Lightning Everywhere

We were treated to some light show last night. There was so much heat lightning that at times it looked like a strobe light sitting outside. Between releases of strobing energy high in the sky, an occasional bolt would strike the ground. This long exposure photo captured multiple strikes over a period of about three minutes. Shot at f7 in bulb mode.

Loudoun Milking Barn

This photo is of a decaying milking barn located just north of Round Hill. It must have been a site of great activity at one time. A deer was sleeping inside as I arrived and fled in a panic. It likely receives few visitors these days.

Below is a link to an experiment that I am working on. A special lens is used to capture a scene in 360 degrees. The result allows the user to interact inside of the navigable photo. Let me know what you think:

Interactive Top of the Ridge

You know you're in western Loudoun when...

...you see a sign for a lost calf. Yep, we grow 'em smart out this way, especially along Snickersville Tpk. I saw a couple of them climbing fences last year. Seems to me that escape plans slipped into the hands of our livestock. Just set yourself free Elsie, don't make it messy Bessie, open the cell Clarabelle....just listen to me. There must be 50 ways to leave your farmer.

Soaring hawk / Community hug

The first photo shows one of the soaring hawks mentioned in my Monday post. The second photo is of my booth from the Arts in the Alley show this past weekend, my first outdoor show. I can't say enough about the community support I received. Thanks to everyone who visited, for the kind comments and for the sales. I met another Loudoun Photographer (Elizabeth) and a painter (Rayhart) from Ashburn, see their websites listed on my local artists list.

Incredible day on the ridge

Yesterday's hike included acres of waist high field grass, soaring hawks and sprawling views. The sky was filled with wispy clouds that painted spectacular patterns above. These two photos were taken on the east side of the ridge in Bluemont. The view from bench of the second photo reveals Reston on the horizon (not in this photo, however.)

Blue Ridge Center

The Blue Ridge Center is located on Route 671 in Neersville. This 900 acre reserve serves as an environmental stewardship complete with hiking trails and organic farming. Some of the hiking trails feature civil war era buildings that remain standing today. 1/125 sec. at f10.

Arts in the Ally 6/10

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, June 10, come out to Purcellville for the third annual Arts in the Alley show. This year, the show will be bigger than ever. My booth will be in the center 21st street. It will be the only booth with a recycled and reconfigured trampoline being used to hang prints. Be sure to say hi if you swing by.

Wine making in the hills of Loudoun

Another spectacular weekend in western Lounoun. After a hike at the Blue Ridge Center, surrounded by lush old growth (photos coming), my son and I stopped by the Hillsborough Winery to enjoy the view. This winery is located along Rt. 9 just north of Round Hill. There are several wineries in the area, each offers tours and tastes. Details: Canon 20D, 24-70mm lens, f22 @ 1/10 sec, actual tripod, very muddy boots, unshaven, thirsty and upbeat.

Furry Little Dipper

This little dipper is standing in the stream that feeds Sleeter Lake. I was so excited about finally getting a decent deer photo shot that I slammed the truck in park and bolted into a neighbor's yard. Not a great photo, but I captured a deer in a creek looking at me (I usually end up looking at deer butt instead).

Blue Ridges at Reddish Knob

This photo is another from the camping series in March. Reddish Knob provides spectacular views in all directions looking into Virgina and West Virginia. I steadied the camera using an umbrella on this trip, I look forward to returning with my tripod.

Directions to Reddish Knob, click here.

Mooncrazy, thanks for recent comment. I agree with you and will begin posting technical details of the shots I post. Details: Canon EOS 20D, Canon 24-70mm lens , F22 at 1/30 sec., umbrella, shorts and grubby t-shirt.

Pie eating contest gone wrong

Our Mayor wearing a pie tin hat and our festivities organizer looking all to happy to do it.













An unscathed scalp about to receive the pie treatment.












Round Hill held it's Hometown Festival yesterday where fun was had by all. The highly anticipated pie eating contest was kicked off with some of the town VIP's going head to head. After the countdown, however, pies were thrown into the air covering the contestants in French Silk. Nothing can compare to small town events where the community comes together for a rip roaring good time.

Creepy tree

This creepy tree is located south of Purcellville. I think it resents being surrounded by new mammoth houses. It looks like it nearly died years ago, perhaps due to lightning.

Update Jan 2011 - A neighborhood now sits on this very spot. 

At the mill over the ridge

Saturday was an unbelievably beautiful day in northern Virginia filled with bright blue skies, gentle winds and the smell of spring. A trip across the ridge into Clarke county produced this photo complete with a roller coaster like fence trailing off in the distance. There is also a Tastee Freez just south on 340, yum.













The trip included a jaunt over the to Burwell-Morgan Mill. This is an incredible machine that runs as it did in the 18th century. It is amazing how little water is required to keep the main wheel turning. The kids and I watched it grind corn, it even ran the sifter.

Balls Bluff tree and Virginia Creeper

A trip to Balls Bluff civil war park on Friday provided a terrific photographic opportunity for lush green foliage. This park runs adjacent to the Potomac River in Leesburg and features a small national cemetery, filled mostly with unmarked graves. A great battle occurred here 1861 with the Union army attempting to take Leesburg.

Blue Ridge panorama

The original size for this stitched-together photograph is 18,000 pixels wide, shrunken down here to fit. It is composed of six, 8.5 megapixel photos (click image to see it larger). This series was taken on the same morning as my previous post. I am considering printing this at full size on canvas but not sure where I could hang it. The National Gallery of Art would do :)

Wet Monday hike

At 9 AM this morning, the Blue Ridge was sopping wet. As I hiked up the ridge, the mist became thicker until finally turning to rain. Ten minutes to the bottom later, I headed back up with umbrella in hand. Nearing the top I was treated to a spectacular view of western Loudoun filled with a sun spotted ground between columns of rain. This photo features a northern view as the sun broke above me. More to come....

Time for a winter photo

Now that spring is here and today was rather warm, I thought it appropriate to break out a winter photo. Pictured here is trail ice from a January jaunt down the AT Trail. These winter river shots usually involve getting wet in freezing temps. On this trip I recall my lens freezing up from the splashing water. Not a pretty sight when wearing gloves, kneeling in snow while precariously hovering over a chilly river.

Stoney Point revisit

One day I will capture this location in all it's deserved glory. Yesterday evening was not it. It seems that sunrise may play better in this location. No regrets however, it was a peaceful evening filled with gentle winds, goose calls and something strange in the woods behind me.

Green moss and granite

This unique combination of nature was discovered just off the Appalachian Trail about three miles south of Bears Den cabin. My eyes were drawn to emerald green moss set against a large, cracked chunk of white granite. The moss is growing between the one inch cracks within the granite. Ultra fluffy and mega hard just hanging out together in the woods.

Magic mushroom

During fall of last year I drove to Blackburn cabin to capture the changing leaves in fog. The road to the cabin produced wonderful photos reminiscient of images from fairy tales. This photo features a pure white cap mushroom with a backdrop of lush green fogginess. At any moment you would expect to see wood fairies pop out of hiding and begin giggling at you.