One Of My Favorites....

This is a print from last year, but it still rates as one of my favorites because we had so much fun while we were there. This was taken when we spent a week in Virginia at Assateague Island. This shot is actually taken from where we stayed on Marsh Island, looking back toward the mainland. Assateague and Chincoteague are working fishing communities, so if you like seafood you will definitely enjoy your stay here! But the big draw here is the National Seashore and Wildlife Refuge. Miles of beach with numerous shorebirds and of course, the wild ponies of Assateague Island. We were lucky enough to take a kayak trip so we could get an up close look at the horses and get some decent pictures. The only downside to the island is the mosquito population! If you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, they would literally drive you back into your vehicle! We learned when we were biking the island that there were certain places you just didn't stop unless you wanted to be the main course for the mosquitos!

All in all, a wonderful week and we would certainly go back again. I would like to see the annual pony swim between Assateague and Chincoteague!

Double Trouble....

My friend Bob Merritt has been nice enough to let me wander about on his land, and the other day I came across these twins.  They are this year's deer, about 4-5 months old. Technically they are fawns, although the spots faded out a month or so ago.

But these two were so very curious about me, even though I was out in the middle of a field. I had hunkered down trying to make myself as small as possible so they wouldn't just turn tail and run. But after their initial fear subsided a little, they actually began walking toward me! They just couldn't figure out what I was, and their curiosity was getting the best of them.  They got to within about 40 yards of me before they decided they had seen enough, which was a good thing because I had been holding the camera up the whole time and my arms were getting very shaky! It wasn't until I got back home and uploaded the images that I noticed the little bumps on their heads and realized that they were twin bucks.

It's days like this that keep you coming back for more....
Click on the image to enlarge

Last Shuttle Flight....

I came across this video on the internet today. It has nothing to do with photography per se; however the sheer imagery of the Endeavour that day is a sight to see and remember. Remember it for the imagination and hard work it took just to get the first shuttle in the air. Remember it for the incredible engineering required to accomplish such a lofty goal. And also remember the heavy cost that such a dangerous feat takes on the humans who dare to push the boundaries of space exploration. My hat is off to all of the men and women who were a part of this wonderful space program.

And They're Off!!!....

I got the opportunity today to shoot a day of horse racing at Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY. I was there because of the kindness of Justin Horowitz, the Regional Racing Marketing Manager at Tioga Downs. Justin also oversees Vernon Downs and The Meadowlands racing programs. (you think you're busy!!)

I wasn't sure what to think when I got there. I had never even taken a picture of a horse before, let alone 9 of them flying around a racetrack! But Justin basically gave me the run of the place, and told me I could shoot from wherever I wanted as long as I didn't get run over! So I proceeded to shoot from every corner that I could squeeze my fat butt into! And I had a great time! I've posted a couple down below, but I also have a separate folder in my gallery for the Tioga Downs pics.

Click on the image to open a larger image. 

Check out the tongue flappin' in the breeeze....