Harvey Kopel: Blog

Sunrise, Plains of Abraham, Adirondack Park

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 16:34:15 GMT

Sunrise, Plains of Abraham, Adirondack Park--Created in eastern upstate New York in 1892 as one of the first Forever Wild Forest Preserves in the nation, the Adirondack Park is a unique wilderness area and National Historic Landmark. At 6 million acres, it is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. The state of New York owns approximately 2.6 million acres, while the remaining 3.4 million acres are devoted to forestry, agriculture and open space recreation. The Adirondack Park is not a National Park - there's no fee to enter and the park doesn't close at night, nor is it a state park, a common misconception. It's also the largest National Historic Landmark in the United States, covering an area larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and the Great Smokies National Parks combined.

This was a new experience for me. The temperature was one degree fahrenheit and I did not freeze to death. (There was no wind).

Canon 5DMarkiii, Tamron 28-300@110 mm, ISO200, 1/320sec@f8.

Brown Pelican

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 14:43:12 GMT

Brown Pelican--“A wonderful bird is the pelican; his bill can hold more than his belly can,” goes the limerick by Dixon Lanier Merritt. And it's true: A pelican's pouch can hold up to three times more than its stomach.

Driven almost to extinction twice—first by hunting and later by pesticides including DDT—the Brown Pelican is today a shining example of the success of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the work of the Environmental Protection Agency. But these cornerstones of conservation are now themselves at risk.

By 1970, the species was declared Endangered. Fortunately, in 1972, the Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of DDT in the United States. As a result, the level of DDT in the environment has decreased in most areas, and the reproductive success of Brown Pelicans has increased. Protection of nesting islands has also contributed to the species' recovery.

Today, the Brown Pelican's population continues to grow. It was de-listed from the ESA in 2009 and is considered one of the Act's great success stories, (https://abcbirds.org/bird/brown-pelican/#:~:text=Driven%20almost%20to%20extinction%20twice,are%20now%20themselves%20at%20risk.)

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Sigma150-600w2x extender@930mm, 1/800sec@f13, iso 2500

Going fishing

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 14:14:35 GMT

Fishing along the Anhinga Trail in the Florida Everglades. Abundant wildlife is visible from the trail, including alligators, turtles, anhingas, herons, and egrets and we saw all of them during our January trip to Florida.

Canon5DMarkiii, Sigma150-600/w2x extender@442mm, ISO400, 1/2500sec@f5.6

WINTER

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 15:35:39 GMT

WINTER

canon 7D,canon 70-200 lens@200, ISO 100, 1/80@f10

Winter in Central Park

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 17:39:58 GMT

WINTER IN CENTRAL PARK--With temperature in the 60's, early January is a time to get outside and enjoy nature. I have started putting down my DSLR and shooting with my iphone.

iphone 13 Pro Max, 5.7mm lens (26mm equivalent), iso50, 1/530sec@f1.5

Pizza in Times Square

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 13:53:36 GMT

Times Square--How better to enjoy New York City than with a slice of New York pizza while mixing with the crowds in Times Square. (not New Years Eve.)

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@179mmm, ISO 320, 1/320sec@f6.3

Christmas, Hanukah in New York City

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 25 Dec 2022 15:03:04 GMT

Today is Christmas and Hanukah. I hope all of you are having a happy and healthy holiday.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Canon 28mmf1.8, ISO 100, 2.5 sec@f22

Holiday time in New York

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 15:50:29 GMT

Salvation Army-- This soldier for the Salvation Army is a perpetual motion machine. I watched him for a good 10 minutes and he was in constant motion ringing his bells and dancing to the music. He was thoroughly enjoying himself while entertaining everyone around him.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, canon 28mm lens, iso 160, f8@1/30 sec

Chesapeake Bay Sunrise

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 15:43:01 GMT

A peaceful sunrise on the Chesapeake Bay. The last day of a 5 day vacation.

Canon 5D Mark111, Tamron 28-300@28mm, iso 640, 1/500@f9

Grand Central Terminal

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 13:52:29 GMT

This historic world-famous landmark in Midtown Manhattan is not simply a transportation hub — it’s also a shopping, dining, and cultural destination with 60 shops, 35 places to eat, and a full calendar of events all under one magnificent roof. Opened to the public in February 1913, Grand Central Terminal is a story of great engineering, survival, and rebirth. In 1978, architect Philip Johnson and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis campaigned to secure landmark status for the Terminal, ensuring the building would serve New Yorkers for generations to come.

Grand Central Terminal is one of the country’s great architectural achievements and New York City’s unofficial meeting place with thousands of people choosing to “meet me at the clock” –rendezvousing with friends and loved ones each day at the opal-faced Main Concourse Information Booth Clock. Hailed as a temple to the everyday commuter, this cathedral-like building was constructed to honor you, its visitors. (https://www.grandcentralterminal.com)

I was not the only one with a camera. It seemed a good 50% of those passing through were taking photos.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@37mm, iso 320, f10@.8seconds

Harlem Meer

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 13:58:39 GMT

Reflection in the Harlem Meer. The water was mostly calm on this fall day allowing me to present a different view of this scene.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@28mm, iso400, 1/500sec@f5.6

Lord Stirling Park

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 18:29:37 GMT

Lord Stirling Park is a 925/950 acre park operated by the Somerset County Park Commission and located in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and separated from the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge by the Passaic River. The park displays a diverse ecosystem in floodplains of the upper Passaic River and its contributors and contains swamps, fields, forests, brooks, marshes, and meadows.
The area was prehistorically part of the Glacial Lake Passaic. For thousands of years it has been inhabited, and current archeological sites explore the artifacts of the Lenape civilization. The park is named after William Alexander, Lord Stirling, a general of the American Revolution whose estate included the area. (Wikipedia)

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300 lens@31mm, 1/1600sec@f3.5,ISO 100

Veteran's Day Parade

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 15:09:54 GMT

It was raining and not everyone was happy marching in the Veteran's Day Parade.

Leaving Manhattan

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 14:51:40 GMT

LEAVING MANHATTAN--Well no, this cascade is in the northern part of Central Park. Looking at it, I can hear the water going over the cascade, smell the fresh air, and visualize the fall leaves falling. I hope it has the same effect on you.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@106mm, iso 400, 1/100sec@f9

Fall in Central Park

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 12:58:54 GMT

Leaves are beginning to change. Days are getting shorter. But the weather is still warm enough and a walk in the park is called for.

iso500, 121mm, f9@1/640

Sailing

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 14:10:09 GMT

A little rain did not stand in the way of enjoying great wind while sailing on the Chesapeake Bay.

Hancock Shaker Village

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 15:17:00 GMT

The Shaker religion began in Manchester England around the year 1747. A group of dissident Christians, they practiced ecstatic worship and egalitarianism. Shaker converts were gathered into communal villages, where all property was jointly owned. The Hancock Shakers supported themselves primarily through farming. The raising and sale of garden seeds was the most lucrative of their early businesses. Land acquisition and conversion continued for decades, and by the 1830s some 300 Hancock Shakers owned about 3,000 acres. After reaching peak membership in the 1840s, the Shaker movement gradually dwindled, partially due to the urban migration that accompanied the industrial revolution, and by the westward migration of New England's youth. By the early twentieth century, the population of the village had fallen to around 50, most of whom were children. The remaining Shakers sold off their excess land, and many buildings were destroyed. The decision was eventually made in 1960 to close the village and sell the property and buildings to a local group who formed an independent non-profit. This organization now operates the property as an open air museum. One of the most notable buildings in the village is the "Round Stone Barn" built in 1826. That barn was built in a circular shape for several reasons, the primary one being that it was the most functional.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@67mm, iso 200, 1/500@f9

Charlie Parker Jazz Festival

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 19:01:15 GMT

This young jazz trio was not part of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem on Saturday, so they entertained park goers by playing outside the amphitheater.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@146mm, iso400, 1/200sec@f5.6

Roadrunner

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 12:59:11 GMT

The Roadrunner is a species of fast-running ground cuckoos with long tails and crests. They are found in the southwestern and south-central United States and Mexico, usually in the desert. Although capable of flight, roadrunners generally run away from predators. On the ground, some have been clocked at 32 km/h (20 mph) while a few have also been clocked up to 43 km/h (27 mph). Wikipedia

I have seen roadrunners in the wild but they are gone before I've gotten my camera up to my eye. This one is in the Queens Zoo and was running back and forth in a small area. You can see more bird photos from the Queens Zoo on my Facebook page.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@300mm, 1/30sec@f6.3,ISO 8000.

NEW JERSEY FESTIVAL OF BALLOONING

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 14:48:37 GMT

BALLOON FEST--The New Jersey Festival of Ballooning has been held annually in Readington Township since 1983. This year the festival hosted around 125 special shape and sport hot air balloons. I got a behind the scenes pass from Unique Photo and Sigma Lenses. Thanks to Marc Farb of Sigma for the loan of a Sigma 24-70 lens used for this photo. Click on the My Photographs tab and scroll down to the New Jersey Balloon Festival 2022 Gallery to see more photos.

Canon 5DMarkiii, Sigma 24-70@38mm, ISO 100, 1/200sec@f7.1

CATTLE EGRET

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 17:37:06 GMT

Cattle Egret-- I wish I could say this photo is from Africa but it was taken at the Aviary in the Queens Zoo.

The short, thick-necked Cattle Egret spends most of its time in fields rather than streams. It forages at the feet of grazing cattle, head bobbing with each step, or rides on their backs to pick at ticks. This stocky white heron has yellow plumes on its head and neck during breeding season. Originally from Africa, it found its way to North America in 1953 and quickly spread across the continent. Elsewhere in the world, it forages alongside camels, ostriches, rhinos, and tortoises—as well as farmers’ tractors.

Canon 5DMarkiii, Tamron 28-300@300mm, 1/250sec@f6.3

Water's Soul

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 10 Jul 2022 18:29:40 GMT

WATER"S SOUL-- A sculpture by Jaume Plensa, it sits on a newly developed Hudson River pier in Jersey City. It depicts a woman with closed eyes holding a finger to her lips in a state of silent contemplation and self-reflection and stands 80 feet tall. In the background is the Hoboken train terminal, the 9th busiest train station in North America.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300lens@28mm, iso200, 1/400sec@f13

SUMMER IN CENTRAL PARK

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 12:59:08 GMT

SUMMER IN CENTRAL PARK-- Just taking a moment to relax and cool off at Strawberry Fields.

Canon5D Markiii, Tamron 28-300@251mm, ISO800, 1/60@f10

Glass Blocks

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 17:37:13 GMT

An abstract view thorough glass blocks.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@79mm, iso 200, 1/320@f7.1

Mermaid Parade

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 18:58:36 GMT

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is an art parade held annually in Coney Island, Ne York. The event, the largest art parade in the United States, is held each year in June and celebrates the arrival of the summer season.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Canon 28mm lens, ISO200, 1/250@f8

Central Park Musician

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 20:34:28 GMT

Central Park Musician--Playing Mozart on the violin while spinning a hula hoop and looking for tips is just one of the over one hundred activities that take place in Central Park. This photo is on page 61 of the book Central Park People-A Photo Essay.

to order the book email harvey@kopel.us, $19.95+3.95 shipping

Canon 40D, Canon 28-135@28mm,iso250, 1/80@f4.5

FOREST

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 29 May 2022 12:53:08 GMT

FOREST--I've started a new series of abstract trees. I don't think it needs any explanation.

