Light Touch Photos: Blog

If you are the Ithaca area, stop by State of the Art Gallery in March

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 21:37:15 GMT

State of the Art Gallery is proud to host its 31^st Annual Juried Photography Show from March 4-29, 2020. From 161 photographs entered, 85 were chosen for the exhibition. This is a regional show which features a wide variety of subjects and photographic techniques: landscapes, portraits, street photography, digitally processed images, photographs made from traditional B&W wet chemistry, photos on canvas and metal. Prize Judge is Steven Skopik, Professor, Media Arts, Sciences and Studies at Ithaca College and prizes will be awarded during the reception, Gallery Night Friday, March 6, 5-8pm. This event is supported in part with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Community Arts Partnership. Hours: Wed.-Fri., 12-6pm, Sat.& Sun., 12-5pm. 120 W Martin Luther King, Jr./State Street. ADA accessibility with curbside parking. Info: 607-277-1626 and www.soagithaca.org

I am pleased to have one image selected to be in this show.

Photo accepted to State of the Art Gallery Juried Exhibit

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 18:37:28 GMT

I am happy to announce that my image "Shadow Crossings 1" has been accepted into the Annual Juried Photo Show at State of the Art Gallery in Ithaca.
The show runs from Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 12:00 PM through Sunday, March 29, 2020 at 5:00 PM
Gallery hours can be found here: https://www.soagithaca.org/about

Shadow Crossings 1

Last day of review 2019-Painting with light

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 15:24:59 GMT

It is often said that photography is "writing with light". These are what I call "painting with light". It's a favorite technique I use to create unique images, images that are more about expressing the feel of the scene, and giving an impression of the light, color and design, rather than documenting exactly what I see. It involves lots of trial and error and no two images are alike. Once in a while I get an image or two that really work, frequently I get nothing and a lot of pixels give their lives in the effort. Most often, however I get absorbed in the process and that is the best part - whether or not I come away with a successful image. It's all about the creative process which I am grateful to participate in.

So, this is the last sample of my favorites for 2019. Thank you for looking and your kind feedback. It's time to get out there and create again! If you are interested in seeing more I invite you to visit my website. See my entire selection of 2019 favorites here. All in all it was a very good year.

Happy New Year everyone! May the muse be with you!

Captured with Slow Shutter Cam for iOS impressions of the bay

2019 Favorite Landscapes

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 14:44:19 GMT

I don't shoot that many landscapes but I am pleased with these from this past year. I think they convey a sense of place and bring back memories of beautiful locations I was fortunate to visit.

birches and hay-scented ferns

Experiments that worked!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 19:57:13 GMT

These are a few of my favorites because they were experiments that worked! In some cases I tried some entirely new technique and in others it was using a familiar technique in a new way that worked. Best seen larger by clicking. I hope you enjoy.

Lase one!

Day 2 - 2019 in Review

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 01:03:45 GMT

Here are my favorite images of 2019 - those special moments or things that caught my eye or just fun stuff!

Daily Bread Pizza maker

Looking back, looking forward 2019 in review

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 15:23:18 GMT

Wow! 2019 is just about over and the end of the year is a good time to reflect on the past, be in the present and look forward to the future with hope. I have been doing a year-end review of images since 2015 and selecting my best and favorites. I believe in being selective and only choosing those which bring me the most joy. Interestingly there are nearly twice as many as the next highest year. So, for the next few days I will be sharing some of those images here. At the end of the week I will include a link to where you can see them all.

Since the year started with a bird photo that truly is a beauty I will start this post with it and by sharing some of my favorite bird photos of 2019. Enjoy!

2020 Bird Calendars are here!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 18:52:59 GMT

Get a "Bird's Eye View" of 2020 with this calendar. For bird overs and bird brains alike! More than 40 bird images many seen on Facebook during the year. Spiral bound, printed on high quality, satin finish paper. Size is 8.5 x 11 folded opens to 17 x 11. Contact me if interested.

Makes a great gift for yourself or an fellow bird lover!

$20 pus tax (NYS) and shipping.

I'm now on 500px

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 21:20:01 GMT

I recently joined the on-line photo community at 500px. Here is the link, 500px Angela Possemato On this page I will add what I consider to be my best work. It's fun looking back at my work and choosing the ones that I feel best represent my and my approach to photography. I'll be adding more in the coming days and weeks so please do have a look. Let me know what you think!

A nice article about my upcoming exhibit at the Casa Italiana

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 16:23:08 GMT

Thanks to the Casa Italiana at Nazareth College for the very nice and much appreciated newsletter about my exhibit and upcoming reception. I hope you all can come!

New Photo Exhibit at the Casa Italiana

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 04:30:00 GMT

I invite you all to my new exhibit featuring photos taken on our trips to Southern Italy. It's open from September 1 - December 15 downstairs at the Casa Italiana of Nazareth College. The reception is Friday September 13 from 6-8pm. Food by Lemoncello in East Rochester. All are welcome. It is free and open to the public. Use the South Campus Entrance and the same parking lot as the Arts Center. The Casa is open Mon-Fri from 9-4. Contact the Casa for additional hours.

I'm back...

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 21:21:27 GMT

Does anybody know where the last nearly 2 months went? So having a bit of good news to share got me back to this blog. Thanks to those who follow it...I hope to give you more to see in the future!

So, for the good news! Today I learned that 2 of my images were selected to be included in an exhibition at LightSpaceTime on-line gallery. The theme was Primary Colors - each image had to strongly include red, yellow and/or blue as the main colors.

Here is a link to the YouTube slideshow the gallery puts together. LightSpaceTime Primary Colors Exhibit (Photography)
My images are at minute 4:35 and again at 7:13. If you prefer to look through them at your pace (not that of the video) you can go to the actual on-line gallery here https://www.lightspacetime.art/primary-colors-art-exhibition-2019-photography-digital/ Mine are #36 in the Special MErit Category and #25 in the Special Recognition Category.

Or you can just see them below:

Primary Colors exhibit Primary Colors exhibit

Morning light on dogwoods

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 21 May 2019 14:59:08 GMT

So grateful for dappled, morning light on delicate dogwood blossoms. I love spring!

Baby bluebirds are humming along

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 20 May 2019 21:31:46 GMT

Coming soon! We have been watching the activity in the box since February. The parents were definitely taking nesting materials in and recently I was pretty sure food was being taken in too. Today I saw both parents going in and out frequently and each time the chirping in the box got louder and more excited. Then I saw the father take away a white item - either the shell or the poop sac (they keep the nest very clean). So there are little ones in there and it's time to keep our eyes on the box, especially in the morning.

Here are a couple of images from today. Looks like spiders are on the menu for dinner! The male on the power line was not the father but another male that got too close and was chased away by the father. A very protective dad!

I also finally got a fun shot of the hummingbird at the fuchsia plant. Gotta be fast and have a very long lens! Just before I took these shots it was much sunnier and had the sun not ducked behind the approaching rain clouds the bird wings would have had better definition. Maybe next time...stay tuned!

A Watchful Eye Bringing Home the Bacon Dinner's ready Humming along

Shuffle off to Buffalo

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 19 May 2019 22:38:18 GMT

Buffalo has been very dedicated to preserving its heritage and historic buildings which I think is really cool. Two such places are Silo City and the Buffalo Psychiatric Hospital on the Olstead-Richardson Campus. I have now made two trips to the Psych Hospital and one to Silo City. Last year's trip we toured and photographed the men's ward. Yesterday's trip was the perfect balance to as we photographed the women's ward and got a tour of the administration building which is now Hotel Henry, a very upscale hotel, restaurant and suites.

Here are a couple of my favorite images from yesterday's adventure. Please click on any photo to see the rest of the images from all three trips.

School's Out Forever 1 Rest in Peace Crumbling Corridor 1

Harvey's latest CD!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 17 May 2019 16:36:14 GMT

Hi all,

Harvey's latest CD is out and it's amazing. I am continually in awe of his creativity and dedication to his music. It's an honor to create the covers for his CD and be a small part of his art. You can get it by emailing him or going through his website www.HarveyBand.com

Front cover Back cover inside panel CD of Harvey's latest album

and finally the skies cleared

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 16 May 2019 11:25:35 GMT

After what seems like 40 days of rain the skies cleared last night and the sun came out just before it went down for the night. I could not let these beautiful backlit leaves go to sleep without a photo or 5! And of course, a little impressionistic approach, too. The sun shining through the wet leaves from its low angle just made the scene glow from within...something that really speaks to me. Click on either photo to see the rest. Enjoy!

A perfect spring day!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 06 May 2019 23:22:42 GMT

Honestly, I live for days like today. Sunny, puffy clouds in a blue sky, 70 degrees and time to soak it in. I feel like I have come back to life with all the flowers and trees and birds. I may have been jumping the gun but I went to the garden center and purchased a few plants for the containers on the deck. But first I had some fun wandering their property photographing the tulips, magnolias and other flowers. Here are a couple of takes from today:

The muse visited today

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 03 May 2019 21:09:38 GMT

I love spring and especially when the leaves are budding and fluffy and that gorgeous shade of yellow-green, white, pink and touches of red. I knew there was a shot in our yard and the leaves looked just right so I got out my cameras and went at it with a hopeful sense of trial and error and fun. The weather was much better than predicted and I tried all sorts of things: multiple exposures, intentional camera movement, different settings, etc. The muse must have seen me and paid a visit. She brought me the spirit of Georges Seurat and the pointillist artists of the impressionist movement (see more here: pointillism-7-things-you-need-to-know.

Here are two examples. There are more - just click on either of he images and you'll be directed to the gallery where the rest of them are. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Another ICM Pick of the Day!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 19:01:26 GMT

It's such fun being part of this on-line group (Intentional Camera Movement). The images I see on a daily basis are so beautiful, imaginative and inspiring. To have one of my images considered a "Pick-of-the-day" is a nice honor and recognition. Here's the link to the full image: Magnolia Madness

Birds are migrating!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 18:36:53 GMT

I have recently spent a few fun days at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and High Acres Nature Area shooting the migrating and returning birds. Yesterday was especially fun as a Great Blue Heron took no notice of us snapping away while he ate lunch!

Here are a few...click on any photo to see the larger version and the rest that I took if you are interested.

stalking lunch song sparrowsong sparrow pied billed grebe Northern Shoveler

Reflecting Reality

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 23:55:56 GMT

It wasn't long after I started to explore the world with my camera that I discovered the endlessly fascinating world of reflections. I have always felt they are a reflection of something at a deeper level in my psyche. Not to be redundant but I am a rather reflective person and found it a reliable path to self growth.

This article by the Hippiebanker definitely resonated with me. https://thriveglobal.com/stories/your-reality-is-merely-a-mirror-reflecting-your-inner-world/ . In it Camille Sacco states: "Your outer world is a direct reflection of your inner world. If you want to change the world you see, start working on your inner world. Your reality is merely a mirror reflecting your inner world.

Think about that for a moment. Take some time today to describe to yourself your outside world. Now look deeply inside of yourself and have a good look at your inner world. If you have conflict, struggle, hate, anger, depression, and fear on the inside, you will find that it will manifest and become part of your outside world.

These things you see outside are mirrors of the parts of you that are waiting to be healed. The world within is the cause and the world outside is the effect. Want to change the effect? Change the cause. We are not in control of the outer world. We are in control of our inner world. That’s where our power lies."

(continued below)

I have put together a gallery of my favorites and you can bet I will be adding to it fairly often. In fact, I usually have to stop myself from getting lost in reflections! If you are interested in my photographic reflections please click on this link.

https://www.lighttouchphotos.com/reflecting-reality

Exhibit is all ready to go!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 23:31:14 GMT

Luann Pero and I are all set up and ready for our show at Mendon 64 (mendon64.com). The opening reception is tomorrow night Tuesday April 2 from 4-7. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and drink specials, maybe even stay for dinner! Many thanks to Loni Titus and Bonnie Gamache for all their help installing the show. If you can't make the reception the images will be on exhibit through April 27. Take a nice ride to Mendon and enjoy the views!

Birds of Florida

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 14:30:15 GMT

During a lovely week in Florida I got to see and photograph these beauties at "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. Starting at the top is a green heron, reddish heron, snowy egret, (row 2) white pelicans, roseate spoonbill with tri-color heron and little blue heron, (row 3) laughing gull with royal tern, white ibis, (row 4) little blue heron, yellow crowned night heron, snowy egret and anhinga. Special thanks to Bea Parker for the opportunity to enjoy a week of sunshine and warm temps!

Second day of spring!

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 16:04:19 GMT

Spring has really sprung. The bluebirds are house hunting in our front yard and valiantly fighting off the house sparrows (so far! Fingers crossed!).

First day of spring!

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 00:13:25 GMT

First day of spring and what a beauty! The sun shone brightly through crips blue skies, the birds were chirping in surround sound, flocks of geese were heading north, a robin flew over with nesting material in its beak, a male bluebird was singing to his ladylove from the top of a tree, and on my bike ride I found this sweet patch of snowdrops! It may be a bumpy ride in the weather journey for a while but I hope you all enjoyed today as much as I did!

Another ICM winner

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 00:13:34 GMT

I had so much fun on our field trip to Corning Glass Museum last week. This image was a glass bird bath (I think that's what it was) and the colors were so vibrant. Specular highlights (the reflections off the glass) can be very pretty if the motion works out just right. It was just before we left and I tried a few swipes and swipes with variations and got quite a few that seemed good but this one had the best balance of motion, color, and highlights. Enjoy. There are more on my website https://www.lighttouchphotos.com/corningmuseum

Good thing it's pretty!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 21:26:56 GMT

It's a good thing this is beautiful because frankly I've had my fill of winter! Man, it's so cold and snowy today but it did produce a couple of nice frost patterns on the garage windows. I am also very impressed with the Fuji X-T2 and Rokinon 100mm Macro lens. With the focus peaking of the camera, fabulous technology upgrade especially for use with manual focus lenses, it's really impressive how sharp and detailed these frost and other close-up images can be.

2/26/19

One of my photos will be in this exhibit at Image City!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 02:07:59 GMT

I am happy to report that one of my images will be in the next show at Image City Photography Gallery. You'll have to stop by the gallery to see which one!
It's all the best images from 2017 so you know it will be a feast for the eyes from start to finish! I am honored to be included with this fine group of photographic artists.

A special visitor

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 00:46:20 GMT

This beautiful Northern Flicker made many visits to our feeder and deck yesterday. A rare treat! Such a beautiful bird. I love the blue eyelids that can be seen in the 3rd photo!

My day (or night) of reckoning is coming!!

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 01:01:19 GMT

I saw this on facebook today. It's going to happen to me one of these days (or nights!)only all the birds will have cameras pointed at me! This just made me laugh, especially lately as I have been relentlessly harassing the birds as they eat and bathe on our deck. I hope it brings you a chuckle, too. And feel free to share with a bird lover near you!

It's all about the light!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 13:02:52 GMT

That's for sure...these are the same cast of characters and the same trees - the only thing that changes is the light. And it's all beautiful!

Enjoy these beauties!

Fun with the birdies!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 23:34:18 GMT

I have not spent much time shooting the birds in the last couple of years but since just before the really cold weather set in and all the birds were visiting the feeders like crazy I have gotten back into bird photography and the little cuties (and the light) have been very cooperative! See more here:https://www.lighttouchphotos.com/birds
Enjoy!

When life give you frost...

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 00:35:31 GMT

Make photos of it! It sure was cold today...wind chill in the -20 range. At least it was sunny and I got a few good frost images out of the deal! I also took more shots of birds and made bread! What did you do on your frosty day?

A couple of new visitors

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 23:38:00 GMT

These photos are not great but I have never seen a yellow-bellied sap sucker at all much less in our backyard. Here are the photos I did get. Hoping he will come back soon!

Bravo to Editions Printing!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 17:10:03 GMT

Bravo! to Peter Thomas at Editions Printing in Rochester for the fantastic job he did printing this image on canvas, stretched on a wood frame, at 16x24". It looks beautiful and will go to a good home in Syracuse this week! — at Editions Printing.

Top Weekend Challenge Images

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 17:08:20 GMT

I am honored to have one of the top images in the ICM (Intentional Camera Movement Facebook Page) Weekend Challenge for January 4-6, 2019!

My favorite images of 2018

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 17:59:57 GMT

2018 is almost in the history books. With only 1.5 days left to 2018 I'm ready to say these are my favorite images of the year (click the link below or the image). Ansel Adams used to say "Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop" but he wasn't shooting digital and he was an meticulous, perfectionist editor in the darkroom. I hope I reach the point where I am good enough to say I have made significant images. For now I will say these are my favorites. Enjoy the trip through 2018.

