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October 2, 2022

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2022

“Once you learn to care, you can record images with your mind or on film. There is no difference between the two.” — Anonymous

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

This week we travel to Cape Cod Massachusetts and visit some of the lighthouses. I am posting from each of the lighthouse webpages since my niece and one of my son’s best friends are getting married this Saturday and I have relatives staying with us. This leaves my little time to be creative.

Sunday, 09/18/2022: Posted photo — Nauset Light.

Nauset Light, the most well-known and photographed lighthouse on Cape Cod, is located within the boundaries of the Cape Cod National Seashore. It is an important part of Eastham’s cultural and maritime history. In 1993 a group of citizens in Eastham formed the Nauset Light Preservation Society (NLPS), a non-profit volunteer organization whose original mission was to rescue the lighthouse. Through the successful efforts of the NLPS the Nauset Lighthouse was moved approximately 300 feet back from the edge of a sixty-foot high eroding cliff in 1996. Though no longer under the auspices of the United States Coast Guard, Nauset Light serves as a private aid to navigation used by the fishing fleets and small recreational boaters who navigate close to the shore. https://www.nausetlight.org/mission

Monday, 09/19/2022: Posted photo — Three Sisters.

An 1836 petition by Eastham residents concerned about loved ones at sea caused the Boston Marine Society to recommend to the United States Congress the construction of the Nauset Lights. Congress granted $10,000, and the contract was awarded to Winslow Lewis, the lowest bidder at $6549.

Three 15-foot high masonry towers were built. The lights soon gained the nickname “The Three Sisters” because from sea they looked like women in white dresses with black hats.

https://www.nps.gov/caco/learn/historyculture/the-three-sisters-lighthouses.htm

Tuesday, 09/20/2022: Posted photo — Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse.

Highland Light Station, also known as Cape Cod Light, is located on Outer Cape Cod within Cape Cod National Seashore in North Truro. Commissioned by George Washington and established in 1797 as the 20th light station in the United States, the original 45-foot tall wooden tower and keeper’s dwelling were built more than 500 feet from the edge of a 125-foot-tall clay cliff. A new brick lighthouse was erected near the original tower in 1831. The present 66-foot-tall brick light tower, keeper’s house, and generator shed replaced the previous structures in 1857. An enclosed walkway connects the tower and the one-and-one-half-story, L-shaped, Queen-Anne-style keeper’s dwelling. https://www.highlandlighthouse.org/history

Wednesday, 09/21/2022: Posted photo — Pilgrim Monument.

The Pilgrim Monument was founded in 1892 as the Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association—Cape Cod’s oldest not-for-profit organization. Its purpose is to commemorate the Mayflower Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World in Provincetown, in November 1620. Here the Pilgrims spent 5 weeks exploring the tip of Cape Cod, before they sailed on to Plymouth. They also drew up and signed the Mayflower Compact, which established the rule of law for the new land. https://www.pilgrim-monument.org/pilgrim-monument/

Thursday, 09/22/2022: Posted photo — Wood End Light Lookout Station.

Located approximately one and one half miles across Provincetown Harbor from Provincetown, Wood End Light Lookout Station is situated on several acres of sand and dunes with no other structures in sight. It was first illuminated on November 20, 1872 to guide mariners into busy Provincetown Harbor. https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/maritime/woo.htm

Friday, 09/23/2022: Post photo — Chatham Light.

Chatham Lighthouse, in its origin, was placed on Cape Cods Southeastern location. The present lighthouse is one of six that were built in the Cape. This area entertained a great deal of maritime traffic. However, the waters of Cape Cod were brutal to many ships that graced its shores.

The coastline of Cape Cod is rumored responsible for over 3500 wrecked vessels (1850 through 1980). Those who sailed close to the Chatham shores tell tales of ghostly images that lured ships to what seemed like, safety; only to have their hopes dashed against the rugged shores of the Cape.

Chatham Light

Saturday, 09/24/2022: Post photo — Nobska Lighthouse.

In April 2016 the Town of Falmouth was granted a license by the Coast Guard to care for the light station property.

