Characters

This image is actually of my daughter playing her guitar (believe it or not).  After a fairly basic kaleidoscope treatment, this is the result. And here's the original photo.  Granted, the treatment has limited application, but it was fun, I learned some new shortcuts and I got to look at one of my favorite photo subjects the whole time. Here is the "quit-lovers" version of the same pattern repeated.  Check out the tutorial and see what you come up with!  http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-create-kaleidoscope-patterns-from-your-photos

This logo was created for an organization that seeks to break down racial, cultural, economic and social barriers.  They build bridges between individuals, agencies and ministries, and work to unify efforts to eliminate poverty and violence in urban communities.  Their website is http://www.projecturge.org/home.html

This is a logo I created recently for a suicide awareness and prevention organization.  Check out their website, which is under ongoing construction by one of their volunteers.  http://www.overcomingthedarkness.com/index.html

I recently had a chance to photograph a golf tournament held in the area. Yes, I did eventually capture the actual game, to some degree.  But before that I enjoyed a front row seat at a breathtaking sunrise.  Who KNEW?  I'm a late sleeper and only get to see the sun high overhead or setting in the west... I took this shot before I even arrived at the course.  I'm not a golfer, but I DO love golfing.  

I know for sure this photo does not capture the moment.  I took this one last fall.  The color was so brilliant just before sunset I thought for sure the whole landscape would burst into flames before my eyes.

Well, not actual chestnuts...  But it doesn't matter.  A roaring fire has always been my medicine of choice for sanity and peace.   These both kept me warm inside and out for a looong time...

Chloe doesn't often get center stage... but this day was different - almost makes you want to take your own leisurely sunbath doesn't it?

This is one of my favorite old trees in the cemetery near where I live.  I like it because it's interesting and beautiful... and it's older than I am.

Done to death by some - but it's my first time, So I'm good with learning a new thing!  If this tutorial doesn't light your fire, google "orton effect" and the whole world is lined up just waiting to show you how to do it... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLQfva4kWbY&feature=player_embedded# And how's this for irony: I spent the whole day trying to get great depth of field in focus, only to come back to my computer and throw a gaussian blur over everything... nice.  Top image is with Orton effect, bottom is the orginal image.  Call me crazy - they don't look that different... Could be better with a close up?

Well of COURSE it was a wonderful day for fall colors... I got to enjoy some of it with one of my two favorite daughters... take a look! Unless you have been to this particular corner of heaven it's hard to appreciate fully.  But I've been there, and hope to return again.  Honestly - this IS where they keep all the fresh air... Did my daughter enjoy the outing as much as I did?  Perhaps not QUITE as much - there was no internet connection here...

These are from a collection of photos on Flickr and were taken at a horse show in central New York.  It was a grey kind of day, and Creekside Photo was contracted to capture jumps & portraits for riders and owners.  They invited me to tag along and I was captivated by the atmosphere and characters and of COURSE the beautiful horses at the show. You can see larger images of shots in the slide show by clicking on them as they appear.  Check out the whole collection on Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/melodyburri/sets/ Check out more of Creekside Photo's offerings on their website.  http://www.creeksidefoto.com/gallery/Portfolio

I held my breath as I read this, not eager to find out of many of these mistakes I make regularly.  But I escaped with fairly clean hands, so I'm passing this on... check out theprodesigner.com and enjoy other great posts too.   http://www.thedesigncubicle.com/2009/01/12-common-photoshop-mistakes-misuses-and-abuses/

If one cloudy sunset is good - two is better.  Whoever lives on the other side of this window has a front row seat to every sunset on Canandaigua Lake... lucky ducks.

If landscapes are disappointing and "iffy" I dive into the next thing that catches my eye.  ...Like these buoys.

I love architecture and decay... could it be at my age I'm finding beauty in longevity?

Sunrise on the pier, chilly, damp, no coffee, but so much fun! Next time I stop at Starbucks first and bring some fingerless gloves...  

I am NOT a "landscape" person.  If given a choice I would rather shoot a hundred tight, clean, surprising close ups than one sunset, skyline, mountain range or... you get the picture.  I'm just not that good at it.  Still, in the name of getting to know my camera better, I shot this sunset on Keuka Lake a couple days ago at every possible setting. Inside of 8-10 minutes I shot about 50 images... all equally "average." Here are a couple of unremarkable shots, just to prove why I should leave landscapes to others. Here's what happened when I turned the camera away from the sunset and onto the "sunshine" sitting right beside me...

My favorite "local" gallery - enjoy a great show ( they change monthly), preferably an OPENING NIGHT (check the calendar on the website) and cap off the night with a delicious pastry, a specialty coffee or cocktail and live music at Starry Nites Cafe http://www.starrynitescafe.com  OR, think about a Sunday afternoon gallery tour and follow up with a delectable luncheon "al fresco" on East Ave at ANY of the fabulous bistros, just a short walk away from the gallery.  Great evening or afternoon.  Inspiration o'plenty... and delicious gourmet food.  Invite friends and your outing is an "event."  Enjoy. http://www.imagecityphotographygallery.com/

I spent an entire year trying to photograph "only light." This is my favorite birch, in my favorite place - Mitchell Lake.  It is the silent guard at the entrance of the sanctuary that gives me life.