Thanks to all of you follow my blog, Facebook page and website, and visit art galleries and other locations to see my work or that of any other artist (including live music, dance and theater, too!). We are all just making our heartfelt contribution to a better and more beautiful world. Your support is very much appreciated!

Happy New Year. May it be a year of joy as you follow your passion.

My Favorite Images of 2018

Linear Park 1/13/18

2019 Calendar is ready for order

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 17:48:23 GMT

The 2019 Light Touch Photos Calendar is ready for order. "Find Beauty in the Small Things" 12 month calendar is printed on smooth white stock, spiral bound. Order on my website, email me or message me via Facebook if you are interested. Pre-orders only. I'll be sending it off to be printed on December 1 and you will have it by Christmas with no problem. $20.00 includes tax and shipping.

Good advice, don't you think?

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 12:38:13 GMT

Thank you Andy Warhol for the everlasting reminder of what is important. "Make your own kind of music. Sing your own special song". Nobody can do it like you can! Just create!

Day on the Deck

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 18:43:25 GMT

This is not today (today is a downpour and a washout!) but this pretty view out the kitchen window has been on my camera for a few days and I just set it free!

This is lovely...

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 00:59:04 GMT

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures."
~ Henry Ward Beecher

Sharing this beautiful quote I saw on Facebook today and thought about how true it is. Thought I'd add this photo to go with it.

paintbrushes

Dziekuje bardzo!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 21:33:28 GMT

Thank you to all who stopped by to view my photos, visit, tell me about your connection to Poland at the St. Stanislaus Polish Festival this weekend. Thank you also to the wonderful staff and helpers who made the event run so smoothly and made my job easy!
I really enjoyed meeting everyone, talking about photography and our travels to Poland, hearing about your family connections and experiences. A couple of highlights were the two sisters, Łucja and Hallina and their husbands who saw my photo of their hometown of Zielona Góra and had their picture taken holding it. Of course I got in on the photo op!
And while many people were remembering or planning their trip to Poland, one lovely woman whose name I did not get was reliving to the fullest the memories of her trip through my photos. The joy on her face and her excitment of seeing again places she had been were just the best!

This is what it's all about!

Dziękuję bardzo!

Do zobaczenia w 2019!

Visit my booth at the Polish Culture Festival this weekend!

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:39:16 GMT

I was invited to show my photos from our trips to Poland as part of the Polish Festival at St. Stanislaus' Church this weekend, Fri. Aug. 3 from 5-10 pm and Sat. Aug 4 from 4-10 pm. I will have large, medium & small prints, some framed some matted and some in large books plus note cards and greeting cards to browse, purchase and order. There will be images of Rochester and the area and some of my favorites as well.

I'd be happy to see you and talk about photography and Poland! There will be great Polish food, music and beverages plus lots of fun! Here is the link to the Festival website: Polish Festival Website

Here are a few images to whet your appetite!

Zielona Góra - 5887 Ratusz/City Hall (BW) - Wrocław Old Town Square, Warsaw inside Malbork Castle

Summer Fun at Brighton

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 28 Jul 2018 12:46:07 GMT

The Summer Performing Arts program at Brighton is a wonderful experience for the students who participate and the audiences who enjoy the shows they put on. For me it's always special to see former students in action! Here are some highlights from The Lion King and The Wizard of Oz. You can see all the images here: The Wizard of Oz 2018 and here: The Lion King 2018

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5C4A2603LoRez DSCF7559

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Too much fun!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 12:03:50 GMT

Too much fun!! "Aladdin, Kids!" directed by the incomparable Jessica Padilla and her staff is ready! Performances 7/18 at 7pm and 7/19 at 1pm in the Brighton High School Auditorium. This show is not just cute (and there's plenty of cute) it's really good! And these kiddos are in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades!
Congratulations to all!

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fun with multiple exposures

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 11:44:59 GMT

I've been having a lot of fun with multiple exposures and the impressionistic images they can produce. The biggest challenge is finding a suitable subject and shooting in such a way as to have a good composition in the final image. The pursuit is a work in progress. Each of the images was created from 20-30 images and the fun part is the surprising result. You really never know quite what it's going to look like until it's done being processed. One thing is for sure...it never looks like any of the individual images that goes into it.

Below is the most recent experiment. You can follow my explorations here: Multiple Exposure Project

Gazebo #2 by the Lake

and another one!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 15:43:26 GMT

This photo was well received on June 16. I'm enjoying the ICM Facebook page. So many creative photographers taking this technique well beyond the usual. It's good to be inspired!

What a nice surprise!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 21:33:53 GMT

One of the images I made while in Nova Scotia was created with a technique called Intentional camera Movement or ICM. It can give a very impressionistic or painterly or ethereal look to an image and is fun to do (It can also create a lot of messy images too so trial and error is a big part of it and just playing with a sense of fun).

Lo' and behold, there's a Facebook page devoted to this technique (why am I surprised?!) and it's such an inspiration to see all the different subjects and ways of moving the camera and possibilities! So I posted a couple and got some nice feedback. Then the surprise...it was chosen by the admins of the page as one of the photo of the day on June 7!

Here's the collage they put together and posted for all page members to see. The original image can be seen HERE:

Wild Irises

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 23:03:50 GMT

An impressionistic take on some wild irises. Enjoy.

A week in Nova Scotia

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 28 May 2018 19:40:16 GMT

I spent the week of May 20 in Nova Scotia at a photographic workshop led by Canadian photographer Andre' Gallant. Based in the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Lunenburg we visited some of the iconic locations such as the Waterfront, Blue Rocks, and Peggy's Cove, as well as time to explore the village and surrounding area, enjoy the company and inspiration of fellow participants, eat great food, and fill our minds and souls with the photographic process. Andre' is an excellent teacher and workshop leader and it was a great week!

Here are a few images. Click on any one to go the the full gallery.

Sunrise at Blue Rocks, NS

Iconic Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

A Few Spring Lovelies

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 17 May 2018 00:13:42 GMT

It was great to go out shooting with a long time friend today. These little bits of spring were a joy to see.

My walks at the Crossings in Albany

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 16 May 2018 00:17:00 GMT

My walks at the Crossings in Albany have been a source of some surprising images. It's good to go places, especially places that aren't iconic or out of the ordinary. It encourages me to be open to what lies before my eyes.

The first one I recently had printed on aluminum and it looks fabulous!

Captured with Slow Shutter Cam for iOS

Birch Fantasy

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 12 May 2018 15:13:24 GMT

The birches in our yard caught my eye last fall when I was on the deck. I realized that with the colors changing I had a short window of time to see if I could capture what I saw with my eyes and how that captured my imagination. Here are the first three season of Birch Fantasy. There are four images because early spring and mid-spring had very different looks and color pallets.

10/27/17

Winter Birches

Bluebirds are back

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 13:38:09 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, when February was more like April I noticed bluebirds in the neighborhood and we put up the nest boxes. They didn't get a nest built before the weather turned back to January. This morning they were back checking out the boxes and a battle ensued between the bluebirds and the house sparrows, truly the "deplorables" of the bird world. Not only were the bluebirds defending the boxes aggressively from these pests there were cardinals, chickadees, juncos, blue jays and even a woodpecker fighting them off. The swooping, charging and chattering was impressive. Finally the sparrows got the message that they are not welcome but also gone were the bluebirds. Hopefully they will return. We were so happy to have a pair produce a family in our yard last year and would love to see them again.

If you are not familiar with the problem that house sparrows present for the native songbirds read this article by the Cornell University Ornithology Lab. https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/managing-house-sparrows-and-european-starlings/ House sparrows (only house sparrows, not all the other types of sparrows) and starlings are considered non-native, invasive species. They are pests and a true danger to our native song birds. They are of no value to the environment nor do they provide any beneficial service. We have starlings around but they are not such a threat to the bluebirds because they cannot fit in a bluebird nest box or cavity but the house sparrows sure can and will. They will injure and destroy native birds, especially bluebirds. Please do not feed them and if they start nesting remove the nests to force them elsewhere. This article from Columbia University give some history of the invasion. http://www.columbia.edu/invasion_Passer_domesticus.htm and this is a good site as well http://www.sialis.org/hosp.htm#nestboxlocation

3/12/18 3/12/18

Practice!

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 18:09:44 GMT

This cartoon is spot on! If you want to be good at anything you have to practice. Don't wait for a gift from God. And don't fool yourself into thinking someone else has that gift and you don't. And don't bother with "If I just buy that $8,000 camera or the Steinway Grand piano or a Maserati I'll be come a famous photographer, pianist and Formula One race car driver". Nope, it just doesn't work that way. At some point gear does make a difference, and there is such thing as talent but mostly, just like I told my music students...it's practice. If you want it you have to work for it. Now, get out there and shoot...or draw...or whatever makes your heart sing!

Back up! Back up! PRINT!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 12:40:36 GMT

Back in the early days of computers, when 3.5 inch floppy discs were all the rage, I thought I was the coolest thing typing my master's thesis on an Apple 2 GS (YIKES! Am I that old? Don't answer that!). I was a couple of days from being finished and printing and it was gone. Disappeared. Missing in action. OMG!!!

That is when I learned my lesson - Back up! Back up! Print!

That can't happen today! We have smart phones, the "Cloud", thumb drives, hard drives, computers, tablets? Well, it can. A couple of years ago my dear friend lost a phone's worth of photos of her sweet mother who had recently passed away. No tech guru could recover them. How sad and so preventable.

Get an external hard drive (two is better) use an on-line service, and PRINT! Especially PRINT those special photos. We still have photos from 50-100 and more year ago but hard drives, fail, CDs and DVDs fail, technology changes (VHS anyone?). All you need to enjoy those precisou moments is light and eyes. Prints are good.

This New York Times article is excellent. Backing Up Your Photos - NYTimes Read and heed!

And happy shooting!

my next purchase! in the darkroom 7/18/16 Jan. 3 "vintage"

Frosty visits again!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 22:01:55 GMT

More frost jewels on the windows. Really challenges the eyesight and focusing abilities but so worth it!

1/14/18 1/14/18

Sharing a bit of wisdom today.

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 22:12:46 GMT

I really like this...art, music, writing, acting, designing...just do it and have fun!

Winter Sunrise

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 01:11:39 GMT

It was cold but so worth going out bright and early to see the new day begin.

Winter Sunrise 1 Winter Sunrise 2 Sunrise on the Farm

Backyard birdies

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 01:15:00 GMT

It's been fun to see all the birds back. We try to keep the feeders full, especially in this cooold weather.

Lady CArdinal 12/30/17

Happy New Year!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 23:27:19 GMT

The sun sets on the first day of the new year. May it be a beauty for everyone. Day 1 is done.

Last exhibit of 2017 for me!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 13:24:01 GMT

I will have two photos in this show - sort of "Best of 2017" at the Little Theatre Cafe. I was there yesterday and this is one eclectic and awesome show! The Little Cafe is always a cool place to hang out whether it's before or after a movie, or to listen to the awesome music they have there most nights of the week, or just to grab a bite to eat. I really appreciate the opportunity to have had a full exhibit there back in March so it is with pleasure that I participate in this show. Hope you will stop by!

The Little Cafe/Art

Wise and true words

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 15:49:24 GMT

2018 Light Touch Photos Calendar is ready!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 00:26:30 GMT

I have just the gift for the bird lover on your list! A 2018 calendar full of birds. Big birds, little birds, birds flying and swimming and nesting and feeding. All images were taken by me, the biggest bird brain of 'em all! Email me or message me via Facebook if you are interested. Pre-orders only. I'll be sending it off to be printed on December 5 and you should have it by Christmas with no problem. $16.00 + tax and shipping (approximately $20.00 total depending on where I am shipping it to. I'll confirm with you.)

Here's a sneak preview.

2018 Calendar - Birds!

This is Autumn

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 21:57:38 GMT

This Autumn, let something die.

A worry, a relationship, a project that has run its course. Let go of anxiety over the future. Let go of guilt.

Let go of other people’s dreams for you. Let go of the fear that happiness or success or love or joyousness somehow isn’t for you.

Let go of feeling unwanted. Go outside, can you feel how deeply your presence is craved here?

Let go of the small and burdensome things. Gifts never opened. Keys without a lock. Broken earrings, old love letters, the ephemera on your fridge.

As David Whyte writes, “Anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you.” This Autumn, let go of all the clothes you have outgrown.

Let go of comparison.

Let go of doubt.

Let go of the feeling that you are somehow not good enough.

Because every imperfect apple that lays soft in your hands, and every ray of low Autumn sunlight that warms you through woolens will tell you a different story, a much truer story. The story that you are more, much more, than enough. That you bless this world simply by being alive.

It's been an interesting fall. Not the brilliant colors we often hope for but a more subtle palette, just as lovely, with pops of color where you least expect it. This is from 11/8 on our street. I love the light, textures and color of it. A visual metaphor for beauty and grace at the end of days.

Published in Martha's Vineyard Magazine

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 19:59:41 GMT

What a nice surprise that my photo was awarded Honorable Mention in the 2017 Martha's Vineyard Photo Contest. It's pretty cool to see my image in print. Here's the link where you can see all the winners. I am in very good company!

Martha's Vineyard Magazine Photo Contest Winner 2017

Martha's Vineyard Magazine photo contest where you can see all the winners.

9th Annual Martha's Vineyard Photo Contest Winner 2017

Three shows at once!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 00:51:55 GMT

I must be a little crazy to have images in three different shows at once! In addition to the two at Image City Photography Gallery (see the last blog post) you can see several of my black and white film images and those of my class mates and teachers at Wayne County Council for the Arts in Newark until November 11th. What a fun and diverse show. It really looks great!

I also have one image in Gallery 96 in Bushnell's Basin "Street Photography" show. That, too is a really interesting show featuring people in all sorts of activities whether they know it or not! This show runs through the 18th of November so there's still time to take the scenic ride along the canal to the gallery.

Cross to Bear

Love 'n Gdańsk

It's always an honor

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 00:40:01 GMT

It's always an honor just to be included with such a wonderful group of photographers as are now showing at Image City Photography Gallery in the current "Backroads" show, featuring Gary and Phyllis Thompson, two of the best landscape photographers in the region and 21 people they consider friends. So it was a surprise to have my image be chosen for one of four Partners' Pick Awards.

You can read the judge's comments here ICPG Partners' Picks

The show is up until November 26th so I do hope you will stop and see it. The images are fantastic! Visit Image City Photography Gallery for hours and info.

Image City Photography Gallery Partners' Pick

Grimes Glen

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 14:22:00 GMT

We took a nice hike in Grimes Glen last week. The light was overcast and the colors not as vibrant as some years but fall is special and there are always images to be made!

10/22/17

It's been a while!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 13:57:23 GMT

Well, it's been a busy few months and I can't believe how fast the time has gone since I last updated this blog. The show at St. John Fisher was a big success and a lot f fun. Currently my classmates, teachers and I at the Flower City Arts Center are exhibiting the work we did in Intro, Intermediate and toning B&W Film classes at Wayne Arts in Newark. It's a varied and interesting show and a pleasure to be a part of. And, I am part of a really fun show at Gallery 96 called "Street Photography". Coming up I am part of a group show at Image City Photography Gallery in Rochester. The post cards are below. I hope you will stop by Image City and take the drive to Newark to see the current shows.

Backroads

F8 Photo Group

Street Photography

Sodus Lighthouse Independence Extravaganza

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 01:20:45 GMT

Take a beautiful drive to Sodus Bay on July 2 for their Independence Extravaganza! I will be exhibiting and selling my photography along with 40-50 other artists and craftspeople so I'd love to have you stop by and say hello. Plus with all the area has been through this spring it will be a much needed boost to the economy if they get a fantastic turnout. There are lots of fun events. Check it out!

More Underwater Adventures

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 00:13:46 GMT

Love that little creek! It's just a never ending kaleidoscope of colors and patterns and I just never know what I will get. Enjoy.

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Bluebirds are fledging!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 14:02:05 GMT

I have really enjoyed watching the new bluebird family in our yard. They have been fledging one at a time since about Thursday. I think this morning, about 5:45 (they are early birds) was the last because there has been no further activity at the nest box. All the other days the parents continued to return to the box with food and to stand guard. Getting to watch them feed has been especially fun. What's not to love about new life!

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Underwater adventure

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 00:36:08 GMT

There's something about gently moving water and watery colors that I find peaceful. I hope you do too.

