Yearly Archives: 2005
River Seine
Sunset over the River Seine in Paris. The Eiffel Tower can be seen just beyond the bridge. The northern side of the river is described as the Right Bank (Rive Droite) and the southern side as the Left Bank (Rive Gauche), because when facing the same direction that the river flows, these are the directions to the left and right.
Domplatz
St. Paul’s Cathedral in Münster, Germany was built in the 13th century and was the city’s first cathedral. Domplatz (Cathedral Plaza) is home of the popular farmer’s market, which takes place each Wednesday and Saturday. The plaza is flanked by the Bishop’s palace, Fürstenberghaus, and the Westphalian Museum of Art and Cultural History.
Christmas
While driving around looking for lights to shoot, realized how difficult it is anymore to find a manger scene. No matter what your faith or beliefs are, it is Christmas and this is the reason for it. Celebrate and observe this time however you want, in your own way and let others celebrate it their way. Peace to all and thank you for visiting this past year.
Christmas lights
With the over-commercialization of Christmas and the increasing trend in massive light displays, it is refreshing to see a subtle and effective display of Christmas lights. If you have to take out a second mortgage to pay your electric bill because of your light display, you went too far.
Last minute shopping
While most humans are occupied with last minute Christmas shopping, our furry friends in the world go on with everyday basic survival. Watched this gray squirrel dig several holes through the snow, he finally came up with a walnut which should keep him fed for the day.
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Gray squirrels disrupted early Ohio settlers’ agricultural efforts in the state to such an extent that Ohio law required each taxpayer to turn in a quota of squirrel skins along with his tax payment. By 1885, hunting laws were enacted restricting the hunting seasons and bag limits for the gray squirrel.
Snow Berries
The melting snow forms water droplets reflecting the red color of neighboring berries. This is the Hawthorne Berry tree in my backyard, you can see another photo of these berries <a href=index.php?showimage=27>here</a>, taken last January.
Church shadows
Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Wapakoneta, Ohio. The snow storm completely covered the steps and the side lanterns cast a unique shadow from the railings onto the virgin snow. The interesting thing is that there are 2 tall floodlights that illuminate the church. I had only taken one photo when the lights suddenly turned off. It was then I was able to see the shadow in the snow. I realized that the floodlights are on a timer, but still, it was almost as if someone was helping me out with this photo.
Snow Glow
The first big snowfall of the season. The ambient light of the neighborhood reflects off the fresh snow casting a warm glow, bright enough to illuminate the darkest of shadows. The stillness of the night is broken only by the faint sounds of a snowplow. It is almost as if a perpetual twilight has occurred.
Ready for my close up, Mr. Demille
One of the goats on my brother’s farm decided to get up close and personal. Have to say, one of the better models I have ever worked with too.
Ring Necked Pheasant
In 1882, thirty ring-necked pheasants were shipped from Shanghai, China to Portland, Oregon. By 1892, they had multiplied enough that Oregon started a hunting season the same year. On opening day, 50,000 pheasants were killed. Other states began to quickly import pheasants themselves. The first ring-necked pheasants were introduced in Ohio in 1896, but were not originally successful.<p>The male pheasant is colorful with a dark, somewhat irridescent head; red patches around the eyes, white neck ring; and brown, speckled body feathers. The female has just the brown, speckled feathers, which is perfect camouflage when nesting on the ground. When startled, they take off from the ground with wing beats reaching three times per second.