Nikon D90, Nikon 85mm lens, iso200, 1/50@f8

Arches National Park

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Mon, 23 May 2022 18:47:25 GMT

Sunrise at Arches National Park--The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28=300@76mm, iso100, 1/6sec@f11

Omnium Circus

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 15 May 2022 17:37:33 GMT

THE OMNIUM CIRCUS-- A Bold New Circus is a visionary not-for-profit organization bringing together a completely diverse cast of extraordinary talent from all over the globe… multi-abled, their stars transport audiences into a world of jaw dropping spectacle and wonder, inspiring them with extraordinary feats of human accomplishment and the astounding potential of the human spirit.

The APA New York arranged for a group of photographers to attend and photograph the performance. It was amazing.

Canon 5dMarkiii, Tamron 28-300@300mm, ISO 20,000, 1/640sec@f6.3

My Little Chickadee

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 08 May 2022 17:07:47 GMT

YOU LOOKIN' AT ME--A black capped chickadee wondering if I am going to interrupt his meal. Thanks for the ID Beth Goffe.

Canon 7D, Canon 70-200@200mm, ISO 400, 1/640sec@f5.0

Cherry Blossoms

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 14:45:01 GMT

Throughout Japan, the Cherry, or 'Sakura' tree is representative of good fortune, new beginnings and revival. Folklore says that when the Sakura spirits release their gorgeous fragrance in springtime, their gift of beauty and elegance is to be truly celebrated!

So many cherry trees and such beauty that they beg to be photographed every year. But how do you create a different interpretation among so many photographs? Here is an attempt.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@222mm, iso100, 1/40sec@f7.1

Spring has Sprung

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 14:26:36 GMT

Spring has Sprung

I was lying on the ground shooting up at the cherry blossoms, when this squirrel peeked in to see what I was doing.

Canon 5DMarkiii, Tamron 28-300@89mm. iso100, 1/100@f9

Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 20:05:43 GMT

October 2018--Sunrise at Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah--Yes it was very foggy that morning. According to legend, the park is so named because of its use as a natural corral by cowboys in the 19th century, where horses often died of exposure. Dead Horse Point has frequently been noted on lists of unusual place names.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300lens@170mm,1/45sec@f22, iso800,

Central Park People, A Photo Essay

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 19:15:36 GMT

I PUBLISHED MY FIRST BOOK The diversity of types of people that visit Central Park is as varied as the activities available to them. The designers of the Park wanted it to be a democratic park for all people. Although the rich and well off have always had easier access to the park, it is available to everyone, and the current managers, The Central Park Conservancy, strive to make it all inclusive. Whether you visit the Park to play sports, watch birds, see a concert, walk in the woods, or just sit and read a book, there is something for everyone. Through my images and Alan Cohen’s words the book will take you on a journey of this diversity. You can order the book by emailing me "Harvey@Kopel.us". It is $19.95+$3.95 shipping.
From page 74 in the chapter "performing and appreciating" The showtime boys so named because they start off their show with "It's Showtime." They entertain the public with their acrobatics, comedy patter, and break dancing along with coaxing the public to "donate" more than they intended.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@55mm, iso1600, 1/2000sec@f4.5

Harlem Meer and Dana Center

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 15:50:47 GMT

On this date in 2021 a heavy snow covered New York City.

It looks like I could walk over to the building but if I tried I would have been in 8 feet of water.

My camera was set up to shoot birds when I fired off this photo so my settings are: iso 640. 1/8000@f4.5.

Summer Fun

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 20:48:30 GMT

I was thinking of publishing a snow picture after yesterday's big storm but decided to go the opposite way. This guy could be playing in the snow today, but last summer he was enjoying himself in the water.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@251mm, 1/2000sec@f7.1, ISO 2000

Sparrow

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 16:25:18 GMT

Someone once explained to me the 4 steps of wildlife photography.

1. It's not a great picture but I saw it and here is proof.

2. Here is a nice portrait.

3. The wild life acting in its environment.

4. A creative treatment of the wildlife.

I think this picture of a common sparrow falls into category 4. I hope you enjoy it.

Canon 5DMarkiii, Sigma 150-600@600mm, 1/125@f9, iso 400

Fall in the center of Manhattan Island

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 14:31:49 GMT

November 11. 2021--The North Woods of Central Park offers a retreat to nature only blocks away from tall buildings and concrete.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@35mm, iso 400, 1/250sec@f4.0

Street Vendor

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 14:39:40 GMT

Street Vendors: It must be a difficult job standing outside in the winter making a living selling pretzels.

Conon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@100mm, ISO 2500, 1/250sec@f5.6.

Italian Garden

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 18:04:21 GMT

The Italian Garden in the center of Central Park's Conservatory Garden: Order, symmetry, elegance: these are the three keywords of the Italian garden – also known as a "formal" garden – which has profoundly influenced the history of gardening since ancient times.

Iphone 13 pro max, 157mm lens, 1/120sec@f1.8, iso 250. sunset, November 17, 2021

Okra Plant

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 15:13:30 GMT

OKRA-- Photographed in the Conservatory Garden of Central Park. I was admiring these pods photographed against the colorful background of the Korean Mums when a man next to me explained that they were from the Okra family. Not the okra we eat but a cousin.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@110mm, iso 100, f5.6@1/125sec.

Bow Bridge with fall colors

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 18:05:48 GMT

Bow Bridge is the most photographed bridge in Central Park. It is the second oldest cast iron bridge in the country. The bridge is named for its shape resembling a violin or an archers bow. It was designed by Calvert Vaux with the detail work by Jacob Wray Mould.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300 lens@28mm, ISO 100, 1/125@f10, photographed November 18, 2021

Tawny Eagle

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 17:58:07 GMT

The Tawny Eagle is a large bird of prey. They have a breeding range that constitutes much of the African continent as well as the Indian subcontinent. It is estimated that tawny eagles can reach the age of 16 years old. Nonetheless, precipitous declines have been detected throughout the tawny eagle's range. Numerous factors, particularly loss of nesting habitat due to logging and global warming. (from Wikipedia)

I often use my blog, not only to display my photography, but to increase my (and your) knowledge of the subject. I have not been to Africa recently but shot this photo in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa, in March of 2015.

Canon 7D, Canon 70-200 lens@200mm, iso 800, 1/640@f5.6.

European Starling

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 14:45:43 GMT

EUROPEAN STARLING: All the European Starlings in North America descended from 100 birds set loose in New York's Central Park in the early 1890s. The birds were intentionally released by a group who wanted America to have all the birds that Shakespeare ever mentioned. It took several tries, but eventually the population took off.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@300mm, iso2500, 1/320@f13.

A Walk in the Woods

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 14:54:44 GMT

A walk in the woods while raining

Anna and I followed in the steps of Hudson River School painters and visited Kaaterskill Falls. It was raining and very foggy. After hiking 1/2 mile to the falls we saw nothing but fog. The woods however were beautiful as shown in this photo.

I rarely shoot with my phone but this photo was taken with a Samsung Galaxy S8 cell phone.

The Gelato Stand

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 14:43:26 GMT

SUMMER JOB AT THE GELATO STAND

In the style of a Saturday Evening Post illustration by Norman Rockwell.

Canon5DMarkiii, Tamron 28-300@28mm, ISO1600, 1/400@f6.3 SELLING

Abstract Drawing or NYC Architecture?

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 13:47:46 GMT

ABSTRACT DRAWING OR NEW YORK CITY ARCHITECTURE

Canon 5Dmarkiii,Tamron 28-300@146mm, 1/2000@f6.3, ISO 100

Jazz on a Summer Afternoon

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 14:15:27 GMT

You never know what you are going to find on the streets of New York City. This little jazz band set up and entertained on Sunday in front of a closed liquor store. Photographed through the window of a bus.

Canon 5Dmark iii, Canon 28mm, ISO 100, 1/30@f7.1

Kid Curiosity

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 14:06:30 GMT

I wonder if Calvert Vaux, when he designed Bow Bridge in Central Park, or Jacob Wray Mould, who decorated the bridge with cinquafoils (an ornamental design of five lobes arranged in a circle),considered their design as a place for little kids to observe the rowboats on the Lake.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@116mm, ISO 100, 1/80@f8

Barred Owl

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 20:26:06 GMT

This barred owl, living in the Central Park Ramble, should not have been awake at noon yesterday when I shot this photo but he was being harassed by blue jays.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@300mm, 1/60@f6.3, iso400

Sunset on the Chesapeake Bay

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 21:10:21 GMT

September 24, 2019, 6:12PM--Sunset on the Chesapeake Bay. The golden hour just before the sun goes down is my favorite time of day. Looking out over a body of water one of my favorite activities. The clouds here remind me of gigantic mythical birds.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@ 62mm, 1/180@f5.6, ISO 800

Sand Dunes in Death Valley

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 13:59:35 GMT

DEATH VALLEY FEBRUARY 2020--I added the date to make sure you noticed I was not in Death Valley this week when it reached 130 degrees fahrenheit. By walking slightly off the beaten path you can find sand dunes without footsteps and filled with different texture patterns.

Canon 5D Markiii, Tamron 28-300@300mm, 1/125@f9, ISO 100.

Randall's Island Soccer

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 19:11:44 GMT

Randall's Island is separated from Manhattan Island and by the Harlem River, from Queens by the East River and Hells Gate, and from the Bronx by the Bronx Kill. It is home to 60+ fields, which is approximately half of all the athletic fields in Manhattan. These fields accommodate a variety of sports, including soccer, softball, baseball, football, lacrosse, field hockey and rugby. I wandered over there on a footbridge from Manhattan across the Harlem River and came upon this soccer game. The concentration of the boy in blue amazed me. He was by far the best player.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@116mm, ISO 50, 1/250@f5.6

Dahlia

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 13:52:16 GMT

Photographer's often say things should be "tack sharp", in focus throughout the entire photo. But in this case I wanted to point out the softness and delicacy of the flower so I took artistic license and purposely softened the focus. I hope you like it.

Canon 40D, Canon 28-135@130,1/250@f18, ISO 1600, shot handheld in a greenhouse

An Egret Fishing

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 12:28:40 GMT

The egret stands motionless for an endless time and all of a sudden dives and comes up with a dinner which he swallows whole.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Canon 70-200 f2.8 lens@200mm, 1/500@f2.8, ISO 1600.

Brandywine Creek

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 16 May 2021 17:28:28 GMT

A view of the Brandywine Creek in New Castle County, Delaware.