IMG_3412Underwater IMG_3551Underwater12x9 IMG_3549Underwater_12x9

Ripples and Reflections 58 Ripples and Reflections 58

Italy 2017

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 08 May 2017 18:49:35 GMT

Our travels in Italy took us to the heel of the boot, the sunny province of Puglia. Such lush green, fields of poppies, artichokes, grapes, cherry trees and olives. Of course, the trulli dwellings that are found throughout the Itria Valley were one of the highlights. We even stayed in a recently restored trullo called B&B Annalocos in Locorotondo. No trip to Italy is complete without a visit with my wonderful family in Cautano, the region of Campania. We explored Benevento, the provincial capital. Below are a few images. Click HERE for the entire trip.

Locorotondo Amphitheater, Lecce Ostuni

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 14:20:24 GMT

Thank you to everyone who attended the opening reception of my "Natural Impressions" photography exhibit at the Little Theatre Cafe last Sunday. Words do not express how truly honored I am that you came. I only wish I could have spent more time visiting with each one of you.

A big thank you to Zanne Brunner, Cafe Curator for her assistance, advice, support and friendship. It was invaluable! A very special thanks to Brian Burley, Bob DeRosa and Harvey Possemato, the phenomenal "Big Blue House" Band for providing their musical talent to make the afternoon extra fun.

If you could not attend on Sunday my photographs will be on exhibit through March 31st and Big Blue House is playing there every Thursday night from 7-9pm...so it's not too late.

You are invited to an exhibit of my photographs

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 13:45:01 GMT

I would like to invite you to visit "Natural Impressions", an exhibit of my creative nature images, some literal, some interpretive, that attempt to convey my experiences of being in nature, of the places and things that I find beautiful or interesting, be it an entire scene or a very small detail of it.

Where: The Little Theatre Cafe, 240 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14604.

When: March 4-31, 2017 during regular cafe hours.

Reception will be held on Sunday, March 5 from 2-4pm.

Refreshments will be served and the Little Cafe has a cash bar for coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer and wine. BIG BLUE HOUSE will entertain with their blend of voices, acoustic rhythm and lead guitar, stand-up bass, and occasional banjo performing a unique and eclectic variety of blues, rock, folk, jazz and reggae.

If you cannot attend the reception the exhibit will be on display until March 31st. The Little Theatre is always a fun place to go for a bite to eat before or after a movie or just to listen to the music five nights a week. An added bonus - Big Blue House is playing there every Thursday from 7-9 during March!

I hope you can make it. I look forward to seeing you!

Angela

In the Sunday newspaper (not the funny pages, either!)

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 15:28:39 GMT

This wonderful article was in today's Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. What a nice surprise to way up to! Considering the really high quality of just about every image in the show I am more than pleased just to be included. If you have a chance, stop by Image City Photography Gallery before February 19th and feast your eyes on a wonderful exhibit.

Two photos chosen by jurors for Magic of Light

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 18:38:08 GMT

Two of my photos were chosen for the annual "Magic of Light" Show at Image City Photography Gallery. The show opens Tuesday January 31 and runs through Sunday February 19. Please stop by and see it as the images are always top notch and I am once again honored to be among those chosen to participate. The receptions are Friday 2/3 from 5-8 pm and Saturday 2/4 from 2-5pm. I'll be there on Saturday and hope to see you as well. More information can be found at Image City Photography Gallery. Here's a Preview of the show.

Exhibits up in 2017

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 31 Dec 2016 16:15:00 GMT

I have several exhibits coming up in 2017 to announce! I will send out updates as we get closer but if you are interested I invite you to mark your calendars now and stop by these exhibits.

January 13-25, 2017 - "Wall to Wall" Exhibit at the Flower City Arts Center (former Genesee Center for Arts and Education) 713 Monroe Ave in Rochester. I will have a B&W film image in this inaugural "Members Show". The reception is Friday January 13, 6-9pm. For more info click here: Flower City Arts Members Exhibit

Flower City Arts Center

February 1-19, 2017 - Image City Photography Gallery - "Magic of Light" Annual Juried Exhibit. Two of my images were accepted. Image City Photography Gallery

March 4-April 1, 2017 - "Solo Exhibit" at the Little Theater Cafe. Opening Reception Sunday March5 from 2-4pm. Featuring Big Blue House Band

July 29-August 25, 2017 - "Exhibit with Friends" - Skalny Welcome Center at St. John Fisher College. Opening reception date/time TBD. I will be showing images from my two trips to Poland.

October 19-November 1, 2017 - F8 Photo Group presents "Developed" Celebrating traditional black and white images created on film and developed in the darkroom at Wayne County Council for the Arts in Newark, NY. Reception Saturday October 21, 2017. 4-6pm. We are a group of students and teachers from the B&W film photography classes at Flower City Arts Center in Rochester. "To see in color is a delight for the eye but to see in black and white is a delight for the soul."― Andri Cauldwell

Secret Garden 1

sepia toned from B&W print

2017 Calendars are here!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 16:14:06 GMT

If you would like a 2017 calendar featuring 13 original Light Touch images click the photo below to see the 13 images in the calendar and Click HERE to ORDER.

2016 was a very good year!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 21:30:00 GMT

Ever since I was in high school, maybe even middle school, at the end of the year I have made some quiet time with a cup of tea and Mom's molasses cookies to reflect on the year just passed. Those cold, gray winter days are perfect for slowing down, thinking, dreaming, planning and reviewing. Looking back I usually I find I have accomplished a little more than I give myself credit for. It helps me redefine my interests, goals and ambitions and gives me hope and inspiration to go forward in the new year. Do you do the same? I highly recommend it.

This year I decided to create a gallery of my favorite photos from 2016 and even went back to 2015 and did the same. If you'd like to take a look, here is the link. http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/favorites

My top 5, ok 6, images of 2016 are below. In all six I was really in the moment, in the flow, and thoughtfully created each one. I was working with the muse! It definitely is team work!

Secret Garden 1

Creative Collaboration

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 14:04:24 GMT

It's so nice to collaborate on these pieces with my husband Harvey. He is so creative, dedicated and such an inspiration!

Click this link "Time and Space" by Harvey Possemato or the photo below to watch the multi-media presentation and hear the song. Enjoy!

You can listen to more of his music on his website: www.harveyband.com and buy CDs or downloads here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/harveyband1

Harvey's New CD is here!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 21:57:43 GMT

We knew it would sound great and now we know it looks great, too! Photos below, listen here: Listen to Parallel Lines You can purchase the CD by contacting him at www.HarveyBand.com or contact me via this website or find either one of us on Facebook. We'll be happy to send you a copy. $13.00/CD includes tax and shipping. A perfect gift for the music lover on your Christmas list!

Parallel Lines Front Cover Parallel Lines Back Cover

disc label

Fun with bottles

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 13:52:01 GMT

I had forgotten about some of these photos but they make a fun series. Some were taken on b&w film, then the print was photographed digitally, others were taken with my iPhone and converted to b&w. Can you tell which is which?

A Star is Born

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 17:04:57 GMT

The one remaining black swallowtail butterfly emerged from his cocoon this morning. (I wonder where the other two crawled off to just before they pupated.) As I understand it the process takes a couple of hours. I first noticed it at 11:35 am and he was fully outside the cocoon. I was able to photograph it stretching and moving around the parsley plant until it finally flew to the post of the deck railing for a minute then off into the great blue yonder. In the bottom photo you can see the remains of the cocoon.

The world got a little more beautiful today and I got to watch the process, almost from the beginning. Very cool!

Here he is!

update on the caterpillars

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 00:47:38 GMT

They have spun their cocoon and are "hanging out" for a week or so until they are ready to emerge. Here are a couple of photos of the chrysalis. Only one is left - the other two must have crawled away to hang out elsewhere. They sometimes do that I understand. So glad to have one at least. I'll keep you posted as the metamorphosis continues.

Black Swallowtail Caterpillars

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 12:01:38 GMT

My parsley is especially lush this year and three Black Swallowtail Caterpillars are growing quickly. As of today 8/4/16 they are 1.25 inches long. Glad to have so much parsley as to be able to share with them. I've never seen this process up close so I am hoping they will stick around for the entire metamorphosis!

This one was being shy.

Looking for something fun to do today or tomorrow?

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 17:01:36 GMT

Stop by Brighton High School today and/or tomorrow at 2pm and at 7pm for the performances of Thoroughly Modern Millie July 27, 2016 2:00 p.m. OR July 28, 2016 7:00 p.m.) and Shrek July 27 at 7 p.m., July 28 at 2 p.m., BHS Auditorium, brought to you by the Brighton Summer Arts Camp! I have the distinct pleasure of watching these kids, teachers, directors and staff in action and it's truly impressive. The quality of he performances is top notch. These are two shows you will really enjoy! Tickets can be purchased on line at TICKET SALES or at the door.

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Summer fun at Brighton Arts Camp!

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:40:21 GMT

As usual, the staff is providing an exceptional program for the kids participating in the Brighton Summer Arts Camp and the kids are eating it up! This is the 20th year of the camp and along with a variety of art classes there will be four musicals presented this week and next. Here are a couple of pictures from the classes and the first show to be performed, The Aristocats by 2nd - 4th graders. (Click on the photos below to see all the images). They could get by on just being so darn cute but under the direction of Jessica Padilla they are learning, having fun and doing a great job! The performances are Wednesday July 20 at 7pm and Thursday July 21 at 1 pm. Tickets are purchased on the web at ShowTix4U or at the Twelve Corners Middle School door before the show.

This is pretty cool!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 23:28:02 GMT

The George Eastman Museum recently acquired two unopened boxes of early Kodak film! One is the ONLY KNOWN box of Kodak Film (1888) and the other is one only three known boxes of Transparent Kodak Film (1889). Learn more in their press release! https://www.eastman.org/two-rare-rolls-early-kodak-film-acquired-george-eastman-museum

Art classes are fun!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 13:52:21 GMT

At the Wayne County Council for the Arts summer art classes for kids are really fun! The teachers are great and the projects really challenge the students to see in new ways, learn new techniques and have fun creating their very own works of art. The price can't be beat and you don't have to live in Wayne County! Check it out! https://waynearts.wordpress.com

A great new find!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 13:14:49 GMT

I will not reveal my source or location but I had so much fun yesterday mid-day and evening photographing a small field of poppies, cornflowers and other wildflowers in full summer bloom! Click on the image to see it larger and go see the rest of yesterday's catch.

Poppy field

Thanks for a great day at Sodus Bay!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 23:44:11 GMT

Many thanks to all who stopped by my booth at the Sodus Light House 3rd of July Extravaganza today. I loved meeting and visiting with you all and am pleased that my photos resonated with you. It was a picture perfect day - clear blue sky, sparkling blue Lake Ontario, comfortable temps, slight breeze, great music and lots of friendly people! Happy 4th of July everyone! I hope to see you again soon.

Beautiful Lake Ontario

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 13:09:29 GMT

Aided by the glorious (if not too dry) weather in the last week or so I have truly been enjoying Lake Ontario. Motivated by the upcoming arts and crafts show at Sodus Bay I have ventured there and to Chimney Bluffs and the surrounding area a few times. The colorful rocky shore is endlessly fascinating and trying to capture images of the water moving over them. At times the shore seems almost tropical - like being on vacation. It's only lacking a few palm trees and a thatched hut! Click on the images to see them larger and all the others, too!

http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/waynecountyny

Light Touch Photos at Sodus Bay July 3rd!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 15:55:44 GMT

If you are looking for something fun to do Sunday July 3, 2016 take a pleasant drive to Sodus Bay and stop by my booth at the Art and Craft Show and Sale. Here's a link to their site http://www.sodusbaylighthouse.org/pages/art-craft-show. It starts at 8am and goes until 5pm. There are a lot of other activities at the Third of July Extravaganza - they really make it worth your while to see all this beautiful area has to offer! http://www.sodusbaylighthouse.org/pages/fourth-of-july-extravaganza. I look forward to seeing you on July 3!

Sodus Light House #1

New life-bird for me!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 06 May 2016 19:34:16 GMT

This morning at Highland Park I was watching a cardinal in a white flowering tree against the blue sky when my friend pointed out another bird flitting from limb to limb I kept me eye on him/her and got off a few good shots. It's a Nashville Warbler. My first! Take a look! Click on the photo to take you to a couple other shots of this pretty bird.

I love May!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 04 May 2016 19:37:32 GMT

The month when most birds migrate through the area the temps warm up (we're still waiting on that) and flowers and trees burst into bloom. And what a fun morning walk. Lots of new images of our migrating feathered friends. Here are a couple. Click the link to see the rest. http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/newimages. I especially had fun watching this great egret fishing for his lunch. They are such patient and graceful birds. the little guy below is a Palm Warbler.

May 4, 2016

Italy, North and South Exhibit - we hope you can stop by!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 02 May 2016 23:25:48 GMT

Local fine art travel photographer Joel Krenis and I are presenting an exhibit of images from our various trips to Italy, from north to south in the Casa Italiana of Nazareth College, 4245 East Ave. Rochester, NY. The Casa Italiana is located nearest the South Entrance to Nazareth College. The gallery is on the lower level.

* The opening reception will be Friday evening May 13, 2016 from 6:30-8:30pm

The exhibit will be up all summer so if you can't make the reception give the Casa Italiana a call (585-389-2468) to be sure of their summer hours and feel free to stop by and enjoy the photos at your leisure.

I hope to see you on Friday the 13th! Sounds lucky to me!

Nature's harmony

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 11:58:50 GMT

On Wednesday 4/27 I made a wonderful hike in Four-Mile Creek in Webster. Early in my walk I stood for many minutes listening to 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10?...white-throated sparrows singing all around me. Each of the singing birds was starting at different times, on different pitches and sometimes singing variations. It was harmony from dissonance that only nature can compose. The photo below is one of the many white-throated sparrows scratching on the ground in the dead leaves for food that day. Click on this link https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-throated_Sparrow/sounds and listen to the sound clips of the bird's sweet and distinct song.

What a great spring weekend!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 00:31:04 GMT

Wall-to-wall sunshine, temperatures reached 70 on this Sunday afternoon and we had a picnic supper and a walk at Powder Mills Park. I sat on the deck reading and wearing sandals this afternoon. My feet are free again!

See The Addams Family

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 12:01:42 GMT

See The Addams Family at Brighton High School this weekend, April 15-16 at 7pm. This funny, spooky musical is great entertainment for the whole family and the cast, crew and pit along with their directors are doing a terrific job!

Lots of pictures here: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/addamsfamily

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Wayne County, NY

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 16:59:09 GMT

Wayne County, NY, between Rochester and Syracuse, deserves to be explored! The unique natural beauty that lies in this region just north of the Finger Lakes features drumlins, great mounds of earth that were formed by the recession on the glaciers a long, long time ago, Chimney Bluffs and Lake Ontario with its rocky shore line! (read this for more info http://wayne.nygenweb.net/history/drumlins1.html )

I am looking forward to being part of the Wayne County Council for the Arts and this has inspired me to create a gallery of the images I have taken over the years in Wayne County (where I live on the western border). I am looking forward to exploring the county further with my camera and posting more images as they come.

In the meantime, check out http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/waynecountyny and enjoy!

Sodus Light House #5

Another sign of spring

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 23:51:22 GMT

Pussywillows! A classic sign of spring. Such a little treasure! Click to see more details. Use the arrow keys to scroll through the images and see what else is new.

Cedar Waxings

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 14:53:55 GMT

A flock of 40+ Cedar Waxwings were eating the honeysuckle berries off the bushes in front of the house. It quite a challenge to get any good shots. The birds were quickly flitting from berry to berry, the light was constantly changing, and it was really windy. The branches were dancing and swirling in every direction and my fingers were freezing! It was so worth it because we don't see them often and they are such fun to watch. Click on the photo to enlarge, use the back arrow key to see the rest of the images of these beautiful birds.

Ithaca Juried Photo Show

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 13:27:50 GMT

My photo "Thistles" was chosen for the 27th Annual Juried Photo Show at State of the Art Gallery in Ithaca. The opening reception is tonignt, March 3 from 5-8pm and the show runs until March 27. Since it's such a beautiful drive to Ithaca and there are so many great places to eat and shop once you get there, why not plan a road trip to see what is always a great exhibit?!

Thistles

Thursday Feb. 18 - A glorious winter day!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 13:02:50 GMT

Crystal clear, bright blue skies, the snow still clinging to the trees and temperatures in the 20s. A perfect day for a 2 hour walk in Ellison Park. The roads in the park were well plowed or trampled so I walked all the way around the hill and saw the park from every side. Here are a few pictures that capture the look and feel of this glorious day. Click on the image below to see the rest.