Station established: 1829
Present tower built: 1876
Automated: 1985

Construction materials: Cast iron with brick lining
Other buildings still standing: 1876 keeper’s house, oil house, storage building, garage

Tower height: 40 feet
Height of focal plane: 87 feet
Earlier optic: Fifth-order Fresnel lens
Present optic: Fourth-order Fresnel lens (1888) (below)

http://www.newenglandlighthouses.net/nobska.html

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/.

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September 25, 2022

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Photographic Thoughts — 09/11/2022 to 09/17/2022

“Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.” — Marc Riboud

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Been busy preparing for my niece’s wedding next week so I am posting some photos of ducks and geese this week.

Sunday, 09/11/2022: Posted photo — Spreading my Wings.

Monday, 09/12/2022: Posted photo — Pair of Geese.

Tuesday, 09/13/2022: Posted photo — Is this my Good Side.

Wednesday, 09/14/2022: Posted photo — Is this Side Better.

Thursday, 09/15/2022: Posted photo — What about me.

Friday, 09/16/2022: Post photo — Fish Story.

Saturday, 09/17/2022: Post photo — Just a Lazy Day.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/.

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September 18, 2022

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Photographic Thoughts — 09/04/2022 to 09/10/2022

“I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.” — Diane Arbus

From the Flags on the 48 website: “On September 11th, 2001 the consciousness of United States of America was undeniably altered by overwhelming and devastating acts of terrorism, so far reaching in their intensity that our country will forever carry the scars. Thousands of lives were lost in a fleeting moment, immeasurable families shattered, and countless hearts broken.

We in the hiking community continue to honor the deceased with a tribute: flying the American flag atop all 48 four-thousand foot and higher mountains in New Hampshire on Sunday, September 11. By demonstrating our steadfast unity in this challenging endeavor, we also hope to express our unwavering support to the families, friends, and communities whose losses are beyond comprehension and whose suffering we remember in our hearts.”

This event is the highlight of my year. One that I was training for after breaking my ankle. My goal was to get back in shape after an almost five-month period to be able to hike in this event.

This year marks the 13th year that I have been doing this hike. Good weather, bad weather, heat, cold, rain, and wind could not stop our group from doing this annual hike. The mountain we did this year was rated as an easy hike, Mount Hale, at 4,054 feet. One of the shorter mountains and the easiest 4,000 footer in the White Mountains. The hike took us up a well established bushwhack trail that had little rock or roots on it which was welcomed for my recovering ankle. One other person was also glad since she had ankle surgery the week after I did. Her surgery was not as extensive as mine so she recovered and was out hiking faster that I did. It is called the Fire Warden Trail and it could have been used by the fire warden when hiking to the summit. On the summit, there are posts in the ground that were used to anchor the old fire tower.

The ten people in our group have been doing this hike together for many years. We start out the hike with a group photo. I like to say that we do this incase someone gets lost and we have a photo of them. Since we were doing a trial that was not on any maps, the name of the trail or the mountain was not on the trailhead information board.

The group of use stayed together for the hike. As I stated in the opening statements, this was an easy trail. We gave ourselves four hours to reach the summit and set up our flag. It took up two and a half hours hiking very slowly so we would not reach the summit to early.

Group photo on the accent. Taken by a member of the group. My son and I are in the lead.

At the summit we worked together to set up our flag. Mount Hale has a wide-open summit, so we had plenty of room to set up the flag. Some of the summits are tight, and most have some room. There is no view of the neighboring mountains from the summit, just on the hike up.

Setting up the flag on a humid day. My son is holding the pole. I am in the green shirt.

Once on the summit, we had a moving tribute by Boy Scout Troop 13 from Pepperell, MA and by a member of our group. Our group has been taking one or two names of the victims from each site and talking about what they did prior to that memorable day.

We flew our flag from noon until 2 p.m. and the hiked down. It is always a great honor to be part of this tribute. Looking forward to the hike next year.

If you in the area and up for a hike, please join me.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/.

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August 14, 2022

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Photographic Thoughts — 07/31/2022 to 08/06/2022

“Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies.” — Diane Arbus

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

This week is full of sunrises and sunsets.

Sunday, 07/31/2022: Posted photo — Sunrise at the Beach.

On one of my past vacations, I took a sunrise walk on the beach with my camera. During the walk, I saw this great sunrise. I stopped and took this photo.

Monday, 08/01/2022: Posted photo — Jax Beach Sunrise.

