When the Night is Over | Captured: March 23, 2023 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Cedar Run, New Jersey
A Look Back | Captured: May 18, 2023 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford, New Jersey
Fish On | Captured: November 12, 2023 | Location: Ship Bottom, New Jersey
Shaken | Captured: June 3, 2022 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Cedar Run, New Jersey
Can’t Fight the Light | Captured: July 9, 2022 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Cedar Run, New Jersey
The Sea Moves | Captured: February 5, 2021 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Cedar Run, New Jersey
I’m pleased to begin with this blue hour beauty. Thematically it is special to me. It represents a goal to both simplify my process while becoming more expressive at the same time. Even if this is decidedly an expression in subtlety. Movement through panning, where I quickly pan my camera left to right parallel to the horizon to create motion blur, are a means to that end. Minimalist, understated, evocative, and full of movement—it represents how I want to capture and share our New Jersey coastal space. Painterly, ethereal, and most importantly, ours.
World Between Worlds | Captured: July 27, 2021 | Location: Ocean Acres, New Jersey
Three days before turning 39, a caterpillar appeared on my back deck. Right there chilling in some potted dill already gone to seed. I didn’t know it at the time, but a bit of retroactive googling instructed me it was a black swallowtail caterpillar to be precise in my documentation. Either way, her colors were wonderful and afforded an ideal partner to the business end of my 100mm macro lens.
Blue Too | Captured: August 19, 2021 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Cedar Run, New Jersey
All I remember about this shot—which is honestly next to nothing—is that, 1) I don’t think I’ll ever tire of this specific composition, and 2) man, was I depressed. Thoughts and feelings aside, this is a classic shot well tied to my overall body of work. Seems a fitting inclusion here. Besides, who can get enough of the summertime power combo of blue and green? It’s the power couple of the salt marsh.
Lone | Captured: September 27, 2021 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Cedar Run, New Jersey
Back to blurry pan shots—and honestly, this entire best of could have been blurry pan shots. Maybe this is creative regret manifesting for never being able to hack it as a painter? Here we have a 35mm offering right as the sun sets over Cedar Run Dock Road marsh. In fact, this is the same spot and orientation of Blue Too, seen above. This juxtaposition shows how much differing focal lengths (35mm vs 14mm), available color through visible light (sunset vs blue hour), and technique (handheld pan shot vs. bracketed exposures on a tripod merged for HDR in post) affects the product. Made at the same exact spot and yet two entirely different photographs. This is the magic of photography.
Be Here Now | Captured: November 7, 2021 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Cedar Run, New Jersey
How about we wrap with a classic? A late fall burner shouldering the passions of a sky on fire. All that power and energy cast over the now brown and dormant marsh. This is the salt marsh scene that will dominate through April. You can mark the passing of the years by this marsh, and thanks to my camera and this website, I have managed to do just that for the better part of a decade.
Photography definitely took a back seat this year. It’s been waning for years now, and part of why I intend to focus more on pan shots is a matter of time. It’s less involved. It’s easier to do a thing quick with life affording less time overall for the doing of things. It’s effective and efficient. An exercise in pragmatism. An office-speak win-win if we were bobbling our heads back and forth on a zoom call right now.
Creatively things are still firing—thankfully. The difference is most of that is going into home cooking. I never saw myself living and rocking in the kitchen before, but Covid made sure of that. And in a total surprise, I’ve discovered a real passion and panache for cooking. The parallels to photography are remarkable. Both were two things I had zero interest in doing for the majority of life. Both coming out of ending relationships. Both surprising me in extraordinary ways. Both humbling me, teaching me (trying to, anyway) to keep an open mind. There is one key difference, however. Unlike photography I have a real confidence when I prepare and cook food. This is not something I have experienced making photographs. Imposter syndrome continues to flex in that arena.
But this is not the end! Not at all. Photography will remain a thing. That this little creative space on the internet will be a thing. And I hope that new surprises will continue to be a thing. Once again, thank you all for your time and support through the years.
Green Sight | Captured: May 12, 2020 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford, New Jersey
I shot about my yard quite a bit this year. Easy access and all that. Perfect for a lockdown. My lilacs bloomed up nice this year, and I am a particular sort of pleased with the ethereal, dreamlike quality evoked here. It’s as though this bloom somehow belongs to the Fair Folk living in a parallel world superimposed atop ours yet somehow still eternally far away.
This Is Not Important | Captured: June 15, 2020 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Stafford, New Jersey
Pockets of beautiful imagery and picturesque sunsets belied the extraordinary upheaval 2020 wrought. In the midst of a pandemic not seen in a century, centuries old issues of race and social justice exploded in death and protest. It is of critical importance we remember the importance of all that sacrifice and pain.
Working Class Hero | Captured: July 8, 2020 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford, New Jersey
Dark and brooding. A melancholy in monochrome. The ever faithful honeybee plying his craft to provide for the hive delivered through an indefatigable sense of duty. Understated is the power of bees. Here with stark contrast the sun’s sidelight shows a spotlight on our special little bee. His moment in the sun. Pollinate on, my friend, and be well.
Safe Haven | Captured: July 14, 2020 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Stafford, New Jersey
Pulling shots is my jam. I’m not sure that’s a technical term, but it’s how I best describe the motion blur photographs I make by design on occasion. An easy sweeping motion left to right parallel to the horizon. Tis pulls the image in a way not unlike a painter taking a wide dry brush purposefully across wet paint upon a canvas. It brings movement, color, simplicity, and flow. I’ve made about a dozen or so of these by now, and this is by far my favorite yet. The color and stretch of the marsh, sky, and water is sublime. Someday I’d like to make of show of my best blurry pulled shots.
Peace and Pilings | Captured: July 18, 2020 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Stafford, New Jersey
Simple. Symmetrical. Balanced. Beautiful. This square format production is either my second of third favorite photograph of the year. Either immediately behind or in front of Safe Haven. Coincidentally shot only days apart from the same location—where my parents keep their boat. There is real peace here. The colors all hit just right. The scene is calling out, imploring you to stay awhile and listen. Nature will always teach us.