Ellison Park 2/18/16.

a little Valentine from Mother Nature

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 01:33:02 GMT

This sweet little frost drop was on the window this morning and I stopped everything (going into the city) to shoot it. I was late getting to my appointment but I'm glad I did. By the time I got home it was gone. With tomorrow's super cold temps maybe there will be a few more. Each snowflake may be different but so are the frost patterns. Click on the image to see it larger and in greater detail.

February 12

keep your eyes open

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 18:33:53 GMT

I read this article in the New York Times today about Robert Frank. http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/02/05/robert-frank-steidl-books-films-exhibit-nyu/?_r=0 Coincidentally, we had just talked about him at our photography class last night. Not knowing anything about Robert Frank I read with interest and found the last paragraph just perfect.

When asked if he had any advice for photography students Mr. Frank said he did and it was short and graceful: “Keep your eyes open.”

Good advice to us all.
Happy shooting folks!

January 10

Good news to start February - UPDATE

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 14:14:57 GMT

February started with some good news. UPDATE: Actually 2 bits of good news! Not one but TWO of my photos from our trip to Poland were accepted to the "LightSpaceTime" on-line gallery for their "Cityscapes" exhibit. Click this link to see the first level of images accepted. https://www.lightspacetime.com/cityscapes-2016-art-exhibition-photography-category/. Mine (below) is #49. And this link to see the special merit award winners, mine is #16.: https://www.lightspacetime.com/cityscapes-2016-art-exhibition-special-merit-ku-to-wi/ You can see all the photos from our trip here http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/poland2015

According to the "LightSpaceTime" homepage: The gallery’s competition for January 2016 was the 6th Annual “CityScapes” Art Competition. 2D and 3D artists (including photography) from around the world, were called upon to make online submissions for possible inclusion in to the Gallery’s February 2016 online group art exhibition.

Artists were asked for their interpretation of the theme “CityScapes” by submitting their best representational and non-representational art which depicts the theme “CityScapes”. The CityScapes art theme includes any subjects such as cities, towns, urban scenes and any related metropolitan subjects

The art competition and the submission process for the artists began in December 2015 and concluded on January 27, 2016. The gallery received 478 entries from 16 different countries from around the world, including Australia, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. In addition, the gallery received entries from 26 different states and the District of Columbia.

Gdansk waterfront

Lots of new images

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 13:42:27 GMT

I've gotten out quite a bit lately and have a bunch of new images to show. Not all masterpieces but the experience of being outside, going through the process of seeing and noting the beauty with my camera was so good for body, mind and soul! This one Harvey call "Secret Storm" and I think it works. Clicking on the image takes you to the "New Images" gallery where you can see more of what I've been seeing.

Two images in Juried Show at Image City Gallery

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 14:56:34 GMT

Stop by the Image City Photography Gallery in January to see which two of my images were selected to be in the 9th Annual Juried Show "Magic of Light". The show starts Tuesday January 5 and runs until Sunday January 24, 2016. Here's a link to the gallery's home page: www.imagecityphotographygallery.com for more information. I hope to see you at one of the receptions!

Music Educators' Big Band

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 13:26:44 GMT

Yesterday afternoon I had a great time listening to and photographing the Music Educators' Big Band directed by Bill Tiberio at Eastman's Kilbourn Hall. A cool selection of charts played by some awesome musicians! This guy is my favorite. Click on his photo to see the rest.

TCMS presents "The Lion King"

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 19:08:23 GMT

I'm so proud the cast and pit band & chorus (especially my former students) and my former colleagues for the hard work and fun they have put into this weekend's performances of The Lion King at Brighton High School. Here's the cast photo. All the pictures are available in the Brighton Arts gallery. http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/thelionking

Good news!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 22:50:51 GMT

One of my images "Bird in the Bush", in the "Off the Beaten Path" show at Image City Photography Gallery was recognized with a "Partners Pick" award. This means it's one of the images considered "Best in Show' by the gallery partners. It's a wonderful exhibit with so many great images. I am surprised and honored by this and very grateful. Thank you to the Image City Partners. Here is the write up that accompanies the recognition.

Angela Possemato, “Bird in the Bush” - Angela is an excellent photographer of landscapes and nature, especially of birds. She has a few favorite sites where she photographs all sorts of flora and fauna. This photo of a blue-gray gnatcatcher on an early spring day, is artfully framed and mounted. Angela uses an element of texture in the background for a feeling of timelessness. The light is just to the left and in back of Angela slightly brushing the plumage and creating detail in the tree branches nearest to the bluebird thereby focusing the eye to a power position of the subject, one third in from the left and one third up from the bottom. The wide aperture setting that allows the background to go out of focus also attracts the attention of the viewer to the blue-gray gnatcatcher. The buds on the branches clearly signal early spring and the bird is likely looking for food or materials with which to begin a nest. The diagonal branches on the right of the photo and the new growth assist in drawing the eye back to the bird. This is an excellently planned and executed photo displaying the serenity of spring and the optimism of new life following the harsh winter. In selecting this photo for inclusion in this exhibit, Angela is reminding us that even though we are heading for the cold and frost of winter, spring is never far behind.

Too much fun!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:56:49 GMT

Is there such a thing as too much fun? No, I don't think so but I'll keep trying. Wednesday at the Canandaigua Pier the sun shone and the skies were clear blue and the weather was gorgeous. Great start, right?! The reflections of the boat houses in the water keep me shooting for the longest time until I realized there were lots of American Coots playing in the water and in the reflections! Check out these psychedelic birds! No illegal or legal substances were consumed in the making of these images - this is pure and natural fun with mother nature and my camera.

Website updates

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 16:41:29 GMT

Well, I have been busy reorganizing my website, re-evaluating images, adding new pieces and putting a few in "storage". I also revamped the "New Images" gallery (now under First Light above) which shows many of my newer images. As I keep shooting these will be moved to their portfolio and newer photos will replace them. You can click one any photo to see what I have been up to this fall...keeping an eye on this glorious season, shooting to capture the best moments and enjoying every bit of it!

Fabulous fall

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 10:51:15 GMT

Last Friday I went out shooting with the group from Gary Thompson's workshop. We travelled from Canandaigua to Naples to Canadice. The fall colors were much more vibrant south of the Thruway! Here are a few "excerpts" from my travels. Click on the image to see larger in its gallery.

Grimes Glen, Naples, NY

Hancock in the fall

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 18:47:01 GMT

Last weekend we were in Hancock for Uncle Frank Possemato's funeral. While it's nice to see family and friends I sure wish it was for a happier occasion. Nonetheless we made the best of it by getting out and seeing the beautiful fall foliage which is very vibrant this year, at least in that area. Here are a few images from places I know well. There's nothing like being close to home.

Another lovely trip to Poland

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 18:10:42 GMT

We recently returned from a wonderful trip to Poland with my mom, cousin and niece. This is such a beautiful country with warm and friendly people, really good food and beautiful landscapes and culture. It's important to keep in mind that this country was wiped off the map three times in the 18th century then flattened during WW2 by the Nazis and the Russians with the intention of eliminating it forever. It is both sad to think the human race can destroy itself so many times and yet inspiring and uplifting to know how resilient is the human spirit. I am proud to be of Polish decent!

Please enjoy these photos. You can click on any one to take you to the full gallery.

Gdansk must be a good sign! Gdansk waterfront Warsaw Town Square

A visit from my muse

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 00:30:00 GMT

I love those surprise visits from my muse. Today I went on a walk through Corbett's Glen with my camera and it was such a beautiful day it was ok if the day resulted in no photographs. But one thought led to an idea and then another, then my mind went off on a tangent and I got caught up in seeing things through my camera that I could not see with the naked eye. And I even got a keeper or two. They aren't technically perfect but they sure were fun and opened my eyes to other possibilities. As the famous photographer Minor White said, “When gifts are given to me through my camera, I accept them graciously.”

A beautiful day at Frederick Farms

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 00:51:10 GMT

The people at Frederick Farms in Clifton Springs are so friendly and generous to share their beautiful fields of sunflowers with visitors. I picked one of the nicest days all year to go there. It was uplifting just to be among the giant flowers, their yellow faces smiling down at me and the blue sky above! This is the best I could do to capture what it feels like to be among 65 acres of sunflowers on a sunny day!

Maine 2015

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 00:37:08 GMT

I had the pleasure of taking a class in Rockport, Maine at the Maine Media Workshops with Eddie Soloway http://www.EddieSoloway.com a fabulous teacher, photographer and person. I made some wonderful new friends and had my head and heart filled with inspiration and ideas. I will be processing it for a long time and hopefully incorporating what I learned in future images.

Click the image below to go to the gallery. Most of the images were taken during the week-long workshop. Some of them were taken while visiting my friend Paula in Portland http://www.PaulaLaverty.com, also a terrific photographer and great hostess! We had a wonderful time talking photography, relaxing and shooting together.

The old is new again

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 21:21:57 GMT

Every once in a while I take a trip through the archives of photos left for dead. This week a couple from Cautano, Italy 2011 and Lunenberg, NS 2008 came back to life. Vision really is the most important ingredient in this artistic endeavor. It's amazing how one's perception changes with time and keeping the mind open to the possibilities. Click the image to see it larger.

Cautano, Italy 2011

Exhibit at Victor Public Library

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 20:35:16 GMT

Yes, a third exhibit this year of my photographs will open on September 1st at the Victor Public Library. There will be prints hanging on the walls and on easels plus a slideshow of many more images. A reception will be held from 1-3 pm on Saturday September 12 as part of "Hang Around Victor" Day. The exhibit will be up until October 15th. Stop by if you have a chance!

A special thanks goes to Tim Niver, Community Services Librarian and Bea Parker, Library Board of Trustees for their interest in exhibiting the work of local artists and their help in setting it all up.

Musicals! Musicals! Musicals!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 16:31:18 GMT

Brighton Schools are lit up like Broadway with all the musicals being performed at the Summer Arts Camp! There's still time to see Alice in Wonderland and Bye Bye Birdie today and tomorrow. Click this link Brighton Summer Arts for times and ticket info. Here's a peak at the fun. Click on the photos to see all the images from that show.

Brighton Summer Arts program is underway

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 11:29:00 GMT

Once again I have the fun of photographing the Brighton Schools Summer Arts Program. The students are engaged in a variety of art classes as well as musical theater productions. Check out these cool shots from the art classes! http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/summerartclasses2015 Stay tuned for all the images from the various musicals, too.

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"Revelations" a new exhibit

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 20:23:13 GMT

Please join me Friday July 17th 6:00PM-8:30PM for the opening reception of the photography exhibition "Revelations". I am pleased to be included with these four extraordinarily talented photographers. Meet the artists, view our work, sample wine and local Lock 32 craft beer, hang out on the porch overlooking the Erie Canal ... Promises to be a special summer evening! The exhibit runs from July 15 through August 29, 2015. See the gallery website http://www.thegallery96.com for hours and additional information.

Also, I will be in the gallery on Saturday August 8 &15 from noon-5PM if you prefer to visit when it's less crowded.

http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/thegallery96

Thanks to all who attended the reception Sunday

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 01:03:54 GMT

Thanks to all who attended the reception Sunday at the tasting room at Billsboro Winery! Their beautiful barn was the perfect setting combined with a great turn out of family and friends, great wines, terrific music by Big Blue House and, oh, a few nice photographs made for a wonderful afternoon! See all the photos here billsbororeception062815 (thanks to Philip for playing the part of photographer!).

Billsboro Winery is ready for Light Touch Photos!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 20:22:46 GMT

Today we hung the show - "Arches, Doors, Windows and Gates" - at Billsboro Winery in Geneva. It's lookin' good and ready for the opening reception Sunday June 28 from 1-5pm. We know the wine is good and "Big Blue House" is playing from 2-4 so the music is fantastic. My photos look terrific in the vintage barn setting. More info here:Light Touch Photos at Billsboro. Please join us and help me celebrate my retirement. As one door closes, another opens.

You are invited!

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 23:49:58 GMT

You are invited to my solo exhibit "Arches, Doors, Windows and Gates" in the Tasting Room at Billsboro Winery, 4760 West Lake Rd (Rte 14S) Geneva, NY. The show opens Wednesday June 15 and runs through Saturday July 30. The opening reception is Sunday June 28 from 1-5 pm. Harvey's trio "Big Blue House" will perform from 2-4. Please come enjoy the fine Billsboro wines, light refreshments, photos and music and help me celebrate my retirement! See the Billsboro Winery website for their hours and directions. For a sneak preview click here.

Experimenting

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 16 May 2015 13:46:17 GMT

Having some fun experimenting with impressionistic/artistic interpretations of some of my photos. What do you think? Click on the images to see them larger plus a few more.

Highland Park

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 11 May 2015 23:55:00 GMT

Sunday I went to Highland Park with a group to shoot in the early morning hours. It's lovely being up early hearing the birds, enjoying the calm, seeing the flowers in first light. Here are a couple of images from that shoot.

Highland Park

just for fun

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 10 May 2015 22:22:53 GMT

3 guesses as to where/what this is. Email me if you think you know! :-)

3 guesses as to what/where this is :-)

lots of new images!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 09 May 2015 17:45:24 GMT

Spring is really looking good this year. High Acres has been great to explore. Here are a couple of the most recent images. Please click on either one to go to the gallery to see the rest. Lots of variety!

Spring developments at HANA

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 23:19:13 GMT

I just love spring. Every day carries the anticipation of seeing something new. The tiny Dutchman's britches and squirrel corn are blossoming. Red trillium are coming out of their spring coats and white trillium are standing tall. A few warm days and the woods will be full of them. The birds continue to trickle in. The blue gray gnatcatcher has found a neighborhood where he and his mate seem to be comfortable. Today I saw a mockingbird for the first time in ages, 3 pair of ring-necked ducks, a pair of buffleheads and this cute sparrow. He/she is a savannah sparrow with that distinct yellow eyebrow and he was sat still long enough for a few good shots.

With warmer weather just ahead hopefully the egrets and warblers will be back soon, too.

Savannah Sparrow (I think) 4/27/15 Dutchman's Britches in bloom!

Should have taken the big lens!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 21:22:01 GMT

I swear, every time I decide "just this once I won't haul that big thing along on my walk I see something that I wish I had brought. Well, I have learned my lesson, especially during migration season...I hope! Today, on my way back to the car - a pair of beautiful Wood ducks!! These are not prize winning photos by any means but these really are wood ducks!

Another year at High Acres has begun!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 22:34:38 GMT

Every day brings something new. I love spring! Today I saw at least 4 turkeys. I didn't get any good pictures so I can't be sure but I think so. The migrants I've seen so far include Widgeons, 1 coot, 24 ring-necked ducks, 2 buffleheads, many red-winged blackbirds, song sparrows, tree swallows, a great blue heron, and Canada geese plus bluebirds, robins, gulls, crows, goldfinches. This year I saw a horned grebe for the first time (not a great picture below but it's clear what it is).

Keep checking back - new images will added frequently! http://highacresyear4

Charleston for spring break!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 15:19:49 GMT

After a long, cold, gray Rochester winter (and did I say snowy?) we went to Charleston, SC for spring break. I love that city! So much art, music, culture, food, architecture, history and photo ops! If you want to see flowers and green grass and leafy tress plus colorful sunrises and southern charm, click here http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/charleston2015 or on one of the images below.

Here's a sneak preview!

There's so much we can learn from nature!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 13:08:26 GMT

One of the many reasons I love watching and photographing birds. They know something some humans haven't figured out yet. There's so much we can learn from nature! http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/birds

More water fowl on Irondequoit Bay Outlet

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 23:55:44 GMT

The flocks were smaller but there was still a nice variety - here are a few that I was able to get a decent shot of before my fingers froze!

1. RedHead 2. Mute Swan 3. Male Greater Scaup 4. Female Greater Scaup 5. Female RedBreasted Merganser 6. Long Tailed duck

water birds on Irondequoit Bay

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 23:25:05 GMT

We went for a drive this afternoon and ended up by the Irondequcit Bay outlet. Lots of gulls and geese but also long tailed ducks, lesser scaup, redheads and several mute swans like this beauty. Migration season is underway! Can spring be far behind?

mute swan on Irondequoit Bay 3/22/15

Calling all bird lovers!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 21:57:42 GMT

New note cards, and they look great! These 5x7" cards are colorful backyard birds printed on smooth white card stock that has a slightly glossy sheen to resist finger prints. Four cards come with white envelopes in a clear box for $15.00 (free shipping).

They are perfect for all occasions and make a great gift for a bird lovers such as yourself!

You can order these directly from the website by clicking on this link: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/specialtyprintitems

Who doesn't love receiving real mail from friends? Revive the art of handwritten notes with these beautiful note cards.

