August Cemetery Series

Yes, it's true...these are from August and I just edited them today. I've posted them a bit smaller size than normal since there are so many to share.

This series is from a cemetery that I pass on my way home from work. It's the nicest cemtery I've visited for photography to date. The monuments and headstones are especially beautiful and the detail and thought that goes into the creation of some of these monuments illustrates the meaning of pain and sorrow for the loss of a loved one. Some, such as #4 illustrated below, along with the entire section of children's plots brings tears to your eyes.

Some may find photography in a cemetery strange but must say that I do not find it strange. It's tranquil, peaceful, and I've found it to be a quiet time to reflect on how thankful I am for my own life. I also feel that the monuments and headstones found in cemeteries are ignored pieces of art that deserve to be hightlighted.

I spent a considerable amount of time editing these photos...They are a collection of various techniques including a few B&W actions, desaturating, burning & dodging, etc.

I have a quite a bit more to work on from this day that I will be sure to post once I finish them.

Click on the photos to view them a little bit larger:

My Day Off...Around the Old Neighborhood

I had off from work today :) and I decided that I'd take the day to go off on my own for some photography.

Last week I saw some things that I thought would be good for photographs and I made a mental note of them. Today was a great day to head out and capture them.

I headed to Hellmetta, NJ (which borders the town I grew up in) for my first stop of the day. My subject was the abandoned Helm Snuff Mill. Click here for background on the factory.



I also visited an old cemetery with stones dating back to the 1700s. For some reason I love photographing cemeteries (not in a creepy way). I love to look at the old stones, find the oldest one, and photography the monuments.



The last place I stopped by was the lake next to my grammar school. I got some shots of the lake and a collection of great dragonfly photos (which took A LOT of patience!!)



Later tonight on our way to/and as we left the store we came accross the most beautiful clouds...like a spotlight shining from the heavens...breathtaking!