A selection of favorite photographs from Amsterdam, Trinidad, Barcelona, and Iceland—to beautiful countryside vineyards, museums, cathedrals, and urban city centers.
Nights Watch — 1.2020
Entering the Night Watch Gallery, Rembrandt's famous painting was behind a large glass enclosure for restoration. People crowded along the glass wall to catch a glimpse and enjoy the masterpiece. As I moved to get closer to view the painting—the movement of people, reflections, and background blended capturing this image. It is blurred, distorted, and raw in many ways—however, layered, organized, and captures the essence of the experience where people and the painting became one.
The painting in the background is not Rembrandt's Night Watch—but an interpretation by Bartholomeus van der Helst entitled "The Military Company of District VIII under the Command of Captain Roelof Bicker." Rijksmuseum is incredible and highly recommend visiting.
Kirkjufjara Beach — 3.2016
Iceland was my favorite photography trip—the dramatic landscapes, colors, shadows, and weather are beautiful and ever-changing moment-to-moment. It is full of many natural wonders the inspiration is everywhere. With the 1000s of images I took of Iceland, the black sandy beaches east of Dyrhólaey Arch and west of Reynisdrangar were my favorite. The Kirkjufjara Beach is stunning against the whitecap waves, jagged dragon scale-like cliffs, and sand so lush and rich you can smell the salty air.
I wasn't supposed to be on the beach and reprimanded by the tour guide. The beach is one of the most dangerous in the world due to the rugged waters, narrow shores, and large sneaker waves—it has taken many lives. For more visit Beautiful Solitude Of Iceland — Golden Circle Adventures.
Elvis — 3.2019
Those that follow my photography know that I enjoy creating dark layered images with dramatic light and raw effects—and Sacramento with its decaying architecture and creative murals made it an interesting city to photograph.
The pealing mural of Elvis by Cheyenne Randall with strong graphics, grimy brick, dark shadows, and decapitating wall is wonderfully captured. I don't normally retouch images, however, layered into the image is stage flooring and spotlight symbolizing Elvis's musical and entertainment achievements.
Santa Maria del Pi — 9.2014
My favorite city and in many ways, I feel more at home in Barcelona than anywhere else. I've always enjoyed visiting family and walking Plaza Catalunya, Gothic Quarter, Born, Las Ramblas, and the great architecture of La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site.
The grand rose window at Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi is beautiful—the mesmerizing pattern full of complexities, yet simple and natural highlights are perfect. It is a lesser-known church in the Gothic Quater with a striking octagonal bell tower.
The Bus Stop — 7.2017
Finished a day at school—serving with a youth group from Harvest Time Church and El Refuge an outreach center that offers hope and healing to abused and exploited children and young adults in Panama City. We spend most of the time painting, cleaning, and conducting various skits to minister to the students.
As we packed up to leave, I notice uniformed students gathered on a curved sidewalk under a long corrugate canopy with bold signage above. I don't normally photograph people, but it felt classic and timeless moment, especially in black and white.
Got My Ticket — 7.2017
In the last session of the week, we ministered to the entire school of over 800 students. When students were called forward to accept Christ, only one small kid stepped up. I didn't know what to think as he struggled forward through the crowded rows, seemingly crawling over and around the other students who filled the auditorium, including the aisles—some students laughing at him. But once he arrived at the stage, 100s followed him.
The expressions of joy as they left the auditorium with their tickets were priceless. It was a humbling and enjoyable experience but can't say I'm cut out for missionary work.
Rise & Sleep — 4.2017
The remarkable Uffizi Gallery and triptych by Nicolas Froment illustrates the story of Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary. Martha informs Jesus of her brother's death on the left-hand leaf. In the center, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead—right-hand leaf, a celebration in the house of Simon the Pharisee where Mary washes Jesus's feet—and on the very far right the security guard leaned against the priceless masterpiece takes a nap. I was amused and likely the only person that noticed—some people rise and others sleep.
Flushing Express — 2.2018
For a short period, I commuted from Connecticut to Long Island City—it was a long day starting at 4 am and getting home past 9 pm. Despite the tiresome travel, I always enjoyed the 7-train rising out of the East River into the ever-changing skyline of Long Island City.
Almost daily I would photograph the new developments, cityscapes, ironwork, and street scenes through dirty windows as the train moved from Hunters Point to 33 Street-Rawson Street. The series is wonderful with dramatic lighting, dark shadows, and a grimy appearance.
Restaurante 1894 — 5.2019
Working in the travel industry has afforded me the opportunity to visit many places in the world. It has been a blessing full of new experiences—yet tiresome moving quickly through airports, hotels, and meetings without time to explore the city attractions or landmarks. Many years ago I challenged myself to photograph one unique thing on each trip and begin a series on small business and storefronts. The image above was taken in Porto and the series has hundreds of similar dramatically layered images in vintage motifs.
Frederick Street — 12.2018
A few memories here. After a long flight and interesting taxi ride, I arrived in Port of Spain and eager to explore the city. The hotel concierge directed me to the shopping district and it was a little different than I imagined. The streets were active and colorful, yet much of the architecture was in decay. I originally took this street scene without anyone in it. As I waited a woman carrying a large bag strolled past the gated refreshment stand and a man appeared in the alley, it seems more complete with them in the picture.
Moments after taking this photograph, the police stopped me and asked me to return to my hotel for my own safety. Later that evening, returning from dinner we were stopped by a military unit armed with assault rifles. They surrounded us as dogs sniffed the car checking for drugs and a colleague was questioned. We were detained for about 20-minutes before being released. I eventually make it to the beach at Maracas Bay which was a nice change.
Oliver Perry — 12.2017
Besides my love for Newport—I've always enjoyed the Oliver Hazard Perry Monument in Eisenhower Park with the whipping tree branches and dramatic shadows. You can almost see the intensity of Perry leaving the sinking USS Lawrence in the midst of the Battle of Lake Erie—as he boarded the USS Niagara with his right arm outstretched and the flag from Lawrence draped over his left arm claiming victory over the British Royal Navy.
Frog's Leap — 3.2019
Tranquil gardens with a view of Rutherford Bench. I stumbled upon this vineyard when I took a wrong turn. Upon arriving it was active with wine enthusiasts socializing throughout the garden and porch—within moments they dispersed, it was as if everyone suddenly vanished and I found myself alone in this magical place. I slowly strolled through the garden photographing the farmhouse, barn, garden, and barrel cellar, then relaxed on the porch with a glass of wine for 30-minutes before a single person returned. Then within seconds, the world turned back and the garden filled with people. It was a surreal experience and the photograph reminds me of that moment of tranquility and balance.
Return for future posts on Great Coastal Escapes, Magnificent Florence, and much more. All prints are available — DM for more information.
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