It's State of the Art!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 23:03:04 GMT

My photo "Silence" was accepted to be in the Annual Photo Show at the State of the Art Gallery in Ithaca. http://www.soag.org
The opening reception is Friday March 6 from 5-8 and the show is up from March 4-March 29. Take a beautiful drive to Ithaca, see some great photos and have dinner in one of the many terrific restaurants. It makes a great "get away"!

Silence

Brighton High School does it again!

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 23:54:00 GMT

Enjoy these photos http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/shrek of Brighton High School's production of the musical Shrek but don't let them substitute for going to see it in person! The students of the cast, crew and pit along with their directors are putting on a great show and the whole family will enjoy it. I am so excited to see so many of my former students on stage, in the pit and crew! Tickets are available through the Visual and Performing Arts office and the website.

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cardinals brighten up winter

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 13:33:36 GMT

This beautiful bird posed like a prince for the last 2 days. He had a motive. He wanted suet from the suet feeder like the other birds were enjoying. The problem is his feet are too big to hold onto the thin wires of the suet feeder so he jumped and hovered like a hummingbird and got his reward. His lovely wife calmly watched his impressive acrobatics.

It's a cold winter for sure!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 21:53:19 GMT

Even though the snow hasn't piled up much (certainly not enough for a day off from school, boo!) the temps have been in the single digits and teens pretty consistently. The one thing that's good for is frost photos. So, if you haven't had enough of the cold, or you just want to be amazed at what a wonderful artist Mother Nature is, check these out http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/frost

Winter Light

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 00:44:29 GMT

On another of my walks last week, as snow flew and the sun was setting I came across several scenes where the winter light was especially warm which was a wonderful contrast with the cold temps. Getting the geese taking off was a nice addition. A little sun in the winter sure goes a long way! Click on the image to see it larger.

Winter Light Winter Flight

2015 makes a good first impression

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 01:04:34 GMT

Well, I kicked off 2015 with a burst of creativity. On a dreary, cold January day, in the middle of stick season and cement skies with only a skimpy bit of snow I took a long walk at High Acres and saw nothing but consoled myself with a good fitness walk all the same. Toward the end of the walk I decided to shoot some weeds - I keep thinking there must be an image or two in all that texture - and I had the idea to try some impressionist images and make use of the camera's ability to capture multiple exposures. Some images I made were multiple exposures and some were sing exposures with the idea of combining them in photoshop. Well, I got on a roll and never felt the cold while I snapped away. Here are a few that seem to work - and most of all I was in the moment and having fun. I'm interested to know what you think of them. Click on the image to see it larger.

The end of another good year.

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:11:43 GMT

2014 really was a good year - so much to be thankful for and look back on with good memories. The last day started with a bright sunrise (so nice after so many days of gray!) so these photos are the last sunrise of 2014. May 2015 be just a bright and beautiful!

Last sunrise of 2014

Quick and lazy update

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 13:10:44 GMT

Since mid-November I have actually added photos to just about every gallery on the site! I have gotten out and shot all kinds of things, uncovered and reprocessed some gems that were buried in my archives, participated in a Black & White challenge on Facebook (see the first 5 images here:http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/blackandwhite and have a photo accepted to a gallery in Los Angeles http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/showsandexhibits! So here's a link to my recent photos. http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/recent.html Browse to your heart's content!

Into the Woods!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 19:39:36 GMT

The Twelve Corners Middle School 7th & 8th graders are presenting "Into the Woods" this weekend at 7pm in the High School Auditorium. Super cute and well done - your entire family will enjoy it! Congrats to cast, crew and directors! Click on the photos to see the rest!

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Harvey's new album!!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 12:54:00 GMT

It's here! It's here! and it's GOOD! Harvey's new album "HarveyBand Jazz". He headed in a different direction from his usual composition and style and it's absolutely masterful! Go to www.HarveyBand.com to hear a couple of the tunes. Call or email him (or contact via his website or Facebook) to purchase your own copy. I am very proud of his work on this and excited by his growth and artistic expression. The cover art isn't bad either...if I do say so myself :-)

http://www.HarveyBand.com or Facebook to order your copy!

use of my images

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 19:38:16 GMT

Recently I have had several inquiries about using my images in their projects. I have been unsure of how to navigate the waters of what is essentially stock photography. I finally did enough homework to know where to start. Please see the links below for further information. Thank you for your interest in my images. I welcome your inquiries.

http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/copyright and http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/use-of-images

pretty Penfield

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 19:32:49 GMT

Well, I finally got out to explore one of my favorite parks in Penfield and here's what I saw! The light was a little flat that afternoon but the colors were nice and it was a great little hike. Click the image to see more!

Linear Park, Penfield, NY

Having some fun

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 12:03:02 GMT

While they may not be works of art I have recently made a few images just for fun. Click the image to see more.

Seeing the old familiar new

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 11:58:57 GMT

We spent the Columbus Day weekend back in Hancock NY. Family business called but the free time was ours. It was just past peak foliage already but there were still pockets of brilliant color. I have not spent any time there since photography has become my passion so to travel around the area, seeing the old familiar places as new sources of inspiration was satisfying and fun. I got a few keepers and look forward to returning. Click the image to see more.

Another photogenic walk

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 12:21:49 GMT

Yesterday's morning walk produced a couple of gems. The fall colors are starting to pop and this one particular spot catches my eye almost every year. The heron was quite unexpected in the small stream that runs under the road. Click on the images to see more.

A wall of fall great blue heron

Enjoying a Saturday morning

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 12:55:16 GMT

With the beautiful weather we've had lately yesterday was the perfect time to head out to explore the changing colors, blue skies and great scenery of western Wayne County. Click on any of the images to see more.

Face to the Sun barn in western Wayne County

Travelling close to home

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 11:50:02 GMT

I love to travel and have a travel bucket list that stretches nearly around the world! I also love traveling close to home. Upstate New York is beautiful and has so many hidden treasures to explore. Click on the photo to see more recent travels to Pultneyville, Clifton Springs, Ganargua and beyond.

Pultneyville, NY Marina

Sodus

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 11:41:13 GMT

Last night we made a leisurely trip to Sodus late in the afternoon. We stopped at a wonderful Farm Market and the unmistakeable signs of fall were everywhere. Click on the gourds to see more recent fun stuff.

Gourds! It must be autumn!

Recent Fun Stuff

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 11:37:38 GMT

I can't believe it's been a month since I have posted anything! Well, yes I can. School started and time has been at a premium. I have taken a few fun photos as well as a really nice senior shoot for a lovely girl. Here's a sample from High Acres. Clicking on the purple aster will take you to the rest.

Aster and Bee

Lunch!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 00:00:58 GMT

Insalata Caprese - fresh tomatoes from the farm market up the road and fresh mozzerella cheese, chopped basil from the pot on the deck, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with S&P. Best eaten on the deck on a sunny summer afternoon!

il Tricolore!! (insalata Caprese)

Birds and butterflies at High Acres

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 13:03:51 GMT

The butterflies have been beautiful lately. There are not as many as two years ago but definitely more than last year (practically none in 2013) - enough to keep me going back in search of the next new or different species and the next masterpiece photo! Watching cedar waxwings is always a treat as they swoop and dive after bugs in flight. Getting a photo of them is rewarding. Click to see it larger then to scroll through the other captures of the last week.

Two birds with one shot giant swallowtail Eastern Swallowtail Butterfly

Finally- back at High Acres

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 14:05:23 GMT

A foot injury kept me off it most of July (at least as far as walking the uneven terrain of High Acres in concerned) but I got in a great walk at High Acres on Sunday. The best part was a relatively cooperative Eastern Tailed Blue butterfly. I finally got a good photo of one. They are so small and quick. It's either hard to see them in the first place or hard to find them sitting still long enough for a portrait. Anyway, here it is. Click on the image to go to the gallery and see the other images of the day - some cool weeds, butterflies and...well, you'll just have to check it out!

Eastern tailed blue butterfly

Another beautiful sunset on Lake Ontario

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 18:01:09 GMT

Webster park offers a great view of the lake and gorgeous sunsets. Here's one from the other night. Click on it to see the full image and link to the gallery for more. http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/rochester

On stage at Brighton

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 23:11:39 GMT

This week and last I had the great fun of photographing the musical productions at the Brighton Summer Arts camp. Last week was Cinderella and there was more than enough cute to go around! Here's a teaser. Click on the image to see the rest of the singing and dancing and acting.

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This week was Mulan and Honk. Great shows and such fun to watch. I got an abundance of photos - click on each one to see the rest.

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Interesting bird observations

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 15:16:57 GMT

Yesterday morning, about 7:15 two pileated woodpeckers landed on our deck railing. They are big birds - about 18 inches long. The tend to be shy and not easy to see up close so this was a real treat! Both the male and the female were on the deck for a few minutes, the male left first for the oak tree - you can tell by the red stripe at his jaw/chin while the female's is black. Then they both took off. Here's some more info on the Cornell website: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/pileated_woodpecker/id

pileated woodpecker on our deck

This morning a newly fledged brown headed cowbird was making quite a racket looking for something to eat. A kindly chipping sparrow, less than half as big, fed the larger baby. Cowbirds are parasitic birds. They have no nest building or parenting instincts and leave the jobs to other birds. This description of their behavior is worth reading: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/brown-headed_cowbird/id

You go girls!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 01:10:09 GMT

Yesterday (7/25/14) we spent a nice afternoon in Seneca Falls where we visited the National Women's Hall or Fame and the Women's Rights National Park. Both museums are very well done and definitely worth a visit or three! There is so much to read and take in. I found the Hall of Fame to be especially emotional. In elementary school I read many biographies of famous women such as Clara Barton and Elizabeth Blackwell. They are both enshrined as well as Julia Child, Hillary Clinton, Sally Ride, Maya Lin and so many who came before them. What the majority have in common is overcoming great adversity, and sacrificing so much and working tirelessly so that the world could be a better place - whether it is through humanities, science, medicine, the arts...they have all contributed to women's rights and human rights and it's right that there is a place to honor and remember them. The town is beautiful as well. The canal tow path is being transformed into a sculpture walk and the other side is very user friendly with boat anchors, benches, and a park, all very nice!

Fun Field Trip!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 13:33:47 GMT

A couple of weeks ago I shot a wedding at Artisan Works, that fun and funky art gallery, antique shop and event space. I scouted the place a few days before the wedding and here are a few images of the various"rooms" and their collections of ... collectibles. There's about half a million pieces of art and artifacts in the place! If you haven't been there before, it's definitely worth a visit or two or twenty or....well, you get the idea. Here's one image - click on it then scroll throughout the next 4-5. Have fun!

Artisan Works - the Dentist Office

The Dentist Office! - This reminds me of Doc Merchant's office that I went to as a kid. Not the color scheme, and there was no clown or large set of teeth (and there was certainly not a naked mannequin in the corner!!), but the chair, the light with its pulley system, the "power tools" and, for some reason the flute-edged, round glass instrument tray was especially nostalgic. Funny what we remember, sad what we don't... sometimes.

A Colorful Mess!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 16:57:35 GMT

Each year I have the pleasure of photographing the art classes at the Brighton Summer Arts Camp. The teachers are fantastic, their projects invite creativity and fun, the kids are having a great time and the art projects are really impressive. I know I am going to get great pictures of kids creating their own works of art. This time I had the added bonus of photographing some abstract images that I found, the "aftermath" of one of their projects. You can see all the images here: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/acolorfulmess.

Wedding bells!

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 00:45:47 GMT

Saturday June 12, 2014 was a beautiful day for the wedding of robin and Simon. Artisan Works was the unique and fun venue. It was a lovely, small wedding celebrating their love and new life together. Thank you Robin and Simon for asking me to be your photographer. It was truly and honor!

See all the photos here: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/robinandsimon

Happy 4th of July

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 16:20:39 GMT

This post may be a little late but I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. The weather sure was nice and it made for great fireworks viewing and shooting - clear night sky, no humidity and the smoke cleared out quickly. Our vantage point on the top of the parking garage looking south down South Ave past the Central Library and the Freddy-Sue bridge worked out well. So did my new G16 camera!

mid-summer bird activity

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 23:36:07 GMT

The feeders have been a busy place lately - from the young cardinals venturing out on their own to pairs of goldfinches, house finches and purple finches.

juvenile male cardinal

feeding time for the cardinals

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 13:34:47 GMT

It's such a joy and privilege to watch nature take its course. Papa cardinal feeding the youngsters on the deck this week. The facial expressions are almost human!

say "please!" father cardinal (R) feeding young (L)

Summer on the deck

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 13:25:18 GMT

ahhh...it's that time of year again. What's not to love?!

Good morning summer! June 29, 2014

some recent experiments

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 23:52:47 GMT

So, I'm trying out a new technique and my first attempts aren't too bad. What do you think?

a front yard visitor

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 20:57:34 GMT

This Northern Flicker was very busy digging in the front year today. He/she found something interesting and spent a good deal of time getting at whatever it was! We see one of these birds once or twice a year, usually in the back yard so this was a little different twist on a sighting.

Northern Flicker in the front yard

June is off to a great start!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:04:21 GMT

A morning walk, a tree, the sun...what could be better? Happy June!

Treasure Hunt!

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 27 May 2014 22:08:30 GMT

Once again a walk in High Acres is like a treasure hunt. In 2 days - Sunday 5/25 and Monday 5/26 I saw a pair of great egrets (finally!), a great blue heron, a cardinal, a pair of Baltimore orioles, gold finches, yellow warblers, families of Canada geese, barn and tree swallows, song sparrows, mallards, yellow-rumped warblers, grackles, red-winged blackbirds, robins, plus both yellow and black swallowtail butterflies, and both the doe and faun together!

And there were lots of lovely little details, colors and blossoms. If only you could smell the honeysuckle just by looking at the photo!

Here are just two images but clicking on either one will take you to the gallery with the rest

how sweet is this!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 19 May 2014 00:24:21 GMT

I never know what I am going to find on my walks at High Acres. Today it was a tiny fawn, snuggled between the large stones that rim the parking lot. I didn't see him/her until I was just a couple of feet away. He/she was alive, breathing and blinking and occasionally nodding off - and probably wishing mom would come back soon! A good thing about a long lens is that I can stay back quite a ways and observe and photograph without disturbing.

a quote

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 15 May 2014 00:45:00 GMT

I was reminded of this quote by a remarkable woman.

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

Eleanor Roosevelt

Great bird watching!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 14 May 2014 00:34:43 GMT

The bird watching has been great this spring. Today we saw a Magnolia Warbler in the hemlock tree in the back yard. He flitted about too quickly for a photo but he had the clear collaring and marking of a Magnolia warbler. Today at HANA I saw a Blackburnian Warbler! So pretty and I got a decent photo (below). Two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were "negotiating" for territory. Sunday there was a Black-throated Green warbler and yesterday I saw a Chestnut-sided warbler! A pair of Baltimore oriole dangled from the super high tree tops. The Palm warbler was new for me too and seeing them collecting nesting materials was so cute and it means they nest here, too so there will be little ones soon. The Redstart and the Black and White warbler are also new this year! Once again HANA entices me with what I might see next!

Blackburnian Warbler 5/13/14, 6:13 pm

My first Black and White warbler!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 04 May 2014 04:45:00 GMT

How sweet! I have heard about other people seeing them but I never have. A nice couple pointed it out to me while on a way Saturday. Today I got some good shots of one of the two that I saw in roughly the same spot.

a black and white warbler - my first!

"Flora" - Exhibiting 2 of my images

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 12:19:54 GMT

Two of my images have been accepted to "Flora" a new exhibit at Main Street Arts Gallery in Clifton Springs, NY. The opening reception is Saturday May 3, 2014 from 4-7 pm. If you can't make the reception, the exhibit runs from May 1 - July 3 so please stop by. The gallery is a beautiful space on Main Street and it's a nice drive to Clifton Springs. Support the arts any way you can! See this link for more information: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/flora_webversion.pdf

Charleston, SC

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 12:30:00 GMT

From April 13-18 I had the fun and honor of visiting and photographing Charleston, Sc with three dear friends who are as crazy about photography as I am! It's so nice to be able to stop whenever something catches the eye with no questions about my sanity asked or implied! We saw sunrise on Isle of Palms each morning, visited Middleton Place, a beautiful 400 acre plantation and living museum, Edisto Island and Botany Bay, downtown Charleston and went kayaking on the Echaw Creek. I added 11 birds to my life bird list! We packed a lot of fun into 4 days, that's for sure! Here's one photo to get you started and of course, there are more in the gallery! Click on the photo below to take you to the rest.