Bloom Squad | Captured: August 1, 2020 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford, New Jersey
Thanks to the Carrs and the opportunity to make photographs of their adorable daughter’s first birthday, I got to play with the 85mm L glass. What a lens! Wide open and it is tack sharp, razor thin depth of field with bokeh for days. Yeah the glass is about the size of a grapefruit and weighs a ton, but damn is it one hell of a portrait lens. Testing it out in the morning I made this photograph of my purple coneflowers and I love the scene. A faerie world of flowers, blooms, and fanciful stories of full and well loved hearts. Someplace somewhere the storybooks are true.
The Gift of Winter | Captured: December 13, 2020 | Location: Great Bay Boulevard, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey
We end with power. My favorite photograph of the year, and for my money my best sunset photograph since 2015. It’s the spiritual successor to Ruinous Splendor, somehow recapturing the magic and energy. I never thought it was possible. Yet somehow twice the some spot at the same time of year a half decade apart and history found itself looping back upon itself. Time is a flat circle. This hobby will always teach you, always surprise you, and always make you humble.
It somehow seems wrong and callous to talk about the best of anything in the year 2020. A year unlike any other in our lived experience. A year brought low. Lessons of challenge, perseverance, self-reliance, loss, grief, isolation, prioritization, adaptability, change, upheaval, deceit, failure, wellness, and so much more served up in ample doses whether or not we cared to receive them. Each and every one of us challenged in unique, manifold ways. How will we emerge from the crucible? What choices and actions will we take in the wake of the circumstances and challenges we’ve faced? How will we respond? How will we come together? How will we again strive through the long dark walk home and thrive? These answers all set chained inside ourselves clawing at their fated fetters desperate for liberation. May your 2021 be better in every single way.
A Window to Winter | Captured: January 13, 2019 | Location: Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area, West Creek, New Jersey
2019 kicked off with an early- to- mid January snowfall, and that is always enough to set my heart alight. I made no photographs at Stafford Forge across all 2018, and with fresh fallen snow I had an opportunity to set a wrong to rights. Despite the cold and the snow, the golden glow beset by pink pastels is warm and inviting. The snow-capped pines flanking the frame call us to the window of a sublime winter wonderland. Stafford Forge continues its reign as a go-to location for outstanding snow shots.
Gradient | Captured: January 15, 2019 | Location: Stafford Municipal Boat Ramp, Cedar Run Dock Road, West Creek, New Jersey
Simple is best, and this photograph cuts to the heart of simplicity. Minimalist in all things, Gradient, relies on basic forms and color to convey juxtaposition. It articulates contrast between the deep blues to the top and bottom surrounding the fiery orange and red glow at the center. Bisecting the image across the horizon is a razor sharp margin to hinge this photograph. Consume this image in all directions, for there is no true top or bottom.
Ice World Ignition | Captured: February 2, 2019 | Location: Rand’s Marina, Great Bay Boulevard, New Jersey
The derelict Rand’s Marina off Great Bay Boulevard is home to a handful of my all time favorite shots. It’s as photogenic as it is strewn with dock remnants and the latter is a primary contributor to the former. Foreground, middle ground, and background never betray the photographer at Rand’s. In snow and ice, however, the drama jumps up a notch. Locked in ice demonstrates the damage rent through years of weather and disuse. It deepens the narrative, and when this profound tableau is cast in glowing rich pink hues the story rings truer inside our soul.
Magnolia Season | Captured: April 13, 2019 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford, New Jersey
From the moment I made this photograph back in April it has served as my iPhone background wallpaper. This photograph connected with me straight away. One peep in my viewfinder and I knew this one was going in the “best of” list. The colors, bokeh, and contoured line work traveling in and out of a shallow depth of field take this next level. Looking at the magnolia buds unfurling into beautiful flower blossoms, I had a plan, and I am beyond pleased I was able to execute.
Cast Adrift | Captured: May 3, 2019 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford, New Jersey
Now things take a turn. The style I am best known, wide sweeping sunsets, is with certainty not this. Here we keep things weird. I am thrall to the whimsy and form of wisteria blossoms. The small, delicate flower buds ooze with personality. Strung together like a bunch of grapes they make their brief appearance in spring. Captured up close with macro equipment, wisteria moves photography into the abstract. Under magnification at this range, you are hard pressed to know said wisteria blossom is no bigger than the quarter that used to set about your pocket. It is the tiny writ large, backed by bokeh casting strange shadows and tones. There is an eeriness and mood driving the scene, and the focus is soft enough to lend a painted effect. Someday I am going to have this printed large on canvas and it will be glorious.
Hit the Pavement | Captured: May 23, 2019 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, West Creek, New Jersey
Get low! Now get lower. To make this photo I splayed out belly down right on Cedar Run Dock Road’s asphalt surface. The township could have painted double yellow lines transverse down my spine. The orientation of the sunset dictated where I went with this shot. All the best action was to the northwest and so I decided to make the road itself the center of attention. It’s fine to bring a different perspective to the table considering I shoot Dock Road more than any other location by far. Of course the salt marsh sunset shots are great, but here I present the human side of the locale. Roads and guardrails, and power lines leading the eye to the homes marking the horizon. Dock Road is such a wonderful space with limitless potential.
Top Down | Captured: June 17, 2019 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford, New Jersey
Coming in hot with more abstract macro goodness. Here we look down upon a nascent honeysuckle blossom. Early in its development it gives little clue as to its identity let alone what it is to become. The pollinators dream is the macro photographers dream, and this may be my personal favorite image in this list. The contrast between the green and purple backdropped by shallow depth of field demands the viewer’s attention. The tiny yellow hairs introduce a component of texture begging for touch. I get lost in this photograph, and for my money that is when I know I did my job.
