Today is the 100th Birthday of the Boeing Company, so I thought I’d share a photo of one of my favorite aircraft, the B-29 Superfortress which was first introduced in 1944, helping the United States win WWII. Currently “Fifi” is the only flying B-29, but if things go well on Sunday, “Doc” will become the second flying example.
Since tomorrow is the 152nd Anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy, I thought I’d share one from the archives – Sunrise at the 14th New Jersey Regiment Monument taken on the morning of the 150th Anniversary, July 9th, 2014.
Note: Due to technical difficulties user error this posted a week late.
Yeah, I know I’m a couple of days early, but with fireworks displays scheduled throughout the holiday weekend, it seemed appropriate. This one is one of my favorites from the Capitol Fourth fireworks show on the Mall in Washington DC. If the weather cooperates, I may head down again this year.
The East Broad Top Railroad Machine Shop is one of those places that you enter and instantly go back in time. It looks as if the workers left yesterday even though yesterday was April 14th, 1956. With the railroad not operating, tours are rare, but if you have the chance to go, take advantage of the opportunity. You won’t regret it.
I made a quick trip to Atlanta last weekend for the American Association of Woodturners annual symposium. While I was there I managed to squeeze in some photography.
Above is a blue hour shot from Jackson Street Bridge which is the classic location for photos of the Atlanta skyline.
Below are two shots from The Varsity which happens to be another great location for photos of the Atlanta skyline. All of the red neon looks great at blue hour.
The Atlanta skyline taken from the 50th Floor of the Westin Peachtree Plaza during a recent trip.
Stop by Tuesday for a mini trip report.
This past February I attended a photo charter at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad hosted by Lerro Productions. The charter included a full day of photography on the railroad plus a night session at Cumberland Station. With 734 almost out of operating days before a required major rebuild, the charter sold out quickly as many photographers wanted to spend one more day with one of their favorite locomotives. As it turns out, due to a landslide on the line a couple of weeks after the charter, this would be the last time 734 ran all the way to Frostburg.
After lunch the clouds rolled in, so rather than shoot in poor lighting, a couple of us elected to head back to the caboose and ride with the brakeman for the rest of the afternoon. This turned into a portrait shoot since this particular crew member takes great pride in accurately dressing the part for these photo shoots.
Finally, 734 was parked in front Cumberland Station for one last night session before her rebuild. What made this on unusual is that she was turned facing East when most night sessions had her facing West to take advantage of the water spout at the other end of the station.
It will be a few years before 734 is running again since the railroad is focusing on restoring C&O 1309. Current reports indicate that the WMSR’s “new” steam locomotive will be running next year. As always in the world of steam preservation, “it’ll be done when it’s ready.”
734 simmering at Cumberland Station while waiting for permission to proceed down the line – or more accurately, 734 is parked at the station for a night session during a photo charter hosted by Lerro Productions this past February. Stop back next Tuesday for the trip report.
It’s that time of year again! This weekend is Mid Atlantic Air Museum’s WWII Weekend. After only spending one day there last year, I’m looking forward to a full weekend this year.
Sadly, the P-47 Thunderbolt, Jacky’s Revenge, pictured above will not be in attendance this year. Last Friday, it suffered what is believed to be engine failure and was landed in the Hudson River. It’s pilot, Bill Gordon, drowned when the plane sank before he was able to get out of the harness. My condolences go out to the Gordon Family and to the folks at the American Airpower Museum.
Light City Baltimore is a new event in downtown Baltimore, Maryland, featuring light based art installations, musical acts and theatrical performances. The event ran for a full week from March 28th – April 3rd. The main feature of the event was the Light Art Walk located around the Inner Harbor which included a number of light based art installations. In between were several stages for musical and theatrical performances. Here’s a few of my favorites from this year:
LightWave – Baltimore’s Beacon:
Antique Baltimore Police Department Patrol Car:
Community Beacons – Making Waves:
Peacock:
Projected Aquaculture:
Theatre of Fire:
Voyage:
The shooting conditions were challenging with brightly lit art outside in the dark, and I found the balance between including the surrounding context and avoiding over exposing the art difficult. Most of my best shots occurred during sunset or blue hour when the balance in exposure between the two could be found. Fortunately the event seemed to be a success, so hopefully I’ll have another chance to shoot it next year.