Location: FDR Four Freedoms Park, NYC.  Closes at dusk.

The beams were first projected on March 11, 2002, six months after the attack, and only three months after fires at the trade center were officially declared extinguished.  Close to 40 stagehands and electricians work in proximity for more than a week as part of producing the tribute.  The source of light consists of 88 specially made Cannon lights, each with a 7,000 watt compressed gas bulb. The lights are powered by generators, are sent out on the roof of a garage on Greenwich Street in two squares of approximately 50 by 50 feet.  

I haven't missed a year photographing the event and the night time sky. These photos will remain timeless for all of those who captured this radiant night sky. These are some of my photographs taken throughout the years including a saved photo from approximately 1974 with a Kodak Instamatic camera loaded with 110 film. All photos have been preserved in several formats including archival with the Library of Congress. Copyrighted all Images, Jackie Stevens Images 1974-2020, 2021-Library of Congress, Storage and Archival Photography Historical Department, Washington, D.C.

To the amateur photographer who's thirst for education and experimenting is a creative grasp as to what is yet to come.  Their style and creativity shaped allows us to see their progress and hope.  To the beginner photographer who's fortitude yields a vast array of directions is selected.  Their paths lead to photography members where this great community is formed.  

It is with great gratitude and the fine respect of one another that holds this community together.  Their unique styles are intriguing, some are timeless, and others are a true sense of expression which is gift yielded to another. We keep supporting each other, and providing the greatness we have embarked. The pure genuineness of a person is within their deep personality, which we have all come to love.

Photo taken: 1981, Copyrighted, Jackie Stevens Images; Library of Congress.

  Photo taken: 1993, Copyrighted, Jackie Stevens Images; Library of Congress. 

Imprinted in our psyches as a restful color, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge. Aiding concentration and bringing laser like clarity, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue re-centers our thoughts. A reflective blue tone, Classic Blue fosters resilience."

A homage to Classic Blue for 2020.  Photographing for the upcoming year in Classic Blue.

As sunrise is currently 6:42am EST, there is plenty of opportunity to photograph just before this hour. Photos taken: September 2019.

Why do photographers photograph so early?

1.  Best parking!

2.  Beat any kind of crowds.

3.  Mosquitos aren't feeding.

4.  The light is crisp and bright.

5.  Great control of early light.

6.  Always meet new and interesting people.

7.  Nature puts on its best show.

8.  Cast of color is perfect, less post processing.

9.  Its generally cool and comfortable.

10.  Sunrises are spectacular.

An overwhelmingly daunting task when an Editor calls to request ten images of your best work.  From a previous portfolio review, my work has evolved while creating fine art documentary images.  Searching through thousands of negatives, hundreds of digital files, and finding lost images was different than I had imagined.  Rather than viewing the image for best composition and stunning light, the viewing yielded the thoughts of when the original image was actually taken. The exact moments leading up to the capture is how the image was selected. 

It's when everything cleared the precious four square feet of available space to slide in-invisible to anyone surrounded by pure silence.  The silence was the art being created, the thought process and the careful consideration to the finished product.  The connection between the two, with no interruption, no looking up or recognizing a photographer is there capturing the shot.

This is the only image taken during this brief encounter. I could have stayed, lingered and captured different angles. Here, this is the image I quickly envisioned; encapsulating the genuine feeling.  The location and place is unknown, forgotten-when I see this image I remember everything about the mood and nothing else.  I recall how incredibly silent it was, even with the humming of the ink applicator, there still remained complete concentration and deep silence.  The patience is what I remember right before I released the shutter-this is what I saw through the lens-I adored it, applauded it, and honored it-while taking it all in.  

This is how I go about choosing my best ten images in my vast library. 

IMG_7247

Waited here with a fellow photographer for an hour or so; welted with bites as the mosquitoes rise with dawn.  Two deer, male and female, walk along the shore leaving very recognizable prints in the sand as they head back into the brush of the dunes to escape the rising sun. Well spent research of finding the right places and right time, with patience and diligence lead to worthy photographic scenes to share.

The black thick texture of the paint creates a green, blue, or magenta hue when photographed in certain light. The deep engraved lines are the flow of water, the flow of signals, or what you interpret the remaining lines left to dry. Similar to white the color black, varies in shades and hues. The experimentation of purposeful yet loose abstracts are shown here in this depiction. 

The experiment with black paint particularly one color, represents the inhibition to explore and express oneself with no judgement. 

The definition of judgement; the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions.  This series represents judgement, and the unconditional way the flow of paint appears on the surface.  It is unpredictable yet transforming to perform unique designs and shapes yet unseen.  This meditated abstract monochromatic print series is available in book form.  Please contact me for additional information to obtain a copy of this book.

The goosebumps are real.

