She Said YES!

“It’s a beautiful night, I am looking for something crazy to do. Hey Joanna, I think I wanna marry you.” ( 8:00 PM June 21, 2014 )

 Engagement

F/5.6, 1/125, ISO125

Interesting Fact: Countries such as England, United states, France, and Canada traditionally wear the engagement ring on the left hand. Where as Germany, Russia and India wear the ring on the right hand. ( http://www.jewellerymonthly.com/facts_engagement_rings/ )

To My Hero – Happy Father’s Day! ( Dla Mojego Najwiekszego Bohatera Wszystkiego Najlepszego Z Okazji Dnia Taty. )

Dad

F/4.8, 1/250, ISO 180.

Today is a very special day, and I would like to dedicate this post to the most important role model in my life.  Without him, none of this would be possible.  He dedicated his life working day and night so everyone in my family would have a bright future.  So, on this amazing day, DAD-I would like to THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done for us and wish you all the best.  I hope every day brings you happiness and health.  Happy Father’s Day My Hero-Wlodzimierz Kondraciuk.

Polish: W ten specjalny dzien Tato brakuje me slow, zeby Ci podziekowac za cierpliwosc, dobroc, za rozumialosc, ciezka prace, i ojcowska odwage.  Ale tak bardo chcialbym wyrazic wdziecznosc wlasnie tobie. Dziekuje Ci Kochany Tato.

Dad 1

F/4.5, 1/60, ISO400.

 

Dad and Me

F/4.0, 1/60, ISO 800.

Interesting Fact: The first Father’s Day happened on June 17, 1910.

Red Tail Goalie

red tailed hawk

F/7.1, 1/800, ISO 200.

With the 2014 FIFA World Cup coming, every one is getting excited, even the Red Tail Hawk came down to take a closer look at a little league soccer game. The hawk liked the soccer game so much, he stayed around to play as a goalie. But since he wasn’t playing fair and the kids were scared of him, the referee gave him a red card and tossed him out of the game.

red tailed hawk1

F/5.6, 1/500, ISO 200.

Interesting Fact: These birds of prey are also known as buzzard hawks and red hawks. By any name, they are keen-eyed and efficient hunters. Red-tails prefer open areas, such as fields or deserts, with high perching places nearby from which they can watch for prey. But these birds are adaptable and also dwell in mountains and tropical rain forests. Hawks have even embraced human habitats. They often perch on telephone poles and take advantage of the open spaces along the roadside to spot and seize mice, ground squirrels, rabbits, reptiles, or other prey. ( http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/red-tailed-hawk/ )

Wreck or History ?

Binghamton

F/9.0, 30.0, ISO 100.

Seeing this boat in Edgewater, New Jersey, always made me wonder, what is it and what’s the story behind it?

Binghamton 1

F/8.0, 1/1000, ISO 200.

Interesting Fact: The Binghamton is a retired ferryboat that operated from 1905 to 1967 transporting passengers across the Hudson River between Manhattan and Hoboken. She was built for the Hoboken Ferry Company of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad and was designed to carry 986 passengers plus vehicles.[4] Binghamton has been permanently moored at Edgewater, Bergen County, New Jersey, United States, since 1971. The US Department of the Interior added her to the National Register of Historic Places on July 9, 1982. Operated as a floating restaurant from 1975 to 2007, the vessel is now closed and awaiting reuse. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binghamton_(ferryboat)  )

Memorial Day

Memorial Day

f/6.3, 1/250, ISO 100.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday for remembering all the men and women who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. These two photos express a tribute to all those who lost their lives and the ones who continue to serve. Thank You to all the troops.

Memorial Day

F/5.6, 1/600, ISO 250.

Interesting Fact: Even though numerous different communities had been independently celebrating Memorial Day for years, the federal government declared Waterloo, N.Y. the official birthplace of Memorial Day. Waterloo first celebrated the holiday on May 5, 1866.    ( http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/2014/05/25/memorial-day-fun-facts/9583503/ )

Domincan Republic Flowers

Flowers 1

F/5.6, 1/250, ISO 100

By visiting Dominican Republic I came across a lot of beauty, which is hard to explain in words.  But photos have a way to speak for them self.  I am not familiar with those flowers, yet the lighting and the beauty of them give a perfect combination for those photos.

Flowers 3

F/5.6, 1/60, ISO450

Interesting Fact: The flag of the Dominican Republic is the only national flag in the world to feature the image of a bible. ( http://homepages.wmich.edu/~mft7006/finalproject/facts.html )

Spring Goslings

canadian goose

Canada geese babies are called Goslings, and don’t get too excited ladies, I’m not talking about Ryan Gosling (ha ha).  Those little guys are so adorable that they easily bring a smile on your face. Goslings like to have fun and play around with each other.  They also obey their parents so well, that all it takes is one quack from mama geese and they are all in line (like the photo above).

canadian goose baby

Interesting Fact: When Canada Geese do migrate, they form impressive and aerodynamic “V-formations.” They can cover 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) in just 24 hours with a favorable wind, but typically travel at a much more leisurely rate. ( http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/canada-goose/ )

Congratulations On Your Engagement Jenn & Matt!

engagement

This past weekend I had the pleasure to shoot this lovely couple’s engagement photos. It has been so much fun working with them and I would like to wish them all the best in the future. Congratulations again Jenn & Matt!

engagement 1 engagement 19 engagement 16 engagement 15 engagement 14 engagement 13 engagement 12 engagement 10 engagement 8 engagement 6 engagement 5 engagement 4 engagement 3 engagement 2

 

Interesting Fact:  The custom of giving engagement rings began as early as the Ancient Egyptian period. Engagement rings are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, because the Ancient Egyptian people believed that it contained a vein which led to the heart. ( http://www.bespoke-bride.com/2012/10/23/10-fun-facts-about-engagement-rings/ )

 

Jack Daniels Single Barrel the only way to go over my photos.

Jack Daniels Single Barrel

F/6.3, 1/60, ISO 100, Light Box.

Jack Daniels Single Barrel is my favorite drink while I am going over my photos. So this inspired me to create this image. Although I have not been shooting with film for quite some time, this is the way I pictured it if I would.

 

Interesting Fact:  Just one out of every 100 barrels are set aside to mature in the highest reaches of barrelhouses, where dramatic temperature changes cause the color and taste to deepen further. Each barrel is hand-selected for its one-of-a-kind flavor, robust taste, and notes of toasted oak, vanilla, and caramel.  ( http://www.jackdaniels.com/whiskey/jack-daniels-single-barrel )

April showers bring May flowers

Spring

F/5.0, 1/640, ISO 100.

Spring is beautiful, a perfect time to go out and shoot.  All the amazing colors of the flower’s, birds are return home after migrating in winter, and animals coming out of hibernation.

Bee

F/5.6, 1/400, ISO 400.

Interesting Fact: During spring, the axis of the Earth is increasing its tilt relative to the Sun, and the length of daylight rapidly increases for the relevant hemisphere. The hemisphere begins to warm significantly causing new plant growth to “spring forth,” giving the season its name.  ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_(season) )

spring2

F/9.0, 1/320, ISO 100.