning's sunrise over Atlantic City New Jersey.

This was shot from the balcony of our 29th floor room. We have some nice views but it sure does get windy up here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 19, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

This is going to be quick folks. It's been a busy day and I haven't been able to spend a lot of time online. So let me get right to it. Yesterday I said I would probably share one more squirrel photo from the other day and that is just what I am doing. And here it is.

This guy was hiding behind our trash can so he could enjoy his peanut in peace.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to come back soon. I should have some cool stuff for you real soon.

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 18, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Who wants to see some squirrel? I hope you do because I am sharing another shot from yesterday afternoon in the Cafe.

And there may be more where this came from. But... Stay tuned. I have some cool stuff headed your way real soon...

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 17, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Yesterday I told you how every once in a while a chance for a perfect shot comes up and I don't have my regular camera handy. It's those times that I am glad phone cameras are getting better and better. But as good as they are nothing beats a dedicated camera. Well today I was prepared and was able to grab this shot.

Not perfect but still a pretty good image. And don't get me wrong. I love my camera phone (Samsung Galaxy S6). In fact the camera is my number one interest when choosing a phone. Oh the naysayers will tell you that a phone is not a "real" camera. Don't listen to them. They are wrong. Always remember that the camera does not create the image. The photographer does. But this is a subject for another time.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 16, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Sometimes a perfect shot comes up when I don't have my regular camera handy. At times like this I rely on my camera phone. And one of those moments happened this afternoon when I got home from work. This time of year it's rare that I see a squirrel in the yard in the late afternoon but I guess since the weather has been cold this guy was working overtime collecting peanuts. And there are lot's of peanuts for him to choose from.

Not the best shot in the world but sometimes the moment is more important than the quality.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 15, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Well it's a bit warmer today but ironically we are now getting some snow, sleet and freezing rain.  But it's another day closer to Spring right?!

Today I would like to share a rather frosty view of our rhododendron with you.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 14, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Well folks it's another late one so this is going to be quick. And as I didn't get out today to shoot anything new I am sharing one more Cafe shot with you. I think you'll like it though. Here is another "action" shot from the other day.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 13, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

When I spend a day photographing in the Garden Cafe (Formerly Avian Cafe) I tend to focus on three different areas. First if there are any squirrels dining I like to get to them first because they tend to come and go a lot. And when they go it sometimes takes a while for them to return. Then it's on to one of the two main seating areas. I already shared one from the auxiliary seating area , the finch feeder so today I'd like to share one from the main seating area. And it's another action shot.

When space is at a premium you will have situations like this. I am pleased to say that they settled things peacefully and everyone left full and happy.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View And Weekly Roundup - February 12, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View and Weekly Roundup!

Today I would like to share another photo from the Cafe yesterday afternoon. This time we see some of our birds enjoying some seed.

This would make a great "Caption This Photo".

And now for the Weekly Roundup! As always you can use any of the links below to take a second look at this past weeks posts or perhaps a first look in case you missed a day.

 Sunday February 7, 2016

Monday February 8, 2016

Tuesday February 9, 2016

Wednesday February 10, 2016 

Thursday February 11, 2016

And that wraps up another week my friends. Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 11, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Brrrr. It is COLD out there! Mother Nature sure is showing us it's still Winter. As I type this the temperature is about 21° F. But even with the frigid temperatures and the nasty wind the cafe was at full capacity today. We had tons of birds and even one lone squirrel that made his way out of his warm nest to grab a bite. So for today's photo I would like to share this with you.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 10, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Well the snow came and the snow went and in the end it was just a minor annoyance. But it sure did get cold. And it's going to get colder. Much colder. Some nights are supposed to dip down to 2° F. But it won't last for long. I'm sure before too long we'll be complaining about the heat. And I can hardly wait!

For today's photo I would like to share a shot from my ride into work this morning.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 9, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Well here we go. More snow! How much will we get? Your guess is as good as mine. But I am certain it won't be anywhere near the mess that was dumped on us a couple weeks ago. Compared to that 6 or 8 inches is nothing. Anyhow, for today's photo I would like to share this with you.