But-this is not about the photo, or the person, it's about how I somehow reached to ONE MILLION PHOTOS taken (clicked) by me in the form of a camera, whether film, or digital, or a home made camera from a shoebox.  The total camera clicks equal to over a cool mil.  Each photo captured is in raw form and contains a lot of data to be stored.  This is a challenge, and will be shared on the next podcast called-ONE MILLION PHOTOS.

Though calla lilies are most commonly white, they actually grow in a variety of colors including pink, purple, yellow, and even black. Calla lily symbolism varies by flower color.

• White calla lilies symbolize purity and innocence.
• Pink calla lilies symbolize appreciation and admiration.
• Purple calla lilies symbolize charm and passion.
• Yellow calla lilies symbolize gratitude.

The calla lily was named after the Greek word for beautiful — calla. It is associated with the Greek goddess Hera. The most common meaning for calla lilies is purity, holiness, and faithfulness. It’s commonly depicted in images of the Virgin Mary. Calla lilies are also symbols for rebirth and resurrection, tied to the resurrection of Jesus in part because they bloom around Easter and in part because they are shaped like trumpets which symbolize triumph.

From Pantone:  

Vibrant, yet mellow PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.

In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression.

Representing the fusion of modern life, PANTONE Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.

Welcome 2019 and Living Coral!  Photo taken; 2015, October Sunrise, North Shore, The Long Island Sound, Long Island, New York. 

"We have technology because of the heavens."  Jackie Stevens

Why is Astronomy Important?

Astronomy and related fields are at the forefront of science and technology; answering fundamental questions and driving innovation. Although blue-skies research like astronomy rarely contributes directly with tangible outcomes on a short time scale, the pursuit of this research requires cutting-edge technology and methods that can on a longer time scale, through their broader application make a difference.

A wealth of examples show how the study of astronomy contributes to technology, economy and society by constantly pushing for instruments, processes and software that are beyond our current capabilities. In this essay we outline both the tangible and intangible reasons that astronomy is an important part of society. Although we have focused mainly on the technology and knowledge transfer, perhaps the most important contribution is still the fact that astronomy makes us aware of how we fit into the vast Universe.

Source:  (EU-UNAWE, Leiden Observatory/Leiden University, The Netherlands) (ESO, Germany) Marissa Rosenberg, Pedro Russo, Georgia Bladon, Lars Lindberg Christensen.

Having lunch with another photographer in NYC, the table next to us is a group of photographers, including a personal photographer of a famous celebrity.  After a quick conversation, lead to rearranging of chairs and tables as the six of us sit together and share our most challenging photo shoots, detailing the worse possible conditions.  As I listen, these stories include running from a bear, freezing rain locking the car doors (with equipment and clothes inside), recovering a camera from the bottom of a river amazingly dry in a ziploc bag, and a real runaway bride.  We laugh as the stories rotate from person to person.  In the span of three hours, no one reveals their cell phone, to share their photos or to check an urgent message.  The conversation remains fluid full of energy, passion, and respect for one another.

The professional photographers surrounding me use words describing their technical challenges, visualizing the clear image before us in our minds.  We revel of the pure modesty and gratefulness as professionals, we remain relevant.  We share information, exchange ideas, and instantly become a team.  We capture images, share in the delight of others with hopes to tell a story, an impact, to preserve, to remember, and to inspire.

Photo taken: June 2013.

This oystercatcher chick is approximately three inches tall and has a personality of a skyscraper.

The progress and newly built (2013) construction was a seamless endeavor, perfectly orchestrated, resulting in a welcoming connection of community and nature. Everyone who I spoke with were extremely generous with their time and provided many pieces of information, and displayed pride in their work.  All construction workers and community members were hugely anticipating the finished boardwalk.  As I was invited to the opening ceremony, many were glad to enjoy the connection once again. It is a simple reminder, of how lucky we are, as nature poured down and tour many things apart, the community came together. The efforts are reminded in the boardwalk visited by many today.

Nestled on the south shore this particular beach stretches 3.3 miles long and the newly rebuilt 2.2 mile boardwalk offers a variety of activities.  It is a stunning reminder of the beauty of Long Island and the diversity and cultures we share.  The full gallery is posted under 'Long Beach Life.'  More to come.....(scroll down for more photos). 2018, 2013, 2012.

Blue herons, this one here is about 3.5 feet tall and has a wingspan of about 6 feet.  They cruise between 20 to 30 miles per hour, and typically hunt alone.

Photo taken:  Memorial Day, 2015.

To the warmest Holi I have ever experienced, thank you for letting me in your home, meet your family, and sing your songs....and to the girl pictured here who wanted to tell me something, as she reached over and smeared powder all over me.  We all laughed so very hard.  Thank you all for your gentle kindness.