Placid | Captured: June 27, 2019 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, West Creek, New Jersey
Take a slow, steady breath in through your nose. Now exhale even and powerful out of the mouth. It should be audible. Repeat two more times. Ahhhhhhhh. Let the parasympathetic nervous system take over, relax a while, and unload some stress. Placid is this breathing and relaxation exercise made visual. It is a stress shedder. The mirror glass reflection of the water balanced against gentle green marsh grasses, topped off with a sunset sky cast in pink and purple intend to unwind the careworn traveler. Sublime and soothing, let your woes find comfort and placid tranquility. A salve for your hurts. Inhale. Exhale.
The Collector | Captured: July 15, 2019 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford, New Jersey
Here we have my “mom, maybe someday I can be in National Geographic?” entry into the annual retrospective. Making handheld macros of a small moving subject, such as a bumblebee, is hard work. You are battling camera shake, an indefatigable subject, lens focus, wind, and a whole host of other factors, internal and external. It’s a challenge. But when it all comes together and you get it right, it’s an immediate fist pump kind of moment. (Hey, I am from New Jersey.) I am blessed I nailed this pollinator doing its thing, adding value to the hive. I am honored to have the opportunity to document this essential lynchpin to a vibrant and product ecosystem bettering our planet. Now, about that magazine…
Until Next Season | Captured: August 18, 2019 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford, New Jersey
Mood makes the photo, and the mood here is indomitable. A lone black-eyed susan blossom transitioning on toward end of life. Reluctant with unwanted acceptance of its fate. Told through the weight of the photo, the narrative unfolds with the blossom, placed to the right of the frame, pulling away from the light on the left. Turned away from the sun our lone hero moves onward into darkness and unknown. As the sun sets in the western sky so, too, does our blossom prepare its journey below its own horizon in search for new life.
2019 was a year of transition, change, growth, and setback. Through ups and downs and heart-wrenching disruption, photography has remained a constant. A well worn sturdy crutch to lean on through the dark times. It’s the friend who is always there free of judgement, forever willing to accept you for who you are, wherever you are. I was steadier in my practice in 2019, making more high quality photos compared to my low output in 2018. As I close out my eighth year (!) behind the lens and pivot toward 2020, I look forward to putting my dear old crutch to further use. I will again lean on you, old friend.
Thank you all for your time and support for both me and my photography over the years. While I endeavor in this exercise for personal growth and creative expression, I do not have words to express the gratitude knowing there are good folks out there touched by my work. I see you, and I appreciate you all. Thank you with my fullest sincerity. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Cheers, my friends.
Sand to Snow | Captured: January 5, 2018 | Location: Harvey Cedars Sunset Park, Harvey Cedars, New Jersey
2018 began a proper tundra. Far flung neighbors from the northern reaches of Manitoba may have felt right at home staring out over the southwestern shores of Hudson Bay. I was about as cold as I can remember making this photograph and striking arctic vista aside, my primary takeaway from this venture into the meat locker was of my contact lenses freezing over. Rapid blinking and jumping jacks were essential in getting me through this forty-five minute freeze along the shores of Barnegat Bay. Photo-wise, things were looking great to start out 2018.
In and Out | Captured: May 11, 2018 | Location: Ocean Acres, New Jersey
Yeah, that’s right, a big jump from January to May. Not much doing over the winter so we are skipping right to spring flowers. Here we have a photograph I made of my front yard spirea bush. Compositionally, I am drawn to the interplay of soft focus, shallow depth of field, and the working of the post and rail wood fence set against the delicate blossoms. This macro photograph is a reminder of my roots—cutting my teeth in 2012, shooting flowers as I was learning my way about a camera.
Prime Peony | Captured: May 26, 2018 | Location: Ocean Acres, New Jersey
Straightforward approach with this photograph. Center weight macro of a fresh bloomed peony in all its pastel pink petal glory. Soft focus and simplicity work very well here; and it’s a fair demonstration that a subject placed right smack in the middle of your frame is the way to go. Sure we talk up the rule of thirds and avoiding this sort of composition, but sometimes I is best to toss away the rule book to let your subject shine.
The Forest and the Trees | Captured: June 16, 2018 | Location: Baker’s Acres Campground, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey
This pine forest composition is not overwhelming in its precision or wow factor, and in a more prolific year it probably doesn’t make the cut, but it is getting the nod in 2018. It’s departure from my usual marsh sunset/flower macro motif, plus it’s rich green and yellow coloring and line work, make it a viable contrast to my standard body of work. Sometimes an imperfect thing a little different is better than perfection we readily seek.
Some Summer Night | Captured: June 29, 2018 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, West Creek, New Jersey
Finally a shot in my wheelhouse. Longtime followers—thank you—will recognize this marsh sunset as an exemplar for my standard body of work. This is square in my comfort zone, and while 2018 was a down year for my photography—particularly fiery sunsets over the marsh—it is nice to have a solid one to drop in this year’s annual retrospective. I just love the way that vibrant, young marsh green works against the pinks, purples, and blues as day passes on into night. There is nothing quite like June on the marsh.
Corona | Captured: July 9, 2018 | Location: Ocean Acres, New Jersey
Purple coneflowers, ladies and gentlemen. They are beautiful and wonderful to photograph, and depending on the day of the week they are probably my favorite flowers. For folks looking to get into photography, particularly macro photography, coneflowers will lend you a splendid muse throughout all phases of its lifecycle. Early bloom, full blossom, and even in death, they make a forgiving subject that will have you looking like a pro in no time. As an added bonus they provide a great food source to our insect friends giving you some added joy to practice with. Considering this has been my iPhone wallpaper for the past six months its inclusion in this list was a foregone conclusion.
Reaching Out | Captured: September 16, 2018 | Location: Ocean Acres, New Jersey
Hey, I told you purple coneflowers make great subjects through all phases of their lifecycle. Here, the same plant we saw above was in its death throes providing home base for a silver-spotted skipper caterpillar. Excellent. The anchor of this composition is all about the negative space. Some three-quarters of this photograph is nothing but muted greens and purples. Plenty of room to breathe. This lends all the narrative drama to our caterpillar friend who finds herself reaching out into the void, seeking her next phase of existence; a transformation into something wholly new and beautiful.