Sunrise on Isle of Palms

Birds galore - it's spring!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 00:44:22 GMT

What a great night of birding. A Great Blue Heron on a farm near High Acres, several pair of Hooded Mergansers, several pair of Ring-necked ducks, several pair of eastern bluebirds, a pair of Northern Shovelers, a cardinal, a pair of kildeer, 3 pair of tree swallows, robins, Canada geese, mallards, lots of Red-Winged Black Birds! It's spring!

Year 3 at High Acres has begun in grand fashion!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 15:45:00 GMT

Sunday April 6 - I think, I hope spring has finally arrived. A beautiful day with blue skies, temps in the mid 50s and sunshine all over was too good to stay inside so late in the afternoon I trekked over the High Acres. I parked next to the barn and walked down to the causeway. A year ago it had been much warmer and on April 4 I saw and captured a beautiful image of a great Egret in the pond west of the causeway. Knowing that was too good to happen again i just decided to enjoy the day and the weather. About 1/4 across the causeway something large and white caught my eye - no, not another egret but a big tundra swan floating around. The first few images were not good as I could not steady the camera (no, I didn't bring a tripod). A little farther down the path, however, was a tree and one branch at just the right height to set the camera on while I leaned against the trunk. Success! Maybe not an image for the Professional Nature Photographers top 100 but a good solid image of the swan and a few friends. In the other corner of the pond was a large flock of …not geese, too small. Not mallards, too much white. Upon closer inspection they turned out to be 30+ ring neck ducks! What a bonus. Click the images to see larger.

Trumpeter Swan - April 6, 2014

See "Spamalot" this weekend at Brighton High School

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 22:34:00 GMT

Monty Python's Spamalot, a highly irreverent parody adapted from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail is being performed at Brighton High School this weekend, April 5 & 6 at 7pm. One of the perks of shooting the photos is getting to see a full dress rehearsal and sneak preview. This is one show I can strongly recommend! It's hilarious and the kids are having a great time! You really must see the 24 talented high school students singing, dancing and making general merriment and silliness on stage! Tickets will be available at the door.

A Hidden Gem

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 15:54:23 GMT

Actually just some pretty weeds that I found last July but left on the hard drive, forgotten. Considering the 8 inches of snow we had overnight this looks pretty darn nice!

Pretty weeds

Good news!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 18:44:21 GMT

I just learned that one of my photos Corbetts_Glen was purchased at the State of the Art Gallery in Ithaca! It has been one of my favorites so it's gratifying to find out that someone else likes it, too! Update: this piece sold! Someone liked it well enough to take it home with them! Yay!

Corbetts Glen

Is it spring yet?

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 19:05:16 GMT

A very cold and windy walk at High Acres today had me seriously wondering if spring is ever going to come. There were just no signs of it anywhere, yet it inspired a little poem:

Geese honking madly

touching down on frozen pond

March... or November?

Could it be...Spring?

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 19:00:00 GMT

It's coming..It's coming! Look!! The first tentative daffodil shoots on March 18!

Looking for spring...

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 11:48:18 GMT

Second snow day in a row should be fun but I have had enough of winter so I started looking for spring images. I found this one on the hard drive, almost forgotten but it says spring and it's a little bit abstract, too. It intrigues me which is probably why I made the image in the first place. Click the image for a larger, more detailed look.

Another photo, another show! Two shows actually!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 00:26:02 GMT

For the 4th year in a row I will have at least one image in the Annual Juried Photo Show at State of the Art Gallery in Ithaca. Corbett's Glen is an image I converted from beautiful fall colors to a very strong black & white image. The exhibit runs from March 3 - 30, 2014. See the gallery website for directions and hours. http://www.SOAG.org It's a terrific little gallery and there are lots of great restaurants and shops in Ithaca to make a great day trip.

The two other images were accepted to Light Space & Time's on-line exhibit CityScapes for the month of March 2014 http://www.lightspacetime.com/cityscapes-photography-digital-category/ #44, Casa di Nonno and http://www.lightspacetime.com/cityscapes-art-exhibition-special-merit-category/ #36 Rochester Skyline at Night. This is a really strong show of images and I am pleased to be included.

Corbetts Glen

http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/showsandexhibits

"Forest Fire" to be in show

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 00:54:50 GMT

My image Forest Fire was honored with a "Peter's Pick" (Best in Show) designation back in 2012. From Feb. 25 - Mar. 23, 2014 it will be included in a retrospective exhibit of all the Peter's Picks of 2012. I am humbled to be included with all the outstanding images in this show. Read the full post & click the link for more information: http://www.imagecityphotographygallery.com/Shows/201403show/index.htm

Another sunny winter day!

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 14:13:11 GMT

So beautiful but so far between are these sunny winter days. Yesterday was exceptional! The sky was absolutely brilliant blue and the sun sparkled off the new powder snow. Cold as can be but what a great day for a walk. I hope you got out to enjoy it, but if not perhaps these photos will give you a taste of what I enjoyed.

Anything Goes! @ Brighton High School this weekend!

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 01:40:10 GMT

Get your tickets on-line at the BCSD arts website to see a a fun and hilarious performance of Cole Porter's Anything Goes! on stage at the Brighton High School Auditorium this weekend - March 6-8, 2014 at 7 pm. Congratulations to the cast, crew, orchestra and their directors on a fine performance!

Big Blue House brought the house down last night!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 15:18:24 GMT

Big Blue House - Brian, Bob and Harvey - filled the Lovin' Cup and made believers out of everyone there! They sounded great last night and had a lot of fun in the process! Check out the photos and video here: http://bigbluehousefeb12014 then go to Harvey's website http://www.harveyband.com/contact/ and join the mailing list so you know when the next gigs are and come on out to here them play! Big Blue House is on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/585666001503853/and they have their own website too http://www.bigbluehouseband.com. No excuses people!

Winter sunsets produce great shadows

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 23:52:47 GMT

I love the long, deep shadows that happen at sunset in the winter. The colors are quite surreal and the textures are enhanced by the sideways lighting. One walk at HANA produced two shots that I think really showcase the effect.

Winter Sunset Deep shadows

Return to Linear Park

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 00:29:19 GMT

I went for a walk in Linear Park today. I haven't been here in a while. It really is a nice place to hike. The stream running through it makes it a full sensory experience. I love the sound of a rushing, babbling stream - so relaxing. A beautiful robin was snacking on berries but photographing him grabbing one in flight was not to be. I just appreciated the show and got some good images of him posing on a branch. Not bad for a 7 degree day! Note that at the beginning of my walk the sun was even shining. Made me wish I had gotten out there sooner!

Strolling through the woods...

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 01:13:46 GMT

On a cold snowy afternoon a walk in High Acres woods inspired a few impressionistic images of the winter forest. The trees with a thin layer of snow, their straight and tall posture and the contrast of the snow with the bark really catches my eye.

Long-tailed ducks at Charlotte

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 01:23:41 GMT

We went in search of the snowy owls that everyone seems to see at the Charlotte Pier. No owls today but lots of long-tailed ducks - another species to add to the list! Pretty birds and quite well behaved for the camera! More pics here: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/birds

Winter at High Acres

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 01:30:00 GMT

Winter has really set in these days. Some of the coldest temps we've seen in quite a long time. The snow has been beautiful and I managed to catch a nice sunset at High Acres while snowshoeing the other day. More images in the gallery: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/highacresyear2

Congratulations to Ashley & Greg!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 14:21:34 GMT

Yesterday's beautiful weather (46 degrees with sun on 12/28 is a beautiful thing in Rochester!) was no match for the beautiful wedding of Greg and Ashley - two wonderful people starting their lives together amidst lots of family and friends! Here's one of my favorite from the day. The rest can be seen here: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/shawdodgewedding More to come as I process them so stay tuned!

What a difference 6 months makes!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 01:37:32 GMT

Image 1 - taken on the first day of summer vacation. Image 2: 6 months later - almost the same image but very different. One was taken on the deck, the other was taken from inside the kitchen looking out. Can you guess which one is which?

Words to always remember....

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 00:59:55 GMT

Those things you hold so dear cannot change and grow and expand unless you loosen your grip on them a little. If you have a preconceived notion of how something should be, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE DISAPPOINTED. Instead, just go with it, just ACCEPT it, because usually something even more wonderful will come out of it.

Tarzan!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 12:59:04 GMT

Congratulations to the cast, crew & directors of the TCMS production of Tarzan. It was wonderful! So much energy, color, music and so many possible images! So much fun! There are still some tickets available for the Saturday 11/16 performance. Go if you can! See all the photos here: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/tarzan

Something to remember...

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 11:07:11 GMT

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

a milestone!

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 01:09:08 GMT

My website went over the 10,000 hit mark today! I think that's pretty amazing! Thank you all for stopping by. I hope you have enjoyed the visit and will come back again soon. New images are being added all the time.

another bridal shower!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 01:15:00 GMT

A beautiful even was hosted by my friend Amy for her future daughter-in-law Ashley on Saturday. Lucky girl! This was her second shower and she received tons of great gifts and well wishes and love! See all the fun from both showers here http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/shawdodgebridalshowers

Flute Fair 2013

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 00:47:18 GMT

I had a great time shooting the recital, workshops and exhibits of the 2013 Rochester Flute Fair. The Rochester Flute Association puts together a wonderful event every year and I not only have the fun of shooting it I always learn something I can take back to my teaching and playing, too. What a deal! Here's a link to all the images http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/flutefair2013 Enjoy the images!

Go local!

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 00:46:10 GMT

I read a forum post from a photographer lamenting not being able to travel to exotic places to capture stunning images. He got very good advice to hone his craft locally, keep going back for different light, weather and seasons, use his imagination (all to which I say "yes"!). Then, another poster commented that if he lived in British Columbia, CA as the original poster did, he'd be happy shooting all the days of his life in such a beautiful province. It was a good reminder to appreciate the beauty all around us. Today I returned to Webster Park. I'm so glad I did. I had wanted to get there in the fall and last year I was so busy shooting (day after day) at High Acres that I didn't venture much farther than my own backyard (happily, I might add). Webster Park was beautiful today, and while these my images may not have museum quality WOW factor, I think they convey the beauty of the park in fall in the golden hours. What do you think? Check out the these two galleries for more images from Webster Park 10/13: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/rochester (images 3, 4, & 5) and http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/variousnylocations (images 1-4)

Now showing

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 15:32:47 GMT

Two of my images will be exhibited in this show at the Image City Photography Gallery from Oct. 30 - Nov. 24, 2014. Read full post to see which of my pieces are included and for a link to the gallery's website with information about hours, directions and a sneak preview to the entire exhibit. http://www.imagecityphotographygallery.com

" Il Cortile", the courtyard

Candide at Brighton High School

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 12:30:15 GMT

Brighton High School is performing a most unusual version of Voltaire's play "Candide" this weekend (October 25 & 26, 2013). Here are a couple of highlights from the show. See the rest here: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/candide The case, crew and directors are doing their usual amazing job. Go see it if you are free!

A touch of fall

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 19:44:31 GMT

It's funny how you can drive past a place dozens of times and not see a little gem. Here is a view off the canal bridge in Macedon. Gray skies don't always prevent a colorful scene and that was the case today.

little things mean a lot!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 19:15:31 GMT

High Acres manages to surprise me once again. This year has been so different from last year but each visit brings something different. This time it was bugs - grasshoppers, caterpillars, dragonflies - and some lovely milkweed seeds bursting out of their pods before winter. Enjoy!

wooly bear caterpillar old blue eyes milkweed

Book signing

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 21:47:57 GMT

How cool is this? Here I am signing 50 of my books purchased by the management of High Acres Nature Area that they plan to give as gifts to the volunteers who do so much to develop, maintain and study the Area and make it a really wonderful, natural habitat. They decided to purchase the books upon seeing the book that I created as a photo essay of my year exploring the area and donated to them to say thank you to them for doing their part to protect and grow the environment and giving me a great place to wander, hike, observe, photograph and relax.

The photos in this book came from this gallery, my year of exploring High Acres Nature Area HighAcresYear1

I will be ordering another batch of books so if you are interested in purchasing one for yourself or another nature lover send me an email and I'll put your name on the list.

Bike-026-2023-0709-IPH_2041

They're back!! Rochester Note Cards!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 15:58:28 GMT

I once again have Rochester note cards for sale. These were very popular and this new batch (with two extra scenes than last time) looks really nice. You can order them directly from the website or shoot me an email and I'll send you a pack or two (or more!). Six colorful scenes of Rochester at Night are printed on smooth, premium, white card stock and come with envelopes. They make a nice gift and are a great way to send someone a greeting (remember writing real notes to people?!) and show off our beautiful city at the same time.

Rochester Note Cards

Images within images

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:16:21 GMT

It's fun to look for "images with images". This is the first of four such images that were abstracted from a larger photo. I like them for their graphic quality, color, orderliness punctuated with a little disorder and details that are sometimes overlooked but add significantly to the overall impression of a place. All were taken in Poland. See the rest here: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/poland/h6973299a#h6973299a

Our trip to Poland

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 21:10:51 GMT

We traveled to Poland with my Mom from August 5-15. I had looked forward to the trip for several months but what I discovered there was far more than I had anticipated. The people and gentle, warm and friendly. The food was excellent - even had some of the best Italian food I've ever had in Krakow. The gentle rolling green hills of the country are beautiful and the history is overwhelming. Meeting my cousins was a lovely experience. I hope we can keep in touch. Watching mom talk, listen and translate was fascinating. She seemed to be channeling some long lost skills. It was very touching! There is so much so see, explore, do and experience here that I know I will be going back. This trip just whetted my appetite for more.

Here are a couple of photos but you probably should just check out the website and see the rest... :-) http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/poland

St. Mary's Basilica, Krakow

Biking with my iPhone

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 16:24:09 GMT

Biking along County Line Rd,

This was taken with my iPhone, it is 4 shots stitched together. Printed it would be 40 x 10! It's along one of my usual bike routes and often has interesting light and color. The old barn is always picturesque. I don;t often shoot with a panoramic image in mind but when I see other photographers' panoramic images I am intrigued. Today it all came together: the light, the scene, the panoramic vision, the color and those clouds! They say the best camera is the one you have with you. Today it was my iPhone.

Summer Musical Fun!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 10:34:16 GMT

Congratulations to the students, directors and crew of the summer musicals at the Brighton Summer Arts Program. In barely 4 weeks they put on two wonderful shows - The Music Man and The Little Mermaid. It is mind boggling to me how the kids could learn all that acting, choreography, and singing to pull off such polished performances! The tech crew is nothing short of amazing building two sets and remembering which pieces go where and which light cues happen when! Bravi a tutti! To see all the photos check out these two links: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/musicman and http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/littlemermaid

Too cute!!!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 11:37:21 GMT

The Summer Arts Camp continues with performances of "The Jungle Book" and a cast of 27 beautiful 2nd-4th graders. If ever there was too much cute in one room, this was it! Have a look for yourself but remember..I told you it was a lot of cute!

Art Classes

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 00:29:51 GMT

I had a blast shooting the kids in the Summer Arts Program today! Super nice kids, very photogenic, and very creative. The art projects they were working on showed great ideas, excellent craftsmanship, and pride in their work. The campers and their teachers were clearly having fun. Here are a couple images. More on my website: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/artclasses2013

Return to High Acres!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 18:00:00 GMT

It's been a while since I strolled through High Acres. Once again, I saw things I have not seen before such as the Pileated Woodpecker! A family of green herons hangs out on the ponds on either side of the "causeway" - seeing the young ones was also a first for me. I also came across a cedar waxwing snatching insects in mid-air, a couple of butterflies and a young bird (robin perhaps?). You'll just have to check out all the images in my High Acres gallery... http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/highacresyear2

Cedar Waxwing

Another gorgeous sunset on Lake Ontario

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 17:45:00 GMT

Yes, I know you've seen them before. Probably taken a few yourself. I know I have (so has the guy in the photo!)!! But really, who can resist another gorgeous sunset on Lake Ontario? Naturally there are a couple more on in my web gallery http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/rochester. Cheers!

The Maine Thing!

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 11:45:58 GMT

quintessential Maine bouys

I recently returned from a 3 day shooting trip to the great state of Maine with four Fabulous Female Fotographer Friends - aka F4 (with a humble nod toward Ansel Adams' famous F64 group). We had a great time despite generally cloudy, rainy weather and I think we really made the best of the less than ideal weather and light conditions. Many thanks to Paula for hosting!

All the images are here http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/maine2013. Here are a couple to get you started.

First day of summer vacation!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 21:42:12 GMT

Enjoying breakfast, tea and a good book on the deck. Being entertained by a hummingbird at the feeder...ignoring the chainsaws across the road...snapping a fun pic with the iPhone. Life is good.

Ahhh! Summer on the deck!

