CIOPhoto

T-Bird

2012-01-27T22:19:00.000-05:00

- Parked next to a cool 1962 Ford Thunderbird this afternoon. Dad always liked and wanted a "T-Bird". This one wasn't restored but in very good original condition for a 50 year old car. Dad never got his T-Bird but we did have a more practical family car, a 1966 Ford Fairlane 4 door sedan with the same 390 cubic inch engine that was standard in the T-Bird. This was the car I learned to drive in and as a teenager driving that 335 horsepower "family" sedan was nothing but trouble waiting to happen. Canon G11, 1/40 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 400.

TC Bubble

2012-01-26T21:45:00.000-05:00

- Virginia Beach's Town Center in a bubble. iPhone 4, 1/340 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 80, Olloclip fisheye lens.

"Oh bliss, bliss and heaven...

2012-01-25T19:38:00.000-05:00

- Oh, it was gorgeousness and gorgeousity made flesh..." - Alex from A Clockwork Orange. After 1,119 daily photos and blog posts, I finally get to use a quote from a A Clockwork Orange. I know it's lame, but what the heck, it's my blog. Canon 7D, 1/200 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400, 100mm macro, three light sources.

Winter Twilight

2012-01-24T20:48:00.000-05:00

- Well it didn't feel like winter today but the sky was really cool at sunset tonight. This is looking south on Colonial Avenue at Onley Road in Norfolk, Virginia. It's great to be driving with the top down in January. iPhone 4, 1/50 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 100.

Concentric

2012-01-23T21:21:00.000-05:00

- Concentric circles from a chrome flag stand form an interesting art like image. Canon G10, 1/40 sec # f/4.5, ISO 400.

The Sasha Look

2012-01-22T21:24:00.000-05:00

- Last week I posted a new photo of Sherlock and promised a new one of Sasha. Well, here she is posing with that "vamp" look. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Warming Lamps

2012-01-21T23:51:00.000-05:00

- The warming lamps at Terrapin's restaurant in Virginia Beach awaiting the next masterpiece from Chef Rodney Einhorn. One of the top fine dining restaurants in Virginia was jammed tonight as we enjoyed dinner with our friends Susan and Duane. This is Virginia Beach "Restaurant Week" with special deals, next week begins Downtown Norfolk's "Restaurant Week", so much great food, so little time. Canon G11, 1/25 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400, converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro 2. verted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro 2.

Tetraphobia

2012-01-20T20:12:00.001-05:00

- Tetraphobia is an aversion to or fear of the number 4. It is a superstition most common in East Asia. In these countries, these floor numbers containing the number 4 are often skipped in buildings. In Hong Kong, some apartments such as Vision City and The Arch skipped all the floors from 40 to 49. Immediately above 39 is 50, leading many who are not aware of tetraphobia to believe that some floors are missing. - from Wikipedia. Canon G11, 1/8 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800 converted to black and white in Picasa using "highlight" color.

Tunnel Vision

2012-01-19T19:50:00.000-05:00

- Robert peering down his make believe tunnel. Getting a 5 year old male child to hold still for a full half second exposure is just plain luck. It was pretty much the max of his attention span today. Well come to think of it, that's pretty the max of my attention span everyday. Canon G11, 0.6 seconds @ f/3.2, ISO 800.

Biker

2012-01-18T21:04:00.001-05:00

This biker followed me on Virginia Beach Boulevard. I looked in my rear view mirror at a stoplight and he looked pretty cool illuminated by brake lights. Lucky for me the camera was sitting right there in passenger seat so I took this image looking into the rear view mirror. The low light image has lots of digital noise which is normally not desirable. However, I think it kind of adds to this surreal image. Canon G11, 1/5 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800.

Twilight Tree

2012-01-17T20:42:00.000-05:00

- The bare tree says winter but today's temperature in Norfolk Virginia reached 68 degrees. Took this twilight photo from the car with the top down. Back to reality tomorrow, afternoon high around 42. Canon G11, 1/200 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

MLK Day

2012-01-16T21:05:00.000-05:00

- The Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial early this morning in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. King visited Norfolk and southeastern Virginia many time and was scheduled to come back to Norfolk in early April 1968 but postponed the visit to go to Memphis to support the sanitation workers strike. He was assassinated there on April 4, 1968. Check out the audio version of The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. (1998), ed. Clayborne Carson. I highly recommend this version read by LeVar Burton in a Grammy Award winning performance which also contains recordings of many speeches and famous oratory of Dr. King. A must listen for anyone who is a student of leadership. Canon G11, 1/800 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 200.