Blue Steps | Captured: November 18, 2018 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, West Creek, New Jersey
Batting cleanup, Blue Steps. Here we arrive at my big hitter in an otherwise thin year. But I confidently declare this photograph would hold up even in my best and most productive years. This blue hour special had that je n’ais se quoi from the get go. Making the shot I knew this one was special. The last of magic hour moody blue light, dead calm seas, and an intricate dock structure on its way toward dereliction. There’s a quality to this image that keeps the viewer locked in, comfortably gazing and setting the mind at ease. It’s no question my personal favorite from 2018.
Partner X | Captured: December 2, 2018 | Location: Bask Hot Yoga, Brick, New Jersey
Devastating changeup. Here’s where I share my new pitch, a total departure from my standard repertoire. In early December I engaged in an actual yoga photo shoot with actual yoga people. It was intimidating and intense, but I better for having given it a shot. Here’s where we turn it into a human interest piece: my girlfriend, Rose, pictured here and highlight of my year, gave me the proper prodding to get out there and do this. Like all great partners she has been a source of inspiration, hope, and the proper kind of growth inducing discomfort.
Photographic productivity was in short in 2018, and yes, this retrospective does not feature my customary 12 photographs, but I am not going to use this space to go out on a sour note. Life threw me plenty of sweet blessings in 2018: improved health, a wonderful mother/daughter combo, good friends, and a budding yoga practice. Yet while I centered time elsewhere I have not forgotten about photography as a cornerstone in both my personal and creative wellness. While I am not making any specific promises now, I assure you I will be back and better than ever with my photo work in 2019, setting aside a bit more time to return this blog, and more important, this essential hobby. Cheers and thanks for reading.
The Observer | Captured: February 2, 2017 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, West Creek NJ
This checks all the boxes in the Big List of Striking Winter Sunsets on the Marsh™. Intense pastels illuminating a cloud filled sky? Check. Glassy water reflecting back the image of said cloud filled sky? Check. And of course dormant browns of of half frozen marsh grass now void of life? Check. This is winter on Dock Road. Winter in all its stark glory. The pause between breaths as we await life’s return. It is to the winter sky alone we look to light the fire in the otherwise dark and cold reaches lurking in the depths of winter.
Overrun | Captured: February 4, 2017 | Location: East Coast Avenue, Loveladies NJ
I am best known for the high detail color photographs I produce on the regular. But it is minimalist black and white composition that is my preferred medium of expression. Simple lines and strong contrast, set against a proper light and form interplay to creates a product worthy of careful attention. It is easy to see intense color and a dramatic sky and connect to the pop in an instance. It is a whole other animal to sit with an image. To drink it in and consider the mood and the tone; not only of the scene but of that creator as well. What is the message? What is the metaphor? What is driving the simplicity weighed against a study in contrast and line? Is the subject large or small? More important does it matter? There are but a few of the questions you can sit with gazing upon a piece that offers room to breathe.
Golden Glow Before the Snow | Captured: February 8, 2017 | Location: Stafford Municipal Boat Ramp, Cedar Run Dock Road, West Creek NJ
More simplicity. More February photographs. Patterns are forming that will hold true for the rest of this gallery. Here we move from vivid pastels and contrasty black and white to the warming glow wrought by the strong yellow tones of golden hour. Cast out over a lolling bay the light infuses the world with tranquility and summons you to relax. Breathe. Pause. Breathe again. Drink in the paradox that is warm winter light shone through the damning reality of cold winter temperatures. A look into this photograph tells us nothing of the cold outside and the snow on the way. Looks can be deceiving. Cherish them, but do not wholly place your trust—for it may be but a glamour coloring a whole other truth.
From Stone to Sand | Captured: March 23, 2017 | Location: Surf City Sunset Park, Surf City NJ
Work with what you know. Work different when you can. Here I set to work here with my 14mm lens—my most used lens. With intent I abandoned my usual manual focus process. Ditching rigid adherence to sharp focus throughout the composition, I flexed to a selective focus strategy. A strategy I often deploy when shooting my 35mm and 100mm lenses. The result is a wide angle photograph that falls away from the four small pebbles set atop a damp sand stage. Waves roll back to a blurred out sunset bringing a depth and illusiveness to the composition. Cool blue tones bookend a thin strip of fired horizon. A horizon as if painted by an easy brushstroke made with a loose hand bent on coy imperfection.
Clear View | Captured: March 23, 2017 | Location: Surf City Sunset Park, Surf City NJ
Here we strip down landscape photography to its basic form. An uncomplicated study in line, movement and color theory. Laid bare have nothing more than a mirrored gradient of color. Our mirror halved by a thin line cutting the center with dark contrast. The photograph hinged to its bottom world darkened and brooding. The bottom world features gentle undulations furthering the difference to its elevated counterpart. Here we have a waved surface to counteract the staid air above. There is subtle movement in these undulations. Movement drawing us over the water as we travel from the left’s strong glow to the darkened shadow of the right. Our eyes move top to bottom, left to right in this simple study of color and line. Embrace the minimalist and remember less is more.
Nothing on the Top | Captured: June 11, 2017 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford NJ
It is late spring now. What has been a journey in landscape photography now takes a turn to nature and flowers. A turn back to my photographic roots. I cut my teeth in 2012 with flowers. It’s how I learned how to shoot. In subsequent years wide angle landscapes cannibalized my attention but 2017 called my back to my origin story. In this photograph I use my backyard honeysuckle to play out many of my favorite tropes. First is the selective focus, keeping only two pods of honeysuckle together in focus. Your eye starts in the bottom left third and leaps up to the upper right third creating movement. From there it all falls back to bokeh in a kaleidoscope of pink, purple and green. This is a small scale fantasy writ large. Balanced only in what you can see weighed against what only your mind can make known.