New Note Cards!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:07:12 GMT

If you are someone who still send "old fashioned" hand-written note I have new note cards! And if I do say so myself, they look really nice! Flowers, Monroe County Parks, Butterflies and the Finger Lakes. You can order them directly from my website along with other custom print products such as calendars, postcards, photo books and more.

Here's the link: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/specialtyitems

Rosa-Gervais-KTN-8X10-2

325A0235

A Picture Perfect Day in Rochester

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 00:13:33 GMT

It was a picture perfect day in Rochester!

We started out at the the Maplewood Rose Festival and saw our friend Dick Bennett and his photography display. The roses were fabulous - the red and white striped ones stole my heart. Dinner at the Genesee Brew House was followed by a walk across the Pont de Rennes bridge at High Falls and Abbotts Frozen Custard. What could be better?!

Summer colors at High Acres.

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:42:34 GMT

Went for a long walk today at High Acres. Used my iPhone for this round of photography. Everything was so green...except for the little things that were red and pink and ...

Harvey's New Album - a true collaboration!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:29:38 GMT

Harvey's new album Living on Six Strings is in production now and can be playing on your CD player or iPod soon! See his website for more info and to order your copy now http://www.HarveyBand.com. All the songs are original creations by Harvey, performed by him with the help from some talented friends, and recorded in Harvey's studio.

Below is the Album Cover (back and front) which I created from a photo I made at a gig and a painting that was created from the photo by our very talented friend Dick Price http://www.richardprice.net/about.htm. Another good friend Bob DeRosa created a terrific slide show using several of my photos from our trip to Wyoming accompanying the song Where was Paradise, which was composed while we were in Wyoming visiting Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks. Here's the link to the slide show on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPQdbu5a2xQ

Two very special projects

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:02:45 GMT

Recently I had the privilege and joy of creating a photo book for a wonderful young woman and graduation announcements for a special young man. I have seen both perform in Brighton High School theater productions over the last three years and these projects, requested by their parents celebrate their accomplishments. I wish Jessica and DazMann all the best in the future!

The first is the front and back of the graduation announcement postcard. The second is the cover the photo book.

Good news!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 25 May 2013 23:10:11 GMT

I received some good news recently. Two of my photos have been accepted by the Kellicutt International Photo Show. One, Forest Impression will be hanging in the gallery of the Coastal Arts League in Half Moon Bay, CA from June 28 to Aug. 5 then it moves to the Gallery at Calumet in San Francisco from Aug 5 - Sept 11, 2013. The second, Letchworth Morning will be part of an Exhibit Display Portfolio in each gallery.If you would like to see the entire show, including my photos click this link http://www.kellicutt.org/Shows/2013/HangingInShow/index.html Forest Impression is #32 and this link will take you to all the images in the Display Portfolio http://www.kellicutt.org/Shows/2013/DisplayBook/index.html (mine is #7). I am really thrilled to have not one but two included in this group of fine images.

Forest Impression

Letchworth Morning

Wildflower treasure hunt~

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:45:00 GMT

Finding these lovely little wild flowers in the woods is such a treasure hunt! Today it was Jack-in-the-pulpit and May Apple blossoms. Recently there have been Dutchman's Britches, Bleeding hearts, red & white trillium...can't wait to see what's next!

Jack in the Pulput May Apple blossom

there are more~ http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/flowers

Why print photos in this digital age?

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:25:51 GMT

The Huffington Post

The Case Against 'Good Enough' by Kathleen Trenske, Photographer Posted: 03/29/2013 1:35 am

My parents have exactly 18 professional images from their wedding. Eighteen. I know them inside and out. I could describe each image to you so well that a sketch artist would be able to recreate them.

How do I know them so well? Because I've looked at them hundreds of times. I've looked at them hundreds of times because they were on display, in an album. An album that was made by a professional, filled with prints made through a professional lab and bound in a book available only to professionals. From the time I was a little girl I was fascinated by it -- seeing my parents so young, my grandparents and aunts and uncles surrounding them. It was a simple leather book, with the images slipped in and preserved behind plastic but it held up surprisingly well over time. Even though I looked at it more times than I could count. Even though this May those images will turn 42 years old.

But what about couples that marry today? What if they decide to forgo an album? What if they decide it's not worth the cost? How many images do you really think they'll put into frames? Five? Ten? Maybe that first year married, they'll have a bunch. But then, kids comes along. Baby pictures replace wedding pictures in those frames. They move, things change. In 40 years, how many pictures do you think their children will know by heart? How many pictures will they have even seen?

Today, a lot of couples think just getting the disc of images is "good enough." Here's the problem with that thinking: it's not true. Not by a long shot.

Don't get me wrong, I think that getting the files from your day is great. Today's couples probably get up to 1,000 images from their wedding, WAY more images than my parents did. After all, what happened to all those other images from my parents' wedding day? They probably sat, negatives in a box, at their photographer's studio never again to see the light of day. So I think it's wonderful that couples get ALL their photos. But what worries me is that even with that option, it won't mean that today's couples will necessarily be better off. My fear is that today's couples will actually end up with LESS than what my parent's got in 1971.

Think about it, will the computers of 2055 even have DVD drives? USB ports? Will they even have hard drives at all? If the past is any indication, the answer is no. You know what the big technological advancement was when my parents got married? Eight-track players. What if their images were stored on the equivalent of that? How in the world would I see those images today?

But you know what never becomes obsolete? What never goes out of style? Photographs. And not just any photographs. Not photos printed at a drugstore. Professional photographs, printed by a professional lab. Those are the photos you find in an attic. It could be a 100-year-old photo, but it still looks good. Because back then, the paper photographs were printed on was high quality and developing them was an art form. There were no machines that spit out pictures onto cheap paper with inexpensive ink. I actually have to stop myself from intervening when I see people at those automated machines in a drugstore. Whatever they're charging, it's too much. Because those prints aren't worth the paper they're printed on. They will fade. They will curl. They will not stand the test of time. Not even close.

Your memories are worth more than that. And your wedding images? They are worth TONS more than that. These aren't snapshots from a vacation. They aren't pictures from your iPhone. You cared enough about these moments to hire a professional to photograph them. Follow that through by having a professional print them. Have that professional print the pictures you put into frames and have them design you a high- quality wedding album that you will cherish for decades.

If you purchase an album through your photographer, you can see a sample in person. You can touch and feel it and make sure it is worth every penny.

I know that albums are expensive. That's for good reason. They are custom-designed books, usually hand-stitched and hand assembled and made just for you.

But of all the things you spend money on for your wedding, your wedding photographs are the ONLY thing that will increase in value over time. As the years pass, you'll be more and more glad that you have them. Especially, if you can experience looking through them by flipping through a gorgeous custom-designed album instead of sitting in front of your computer and clicking "next" with your mouse.

So, figure out a way to make it happen. Figure out a way to afford that album. Forgo a centerpiece. Cut back on your guest list. Opt out of the vintage car you'll drive in for all of 20 minutes.

Don't just do it for you. Do it for your children. Do it for your grandchildren. Because when they root around in your attic in 2075, they will have no idea what do with a USB key anymore than they would with a laser disc player.

Here's the link to the Huffington Post by Kathleen Trenske: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/the-case-against-good-enough.pdf

There's no place like home...

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 12 May 2013 01:55:16 GMT

The birds have been plentiful, busy and colorful in the backyard this spring. The cardinals are still staying close to the nest in the hemlock tree, the bluebirds are fiercely guarding the nest in the box, the finches are eating the feeder empty every few days! The hummingbird made his first appearance last Saturday at 6:28 pm then again this morning around 8 am. So much fun! Here are a few to whet your appetite. More on the website http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/birds

rose breasted grosbeak

Reach for the sky

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 04 May 2013 13:45:50 GMT

It's good advice for life! Don't quit. Keep stretching and reaching and growing... the sun is always just behind the clouds.

http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/high-acres-year2

Now appearing - White trillium

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:45:00 GMT

There are LOTS of these in the woods at High Acres - but they are tough to get a good photo of...here are my best attempts so far. I'll keep at it, though. Persistent I am! http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/flowers

white trillium

Back Yard Birds

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:45:00 GMT

The back yard has been really busy and really colorful this spring. We haven't seen so many goldfinches in a few years so it's really a treat to have them back. The little purple finches are beautiful agains the spring green leaves, too.

gold finch purple finch

Still no naked dutchmen seen in the woods

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:45:00 GMT

only their britches...they have nice britches!

Dutchman's britches

Red Trillium/Wake Robin

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:30:00 GMT

I have been keeping my eye on these as the buds have grown and with this nice weather they have really burst out of their protective coats. There are more images on my website, of course. These are red trillium, also known as Wake Robin. I love the color! http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/high-acres-year2

wake robin (red trillium)

Red-winged Blackbirds

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 13:45:00 GMT

These guys are so funny to watch. They make such a racket, the males showing off their red shoulder pads and the females their agility on the reeds. I can't believe how many good images I got today. They must have been so busy trying to attract each other's attention that they paid no attention to me! Be sure to check out my image galleries above (New York/High Acres and Nature/Birds) for more images. http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/birds and http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/high-acres-nature-area

male red-winged black bird female red-winged black bird

Trout lilies and turtles

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Look at this beautiful trout lily! It's like a treasure hunt - every day brings some new little gem! and new critters, too! A Painted Turtle was moseying up the path from a pond, too. http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/critters The more I watched and clicked the camera the more he withdrew his head into his shell..

painted turtle

Butterflies in April!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 13:15:00 GMT

Today butterflies were the "catch of the day". I never knew there were butterflies in April but these two were warming themselves on a tree that was facing the sun. The first is a Mourning CLoak - common in the woods in the spring) and the second I have yet to identify. Can anyone help with the ID?

mourning cloak butterfly

Dutchman's Britches

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:15:00 GMT

I went looking for migrating birds and found these beautiful Dutchman's Britches. I'm still looking for the naked Dutchman!

April 25, 2013 - This is the first time I have seen Dutchman's Britches. There are at least three patches of them growing along the path through the woods. I didn't see them last year because I didn't discover this path until after they were past so this was a very fun find. They are also difficult to shot- so small, so easily blown by the slightest wind and the white is so easily over-exposed. I had a good time trying, anyway! Here are the Dutchman's Britches:

more on my website: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/flowers

Ruby-Crowned Kinglet

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

A walk at High Acres produced a first for me - a ruby-crowned kinglet! This sweet little bird flits through the thicket so quickly that I felt very lucky to have even one good shot! It would have been nice if he had flashed the bright red spot on the top of his head but still, it's a nice first shot of this spring migrating bird. More on my website http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/high-acres-year2

ruby-crowned kinglet Many things were just beginning to blossom and the late afternoon sun produces a beautiful scene through the woods - the photo doesn't really do it justice - but if you've walked through the woods on a sunny spring afternoon, you'll know what I was trying to capture.

spring path at High Acres

Urinetown! The musical at Brighton High School

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:59:17 GMT

Yes, it's an icky title but what a fun show! The music, dancing, costumes, set are all top notch - the kids are doing a great job! A special congratulations to the Seniors as you end your career at Brighton. It has been my pleasure to see you in these productions and I wish you all the best in the future!

Tonight (Sat 4/20) is the last night so be there at 7:00pm when the curtain goes up! Here are a few images to whet your appetite:

Cast, crew & pit of Urinetown

Egrets

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:39:00 GMT

snowy egret A snowy egret (above) has returned to High Acres, the farm ponds east of the baseball diamonds. The snowy is quite a bit smaller and has a black beak and yellow feet (black legs). The Great Egrets (below) have black legs and feet and a yellow beak. It is hanging out with 3 great egrets in the warm and beautiful late afternoon light! Last year the snowy was here in mid-May. Maybe spring is really here!

My first panoramic photo

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:34:00 GMT

It wasn't the prettiest day, a bit overcast, but in looking out on this pond the panoramic view was just asking to be shot. It's the first time I have tried to stitch together multiple images to create one image. I think it worked pretty well! This one is four across.

Kindness

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 23:26:03 GMT

"'Kindness covers all of my political beliefs. No need to spell them out. I believe that if, at the end, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn’t always know this and am happy I lived long enough to find it out." ~ Roger Ebert

High Acres Photo Book and e-Book!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:00:59 GMT

I've been busy creating both a hard cover photo book and an e-Book to commemorate a year of wandering, exploring and photographing at High Acres Nature Area. The e-Book contains 47 pages with 89 color photos and the coffee table style book contains 97 color photos on 52 pages within a beautiful and durable glossy, hard cover. Both books are sprinkled with poems and quotes which convey the spirit of the seasons and nature.

I am really psyched at now great they both look! Click here for more info and how to order: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/newitems

The start of a New Year at High Acres

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:39:29 GMT

My first year of exploration has come to an end and a new year of exploring, wandering and photographing High Acres has begun in grand fashion. It was 52 degrees and sunny, blue skies. I met a pair of great egrets in the twin ponds and managed to sneak through the brush and get off one good shot (how many do ya need?!). Also saw a beautiful song sparrow and a pair of killdeer.

It sure is nice to have weather that resembles spring!

killdeer 4/4/13

song sparrow 4/4/13

New Note Cards!!!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 20:03:54 GMT

It's been a while since I have created note cards from my photos but finally they are here. And, if I do say so myself, they look GREAT!

Printed on smooth white card stock the photos are sharp and colorful. You get one card of each of the 6 prints shown. At 4.5 x 5" they are the perfect size for writing a thank you note, a personal note, for any special occasion - or no occasion at all! Envelopes are included. After all, who doesn't love getting real mail?!

Click on this link http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/newitems to take you to my website where you can order them. They will be shipped via US Postal Service and you can expect to receive them in 5-7 days.

Flower Cards

http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/flowersMonroe County Parks Cards http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/rochester/monroe-county-parks
Butterfly notecards http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/butterflies

Sunday March 24 ~ Swans!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:39:48 GMT

The sun and blue skies this morning pulled me right outside, even if it was 24 degrees at 9 am. At High Acres I saw the most recent arrivals - wigeons, hooded merganser (3 pair) 1 pair of great blue herons, lots of noisy red-winged blackbirds, grackles, shovelers, canada geese and gulls. A song sparrow and some cardinals were singing. Robins were bouncing around the fields. A huge flock of snow geese flew over head and landed in "Lake Edwards" (is it really named that?) so I jumped in the car and went for a closer look. I was rewarded with not only a large flock of snow geese but at least one of the "blue morph" variety and a few gray geese-type birds that I'm not sure what they are. Off to one side were the catch of the day - 4 tundra swans! So graceful and peaceful compared to the noisy geese. Photos below.

The Blue morph goose is above on the left, dark body and white head. There's a gray goose(?) in the center and another on the right.

Geese, wigeons, shovelers, coots and more!

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 23:06:00 GMT

Today we saw several huge flocks of geese lift off from a new by "lake". Most were Canada Geese but there was still a huge number of snow geese. They are such a beautiful sight lifting off and flying overhead. We also saw 3 Coots, a wigeon, a few Northern Shovelers, Mallards, a pair of hooded mergansers - the female is quite stylish - and several ring-necked ducks.

Snow Geese lift off "Lake Edwards"

wigeon and female mallard coots

Ring-Neck Ducks

Mallards and shovelers and wigeons!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:51:02 GMT

This afternoon the sun came out and even though it was 34 and windy the sun lured my to High Acres. It was worth it as I saw some new birds and the return of some that I saw last year.

A big flock of snow geese flew over High Acres from east to north-west. I was hoping they would land but not today.

Then I saw Northern Shovelers, Coots and American Wigeons. Even a sweet little sparrow (American Tree Sparrow or Chipping Sparrow?)

snow geese

Northern Shovelers - male and female N. Shovelers and Mallards, male and female

America Coot (black) and America Wigeon

Coot and Wigeon with Canada geese

sparrow374IMG_1892

Another snowy March day at High Acres

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 01:00:00 GMT

Sunday March 17...St. Patrick's Day...spring is nowhere in sight...

On Saturday we went to the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge near Batavia. The only bird I saw was this Ring-Necked Duck. It's not a great photo but it's good enough to identify the bird.

Photographers' Path 16

(Light Touch Photos) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:06:06 GMT

I hope you'll join me at the reception for the opening of the 16th Annual Photographers' Path Exhibit at the Gallery at High Falls. Details are below. Judging by the list of exhibiting photographers it's going to be a very good show. I am honored to be included again this year.

Back yard visitor

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:19:34 GMT

So I spent about an hour at High Acres today and saw a few geese and a lot of gray skies. It was cold and windy and at least I consoled myself with the thought of the exercise I was getting! Then I returned home and looked out the kitchen window to see this beautiful broad-winged hawk land on the feeder hook. Miraculously he/she hung around log enough for me to get off several shots. Some of them turned out quite nicely!