Boy Tonk

2012-01-15T20:32:00.002-05:00

- It's been over month since the last cat picture on my blog so Sherlock accommodated me today by being still long enough to take his picture. Handsome devil isn't he? Tomorrow sister Sasha will get into the act. Canon 40D, 1/125 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 100mm focal length.

Warehouse Club

2012-01-14T20:57:00.000-05:00

- The Warehouse Club, this one is BJ's Wholesale Club in Norfolk Virginia. Even though we've been shopping at them for 30 years it still seems kind of surreal. iPhone 4, 1/15 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 100, Camera+ App.

Public Art

2012-01-13T20:24:00.000-05:00

This public art is at Civic Plaza in Norfolk Virginia. It sits in front of the General District Court building. I was unable to find any information about it. Norfolk has a lot of great public art throughout the City. During the course of my 2012 365 project, I will try to document much of it. iPhone 4, 1/1000 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 80, Camera+ app.

Bank Street

2012-01-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

- I parked my car in the Bank Street garage in Norfolk Virginia and this view was straight in front of me. I saw this image in my mind and fortunately the capture delivered what I saw. I haven't thought of anything interesting or witty to say about the photo but there's something in it that I'm drawn to. I hope you like it. Canon G11, 1/200 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 400, converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro 2 in Lightroom 3.

Down to the Last "s"

2012-01-11T20:29:00.002-05:00

- The sign on the old location of Harry's BBQ on Norfolk Virginia's Granby Street. is down to just one "s". They moved around the corner on Tazewell Street in 2007 but their old sign has remained lit for almost 5 years. iPhone 4, 1/120 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 125, Camera+ app.

Maui Readers

2012-01-10T21:30:00.000-05:00

- Bifocal sunglasses, you bet. These are my Maui Readers and the reason why I will be a Maui Jim customer for life. I bought a pair of these sunglasses on Ocracoke Island in 2008. About a year later I dropped them when loading some stuff into my trunk and didn't realize it. I then backed over them with the car, leaving half the glasses pretty mangled. I had read about Maui Jim's legendary customer service so I thought I'd see if they could repair the sunglasses and replace the lens. I mailed them away with a service form and check for $10.00. A few weeks latter I received a package and letter from Maui Jim saying they weren't able to fix my old sunglasses but this one time they would provide me a replacement pair. How cool is that? I now own three pairs of Maui's, customer for life. Canon G11, 1/2000 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 200.

Drops on the Edge

2012-01-09T20:48:00.001-05:00

- A fine mist has been falling all day and these tiny droplets cling to edge of a Camellia blossom. Canon 40D, 1/160 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 100mm macro, LED Litepanel.

Down the Drain

2012-01-08T22:21:00.001-05:00

- A view of Princess Anne Road looking through one of the hundreds of storm drain pipes waiting to be installed near the Kempsville intersection in Virginia Beach, Virginia . Canon PowerShot SD870 IS, 1/500 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 80.

Aliens Have Landed!

2012-01-07T22:13:00.000-05:00

- The aliens have landed!
It’s distressing, but they’re here.
They piloted their flying saucer
through our atmosphere.
They landed like a meteor
engulfed in smoke and flame.
- from The Aliens Have Landed at Our School! by Kenn Nesbitt
The Norfolk Scope, iPhone 4, 1/15 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 500.

Press Flowers

2012-01-06T21:06:00.000-05:00

- Real flowers on the table make lunch special. These were side lit by a great mid-day winter sun at 626 Press in Norfolk, Virginia. iPhone 4, 1/536 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 80.

Almost Famous

2012-01-05T19:53:00.000-05:00

- My grandson Robert looks like a celebrity behind these sunglasses. Given how much he ends up in pictures taken by Grandpa, I guess he qualifies. Canon G11, 1/250 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 200.

Shadow Can

2012-01-04T18:53:00.000-05:00

- Clear skies and strong afternoon sun helps to create a well defined shadow of this street trash can. A little playing around with a new effect called "neon" in Picasa 3.9 results in a unique image. It kind of follows the "Paint the Town Red" concept Norfolk had going this past October. This trash can is at the northwest corner of Granby and Freemason Streets in Norfolk, Virginia. Canon G11, 1/320 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Contre-jour

2012-01-03T21:06:00.001-05:00

- French for 'against daylight', refers to photographs taken when the camera is pointing directly toward a source of light. Contre-jour produces backlighting of the subject. This effect usually hides details, causes a stronger contrast between light and dark, creates silhouettes and emphasizes lines and shapes. The sun, or other light source, is often seen as either a bright spot or as a strong glare behind the subject. Source - Wikipedia. Canon G11, 1/125 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 400.