Sunday Alone | Captured: June 25, 2017 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford NJ
Let us continue our flowery bokeh dream. Here we get moody and elusive. The blossoming heads of rudbeckia flowers drift in and out of focus. Cast as an array splayed out in a stunning bouquet of form and color. Have we been shrunk down to join this world? Or do we find ourselves pawns at the whim of giant flowers? Questions arise as we search to find our place. Where do we fit? One of the peculiar elements that attaches me to this photograph is its painted affect. This seems more a fit at the business end of a skilled oil brush than the product of glass and machine. Here lies the hidden jewel of photography—the serendipitous unknown of the journey. Unplanned surprises that render whole worlds in a way that elevate us beyond mere reproduction. Photography is more than a single moment captured as though frozen. We endeavor to convey movement and life both before and after we press the shutter. There is a story flowing by and our page most give clue to what was and what still may be.
See Me | Captured: June 25, 2017 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford NJ
Is it joy you seek or darkness and foreboding? This photograph manifests whatever you take with you. Each journey is a personal and only your soul will choose. Your gaze starts atop the hosta flower bloom, hailing from the highest point. Now begin your spiral descent carrying a pack weighed with thoughts and projections. And down farther still you search the darkest reaches touched here and there by a lightened edge of leaf. Is it a lifeboat to keep you afloat? Or will you sink below to the depths beyond? Will you confront the self that lies beneath? Your weapons, you will not need them.
In the Flower of My Youth | Captured: June 25, 2017 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford NJ
In full disclosure this may be my favorite photograph of the year. My growing affinity sits in the drama playing out between the two rudbeckia flowers. There is an interplay and sense of conflict between the two subjects. Our foreground flower is moving on and leaving its companion left behind. There is an obvious parting but what is the meaning of their goodbye? Are they leaving on good terms? Is there strife? I read a sense of both ennui and quiet resolve through it all. Furthering the enigmatic mystery is the yellow hue dominating the image. Yellow often conveys happiness through warmth and yet it is still not clear that is the case here. Much like the previous photograph may haps this photograph must play out on the stage of our own mind directed by our own bias.
A Marsh Life | Captured: June 27, 2017 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, West Creek NJ
We have come to the final landscape in this 12 photo set. It is not without a small bit of controversy, either. I’ve been back and forth between this and its counterpart, yet have finally settled upon this for my set. My reason is simple. More than showing off a stellar summer sunset bathing a stunning pink glow upon the salt marsh, I wanted to show the human element at work. People make this place their home. There is a real and beautiful world right outside our doorstop. Some folks set atop the razor’s edge of nature’s wrath and its grace. The salt marsh fits this category. Weather and storms rain hell, yet in its benevolence it bestows gifts of wonder, peace and light.
The Small Blue | Captured: July 24, 2017 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford NJ
Take the stage your time is now. An eastern tailed blue stepped into the spotlight and I was lucky enough to serve paparazzo for a moment. The entirety of this photograph is set up by the sharp beam of light dropping vertical through the photograph a bit left of center. This strong light source further serves to illuminate the master crafted wing tips of our butterfly friend. There she feeds full of grace atop a fresh purple coneflower wholly unconcerned with our presence. May we all feel so empowered when the light fixes and it is our time to shine.
Little Lion | Captured: December 10, 2017 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford NJ
I end this set in a fitting place. My cat Daisy became part of my household in late July and my world has been richer for it. She has been both a source of comfort and a driver for change. With Daisy I have a partner and a friend. A pet to care for and an ally to support. Through that I have a new muse, a trusted friend to photograph. A source for comfort as I dabble into portraiture. So here it is with my last photograph, a portrait photograph, that I declare my pivot in 2018. I have a goal to expand my photographic reach into portraits. And not only pets, but human friends too. This will not be set to replace my landscape and nature work, more so it will augment my skill and range behind the lens.
2017 marks my fourth best of retrospective. (I invite you to check out 2014, 2015 and 2016 to assess my growth through the years.) It is the highlight of my photographic year. It puts into perspective my body of work over a set period of time. Instead of working one discrete photograph at a time as I do all year long, here I see my once singular photo as a piece of a larger whole. Each year I work through this process I learn new lessons and see my photographs in a different light. Time works for and against me in this regard. Some photos I was certain I loved fade over the year, while other photographs command my attention and affection in stronger ways.
With that in mind 2017 was different from 2014–2016 in three key ways. First, I made far fewer photographs in 2017—more than a 50% reduction in total exposures. Second, my volume of landscape work declined proportional to my overall shot reduction . A the same time my flower and macro work increased relative to my total body of shots. Third, I did not have any full stop stand out mega hits—see Ruinous Splendor for an example. However, my total body of work is more cohesive and consistent, and thereby stronger. It is in this same vein I am proud of my 2017 set. There is a core theme of simplicity, color theory and minimalism carried across my work here. A cohesiveness that has not always been there before. Better still is balance: a strong sampling across landscape, nature and flower photographs. There is even a portrait worked in. Presented together there is more breadth and focus to my work. I am confident I am finally cultivating a style to call my own.
These Are Your First Steps | Capture Date: January 14, 2016 | Location: Barnegat Bay Beach, Barnegat, NJ
For 2016 I added Barnegat Bay Beach to the rotation of spots to frequent on the regular in hopes of making photographs, and over the past 12 months it has produced quite well. Coincidentally it was my first visit that yielded my favorite result—the surreal, near upside down emptiness captured above. Made at blue hour looking east over Barnegat Bay, it’s easy to lose spatial coherence as colors, shapes, and forms merge at a horizon you can barely even see. The few clues offered the viewer come by way of an exposed jetty that I assume is for tying up jet skis and amorphous blobs just underwater atop the sand. It’s an image that commands thought, asking its viewer to piece together just what kind of otherworldly place this is.