I think he sees me looking at him!

"You Must Believe in Spring"

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 23:47:23 GMT

I heard this beautiful jazz standard on the radio today (lyrics below). How appropriate for blue skies and 61 degrees on March 10th! My walk at High Acres was a real lift to the winter-weary spirits. The highlight was seeing a Hooded Merganser on the second pond back from the Wakeman Rd parking lot. What a beauty! Both yesterday and today I saw bluebirds (checking out a nest box), robins, goldfinches, red-winged blackbird (and heard that raucously melodious voice!), grackles and geese. Lots and LOTS of geese - flying over, landing taking off swimming and honking! HONK! (scroll past the lyrics for photos)

"You Must Believe in Spring"

When lonely feelings chill
The meadows of your mind,
Just think if Winter comes,
Can Spring be far behind?

Beneath the deepest snows,
The secret of a rose
Is merely that it knows
You must believe in Spring!

Just as a tree is sure
Its leaves will reappear;
It knows its emptiness
Is just the time of year

The frozen mountain dreams
Of April's melting streams,
How crystal clear it seems,
You must believe in Spring!

When angry voices drowns the music of the spheres
And children face a world that’s far beyond their years
Above the darkest sky
The full horizons lie
With all the reasons why you must believe in spring

You must believe in love
And trust it's on its way,
Just as the sleeping rose
Awaits the kiss of May

So in a world of snow,
Of things that come and go,
Where what you think you know,
You can't be certain of,
You must believe in Spring and love

Hooded Merganser

March comes in like a lion!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 01:15:00 GMT

Will spring never get here!

Gift Certificates are now available!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:07:10 GMT

If you think a print, photo book or cards would make the perfect gift but you can't decide which image or images - give a gift certificate!

Gift certificates are good for the purchase of prints, print products such as photo books or cards, and photo sessions (digital downloads excluded) at Light Touch Photos

Certificates can be purchased in $25, $50, $75 and $100 amounts and will be good for 1 year from date issued. The expiration date will be specified on the actual certificate. The certificate will also display a specific code to be used when your recipient redeems it. The gift certificate can be mailed or emailed to you or a recipient you specify in the instruction area during check out. Be sure to include the correct name and address.

To redeem a gift certificate, during the checkout process navigate to the Payment page. Select the Gift Certificate option, type the coupon code into the field below, and click Apply.

See the website for more information and ordering: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/giftcertificates

Winter Wonderland at High Acres

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 23:41:29 GMT

It was a really beautiful day today - the snow still clinging to the trees and the sunlight created magic! I tool a long walk at High Acres and have a few real, honest to goodness winter-scapes to add to the other three seasons. If we have no more scenic winter days I will have completed my year-long exploration of High Acres having quite acceptable images of all four seasons. As beautiful as it has been this weekend I wouldn't mind at all if spring was just around the corner!

Here are two of today's keepers. See the rest at http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/highacres

A very cold morning at Sherwood park

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 14:34:33 GMT

It sure was beautiful - even at 5 degrees! Then the camera had an electronic error, the battery died, and my eyes were tearing from the cold and the tears were freezing on my cheeks - time to go home! There are a couple more from my walk here: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/rochester

"It's so cold I'm turning blue!"

Sherwood Park

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 05:27:00 GMT

Had a great time tromping through the snow at Sherwood Park in my snowshoes today. Captured a few pretty winter scenes, too!

DooDooDoo Lookin' Out My Back Door!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 14:57:46 GMT

with apologies to Credence Clearwater I present the scene out out garage door after Winter Storm Nemo came to town.

This sweet little mockingbird has been hanging around too.

Chicago!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:20:31 GMT

Brighton High School presents Chicago February 7-9, 2013. I had the pleasure of shooting the dress rehearsal which gave me a sneak preview of the show. The kids are doing a fantastic job! Congratulations to them and their directors! Tech theater director Rob Lewis designed and built a fabulous set! If you have the chance, check it out this weekend and be prepared to be razzle-dazzled! Below are a few images from the show. The rest can be found here http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/chicago

Recent activity at High Acres

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:28:28 GMT

Ice Fishing! It was fun to watch! Three young men had set up fishing holes in several places on one of the ponds. They got very excited when they caught 2 fish that afternoon. It's a "catch and release" area so they didn't keep it (and it's out of season anyway). That's good because that pike will make a nice snack for a great blue heron or egret in the spring!

ice fishing at High Acres

Dick & Laurie's wedding

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 19:09:28 GMT

Last week I had the honor of shooting Dick and Laurie's wedding - two very dear friends! I am so happy that I could capture some of the joy and fun of their day. There are many more images on my website http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/dickandlaurie but here are a few of my favorites. Congratulations you two!

winter

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 02:47:49 GMT

Well, finally a real winter scene at High Acres. I hope to get more (and better) ones but for now - this shows the fourth season!

Winter wonderland 12/30/12

Better late than never!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:11:50 GMT

Wishing you all the best at Christmas and throughout the new year!

from our nest to yours!

the day after Christmas...

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:00:00 GMT

The weather turned cold and left some snow. The place is really taking on a wintry look. I'm looking forward to seeing the fourth season at High Acres!

Today's walk in the park...

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 01:03:42 GMT

Beavers and the work (damage) they do plus a sweet little leaf.

DSC_0139 BA06272015-1024

Three photos accepted!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 23:15:52 GMT

The following three photos were accepted to the Image city Gallery Annual Juried Show, "Magic of Light 2013". I will be at the opening reception on Friday January 4 from 5-8 . The exhibit runs through January 20, 2013. See the Image City Photography Gallery for hours and more info. http://www.ImageCityPhotographyGallery.com

IMG_2726

Via San Rocco, Cautano

early December at High Acres

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:30:00 GMT

Sunny one minute...gray the next.

and the birds can walk on the water!

The beavers sure have been busy. I hope there is something left of this park by spring!

What a difference 6 months makes!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 01:28:52 GMT

These sets of photos were taken at High Acres approximately 6 months apart and approximately in the same location. Seems like ages ago and seems like yesterday.

Envision-5919

Dead Man Walking

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 22:36:09 GMT

Monday I shot the Brighton High School fall drama - Dead Man Walking. The students are doing a wonderful job and the interdisciplinary approach the high school is taking on this very difficult subject is really impressive. See it this Friday and Saturday if you can - you won't be disappointed. There are lots more photos on my website http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/deadmanwalking

Letchworth

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 22:30:51 GMT

Went to Letchworth last Sunday with the photo group. What a beautiful day! Letchworth was at its autumn best. I hope you enjoy these three images...

more fall reflections!

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 22:32:35 GMT

I never expected that there would still be any color, much less color this beautiful at that little hidden pond. What a treat yesterday afternoon - a bright fall day, blue skies, rich color and a cute bird (some sort of sparrow I think)!

mandj-3502

Stony Brook State Park

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 21:28:00 GMT

Stony Brook State Park

a little more fall color and detail

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 12:52:36 GMT

Another walk at High Acres last week gave me these images. There is not as much color as I was expecting but the little patches I do find are perfect! Enjoy. More images here: http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/highacres

reasons for the season

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 12:11:50 GMT

My cousin Michele posted this on her facebook page with a beautiful fall reflection photo that she took while on a walk.

"I chose this as my cover photo because

1. [fall] it's my favorite season

2. I believe in looking for the beauty around us

3. Reflection is important

4. Embrace change"

While I find it hard to pick a favorite season, fall is certainly in the running and I think her other three points make a strong case for fall as #1.

So here are my fall reflections from a walk last Thursday at High Acres. That secret little pond will probably be stripped of its color after this weekend's rain so I am grateful that I had the opportunity to capture a few moments of its beauty. I hope you enjoy. There are more in various galleries on my full website (Impressions, Nature's Details and New York/High Acres).

Thought for today

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:27:55 GMT

From photographer Vincent Versace - "You are not defined by what life brings you, but rather by the attitude you bring to life."

Went for a walk in Sherwood Park this afternoon

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:03:19 GMT

I took these photos so I would have something to work on in Lightroom and the new Photoshop CS6. It was a great day for a walk, the colors are just starting to really pop. I love fall and really hope this turns out to be a beauty (and I have time to enjoy it!). 384A3417

Thought for today and every day...

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:35:31 GMT

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
Leo F. Buscaglia

little bits of autumn color

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:42:09 GMT

I went for a walk today at High Acres, with little time or interest in making many photos but I could not pass up these little bits of autumn color. The fun is just beginning! ( http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/naturesdetails )

a little autumn color (1) a little autumn color (2) a little autumn color (3)

first post, new blog

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 23:02:27 GMT

This is one of several images I made yesterday, 9/23/12 at High Acres Nature Area. There really wasn't much fall color but one pond did have some nice early color and the reflections enhanced it. The wind was blowing which made the surface of the water ripple and gave it that impressionistic look. Autumn reflections are some of my favorite things to shoot - they are never the same twice. Click on the links to see more.

http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/impressions and http://www.lighttouchphotos.com/highacres

Fall at High Acres

I'm baaack!!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 16:31:00 GMT

Wow, it's been a busy 6 weeks! I've had lots of great photo adventures but there's no way to get them all in now so I'll start with today. Some new and some treasures discovered on my hard drive. Enjoy!

a new and different butterfly today

(Light Touch Photos) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:48:00 GMT

Will have to contact Madame Butterfly for an ID on this. Might be a red-spotted-purple or maybe a white admiral but I'm not sure. Or it could be a little bit of both! I found this article with more info http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Limenitis-arthemis. Anyone out there know? (click on the images to see them larger).

Cape Cod

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 06:33:00 GMT

A couple of favorites from our recent trip to Cape Cod (click to enlarge). More images here: Cape Cod 2012 photos

Green Heron - my first!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 07:12:00 GMT

These are by no means great shots - he was too far away but at least they are good enough to give me a positive ID on this bird. My first green heron.

Butterflies!

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 05:29:00 GMT

I have finally had time to get to High Acres and check things out. It's butterfly season and the last two days have yielded quite a nice assortment of Giant Swallowtails and monarchs. I did see one yellow Tiger Swallowtail and one black swallowtail, probably a female Tiger but could be a Black Swallowtail. They didn't spend much time where I was shooting so I never got off a shot. But that just gives me a goal when I return! Anyway, enjoy the images (click on the image to enlarge). Here is an interesting link to more info on the Monarch butterfly http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/monarch.htm/

sunset at Webster Park

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 04:23:00 GMT

My first time shooting there this year! It's hard to beat Lake Ontario for sunsets :-)

this morning's walk at High Acres Nature Area...not bad!

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 08:30:00 GMT

First post from Tetons National Park

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:22:00 GMT

I first saw this poem on the walls of the Rockefeller Preserve Center after hiking to Phelps Lake, a most beautiful spot. The center itself is serene and very moving. This poem really captures what it is like to be there.

A Meditation on Phelps Lake

by Terry Tempest Williams

A feather floats on Phelps Lake-
a cradle of light
rocking with the breeze.

Wind speaks through pines.
Light animates granite.
An Eagle soars – its shadow crosses over us.

All life is intertwined.

We see the Great Peaks
mirrored in water-

Stillness.
Wholeness.
Renewal.

Reflection Leads us to restoration.

Nature quiets the mind
by engaging with an intelligence
larger than our own.

Mindful of different ways of being,
Our awareness as a species shifts-

We recognize the soul of the land as our own.

The path of wisdom invites us
to walk with a humble heart

recognizing the dance
between diversity and unity,
action and restraint.

The Scales of Nature
will always seek equilibrium
A feather can tip the balance.

High Acres (taken Sunday June 17, 2012)

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 08:43:00 GMT

It has taken me a week to get to these photos from my walk last Sunday morning. Nothing special but some interesting wild flowers, LOTS of goldfinches, and a few other things that caught my eye.

Thought for the day...

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 05:48:00 GMT

Life is like a camera...

Focus on what's important

Capture the good times

Develop from the negatives

and if things don't turn out

- take another shot.

In one very hot hour...

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 09:55:00 GMT

...I saved these lovely moments. Enjoy.

Good news!

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 16:12:00 GMT

Today I learned that one of my images "Letchworth Morning" was accepted to the 77th Annual Cooperstown National Juried Exhibit. This is the second time I have gotten work in this prestigious show and I am very pleased!
The opening reception is Friday July 13 from 5-7 pm at the Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY. The exhibit will be be open to the public from July 13 until August 17, 2012. See this website for hours and directions. http://www.cooperstownart.com/home.html

While you are at it, have a look around the "Recently Added" galleries on my website www.LightTouchPhotos.com I have been busy shooting these last couple of months and finally updated my website with lots of new images. As always, thanks for taking the time to have a look. I hope you find something you like!

One more post today - High Acres between the raindrops

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 14:05:00 GMT

What a crazy weather day! Everything from thunder and rain showers to sunshine and blue skies! I got in a trip to High Acres between the raindrops and it turned out to be a productive outing. Let me know what you think. Thanks for taking a peek. (click an image to enlarge)

textures and close-ups

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 09:47:00 GMT

On Friday we went for a walk in a new place. It was a beautiful day for a walk but it wasn't the most photogenic place...or was it? I took note of the side light and how it accentuated the textures and colors of the grasses. What do you think?

The golden hour light

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 09:43:00 GMT

Photographers love the light just before and after sunrise and sunset. Yesterday that beautiful light was filtered through some very interesting clouds (before and after storms is also a good time for interesting light). I also decided to try my hand at a few "artistic interpretations" of the landscape. Let me know if you like it (double click the image to see a larger view). Thanks for looking!

Different light, different eyes

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 28 May 2012 08:08:00 GMT

Visiting the same places many times has been a great exercise in seeing. As the light changes different patterns, colors, textures and scenes present themselves. As beautiful as the sunny mornings are, today's slightly overcast skies with light peeking through now and then was quite exciting. As for birds I saw 2 cedar waxwings, goldfinches, blue herons, 2 male baltimore orioles challenging each other over territory, cat birds, yellow warblers, a pair of wrens and the ever present geese, robins and red-winged blackbirds.

In the Tree Tops

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 26 May 2012 10:05:00 GMT

It was another beautiful morning to be at High Acres and I was "up and at 'em" early. What a treat to watch 2 Great Egrets land high in the tree tops. It was really cool to see these birds, about 3.5 ft high, with a wingspan of 4.5 feet and weighing about 2.2 lbs land in the delicate branches at the top of those high trees! Unfortunately, I didn't have my longest lens with me but here's what I got with what I had. (click to enlarge)

Vision_0466_2015

for some perspective on how high they were

a variety of images

(Light Touch Photos) — Wed, 23 May 2012 06:53:00 GMT

These are from a variety of days at High Acres and Vitale Park in Lakeville that somehow never got posted before.

Sunday morning at High Acres

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 20 May 2012 15:30:00 GMT

I arrived at 7:30 this morning and spent a beautiful 2 hours. Here's the best of what I saw: (the bird is a Willow Flycatcher)

(double click on any image to enlarge)

female red-winged blackbirds and sandpipers

(Light Touch Photos) — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:23:00 GMT

Watching these guys is a great way to spend an hour and a half after school. I also saw an egret, a great blue heron, a gray catbird, Baltimore orioles, yellow warblers, gold finches, Canada geese and some ducks (not sure what type).

Solitary Sandpipers (the first three)

Least Sandpiper

Enjoy!

a mixed bag

(Light Touch Photos) — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:38:00 GMT

Went on a nice photo outing today. We started at Vitale Park at the north shore of Conesus Lake at sunrise, then we went to Linwood Gardens in Pavillion, NY. Although the flowers this year aren't as nice as they might be other years with more typical spring weather, it was still a lovely and peaceful place to be. I hope you enjoy the images from today (click on any one to enlarge).

morning walk

(Light Touch Photos) — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:42:00 GMT

at High Acres, of course. Was there by 7 am (on a Saturday!!) Here are 2 shots of the pond where I spent the most time and the feather friends I saw.

willow flycatcher

egrets, killdeer, and sandpiper chicks

(Light Touch Photos) — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:48:00 GMT

We saw 8 egrets today at High Acres. They were too far away to get any decent shots of and I couldn't get all 8 in the frame at once but they were all there. I did have a great time shooting Least Sandpiper chicks. There were 4 of them in the mud flat area. They were so small and colored similar to the surroundings that I almost didn't see them. There was a killdeer watching from a distance and I got a couple of decent shots of her/him, too. I have also included 2 shots of the pond where we were. (click on the image to enlarge)