Prints hang at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

The largest commercial collection (so far) of Loudoun Landscapes photography can be seen at the new Inova Fair Oaks Hospital building in Fairfax. Sixteen of my large prints are permanently on display on the second floor of this facility, which recently opened.





















It gives me great pleasure to see results of my hiking, and love for Loudoun County, come to light in such a public way. As an artist, sharing my passion in this way provides further emphasis to keep doing this type of work.


















The lobby area features a unique collage of local photographers. The photos in the middle and ends are mine. You may recognize the photograph of the white horse, taken by Sarah Huntington (see her link on sidebar).

Franklin Park Fireworks

Here is a brief compilation of long exposure photos I took last night of the fireworks from Franklin Park. I was standing behind Blue Ridge Middle school when these shots were taken. Another fine show put on by the park!

Barley Hopper

This barley hopping deer navigated itself away from me by pouncing through this tall grain field. I've learned to wear my camera ready-to-shoot, having missed a hundred such opportunities in the past. This location faces east on the Blue Ridge near Route 7.
















The same barley field pictured above can be seen here on the horizon. Recently planted corn turns this fertile field brown to green. A friend and I hiked to the top of this ridge pasture and rested. Not more than a stone throw away, we heard a pack of coyotes begin wailing in the woods. A rare treat in Loudoun, but not a comfortable one...chilling.

Pasture swimming

...looks like this. Taken last weekend.

High plains farming in Loudoun

While technically not high plains, this Loudoun pasture does offer terrific views looking south toward Route 7 and Bluemont. These cows call the side of the Blue Ridge their home.



















Farmhand Skip told me that Coyotes also make these high pastures home. I did hear odd cries while hiking higher up the ridge. There's nothing like plowing through waist high grasses exploring without a trail.

Fine Sunday

Yesterday was a fine day for a stroll up the side of the ridge. Luckily, travels this day featured pastures and fields of barley ascending high into the distance. As the evening sun lowered on the horizon, this barley field lit up with stripes glowing colors. In the distance a donkey's bray and wild turkeys could be heard celebrating the close of another beautiful day in western Loudoun County.

Town Festival Day 2009

Just a terrific day in my small town. Here, the stage is set for the pie eating contest as on lookers begin to gather. The 2009 Round Hill Town Festival was a smashing success.























The sack races are always a hit with the kids. A camera always helps to show a slightly different perspective on things.



















This child is adorable.






















A small crew exhibited their gymnastic dance moves. This particular gentleman could fly through the air.























Mid-air hops nearing the finish line.
























These folks provided stories, history and drama related to swords and lore. They acted out mock duels while informing the audience of the roots of swordplay.



















Classic pie eating techniques are revealed as the adult portion of the contest ensues.















Seconds after time is called. New rules this year calls for pie to be ingested, rather than worn. In years past we've seen eaters covered from head to toe in hopes of gaining higher scores (remaining pie is weighed to gauge winners).
















This is a Round Hill Festival first; ground pie eating. The judges did not know what to make of this brazen new technique. Apparently, the pie is tossed to the floor thereby allowing the eater to attack the 2400 calorie desert from a prone position....ingenious! The contestant was not disqualified, however, the rules committee will spend many weeks reviewing video to determine potential changes next year.












Warriors, each and every one of them!

Jefferson's Rotunda

A recent trip to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville produced this photo of the Rotunda, a focal point on campus. This spectacular institution was formed by Thomas Jefferson, with this building breaking ground in 1822. The campus was unique for its time due to its focus on a library, rather than a church. The university evokes feelings of grandeur and history that is uniquely American.

Photos on display at Magnolia's

Selected Loudoun Landscape photographs are currently on display at Magnolia's in Purcellville. If you're in town, stop in and have a look.













The tuna is terrific, I suggest a Dale's Pale Ale to go with it. Tell Patrick that Dave sent you!

Foggy mid-week morning, and still

The early Wednesday morning fog pulled me from the house in search of quiet Loudoun scenes. These two continually honking Canadian Geese did not favor my visit. Everything else was quite still. Taken near Snickersville Turnpike.






















While shooting at another location yesterday, this crazed beast from heck comes tearing around the pond at me. The newish Black Lab could hardly stay in it's own fur as it bounced around seeking nothing but fun. After realizing I was not fun (the camera you know), it tore around the pond and ripped a hearty branch from a tree. I was just leaving as the hapless canine returned with his treasure.