Ephemeral Paradise | Capture Date: February 5, 2016 | Location: Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, Manchester, NJ
What can I say? I’m a snow lover. All my life I was told I was going to hate it once I grew up and had to “deal with it.” Yet here I am, 34 years old and I dig it as much as ever. (Sorry, not sorry for the pun.) This photograph was made just after a heavy wet snow stopped falling deep in the New Jersey Pinelands. I was romping around Jeep style with my buddy Jon for some trail rides and photos. Once the snow stopped and the sun broke out we got out at a crossing within Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area to snag shots as the snow was rapidly starting to melt. I can’t ever remember snow melting so quickly. The onset of sun raised what were already marginal temperatures to the upper 30s/low 40s and natural snow balls began rocketing from the trees; snow was melting so fast you could literally hear it at a loud volume. It was fascinating. Struggling to avoid taking a snow ball to the lens I quickly made off with this handheld frame. Almost immediately it became a favorite. The way the sun works of the snowy pines coupled with the remnant red oak leaves marking the foreground. Despite being the dead of winter there’s plenty of energy and life imbued in this photo.
The Home Fire Still Burns | Capture Date: June 5, 2016 | Location: Surf City Sunset Park, Surf City, NJ
Fast forward a few months and we come to June. After a Long Beach Island afternoon of busted storm chasing with Jay and Jon, we stopped off at Surf City Sunset Park on the way back from Barnegat Light. Fortuitously it tuned into one of those exercises in timing. As it is with many things in life, timing is everything in photography. Here the frontal passage associated with a line of weakening thunderstorms timed perfectly with back edge clearing to the west just at sunset. This offered exceptional lighting conditions. A specific kind of drama that only comes with storms clouds that fill the column of atmosphere at numerous heights. The affords ample bouncing light contrasting against fascinating cloud shapes. Here it set the stage, and I was most pleased to be there to capture it.
Darkest Light | Capture Date: July 4, 2016 | Location: Ocean Acres, Stafford, NJ (my parents’ side yard)
Hey a Fourth of July shot so how about some fireworks and flags? Yeah!—well sorry. The best I can offer is this black and white photo of hibiscus. Two things you’ll need to understand about me: 1) I adore black and white, and 2) flower macros are always going to hold a soft spot—they’re how I learned to work a camera. But beyond nostalgia I appreciate this photograph for its shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh, as well as its lines and composition presented in a vertical orientation. And if I really want to tie in an Independence Day theme, the stamen and pistils seem to be exploding from the out of focus petals toward the rear. It’s a simple photograph but I just love the strong contrast and intensity that calls me back to look at it again from time to time.
When I Think of Summer | Capture Date: July 5, 2016 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Stafford NJ
The title, When I Think of Summer, pretty much says it all. Even though many of my southern Ocean County cohorts would associate a sandy beach and sweet swells—and maybe some ice cream and barbecue—with summer, it’s the marsh that brings it on home for me. Particularly the marshland of Cedar Run Dock Road. For the better part of two decades this road has been a regular stop off in my routine. Physically close to home yet lightyears away for a quick and cashless escape. Well before I started making photos this was a place of zen. This past July provided a vibrant visual treat out over the marsh, bringing together lush green sedge and a kaleidoscopic pastel sky overhead. Here’s to thinking ahead to summer 2017—oh, and my parents now keep a boat here so this place just got a little bit sweeter.
Flip Side | Capture Date: July 20, 2016 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Stafford NJ
Hey look, another Dock Road shot and another July selection. July sits head honcho in this years best of with three photos chosen. In fact, and as you will see, late spring through early fall dominated my 2016 with eight selections happening between June 5 and October 7. While I still maintain winter produces some of the best skies, this year has provided visual proof that spring and summer ain’t no slouch.
This photo works in the pastel peace and tranquility of the saltmarsh. Made just beyond its summer peak, tall grasses framing foreground pull the viewer into the image. The ghosting from a strong evening wind creates a sense of movement further enhancing the sense of place with the photograph. While taken at sunset, this shot is actually facing north by northeast—it just so happened to be one of those setups where the sky colored up for 360 degrees of cotton candy visual joy. You don’t always have to look west.
Ray of Hope | Capture Date: August 20, 2016 | Location: Harvey Cedars Sunset Park, Harvey Cedars, NJ
At the time I made this shot I knew the rays you see above as crepuscular rays. Which is to say a fancy word that I cannot for the life of me pronounce. However, I’ve since learned these are more accurately called anticrepuscular rays—which of course I still can’t say. Regardless this is what science calls rays of light the run from a single point of light—the sun—and radiate upward back into the sky. Pretty cool, huh? They aren’t exactly a regular occurrence so I was rather pleased when they timed up nicely with a serene sunset from Harvey Cedars Sunset Park. If you ever find yourself on Long Beach Island’s north end this is a great spot to take in a sunset, play on some swings, or take in a free concert on Wednesday evenings.
Still the Sirens Call | Capture Date: September 2, 2016 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Stafford NJ
Ladies. Gentlemen. Children of all ages. Cats, dogs, alpacas. This is a big time favorite of mine. It definitely slots into my top five, and would have been my top choice for the year had I not made what you will see as the final entry in this list. Captured on Dock Road (shocker) a world class sunset caught fire over Cedar Run tributary and marsh. When you combine that with a still glass mirrored reflection and solid compositional elements, you have yourself a landscape photograph that brings together all the essentials. I can still remember being out there, completely enthralled by the sky around me. So much so it was easy to forget about my purpose, which was the capture the scene. Of course this is great in its own way, nature has a knack for shocking us, for stunning us, for overcoming us and forcing us to be present with the joy and wonder of our surroundings.
