Winter 2016

Image | April 5, 2016April 6, 2016 | Tom

I’ve hinted in the past that while the vibrant “organic” colors that Spring through Fall bring make for amazing photographs. However, there is something to be said for the simple beauty of winter. After all, the peaceful beauty that freshly fallen snow (let alone the peaceful silence of being out in the snow as it quietly falls) makes for great images.

While winter may have gotten off to a late start here on the East Coast, it made for some great photography: bringing the foggiest December on record to the Mid Atlantic. Then in January, we were treated to a true whollop of snowstorm, bringing 34 inches to my backyard. Some areas of West Virginia saw 40+”! Unfortunately, this much snow made it extremely difficult for me to get to get to scenic locations to photograph, but my new pair of snowshoes got a lot of use for a week 🙂

Finally, we were able to make it up to Canaan Valley in the high Alleghenies of West Virginia for Winter’s last true stand. While not quite as cold or beautiful as the winter of 2015, all-in-all winter 2016 did not disappoint.

Cheers!

-Tom

Blackwater Canyon in West Virginia

Starry night sky above Canaan Valley

Late day sky glow in Canaan Valley

Elakala Falls

Frozen rocks at Great Falls during a cold snap

The sun trying to poke through the clouds on a foggy morning

Reston during the blizzard

I was out during the peak of “blizzard conditions” and was impressed by the amount of snow blowing around

The neighborhood…more snow still had yet to come

Saint Mary’s Wilderness – George Washington National Forest

Bolivar Heights – Harpers Ferry. The mountains were completely obstructed by the fog bank pouring over them

Sunrise in Jefferson County, WV. Due to excessively warm/moist conditions, the grass was abnormally green for late December

Jefferson County, WV

Industrial Grittiness – Halltown, WV

North Landing River Preserve, Virginia Beach

A near full moon over Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Abandoned farmhouse – Great Falls, VA

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Washington, DC

Good morning, Washington

4th of July Celebrations – Washington, DC

I was glad that I came down here for a second morning in a row. I would not have been able to get this shot the morning before due to people being in the picture. Plus the water was calmer and the sun wasn’t partially blocked by clouds.

The full “worm” (Spring) moon rises over Washington

The Heart of Chile

Image | January 15, 2016January 19, 2016 | Tom

For week’s I’ve debated on how to sum up/write about the areas of Chile that we visited outside of Patagonia. For a country that stretches 4,300 Km in length, with climates ranging from the driest desert on earth to the third largest glacial ice field on earth, it is hard to sum it up by just visiting two regions.

While we spent nearly 2 weeks exploring some of the best sights that this wonderful country has to offer, I feel that we barely scratched the surface. What I can say is that modern Chile has a lot to be proud of: a stable government, South America’s strongest economy, friendly people, an embrace of their history, wonderful traditions, and great food…There is nothing quite like a Chilean sandwich anywhere else on earth!

I think one of the things that I like the most about Chile is the immense pride that their people have in their country. Driving down any road, there are bright Chilean flags flying outside of just about every house. While at a bar here, the native Chilean bartender was trying to one up his Argentinian coworker by crafting a perfect cocktail. I have to admit he did a good job…It was probably one of the most beautiful drinks I’ve ever drank.

As passionate as Chileans are about their country, they are passionate about religion. It is impossible to talk about the history of Chile without involving Catholicism. The biggest crowds that we saw while in the country were gathered around churches and religious monuments.

We were fortunate enough to experience Chile’s culture in the sprawling capital of Santiago and the nearby coastal city of Valparaiso. Each of these cities is unique and it is easy to tell that Santiago is the economic and political powerhouse of this part of South America.

While Santiago packs in the masses and serves as Chile’s economic & governmental capital, Valparaiso packs in the charm. Some have called it the San Francisco of South America. The great thing about this city is that it has garnered enough attention to preserve the unique buildings, but not enough attention to ruin the unique local culture. Walking down the streets in Valparaiso is like walking through a history museum turned art museum. Photographic opportunities abound around every street corner…