Touch Tone

From 2010 Blog

The "Touch Tone" telephone was standardized when the dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) system in the new push-button telephone was introduced in the 1960s, and replaced the rotary dial. When used to dial a telephone number, pressing a single key will produce a pitch consisting of two simultaneous pure tone sinusoidal frequencies. The row in which the key appears determines the low frequency, and the column determines the high frequency - hence the name dual tone mutli-frequency. Canon 40D, 1/20 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 50mm macro.

Five Star

From 2010 Blog

- This perennial has delicate white star-like blossoms with five points. The was in one of my favorite gardens on Mowbray Arch in the Ghent section of Norfolk. You can check out the sunset view from Mowbray Arch on my friend Jeff's "For Lack of a Better Photo" 365 project blog. Canon G11, 1/125 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 400 in macro mode.

gohrt.com

From 2010 Blog

- Shameless promotion of Hampton Roads Transit's website gohrt.com. I'm pretty proud of what we do with the website and all of our technology projects. My small team of techno magicians are amazing! These are HRT promo prencils illuminated with an LED alternate lightsource to give it that cool glow. Canon 40D, 1/50 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 50mm macro.

A Lovely Shade of Blue

From 2010 Blog

This hydrangea has a lovely blue color, some might call it periwinkle. This night photography technique uses the micro Litepanel LED to eliminate the bloom. The LED light gives very true color results and since the low power light falls off rapidly, the background is black and the vivid colors of the flower dominate the image. Canon 40D, 1/800 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 50mm focal length.

Dog n Burger

From 2010 Blog

- The Dog n Burger Grill in the Ghent section of Norfolk Virginia is one of my regular lunch stops. My standard order is the #3 New York Hot Combo. Canon G11, 1/640 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Cranes

From 2010 Blog

- Some would say the official bird of the Norfolk Virginia waterfront is the "crane". This photo was taken from the Elizabeth River Ferry landing in downtown Norfolk looking towards the Berkley section of the city. The five tower cranes are part of Metro Machine's Berkley shipyard. Between the shipyards and their tower cranes and the port terminals and their gantry cranes, the waterfront that was once the home of ships masts and funnels, is now dominated by cranes. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Lantana!

From 2010 Blog

- Lantana is a hardy, stunning plant known for attracting butterflies. This variety is Chapel Hill Gold which I picked up at Strawbridge Garden Center in Virginia Beach today. I placed it with a multicolored Lantana called Citrus Blend, They should definitely brighten things up a bit. Canon 40D, 1/25 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 50mm macro.

Helper

From 2010 Blog

- My helper Sasha was watching over my every move as I post-processed some pictures for the blog. Her reward, seeing herself on the screen. She loves to look at herself in the mirror or in pictures - she seems to be thinking "man that's one good looking kitty". Canon 40D, 1/13 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800. A little ear twitch and a slow exposure make this a less than purfect shot.

Broadband

From 2010 Blog

- The glowing LED's of my broadband router are a comforting sight. What did we do before high speed Internet, for that matter what did we do before Internet? One thing was developing film and waiting for photos. Another was actuality writing a letter. I for one don't miss those good ol' days. In fact the good ol' days weren't all that good. Canon 40D, 1/6th sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Coming to the Beach

From 2010 Blog

- Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa just announced a concert date in support of his new album "Black Rock" in Virginia Beach on November 19, 2010. Can't wait to see him in concert again. This photo is from a current tour performance last month in New York City, it was an awesome show. Canon G11, 1/40 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 800.

Rolling Plasma

From 2010 Blog

- I have posted twice before using pictures I took of a plasma globe. The other two were taken with my hand touching the globe thereby drawing the energy to a single point. In this photo the plasma is rolling randomly throughout the entire globe. Canon 40D, 1/15 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 400.

RPN

From 2010 Blog

- The ENTER key on a calculator is a clear sign that it employs the Reverse Polish notation or RPN method to evaluate mathematical expressions. My first RPN calculator was the 1978 model HP32E which I owned and used for over 20 years. My first serious programming was done on an HP41C, basically a handheld computer which was also used as the third level backup system computer for the first nine space shuttle missions. It's always fun to hand your RPN calculator to an unsuspecting victim and watch them search for the nonexistent "=" key - its a geek thing. Canon 40D, 1/500 sec @ f/2.0, 50mm macro lens.

Cycles

From 2010 Blog

- On February 9th I posted a picture of my orchid on this blog. This is the first one that re-bloomed for me. I was proud of the both the amazing flower and the photo. Tonight's photo is of the same bloom 97 days later as it begins to fade away. Although a little sad, it is still interesting and I had its full wonder to appreciate for over three months. I can now understand why Orchid lovers are so passionate about these plants. Canon 40D, 1/160 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 800, 50mm macro lens.

