Baldwin Steam Locomotive – Gorham,NH
The above image is of a 1911 Baldwin 0-6-0 steam locomotive on display at the Grand Trunk Railroad Museum in Gorham, New Hampshire USA. These old locomotives look so cool and I really enjoy photographing them. If time permitted, I could spend hours shooting all the different angles.
One of the long term projects I am working on involves the old historical railroads and these old steam locomotives fit in perfectly. These locomotives played important roles during the historical railroading days.
If you would like to see more images from the Grand Trunk Museum in Gorham,NH click here
Until next time
Hiring A Professional Photographer
The digital era has made it possible for anyone with a camera to make a dollar. Hence the surge of hobby photographers in the industry. This surge has become a endless topic among working photographers. I personally have tried to work around the issue, but do admit it is hard to ignore when I am watching it unfold right in front of me.
What I have found is many companies and clients still do want to work and hire professionals, but the problem they are having is trying to separate professionals from hobbyists. Here are five easy tips that will help in your search for a photographer.
Five tips in finding a professional photographer:
1) Ask For Credentials
All working photographers will provide credentials or should if the are legitimate and want business. Photographers just starting out won’t have many, but that should not be looked at in a negative manner.
No credentials or refusing to provide any should be a instant red flag.
2) Google Search – The Photographer’s Name And / Or Business
Photographers can be tracked on the internet regardless of their status. The search results will produce many photography related pages for any one photographer. This is also a great way to find and view their work.
If only one or two results show-up relating to photography, non-photography results or no imagery can be found relating to the photographer a red flag should go up.
3) Website
Almost all photographers have a website or can be found on one of the numerous image sharing sites these days. A website is used to promote one’s work. Not having one in this day and age is unheard of.
No website or a website that does not relate to photography should be another red flag.
4) Check Business With State
Here in New Hampshire if the photographer is working under a business name(not under his or her own name) you can verify the business by checking with the New Hampshire business records.
Unfortunately this is less helpful these days since New Hampshire does not verify what companies are actually performing for services. Meaning a registered website design business could have “Photography” listed as their “Nature of Business” even though they never do any photography work.
Number 4 is a fine line and should not be the deciding factor if one is a professional photographer.
5) Look At The Imagery
Volumes can be said about a photographer’s images. As a client you are paying for a service – Request samples and review the work.
Refusing to produce samples should be the ending.
These questions can be applied to any photographer regardless if they specialize in nature, travel, wedding or portrait photography. Google any photographer and see what happens.
As working photographers I think it is important to educate the public.
Feel free to send your comments!
Sculptured Rocks Natural Area – Groton, NH
A interesting place to visit just a little ways from Newfound Lake in Bristol, New Hampshire is Sculptured Rocks Natural Area in Groton, New Hampshire. This is a rocky gorge along the Cockermouth River that was formed at the end of the Great Ice Age.
This gorge has some interesting rock formations and potholes to checkout. Down stream there are pools where you can swim, but caution is needed because the current is strong enough to drag a small child down stream pretty easily. And if the water levels are high the current could drag anyone down stream.
The gorge offers endless photo possibilities, so bring your tripod and plan on spending some extra time here. I always find myself spending way to much time photographing these rocky gorges. Endless shots! If you haven’t already checkout the Newfound Lake – Bristol, New Hampshire Post for more great spots to explore when in the area.
Enjoy!
Robert Frost Homestead
Robert Frost Homestead in Franconia, New Hampshire USA. Located in the White Mountains this is a great spot to checkout if you are looking to kill some time during the day. I always enjoy photographing old rural america and this homestead is perfect.
Nothing says "Rural America" better than this classic New England homestead! From the rusted mailbox to the chairs on the porch. Don’t think you can find a more rural setting.
Enjoy!
Newfound Lake – Bristol, NH
In my travels of New England I always seem to forget about Wellington State Park on the shore of Newfound Lake in Bristol, New Hampshire. I have photographed the park in all four seasons and think it is a wonderful spot to spend the day with family, friends or alone. The park can be accessed year around making it a great place to visit any season.
During the winter months snowmobilers use Wellington State Park as a starting point for their adventures. Many will park and unload their snowmobiles at Wellington State Park and tour around (and on) the lake.
During the autumn months the shore of the lake takes on an unforgettable look. The brilliant colors of autumn can be found everywhere! I think it is my favorite time to visit.
Paradise Point Nature Center in Hebron, New Hampshire is also located along the shore of Newfound Lake and is worth checking out during your visit. At the boat launch area you will view a picture perfect cottage on a small island. Make sure you have your camera!
If you have extra time checkout Sculptured Rocks Natural Area in Groton, which is just up the street from Newfound Lake and is also worth a visit.
Another great New Hampshire State Park..
Enjoy!
Lonesome Lake – Bull Moose
Yesterday morning (Thursday) I took a quick trip up to Lonesome Lake in the White Mountains, NH to do some exploring. As I came around a bend in the trail I was surprised when I bumped into a moose standing in the middle of the trail!
