Through The Lens 157 – Williamsburg Christmas

I didn’t make it down to Williamsburg this year to photograph the Christmas decorations but thought I’d share one from the archives. The creativity of the folks making the decorations is incredible.

Happy Friday!

Through The Lens 128 – N&W 611 Roanoke Mornings

Roanoke Mornings

N&W 611 pulls into the station on the final morning of her 2017 Excursion Season.  Hopefully this sight will return in the future.

Through The Lens 125 – N&W 611 Spring Flowers

Spring Flowers

Last year about this time was the second weekend I chased N&W 611.  The flowers in the foreground made this one of my favorite images from the trip.

Through The Lens 124 – Governor’s Palace Spring

Governor's Palace Gardens Spring

One from the archives.  This one was taken on a rare spring trip to Colonial Williamsburg.  I need to get down there in the spring again to photograph more of the gardens in full bloom.  Maybe next year.

Through The Lens 122 – Thomas Jefferson

I’m still chipping away at the photos from the New Year’s trip to Williamsburg and thought I’d share this one of Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson.  Mr. Barker has been portraying Thomas Jefferson for many years.  I’m always impressed with his ability to respond to any question or situation in character.  If you visit Colonial Williamsburg, make sure to find him on the schedule and make a point to see one of his public audiences.  You won’t regret it.

Trip Report – Williamsburg

Over New Year’s weekend I traveled to Williamsburg for what has become a nearly annual photography trip with my Dad to see the Christmas Decorations in the Colonial Area. While I did take some exterior photos in the Historic Area (when the light is as nice as it was for Friday’s post, you have to make some photos), my focus was on the historic trades.

The Weaver:

Colorful Threads in the Weaver’s Shop:

The Joiner:

Spring Pole Lathe in the Joiner Shop:

The Tinsmith:

The Shoemaker:

Through The Lens 105 – Williamsburg Christmas Decorations

We’ll stick with the Williamsburg Christmas decorations this week.  While many of the decorations are elaborate, using a wide range of materials, some of my favorites like the one in the photo above are the simpler ones.

Through The Lens 102 – Wabun and the J

The engineer eases off the throttle of N&W 611 heading into a speed restriction on the uphill grade outside the town of Wabun, VA.  This was the first of two trips out of Roanoke on Memorial Day 2016.

After Norfolk Southern ended its first steam program in 1994, many thought we’d never get to see the J under steam again.  Fortunately miracles happen and the Virginia Museum of Transportation restored 611 to service with the help of Norfolk Southern and many other generous donors.  I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to ride behind and photograph one of the finest steam locomotives ever built.  Even better, I got to photograph it with some good friends.  Thanks again, Kevin, Mike and Rick!