Who Could Ask For Anything More?

From 2010 Blog

- Festival food vendors offer a gamut choices especially for meat lovers. This vendor at the Stockley Gardens Art Festival is appealing to many varied tastes. There were more a few turkey leg diners strolling the booths. I saw most of the usual festival offerings but no fried Snickers bars, what's up with that. So I had to make due with a $4 lemonade. Canon 7D, 1/320 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 200.

Lonely in a Crowd

From 2010 Blog

- These four benches at the Stockley Gardens park in the Ghent section of Norfolk have been retro fitted with center arm rests to discourage sleeping on the park benches by the homeless. Someone had left a Gideon's New Testament Bible encased in a plastic sandwich bag on the first bench. I wonder what Jesus would have thought about the anti bum bars? Canon 7D, 1/500 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 200.

Shavings

From 2010 Blog

- I was emptying the pencil sharpener tonight and the bright green flecks of paint from my new goHRT.com pencils caught my eye. I guess it was my early training in drafting that made me a fan of the humble pencil. The author John Steinbeck was an obsessive pencil user and is said to have used as many as 60 a day. His novel East of Eden took more than 300 pencils to write. Canon 40D, 1/200 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 800, 50mm macro lens with the life size converter.

Deep Orange

From 2010 Blog

- This is the bloom from a Nonstop® Mocca Deep Orange Tuberous Begonia that I picked up a few weeks back at the Strawbridge Garden Center in Virginia Beach. The hanging basket is pretty spectacular and especially well suited to my shady backyard. The blooms are large and multi-layered and plentiful. Canon 1/80 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 400, 50mm macro lens.

Fortress Monroe

From 2010 Blog

- Completely surrounded by a moat, the six-sided stone fort in Hampton Virginia is the only one of its kind left in the United States that is still an active Army post. Unfortunately Fort Monroe is one of several posts selected to be closed by September 2011. Robert E. Lee, a young first lieutenant and engineer was stationed there from 1831 to 1834, and played a major role in the final construction of the fort. In 1828 a private going by the name of E. A. Perry, better known today as the famous author Edgar Allan Poe was stationed at the garrison rising to the rank of Sergeant Major for Artillery. The granite walls and moat looked much the same today as did when Robert E. Lee and Edgar Allen Poe served there. Canon G11, 1/250 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 400.

Trash Rock

From Rock n Roll HOF

- A self portrait taken last week at the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. That's me to left with the Hall's ceiling and gift shop reflected in the chrome dome trash can cover. Canon G11, 1/800 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400. The Hall's no photography policy in the exhibits left me a little cold.

Details, Details, Details

From 2010 Blog

- Regular followers of my blog know that I am a fan of architectural details. While attending Allison and Tom's wedding reception at the Huber Court in the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia, I noticed how the decorator's had placed dramatic up lighting at the base of each column of the side arches. This lighting really brings out the details and textures of stone work. Canon Powershot SD870 IS, 1/20 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 200 in macro mode.

Floating Bubbles

From 2010 Blog

- New bubble wand, beautiful sunlight and a nice breeze challenged my camera today. I got a couple of nice photos and ending up choosing this one for today's blog post. Take a look at the runner up and see which one you like best. I bet I looked pretty strange waving the bubble wand and then running with the camera trying to catch the bubbles before they popped. Canon 40D, 1/200 sec @ f/6.4, ISO 200, 50mm, a full frame image with no cropping.

Huber Court

From 2010 Blog

- Huber Court at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk Virginia. Tonight we attended the beautiful wedding of my friend Allison and her husband Tom. The ceremony was outside in the Memorial Garden with wonderful late afternoon sunshine streaming in. The dinner and reception was held in Huber Court which was spectacular in dramatic lighting and flowers. The cake was framed by these stairs and entrance to galleries. Canon Powershot SD870 IS, 1/8 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 250, hand held - a testament to the little point 'n shoot's image stabilization.

Commerce & Electricity

From Cleveland

- This sculpture by Daniel Chester French, famous sculptor of seated Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., is located at the front of the historic Beaux-Arts masterpiece that is the Howard M. Metzenbaum U.S. Courthouse in Cleveland. Entitled "Commerce" it depictes a female figure holding a model ship in one hand while her other arm rests on a globe representing the opportunity for world trade. At her right is "Electricity," symbolized by a female figure holding a magnet catching electrical sparks. Canon G11, 1/25 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 400, converted to black and white.

Fountain of Eternal Life

From Cleveland

- The has has to be one of the more interesting war memorial monuments I have seen. The Fountain of Eternal Life, also known as the War Memorial Fountain and Peace Arising from the Flames of War, is a statue and fountain in Cleveland, Ohio. Located in the Cleveland Mall the Terminal Tower is visible in the background. Check out some other photos from my visit to Cleveland.

