Tag: #july4

Finding Roots in England

Looking back at travel photos from past trips, I ask myself why a certain image resonates for me. I’m drawn to this midsummer scene in bucolic England, in a photograph taken on July 4, 2018. First, compositional elements are pleasing: the bright reflection on the Wear River brings the eye directly to the rowing crew in their boat, and the bridge in the background gives the boat implied direction through the image. Second, the greenery and still water on an ideal summer’s day, lends feelings of tranquility, perhaps even memories of a simpler time and an escape from society’s turmoil. Third, happy memories of an overseas trip seem even sweeter during this time when travel is forbidden.

#crew, #england, #wear, #riverwear, #wearriver, #durham, #durhamuniversity, #crew team, #rowing, #bucolic, #durham, #UK, #travelphotography, #why, #roots, #georgetownuniversity, #family, #memories, #pride
Rowers on the River Wear in Durham England, July 4, 2018. This scene inspires reflections on the long tradition of crew teams, in USA and England.

But, I realize there is more meaning behind my positive feelings for this image. Sixteen years ago my daughter rowed crew for Georgetown University. I watched her crew team on the Potomac River in Washington DC, and I’m proud of her many achievements. While I saw a flashback of my daughter in this scene, I also saw her place in a long history of rowing that goes back many years and across the ocean to the U.K. In this moment, I had crossed the ocean to a foreign country, but I felt like I had stumbled upon my family roots.

I believe it is true that as a photographer I will capture an image that instantaneously appeals to me, but further reflection reveals more meaning. I’m sure you can think of images that resonate for you.

Turtle Independence Day

July 4 is a date that holds special meaning for all Americans, and for Sea Turtles, too! The Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii has celebrated Turtle Independence Day on July 4 every year since 1989.  They raise a group of baby Green Sea Turtles, known as “honu” in Hawaii,  in salt water ponds acquired from Oahu Sea Life Park. On July 4 the Mauna Lani celebrates their release into the ocean.

This photo is a sea turtle I found taking a nap on the beach in Anaehoomalu Bay ( a.k.a. A Bay ) on the Big Island of Hawaii. I have also seen large sea turtles swimming around me while snorkeling in Hawaii. Pretty cool creatures!

#seaturtle, #turtle, #wildlife, #hawaii, #bigisland, #donotdisturb, #independenceday
Sea Turtle found napping on the beach in Hawaii.

Before the Fireworks

I bet you have often seen a spectacular sky, but the foreground is terrible and besides, you don’t have your camera with you. I’m with you. Last night the spectacular sunset met the perfect foreground (two parts of the trinity), but alas, my camera was sitting at home. So, I did my best with the iPhone.

While waiting for the fireworks to begin around a friend’s swimming pool, the setting sun lit up the clouds and reflected in the infinity pool. Lying down beside the pool, I captured this colorful image.

#july4, #sunset, #sky, #reflection, #color
Sewickley Heights sunset before the Fireworks