Canon 5dMarkiii, Tamron 28-300@35mm, iso 400, 1/400@f7.1

Spring has Sprung

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 02 May 2021 17:22:11 GMT

Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library is an American estate and museum near Wilmington Delaware. The fourth largest house in the United States it has 175 rooms and was the former home of Henry Francis du Pont. The garden and grounds are over 1000 acres. We visited there two weeks ago during the Daffodil Festival.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300 lens@55mm, ISO 200, 1/80@f16

Central Park Cherry Blossoms

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 14:09:41 GMT

Kwanzan Cherry trees were gifted to Central Park by Japan in 1912. Anna and I walked through these pink blossoming trees in April 2020. Our spirits were uplifted even though New York City was in lockdown and we saw very few others in the Park.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@28mm, iso 320, 1/250@f8

Roosevelt Island Tram

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 17:52:41 GMT

The Roosevelt Island Tramway is an aerial tramway in New York City, that spans the East River and connects Roosevelt Island to the Upper East side of Manhattan. The tramway is the first commuter aerial tramway in North America having opened in 1976. Since then, over 26 million passengers have ridden the tram.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Sigma 150-600@200mm, iso 640, 1/6400sec@f5.6 I was shooting birds in flight when I turned the camera to take this shot.

The sky in this photo and the sunburst behind the cab were added for artistic effect. They are not a part of the original scene.

Sunrise--Bosque del Apache, New Mexico

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 14:33:56 GMT

Every winter hundreds of photographers gather at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico to photograph the migration of the sandhill cranes. The Cranes spend the night sleeping on the water to protect themselves from coyote attack. As if a bell goes off they seem to all take off at once shortly after sunrise. I recall this morning in December 2013 it was 26 degrees.

Canon 40D, Canon 70-200@150, ISO 1000, 1/500@f9

Blue Ridge Mountains

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 14:14:19 GMT

The Blue Ridge Mountains are noted for having a bluish color when seen from a distance. Trees put the "blue" in Blue Ridge, from the isoprene released into the atmosphere. This contributes to the characteristic haze on the mountains and their distinctive color.

Canon 40D, Canon 19-35 lens@31mm, iso200, 1/180@f11.

Pigeons

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 14:23:06 GMT

Wild/feral rock pigeons reside in all 50 states, which makes it easy to forget that they're invasive birds. Originally native to Eurasia and northern Africa, the species was (most likely) introduced to North America by French settlers in 1606. Pigeons are amazing animals. They are some of the strongest fliers. Pigeons are among the most intelligent animals. They have been taught to deliver messages, play ping pong, and because of their incredible eyesight, they have been used by the Coast Guard to spot lost people at sea.

Death Valley Sand Dunes

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 16:17:18 GMT

Exactly a year ago I was in Death Valley. While there the first Covid 19 case made the news. Little did I know my trip home would be my last airplane ride for over a year. I'm tired of posting snow pictures and spring is in the air.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@200mm, iso 100, 1/125@f9.

walking in the snow

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 17:11:44 GMT

Reminiscent of American Folk Art. Everyday life continues normally in Central Park, even in the middle of a snow storm.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300 lens@188mm, iso 800, 1/800@f8

Tree in Snow

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 21:49:18 GMT

Yep, It's winter and it is snowing in Central Park. I'm not wandering too far from home but still want to take interesting photos. This location is 2 blocks from my apartment.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@28mm, iso 800, 1/800sec@f11

Snow

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 16:05:17 GMT

A walk in the snow in Central Park.

Canon5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@67mm, iso100,1/320 sec@f9

Snowy Day

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 15:48:15 GMT

Father and son sledding in Central Park.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@154mm, ISO 400, 1/250@f5.6

Upcoming Snow

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 18:39:08 GMT

With the temperature hovering at 20° and predictions of 12-18 inches of snow tomorrow my thoughts turned to spring and spring flowers. This picture of a tulip, to me, symbolizes the white of the snow and the calmness and beauty of a snowfall. Hopefully a strong cold wind does not interfere.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Canon100mm Macro lens, ISO 400, f2.8@1/640

My Little Chickadee

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 15:40:27 GMT

The black-capped chickadee is a small, nonmigratory, North American songbird that lives in deciduous and mixed forests. It is a passerine bird in the tit family. In the North Woods of Central Park people bring grains and the local birds are so used to people that they eat out of their hands.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Sigma 150to600 zoom lens @600mm, ISO 1600, 1/1250@f6.3

Milkweed

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 13:37:48 GMT

Asclepias (Milkweed) produces their seeds in pods termed follicles. The seeds, which are arranged in overlapping rows, bear a cluster of white, silky, filament-like hairs known as the coma. (often referred to by other names such as pappus, "floss", "plume", or "silk"). The follicles ripen and split open, and the seeds, each carried by its coma, are blown by the wind. Wikipedia

Canon 5DMarkiii, Tamron 28-300@300mm, iso 100, 1/60@f6.3.

Peace on Earth

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 13:57:45 GMT

The mystery of this photo allows you to conjure your own feelings about what it means.

Canon 7D, Tamron 16-300, ISO400, 1/4000@f6.3

Last Colors of Fall in Central Park

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 14:30:41 GMT

Not being very good at words, I try to express my feelings in my photography. This photo represents the fading of color in Central Park. The beginning of a season of cold, and bare trees. It also represents hope for the new year of 2021.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@127mm, ISO 400, 1/5 sec@f36.

This marks my 200th blog. Click on "My photographs" in the upper left corner of this page, then click on the portfolio "blog entries" to see all 200 photos. Thank you for continuing to follow me.

Campbell Falls, New Marlborough, Massachusetts

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 14:52:35 GMT

Campbell Falls, New Marlborough, Massachusetts although the Campbell Falls State Park is in Norfolk, Connecticut. Walking to the falls I crossed the State line 3 times.

Canon 5DMarkiii, Rokinon 14mm lens, iso50, 2sec@f11

Street Photography

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 19:14:04 GMT

Begging for Attention but not Getting It (only in New York City)

Her life is an open picture (frame) but apparently nobody is interested. Photo shot on Eighth Street, New York City.

Canon 5dMarkiii, Canon 28mm lens, iso 400, 1/250@f8.

Where the Gill meets the Lake

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 29 Nov 2020 15:39:53 GMT

It is hard to believe that Central Park is completely man-made. The only thing in the park that was there before 1858 is the rocks. In this photo every rock has been placed in its position. Every tree has been planted. The water comes from the New York City water system. Even the soil that the trees are growing on was imported from New Jersey or Long Island.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@28mm, iso400, 1/160@f6.3 handheld

Christmas Tree Farm

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 22 Nov 2020 14:22:52 GMT

A Christmas tree farm in the Berkshires. During the first snow of the season these trees came to life. Soon they will be cut down and sent to be placed in people's living rooms.

Please stay safe in this holiday season.

The New Normal

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 16:06:07 GMT

Life continues in a new way in Central Park, Carlos plays the guitar in the arcade at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park as he does almost every day. A passing woman dances to the music. While others walk the dog or continue on their daily chores. The only difference is EVERYONE is wearing a mask. STAY SAFE AND STAY HEALTHY

Fall Meets Winter

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 15:16:57 GMT

The first snow of the fall (October 30), while the colorful leaves are still on the trees in Columbia County, New York.

Conon 5dmarkiii, tamron 28-300@70mm, iso800, 1/500@f7.1.

Sea Otter

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 13:50:43 GMT

Peek-A-Boo--This sea otter seems to be playing hide-and-go-seek. Photographed at the New York Aquarium (on a very rainy day). The sea otter is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. Adult sea otters are the heaviest members of the weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals. Wikipedia

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@300mm, iso400, 1/125@f6.3

Bathing Sparrows

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 13:46:41 GMT

Sparrows enjoying a bath in The Pool of Central Park. The Audubon Society ranks Central Park as one of the top birding areas in the country.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Canon 70-200w2xextender@370mm, 1/800@f6.3, iso10000

Blue Ridge Mountains

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 14:27:36 GMT

The different colors of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Ashville, North Carolina.

Canon 40D, 19-35 lens @31mm, iso200, 1/180@f11. Shot May 2011.

The different colo

Abstract

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 13:16:39 GMT

Today I decided to post an abstract. This picture started out as a rather bland photograph. I took it into photoshop and started manipulating things. I rather like the outcome. What do you think?

Fall in the Adirondacks

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 14:52:35 GMT

The view from my motel room last year during a fall color workshop with Tom Dwyer at Long Lake in the Adirondacks.

Canon 5DMarkiii, Tamron 28-300@50mm, iso 100, 1/10@f11

black and white warbler

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 22:02:01 GMT

A black and white warbler migrating through Central Park.

Canon5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@300mm, 1/2000@f6.3, iso 6400

Central Park Cascade

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 17:01:54 GMT

Closer to home. This cascade (small waterfall) is within walking distance, situated near the northeast corner of Central Park.

Canon 5dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@76mm, iso800, 5sec@f22.

Montauk sunset

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 13:39:49 GMT

A sailboat entering Lake Montauk at sunset. They say the best camera is the one you have with you. I had left my camera in the car and shot this photo with my cell phone. Something I rarely do. On the phone you don't usually look at the settings, but these are amazing.

Samsung Galaxy S8,focal length 4.25mm, iso50, 1/1600sec@f1.7

view from Montauk Lighthouse

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 14:57:24 GMT

The view of the Atlantic Ocean from the Montauk Lighthouse on the eastern edge of Long Island. The small building on the right was an outlook for military personnel searching for German ships during World War II.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@37mm, iso100, 1/1600@f8

Upper Raymondskill Falls

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 14:20:47 GMT

The view from a platform at the top of Raymondskill Falls, Pennsylvania.

Canon 5DMarkiii,Canon 28mm lens, iso100, 30sec@f7.1, 10 stop neutral density filter

Shohola Falls, Pennsylvania

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 18:12:07 GMT

Thundering down the State Game Lands off Route 6 you’ll find this stunning, roaring waterfall along Shohola Creek below Shohola Lake. Shohola Falls is one of the Poconos’ most impressive and underrated waterfalls. The sheer volume of water flowing from this lake-fed fall is impressive year-round, and the dam above it seems to play little role in how fast and fierce it’s flowing. The waterfall that stands 50 feet tall and 75 feet wide

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Rokinon 14mm lens, iso 100, F22@.4 sec

Raymondskill Falls

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 13:19:24 GMT

Raymondskill Falls is a series of three cascading waterfalls located on Raymondskill Creek, in Pennsylvania. The three tiers of Raymondskill Falls have a combined height of approximately 150 feet. It is the tallest waterfalls in the state. It is part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Canon 5Dmark iii, Canon 28mm, iso 100, 30sec@f8 with 10 stop neutral density filter.

Sunset at Colonial Park, New Jersey

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 14:36:11 GMT

Powder Mill Pond in Colonial Park, Somerset, New Jersey

handheld, Tamron 28-300@50mm, iso1000, 1/200@f20, purposely softened to add a painterly effect.

Ausable River

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 15:13:15 GMT

The Ausable River, also known as AuSable River and originally written as "Au Sable", runs in the U.S. state of New York, from the Adirondack Mountains and past the village of Lake Placid and Au Sable Forks to empty into Lake Champlain.

