A beautiful day for me to photograph these giant sunflowers at Lanni Orchards in Lunenburg, MA, that are now in full bloom. I recommend a visit and to stop in their market and pick up some fudge or, my favorite, a cherry pie! … [Read more...]

One morning, I watched the full moon descend towards the location of the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings, which i could see from my NYC apartment window. Becoming obscured by moving clouds, I saw there would be an opening and and the possibility of a good shot. Patience paid off. … [Read more...]

We enjoyed a very nice family vacation in Michigan. A special shout out to our gracious hosts, Lance and Lynel, who took everyone jet skiing, power boat tubing, evening lake cruises, and campfire gatherings. I have learned that it is all about family and that taking time to set aside the daily grind of work is so much more important. This photo was taken on the first day when my niece jumped into West Twin Lake in Lewiston to get the vacation started. The lake was not a cold as expected and everyone had a blast! … [Read more...]

I decided to take my version of this iconic shot of the Manhattan Bridge on Dumbo Street in Brooklyn. After nearly 45 minutes of handholding my D800 and shooting around dozens of people and cars going through the scene, I was able to get sufficient images to composite this final image using Photoshop. Have to say, it came out the way I wanted and looks pretty cool. … [Read more...]

I had the opportunity to walk around downtown LA one afternoon and took this shot of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.  It is a unique structure designed by the architect Frank Gehry and opened in 2003.  Next visit I am want to go inside. … [Read more...]

  All I can say is WOW!  I went to Tudor City in Manhattan, just across from the United Nations, to capture Manhattanhenge. This is an event that occurs twice a year when the sun sets in alignment with the cross streets.  I spent a very nice afternoon (6-1/2 hrs) waiting with many other photographic enthusiasts (got my photo geek on!) I was fortunate to get this shot, as others have come multiple times only to be disappointed when the sun is obscured by clouds.  Thank you to my new friends and I wish you capture many other great images.   And in in the news.....   NEWS How to get the perfect Manhattanhenge photo? Patience, folding chairs and no water. Amateur shooters set up early to try to capture the beautiful moment when the sunset aligns with Manhattan’s grid.   Winston Zhou, 52, from left, Josh Nguyen, 28, and Glen Viglone, 64, wait Thursday for the Manhattanhenge sunset phenomenon at the Tudor City overpass.  Photo Credit: Rajvi Desai.    While Manhattanhenge for most is a biannual event to take selfies and gush over the Manhattan skyline, for some dedicated (and paranoid) New Yorkers, it’s a lot of watching (the clouds) and waiting.  For some, it’s unacceptable to saunter out of your home minutes before the sunset is scheduled to occur. Foresight and preparation is key. “Manhattanhenge is one of those unique photographic opportunities that you have to go out of your way to capture,” Glen Viglone, 64, said Thursday, while waiting at the Tudor City overpass. “You have to take time out, you have to be there.” The overpass, on 42nd Street between First and Second avenues, has always been a popular spot for those wanting to capture the majestic phenomenon when the sunset directly aligns with the Manhattan grid, sending many who witness it into a flurry to document its beauty with a photograph. To get a spot on the overpass, however, is an art only the patient have mastered.   The site offers an unobstructed view looking west down to the Hudson River, which is why expensive cameras and tripods start appearing on the streetwide overpass early in the day — sometimes as early as 12 hours before the sunset. Thursday, it will be at 8:20 p.m. One such diligent photographer, Stephen Bookin, 69, traveled from Westchester County to Manhattan to set up his Nikon camera at a quarter to 8 Thursday morning. He had read about Manhattanhenge in The New York Times earlier in the year, and decided to make the trip. By 1:30 p.m., Bookin had already read Thursday’s Times cover to cover, taken some shots of the gargoyles on the Chrysler building and munched on some granola bars his wife had packed for him. With each man on his own in the highly coveted, cramped space, the trick for most photographers is to not drink water so they can avoid having to use a bathroom. Bookin had seen photos on the internet of Manhattahenge viewing spots, which he says were overwhelmingly crowded with cameras and iPhones.  “I said ‘Oh my God, I’m never getting in there,’ ” said Bookin, as he dug through his New York Yankees cooler. “To get a great shot, take a shot yourself, that’s the difference to me. I can look at a beautiful picture on the internet, but they’re not mine.” The first Manhattanhenge of the year happened in May, but unfortunately for some documentarians, the cloud cover ruined the opportunity for a good picture. “I’ve been coming here for many years and I have never gotten that photo,” Winston Zhou, with the North America Photographers Association, said in frustration. “Either there is no space or there are clouds. I need to get it one time.”  Zhou is refraining from drinking water, too. Reading “The Count of Monte Cristo” and intermittently talking photography with other enthusiasts was Greenpoint resident Josh Ngeyen, 28. At 3 p.m., he was holding the fort for his friends, whom he had invited to come take some shots. “It’s a scarce event that occurs and so it adds value,” Ngeyen said. “It’s kind of like the planets aligning.” By Rajvi Desai rajvi.desai@amny.com Updated July 15, 2018 3:45 AM   I was very touched when a coworker asked me for a copy of this image and surprised me when she had it printed and hung in her office.  Thank you Camille!     … [Read more...]

Several years ago, when we were touring Ireland, I spotted a ruin and thought it would be a good photographic opportunity.  From inside, I photographed the remote island off shore.  It turns out this is Skellig Michael, and the location where they found Luke Skywalker!  My geek runith over!!   … [Read more...]

Here in New England, we are still glowing after the Patriots' stunning comeback to win Superbowl LI! But we will never forget the Red Sox's unbelievable comeback to beat the NY Yankees (sorry family and friends) and win the World Series.  Winter will be leaving  and Spring is just around the corner with the blooming flowers, the smell of freshly cut grass and going back to Fenway Park for those sausage and pepper subs (or grinders as they're called), singing "Sweet Caroline" and cheering for our beloved Red Sox. … [Read more...]

Summer Balloon Festival in South Kingston, RI.  Not as impressive as I had hoped, but managed to get a good image of the few balloons as they were illuminated. … [Read more...]

Today I spent a wonderful day in Newport Rhode Island with my son who came home last weekend and surprised me on Father's Day. The highlight of today was a sailing tour of Newport Bay, which I will remember always. … [Read more...]