JS:  Many years ago learning photography at a very early age, it was all about composition.  It's important to understand composition and to be familiar why certain things work in a photograph, and why it doesn't.  Images need to be appealing to the eye. Your eyes needs to stay in the image and not wander off.  Today, light is my focal.  To master light is to master photography.

AL: How are you learning about light?  What can you share with us?  

JS:  Light is all I see when photographing now.  Seeing where it falls and where it casts highlights and shadows are key.  Learning light calculations such as shadow length, time of day, angle between the sun and horizon, latitude and longitude all play an important role, in getting it right.  You may not have the tools available to perform such calculations; however, this comes with practice and time, planning a shoot around a certain time of day, you'll be able to improve your photography.

AL:  What tools do you use? 

JS:  A Photographer's Ephemeris tool is great start in understanding more about the positioning and capturing of sunlight.  There are many apps available that are free or for purchase to learn more about sunlight.  Understanding tides, and phases of moons also helps.

AL: Do you use these tools now?

JS: After careful planning I sometime use spontaneous light (getting up early and grabbing the camera), while not thinking about light, is sometimes the best unplanned light in creating great photographs.  It's a balance of the two, there's never a perfect formula.  It begins with trial and error, and never really being 'done'.  As photographers, we are always learning and experimenting.  Photography should be a challenge, a lesson learned, and a technique that can be shared with others.

AL: What do you look for?

JS: How the light is casting shadows, where are the highlights?  Where are the best darks?  Where are the best lights?  Understanding how they all work together is part of the creative process.

AL: What do you think is best when capturing sunlight?

JS:  Lots of patience, photographers are sometimes quick to capture a photo and move on quickly, looking at the back of the LCD screen not satisfied, and moving on to another spot.  

AL: What do you think is the best light?

JS: Sunrise, the best time of day and the softest light.

AL: What are you planning on next for light?

JS: Light painting seems like fun, I would like to learn more, and play with light at night.

AL: Seems like another great topic, thank you for your time.  Always a pleasure to catch up.  

JS: My pleasure.

Serenity and fragrance is all around me.  The goodness and happiness is purely exquisite.

I am honored to be selected and represented amongst my talented friends and photographers.  www.cultural-center.org/set-in-motion.  A special thanks to NYPD, and the many photographers who are starting out or dusting off the camera gear.  

A beautiful place, a serenity of hope, promise, and an amazing future ahead, what a wonderful 2017!

"Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose."

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute

The Jewel of the Island, Jones Beach.

The below photo taken, 2014 reminds me of the five year project I now dedicate my future to, and wishing Carlos all the best.

Strengthening Home & Family

My first photo posted on their Facebook page was selected from a very special group of Long Island photographers called, Long Island Sun Chasers and also featured here:  http://greaterfireisland.com/photos-best-long-island-sun-chasers-sept-16/.  Scroll down to Jackie Stevens Robert Moses 9-12-16.  You can also find more features and photos on their Facebook page called Greaterfireisland.

Processed with Snapseed.

Blue Claw

Location:  Undisclosed, Long Island, New York.  The beach at Sunrise. 

A: Can you tell us: Where does the inspiration come from for this collection?  

J: I was showing my artwork to a friend at a Gallery reception, it was said, "You should try Art."  That came to no surprise, as I consider my artwork as Fine Art Photography.  Traditional photography was becoming too traditional. People come into my life at amazing moments, and have strongly influenced me in a positive light.  I am grateful for this.  I was able to see a person experimenting in a particular medium which appeared to be their first time; there was evidence of uninhibited creation filled with risks.  I was drawn to that, and started experimenting in that fashion.  I paid attention to chemicals and lifting of transparencies adhering to film and final prints.  The process was repeated several times, and the results are never the same.  

A: Do you use Photoshop to manipulate these images? 

J: Yes, yet I feel it is not necessary to use it all the time, less is more where images themselves become Art.  

A: What is the piece called?  What is it?  

J: This piece is called Goldfish, there is only one Goldfish in the image, can you spot it? 

A: I think so, is that it?  What are you planning to do with these images?

J: Continue on my journey to be inspired, and make art.  These images would be best displayed on acrylic.  Upon closing this body of work, I may select a few images and print on acrylic.  

A: Can I have one?

J: Of course! 

All my best,

Jackie

My inspiration comes in many different forms and from many different places.  Here the flooring on an old ship, shipwrecked underwater, raised from the sea, leaves deep grooves, patterns of salt, plant life, and history undone. Wavering through rough seas, and unforgiving winds, a storm collides against a warm current ripping the large sails, recklessly spinning the old ship.  The vessel is tossed from side to side taking in too much water, giving way to the grasp of the unforgiving storm.  The ship sinks quickly as timber wood is heard snapping like soft twigs in the wind. The vessel is gone and is seen momentarily peering beneath the muscular surface, before crashing to the sea floor. Nearly one hundred years later, the ship is found, treasures are located, and stories re-told.  The wooden planks are linear with deep groves, with no seams detected.  The length of these planks are impressive, each one if sanded down will reveal its inner beauty.  Their color, their story, the footsteps, their life.