I just loved the way the sunrise looked as we walked to the beach. I timed it to get the bird in the photo.

Tuesday, 08/02/2022: Posted photo — Sunrise at the Pier.

One of my trips to Jacksonville Beach Florida, I took another sunrise walk. I saw this heron near the shore and near the pier. I just loved the silhouette of the bird, so I took this shot.

Wednesday, 08/03/2022: Posted photo — Lightning at Sea.

We had a condo on the beach and there was a storm at sea. I set my camera on my tripod and set the timer for 15 second. I liked the way this photo came out but was disappointed that I did not set my timer at 30 seconds.

Thursday, 08/04/2022: Posted photo — Sunrise on Wachusett.

Morning winter hike up Wachusett Mountain for sunrise. There was a small coating of ice on the summit. The sunshine on the ice took a great photo.

Friday, 08/05/2022: Post photo — Sunset at the Cape.

One thing my wife and I do is have a weekend away on Cape Cod during the off season. This was one of the sunsets we saw.

Saturday, 08/06/2022: Post photo — Sunset on Wachusett.

Here is a pleasant sunset from the summit of Wachusett Mountain.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/.

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April 10, 2022

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Photographic Thoughts — 04/03/2022 to 04/09/2022

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” — Aaron Siskind

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Here are some more photos of a road trip we took. Looking forward to traveling again this summer. Hiking will be limited, but I will pick up my 50th state (North Dakota).

This week’s blog will only contain information that I have referenced off various web sites. This was the easiest way for me to describe each location. I could ramble on and on about the wonders and beauties of each of these parks.

Sunday, 04/03/2022: Posted photo — Monument Valley.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/7.1, 1/400 s, 150 mm.

“Monument Valley, a red-sand desert region on the Arizona-Utah border, is known for the towering sandstone buttes of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The park, frequently a filming location for Western movies, is accessed by the looping, 17-mile Valley Drive. The famous, steeply sloped Mittens buttes can be viewed from the road or from overlooks such as John Ford’s Point.” ― Google

Monday, 04/04/2022: Posted photo — Goosnecks State Park.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/11, 1/250 s, 18 mm.

“On the edge of a deep canyon above the sinuous river meander known as a gooseneck, this small park affords impressive views of one of the most striking examples of an entrenched river meander on the North American continent. The San Juan River twists and turns through the meander, flowing a distance of over six miles while advancing one and a half miles west on its way to Lake Powell. Gaze at the results of 300 million years of geological activity, where the San Juan River winds and carves its way through the desert 1,000 feet below.” — https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goosenecks/

Tuesday, 04/05/2022: Posted photo — Balance Rock.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 100, f/8, 1/125 s, 45 mm.

Arches National Park

“Balanced Rock, one of the most iconic features in the park, stands a staggering 128 feet (39m) tall. While this formation may appear to be an epic balancing act, it’s actually not balanced at all. The slick rock boulder of Entrada Sandstone sits attached to its eroding pedestal of Dewey Bridge mudstone. The exposure of these two rock strata layers are ideal for the formation of arches and balanced rocks.” — https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/balancedrock.htm

Wednesday, 04/06/2022: Posted photo — Landscape Arch.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/8, 1/125 s, 24 mm.

Arches National Park

“Landscape Arch is the longest arch in North America with a light opening of 306 feet (93.3 meters). This awe-inspiring expanse is only 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter at its narrowest. Large segments of the arch came crashing down in the 1990s – proof that the park’s landscape can change dramatically in a instant. Although other arches have fallen, Landscape Arch still hangs on by a very thin thread.” — https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/devils-garden.htm

Thursday, 04/07/2022: Posted photo — Amphitheater.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/10, 1/200 s, 42 mm.

Bryce Canyon National Park

“By far the most iconic section of the park, the Bryce Amphitheater is home to the greatest concentration of irregular rock spires (called “hoodoos”) found anywhere on Earth. Viewpoints along the first 3 miles (4.8 km) of the main road provide access to views overlooking this area. This area is referred to as an “amphitheater” as it is a bowl-shaped area shaped by the drainage of seasonal rains and melting snow (not truly a canyon, as those are shaped by flowing rivers)” — https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/see-the-bryce-amphitheater.htm

Friday, 04/08/2022: Post photo — View from Navajo Bridge.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/10, 1/125 s, 48 mm.