Canon 5DMarkiii, Canon28mm lens, 1.6sec@f18, iso 100

Split Rock Falls

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 17:46:56 GMT

Split Rock Falls is a beautiful waterfall on the Bouquet River in the Adirondacks. It drops roughly 45 feet over a double drop with a separate 8-foot ledge downstream. Even if you don't plan on swimming, it's a great place to stop and enjoy the views.

Canon 5D Mark iii, Tamron 28-300@44mm, 1/800@f8, iso 3200.

1/800@f8,

Father's Day

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 14:48:26 GMT

Three of the people that make me happy and proud on Father's Day. Elana Kopel, Marcia Winkler, and Sam Kopel.

Hyena and child

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 15:40:29 GMT

Here a mother hyena seems to be scolding her child. She later picked the child up by the neck and carried it off probably to put it in timeout.

Although hyenas appear similar to dogs, they are actually more closely related to cats. They live throughout much of Africa and eastwards through Arabia to India. Hyenas are members of their own family (Hyenidae), of which there are only four living species (spotted hyenas, brown hyenas, striped hyenas, and aardwolves). They indeed group with the 'cat branch' (Feloidea) of the order Carnivora, not with the 'dog branch' (Canoidea). So the closest living relatives of hyenas include cats, mongooses, Malagasy mongooses, viverrids (e.g. civets, genets, the binturong...), and the African palm civet.

Photographed in South Africa in March 2015, Canon 7D, Canon 70-200@98mm, 1/320@f7.1, ISO 320

Canyonlands National Park, Utah

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 16:29:19 GMT

Canyonlands National Park is an American national park located in southeastern Utah near the town of Moab. The park preserves a colorful landscape eroded into numerous canyons, mesas, and buttes by the Colorado River, the Green River, and their respective tributaries. Legislation creating the park was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on September 12, 1964. Author Edward Abby, a frequent visitor, described the Canyonlands as "the most weird, wonderful, magical place on earth—there is nothing else like it anywhere." (Wikepedia)

There was no grand view from this Grand View Point since the entire canyon was filled with fog the day I was there.

Canon 5DMarkiii, Tamron 28-300@28mm, 1/90@f22, iso800

Watkins Glen State Park

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 31 May 2020 17:54:47 GMT

Watkins Glen State Park is in the village of Watkins Glen, New York. The glen's stream, Glen Creek, descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, with the Gorge Trail next to the stream running over, under and along the park's 19 waterfalls by way of stone bridges and more than 800 stone steps. This photo was taken on a very rainy October day in 2016. I climbed all the way to the top and took a bus back down. Anna stayed at the bottom and made it up the first 3 staircases.
Canon 7D, Tamron 16-300@35mm, 1/125@f5.6, ISO 400.

Dante's view, Death Valley National Park, California

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 24 May 2020 13:45:37 GMT

Sunset from one of the highest point in Death Valley overlooking Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the United States at 282 feet below sea level.

Dante's View was used as a filming location for the 1977 film Star Wars as the characters overlook the fictional Tatooine spaceport of Mos Eisley (which was added into the scene as a matte painting)

The Oculus

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 17 May 2020 16:51:55 GMT

The Oculus in NYC is an artistic landmark located within walking distance of the World Trade Center. The transit hub, serving the PATH, cost four billion dollars, making it the most expensive train stop in the world. With its sleek and modern design, it immediately became an attraction in Lower Manhattan.

I usually prefer color in my photos but this one is more design than content and I felt the color was distracting.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, tamron 28-300@28mm, 1/125 sec@f8, iso 800.

Photo from October 2018 before social distancing.

Central Park Reservoir Sunset

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 10 May 2020 18:34:40 GMT

Facing east but getting bright sunlight reflected in the lens during sunset. Photo from November 2011.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 17:51:15 GMT

What is it? I don't know.

Why did I post it? It speaks to me.

What does it say? I don't know,

but I like it.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden February 20, 2020

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 15:37:23 GMT

Located in Glen Rose, Texas the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is dedicated to the conservation of species in peril, conducting scientific research, training of professionals, responsible management of natural resources and public education. This ostrich stuck his head into the jeep in which we were riding. You can see my reflection in his eye.

October 2009, Canon 40D, Canon 70-300 lens @168mm, 1/200@f5, iso 500.

Artist's Palette

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 18:11:35 GMT

Artist's Palette, Death Valley, California

Artist's Palette is an area on the face of the Black Mountains noted for a variety of rock colors. These colors are caused by the oxidation of different metals (iron compounds produce red, pink and yellow, decomposition of tuff-derived mica produces green, and manganese produces purple).

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@28mm, ISO 100, f8@1/320.

Zabriskie Point

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 17:37:07 GMT

Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park. A great place to isolate yourself from the Corona Virus except the National Parks are all closed.

The location was named after Christian Brevoort Zabriskie, vice-president and general manager of the Pacific Coast Borax Company in the early 20th century. The company's twenty-mule teams were used to transport borax from its mining operations in Death Valley. (from Wikipedia)

You might try to look up the 1970 movie "Zabriskie Point" directed by Michelangelo Antonioni.

Canon 5DMarkiii, Tamron 28-300@28mm, 1/50@f16, iso 100. Photographed March 1, 2020 before we knew there was a Pandemic.

Panamint Valley in Death Valley National Park

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 17:28:47 GMT

Panamint Springs, Death Valley National Park, California. Shot March 5, 2020. Death Valley National Park is the largest National Park outside of Alaska. It covers 3,372,800 acres, and ranges in altitude between 285 feet below sea level to over 10,000 feet above. It has some of the warmest weather in the country. Now that I am isolated in my apartment in New York City, I am dreaming of being back in Death Valley. Lots of open space to stay 6 feet away from anyone else, and high temperatures which may kill any virus. Everyone, please stay isolated and stay well.

The Loch

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 18:55:18 GMT

This is a view just a few blocks from my apartment in New York City. We are basically in lock-down with orders from the Governor to stay home and only go out when necessary. Luckily I am able to take solo walks in the woods and find peace in nature.

Star Trails in Death Valley

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 18:35:26 GMT

With the North Star stationary in the center, these star trails were made by stacking 175 separate exposures at the Harmony Borax Works in Death Valley National Park. My first attempt at creating a star trails photo. Something impossible to capture in New York City. The foreground is lit by moonlight and the occasional car passing nearby. Thanks to "Photour Adventures" and Susan and Cliff for leading this fabulous workshop.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 18:32:05 GMT

Even though it's winter there are plenty of things to photograph at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. The bonus is in February admission is free. The downside, it was cold.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, tamron 28-300@300mm, 1/250@f/8, iso 320.

Jepson Center, Savannah, Georgia

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 16:04:29 GMT

I was inspired by the modern art at the Jepson Center in Savannah, Georgia where I took this white on white still life.

through the window

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 16:45:45 GMT

A single exposure shot through a window gives you many perspectives. You see what is going on inside without having your camera interfere with the action plus you see the outside world reflected upon the scene.

The Falconer

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 18:11:28 GMT

The Falconer in his Elizabethan costume and his falcon ready to be released to hunt is one of my favorite statues in Central Park. In the background is Central Park Tower. At 1550 feet it is the tallest residential tower in the world. The designers of Central park felt that once the trees matured they would hide the buildings of New York City. They were mistaken.

realistic abstract

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 15:18:05 GMT

An abstract composed of recognizable items. To me this is a picture that asks you to study it, What are the items? Why are they here? When did they arrive? Who put them there? It reminds me of a messy living room yet a beautiful composition. I imagine the owner knows exactly where everything is placed.

little birds

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 20:07:38 GMT

It is winter and the trees are barren of leaves. They seem to be replaced by little birds. All of a sudden the birds take off and the trees are left barren again.

ISO 400, 1/1500@f8, 100mm lens

Amaryllis

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 21:53:36 GMT

Amaryllis:

The Amaryllis is widely sold in the winter months for their ability to bloom indoors. In the Victorian Language of Flowers amaryllis means "pride".

Canon 5DmarkIII, Canon 100mm Macro Lens, ISO 50, 10sec@f8

Monk Parakeet

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 22:42:43 GMT

Monk Parakeet in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York

In the late 1960s the market for exotic birds in the United States was taking off as more and more people came to enjoy the parrots’ intelligence and sociability. Sensing an opportunity, some 60,000 of Argentina’s monk parrots were rounded up and sent to American pet shops. In 1968 alone, nearly 12,000 monk parrots were brought to the United States.

Exactly how the birds got from being on their way to pet shops to living in the wild in Green-Wood Cemetery, however, is a bit fuzzy.

The most popular version of the story says, an unmarked crate arrived at New York’s JFK Airport in 1967. A curious airport employee opened the mysterious crate to see what was inside. Suddenly, and with quite a flutter, the colorful birds escaped. A similar version states the “curious employee” was actually an individual with mafia ties looking to pilfer whatever was inside the crate.

for more of this story go to: https://untappedcities.com/2015/12/03/daily-what-the-monk-parrots-of-green-wood-cemetery-in-brooklyn/

Canon Eos 40D, Canon 28-135lens@135mm, 1/400@f10, iso 200.

Dali and Magritte inspired

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 01:19:21 GMT

These trees and the stucco church next door seemed very surreal to me so I created a surreal multi in-camera exposure. I hope you like it.

New York Haiku

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 16:47:55 GMT

Grass, Rocks, Soil and Trees,

Versus concrete, steel and Bricks,

Central Park Prevails.

I'm not much of a poet but i hope this rough Haiku explains the photo below.

Thank you Colleen Minuick

Bald Eagle

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 15:38:16 GMT

Bald eagles are not actually bald; the name derives from an older meaning of the word, "white headed". They can be found in all 48 of the contiguous United States. This photo was taken in Maryland last week. Note the fish in his talons.

Canon 5dmarkiii, canon 100-400@400mm, f5.6@1/1500sec, iso 800.

Fall Colors

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 14:55:20 GMT

Fall colors at Forked Lake in the New York Adirondacks. This photo was taken during a workshop with Tom Dwyer Photography. Forked Lake is a part of Adirondack Park.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@28mm, 1/10@f16, iso400.

The Adirondack Park is a part of New York's Forest Preserve in northeastern New York. The park's boundary corresponds with the Adirondack Mountains. Established in 1885, it was the first state preserve of its type in the nation. Unlike most preserves, about 52 percent of the land is privately owned inholdings heavily regulated by the Adirondack Park Agency. This area contains 102 towns and villages, as well as numerous farms, businesses, and an active timber harvesting industry. The year-round population is 132,000, with 200,000 seasonal residents. The inclusion of human communities makes the park one of the great experiments in conservation in the industrialized world. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963. The park's 6.1 million acres include more than 10,000 lakes, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, and a wide variety of habitats including wetlands and old-growth forests.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 20:39:04 GMT

Photographed from a sail boat, the Bay Bridge is a major dual span bridge in the U.S. state of Maryland. Spanning the Chesapeake Bay. With shore-to-shore lengths of 4.33 and 4.35 miles the two spans of the bridge form the longest fixed water crossing in Maryland and ranked 102nd among the world's longest over water structures. Officially named the "Gov. William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge" after William Preston Lane Jr.. who, as the 52nd Governor of Maryland, initiated its construction in the late 1940s finally after decades of political indecision and public controversy.
Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@154mm, F8@1/1000 sec, ISO 200

smell the flowers

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 15:53:31 GMT

While attending a college reunion in Cleveland, I did not forget to take some time and smell the flowers. (I also photographed a few of them.)