This is my inspiration.

The Alternative Collection was NOT created with the use of a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera.    

Wooden PlankThe Alternative Collection

I spend countless enjoyable hours on the facets of digital photography, and the aspect of creating Fine Art with my camera.  My idea of the First Kiss concept photo and the passion behind it resulted in using a microscope with a high intensity light.  The corner of the rose was placed in a small glass dish on its side.  The digital camera was connected to the microscope using many different attachments.  The view and composition I had created in my mind was only visible tethering (connecting) the camera to a laptop so I could see through the lens and positioning the rose just right without moving the camera.  After many attempts, I created the sincerity and warm sensation of the First Kiss.  Where nothing around it mattered, and the focus and intensity did not even allow of slither of light to enter between the two petals of the rose.

My work is of experimental photography pushing the boundaries and taking risks to create work that has never seen before.  Art in which, you may not realize what it is, as you are drawn to the piece of curiosity and interest, your eyes become transfixed and hopefully smile as you draw in closer.  After careful inspection to see that it is a Rose, Kissing for the First Time.

Two Lips First Kiss

This all wood frame building is condemned, and beautiful.  Happy Halloween.

Saved by Water, many times, many years, many lives.  Here, I am in the water, photographing what I feel around me, underneath are not thousands but millions of kelies all healthy and fast.  I see them everywhere, but mostly on the North side.  When I swim, they normally go underneath, but now they swim around me, forming an infiniti shape all around me.  They are fast and serve an amazing purpose all as one.  It is almost night, and they are reaching their destination.  It is time to go home.

  But it only takes one, to make a brighter happier difference....Glad to be a part of it......Never been happier.

  It's not about what you have, it's about what you give....

A friend's relative had recently passed away at 92, what an incredible journey to see so many things evolve and people evolve during that time span.  Babies or infants today, who may live to that age, will see the year 2107 or longer; something to think about.  As often as I do, meaning time, people, and journeys.  My legacy is this; to capture history and preserve moments for a very long time.  This is now, so enjoy it.  Caption:  Time Stands Still.

All my best,

Jackie

Copyright protected.  Jackie Stevens Images.

Landing on Mars.

Is not about how long one can wait, but how well one behaves while waiting.

Helen Keller.

  Copyright 2015-2016 Jackie Stevens Images.

  To all the beautiful friends in Utah.

Gregory

Enjoy,

Jackie 

Castle Angleress-The Lure

Means:  Everything happens for a reason, we are all here for a reason.  Taking a risk should feel like a risk.  

Wanting and Wishing and Needing are all very different.  Happiness and love can be in the same sentence.  

The Passion of Photography is the single most creative thing to freeze a moment in time.

Learn to Share, everyone starts somewhere. 

Having a Great Sense of Humor is the ability to laugh at yourself and laugh with others, when everything doesn't seem to be the way you want it to turn out, its best to smile.  Trying to get it (the moment of great photography) just right, is challenging and difficult, sharing moments and great places with other photographers alike the photographs all remain different and unique.  Here, the moment of accomplishment here is finishing as we are all so loud cheering, YOU DID IT, YOU DID IT!!! (safely and cleanly with our camera equipment).  As we put our photography equipment away safely, we were all tossed into the mud one by one.  There was mud in the car for weeks.

Photographers are crazy about photography.  Photographers live, eat, and breathe photography, and will go to great lengths to learn something new, or to try something new.  We research everything, continuously look for that better shot, and seem to search for the best mix to make it all come together seamless.  I am always interested in what photographers are doing now, and find it interesting some revert back to their past, as how they obtained their first camera.  As this is all very important, and shaped our futures in photography, it is equally important to what we are doing now to grow, develop, and to support one another.

Attributes That Make a Great Photographer:

Number 1.  

Integrity:  A photographer called me and told me this story.  In the middle of a photo shoot, a photographers shutter broke on his camera, he had no back-up camera.  Another photographer at the same shoot, noticed this, and offered to drive home to get a back up camera for this person.  He just jumped in his car, went to get the extra camera, and handed it to the guy with the look of desperation and despair.  Suddenly, he was relieved and so appreciative of this moment, and told everyone about it.  We were simply happy he turned a unfortunate event to a positive one for someone in need of help.   When we talk about this photography event, this is what we remember of that day, this is what we talk about.

Next Post:  Attribute Number 2.

