Monday, December 21, 2009

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Post No. 138 Clark W. Griswold's House?

There was a fierce snowstorm in the greater NYC area last night. I was on my way to the Blair Academy (Blairstown, NJ) to watch a prep school basketball tournament, to see the team coached my friend, Jon Stone (The Hun School of Princeton, NJ). Interstate 80 in NJ was treacherous, and the windy, hilly, backwoods, two-lane county roads to Blairstown were practically impassable. It was a white-knuckle drive, to say the least... I passed this home on the way to the game. There weren't any streetlights on this road, so when I rounded the bend where the house stands, the brilliant lights dramatically pierced the dark countryside. It instantly brought to mind the Griswold's house from the movie Christmas Vacation (one of my favorite holiday flicks). Although I had my trusty Nikon with me, I didn't snap a pic at that time... I was in a hurry to get to the game, the snow was coming down too hard, and the shoulder of the road was not plowed, making it impossible for me to stop and pull-over to snap a pic or two. By the time the games were over, the snowstorm had passed and the roads were clear (thank goodness). So, when I saw this house on my way home, you know that I just had to stop and take this pic...
By the way, what's one of your favorite holiday movies?
~peace and be well,
seanjonesfoto

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Friday, October 30, 2009

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Post No. 133 Seasons

"Birth and Death is a grave event;
How transient is life!
Every minute is to be grasped.
Time waits for nobody."
~Inscription on a Zen Gong
~peace
seanjonesfoto

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Post No. 132 Kinley

Buffalo, NY
My good friend Shane's three year old daughter. This photo was taken during a bbq on a cool, rainy, and soggy autumn day. The positive vibe of friends, family, and good food provided plenty of warmth to make the day fun and memorable.
~peace
seanjonesfoto

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Post No. 131 The Shack

Amagansett, NY Another pic taken during Labor Day weekend in the Hamptons.... As you can see, I'm trying to hang on to summer. :) ~peace seanjonesfoto

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Post No. 130 Full Moon Exposure

Amagansett, NY (East Hampton)
Full moon, 30 second exposure at F/ 8.0
~peace
seanjonesfoto

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Post No. 127 Nyack Orange

Nyack, NY It's been steamy, hot and humid in the greater NYC area for the last two weeks. Fantastically dramatic thunderstorms, full of brilliant lightning, booming thunder, torrential downpours have become quite frequent in this time, as well. Yesterday was no exception. At about 4pm, the skies darkened and the thunder drums began to pound in the distance. I looked out of my window across the Hudson and observed ominous clouds converging from the north and south, onto Westchester and Tarrytown, NY. The strong gusts of wind violently whipped tree branches and created waves and whitecaps on the river, rocking the sailboats in the local marina. I actually saw a funnel cloud form and quickly dissipate... Then a wall of rain crawled slowly toward my side of the river. The storm lasted for about an hour, then the sun began to peek through the clouds. The sky never completely cleared, but the colors created by the evening sunlight bouncing off the clouds was striking. I went for a stroll with my camera, looking for a rainbow, which I found, but unfortunately, the light wasn't sufficient to get a good snap. But, as they say in photography, as you look at your subject from one direction, turn around and look at the lighting sky from a different point of view (pov), you might be surprised at what you see... The image in the photograph above is what I saw when I turned around... Any thoughts? ~peace & love seanjonesfoto

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Post No. 126 Yummm

I made this delicious salad yesterday for lunch. Mesclun greens with tomato, fresh basil, tuna, blueberries, and mango, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette... I love to make these salads! They please four of the five senses: visually stimulating colors and textures; sweet scent; wonderfully varying and distinct tastes; and lovely textures on the tongue... You'll have to make one for yourself and let me know how it turns out. ;)

~peace seanjonesfoto

Post No. 125 Lady Liberty

NYC- The most beautiful lady in the city...
~peace seanjonesfoto

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Post No. 122 Guggenheim Museum

NYC - The Guggenheim is one of the most interesting and beautiful architectural works I have ever seen. Upon entrance into the museum's lobby, this is what you will see when you look up. I find it mesmerizing...