Lynnhaven Sunset

2012-01-02T21:54:00.000-05:00

- The sun sets over the Lynnhaven River in Virginia Beach, Virginia tonight. We had an early dinner at one of our favorite places in Virginia Beach, Bubba's. As you can tell the view is second to none, the seafood is fresh and everyone is friendly. It was a little too cold and windy for dining on the outside deck tonight. I recommend Bubba's to everyone visiting Virginia Beach.
The general composition rule is to avoid the horizon line being right in the middle of the picture. The preferred placement is one third from the top or bottom but I wanted to frame this picture with the outside deck. So rule are made to be broken, hope you like the image. Canon G11, 1/320 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 200.

Contrails

2012-01-01T20:58:00.000-05:00

- 2012 started out with a beautiful day here in Virginia Beach, VA. This afternoon we went to Sandbridge Beach to take some photos. My wife Cindy is starting her own 365 scrapbook project for 2012 so I guess I'm starting project 365 number 4. Well here's a photo of contrails crisscrossing the clear blue sky for picture 1 of 365. I am making no promises to keep this up all year but right now it's kind of in my blood. iPhone 4, 1/200 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 80, Camera+ app, fisheye lens.

Pleasant Hall

2011-12-31T20:00:00.000-05:00

- Pleasant Hall has been a constant in my neighborhood since 1769. Witness to the Revolutionary War and everything since, it now overlooks yet another rebuilding of the Kempsville - Princess Anne intersection. While everything around it has changed, and changed and is still changing this beautiful example of Georgian architecture remains the only constant. Another 365 project done. Canon G11, 1/125 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 200, converted to B&W using Silver Efex Pro 2 and Lightroom 3.

Here Comes My Train.

2011-12-30T20:25:00.000-05:00

- Rode The Tide to and from a meeting at Norfolk City Hall this afternoon. This is my westbound return trip train pulling into the Civic Plaza station. When I got on board there was a little boy riding with his grandparents who was so excited. I asked him if he was having fun and he nodded yes. His grandfather said he loved trains and then he said, well heck I love trains too. Every time I ride I see people truly enjoying themselves and almost everyone comments that The Tide needs to go to Virginia Beach. I couldn't agree more. This is photo 364 of 365, just one more to finish out my third year of daily photos. iPhone 4, 1/625 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 80, Camera + app.

Whole Beans

2011-12-29T22:03:00.000-05:00

- A key to a good cup of coffee, start with whole beans, grind with a burr grinder and then drip brew. These beans are called 454 Horsepower by Kicking Horse Coffee, dark and rich and so good. Be forewarned: don't tangle with this horse unless you're prepared to get bucked... Canon G11, 1/200 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 200, lots of LED lighting and converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro 2 and Lightroom 3.

Extreme Project 365 x 3

2011-12-28T20:03:00.002-05:00

- The downtown Norfolk Virginia skyline rimmed in holiday lights at twilight. Notice the ice skaters at the MacArthur Mall rink in the right foreground. Photo 362 of this year's 365 project. For me it's 365 x 3 so that makes 1092 straight daily photos and blog posts - extreme project 365x3. Canon G11, 0.8 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 400 camera stabilized on the ledge of the Bank Street parking garage.

Guilty

2011-12-27T21:33:00.000-05:00

- Yes we are guilty of having holiday salt and pepper shakers. Not one set mind you, but two. So here's the dilemma of the day, which one to hold salt and which to hold pepper. In each set one shaker has two holes and one has three. So I did what any right-minded web surfer would do, I asked Google. Well the jury is still out on this question. Seems there are strong camps on both sides, more holes for salt and more hole holes for pepper. I like lots of pepper so the three hole shaker got the ground pepper while the two hole shaker ended up with salt. Now there's one more opinion out on the web but mine has the cutest photograph. Canon G11, 1/320 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 400, in macro mode, two LED litpanels and nine overhead ceiling spot lights.

Rockettes

2011-12-26T19:54:00.000-05:00

- The Rockettes are a Christmas mainstay as part of the Radio City Music Hall Christmas show. We saw them in 2009 and this ornament hanging on our tree is a reminder of that great show and the Christmas season in New York. Canon 40D, 1/125 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 100mm macro.

Mr. Fix-it

2011-12-25T19:59:00.000-05:00

- Robert received his "Li'l Helper" tool kit including PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) from Grammy and Grandpa for Christmas. He immediately decided that something needed fixing so he went to work on the faucet in the shower. He looks just like Handy Manny. Canon PowerShot SD870 IS, 1/60 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 250 with flash.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-24T21:17:00.000-05:00

- The sign says it all. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Canon 7D, 1/20 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 50mm prime lens.