Coal Factory, Accessible, Permission Granted

Chemical Plant, Not Accessible, Dangerous Hazardous Materials

2 Hospital's, One Accessible, Permission Granted

School, Undetermined, Thank You KS

Working Drive-In Theatre, Accessible

I'm ready to photograph my first documentary project.  This has been on my mind for quite some time.  I have been inspired by young artists where I was fortunate to be surrounded by last Spring.  Young artists or Generation Y, take on multiple risks and creativity comes to them in many different forms.  I have been truly inspired by these young and talented artists.  I have given this project much thought, and put together a small list to get started on my exciting new journey.

1.  Get Permission:  My subject matter will be unusual and different for me.  There are associated challenges; obtaining permission along with access will need to granted along helping those to understand what I am trying to achieve.  

2.  Staying Organized.  Printing several hundred photos and editing consistently with multiple tools.

3.  Deadlines.  This is a personal project dear to me, setting realistic deadlines will make this happen.  Goal setting will be key, hoping not to let this project fall to the side-continue to pursue.

4.  Why? To tell a story of importance, to document and record for future generations and those current.

5.  Final Output:  Book-I see the final product.  The title has not come to me, but the subject matter and tools are there.

6.  Having Fun:  This will be fun and extremely challenging and ready for more inspiration.

*at the Holi Festival in Queens New York, 2012.  I had gained respect and trust to get this close and waited patiently.  {This photograph and series is not part of the project, but the concept remains the same}.

Risk involves the unknown, uncertainty, with a hint of excitement.  Sometimes, we take many risks at the same time, which sometimes leads to great outcomes.  Consensus of the group says, the bigger the risk, the greater the success and the greater the challenge.  Risk can be scary, but without it, where would we be.  A lot of great conversation, reflection, and potential risk lies ahead for many. 

The photo below has been to date, the most challenging and came with great risk.  I was petrified taking this photo, given the location, the uncertainty, and the overall heightened excitement.  To date, this photo has been my most successful photo to date, as I categorize success, which lead to many great opportunities.  The delicateness of the paint peeling appearing like butterflies or small cocoons waiting to hatch in this small corner-was momentous for me.  This place is very special to me, and glad I took the risk in capturing this photograph.

All my best,

Jackie Stevens

Enjoy

Sunken Meadow

These cowboys in Manhattan were captured with my sturdy Canon Rebel my first Digital camera with a Prime lens.

The inspiration comes from a fellow photographer from China using a Medium Format camera.  After careful thought the Canon Rebel with the Prime lens was the closest and challenging representing the Medium Format, on a clear a perfect night.  Thousands of people gathered from all of the over world, speaking different languages, with different cultures, all enjoying the sights and sounds of stunning Times Square, New York City.

Enjoy.

All my best,

Jackie Stevens

Have fun,

Jackie Stevens

Dangling Push Button Phone

Three Blind Mice

There is a deep inner connection that goes into these photographs, that cannot be taught, repeated, or in some cases understood.  I have visited many challenging abandoned locations, which includes, patience, determination and the deep passion I have for photography and particular abandoned structures that will soon find their place onto destruction to make way for new.  These unwanted structures or in rare cases protected and preserved, places kept frozen in time, to reflect on progress, or lack of from ignorance.  These buildings are deep felt, I'm fortunate to be a part of this personal project to preserve and continue on their legacy whether gone or taken on another found awakening.  

Undisclosed location. 

Jackie Stevens

A Vietnam Veteran is pictured here (a school teacher) walking away from the wall with his bag.  The Washington Monument dark outline is also featured in the touching reflection.

Vietnam Memorial - Veteran Walking Away from the Wall

About three years ago, at a restaurant a group of photographers and I had dinner together.  One photographer had asked me, what do you photograph?  {Or in common lingo, what do you shoot?}  I haven't really thought about it, film was versatile to me.  I photographed people, landscapes, and abstract art for close to twenty years.  I had switched to digital reluctantly, and the learning curve was steep.

At that time, my focus was on film and digital photography was something I would never venture to.  All the controls, all the training, all the practice, had been within the camera, with no LCD screen to check your work.  Transitioning to digital felt like cheating, it was too easy, all the same controls existed, but this time, I had instant results and a ton of film.  I mean too much virtual film.  It didn't feel right.

My first digital camera, I had intentionally photographed only 24 to 36 frames.  This idea, was simply impossible.  Digital photography and the art of photography combined is forever evolving.  Over time with improved technology, creativity is limitless.  With patience, determination, and an open mind, digital photography had adopted me.  It fit me.  So now, when someone asks me what do I photograph, I don't pause, I don't ponder.  I photograph abandoned buildings with a digital camera.  This is my favorite topic.  

~ by Jackie Stevens

Luminousity

Walking in the Bronx with my camera is always fun.  People are always curious, ask questions, and wondering why I am there.  I have been there several times, especially Arthur Avenue.  You know this is a great place to eat when all the New York City fire trucks pull up, and the firemen grab their favorite lunch on queue.  