~peace seanjonesfoto

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Post No. 121 Night Light

NYC - Architect Frank Gehry's beautiful IAC building in Chelsea on the westside highway... Photo taken from the Highline park...

~peace seanjonesfoto

Post No. 120 NYC Skyline from the Highline

NYC - Looking northeast over Chelsea from the new Highline Park on 10th Ave...

~peace seanjonesfoto

Monday, August 3, 2009

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Post No. 117 Silhouette

Rochester, NY

I was on my way to meet up with an old friend, when I looked up and saw these beautiful colors in the evening sky. So, I made a few quick turns and raced against time to reach the top of Cobb's Hill park and snap this photo before the sky blackened for the night. As usual, I had my trusty Nikon D50 with me, so, at least I didn't have to return to my mom's apartment (where I'm staying while I visit the city I grew up in). I get to Cobb's Hill and motor the Honda up the reservoir road. All I thought to myself was, "get there asap before this beautiful light and color vanish." My thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of flashing lights in my rear view mirror. Fortunately, the lights weren't red; they were yellow. "Yeah, right. You've gotta be kidding me buddy. I appreciate your help with the public safety and all, but I'm not stopping for a parking attendant..." But this guy was on my tail! Alright, alright... "Hey, what's up?" He says, "Sir, two things: 1) you're driving a little too fast- you're doing 25 and the limit is 20 (huh?); and b) (little joke from The Breakfast Club) the gates are closing, so you've gotta get out." "OK officer (uh, Mr. Security guy, how do we address these guys/ gals?)" As he proceeded to bust all of the teens and adulterous married folk making out in their steamy windowed vehicles, I rushed over to a lookout point to snap this photo. I like the result... What do you think? Comments suggestions are welcome.

~peace and love

seanjonesfoto

Post No. 116 Optical Illusion

Rochester, NY I love the Chase Tower in downtown Rochester. It is the third tallest buildings in the city (there aren't many), and it's quite architecturally and visually interesting, as illustrated here in this photo I took today. The lines, shades and tones change constantly, depending on the time of day, light, color of the sky, and the viewing angle. If you're ever in Rochester, I would recommend taking a few minutes to walk around this beauty to better appreciate her visual gifts. Here is a link with a bit of history on the Chase Tower: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Tower_(Rochester) ~peace seanjonesfoto

Friday, July 10, 2009

Post No. 114 Casey

Nyack, NY

I've been house-sitting and dog-sitting for about a week and a half now. The adorable, bearded collie you see above, Casey, is the 9 year-old girl I've been watching over. I've become quite attached to her in such a short time... I think she likes having me around, as well. During my first few days at the house, she was indifferent about being in the same room as me. However, now, she nuzzles right up to me and follows me everywhere. She always puts her nose under my hand, indicating that she wants me to pet her... It will be difficult to leave her on Sunday... :( Fortunately, she lives close-by, so I will visit often. I just hope that her owner doesn't become tired of seeing my face. :)

~peace

seanjonesfoto

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Post No. 113 Spread a Little Love

I once heard someone say, "Bloom where you're planted." I don't remember where I heard it, or who said it, but it resonated with me on many levels... I didn't want to post my feelings about this quote here to avoid having influenced your interpretation of the image more than I already have by adding this quote. So, what does it mean for you? ~peace seanjonesfoto

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Post No. 112 Caught in the Rain