“Those traveling across the country on Highway 89A between Bitter Springs and Jacob Lake, AZ arrive at two bridges similar in appearance spanning the Colorado River. These two bridges, one historic and one new, represent one of only seven land crossings of the Colorado River for 750 miles (1207 km).” — https://www.nps.gov/glca/learn/historyculture/navajobridge.htm

Saturday, 04/09/2022: Post photo — Carlsbad Caverns.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/4.5, 6 s, 33 mm.

“High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.” — https://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/.

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March 20, 2022

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Photographic Thoughts — 03/13/2022 to 03/19/2022

“In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.” — Alfred Stieglitz

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Starting to take more photos. Still will be posting photos from past trips for a little while longer. Sill a long recovery ahead of me.

Enjoy some more travel photos from past trips.

Sunday, 03/13/2022: Posted photo — Low Key.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 2500, f/3.5, 1/40 s, 18 mm.

A low key image is one that contains predominantly dark tones and colors. Low key photography conveys atmosphere and mood. One of my photo projects had a low key image challenge this week. I was thinking about what photo to take to meet this challenge. I would have had many options if I had not just been operated on. With limited mobility, I thought about what there might be around the house. Since low key images contain predominantly dark tones and colors, I took a photo of the fire in our wood stove.

Monday, 03/14/2022: Posted photo — Cameron Falls.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 100, f/22, 10 s, 28 mm.

Cameron Falls, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta.

Cameron Falls is a very uniquely shaped waterfall of about 75 feet in height found in the heart of the Waterton townsite in Waterton Lakes National Park. After heavy rainfall, the waters upriver from the falls get stirred up with a red mudstone called argillite. As the water flows towards the falls, it turns to a beautiful pink hue when light reflects on the mineral water. We did not see the pink falls since the weather was dry when we visited Waterton Lakes National Park just after we visited Glacier National Park in Montana.

Tuesday, 03/15/2022: Posted photo — New Boot.

Settings: Google Pixel 2, ISO 195, f/1.8, 1/60 s, 4 mm.

I had a post op follow-up today a week and a half after surgery. My recovery is going as planned. I was fitted with this very uncomfortable boot. I still cannot put pressure on my ankle for another four weeks. Need to go back on Tuesday for another follow-up since the first one was close to my surgical date and the doctor would like to see my progress and remove some items from my ankle.

Wednesday, 03/16/2022: Posted photo — Harvard Glacier.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/8, 1/2000 s, 160 mm.

Harvard Glacier, College Fjord, Alaska.

The glacier has a 1.5-mile (2 km) wide face where it calves into the College Fjord. It is 300 ft thick and covers 120,000 acres of Chugach National Forest. The Harvard Glacier is the second largest glacier in the Prince William Sound, after the Columbia Glacier.

It is amazing to see how large a glacier is when you look at it from a distance. In this photo, we were about a mile from the glacier.

The names of the glaciers in College Fjord are: Amherst, Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Harvard, Smith, Vassar, and Yale. The glaciers of the northwest side feature the names of women’s colleges, and the glaciers of the fork and the southeast side sport the names of men’s colleges. What of Princeton? According to my research on the names, the scholars that named the glaciers took delight in ignoring it since none of them were Princeton alum.

Thursday, 03/17/2022: Posted photo — Cairn.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/11, 1/200 s, 34 mm.

On the trail near the Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park, Alberta.

A cairn is a mound of rough stones built as a memorial or landmark, typically on a hilltop or skyline. This cairn is shaped like a person. In Canada this is called an Inuksuk.

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six principal ‘toes’ of the Columbia Icefield, located in the Canadian Rockies. The glacier currently loses depth at a rate of about 16.4 feet (5 meters) per year and has receded more than 1 mile (1.5 km) and lost over half of its volume in the past 125 years.

From the Canadian Encyclopedia: “Inuksuk (also spelled inukshuk, plural inuksuit) is a figure made of piled stones or boulders constructed to communicate with humans throughout the Arctic. Traditionally constructed by the Inuit, inuksuit are integral to Inuit culture and are often intertwined with representations of Canada and the north.” — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/inuksuk-inukshuk

Friday, 03/18/2022: Post photo — Pall (and Rekard).