Stacked | Capture Date: September 5, 2016 | Location: Antoinetta’s Waterfront Restaurant, Cedar Run Dock Road, Stafford, NJ
Sunsets come in bunches. While we sometimes wait weeks or months on a truly great sky, when they appear, they tend to come in rapid succession. Only a mere three days removed from the stunner two photos up some more magic happened out front of Antoinetta’s Waterfront Restaurant. Antoinetta’s is a go-to photo spot of mine, and it’s had a photograph make both my 2014 and 2015 best of lists. The spot’s got charm, what can I say? While the compositions have been similar over the years, the sky and the sand is always changing. Offering a fresh perspective on an otherwise familiar scene. That said there’s one little detail I am particularly fond of here. The hand stack stoned cairn to the left, reflecting the orange glow of the sunset burn brings an extra element of charm—a positive human touch if you will.
Tend Your Craft | Capture Date: October 7, 2016 | Location: Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences, Loveladies, NJ
Whoa—a person? Is this for real? Obviously the list takes a turn for photo number 10. I suppose this would be a good time to mention these photographs are sorted in chronological order only, they are not listed in terms of rank. With that out of the way I selected this shot 1) because it’s a departure, and 2) I think it tells a great story. Pictured here is my good buddy Jeff. This past October I was hanging at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences watching him work his magic on a soda kiln firing. Since I was there I decided why not make some photographs? Having zero expectations I strapped on my 35mm and popped off some wide open exposures. Jeff was good enough to ignore me and it helped me to better capture the essence of the real work that goes into making real art. I keep saying—to myself anyway—I want to experiment more with photographing people; perhaps 2017 will help bring that to bare?
Bayside Burn | Capture Date: October 29, 2016 | Location: Surf City Sunset Park, Surf City, NJ
This marks the second of what will be three vertically oriented photographs in this retrospective. This has me tickled because I admittedly struggle making good compositions in the vertical, and so to have three make the list has me feel like progress is being made. For some perspective, the past two years I’ve done this I’ve only had one vertical photo in each year end list. So keep it up, Greg!
This picture is another one from Surf City Sunset Park. Were this park not inanimate, and were I a famous photographer perhaps it would be pleased? Anyway, I was just happy to be there to capture what I think is the third—possibly second—best sunset (judging on sky color alone) I happened to capture in 2016. Intense orange radiating out from the horizon as it softened to pastel pink and purple atop the sky. I especially like how it works against the gentle wave lapping ashore in the foreground to tie it all together.
Once More Unto the Breach | Capture Date: December 21, 2016 | Location: Rand’s Marina, Great Bay Boulevard, NJ
Last but certainly not least is so damn cliché but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t apply here. Now I know I said this list was not going in any kind of ranked order, so it just so happens that this is my personal favorite of 2016. Made on the first day of winter it already marks a special place in my deepening photo cache. This easily slots into my all time top three, only behind this and this. Maybe it’s coincidence maybe it’s not, but all three have come from the same spot, what once was Rand’s Marina, and at the same time of year—December. Granted alignment has something to do with it—winter is when the sun jogs far enough to the southwest bringing it to a full prominence this spot otherwise lacks in summer. But more so I think it’s the hundred or so derelict pilings that make this spot so special. It offers seemingly endless combinations of compositions to exploit. It’s a true go to spot for any landscape photographer.
There it is, folks. My favorite photo moments from 2016 captured in 12 photographs. I want to thank you all for taking the time to share in the photo journey with me, and if you haven’t already please check out my best of lists from 2014 and 2015. Thanks again, and cheers to a happier, healthier, and better 2017. We all can make a difference.
Never quite the same | Taken: February 23, 2015 | Location: Antoinetta’s Restaurant, Cedar Run Dock Road, Stafford, NJ
If you’re thinking didn’t this shot show up last year? you’d be at least half right. Antoinetta’s made an appearance in my best of 2014 list with a great sunset last year. So while I thought for half a second about striking this one from the list, I couldn’t do it—I like the shot too much. I’m a winter lover first and foremost, photography of an ice-locked bay is always going to rise to the top. Such is the way of bias.
Fall in love with the forest over and over again | Taken: March 6, 2015 | Location: Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area, West Creek, NJ
When I wrapped up on March 6, 2015 there was no doubt that was my Best Day Shooting™ yet. Between the fresh snow, the picturesque pines, the frozen lake, and primetime golden hour light, conditions were perfect for making an I’m really going to like this, aren’t I? kind of a photograph. This confluence brought memories of my time growing up playing in the woods of East Brunswick. Memories that while occasionally overlooked, will hopefully last a lifetime. Having a photograph I made at the ready to trigger such thoughts is an added plus.
Bayside Living | Taken: May 17, 2015 | Location: Holgate, Long Beach Island, NJ
This was the result of a smidge of exploration. A task as simple as checking out some previously unexplored bayside street ends until something looks good. Enter this house. Defiant in its solidarity I was drawn to its lines, and in this shot the lines are everything. Drawing the eye down the side of the house, out along the dock, and finally out to the vanishing point—the sun itself. Couple that with some dramatic cloud action and you’ve got something. The way the blue and purple at the top-right does battle with the orange and yellow to the middle-left lends an added level of balance and interest to the shot. This one’s definitely in my top 5 for the year.
The Great Gig in the Sky | Taken: May 28, 2015 | Location: Spray Beach (possibly), Long Beach Island, NJ
If I remember correctly this photograph was borne out of chicken wings. En route to The Chicken or the Egg with friends some crazy sunset drama started happening over the ocean to the east. One of those reverse side sunsets that only pop a handful of times per year. Somewhere in Spray Beach—we think—we took a quick left and made for the beach. As soon as we crossed the berm the magic and pink hue dominated the landscape. I’m hard pressed to ever remember that kind of glow out over the ocean. Just this warm pink-orange glow. It was more aura than natural sunlight. It was nothing short of amazing. My heart was pounding.