Snow Flakes

2011-12-23T00:06:00.000-05:00

Down the Slinky

2011-12-22T22:10:00.000-05:00

- I can't resist an old fashion metal Slinky.

The best present yet to give or get
The kids will all want to try.
The hit of the day when you're ready to play.
Everyone knows it's Slinky.

iPhone 4, 1/15 sec @ f/2.0, ISO 1000, olloclip fisheye lens, Camera+ app.

Walmart Dawn

2011-12-21T21:20:00.000-05:00

- Started my day early with a trip to Walmart. Walmart trips are always special. iPhone 4, 1/170 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 80, Camera+ App, Sunset Scene.

Fisheye Santa

2011-12-20T20:55:00.000-05:00

- Bringing the olloclip fisheye lens on my iPhone 4 to Santa and the Christmas tree. iPhone 4, 1/15 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 640, Camera+, Clarity Scene, Square Crop, Thin White Border.

Indirect Light

2011-12-19T22:08:00.000-05:00

- This picture features indirect lighting. The sun is coming up in the east behind the Norfolk Southern Building, the tall one in green glass and hitting directly on the Bank of America Building which is brightly reflected in the green glass. It also produces nice silhouettes of a tree on the right and the Norfolk Confederate monument with "Johnny Reb" standing on top to the left side of the frame. The scene is located in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. iPhone 4, 1/250 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 80, Camera+ App, Clarity Scene, Freeform Crop, and Vibrant EX Effect.

Beach Cruisers

2011-12-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

- Beach cruiser bikes for Christmas? Best Value Hardware 4801 Shore Drive in Virginia Beach, Virginia has all colors and several styles. iPhone 4, 1/161 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 80, Camera+ App, Vibrant FX Effect and Vignette Border applied.

Say Ahh

2011-12-17T22:21:00.000-05:00

- From a visit to the doctor's office earlier this week. Not sick, just a check up. iPhone 4, 1/15 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 250

Flyer

2011-12-16T21:53:00.000-05:00

Petrie says "Nothing can escape the looker in the sky! Me see everything; me KNOW everything!" Canon 40D, 1/15 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 200, 100mm.

I Believe You Have My Stapler

2011-12-15T21:50:00.000-05:00

- Yes I do. This is a Swingline Limited Edition Series 747 Rio Red Business Stapler a much appreciated going away gift from Philip Shucet. If you don't understand the significance of the Red Swingline Stapler, just watch the movie Office Space or if you need instant gratification turn to the Net at www.redswinglinestapler.com. Canon 40D, 1/100 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 800, two LED Litepanels with a little fill flash.

Tree of Light

2011-12-14T23:05:00.000-05:00

- The tree of light at the Garden of Lights display at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. This section of lights was sycn'd to the holiday sound track broadcast on a low power FM radio station. The light show is worth the trip and the $10 buck a car admission. Canon 7D, 1/20 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Star of Bethlehem

2011-12-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

- The star-shaped flowers of the Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum arabicum) are a delight of the holiday season. Canon 40D, 1/500 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 800, 100mm macro, LED Litepanel.

Zildjian

2011-12-12T20:22:00.000-05:00

- Drummer Sandy Gennaro of the Pat Travers Band and his Zildjian cymbals. The first Zildjian cymbals were created in 1623 by Avedis Zildjian, an alchemist who was looking for a way to turn base metal into gold; he created an alloy combining tin, copper, and silver into a sheet of metal that could make musical sounds without shattering. Still manufactured by the Avedis Zildjian Company for nearly 400 years, Zildjian is one of the oldest companies in the world. Canon 7D, 1/30 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 70-200 f/2.8 IS II zoom at 200mm focal length.

Baubles

2011-12-11T21:38:00.001-05:00

- It's the time of year to break out the Christmas ornaments. A bauble is a spherical decoration that is commonly used to adorn Christmas trees. The bauble is one of the most popular Christmas ornament designs, and they have been in production since 1847. Glass baubles were first made in Lauscha, Germany, by Hans Greiner. Canon 40D, 1/13 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 100mm macro with image stablization.

Holiday Sasha

2011-12-10T21:31:00.001-05:00

- Miss Sasha is enjoying the holiday decorations. Canon 40D, 1/40 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 100mm macro.

Pool Deck

2011-12-09T22:17:00.001-05:00

- Whiskey Myers rocking the pool deck stage on the Liberty of the Seas. iPhone 4, 1/1667 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 80, using the fisheye lens from the Olloclip 3-in-1 lens.