Thank god he was more interested in eating twigs than me. I watched him from a safe distance for almost twenty minutes, before he decided to move off the trail far enough so I could safely pass.
He could have cared less about me and almost seemed to be laughing the entire time I waited for him to move off the trail. Every so often he would look at me with this grin!
Have a great weekend!
Piping Plover Eggs Stolen – Hampton Beach
I read at Fosters.com that Piping Plover eggs were stolen from Hampton Beach State Park – New Hampshire in early May of this year. Piping plovers usually nest every year at Hampton Beach State Park and fencing is put up so humans do not disturb the nests.
The piping plover is a threatened and endangered species.
Read Fosters.com story here
Read WMUR story here
This is sad news…..
Lincoln Woods Trail – Stream
Along the Lincoln Woods Trail in the White Mountains is a small stream that I have walked past countless times over the years when heading into the Pemi Wilderness. For one reason or another I have never given it a second look. Most of the time harsh light or being on a time frame (to get to a location) is the reason.
Early one morning a few weeks ago while heading into the Pemi the stream looked perfect. Better than some waterfalls I have photographed. I have never seen it look so inviting. Above is the small stream.
Enjoy!
The Boulders at RiverWoods – Reception
I spent Tuesday of this week in Exeter, New Hampshire for the artist reception and grand opening of “The Boulders” at RiverWoods, a community designed using “green” principles. Green principles minimize the impact on our environment. A large selection of my images are part of The Boulders permanent print collection. The included images are a small selection hanging on the "Boulder’s" walls.
The day was spent conversing with residents and guests about the New Hampshire landscape, hiking in the White Mountains, the new community, traveling and photography. Never a dull moment!
It is very special to see the joy my work brings to the residents of the community. It also reminds me how important it is to create awareness for the environment. Without imagery many would not be able to understand why we fight to protect the lands. Imagery is a powerful tool!
If you ever visit The Boulders Community you will find the bulk of my imagery hanging in the dining room, plus at various locations throughout the building.
I also met a number of very talented artists who’s work also hangs on the walls. All have incredible work!
It was a great day!
Happy 4th of July
Happy 4th of July!!
Enjoy your weekend.
New Images Added to Archive
New editorial images have been added to the stock archive. Most imagery is focused around the White Mountains, New Hampshire USA. Feel free to take a look at the above link.
Or you can click here to view the New Images Gallery
Enjoy!
Historical Logging Railroad Imagery
Are people interested in viewing historical images from the old logging railroads and camps of the White Mountains, New Hampshire USA?
The logging era is a very interesting part of the White Mountain history and I have found that many people are interested in it. I personally enjoy all aspects of the logging era, but this type of imagery is not made public on my website for a few reasons. Most of my historical images are part of my private collection and only viewable by request.
Lately I have been getting so many requests that I am considering making more of these images viewable on ScenicNH.com. There seems to more of an interest than I thought.
I am thinking of adding an "Historical image of the week" to the blog and see how it goes? Good idea? Bad idea?
Unsure at this point.
Enjoy!
Resolution Shelter Closed
June 21, 2010
Just read the Resolution Shelter in the Dry River Wilderness of the White Mountains, NH has been closed. It has been deemed unsafe. I am surprised it lasted this long. This shelter has been in bad shape for a number of years.
Over the years it seemed like every time I stayed at this shelter it was in blizzard conditions or in some form of bad weather. Another shelter that is going to be missed!
You can read the announcement here
Enjoy!
Alpine Flowers
Sometimes during the spring months I get emails asking if the alpine flowers are in bloom along the Alpine Garden Trail. The Alpine Garden Trail is located on the eastern slopes of Mount Washington and is considered to be one of the best places in the White Mountains to see alpine flora. The alpine flowers alone are worth a visit to Mount Washington.
Usually I can provide an answer to the above question, but this year I have been working on a long term project that has pulled me away from the open ridges of Mount Washington.
Some of the bogs I have been shooting in have cotton grass, plus red trillium and painted trillium on the edge of the bogs. I have also been coming across many wild flowers at lower elevations in the forests.
You can view more alpine and wildflowers by clicking here.
Enjoy!
Memorial Day – Never Forget
Memorial Day – A day to remember the many men and women who never made it home.
Wave that American Flag this weekend!
Take a moment during your weekend to remember the heros of our country.
Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend!
Happy Earth Day!
Earth Day Celebrates 40 years!!
Earth day was created forty years ago(April 22, 1970) by Gaylord Nelson. This is a day to celebrate and create awareness for the environment.
Happy Earth Day!
Spring Waterscapes
Click here to see more spring waterscapes from the White Mountains, NH.
White Mountains, NH – Alpine Zone Winter
It is sad to see the end of winter come so quick this year. I guess it had to end sometime, but it feels like the season just started. One of my projects for this winter season was to document extreme weather conditions in the alpine zones of the White Mountains, New Hampshire. I spend so much time in the alpine zones during bad weather I decided to focus on it.