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/160 s, 55 mm.

These are my two buddied from Denmark. Earlier on in my photo projects, I featured Pall every week with Pall telling a story about his life. When I went back to Denmark, I picked up Rekard. They ventured together for next year or two. Might be time to bring their adventures back.

Saturday, 03/19/2022: Post photo — Crater.

Settings: N/A.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

From the USGS:

“Prior to 1980, Mt. St. Helens had the shape of a conical volcano sometimes referred to as the Mount Fuji of America. During the 1980 eruption the upper 400 m (1,300 ft) of the summit was removed by a huge debris avalanche, leaving a 2 x 3.5 km horseshoe-shaped crater now partially filled by a lava dome and a glacier. It is primarily an explosive dacite volcano.”

Quick Facts:

Location: Washington, Skamania County
Latitude: 46.2° N
Longitude: 122.18° W
Elevation: 2,539 (m) 8,330 (f)
Volcano type: Stratovolcano
Composition: Basalt to Rhyodacite
Most recent eruption: 1980, 2004-2008
Nearby towns: Castle Rock, WA; Olympia, WA; Vancouver, WA; Yakima, WA; Portland, OR
Threat Potential: Very High

Dacite: Volcanic rock (or lava) that characteristically is light in color and contains 62 to 69 percent silica and moderate amounts of sodium and potassium.

Stratovolcano: Steep, conical volcanoes built by the eruption of viscous lava flows, tephra, and pyroclastic flows. They are usually constructed over tens to hundreds of thousands of years and may erupt a variety of magma types (basalt to rhyolite). They typically consist of many separate vents. Synonym is composite volcano.

I have been to Mt. St. Helens a few times over the years. The first time was about ten years after the eruption, and we saw the logs floating in Sprit Lake. I just pictured Harry Truman looking up at the mountain from his lodge and wondering why he did not leave. Then again, there were may false alarms in the past. I am amazed on how nature is recovering in the area. I can still remember the first time that I drove into the blast zone. Very lush, dense forest along the road, turn the corner and nothing. Trees looking like toothpicks laying down in the direction of the blast. There were some cars left for visitors to see how powerful the eruption was.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe. For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/.

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March 6, 2022

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Photographic Thoughts — 02/27/2022 to 03/05/2022

“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.” — Ansel Adams

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

I scheduled this post on Thursday before my surgery on Friday. I do not know how I will be feeling on Saturday, my regular posting day.

Enjoy some more travel photos from past trips.

Sunday, 02/27/2022: Posted photo — Bryce Amphitheater.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/10, 1/200 s, 42 mm.

Bryce Amphitheater, View from Inspiration Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.

Monday, 02/28/2022: Posted photo — Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/5.6, 8 s, 47 mm.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico.

Tuesday, 03/01/2022: Posted photo — Double Arch.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 100, f/5, 1/125 s, 85 mm.

Double Arch, Arches National Park, Utah.

Wednesday, 03/02/2022: Posted photo — Lake Louise.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/13, 1/250 s, 29 mm.

Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta.

Thursday, 03/03/2022: Posted photo — Lightning over the Canyon.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/10, 1/400 s, 70 mm.

Lightning over the Canyon, North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.

Friday, 03/04/2022: Post photo — Petroglyphs.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/8, 1/400 s, 190 mm.

Petroglyphs Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT.

Saturday, 03/04/2022: Post photo — Sunrise.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/22, 1/4 s, 62 mm.

Sunrise Jacksonville Beach Pier.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/.

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February 13, 2022

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Photographic Thoughts — 02/06/2022 to 02/12/2022

“It’s weird that photographers spend years or even a whole lifetime, trying to capture moments that added together, don’t even amount to a couple of hours.” — James Lalropui Keivom

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

This week will only be photos. I have been writing my blog every day this week on thumbdrive. That thumbdrive has been misplaced so I am just posting photos. A photo is worth a thousand words. This phrase emerged in the USA in the early part of the 20th century. Its introduction is widely attributed to Frederick R. Barnard, who published a piece commending the effectiveness of graphics in advertising with the title “One look is worth a thousand words”, in Printer’s Ink, December 1921.