Hammerheads

2011-12-08T23:27:00.000-05:00

- The loyal fans of rock guitarist Pat Travers, "Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights)", refer to themselves as "Hammerheads." Here Pat and his band rock the Liberty of the Seas as part of the 2011 Rock Legends Cruise. Canon 7D, 1/250 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, zoom at 70mm focal length.

Caribbean Sunrise

2011-12-07T21:20:00.000-05:00

There's nothing quite like a Caribbean Sunrise. Canon G11, 1/160 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 100.

Transformers

2011-12-06T22:12:00.001-05:00

- Robert's Transformer robots prepare for a big lunch time battle. On the left is Starscream a Decepticon disguised as an F15 fighter jet versus Optimus Prime leader of the Autobots. iPhone 4, using the Camera+ app, Freeform crop, Pinhole FX, and Thin White frame.

Frankenstein

2011-12-05T22:02:00.000-05:00

Edgar Winter is amazing!!! He invented the keyboard body strap early in his career, an innovation that allows him the freedom to move around on stage during his multi-instrument high-energy performances. He was also the first artist to feature a synthesizer as the main instrument in a song. "Frankenstein" revolutionized rock and roll and opened up a whole new world of possibilities with experimentation and sound - from Wikipedia. Canon 7D, 1/800 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Sharp Dressed Men

2011-12-04T23:45:00.000-05:00

- ZZ Top was the headliner band for the Rock Legends Cruise. They not only dressed for success but rocked the ship big time for three straight nights. Also got to meet FM99's Rock Girl Lindsey who won a trip on the legends cruise. Canon 7D, 1/125 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Polly Wanna Cracker?

2011-12-03T23:32:00.000-05:00

- This cool parrot greeted us as we arrived at the Ardastra Gardens. Located just outside of downtown Nassau, Bahamas. There is no place quite like the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center. The 5½ acre park is part jungle, part gardens and part zoo. Canon G11, 1/60sec @ f/8.0, ISO 400.

Silver Palm

2011-12-02T23:58:00.000-05:00

The Silver Palm tree is what the locals take to weave their baskets, placemats, hats, fans, artwork, portfolios, handbags, and other straw work designs. Canon G11, 1/50 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 200.

B-B-B-B-Bad to the bone

2011-12-01T23:57:00.000-05:00

- George Thorogood and the Destroyers rocking "Bad to the Bone" on the Rock n Roll Legends cruise. Canon 7D, 1/400 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

LUV

2011-11-30T22:21:00.001-05:00

- LUV is the New York Stock Exchange symbol for Southwest Airlines. The airline once used the tag line "The Somebody Else Up There Who Loves You." I love flying Southwest and apparently many others do Southwest is the largest airline in the United States based on passengers carried in 2010. Canon G11, 1/125 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, converted to Black & White in Lightroom 3 using Silver Efex Pro 2.

Rhombicuboctahedron

2011-11-29T21:41:00.001-05:00

- The Moravian star is generally a 26-point form, composed of eighteen square and eight triangular cone shaped points. This shape is technically known as a Great Stellated Rhombicuboctahedron. Each face of the geometric solid in the middle, the Rhombicuboctahedron, serves as the base for the "stellations" or starburst points. The Moravian star is a popular illuminated piece of Advent or Christmas decoration but was most likely first developed as a geometry lesson at a Moravian Boy's School in Germany. Canon 7D, 1/200 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 200mm focal length.

Sleigh Bell

2011-11-28T21:22:00.001-05:00

- Added a few gold and silver jingle bells to the garland surrounding the front door. Not only goes it give it a cool look but the doorway now has that sleigh bell sound as you come and go. Canon 40D, 1/80 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 100mm macro.

Nimmo

2011-11-27T21:22:00.001-05:00

- Nimmo United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia was built in 1791. The original structure still stands as the sanctuary, although it has undergone many changes over the years. It is the oldest surviving Methodist Church in continuous use in Virginia. Around 1840, the balcony was added as a slave gallery. It survives today as the only remaining structure directly related to the period of slavery in Princess Anne County, now part of modern day Virginia Beach. Records show that in 1846 Nimmo had 170 white members and 42 "colored members." During the civil war Nimmo used to house Union troops and as a hospital. Some of these troops left initials and names of their sweethearts carved into the posts supporting the balcony. Information from the church website. Canon G11, 1/250 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 100

Lighted Deer

2011-11-26T22:53:00.001-05:00

- The lighted deer have arrived for another season at Grammy and Grandpa's house. Robert and Sherlock are delighted. Canon G11, 1/3 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 100, camera on a railing with 2 sec delay timer on the shutter.