Stampin'

From Cleveland

- A giant rubber stamp at Cleveland's Willard Park. When I first started my career in government many years ago rubber stamps were commonplace. Massive multi-tiered rubber stamp trees held the tools of bureaucracy on any self respecting bureaucrat's disk. I suspect most kids today have never seen one. It is appropriate that this massive stamp is right next door to Cleveland's City Hall. Canon G11, 1/400 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 200.

Terminal Tower

From 2010 Blog

- The Terminal Tower is a landmark skyscraper located on Public Square in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. It was built during the skyscraper boom of the 1920s and 1930s, and was the second-tallest building in the world when it was completed. The Terminal Tower stood as the tallest building in North America outside of New York City from its completion in 1930 until 1964. Info from Wikipedia. Canon G11, 1/15 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 800.

Assateague Light

From 2010 Blog

- The Assateague Lighthouse has a distinctive sequence of light shining, a double flash, which sets it apart from other east coast lighthouses. An automatic timer starts the process each evening. This is view of the twin rotating lights. For those of you who really need the traditional lighthouse view check out this photo from our visit in 2007. Canon Digital Rebel XTi, 1/60 sec @ f/22.0, ISO 200, 18mm focal length.

New Cape Henry Light

From 2010 Blog

- This is "New" Cape Henry light a blog update a few days later than I had promised. In the 1870s, concerns about the condition and safety of the Old Lighthouse at Cape Henry led to the construction of New Cape Henry Lighthouse in 1881. The new light is composed of enormous cast-iron plates bolted together and is the tallest cast-iron, fully enclosed lighthouse in the United States. This picture shows both the old and new lighthouses at Cape Henry. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 100.

Ocracoke Light

From 2010 Blog

- Built in 1832 the Ocracoke light is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina. Ocracoke Island is one of the most remote islands in North Carolina's Outer Banks. It can only be reached by one of three public ferries, private boat, or private plane. Most of the island with the exception of the village of Ocracoke is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Hatteras Light

From 2010 Blog

- One of the most recognizable lighthouses in the country is Cape Hatteras light. Complete in 1870 with over a million bricks and at 198.5 feet high it is one of the tallest lighthouses. The light can be seen 20 miles away. The lighthouse was moved a half a mile inland in 2000 to protect it from the eroding shoreline. Canon 40D, 1/125 sec @ f/14.0, ISO 200.

Currituck Beach Light

From 2010 Blog

- Moving south from Cape Henry Virginia, the next lighthouse is the Currituck Beach light located in Corolla, North Carolina. This picture is taken from the grounds of the old Whalehead Club which is adjacent to the lighthouse. Built in 1875 the Currituck Beach light filled the remaining "dark spot" on the North Carolina coast between the Cape Henry light to the north and Bodie Island to the south. To distinguish it from other regional lighthouses, its exterior was left unpainted. Canon Rebel XTi, 1/500 sec @ f/13.0, ISO 200.

Old Cape Henry Light

From 2010 Blog

- Beginning today I will post a series of pictures of lighthouses I have visited. I love climbing lighthouses that are open to the public and that includes this one, the old Cape Henry Lighthouse in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This lighthouse is on the official seal of the City of Virginia Beach and was the first federal public works project authorized by President George Washington and completed in 1792. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 100. Tomorrow - new Cape Henry Light.

White Rain

From 2010 Blog

- An afternoon thunderstorm and a small beam of evening sunlight help to make this an interesting picture of white azaleas. Canon G11, 1/125 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 200.

Amazing Azaleas

From 2010 Blog

- The azaleas are simply amazing this year in southeastern Virginia. It has been a long time since I've seen them so full of blooms. Everywhere you look they seem to be like giant balls of color. These are some of the old large ones along my back fence. They've been in the yard since we bought the house over 29 years ago. Canon 40D, 1/500 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 400, 50mm lens.

Faith and Hope

From 2010 Blog

- The Iris gets its name from the Greek word for rainbow signifying the wide variety of colors that can be found in the popular garden flower. Iris is also the Greek goddess for the Messenger of Love, her sacred flower is considered the symbol of communication and messages. Based on their color, the iris conveys varied messages. The blue iris symbolizes faith and hope and these have been a fixture in my garden for over 20 years. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @f/4.5, ISO 400, 50mm focal length.

Little Flower

From 2010 Blog

- I was taking pictures of my blooming irises today when I noticed this small little flower growing at the edge of the bed. I have no idea what it is, I guess it's just a wildflower or weed. The open bloom is about a 1/2 inch in diameter. The bright yellow center, white pedals with a light pink edge, made for a delightful surprise. I am always surprised by things I see when taking pictures that I would otherwise miss. Canon 40D, 1/100 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 50mm macro at 1:1.