Sunday, 02/06/2022: Posted photo — Long Exposure.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/16, 1/10 s, 42 mm.

Monday, 02/07/2022: Posted photo — Alaska.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 400, f/8, 1/4000 s, 75 mm.

Tuesday, 02/08/2022: Posted photo — Chain.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 1600, f/5.6, 1/15 s, 88 mm.

Wednesday, 02/09/2022: Posted photo — DOF Photo One.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/13 s, 89 mm.

Thursday, 02/10/2022: Posted photo — Bat House.

Settings: Google Pixel 2, ISO 335, f/1.8, 1/40 s, 4 mm.

Friday, 02/11/2022: Post photo — Unknown Outcome.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 800, f/3.5, 1/8000 s, 18 mm.

Saturday, 02/12/2022: Post photo — Milky Way.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 3200, f/3.5, 20 s, 18 mm.

Write your own subtitles for theses photos. Please take one photo and write about it in the descriptions.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/.

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January 30, 2022

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Photographic Thoughts — 01/23/2022 to 01/29/2022

“It’s weird that photographers spend years or even a whole lifetime, trying to capture moments that added together, don’t even amount to a couple of hours.” — James Lalropui Keivom

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 01/23/2022: Posted photo — Music.

Settings: Google Pixel 2, ISO 252, f/1.8, 1/120 s, 4 mm.

Psalm 23, The Lord is my shepherd…

This is best known psalm out of the 150 psalms in the Bible. There are five books and four literary styles in the psalms. The styles are hymns, prayers of thanksgiving and petition, religious lyrics, and didactic psalms. You can go online or ask your religious leader for more information on the psalms.

Songs, or hymns, at mass are used to enhance the service. I played the organ/keyboard during Mass when I was in college. My family still plays and sings in the choir during Mass today. A good song will lift your spirits.

I did not intend to use this photo today. I used it because it was one of the only photos that I took and it was the one that I liked the best.

Monday, 01/24/2022: Posted photo — Dusting of Snow.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/5, 1/15 s, 50 mm.

Last week we received heavy and wet snow. This week we received a dusting of snow.

In taking this photo, I was practicing depth of field (DOF) in my photos. I am in my 13 year of taking photos every day and I still need on practicing various techniques so my photos are of my liking. I am my own worst critic.

I did go on a great hike tonight. This is my normal Monday night hike on Wachusett Mountain. The trails were in great shape from all the people that have been hiking after the last snowstorm. Microspikes are needed. Some people say no to microspikes since there is no exposed ice on the trails. If I am leading a hike, I am requiring the use of microspikes, or other traction devices, since there is ice under the snow and the spikes give you better traction. I am cautions in a group situation.

Microspikes are great for hiking or in thick ice, nanospikes are good for walking the in areas where traction is needed, but they are not as aggressive as microspikes. I would not recommend the use of nonspikes while hiking since they do not have the grip you need on the snow or ice, or the inclines and declined on a hiking trail. A more aggressive means for traction is the use of crampons. I use my crampons in the higher elevations of the White Mountains, or on a very icy trail. When I hike in the winter, I carry two sets of microspikes: my inexpensive “rock” microspikes and my “good” microspikes and have my crampons with me. Occasionally I will also attach my snowshoes to my pack if there has been newly fallen snow and I know that trail that I will be hiking is an underutilized trail. The difference between my inexpensive “rock” microspikes and my “good” microspikes is the length of the spikes and the quality of the product.

Tuesday, 01/25/2022: Posted photo — Snow White.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 800, f/36, 1/50 s, 93 mm.

Light dusting of snow received last night. This makes for a wonderful winter scene. When I was walking around yesterday, I was thinking of the challenge for the 52 frames project https://52frames.com/photographer/20931. The challenge is for this week is to take a minimalistic photo. This is my first minimalistic photo of the week. Look for a different photo later in the week.

Wednesday, 01/26/2022: Posted photo — Colors.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/7.1, 1/160 s, 115 mm.

Last week at this time, I posted a sunrise photo. Today I did the same.