A chicken in every hand

The Chorus of the Old Dominion is at it again with a light hearted delivery of fine vocal verses. The group gathered at the Bluemont Store on a chilly January morning. For some reason, this called for the cuddling of chickens. Watching patrons walk into the store was as much fun as doing the shoot itself. Featured on the Blue Ridge Leader on February 27, 2009.

Warm February day at the arboretum

A nice break in the weather was the perfect excuse for a hike this weekend. These red Smooth Sumac berries "float" in the field as the wind knocks them about.

The photo above was taken at the Virginia State Arboretum located in Boyce, VA on Route 50 near 340. From their website "..displaying more than 8,000 trees and woody shrubs". A visit here is required.























Close up of the berries in question.

Show Opening at Magnolia's

In a partnership with the Round Hill Art Center, a selection of my work has been hung at Magnolia's in Purcellville. My photographs will be shown through the end of March. The show opening is scheduled for Monday, February 16 from 6 - 8 PM. This is a fine chance to taste the goodness of Magnolia's while seeing some of my large framed work. I hope to see you there.

Link for more information: www.roundhillartscenter.org/events.html#dave

Frozen Tree

After a recent night of freezing rain, the encased trees sparkled in the morning sun.

Ridge Frosting

After a cold and rainy night, the ridge woke frosted.

Pocket camera used here.

Cold and foggy travels in Loudoun

Socked in with fog, Loudoun county was chilly Saturday morning. This photo was taken at Glenowen Farm, one of my favorite places to shoot. The cows and geese added to the silent beauty of the morning.
















Taken at the same farm, these intersecting pastures poke through the horizon like massive beach balls.
















A one in a million shot. Taken near Blackburn cabin where I saw ten thousand leaves fall as the tree tops rustled.















A serene Loudoun setting.

















Most of my friends know that I love the simplicity of overgrown fields, especially when wet and striped with fall colors.

Raven Rocks hike

November first was warmer than seventy degrees, a perfect day for a hike on the Blue Ridge. Both Virginia and West Virginia can be seen in this photo, taken at Raven Rocks. Colorful hard woods cascade down to green farm land.

Coming home on Route 601 toward Route 7, a stunning sunset provides a finishing touch to the day.

Singing in the trees

My good friend Timothy Wyant invited me to shoot photos of his chorus group the local Christmas tree farm. Huh? Timothy is the type of guy who like to mix things up a bit. When he called, he said he wanted quirky shots of his group mingling with the trees on the slopes of the Blue Ridge? How could I refuse an offer like that. After taking several "normal" shots, I had them line up like trees which provided a uniquely quirky photo. Mission accomplished I'd say.

















This is one of the "normal shots" with acres of Christmas trees cascading down the ridge behind them. Their voices filled the air on this perfect day. The group headed over to the Bluemont Fair following the shoot to give a performance. You can learn more about the Chorus of the Old Dominion by visiting this link: www.odchorus.org. Click here to learn more about The Snickers Gap Tree Farm.

Skyline Drive Camping In October

Last weekend neighbor Dave and I camped on top of Skyline Drive. The weather was cool and fall colors are starting to appear. We stayed at Loft Mountain where all 220 campsites were occupied. It is amazing how peaceful a mountaintop can be with so many campers.

















The Appalachian Trail wraps around the campsite offering easy access to stunning views. This photo was taken in the morning where the low sunlight created scenes that were alive with color.


















These helpful trail markers were found at various intersections. We don't see these on trail sections in Loudoun County. They tend to be wooden signs in our area.














We did not see bears during our trip, but their presence was evident. At some point during our stay we noticed a large apple tree bordering our campsite. The base of the tree was dotted with biological remnants (a nice way of saying poo) of deer and bear. "...protect your property?" I had no idea bears were thieves, food I can understand.






















After years of attempting to get closeup photos of deer, my goal was met this weekend. Dave and I were hiking along the trail and two bucks casually approached us on their morning stroll. The smaller of the two walked within two feet of us, as if we were not there. The second, larger buck (seen here) milled within ten feet of us for about five minutes. I assume they had no fear because hunting is not permitted in this location. Here in Loudoun, getting within fifty yards is rare.

Barn and Moon in Early Fall

As early fall prepares to descend on Loudoun County, the air becomes crisper and evenings grow cool. Fall skies are often filled with pinks and magenta's as the sun rises and sets. This recently snapped scene is located next to the Mountain View Elementary school on Alder School Road.

Update Jan 2011 - This is now the site of Woodgrove High School. The school is situated on the right hand side, and the football field on the left.