Behind me here, is a well attended restaurant.  Everyone is watching me, as I pass the car, to my left, cross the street to get to the other side.  Everyone sees me, and starts banging on the windows of the restaurant as I am just about to raise my camera to get this shot.  The restaurant owner dressed in a pressed shirt and pants, and the waiter all in white, and two patrons sitting down with white linen napkins tucked in their shirts are shouting and pointing, "Get the car, look, get the car!"  I raised the camera, as they instructed me to do, and they all nod their heads approving.  I smile, laugh, thank them, and continue on my way.

The terra cotta tile dangling above is a piece from the roof above.  That particular piece traveled over 200 feet and landed in a web of tangled rebar.  The rebar is encased in the concrete pulling down.  {Rebar is a common steel bar or mesh of steel wires commonly used as a tension device in reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry structures, to strengthen and hold the concrete in compression. The surface of the rebar may be patterned to form a better bond with the concrete}.

The sound of this sudden decaying moment was deafening.  Although it wasn't heard, one can only imagine, the amount of skill (welders) to put the maze of rebar together.  Certain countries will reuse the rebar, and sold for its worth in weight as scrap.

Breathing Wall

Reflections of the Past

I see beauty in everything around me.

{Calico Bass, with real worms, and released}.

He said I wake up at 10:00am so come back at 11:00am, so I did.  I couldn't believe it was him.  I asked him all about his TV debut and of course the pottery.  The morning started off with him turning on the kilns, checking the temperature and humidity of the workshop, and changing into this pottery clothes.  He started making a bell pot which requires a Double Throw, two large pieces of clay incredibly yielded together by the talent and careful skill of Guy.  The pot was completed in about 12 minutes, and cautiously transported to the drying station.   The entire process was so interesting and I was so glad to have the opportunity to spend time with him in his pottery workshop.  What a treat. 

Camera settings and scene information are recorded by the camera into the image file.  Examples of stored information are shutter speed, date and time a photo was taken, focal length, exposure compensation, metering pattern and if a flash was used.

Camera Used: Canon 6D

EXIF Data:

ISO: 12800

Aperture: f 5.6

Shutter Speed: 1/15

Focal Length: 105mm

Photo File: JPEG, Edge blur (slightly)

Location:  Northport, NY

A man approaches me and says, "I haven't seen you here."  We talk for some time.  I learned all about his life, and incredible details of KPPC.  We walk from building to building showing me all his favorite spots.  He explains the daunting history attached to each one, including those buildings gone.  There is much history here, including a farm, stable, shoemaker building, wood shop, and buried train tracks, all of which he showed me.  I have walked over these train tracks many times, and have never noticed them.  He never stops talking.

We also talked about photography for some time.  There were many questions of piqued interest.  I explained as best I could the borrowed Infrared camera I had with me.  I showed him the shots I had taken, there were wow's.  

Then we stopped in the shade, overlooking the Coal building, and he turned to me and said, "I have to tell you a story."

He said, "Do you believe that things happen for a reason?  Or being at the right place at the right time?  Do you believe in destiny?"

His Story:

He grew up in Northport, NY, and one day his family decided to go fishing on the dock.  A photographer approached his father and explained he was taking photographs to be later printed on Post Cards of Long Island.  The photos were taken, and the photographer mailed a couple dozen of these Post Cards to the family.  His parents recently passed away, and the Post Cards were no longer to be found.  A few months after their passing he went to a Tag Sale (on Long Island), and pulled out a $5 bill to purchase the same Post Card that was postmarked in Minnesota, inscribed on the back, "Having a Great Vacation on Long Island."  He wrote this story attached it carefully to the Post Card and put it in a safe for his children.  

Below is a photo I had taken along our journey, including a photograph of my new friend.  As we were both walking briskly-this is what I got.

Dedicated to Tom - for opening his life to me Tom

When I saw this - I sighed heavily, someone asked me, what is wrong, I said look. It's just unexpected, not planned, and everything it should be. The chair facing the hay stack between the tree means and says everything to me.

Folding Chair Makes Two

Landed on Red Lake, Mars

No.  Polo ponies run the equivalent of one to two miles during a seven-and-a-half-minute chukker, so they must be rested frequently.  At the high-goal level, players ideally will have a fresh horse every period although many will double on their best ponies.  Even at this level, it’s rare but not unheard of for a pony to be played three chukkers in the same game—it happened in the famed International Matches between England and the United States.

Can anyone tell me if this is Nacho below?  If so, then this is really a great photo, because of Nacho.

Kings Park Psychiatric Center - Building 144

Owl in Waiting

The Star is a marking located on the top of the horse's head, and the Snip is a marking located near the nose.