This is our rhododendron. The snow looks nice on it's leaves but I hope that's the extent of it. I know we've had a warm Winter but I still prefer the warmer days of Spring and Summer.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 8, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

I was going over some old photos today and came across some scans from some prints I made back in the '90s. If I were to try to pick an exact year I'd say they were made around 1998 give or take a year. I know this because they were shot with my Nikon Pronea S APS SLR film camera. This camera was produced between 1998 and 2000 and I bought one very early in production. It was a cool camera for the day and a good attempt at making the loading and unloading of film a bit easier for casual snap shooters but overall it just didn't catch on. Besides, digital was really taking off by this period in time and I suppose the rest is history. But enough history. How about today's photo?

This is Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge. One of my favorite subjects. Not my best work but I like the composition. And I love the shadows. Oh and yes, I still own this camera :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View And Weekly Roundup - February 7, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View and Weekly Roundup!

Wow what a quick weekend this was! We got a lot accomplished but now I feel like I need a couple days to rest up.

Today is Kim's and my anniversary. We have been married for 12 wonderful years. Most of the day was spent in home improvement centers buying this and ordering that for an ongoing kitchen project that is finally getting somewhere. In our journeys we came across a great clearance sale on outdoor equipment and bought ourselves a propane fire pit. Of course I had to try it out so as soon as it got dark we went out a spent a little time playing around with it. And naturally I had to shoot some photos. Here's one of them.

Very serene but still a bit chilly out there. 

And now for the Weekly Roundup... Finally...

Click on any of the links below to have a second look at the past weeks posts. Or perhaps a first look if you missed a day.

Friday January 29, 2016

Saturday January 30, 2016

 Sunday January 31, 2016

Monday February 1, 2016

Tuesday February 2, 2016

Wednesday February 3, 2016 

   Thursday February 4, 2016

Friday February 5, 2016

Saturday February 6, 2016

And that wraps up another week my friends. Thanks for stopping by and please come back real soon!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 6, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Once again my friends I have had a busy day. But I did manage to grab a few shots of some customers at the Cafe. And there were a lot of them today.

Here we have a few regulars coming in for a landing.

I have not forgotten about the Weekly Roundup and hope to have it ready soon. So please stay tuned.

Thanks for stopping by!
 
Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 5, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Once again I am getting this done late. I normally do my Weekly Roundup on Friday but it will probably be tomorrow instead. What I would like to share with you is a photo I shot in the Cafe this morning.

When I woke up and looked out the window it was raining. By the time I showered and dressed for work I looked out again and it was snowing. I think we got maybe a half an inch and it was no problem at all. In fact you wouldn't even know it snowed if you went outside now. But early today this is what the Cafe looked like.

And the customers were not deterred at all. When I got home this afternoon this was empty. Rain, snow or shine you gotta eat. Tomorrow I will fill it again and I'm sue they'll empty it again :) And that's fine by me.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 4, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Well it's another busy day so this is going to be another quick one. Today I would like to share one more photo from Valley Forge this past Sunday.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 3, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

Well folks it's getting late so this is going to be fast. Today I would like to share a photo from Sunday's Valley forge trip right before the Sun came up.

When I set out to shoot a sunrise I usually shoot a few pre-sunrise "test shots". Usually with my phone such as this one. This was made with my Galaxy S6 and post processed in Photoshop to bring out the colors and correct the whiteness of the snow.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 2, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

It's February second and that means it's Groundhog Day! And Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow so it means an early Spring for us. You know because this is science we're dealing with :) Okay maybe it's not science but it is a fun tradition. But how accurate is Phil? Well according to this article about 39% of the time. But I will gladly accept his prediction for an early Spring this year. Though we haven't had a bad Winter overall.

Today I am sharing another shot from my Valley Forge trip on Sunday. It's another scene that I have done many times but I really like how this came out. I think the snow is what makes it.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exploration Photography Daily View - February 1, 2016

Hi and welcome to the Daily View!

And welcome to February! Winter is just rolling along isn't it? Before you know it all of that snow will be a distant memory as we sit on the beach and hide under umbrellas to cool off. So I guess it's a good thing I shot a lot of frames while I was at Valley Forge yesterday huh? Let me share another with you today.

 

What photo shoot at Valley Forge would be complete without my favorite tree? It's a great subject for any season.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...