59th Street Ed Koch Bridge

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 13:32:27 GMT

The 59th Street Bridge (renamed Ed Koch Bridge) was made famous by Simon and Garfunkel. It goes between Manhattan and Queens and runs over Roosevelt Island. This photo was taken from the new campus of Cornell Tech Graduate School on Roosevelt Island. I turned it into black and white to emphasize the graphic aspects and composition.

Canon 5dMarkiii, Tamron 28-300 at 89mm, 1/1000@4.5, ISO 100

The Art Institute of Chicago

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 16:59:08 GMT

Studying the painting "Jeanne", by Manet, at the Art Institute of Chicago. (His wife looks like she is jealous of the lady in the painting.)

Canon 5DmarkIII, Tamron 28-300 at 28mm, 1/30 at f3.5, ISO 3200.

Camping out

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 13:20:27 GMT

Camping out has changed since I was a Boy Scout. This couple reading on their cell phones with their beers by their side, are not at a campground. They are not in their backyard. They are not even camping out. Just spending the day relaxing in Central Park.

A Park for ALL People

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 16:54:35 GMT

Studying, while enjoying nature at one of the cascades in Central Park.

This photo and 2 other of my Park pictures along with Alan Cohen and my book "A Park for ALL People" will be on display at the Soho Photo Gallery, 15 White Street, on July 31 and August 1. The reception will be August 1 from 6-8 PM. The exhibit has been arranged by B&H through their portfolio development program. I will be at the gallery for the reception and I will also be there July 31 at 2:00. I would love to see you there.

Central Park in the rain

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 23:45:58 GMT

A rainy day in Central Park.

This photo and 2 other of my Central Park People photos along with my new book "A Park for ALL People" will be on display at the SOHO PHOTO GALLERY from July 30 to August 1. The reception is August 1 from 6-8 PM. All are invited. If you want to view the pictures before the reception let me know and I will try to meet you there.

Canon 5Dmark3, ISO 1600,1/1000@5.6, Tamron 28-300@93mm

OPTIC

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 13:54:09 GMT

Multiple exposure of One World Trade Center viewed over the Brooklyn Bridge.

Cherry Blossoms

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 19 May 2019 15:47:21 GMT

Multiple exposure of a cherry tree in full bloom at Branch Brook Park in New Jersey. The park is noted for the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States, having over 5,000 in more than eighteen different varieties. The park was designed by the Olmstead Brothers Company in 1900. The brothers were the sons of Frederick Law Olmstead.

cell phone invasion

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 20:03:08 GMT

Even while running a 4 mile race for charity, these joggers are all focusing on their cell phones.

The Vessel

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 20:39:55 GMT

THE VESSEL is the latest tourist attraction in New York City. It feels and looks like an Escher drawing. There are 15 levels with a pair of steps going up and a pair of steps going down on each platform. It is located at Hudson Yards, a new development of offices, residences and shops built over the rail yard. Entry is free but you have to get a timed ticket online. The crowds are outrageous.

Tamron 28-300 at 28mm, 100ISO, 1/45sec@f8.

NY half marathon

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 01:44:03 GMT

Crossing this street has always been a hazard. In the 19th century you had to look out for horse drawn carriages. In the 20th century it was automobiles. In the 21st century it is usually bikers, but today to cross this street you had to dodge between 25,000 runners competing in the New York Half Marathon. Of course they could have walked 100 yards and crossed through a beautiful arcade under the road and avoided the possible collisions. Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300@86mm, ISO 800, 1/1500@f8

sweetgum seed ball

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 17:27:44 GMT

Snow and rain have kept me out of the park so I had previously collected these black oak acorns and sweetgum seed balls to photograph indoors. Each two inch sweetgum seed ball contains 40-60 seed capsules that have one or two seeds each.

Canon 5dMarkiii, canon 100mm macro lens, .7 sec at f/16, iso 400.

Sea Lions

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 18:53:44 GMT

Inspecting, feeding and training. Three times a day the keepers at the Central Park Zoo feed the sea lions. They do it to educate and entertain the public, but also to train and check the health of the animals.

Canon 5dMarkiii, Tamron 28-300@50mm, iso 800, 1/750@f6.3.

Sotheby's Gallery

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 18:47:25 GMT

Viewing a Monet at the Sotheby's Gallery in Manhattan. A place where you can get up close to the art, stay as long as you want and not continuously
rub elbows with a crowd.

Red Cube

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 13:36:18 GMT

Red Cube by Isamu Noguchi is an iconic sculpture in downtown Manhattan since 1968. Here is my vision inspired by the Noguchi.

Titi Monkey

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 22:18:57 GMT

This Titi monkey at the Prospect Park Zoo looks prepared for the 8 degree Fahrenheit weather that is predicted for New York Tonight. He/She is snuggled up to his/her mate.

Photographed January 1, 2019 1/125@f6.7, 270mm, iso 3200.

Sunset at Zion

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 15:02:17 GMT

This photo, Sunset at Zion National Park, is now on exhibit at The Salmagundi Club's OPEN & MEMBERS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION. This competitive fine art exhibition allows allows both well known and up-and-coming artists to exhibit their work in the Salmagundi Club's prestigious galleries. The gallery, 47 5th Avenue, is open Monday-Friday 1-6 and Saturday and Sunday 1-5. There will be a reception on the last day of the exhibit January 24th from 6-9. Please come to the reception, All the photos are much nicer in a print on the wall than exhibited on your computer.. Of course if you would like a print of this photo (or any other on my website) for your wall, I would love to sell one to you. Just email me.

I apologise for being so crassly commercial today.

Iguana

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 14:53:17 GMT

In December I was in Puerto Rico and took several photos of iguanas. I could not get this close so last week I went to the Prospect Park Zoo where I was inches away from this one. He was checking me out as well as me documenting him. Of course there was a piece of glass between us.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300 at 300mm, ISO 3200, 1/250@f5.6

Charcoal Portraits

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 19:25:52 GMT

Central Park is not only a place for recreation and relaxation but it is a place where many people earn a living including this charcoal artist.

Portrait in a bubble

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 15:20:05 GMT

A portrait inside a bubble.

The man making large soap bubbles in Central Park was also making a profit by enclosing kids in the bubbles as their parents photographed them. I was just an interloper.

Bryce Canyon National Park

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 16:56:54 GMT

Abstract rock formations at Bryce Canyon National Park. The wide view is mind blowing but the closeups are also beautiful.

Shot October 13, 2018--No I am not traveling the world constantly so I thought I would start putting dates on my photos.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, Tamron 28-300 at 154mm, ISO100, 1/60@f11

Sunrise in Arches National Park

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 19:06:20 GMT

A rainbow at sunrise in Arches National Park. You have to be there. It was raining when we left the hotel. The clouds blocked the sun during the sunrise. But I did get the rainbow, the beautiful sky, the great scenery, and the thrill of just being there.

Canon 5Dmarkiii, iso 100, 1/16th at f11, Tamron 28-300 at 50mm. yes I'm using a tripod.

First snow of the season

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 16:41:57 GMT

Even a 6 inch snow storm did not stop tourists from visiting the Cherry Hill Fountain in Central Park and take snapshots to preserve their memories. Nor did the storm stop me from documenting their documentation.

Halloween Parade

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 16:57:37 GMT

Using the front cameras on their cell phones these musicians are applying their makeup prior to playing in the NYC Village Halloween Parade. Some of my observations of the parade can be found at "https://halloweenparadenyc.smugmug.com/Halloween-2018/Harveys-Halloween-Hoots/". I was interested in: the range of costumes, the enthusiasm of the participants, the enthusiasm and size of the crowds, people viewing from all kinds of locations, and the extensive use of cell phones for photography and selfies. I obtained a press pass and was able to walk the entire distance of the parade.

Fire Island Lighthouse

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 01:55:06 GMT

It is not easy photographing the milky way (or any stars) in the rain. But you make the best of what is presented to you. On a workshop with "National Parks at Night", it was a collaborative venture to light paint and shoot the Fire Island Lighthouse. The multiple rays from the lighthouse is a technique taught at the workshop.

Canon 5Dmark iii, Tamron 28-300 at 28mm, 1 sec at f8, iso 6400.

Arches National Park, Double Arch

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 18:55:54 GMT

Sunrise at Double Arch in Arches National Park, Utah. Not much sun but a nice rainbow.

Milky Way

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 14:13:32 GMT

My very first photo of the Milky Way.

The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our Solar System. The descriptor "milky" is derived from the galaxy's appearance from Earth: a band of light seen in the night sky formed from stars that cannot be individually distinguished by the naked eye. The term Milky Way is a translation of the Latin via lactea. It is difficult to see from brightly lit urban or suburban areas, so I have rarely seen it. It's very prominent when viewed from rural areas when the Moon is below the horizon. This photo is the Skyline Arch in Arches National Park, Utah. It was my third try at shooting the Milky Way. The first night it rained, the second night was totally clouded over and on this night the clouds abated for only a few minutes. The arch was lit by Mike Taylor an experienced star and landscape photographer.

Canon 5D Mark III, Rokinon 14mm lens, 30 sec at f2.8, ISO 6400.

losing the training wheels

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 15:01:22 GMT

Not much I can say. The picture speaks for itself.

Canon 7D,1/30 at f5.6, 28-135 zoom at 109mm, ISO 800

steam train

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 15:13:37 GMT

I traveled to Essex, Connecticut, to ride on a steam train. In my younger days it was a chore visiting grandparents by train(a 12 hour trip). Now it is a romantic ride through the woods and along the Connecticut River. This photo begged for a black and white sepia tone rather than full color. For more pictures from the train and the included boat ride friend me on Facebook.

Biltmore Estate, Ashville, North Carolina

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 14:05:37 GMT

This landscape at the home of George Washington Vanderbilt was one of the last landscape designs of Frederick Law Olmsted. His first design with the partnership of Calvert Vaux was Central Park in New York City. Olmsted was not impressed with the condition of the 125,000 North Carolina acres (195 sq mi; 510 km²) and advised for a park surrounding the house, establishing farms along the river and replanting the rest as a commercial timber forest, a plan to which Vanderbilt agreed.

angry duck

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 13:48:05 GMT

This mallard, sitting on a log in the Turtle Pond in Central Park, does not want to be disturbed by the approaching egret. He is not at all afraid of the bigger bird.

US Open

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 12:35:54 GMT

The United States Open Tennis Championships starts tomorrow but the crowd chaos at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center has already started.

Sloss Furnaces vs Blue Ridge Mountains

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 15:21:49 GMT

Sloss Furnaces is a National Historic Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama. It operated as a pig iron-producing blast furnace from 1882 to 1971.

Walking through this site and ducking around and under the steel branches reminded me of walking through nature.