Over the last few years I have seen so many images showing the open ridges of the mountains as a warm friendly place during the winter season. Photographers use various methods to produce this “warm “ feeling. Two quick ways are by adjusting the camera’s white balance or using a warming filter. This effect can also be added to the image using Lightroom and Photoshop.
Down in the valleys a warm winter scene is what you aim for when making an image, but not in the alpine zone. The alpine zones of the White Mountains are cold places with temperatures constantly around zero, strong winds and whiteout conditions. Many days it only takes a few minutes for frostbite to take over your finger tips or toes. The fact that Mount Washington is home to some of the worst weather in the world should be considered when making images in this environment.
All of the winter and most of the spring season the above conditions can be found in the alpine zones of the mountains. As a photographer I have never really understood the obsession of creating a warm image in this kind of environment? Its not a warm and inviting place at all.
As a editorial photographer producing a cold, cold landscape as a warm friendly inviting place is somewhat falsifying the image. It is kinda on the same lines as adding or removing a person from a shot using photoshop. This practice has never been tolerated in editorial photography. Yes, the warm image has market value, but it is not a accurate representation of the scene.
My objective was to show the true alpine zone. Cold, strong winds and whiteout conditions! The real question? Did I successfully produce images that show the White Mountains during extreme winter conditions?
If you would like to see more extreme weather images click here.
Enjoy!
Kancamagus Scenic Byway – Winter
It took plow crews almost the entire week to plow the road and all the scenic pulloffs. As soon as the plow crews got caught up the warm weather moved in and started melting the large snow banks along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway.
Even though there is still plenty of snow on the ridges(melting fast) you still have to wonder if we have seen the last of the major storms? The winter season is quickly coming to an end….
Enjoy
Mount Washington, NH
New images have been added to the image archive. Images include Mount Washington, New Hampshire.
Until next time..
Nansen Ski Jump – Milan, NH
Nansen Ski Jump – Milan, NH
With the Olympics going on and Bode Miller winning gold this year it only seems fitting to mention a piece of New Hampshire ski history. Located along Route 16 in Milan, New Hampshire is Nansen Wayside Park which is home to the historical Nansen Ski Jump.
Nansen Ski Jump – Milan, NH Stairs to jump
Built in 1936 the 170 foot long steel-framed ski jump was the site of major ski championships, plus in 1938 the first Olympic Trials were held here. The ski jump was the largest of its kind for many years in the eastern part of the United States.
Nansen Ski Jump – Milan, NH Side View
Unfortunately the jump was closed in 1988. Throughout the years rumors have it the ski jump could reopen someday. Only rumors.
Nansen Ski Jump – Milan, NH Top of Jump
If you would like to see more images of Nansen Ski Jump in Milan, NH click here
Cool piece of history!
Sawyer River Railroad – Livermore, NH
Sawyer River Logging Railroad – White Mountains, NH USA
Today is just another quick update for all the White Mountains, NH railroad buffs. The Sawyer River Railroad image collection has been added (and viewable) to the archive. You can view the images by clicking on the slide show above or the link below. Sawyer River River Railroad Image Gallery Hopefully within the next month or so I can add more information about this very cool line. I have been very busy for the last month so these quick updates are all I can offer.
Enjoy!
Kancamagus Scenic Byway
Quick update today….
New stock images have been added to the image archive. These images are focused around the Kancamagus Scenic Byway in the White Mountains, New Hampshire USA. The Kancamagus Scenic Byway is considered to be one of New Hampshire’s most scenic roads. The best time to visit the area is during peak foliage season.
If you would like to view a larger selection of Kancamagus Highway images click here.
Enjoy!
Cold Weather – Batteries
How many do I carry?, Use on a cold day? How do I keep them warm?
These are questions I am asked most about batteries and cold weather shooting. I was recently asked again, so I thought I would post this information. Most dslrs use battery packs these days, so I am not going to attempt to describe the different types of batteries that are available. My canons use a 7.4V lithium-Ion rechargeable battery pack.
Using your camera in cold weather is very easy if a few steps are taken. Typically the colder the day the more batteries you will use. It would be a good investment to purchase at least two or three battery packs. Working photographers all have different opinions on cameras, technique and software, but all agree when it comes to batteries and cold weather shooting. Carry alot!
Misinformed advice of carrying one battery pack should be disregarded as bad advice. Carrying one battery pack is not practical even during the summer months, so plan on carrying at least two. I usually have 4 – 5 with me at all times. During extremely cold days I use them all and sometimes find myself cycling through the dead ones trying to get a few more shots out of them.
To keep the battery packs warm I store them in a pocket near my body. Body heat helps keep the batteries warm so they can operate in cold conditions. I also keep them in a pocket that is easy to get to. This allows me to make quick battery changes and limits the amount of time my hands are exposed to the elements. And when temperatures are hovering around 0 zero you want to limit skin exposure in order to avoid frostbite.
Winter is a great time to capture New England’s beauty. Get out and take a few shots!
Enjoy!