I would like to talk about the colors in a sunrise/sunset. When the sun is low on the horizon during sunrises and sunsets, the sunlight travels through more of the atmosphere. Shorter wavelength colors (blues and violets) get scattered out. This leaves more of the longer wavelength colors like yellow, orange, and red. Therefore, sunrises often take on such colors. Some of the colors of a sunrise or sunset are #95382c, #141b24, #4f3c54, #223444, and #9c4a44 for the more technical people that read my post. Sunrises and sunsets are also in the 1000–2000 K range. Other base settings for sunrise and sunset photos are f/6–f/16 and a shutter speed of 1/500 s. I also like to take my photos one step underexposed to bring out the colors. Shoot RAW so values can be adjusted post process if required.

As always, practice sunrise and sunset photos to find out the best settings for your camera.

Thursday, 01/27/2022: Posted photo — Sky.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/7.1, 1/640 s, 24 mm.

Here is another minimalistic photo for the week. I like this one better than the snow photo so this is the one that I may post for the 52 frames project.

Some of the elements of minimalistic photography are simplicity, negative space, powerful composition, isolation, color, and lines and shapes. Minimalist photography shows the power of a simple solo object. In this case, it is the contrail against the blue sky.

Looking at the simplicity of this photo, my watermark may be taking away some of its impact. Need to think about that next time. There is a debate whether to watermark photos. It does take away from the aesthetic quality of some photos. I watermark the photos that I post and not the ones that I display in gallery showings or the ones that I sell.

Friday, 01/28/2022: Post photo — Hook.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/5, 1/15 s, 62 mm.

I see a hook, a needlenose shark, or a stitch puller. What do you see? This is another pareidolia photo.

Today I am not writing much about this photo since I need to prepare our house for the snow storm that will happen tomorrow.

Saturday, 01/29/2022: Post photo — Looking Down the Street.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/7.1, 1/80 s, 29 mm.

We received about 10 inches of snow out of today’s storm. It is much less than originally predicted. The storm moved out to sea, and we were on the outer edge of the storm.

I did go out every two hours today to shovel the snow. The first few times out there were a few inches of show to shovel. As the day went on, the shoveling was easier and quicker. Winter storm Kenan was another let down for us. Only 10 inches of snow. We are still waiting for the first big storm of the year.

Kenan was a bomb cyclone. A bomb cyclone is a storm that undergoes bombogenesis. Bombogenesis is a rapid intensification of a low-pressure system in which we measure in millibars. The lower the pressure is, the stronger the storm.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/.

My Weebly website is back up and running. I am looking of suggestions on how to make it look better.

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December 12, 2021

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Inspiration, Nature, Photography, religion, Thoughts

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Photographic Thoughts — 12/05/2021 to 12/11/2021

“Most things in life are moments of pleasure and a lifetime of embarrassment; photography is a moment of embarrassment and a lifetime of pleasure.” — Tony Benn

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 12/05/2021: Posted photo — Second Week of Advent.

Settings: Samsung SM-G930V (Galaxy S7), ISO 125, f/1.7, 1/60 s, 4 mm

Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), in the Christian church calendar, the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and the beginning of the Christmas season.

The four weeks of Advent are broken down into the themes: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The three purple candles on the Advent Wreath represent the preparation and repentance. During the third week of Advent, or Gaudete Sunday, a pink candle is lit to indicate rejoice, the time of waiting is almost over.

This photo was taken from the choir loft at our church. My wife and son sing with the folk group, and I joint them for the celebration of the Mass.

Monday, 12/06/2021: Posted photo — Color “fish” Photo.

Settings: Samsung SM-G930V (Galaxy S7), ISO 125, f/1.7, 1/60 s, 4 mm

I cancelled the Monday night hike, for safety reasons, due to the high winds and rain we were experiencing. Since there are inexperienced hikers in the group, it was not safe to be on the mountain. We would have hit the summit just at the bad weather was peaking. Because I did not hike tonight, I went grocery shopping tonight instead of my normal Tuesday evening.

When I am grocery shopping, I look for some food to photograph. I do this more in the winter since I do not have much opportunity to go outside in daylight to take my photo. Today, I saw these Goldfish crackers that are Goldfish Colors. I thought it would be punny to post a title of “Color ‘fish’ Photo”, instead of “Colorful Photo”.

https://www.campbellsoupcompany.com/newsroom/campbell-history/6-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-snack-that-smiles-back/

In 1962, Pepperidge Farm founder, Margaret Rudkin, launched Goldfish crackers in the United States.