Note the similarities to the above photo in this picture from the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.

red eared slider

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 13:57:22 GMT

The red eared slider is the most popular turtle sold as a pet. They get their name from the small red stripe around the ears. The slider in their name comes from the ability to quickly slide off of rocks into the water. It is native to Mexico and the Southern United States but can be found worldwide due to pet releases. The red eared slider is included in the list of the world's most 100 invasive species.

This photo was taken at the Pool in Central Park. The algae is so thick that the turtle is almost completely camouflaged except for that distinguished red ear.

reflections of a photo walk

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 18:59:56 GMT

It was a year ago that I went on a Sony sponsored photo walk with photographer Ira Block. I passed over this picture but kind of like it now. The reflections point out the diversity of shooting styles and the uncertainty of results.

pip

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 01:34:31 GMT

My cousin Ron Kleiman held a PIP (Patio Inauguration Party) and asked me to take pictures. He knows that I am NOT an event photographer so he should have known what he would get. This photo could be an abstract painting but it is actually straight from the camera with no manipulation. It is Ron's granddaughter, Kayla, swimming under water.

Ropes

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 14:08:36 GMT

Don't pass up the details. I was on a cruise around Cape Horn looking at some of the most amazing landscapes I have ever seen but what also caught my eye was the pattern, color, and texture of these ropes on the ship.

Malba Museum

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 23:52:49 GMT

I question if this is my art or not? It is a section of a painting in the Malba Museum in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Of course the reflections are not a part of the art work so I guess the Photo is my creation from someone else's art.

Peacock

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 21:36:46 GMT

I caught this peacock spying on me through the grass at the Bronx Zoo.

A closeup of the feathers from another peacock.

Mothers Day

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 13 May 2018 17:41:39 GMT

A great egret chic giving his mother a big kiss for Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there. Your work is never rewarded enough but is always appreciated.

Keukenhof Gardens

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 06 May 2018 13:20:11 GMT

The history of Keukenhof dates back to the 15th century. Countess Jacoba van Beieren [Jacqueline of Bavaria] (1401-1436) gathered fruit and vegetables from the Keukenduin [kitchen dunes] for the kitchen of Teylingen Castle. Keukenhof Castle was built in 1641 and the estate grew to encompass an area of nearly 500 acres. In 1949 a group of 20 leading flower bulb growers and exporters came up with the plan to use the estate to exhibit spring-flowering bulbs, signalling the birth of Keukenhof as a spring park. The park’s focus is on the 7 million spring-flowering bulbs.

This scene of hyacinths looks like a blue stream in a forest of flowers. The lady with the red umbrella is not a model posing in the middle of the stream. She is another tourist walking on another path and viewing the same scene from the opposite side. I was just lucky enough to see her there and get the photograph. See more flowers from the garden in the gallery Keukenhof.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Tamron 28-300 at 50mm, 1/250 at f8, ISO 400.

Botanical Garden Orchid Show

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 16:56:56 GMT

n traditional Japanese aesthetics, Wabi-sabi is a world view centered on the acceptance of transcience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete". Characteristics of the wabi-sabi aesthetic include asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, economy, austerity, modesty, intimacy, and appreciation of the ingenuous integrity of natural objects and processes. I feel this photo of a dying orchid in the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden is an example of wabi-sabi.

canon 5d mark iii, 1/180 at f13, tamron 28-300 at 139mm, iso 3200

The Perito Moreno Glacier

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 14:55:08 GMT

The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields located in the Andes in Argentina. This ice field is the world's third largest reserve of fresh water, following Antartica and Greenland. While most glaciers worldwide are retreating, this one is advancing. The terminus is 3.1 miles wide with as average height of 240 feet above the water level. It has a total ice depth of 559 feet. The first picture is a panorama of 10 separate exposures stitched together. Note the gap on the left side of the first photo. The second one is a closer look. We missed viewing a natural ice arch here that collapsed on March 10th (We were there on March 13) causing floods in the nearby town of El Calafante. Pressures from the weight of the ice slowly push the glacier over the southern arm of Argentino Lake, damming the section and separating it from the rest of the lake. With no outlet, the water level on the "Brazo Rico" side of the lake can rise by as much as 30 meters above the level of the main body of Argentino Lake. Intermittently, the pressure produced by the height of the dammed water breaks through the ice barrier causing a spectacular rupture, sending a massive outpouring of water from the Brazo Rico section to the main body of Lake Argentino. As the water exits Brazo Rico, the scored shoreline is exposed, showing evidence of the height of the water build-up. This dam–ice-bridge–rupture cycle recurs naturally between once a year to less than once a decade. We went to view the flamingos on Lake Argentino in El Calafate but saw only floods. The lake had risen 4.6 feet

Torres Del Paine

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 20:28:08 GMT

Torres del Paine is a national park in Chilean Patagonia. It is located in the southern tiers of the Andes and features mountains, lakes, and glaciers. The Torres del Paine(Spanish for "Towers of Paine" and "Paine" is an old indigenous word for the color blue), three immense rock towers, give the park its name. This is a color picture but on such a grey day it appears black and white.

Canon 5DmarkIII, 1/1000 at f11, ISO 400, Tamron 28-300 at 106mm

Red tail hawk

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 18:45:32 GMT

AA red tail hawk at the New York Botanical Garden grabbing a branch off the top of a tree to build his families nest. The hawk after he precisely broke off the branch and is carrying it to the nest site. I later watched he and a female doing a mating dance in the sky. They were too far away to photograph.

Shooting Down

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 15:01:05 GMT

There is no need to go to exotic locations for an interesting photograph. All one needs do is start looking at things around you from different angles and perspectives. An example is this photo shooting straight down at a fire hydrant right outside my front door. I hope you enjoy it.

Canon 7D 85mm, 1/80th at f11, ISO 250

Belvedere Castle

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 17:49:21 GMT

The Belvedere Castle in Central Park was designed as a folly. A piece of architecture to entice people to come further into the park and explore this exotic building. I believe this photo with the dramatic sky behind the castle expresses that desire.

canon 7D, 1/400th at f8, 50mm lens, ISO 100.

row boats

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 16:13:22 GMT

I love the patterns made by the row boats stacked up at the lake in Central Park. I guess it reminds me of the fun rowing on the lake in the summer. This is the fourth picture of these boats I've published on my blog. You can check out the others from April 2017, February of 2016 and May of 2015.

Brown Pelican

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 15:57:35 GMT

A wonderful bird is the pelican
His bill can hold more than his belly can
He can take in his beak
Enough food for a week
But I'm damned if I see how the hell he can!
Dixon Merritt.

It is not far from the truth. The pouch suspended from the lower half of the pelican’s long, straight bill really can hold up to three times more than the stomach. In addition to being used as a dip net, the pouch holds the pelican’s catch of fish until the accompanying water—as much as three gallons— is squeezed out. During this time, laughing gulls may hover above the pelican, or even sit on its bill, ready to steal a fish or two. Once the water is out, the pelican swallows the fish and carries them in its esophagus. The pouch also serves as a cooling mechanism in hot weather and as a feeding trough for young pelicans

This brown pelican with a wingspan of almost 7 feet was photographed over the Pacific Ocean in Ixtapa, Mexico.

Window

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 14:20:23 GMT

This window is on a door at the courthouse in Aruba.

Canon 40D, 28-135 canon zoom lens at 35mm, ISO 400, 1/200 at f5.6.

Sandhill Crane

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 16:45:17 GMT

A Sandhill Crane, at Bosque Del Apache in New Mexico, taking off in the early morning. The cranes sleep overnight on the water to avoid the predator coyotes. Notice the ice around his left leg. He had to break through the frozen lake around his feet. The temperature was around 16 degrees fahrenheit.

Balloon Ride

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 16:37:01 GMT

Photo taken from another balloon in Upstate New York. A beautiful foggy fall morning.

Canon 40D,Canon 28-135 zoom at 109mm, 1/250at f20, ISO 1600.

metal staircase

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 18:51:49 GMT

Today's blog shows two departures for me. It is a black and white picture. The original is in color but the color is mostly grey metal and I felt the shot is made up mostly of lines in various directions and they are brought out more by the black and white. The second departure for me is this photo was shot with my cell phone. I recently bought a Samsung S8 which is reported to have the best camera on a phone. This is the first phone picture I have ever posted. If you are interested the location is the new Whitney Museum in Soho.

Prospect Park Cascade

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 19:30:45 GMT

I visited Prospect Park in Brooklyn for the first time this week. It is the second park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Their first was Central Park. It is said they experimented with design in Central Park and perfected it with Prospect Park. Pictured here is the Prospect Park cascade

The Blue Hour

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 16:08:24 GMT

Many photographers shoot early in the morning or late in the evening during what is known as "The Golden Hour." This is not an hour but a few minutes as the sun rises or sets when daylight is redder and softer than when the Sun is higher in the sky. But there is also a time called "The Blue Hour." Again only a few minutes when the sun is at a significant depth below the horizon and when the residual, indirect sunlight takes on a predominantly blue shade. This picture, shot early in the morning, comes from the "Out of Chicago" workshop at Acadia National Park in Maine. It looks deserted but I carefully positioned the camera to eliminate the dozens of other photographers with me.

Fall Colors

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 23:09:44 GMT

It has not been a good year for colors this fall. Usually in New York City the colors peak around the first of November. Today most leaves are still green or they are turning brown and falling off. This photo is my attempt at an impressionistic view of the season. Think Monet?

Bronx Botanical Garden

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 13:46:21 GMT

I visited the Bronx Botanical Garden to see the Chihuly Glass Exhibit but got more interested in the nature of the garden. At the heart of the Garden is the old-growth forest, the largest existing remnant of the original forest which covered all of New York City before the arrival of European settlers in the 17th century. The forest, which was never logged, contains oaks, American beeches, cherry, birch, tulip and white ash trees, some more than two centuries old.

Graphic metal door

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 18:24:17 GMT

When creating a purely graphic photo many people advocate making it Black and White. I see in color and feel that both the vivid green and the subtle rust and other warm tones add to this composition.

busy bee

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 14:19:32 GMT

I took several pictures of bees on flowers this day but capturing this one searching for a place to land is my favorite.

Acadia Sunset

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 14:49:38 GMT

The view from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park at sunset. It was my first time at Acadia and I photographed for 4 days at a workshop by "Out of Chicago." Check out my gallery of other pictures from Acadia.

Egret

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 21:18:22 GMT

I don't usually like pictures of a bird flying away from me but this egret with a smile on his face and a fish in his beak and splashes of water trailing behind him caught my interest. Photographed from a boardwalk on Assateague Island in Maryland.

Canon 5Dmark111, ef70-200 with 2x extender at 400mm, 1/1500@f9.5, ISO 1600.

Brooklyn

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 13:08:06 GMT

Shot in Brooklyn, New York, this picture could be anywhere in the world. Relaxing with a cell phone and a cup of coffee. A bonus that I did not notice till I downloaded the picture on my computer is the self portrait reflected in the window.

Canon 5d mark iii, 28-135 kit lens at 80mm, 1/45@f9.5, ISO 400.

Sandpiper

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 19:27:47 GMT

I was lying on my belly in the sand to get this sandpiper walking through the surf in my direction. Shot on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland on September 7,2017. Canon 5D mark iii, 1/1500 at 5.6, ISO 400, 70 to 200 zoom with 2x extender at 400mm.