Eager to capture the essence of the scene while trying to remain calm and observant was a task in and of itself. The clock was ticking—this kind of color was only going to hold out for a few minutes, so acting quickly but smartly was key. Within seconds noticing the good fortune of low tide I spied a section of exposed jetty rock and I’m pretty sure I fist pumped and dropped and audible hell yeah! With my camera fixed atop my tripod I bolted as fast as I could down the beach. This didn’t last very long. You see a calf injury from an early jogging incident decided to flare up and lock up. From here it was a teeth grinding limp-sprint to get in place and make the shot. Thankfully I pulled it together and made one of my all time favorites—and I’m not just talking 2015.
In Morning | Taken: June 14, 2015 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Stafford, NJ
What? An actual sunrise? How could I not put this in here? Being bad at mornings it’s a rare occurrence for me to get up and at ’em with the sun. No doubt a shame as I’m missing opportunities to capture the beach in all its morning glory, but I digress. Being a week out from the solstice the sun’s up super early in mid-June and this photograph was made around 5:30 a.m. I was able to cheat waking up early because I was still up from the night before. Convenient. Unable to sleep I knew I wanted to head for Dock Road’s north side marsh exposure. I’m a big fan of this meandering bend and wanted to make the most of an opportunity to get the sun out over it. Fortunately that worked out quite nicely under a brooding deck of clouds.
Live alone in a paradise | Taken: July 16, 2015 | Location: Ocean Acres, Manahawkin, NJ (my backyard)
Ah for my love of macro. I will always have a soft spot for floral macros. It’s where I cut my teeth in photography, and I love admiring all sorts of plants and flowers up close and personal through the viewfinder. Purple coneflowers—featured here—are a favorite subject of mine, and this holds true through all phases of their development from pre-bud to death. I’m using a portrait orientation here to create room and balance with the vertical lines of my deck spindles to the rear; backed with a nice soft bokeh to bring out the flower itself. I am drawn to the softness and space of the composition coupled with the flower petals working in and out of focus thanks to a very shallow depth of field.
Daedalus Bid You Take Heed | Taken: July 25, 2015 | Location: Ocean Acres, Manahawkin, NJ (my backyard)
Sticking with the flower theme I’m rolling with one that’s made with my favorite medium: black and white. Here I’m focusing on elements of simplicity, strong contrast, negative space, symmetry, and abstraction. I’ve taken a lone purple coneflower bud that never quite blossomed and shot it dead on overtop. Staring down the viewfinder the flower triggered images of our sun. But not exactly our sun in its traditional sense, instead more like something you might see hanging in an elementary school student’s Heliosphere diorama. Maybe it’s just be but I cherish these kind of associations.
Unplanned Deviation | Taken: August 13, 2015 | Location: Great Bay Boulevard, Little Egg Harbor, NJ
File this one under happy accidents. I was all geared up to head to Stafford Forge but had to deviate at the last moment because cars. That’s right, the Forge was loaded down with people, all 15 of them, and I simply was not prepared for that. Before I was even off the Garden State Parkway I had singled out Great Bay Boulevard as my plan B. This was a good thing. Conditions were beautiful, visibility was strong under clear air, and the marsh was still in its vibrant green glory. While locking in my position I had the pleasure to be within earshot of two older gentlemen regaling themselves with stories of good times. You could say it was just one of those great summer nights people wax poetic about on the Jersey Shore. Heh.
Back Home in the Comfort Zone | Taken: September 26, 2015 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Stafford, NJ
Here’s one of those this has grown on me photographs. Made during a one day layover back in my hometown sandwiched between two vacations, I shot at my go-to spot on Dock Road—this was as much a decision of recalibration as it was a chance to spend some time behind the camera again. I’m a creature of habit so these kind of moments mean the world to me when I’m pulled away from my creature comforts for too long. What I like most about this shot is the marsh itself. Being way down low and close in on the grasses, I’m captivated with how the marsh comes into and out of focus as your eye moves out toward the horizon. This is the result of a strong breeze that was pushing the grass combined with just enough lazy shutter to get the motion down. This was an effect I did not fully notice until post processing when I saw the image blown up to a better size.
A Toast to Autumn | Taken: October 16, 2015 | Location: Cedar Run Dock Road, Stafford, NJ
I’m always a little bummed when the marsh finally dies out for the season. The Great Browning we call it derisively. I partly exacerbate this because let’s face it, Fall just ain’t my season. But with all that said, this photograph really captures the beautiful amber essence that is autumn. We’ve had an almost impossibly warm and beautiful Fall here in New Jersey, and I tapped into that mojo here. So here’s until next year, marsh. To when your glorious green grasses return.
We Face the Path of Time | Taken: December 8, 2015 | Location: Great Bay Boulevard, Little Egg Harbor, NJ
While a derider could decry recency bias, these final two shots happened on my new Best Day Shooting™ yet. Just over two weeks ago some seriously stellar conditions descended upon the region. I had the good fortune to be in just the right spot at just the right time—of course lately SunsetWx has played a big part at infusing some sunset science into said fortune. Whatever it was, it all came together on Great Bay Boulevard, and I was able to compose a frame I am proud of. People are back in forth on this shot and the one below it, but for me this one is not only my best photograph of 2015, it’s my best photograph yet. How long will it stand?
Ruinous Splendor | Taken: December 8, 2015 | Location: Great Bay Boulevard, Little Egg Harbor, NJ
At the height of the shoot I was concerned We Face the Path of Time wasn’t cutting it, and by cutting it, I mean making the most of the conditions (light, glassy water, posts, and clouds). This photograph was the product of that paranoia. Right around peak light I abandoned my spot out on the dock and retreated for the main bulkhead where I quickly composed what some have taken to calling the I — II — II — X shot. Quite possibly one of the most intense scenes I’ve photographed, there’s plenty to like about this picture—Flickr user and photographer E.P. Scott makes the best case. Strip away everything else I’m most pleased with the prominence of the pillars popularly enumerated with roman numerals, backlit by a sky that can best be described as hellfire.
Here’s to 2015. Thank you everyone for being part of my journey—your support and participation is fully appreciated. In the meantime take a look back to 2014 and let’s see what’s in store for 2016. Cheers.