Nyack, NY
It started off as a beautiful, sunny day... I woke up early, read a little, did some writing, and walked Casey, the adorable Bearded Collie I've been watching for the past week. After bringing Casey back to the house, I grabbed my camera, as I usually do, and went for a stroll around town (Nyack, NY). Not a cloud in the sky... The sun felt warm on my skin, and the subtle breeze ensured it didn't become uncomfortable... The typical sights of Nyack were in abundance: cyclists; runners; walkers; children; and families... There was a post-holiday weekend buzz of worker bees getting back to the daily grind- delivery men and their trucks, suits, local shop keepers, antiquers, artists...
I decided to stop by a local restarurant and have a delicious spinach, tomato, smoked salmon, and feta omlet... While chatting it up with a few of the locals, the owner looks out the window and says, "Oh, it's getting cloudy!" Just then, a gentleman walks in and says, "Yup, the storm clouds are rollin' in. Looks like the sky's gonna open up any minute!" Huh!!?? Not having an umbrella, or any cover for my camera, I quickly paid my bill, left a tip, and bolted for the door. I immediately looked up... Ominous, dark clouds! Uh-oh... Well, I think I can make it. In fact, I think I have time to stop by the market to pick up some salad greens, fresh basil, and fruit for lunch and dinner later... I'm usually a fast shopper in stores, as I enter with an idea of exactly what I want. No dilly-dallying with browsing and such. As the cashier rang up my purchase, I look out the window and see a figure walk by with a big umbrella, opened! Raindrops... "Excuse me ma'am? May I have an extra plastic bag?" (Holding my camera up for her to see) "Certainly! But don't put it in the same bag as the grapes. You don't want to squash them."
I walk out of the store and the drops aren't coming down too fast... "Meh, I'll be fine! It's only a half mile up the road!" 100 yards up the road, the skies opened up! I didn't even bother to run, because I was rainsoaked within 5 seconds! Getting caught in the rain without protection always brings me back to my childhood. The urge to jump in the puddles was powerful, but in the end, I decided to snap this self-portrait (poor compo and focus- my self-timer skills are not so hot.) with my nice-and-dry camera! Thanks to the nice cashier at the market! :)
~peace
seanjonesfoto

Monday, July 6, 2009

Post No. 111 Back to the Future

Hate to admit it, but I was at the (gulp) mall (Palisades) yesterday... I saw this classic beauty parked next to my car, and I just could not resist snapping a few quick shots of her. Thanks to the high salaried Invenstment Bankers, Wall Streeter Brokers and Traders, Celebrities, and trust fund crew, exotic cars in and around NYC are a dime-a-dozen. The Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentlys, Maybachs, Maserattis, Teslas, RRs, Porsches, etc. don't even turn the heads of NYers. But this beautiful DeLorean caught my attention... No knock against Michael J. Fox, but the DeLorean was the star of Back to the Future... Here's a little history of the DeLorean Motor Company, its rapid demise and current status: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeLorean_Motor_Company

~ peace

seanjonesfoto

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Post No. 110 Breakfast

I've been housesitting, and spoiled with a gorgeous environment... One week left... :(

~peace,

seanjonesfoto

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Post No 108 Water Lily Redux

Sorry for the second post of the same water lily, but I really can't decide which image I like better. I'm leaning towards this one. Any thoughts or comments? ~peace seanjonesfoto

Post No. 107 Water LIly

Water LIly, originally uploaded by seanjonesfoto.

Nyack, NY ~peace seanjonesfoto

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Post No. 103 Rain Watcher

Coney Island, NY

Braving the rain after the Mermaid Parade...

~peace,

seanjonesfoto

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Post No. 101 Coney Island and Nathan's

Coney Island, NY

I haven't been to Coney Island since I was a teenager. Until yesterday, that is. Actually, I don't even remember the last time I had a Nathan's Famous Frank (Hot Dog). Yesterday, I ate two; one plain (with ketchup & mustard), and the other with cheese (well, they call it cheese). I also had Nathan's fries and a Corona. I have to say that it was a fantastically delicious meal! There are Nathan's joints all around the greater NYC area, but you really can't beat the total experience of Nathan's Famous at Coney Island. I can't wait to get back for more!

~peace,

seanjonesfoto