Textures

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 15:10:05 GMT

Texture on texture. There seems to be a beauty in dead leaves. This one caught my eye sitting on the texture of a cement sidewalk.

New England cemetery

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 14:50:26 GMT

A cemetery near Jaffrey New Hampshire. It was pouring down rain when I shot this picture out the window of a car. It was a beautiful cemetery and a place I'll return to get closeups of the ancient tombstones. patriotism. old New England. Soft focus is on purpose to evoke the mood of early photos.

Canon Eos 5D, Iso 1600, 1/60 at f4.5. 28-135 zoom at 70mm.

Sunflower

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 18:30:38 GMT

An extreme macro photo of the center of a sunflower. My sinuses are reacting just looking at the pollen.

Central Park in Bronze

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 13:00:04 GMT

centralparkinbronze.com

Central Park in Bronze (www.centralparkinbronze.com) is a website devoted exclusively to the statues and other ornamental artwork in Central Park. Created by a group of tour guides, the site provides a virtual tour of the art in New York City’s premier park.

I am one of the creators of the website capturing each piece of art in a variety of views, including pictures in different seasons and close-ups that show fine details. The photographs are available for purchase through the website.

In addition to photographs, the website offers information about each statue, its creator, materials, and history including the life of the person depicted, as well as a map of the exact location. The website writers, Alan Cohen and Lyall Croft along with editor Laurie Lewis expand on topics of interest in a blog. Visitors to the website can sign up to receive notification when a new blog is posted. The website is designed by Debra Harley.

More information is available through the Contact page of the website. http://www.centralparkinbronze.com

We need your help to get this website seen. Please visit the website, send a comment on the contact page, subscribe to the blog, and view several pages. We would appreciate your support in clicking on the website daily to help bring it to the top of search engines. If response is great enough we would like to publish a more comprehensive book on the Central Park Monuments.

Urban Nature

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 13:21:34 GMT

Even in crowded Manhattan people want a little bit of Nature. This picture was taken on a walk through Tribeca sponsored by B&H Photo and Sony.

Canon 5D, 1/60 at f8, 135mm lens, iso 400.

Phukett, Thailand

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 18:32:00 GMT

A boat off the coast of Phuket, Thailand. The engine is a repurposed automobile engine. We are on the way to a tourist attraction called James Bond Island. Along the way we got into kayaks (one of which is carried on the boat pictured) and explored caves and rock formations.

Egret feeding

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 20:05:40 GMT

Mama egret must swallow and digest the fish before she regurgitates it to feed her chicks. This picture was taken at the St Augustine, Florida Alligator Farm in April of 2015 with a Canon 7D and a 70-200 zoom lens at 140mm. 1/1250sec at f5.6 ISO 800.

Sailing New York Harbor

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 22:50:53 GMT

For 4 days in June, BandH photo sponsored OPTIC. A group of seminars, lectures, field trips, portfolio reviews, and trade show. This picture is taken from the BandH ferry in the New York Harbor on a very foggy evening.

Great Wall of China

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 17:37:20 GMT

The Great Wall of China was an amazing site. No I did not hike the section that you along the ridge in this picture. It is a panorama shot and the upper left and bottom middle have been filled in with Photoshop content aware.

monkey see

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 28 May 2017 12:21:49 GMT

This wild monkey was keeping an eye on me but still enjoying the banana that someone tossed to him. He was not at all afraid of people. Photographed at a Chinese village (The tribe of the three gorges) along the Yangtse River located in the hinterland of Xiling Gorge between the Three Gorges Dam and Gehzouba Dam.

Row Boats

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 13:33:56 GMT

Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the design of Central Park followed the motto "Nature first, nature second, and nature third." However there is also beauty in the man made objects in the park. Rowing season has started in the Lake.

Brown Pelican

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 13:32:22 GMT

It's always a challenge to get a good picture of a bird in flight. this brown pelican was flying around at Hanna Park near Jacksonville, Florida. Picture taken with a Canon 7D and a Tamron 16-300 zoom lens at 300mm, 1/1250 at f8, iso 400.

almost spring

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 12:46:51 GMT

It is early April and there are a few flowers in Central Park but it has not yet fully bloomed. These magnolia buds in the Shakespeare Garden are about to burst out. I'm awaiting patiently.

eye spy

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 12:45:43 GMT

I was testing a Sony mirrorless camera with a macro lens. I'm told you can tell someone's personality by looking deep into the eyes. What do you think? Is this a male or female? Friendly or hostile? What do you see by staring into this eye?

Sandhill Crane

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 15:19:53 GMT

This portrait of a sandhill crane was taken at the zoo in Jacksonville, Florida. I'm not sure you could get this close to a crane in the wild.

Snow

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 19:16:34 GMT

The view from my window Friday morning, after a warm 60 degree day on Thursday. By 2:00 the snow was gone from the trees. We are expecting a major snowstorm coming on Tuesday.

padlock

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 23:31:49 GMT

Just a picture of a padlock on a sheet metal building. But it spoke to me. I hope it speaks to you.

North Woods of Central Park

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 13:45:08 GMT

This is the Loch in the North Woods of Central Park. It is located in the middle of Manhattan at roughly what would be 103rd Street and 6th Avenue. The designers of the park wanted visitors to this area to feel like they were in the Adirondacks. The Loch, Scottish for Lake, had become so silted in that I referred to it as "The Dribble." The Central Park Conservancy has recently refurbished the entire area and this photo is from my first walk through the new area. The loch has been rerouted in some areas, widened in others. No longer a dribble.

White Orchid

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 14:45:31 GMT

Looking out my window at the 2 day old dirty snow and the gray sky makes me long for summer. So I decided to post a picture of this orchid. It is sitting on my desk right now.

Red Tailed Hawk

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 16:40:20 GMT

Can you believe that this red tailed Hawk lives in the middle of Manhattan. This photo was taken less than 1/4 of a mile from my apartment on one of the most densely populated islands in the Country.

Virgin Island Rainbow

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 14:53:52 GMT

Rainbow in the Virgin Islands.

In December I had the privilege to sail the American Virgin Islands with 6 other friends. We awoke this morning with a double rainbow. I only got a picture of one of them. For those of you inteested in such things, this photo was taken with a Canon 7D and a Tamron 16-300 lens at 55mm. ISO of 400. 1/2000 at f9. The fast shutter speed to compensate for the rocking of the boat that I was on.

Bald Eagle

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 15:29:43 GMT

The American Bald Eagle with a fish in his talons. Photographed over Thanksgiving weekend at the Conowingo Dam in Maryland. It was a cold day with the wind blowing in my face all day. Eagles take off into the wind so I was lucky to get this one coming toward me. To see more eagles look in the gallery Bald Eagles.

Central Park Exhibit and Slide Show

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 14:16:34 GMT

Central Park is New York City's largest living landscape artwork. I will be giving a slideshow and exhibiting photographs of Central Park with the New York Photography Society at the Gallery, Artsource International, 333 Park Avenue South. on Wednesday January 4th at 6 PM. Admission is free and refreshments will be served but seating is limited. I would love to have you attend so please RSVP to bruce.allan@nyps.nyc.

Autumn at Watkins Glen

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 17:20:56 GMT

Watkins Glen is in the finger lakes of New York State. A glen is a valley, typically one that is long, deep and often glacially U-shaped, or one with a watercourse running through it, and Watkins Glen travels the equivalent of a 70 story building with over 800 stairs and more than 19 waterfalls along the way. The New York City Sierra Club Photo Committee had a field trip to the Glen and we spent the day climbing, photographing, and enjoying the outing. For more of my photos of the Glen go to my web page www.harvey.photos and look in the gallery Watkins Glen.

Red Lighthouse

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 13:58:38 GMT

"The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge" a children's book by Hildegarde Swift about the Jeffrey’s Hook lighthouse erected in 1921 and marked for removal after it became obsolete when the George Washington Bridge was built in 1931. It was saved from destruction by a public outcry and is now a New York City Landmark. I got there by bicycle, riding a bike path beside the Hudson River.

Flatiron Neighborhood

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 15:36:45 GMT

Shooting down--An abstract of the sidewalk in front of my feet. I shot this at a workshop sponsored by Sony where they loaned us Sony cameras to use and experiment with around the Flatiron Building. Sony Artisan of Imagery, Tony Gale, helped us with the cameras and gave suggestions on lighting and composition. You can see more of my photos from this workshop in the gallery "Flatiron Neighborhood".

Vintage Aircraft Air Show

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 13:11:47 GMT

This plane never made it off the ground when I visited the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome on August 28th. However the show was amazing and over a dozen vintage planes did get in the air. I was there on a trip sponsored by B&H Photo, Moose Peterson, and Lexar. They graciously bussed us to the event, fed us lunch, and Moose gave advice on photographing planes. The next morning there was a critique at the B&H Event Space. You can see more of my photos of this event by going to the www.harvey.photos and under the tab MY Photographs look in the gallery Rhinebeck Aerodrome.

US Tennis Open

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 17:08:32 GMT

I did not make it to the USOPEN this year but I was at the site the week before for the prelims. At the prelims players who did not qualify for the tournament hold playoffs for the remaining spots. As you can see from this shot the stands were mostly empty. That gave me the chance to have front row seats for matches or just to watch the top pros practice. To see more of my pictures from that day view the gallery "USOPEN 2016 Prelims".

Mystic, CT

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 13:43:36 GMT

Captain Amy of the two-masted, gaff topsail schooner ARGIA, sailing out of Mystic, CT. The ARGIA was built in 1986 to be used as a tourism and charter vessel. In the background is the drawbridge of Mystic, Connecticutt. Anna and I spent part of our 53rd anniversary vacation on a 2 1/2 hour sail on the waters of Fishers Island Sound. See other photos from the trip in the gallery 'Mystic, CT".

Central Park Heat

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 13:52:36 GMT

Just hanging out in Central Park trying to get out of the heat. It is so hot today that the Central Park Conservancy has suspended all volunteer activity. The Mayor has warned people to seek air conditioning. How hot estimated 95 degrees. Although not recommended these kids have found their own way to stay cool. DISCLOSURE: this photo was taken in August of 2015.

Bumble Bee

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 13:14:33 GMT

Another proof that you do not have to leave urban areas to do Nature Photography. This photo was shot at the Pond in Central Park. Of course the macro photography does not show the hundreds of people nearby and the concrete sidewalks that I'm standing on.

Sparrow

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 14:14:31 GMT

i have taken several pictures of sparrows. They are the most common bird in this area. I think this is the first shot I have gotten of one in flight. Taken in Central Park this week. ISO 1000, f5.6 at 1/1250sec.

Giraffe

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 13:49:56 GMT

Father and Son Giraffes drinking at the water hole near our camp in Sabi Sands,South Africa. You can see the Nkorho Bush Lodge in the background. Here the father is teaching the young giraffe drinking technique. They bend over and fill their mouth with water but have to lift there head to let it flow down the long neck.