Here are some things you didn’t know about Goldfish crackers:

While on vacation in Europe, Margaret visited a Swiss cookie manufacturer that had a similar product, and together they reached an agreement to bring the salty, fish-shaped crackers to the U.S.
Oscar J. Kambly, the original Swiss creator of the cracker, created them as a birthday present for his wife whose astrological sign was Pisces — which is often represented in Greek mythology as a fish.
The first five flavors of Goldfish that were launched were Lightly Salted (Original), Cheese, Barbecue, Pizza and Smoky, and it wasn’t until 1966, four years after the crackers were first launched, that the Cheddar Cheese flavor was introduced.
Willard, Ohio is the Goldfish capital of the world! Our bakery in Willard, a town of 6,000, can produce more than 50 million Goldfish crackers a day.
The Goldfish signature smiley face was added in 1997, and about 40% of the crackers feature the smile!

Tuesday, 12/07/2021: Posted photo — Anchor.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 400, f/9, 1/1600 s, 18 mm.

“Yesterday, December 7, 1941— a date which will live in infamy— the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” — FDR. Thus started the United States entry into World War II.

This photo is from my second visit to Pearl Harbor. It still amazes me that there is oil floating out of the USS Arizona. Looking back, I posted the same photos a year ago. This is from that post — “’This anchor was recovered from the Arizona. The ship had three anchors. The crew used one in calm seas and two in foul weather, the third as a spare. Each weigh nearly 10 tons.’ This are the words on a placard near the USS Arizona Anchor at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Hawaii. The sacrifice these men and women made to make our country the great country it is today.” See my original post on Pearl Harbor, and more photos from the National Monument, by clicking on this link, https://wordpress.com/post/photobyjosephciras.wordpress.com/568.

Wednesday, 12/08/2021: Posted photo — Wood Stove.

Settings: FLIR i5, ISO n/a, f/na, 1/30 s, 7 mm.

Some of you may know that I own an infrared camera. This camera takes photo of heat signatures of object. I use it to look at insulation in houses and efficiencies at power generating plants. Occasionally I use it to take artistic photos. Some of these photos are of footprints, handprints, car engines, warm tires, and even have used it as a stud finder.

Once or twice a year, I use it to check out my wood stove. My wood stove is old and not as efficient as some of the newer stoves. It is just a steel box with an exhaust pipe. One item that I often check is the temperature given on the stovepipe thermometer. This is a thermometer that has a magnetic backing and just sticks to the stove pipe. To my surprise, that thermometer and my thermal camera normally show the same temperature. The 518°F (250°C) temperature reading is the maximum temperature my camera can detect. The brand name of our stove is Nashua. You can just make out the name near the center of the photo next to the pointer.

Thursday, 12/09/2021: Posted photo — Footprints in the Snow.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/1000 s, 25 mm

It snowed last night. Well, I would not call it a storm, just a little more than a dusting. No need to shovel or plow. The roads were snow covered in the morning, so driving for some was not easy due to black ice. Black ice, sometimes called clear ice, is a thin coating of glaze ice on a surface, such as a road. As the name implies, you do not always know when it is present, and it is very dangerous.

I like footprints in the snow. They seem so mystical for me. I wonder where the footprints lead, where was the person going, or where did the person come from. I know this is not the first footprint photo that I have posted over the years. I liked the way the sun caused shadows in the prints.

Friday, 12/10/2021: Post photo — Sunset from Office.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/80 s, 38 mm

Came out of a meeting to this. Took out my camera before it was past. The colors at sunset disappear quickly so I was quick to the camera. During the meeting, I could see the light through the windows was changing as it does at sunset. I did not expect much when I went back to my office. Then I saw the red clouds just getting end of the sunset. Reminds me of the saying of always have your camera with you, you never know want photo opportunity you might have.

Saturday, 12/11/2021: Post photo — Star on Tree.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 3200, f/5.6, 1/15 s, 33 mm.

The star on our Christmas tree. This star was created by my brother-in-law for our family. Check out more of his work at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068315455341 or https://www.etsy.com/shop/PolyhedralPlayground.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/.

Please note that I have not been able to post to my Weebly page for over a week, so the photos are a little behind there. Weebly technical support is still working on the issue.