I learned this today, from his owner.  Watermark has an irregular Star and it is quite unique.

Watermark

This is the winner, he is smiling and won by just a few inches.

I Won

Perfect Height

Something told me to carry or wear charms of luck that is significant to me today when photographing.  I wore three lucky charms and found this below.  When I started photographing seriously with digital in September 2012, someone had asked me what I like to photograph.  He asked, "What do you photograph?  What is your specialty?"  I didn't find or have an answer at that time.  His wife also explained to him, that I was exploring and learning digital photography, and finding my way.  My answer now, is two genres in order of preference: 1. Urban Risk Archaeology 2. People-Strangers

The neologism {a newly coined term created by me that has not yet been accepted into mainstream language} describing my photography specialty or genre is what I call:  Urban Risk Archaeology.

Urban Risk Archaeology:  Definition:  Photographing abandoned property, buildings, or sites, that were in high usage and of special interest at the time before abandonment and generally have a risk associated with photographing these sites.  This term came to me while I was lying on the loading dock reading the Census book from 1990 that I found. This Census book was in perfect condition, exactly 23 years old, and completely dry and unsoiled.  Pencil and pen marks checking off the residents status was clear as if it was completed yesterday.  I closed the book (yes, left it in the same position) in disbelief.  I forgot that I was even there while reading it, when the sound of thunder reminded me where I was.

Wow-Coal Room

This building is a theatre with seats located in the balcony.  Plays, performances, religious events, and meetings were held here.  This building is completely sealed off with cement on the front two windows opposite the main entrance, which I have not seen on any other building.

York Hall - Building 80 Kings Park Psychiatric Center

Wisteria Building - 15

In my opinion, this is the quietest building, it is still, it doesn't move or breathe.  Built in 1917, It sits across the street from Building 93. From 90, 93 looks spectacular.  This building (90) doesn't feel right, it's not placed right.  However, as the sun was setting through the broken glass on the second floor I went in the back and caught an orange glow from the sun illuminating the interior.  I left immediately after the sun went down on building 90. 

Her favorite building is 93, where we both went to afterwards.  My favorite building (and the building with the most sounds) is this one, the Surgical Building.  I thought it was very interesting that all four photographers never walked in the street.  We all avoided it for whatever reason, we stayed on the sidewalks or walked on the grass.  Although all these buildings are abandoned, we all stayed close to the buildings. 

Glen, discovered this place recently, this was his seventh visit.

Scott and Son, second visit.

Jody, unknown visit.

Jackie, me, fourth visit.

Jody and I are were near my favorite building, the Surgical Building.  I came up behind her and told her I'm there.  She says, I know I was watching you by the Surgical building.  I say to her, "Have you ever gone in?" She says lots of times.  I said, "Really, I never went in.  I'm too scared, and afraid I would get lost in the buildings."  She said, "I know my way around almost every building." She begins to rattle off all the buildings names and numbers accurately.  She said, "You know if we go in, I can show you how to get out, its not that hard."  I reply, "When were you inside last?" She says, "Not in while, but I remember a lot from when I worked here from 1981 to 1996."  I said, "Jody, you need to cancel all your important plans that might occur in the next hour.  Whether its picking someone up at the airport, making dinner, or a critical appointment, everything as you know it, is cancelled for the next hour."

10 construction workers hanging around-The only one not wearing a hood or a baseball cap was this one.  He was watching me climbing over the man made dune placed in front of the missing board walk.  I asked him if I can take his photo, he asked me if it will be in the paper.  I said, "Buddy, probably not," and I explained why.  He was smiling like a ham, loving every minute of it.  I said, this is the only time in a thousand times, I'm going to have to ask you not to smile.  He said, "What?" I said, "Who's sunglasses are those?" I said, "Listen Brian, today you are like Bob the Builder, but Brian the cool construction surveyor dude; building an awesome boardwalk worth $40 million dollars, where thousands of people will enjoy."  He said, "My name is not Brian, it's Mike, and that's what I'm DOING."  I said, "Yeah Brian, than look like it."  And this is what I got.....he loved it.

2.  Memorabilia

3.  Mayor Bloomberg, Roof Top Initiative.

"I know there is an incredible smile, underneath all that chalk."   

I sneaked up on you

I made you smile!

Two Sisters, Two Daughters

Kings Park Psychiatric Center:  On this particular day, there are three other photographers, near and around my favorite building that makes the most noise.  I meet Glenn, followed by Jody.  Glenn meets Scott. Then Scott, meets up with the rest of us,

I follow Jody, I say to her, I am right behind you and don't want to scare you. She says, I saw you in front of the Surgical building.  I said, Isn't this great? 

Week One:  Building 93 and Doctors House?