Mallards at the Pond

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 13:03:43 GMT

Reminds me of Magritte. I always liked this photo, from 2010, of a reflection in The Pond, with the ducks adding a touch of reality. It shows the urban aspect of New York City but the rural setting of ducks in water. Yesterday I turned it upside down and saw a whole new photograph.

Lighthouse

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 13:04:06 GMT

Sometimes you get lucky. This lighthouse was photographed on a boat ride through New York Harbor sponsored by Band H Photo. It was mostly a grey dull evening but the sun peeked through for this shot.

Tern

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 12:59:14 GMT

I'm pretty sure it is a tern, maybe a juvenile, having it's dinner. This picture was taken in December at Sanibel Island, Florida.

Thanks to Helen Pine. This bird is not a tern it is a Laughing Gull

Barn Latch

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 13:28:24 GMT

I have been getting positive feedback on my peeling paint barn pictures so today is another shot of the same barn. Of course this door latch was meaningless since half the walls were missing.

Old Barn Window

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 13:20:55 GMT

The beauty of peeling paint. I was told "As long as it is not on YOUR house." This is another view of the Barn shown in my last blog. The green string at the bottom of the window adds a mystery of humanity to the picture.

Old Barn

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 29 May 2016 13:43:06 GMT

Old wood and peeling paint brings out some kind of happy emotion in me. I spotted this Barn beside the road in New Jersey and had to stop and photograph it.

Central Park at night

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Tue, 17 May 2016 18:10:29 GMT

It Used to be unsafe to enter Central Park after dark. That has not been true for years, and you're missing a lot of beauty if you don't.

Backlit Leaf

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 01 May 2016 19:15:54 GMT

Sometimes we forget that not all the beauty in plants come from the flowers.

Bumble Bee

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 16:36:28 GMT

A bumble bee doing what bumble bees do. This picture was taken at Wave Hill in the Bronx. A beautiful garden and view of the Hudson River.

Frog

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 16:20:35 GMT

A frog in Stone Crop Gardens, Cold Spring, New York. Spring has finally sprung and the flowers and small animals are out and enjoying the weather. So am I.

Snow Goose

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 14:45:57 GMT

It was extremely cold this day in December when I photographed this Snow Goose in Bosque-Del-Apache, New Mexico. It is also extremely cold this April day in New York.

Tulip

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 14:17:53 GMT

Just looking at this pollen makes my nose run. The tulips in the French Garden of the Conservatory Garden in Central Park are about to open. The multiple colors make this a beautiful scene.

Fossa

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 19:12:10 GMT

The Fossa is a cat like carnivorous mammal native to Madagascar. When my daughter Elana was working in the San Antonio Zoo she was the first person to see the first baby Fossa born in captivity. This picture was taken at the Bronx Zoo.

Central Park Cascade

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 13:44:45 GMT

Today is the first day of Spring and snow is predicted so I decided to show my favorite cascade in Central Park covered in snow.

Adirondacks Snow

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 13:21:12 GMT

I just took a workshop with Tom Dwyer to shoot snow pictures in the Adirondacks. Unfortunately Mother Nature was not informed and she did not provide fresh snow. That did not stop us from getting some great photos.

Owl

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 14:48:41 GMT

I wish I could get human subjects to smile like this. I looked through my bird book this morning to try and identify this owl but they all look similar and I was afraid to make a mistake.

Central Park Rowboats

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 15:16:29 GMT

I normally post my daily picture on Facebook and an older picture that I like on my blog. Several friends have said they are not on Facebook but are interested in seeing my snow photos of Central Park. The park is really beautiful when covered with a fresh coat of snow. This picture was taken yesterday at the boathouse.

To see more of my snow pictures (and others) FRIEND me on Facebook, and if you don't do Facebook look into the Gallery section of my web page and in the 365 gallery you can see my daily posts. I have posted a picture every day, shot that day, since June 22.

Sandhill Crane Closeup

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 23:13:30 GMT

A closeup of a sandhill crane. I probably would not be able to get this close in the wild. This crane is in the Bermingham Zoo.

Peregrine Falcon

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 15:24:11 GMT

This Peregrine Falcon was actually sitting on a keeper's glove. I don't think you can get a shot like this in the wild. You can see that he has no tonsils.

sandhill crane

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 17:18:44 GMT

This sandhill crane silhoetted against the morning sunrise was photographed 2 years ago in Bosque Del Apache, New Mexico.

Junk Yard

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 17:58:42 GMT

I was doing nature photography on a trip to Nova Scotia but could not resist a stop in this junk yard.

pine tree in the spring

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 14:46:29 GMT

Pine Tree Last week I posted a pine tree in the snow. This week I thought I would show a pine tree shot in the spring. This photo comes from a trip to Nova Scotia.

pine tree in snow

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 15:50:11 GMT

With the temperature in the sixties this second week of December, I started thinking of snow in Central Park. This picture actually comes from January 2012.

Milk Thistle

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 15:18:29 GMT

This picture was taken yesterday at the Bronx Zoo. Every day I post a picture on Facebook, sometimes more than one. Today I posted pictures of animals in the zoo but this shot of milk thistle did not seem to fit in. I hope you enjoy it and follow me on Facebook to view a new picture every day.

Butterflies

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 23:04:31 GMT

These 3 butterflies are at a Butterfly Farm on the island of Aruba. If you plant the right flowers and the weather is correct the butterflies will come.

Capuchin Monkey

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 18:43:46 GMT

In Costa Rica near Manuel Antonio State Park. This capuchin monkey was stealing coconuts from a vender who would open them pour out the milk and toss the shell aside. The monkeys would grab the shells and scamper off into the palm trees.

Baboon

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 15:22:47 GMT

Near the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, This baby baboon, like many young kids, is shy and hiding behind mama. Mama looks like she is in protection mode.

Fall in Central Park

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 20:29:12 GMT

Fall is a colorful time of year in Central Park. This picture, of the Central Park Lake, illustrates the warm colors of the park contrasted with the cool colors of the tall city buildings in the background.

Skateboarder

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 03:01:03 GMT

There are parks all along the Hudson River and this skate park is located near the Chelsea Piers. It is free to the public and has always been occupied when I've been there.

White Sands

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 03:05:40 GMT

Sunset at White Sands, New Mexico

Empire State Building

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 22:31:39 GMT

The Empire State Building as seen from the Highline.

Taughannock Falls

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 19:43:30 GMT

Taughannock Falls near Ithaca, New York, on a cold, rainy, foggy, fall day in October.

Not yet Fall but close

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 22:27:37 GMT

It is not yet Fall but I think we are going to have a bad year for color. It is early but leaves are beginning to turn brown and just fall off.

Sunrise on the beach

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 14:01:54 GMT

Riding a bike on the beach at sunrise near Saint Augustine, Florida. Possibly the closest thing to Paradise, or maybe I'm just missing the outdoors this morning.

USOPEN Tennis

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 13:07:10 GMT

The tennis open starts tomorrow and I went out last week to shoot the Qualifying Rounds. When your head is in your photography you have no idea what is going on in the match. I don't know who this woman is or whether she won or lost. I do like her intensity and the action in the picture. Visit my Facebook page to see more tennis pictures from last week.

Glacier Bay, Alaska

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 00:34:55 GMT

It has been so hot that I felt like sharing a cold picture. This is a glacier in Alaska as it "calves". You might blame this on global warming but calving in the summer is a normal event as Glaciers recede in the Summer and grow in the Winter. What is not normal is for it to be happening as often and as quickly.

egret feeding her young

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 13:20:58 GMT

Mama Egret feeding her young. She is just tempting the chicks as to what is to come. She will first swallow that fish whole and than regurgitate it in smaller pieces for them.

Baby Elephant

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 14:09:12 GMT

This baby elephant, only about a month old, entertained us for some time. He was so small he had not yet learned to drink through his trunk and had to lap up water with his mouth. He never wandered too far from Mama.

Baby Leopard

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:12:02 GMT

When We saw this Leopard on safari in Sabi Sans Park in South Africa the photographer sitting behind me, Kim Griffin said "Now I've got it. This is the picture of the trip." She is an award winning photographer and I have no idea what her picture looks like, but here is mine. This baby leopard was sitting in a tree about 10 feet above us. She is just as curious about us as we are about her. Baby Leopard

African Penguin

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:34:16 GMT

This African Penguin looks the way I felt in the heat of Simon's Town, South Africa at Boulders Beach where there were hundreds of these critters walking around, nesting, swimming and having a nice beach day. For those of you intrerested in the trivia I was shooting a Canon 7D with a 70-200 zoom set at 142mm. An ISO of 200 and 1/4000 at 5.6.

Tree Frog

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 13:29:05 GMT

I wish I could say I was in the deepest Amazon forest and shot this little critter. He measures about an inch and a half long. Actually, I was in a classroom in Saint Augustine, Florida taking a lesson on Macro (closeup) photography from Mike Matthews. The frog is sitting on a potted plant. Looking into those eyes, he seems to have lots of personality.

Sunset at the Thimble Islands, Ct

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 20:35:42 GMT

Thimble Islands Sunset Last September I sailed with friends on the Long Island Sound. This picture was taken just before sunset as we anchored off the Thimble Islands.

New York Skyline

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 12:50:54 GMT

One of the advantages of living on an Island is being able to get out on the water. This photo is from a tourist sail boat where even the crew was enjoying the view. Life is beautiful in the summer when the sun is shining. If you friend me on facebook you can follow my 365 project where I am posting a picture taken each day. I am now 2 weeks into the project.

Atlantic Ocean Florida Sunrise

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 13:28:29 GMT

Florida Sunrise This panorama of Sunrise near Saint Augustine, Florida is composed of 30 individual photographs. It does not do justice to the awe inspiring beauty of being there, but does bring back fond memories. My daughter Elana, who lives near the beach Jacksonville, can view this, or a similar, scene every day.

if you are enjoying my Blog, please follow me on Facebook, where I have started a year long project to upload a photograph every day that was taken the day before.

Happy Father's Day

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 13:31:27 GMT

Father and Son Zebras

On this Father's Day I thought I would post a picture of a happy family. Actually I did not talk to these Zebras and I don't know that they are father and son but since today os Father's Day I am using my imagination. In March I had the privilege of travelling to South Africa with my wife Anna. These zebras are enjoying the drinking water less than 100 yards from where we stayed. If you enjoy the picture please leave a comment.

Brooklyn Bridge and World Trade Center

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 01:20:52 GMT

Brooklyn Bridge

Central Park Male Cardinal

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sat, 23 May 2015 15:26:30 GMT

Colorful Birds always make good photographs and Central Park is filled with bright red cardinals almost all year long. I hope you enjoy viewing this as much as I enjoyed taking it.

Happy Mothers Day

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sun, 10 May 2015 13:40:27 GMT

I thought I would start my blog on Mother's Day with these Wood Storks that I shot in Florida last week at the Saint Augustine Alligator Farm. I intend to publish a photo once a week. If you want to follow my photography please hit the subscribe button. I would love to see your comments on this picture and get a message from you in the guest book.

Just getting started

harvey@kopel.us (Harvey Kopel) — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 17:05:42 GMT

I am not much for writing blogs but may post pictures here. Give me some time to learn the program.