Beneath the Maple Trees

Beneath the Trees
Burlington, VT

Some said,

His tombstone read:

"He did his best

And came to rest

'Neath the trees

Amongst autumn leaves"

Al Hernandez

I've been busy selecting images for my greeting card and print series: Autumn Dreams. Each image has it's own unique sense of both warmth and nostalgia. To my own surprise even cemeteries provide warmth under overcast fall New England skies. Bright orange hues provide scenic warmth and backdrops against blue gray skies.

This photograph along with seven others will be featured in Autumn Dreams. The cost of each carefully crafted box set is $32/box plus shipping and handling of $5 in the continental US. If you purchase three or more box sets per order, shipping is free. For those who choose to order five or more boxes, you can purchase print of your choice for 50% of the retail price.  Click on the hyperlink here to contact me via email. I accept all forms credit card payments and PayPal.

Live the Season

Serene Brook
Tannersville, NY

Live in each season as it passes;

 breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit,

 and resign yourself to the influences of each.

Henry David Thoreau

This morning I've been thinking about my new collection of Autumn Scenes. The collection is meant to both soothe and inspire. It's not just about showcasing my skills but rather using skills to touch you. I want to reach out and make you feel what I have witnessed. It truly is a great life, it becomes easier to see that once you remove the obstacles that impede your view.

Thoreau's quote above was exactly what I needed to hear this morning: "resign yourself to the influences of each". It's quite amazing how in grammar school we learned about linking verbs and the state of "being" but we were never taught how to just "be". It is the reason why I am drawn to nature. Simply put I want to learn to enjoy and absorb all thats glorious around me. In other words nature teaches me to be.

Photography provides me the ability to become a sponge that absorbs life in fractions of seconds that seem like days and at the appropriate time enables me to release what I have absorbed. My challenge is to share those moments with you and make you also aware. 

You can start viewing my card collection Autumn Scenes by clicking on the hyperlink for Autumn Scenes. In a few more days, I will also be adding four more cards to this series this coming week. To inquire about purchases or to make a purchase email me.

Thinking Pumpkins

Pumpkins
Simsbury, CT

After residing in Texas for most of my adult life, I find it amusing to think about how my home town was near everything. When you are from Connecticut, everything is nearby or at least within a hundred miles. By contrast, in Texas,we measure distance in hours, in Connecticut and the rest of New England, distance is only discussed in miles. If I travel from one side of Fort Worth to other side of Dallas, I just might have traversed the whole state of Connecticut.

It's all about perspective and your personal frame of reference. It's not uncommon for a driver in Texas to put on annual miles in excess of 15,000 to 20,0000 miles per year. We have an expansive state with diverse Texas accents and pretty homogenous landscapes. It is flat with an occasional bump called a hill. Mountains are something you find in El Paso on your way to New Mexico. Hills you might find South of Tyler and to the south and west of Austin.

It goes without saying why then I still have this romantic obsession with New England and the northeast this time of the year. I enjoy and miss the colorful landscapes and topography of my home state. So in the fall, I start thinking pumpkins and shorter days and cooler frost laden mornings all over again. It an annual thing for me. I have missed this ever since I left for college in 'the fall of '74. 

Leaving New England was not really a choice for me it was an exodus. It was something I had to do. The economy and my disdain for the overcast of winter forced me into exile. Nonetheless, I will always confess my allegiance to New England's autumn.

In just a few weeks, I will be back home. I am eager to capture more images from where I grew up and the things that still influence how I see the world. It's a romance that's been separated by years of distance but I have never stopped loving. The flame embers are still are alive and each year they are fanned by the advance of autumn.

Autumn Madness

Cascade in Catskills
Near Palenville, NY

Fall energizes me. I get excited all over again. I think about my native New England and how green leaves fade to bright oranges and reds as if the trees themselves were laden with flowers instead of leaves. The smells of hayrides, apple cider, and pumpkin pies all come to mind as vividly as the leaves themselves. Nature makes its own change exciting as it trumpets its autumnal fanfare to celebrate both harvest and hard work.

In a few weeks, I will be back home. I need to be back to experience the autumn first hand again. Of course, I will have my camera with me. I am working on putting together a new card series all about autumn from my perspective. Autumn memories as I recall them.

I will be taking a chance since you never know how bright the leaves will be. You don't know if the rain will mute the colors or even if the frost will nip the maple leaves in time to make them blush bright red. One strong gust of wind and it could be all over before it even starts. It's a chance I am willing to take. There are so many photographs I want to make on this journey. So much left to see and enjoy.

Look Out For...

Snake On Journey
iPhone Artistry

Ok, I have several confessions to make. Don't worry they are not of a super personal variety. First confession is that although I have logged over 2,120 miles on my daily walks since April of last year, I am physically at the same place where I started from. Well not quite. 

This brings me to my second confession; I always bring with me at least an iPhone on my walks or wherever I go. I don't want to miss out on anything. There's always some kind of surprise along the journey.

You see I want to capture as much of my life as I can. I want to squeeze as much living as I can. In order to do that, I have to be prepared and ready and willing. Carpe Diem, seize the moment. It's a great life and its exciting to see how many different ways I can view even the most mundane images.

It doesn't matter to me whether my instrument is an iPhone or an expensive camera. I enjoy creating images and exploring ways to get my perspective across. Enjoy your unique journey on daily. Don't wait.

Tis The Gift to be Simple

Two Sheds and Barn
Near Greenville, PA

As I mentioned yesterday, I am working on my next card and print series and I am excited at the results.  The tones on the matte card stock are rich and ethereal. I don't know why I have not printed these before. It could very well be that it was not the right time.

You tend to forget some of the places that you have been to and the images you have captured along the journey. For the past eleven years, I stopped and taken the time to note where I am, study the light and frame the image at least in my mind. Often times, I come back another day when I have time to practice my craft.

Capturing the image is only part of the process. The real work starts with the post processing and image interpretation. Letting the image cure over time and letting your skills mature makes for interesting art. The bottom line is simply that I want my viewers to walk away grasping the emotion and warmth of the moment through the filter of my mind's eye.

Andrew Wyeth's paintings have inspired me for many years. If I could paint, my images would resemble his, a style which encompasses fantastic lighting, simple compositions, and romantic landscapes and images.

It's Here

Amish Barn
Near Greenville, PA

I've been touting the autumn's approach this week. Today we celebrate it's official birthday. I am excited to share new autumn images with you. This image was taken in the heart of Amish country just outside of Greenville, PA. It took me two business trips, but the second time I had to stop even if it was for a few moments. You have to make each day count even if you are away on business. Make each day count. 

This image will be featured in my new "Autumnal Joy" card and print series. It does me no good to just have the memories in digital form. My friend Harry Sandler once told me it's not a photograph until you print it. I share his sentiment.

You might want think about placing your orders soon. The last series "Memories of the Southwest" sold quickly to my delight. Again these cards are 5x7, archival, and printed on quality card stock. The collection features a box of eight hand crafted 5x7 limited edition card prints signed by me. It would make a wonderful gift. The cost is $32/box plus $4 shipping and handling. If you purchase two sets your total cost is $68.  If you purchase three sets or more, we will ship at no cost to you.  I do accept all major credit cards.  Let me know if you have an interest. Feel free to forward this blog to your friends. You can contact me directly at alh7672@gmail.com.

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