Man

2011-11-25T22:01:00.001-05:00

- Man - an eight and half foot tall bronze sculpture by Gaston Lachaise an American sculptor is part of the permanent collection at the Chysler Museum in Norfolk Virginia. It was originally commissioned but never realized in 1935 by the City of Philadelphia for Fairmount Park. Walter P. Chysler, Jr. independently commission the casting of Man in 1938. Canon G11, 1/20 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 800, converted to black and white in Lightroom 3 using Silver Efex Pro 2.

Le Chat Noir

2011-11-24T21:53:00.001-05:00

- Sherlock in his favorite morning spot on the window sill. His silhouette reminded my of the famous poster from the Parisian night club "Le Chat Noir." iPhone 4, 1/170 sec @ f/2.9, ISO 80, Camera+ App.

Looking Down on Sunrise

2011-11-23T22:07:00.001-05:00

- There is one good thing about an o-dark-thirty flight, you get to look down on sunrise from 35,000 feet. Canon G11, 1/60 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 800.

Twilight Signage

2011-11-22T21:01:00.001-05:00

- There are always amazing colors at twilight. This is why photographers call this the golden hour. This is actually civil twilight, that time after the sun has completely set but the sky still has a little illumination. The signs are lit by the street light and car headlights. Canon G11, 1/20 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 800.

Gibson "Bona-Bird"

2011-11-21T21:03:00.001-05:00

- Another photo and another guitar from Joe Bonamassa's concert in Richmond Virginia. Commissioned by Joe this unusual guitar combines a reverse Firebird neck with a Les Paul body and a single humbucker. Here Joe's shredding on "Slow Train." Canon 7D, 1/125 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 85mm lens.

Instant Sun

2011-11-20T21:25:00.001-05:00

- Don't ask. iPhone 4, 1/545 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 80, olloclip fisheye lens.

Blue Mystique

2011-11-19T20:38:00.001-05:00

- This is a Blue Mystique orchid that I saw today at Lowes and had to have. It is a really striking and unusual color. Mine has two stems with a total of 15 blooms. Canon40D, 1/250 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 100mm macro lens, micro Litepanel LED for illumination.

Paradise Gardens

2011-11-18T20:57:00.001-05:00

- I received some advice a while back that a photographer should look up, down and all around. I stopped one evening at the intersection of Princess Anne Road and Church Street in Norfolk Virginia and looked up to see this tree illuminated by the street lights. The tree stands next to McCullough Paradise Gardens an apartment complex owned by the United House of Prayer for All People which is located directly across Church Street. iPhone 4, 1/15 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400.

Grace

2011-11-17T21:23:00.001-05:00

- Looking across the labyrinth just inside the Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Stained glass windows pour brightly colored light across the naive and north aisle. To left is a sculpture of St. Francis by Beniamino Bufano. Canon G11, 1/8 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400.

Not an Egg

2011-11-16T20:58:00.001-05:00

- Tis is not an egg. It's the domed ceiling at the Landmark Theater in Richmond Virginia. " Formerly known as "The Mosque," the Landmark was constructed in 1926 by the Shriners as the ACCA Temple Shrine. The theater was designed in Moorish Revival style by Marcellus Wright, Sr. in association with Charles M. Robinson and Charles Custer Robinson. Canon 7D, 1/10sec @ f/3.5, ISO 800, 8mm fisheye lens.

Simple

2011-11-15T21:38:00.001-05:00

- A simple photo of some decorative colored glass bottles taken at the Hobby Lobby. iPhone 4, 1/17sec @ f/2.8, ISO 80, Camera+ App, Scene=Clarity, Crop=Square, Effects=Vibrant, Border=Vignette.

Double Neck

2011-11-14T20:10:00.001-05:00

- Joe Bonamassa playing the white Gibson Don Felder EDS-1275 #075 Double-Neck during "Young Man Blues" at Richmond Virginia's Landmark Theater last night. You can see Joe's Marshall stack complete with Bonamassa bobble heads just to the right. Canon 7D, 1/250 sec @ f/2.0, ISO 400, 85mm lens.

Mountain Time

2011-11-13T23:16:00.001-05:00

- Blues guitarist extraordinaire Joe Bonamassa plays "Mountain Time" at the Landmark Theater in Richmond Virginia. Tonight was the sixth time we've seen Joe play live. He never ceases to amaze and delight and tonight was no exception. Canon 7D, 1/400 sec @ f/2.0, ISO 400, 85mm prime lens.

Tabacco Company

2011-11-12T21:02:00.001-05:00

- The atrium in the Tabacco Company restaurant in the Shockoe Slip area of Richmond Virginia. The old tabacco warehouse was converted into a fine restaurant and club over 30 years ago. The large brass chandelier came from the Federal Reserve Bank in Cincinnati while the antique Otis brass elevator on the right edge of the photo was made for the Con Edison building in New York. Canon G11, 1.0 sec @ f.3.2, ISO 100.