Evening Sand

From 2010 Blog

- The weather was great today so I was thinking that beach season will soon be here. Last August we spent a few days at Cape May New Jersey and this early evening beach scene portrays my favorite time of the day to be on the sand. Maybe I'll get to make a new beach photo this weekend. Canon 40D, 1/400 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400.

Glass Dome

From 2010 Blog

- Looking up at the glass Dome at Isle of Wight County Museum in Smithfield Virginia. The museum is housed in the old Bank of Smithfield building. Canon Digital Rebel, 1/160 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 200, 40mm focal length.

Old Point Comfort Lighthouse

From 2010 Blog

- The lighthouse at Old Point Comfort in the Hampton Roads Harbor was built in 1802. It sports an unusual color pattern of white, red and green and is located on the grounds of Fort Monroe. The lighthouse is just outside of the fort's moat and massive stone walls whose construction was overseen by a young army engineer named Lt. Robert E. Lee. The Fort and the grounds around the lighthouse are open for visitors and it is well worth the trouble of going through the security check point to see them. Canon Rebel XTi, 1/200 sec @ f/14.0, ISO 200.

Pier Sunrise

From 2010 Blog

- This picture was taken in September 2006 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier with its early morning anglers is silhouetted by the sun just as it rises over a bank of clouds on the horizon. As I look back on this series of sunrise photos, I am amazed at how fast the sun comes up and sky changes. Canon Rebel XTi, 1/250 sec @ f/18.0, ISO 200.

Looking West

From 2010 Blog

- Looking towards the Hudson River along W. 48th Street in New York City. The Belvedere Hotel is on the right with its great 1920's Art Deco exterior illuminated by the late afternoon sun reflected off of the glass towers along Eighth Avenue. Because of all the glass in New York, it's not unusual to see the late afternoon sun coming from the east rather than the west. Canon 7D, 1/125 sec @ f/18.0, ISO 400.

Postindustrial Theme Park

From 2010 Blog

- This is a light fixture crafted from old warehouse parts and pieces. It was one of many art displays that are part of the Chelsea Market, home of the Food Network and many family owned and operated food businesses. The giant warehouse was a long time factory bakery of the National Biscuit Company (NABISCO) and was the place where the Oreo cookie was invented. Canon 1/250 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

We Know Cheese

From 2010 Blog

- "We Know Cheese" is the tag line for Murray's Cheese on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, NYC. The family owned business has over 300 cheeses. We had an amazing time in the Village today and left with cheese from Murray's and fresh bread from Amy's Bakery. Canon 7D, 1/30 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 400.

Spotlight on Joe

From 2010 Blog

- Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa ripping up the stage during his encore at New York City's historic Town Hall Theatre last night. Joe motto is "Always on the road" and his tour truck is the latest example of his climb in popularity. Canon G11, 1/80 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800.

Thank You Mood

From 2010 Blog

- Mood Fabrics on 37th Street in NYC's fashion District is a sight to see. As fans of the TV show Project Runway, we just had to stop by and check it out. This is one of many displays of thread. Canon G11, 1/30 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400 in macro mode.

Abstract Beans

From 2010 Blog

- My jelly bean jar as seen through a ridged glass bowl. Canon G11, 1/250 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, in macro mode.

The Monarch

From 2010 Blog

- The Monarch is the best known of all North American butterflies. This male is a great example of the species, large with bold orange and black coloring. They are unmistakable when spotted during the spring and late summer migrations. The monarch is the only butterfly that migrates both north and south just as birds do on a regular basis. However, no single individual makes the entire round trip. Canon 7D, 1/640 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400, 200mm focal length.

Night Harbor

From 2010 Blog

- The San Diego harbor and night skyline. I took this picture back in November 2006 from the deck of a harbor dinner cruise boat. It was a great clear night. I was surprised that I managed to make the picture this sharp with a relatively long exposure and the camera braced on the rail of the boat. Canon Rebel XTi, 1/3 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 800.

Suburban Sunrise

From 2010 Blog

- Sunday sunrise in the burbs. The sun was just coming up when I went to fetch the morning paper. What to do, take a picture of course! Canon G11, 1/160 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Mom?

From 2010 Blog

- The Jewish Mother Restaurant in Virginia is an institution. Billing it self as "The Home of East Coast Blues" the small restaurant is both a great place to eat and experience live music. This is a shot of the sound board with the brightly painted Pacific Avenue windows in the background. Canon G11, 1/40 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800. BTW - the carrot cake is to die for.