The largest of all buildings has 11 floors, an attic, and a basement totaling 13 floors.  The rooms inside get smaller intentionally for less mobile patients the higher the floor.  The building seems to taper off towards the top, which may be an optical illusion or the design.  This building is perfect and spectacular to see.  Each window has 7 levels of glass, or rows, and 6 panes high.  The building sits perfectly positioned with the sunrise and set on an angle on purpose.  I was completed awestruck to this particular building and surrounding structures.  This particular photography project will be over the course of 13 weeks, capturing all the details of each structure.  There has been plans to tear these buildings down, but for now that has been placed on hold.  These buildings should never be entered, as they are completely unsafe and loaded with asbestos.    

The Story:

The Visit:  My first visit was about an hour, it had just snowed and was windy, there was one other person walking around.  I drove around the back towards the section of buildings near the fire station.  I came upon a road and drove down-I stayed long enough for a security guard to approach.  He knew I was not in the buildings, as he was watching me closely.  I left on my own accord.  

The Knee:  I counted my steps from the top of the stairs to the edge of the grass, 13.

I was being watched from inside Building 93.

Kings Park Psychiatric Center

Here comes security, they address me, I say, "I never saw these two before in my life."  They other two photographers say, "She always says that."

Trouble managed to get himself inside the suitcase (on the floor), which is fairly large, the one I am donating.  This suitcase can pack two weeks of clothes, and more than likely not allowed on planes anymore.  So, there Trouble is, tail out, head out, huge paws off the side, cozy and snug inside my suitcase.  This is where he sleeps now. Emma thinks he wants to go on a trip.  Trouble looks at me and Emma and puts his head back down on the rug, we both shrug and go back to cooking.  

Hide the Lion is where, you put Trouble underneath a blanket, he goes 'hides' and will growl if you can't find him.  Now, Trouble is the size of a twin bed and is as tall as a doorway, when on his back hind legs.  As I am so tempted to witness this game-I decide against it.  I still have visions of my camera flying around my neck landing next to me in the sand, as giant chewbacca tackles me (more about the cleaning of my camera).  Many have asked me, where is Trouble during the day?  Trouble goes to 'big dog' daycare, where he has the option of running around on three plus acres.  When I pick him up, he looks directly at me and Emma, and says-Game On. 

Latest treats (but not chewed):  Barbie bus, claimed my blanket, and my suitcase.

He says, Long Island has the most horses and barns, stables per square foot than any other state! He said, this is a fact, I say, I don't doubt you.  That's where his business is, that's where he grew up.  He doesn't even ask what I am doing with the camera, he just goes about his business and starts shoeing the horse, and I go about my business photographing this--I can't miss this, I can't lose any moments, but to focus on him and the horse.  After he is done shoeing, I tell him, I am done, he says, so am I.  And at that point, the horse turns around and sighs heavily.  This female horse got her first pair of shoes.

Nick

I received this as change, and smiled.

Immediately I went to the left and not the right, the flow and layout of this mansion was perfect.  I cut across the lawn pass the frozen pool and garden further down.  I kept going not even interested in the pool, and the gated garden.  The arches of this portico and height of the covered area which lead to the formal dining room was brilliant.  The design was amazing, and it felt extremely safe, and warm in this outdoor area, even during WInter conditions-it was 26 degrees outside.  Luckily I found a photo of the Coe grandchildren, sitting at the same spot where I was.  I later learned this is where they played, this is where they came.  Now I know why.

Coe Grandchildren

I will post them here.  I converted one of them to HDR last night--and melted all over again.

Meaning, I love HDR so much.  See also More Winter Storm Gallery.

And this was a response I received: Thanks Jackie, Just when I wanted to join in the complaining. 

The e-mails stopped immediately.  Everyone enjoyed the photos.

I am incredibly fortunate to have met real professionals in the field.  Their stories are funny, amazing, and I love having coffee with them anytime......

Favorite Barn photo - Canon Print Challenge

                       I heard someone recently say related to this topic.

This person's line was: "Print out your photos, your kids don't grow up on JPEG."

           I really could't stop laughing....it was hilarious (to me).

My friend had 'assigned' me or rather challenged me to print a photo by Tuesday.

I printed the same photo; horse barn shot in two sizes (above), 4x6 and 8x10 on Monday.  

The 8x10 was given to someone who really wanted it.  I'm left with the 4x6, brought

it to work, and someone else wanted it.  I'm now left with no prints, but was able to share my work,

which made me smile even more. 

What I love about photography so far:

1.  My tripod does its job.

2.  Digital 'film' will never stop fascinating me.

3.  Sharing my photographs.

4.  Making people smile and laugh.

5.  I am always learning and improving.

6.  I met some really neat friends.

7.  The smallest thing can make me happy.

8.  Discovering a new 'spot' is simply awesome.

9.  Wearing all black works for me.

10.  I so want to buy a horse now.