Cold War

2011-11-11T23:13:00.001-05:00

- This is a static display of an old Nike Ajax surface to air missile. Developed and deployed in the 1950's these missile systems resulted in my Dad's transfer to Fort Bliss in El Paso Texas where he was assigned to the Air Defense Command. There he became a trainer of National Guard troops operating Nike sites throughout the country. He remained involved with the Nike systems though his retirement from the Army in 1966 and then with the Civil Service maintaining the radar tracking systems until they were deactivated in the mid 1970's as part of the SALT I treaty. This one still points to sky at Air Power Park in Hampton Virginia. Canon 40D, 1/100 sec @ f/16.0, ISO 100.

Little Willie

2011-11-10T21:44:00.001-05:00

- Meet Willie - a marble memorial to Willie Stewart who died in 1892 at 16 months old. The small statue was commissioned by Willie's mother and is said to be in his likeness. He's a rather famous occupant of the Victorian era Elmwood Cemetery in Norfolk Virginia. His mother must have loved him and missed him very much. A long inscription begins:

I cannot touch thy hand nor see thy face,
never more shall press my lips to thine,
sleep within thy lonely resting place.
Thou will not wake to any words of mine.
Farewell my son I leave you in God's keeping.
His will for thee at rest from all earth's care.
Farewell my Willie, farewell my darling.

iPhone 4, converted to black & white.

Braille

2011-11-09T20:34:00.000-05:00

- An close up look at Braille devised in 1825 by Louis Braille, a blind Frenchman. The Braille system is a method that is widely used by blind people to read and write, and was the first digital form of writing. Canon 40D, 1/500 sec @ f/10.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens at 1:1 and luminated from the side by an LED Litepanel.

No Behaving Badly

2011-11-08T21:32:00.000-05:00

- The trademark "No Bad Behavior" sign from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This campaign started way back in 1999 and the signs have been a fixture along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront ever since. Many people believe they refer to a city no cursing law but that's not true. They simply call attention to a voluntary code of ethics for behavior along the popular resort. Some love it, some hate it - but its definitely not a sign you see in other places. Canon G11, 1/320 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

10:10

2011-11-07T21:03:00.000-05:00

- Have you ever noticed when looking at marketing and promotional pictures of clocks that the hands are often positioned at 10:10? It's not just by accident. The hands are positioned that way because just it looks better, aesthetically and practically. Some say the clock has a 'smile' on its face much better than a pouty face at 8:20. Canon G11, 1/50 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400.

What a View

2011-11-06T21:02:00.000-05:00

- This is the view of the Chesapeake Bay from the Coastal Living 2011 Ultimate Beach House in the East Beach neighborhood of Norfolk Virginia. It was a really cool house with lots of interesting features but the best was it's view and location on the beach in East Ocean View. Canon 1/1000 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400.

Dixieland

2011-11-05T23:21:00.000-04:00

- Yep - "The South Starts Here." This sign is at the Dixieland Exxon on US Highway 13 in New Church Virginia just south of the Virginia-Maryland state line on the Eastern Shore. Gas station, convenience store, and souvenir shop of all things tacky. Who knew you could put the Southern Cross on so many things made in Asia and people would actually buy them. As Jeff Foxworthy may say "You might be a REDNECK if any part of your wardrobe came from the Dixieland Exxon." Canon G11, 1/400 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Lone Flower

2011-11-04T21:44:00.000-04:00

- Saw this lone flower today. The bright pink in stark contrast to the colors of fall all around. It's good to know there a few holdouts from summer. iPhone 4, Camera+ App, 1/160 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 80.

Cable Power

2011-11-03T23:41:00.000-04:00

- Massive electric motors drive the cable winding machinery for the three San Francisco historic cable car routes. The Cable Car Barn & Powerhouse was built in 1879 and then mostly leveled by the 1906 earthquake. Rebuilt on the same site the powerhouse continues to pull the cable cars up and down the steep streets of the great city. More than 140 years later the cable technology is still fascinating to watch. The Cable Car Barn & Powerhouse also houses the Cable Car Museum where you can watch the system at work. Canon G11, 1/8 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 800, converted to black and white.

Bay Bridge

2011-11-03T00:19:00.002-04:00

The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge at night. The bridge was completed in 1936 and at the time was the most expensive bridges ever built. iPhone 4, 1/15 sec @ f/2.8, iso 1000.

Jumbo

2011-11-01T21:11:00.002-04:00

- The Boeing 747, the original "Jumbo Jet" at the Detroit Airport. This blog post is my first from in-flight Internet. We are zipping along in a boring old 737 at 440 mph at an altitude of 36,658 feet somewhere over the midwest in route to San Francisco. iPhone 4, 1/15 sec @ f/2.8, Camera+ app using the HDR effect.

Don't Mess with the Law

2011-10-31T20:56:00.000-04:00

- Robert wanted to be a police officer for Halloween this year, much to the dismay of his firefighter father. He met me at the door when I arrived home tonight and issued me a ticket. I had to pay my fine - one piece of candy. I really wanted to take him up to the Tide light rail for a little fare enforcement. He really got into being Officer Sullivan. Canon 7D, 1/15 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800, 50mm prime lens.

Lazy Day

2011-10-30T21:54:00.003-04:00

- Sunday morning is read the paper in bed day. The cats always join us for the lazy morning. Sherlock wasn't ready to get up and stayed in bed under the sheets for about an hour after we got going. Canon 40D, 1/15 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 800, 100mm lens.

The Wells

2011-10-29T23:02:00.000-04:00

The ornate decoration of the Wells Theater in Norfolk Virginia is a well preserved example of Beaux-Arts neoclassicism. The grand theater has been home to the Virginia Stage Company since 1980. iPhone 4, Camera+ app.

Hungry Hungry Homer?

2011-10-28T21:17:00.000-04:00

- Hungry Hungry Hippos,
"It's a race, it's a chase, hurry up and feed their face!
Who will win? No one knows! Feed the hungry hip-ip-pos!
Hungry hungry hippos! (open up and there it goes!)"
Did you know the hippos have names? Lizzie (pink), Henry (orange), Homer (green), and Harry (yellow).Canon 40D, 1/500 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800, 100mm macro, Litepanel LED light.

The B-Day Boy

2011-10-27T23:21:00.000-04:00

- Another picture of Robert on his birthday. He's Grandpa's favorite model. Canon 7D, 1/30 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Renaissance Lion

2011-10-26T20:44:00.000-04:00

- This lion is one of eight that are part of the Renaissance Court and Garden at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. They guard the reflecting pool and fountain. Modeled along the classic lines of the Italian Renaissance of the late 16th century, this area features all of the trademarks of that period. Canon 7D, 1/5 sec @ f/32.0, ISO 100 mounted on a tripod.

Cool

2011-10-25T23:20:00.000-04:00

- The massive CPU cooling tower hides the brains of my PC from the camera but it does do a nice job of keeping the Intel Core-i7-940 processor nice and cool. Canon 40D, 1/200 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens

Point & Shoot

2011-10-24T21:37:00.000-04:00

- There's no shortage of cameras in the Sullivan house. This Canon SD870 IS has been Cindy's camera since 2008. It's a great little point & shoot camera. It has contributed six pictures to my photo of the day blog over the past three years. Check out what the SD870 can do. Canon 40D, 1/25 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens, converted to black & white in Lightroom 3 using Silver Efex Pro 2..

Laid Back

2011-10-23T21:18:00.000-04:00

- My grandson Robert was laid back before his birthday party today. Canon 7D, 1/25 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Kitty Pop, Pop-Pop

2011-10-22T21:13:00.002-04:00

- Sasha and Sherlock were fascinated by the popcorn popper. They didn't move the entire time it was popping. iPhone 4, 1/15 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 320. Camera+ app using 4×3, crop, depth of field - SFX and thin white border.

Monticello Station

2011-10-21T20:36:00.000-04:00

- The Tide light rail pulls out headed west from the Monticello Station. When the Tide started running in Norfolk Virginia on August 19 of this year, the audio announcement for the Monticello Station created some concerns. Voice artist Karen Hutton who speaks for the Tide used the correct pronunciation of "Monti-CHEL-o," like the musical instrument for the original recording. However many locals have always used the Americanized mispronunciation of "Monti-SEL-o." So a few weeks later Hampton Roads Transit had Karen re-record the announcement using the locally preferred, although incorrect, pronunciation of Monticello. Listen for it next time you ride the Tide. In addition to being a voice artist, Karen Hutton is an amazing photographer, check out her work here. Canon G11, 1/200 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Tough Shot

2011-10-20T20:59:00.001-04:00

- There are few more cheerful sights, when the evenings are long, and the weather dull, than a handsome, well-lighted billiard room, with the smooth, green surface of the billiard table; the ivory balls flying noiselessly here and there, or clicking musically together. — Charles Dickens Jr., (1889) - iPhone 4, 1/15 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 640, Camera+ app following adjustments: darken scene, square crop, XPRO C-41 FX, thin white frame.