I have been posting to this blog for over 13 years, each year reporting on accomplishments over the prior year and goals for the new year.

2024 is a little different. I’ve decided that this Blog will be my main photography communication vehicle. Content will be varied and in the spirit of my approach to photography as described on the "About" page of my website at www.jeffmarcowitz.photography 

Unlike the past, all content posted here in the blog will NOT also be on the website Project W pages. I intend to make the Project W pages more of a curated collection of work representing the “Best Of” images posted here on the Blog. With a subscription, you'll continue to receive an email (with content) whenever I post to the Project W Blog.

Thanks to all of you who have followed this photo blog for many years and welcome to any newcomers. My hope is that the images and stories are interesting and thought-provoking as I continue this creative journey. As always, comments, critiques and suggestions (here and the website) are welcome and appreciated as they often lead to new ideas and inspiration.

Thank You.
Jeff

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Cesar

Yankees & The Doors
Wolff's Flea Market

Rosemont, IL



Cesar has had his beard for 5 years with no trim.



Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/500 | 40mm | ISO 1000
Voigtlander VM 40mm F2.8 Heliar (adapted)



Photographed 08/18/24

Monday, November 18, 2024

Like Father, Like Son

Like Father, Like Son


Thaddeus Jr. and Thaddeus
Wolff's Flea Market

Rosemont, IL



Thaddeus has had his beard since 2008 and trimmed it sometime in 2023. No info on Jr. other than he's letting it grow.



Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/500 | 40mm | ISO 2000
Voigtlander VM 40mm F2.8 Heliar (adapted)



Photographed 8/18/24

Sunday, November 17, 2024

2 For 1

2 For 1
Arlington Heights, IL



Photographing a photographer photographing a photographer.



Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/500 | 40mm | ISO 160
Voigtlander VM 40mm F2.8 Heliar (adapted)


Photographed 11/17/24

Friday, November 15, 2024

Sunbeam Hymns

Sunbeam Hymns
Winnetka, IL



Been playing around with some film photography. Working on a roll of HP5+.



Nikon 35Ti | Program Mode | 35mm | Ilford HP5+



Photographed 8/2024

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

What Is The Message?

What Is The Message?
52Frames - Week 46 - Perspective

EC: Optical Illusion



Palm Desert, CA



It was late afternoon and a rare moment of clouds moving through. I glanced up and saw this scene I had never before experienced.  After taking the shot on my phone, it got me thinking about "perspective".



Visually, it is difficult to tell whether the view is above, below or at eye level of the clouds (hence the EC: Optical Illusion).  Spiritually, I had the perspective of gratitude, being in the right place, at the right time to experience this phenomena (hence the Title).



Apple iPhone 15 Pro @ f2.8 | 1/9300 | 9mm (205mm equiv) | ISO 16



Photographed 11/11/24

Sunday, November 10, 2024

"Good Morning!!!"


College of the Desert
Palm Desert, CA

Driving a shuttle cart around the flea market, he was booming out "Good Morning" to everyone he passed.  After the 2nd pass, I offered a fist bump to which he obliged...and I captured.

Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/400 | 28mm | ISO 400
Voigtlander VM 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)

Photographed 11/10/24

Saturday, November 9, 2024

3 Rounds Under 100...

3 Rounds Under 100...
52Frames - Week 45 - Fill The Frame
EC: 200mm+

Palm Desert, CA

...and I still have this golf ball.  Admittedly, I did not use it on holes with water, thereby extending my possession.

Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/250 | 200mm | ISO 12800
Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A067

Photographed 11/7/24

Friday, November 8, 2024

Bridge Over Untroubled Waters

Bridge Over Untroubled Waters
52 Assignments Exposure 10 - Mirror Image

Wright Woods Forest Preserve
Libertyville, IL

Sony A7IV @ f5.6 | 1/400 | 70mm | ISO 250
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 10/21/24

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Master The Masters

Images from a photo challenge I participate in; 52 Assignments Exposure 09 - Master The Masters.  
These are
slice of life photos influenced by the work of William Eggleston and Stephen Shore.
 
Duel
Duel
Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/80 | 28mm | ISO 2500
Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)
Photographed 10/24/24


Working Late
Working Late
Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/100 | 28mm | ISO 3200
Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)

Photographed 10/24/24


Barber Shop
Barber Shop
Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/80 | 28mm | ISO 1000
Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)

Photographed 10/24/24


Ghoulish
Ghoulish
Sony A7Cii @ f2.8 | 1/15 | 28mm | ISO 10000
Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)

Photographed 10/24/24


Hagen's
Hagen's
Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/200 | 28mm | ISO 100
Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron (adapted)

Photographed 10/26/24

Sunday, November 3, 2024

More Than The Naked Eye Can See

More Than The Naked Eye Can See
Palm Desert, CA

This is not one of my best star trails photos, but thought it worthy of sharing based on the number of trails that showed up in the processing.  Didn't bring my astro kit this trip so had to improvise.

180 photos, each 30 seconds long, stacked and blended in Photoshop. The colors were a bit funky, and stars not as sharp as I would like, hence the b/w processing for a more striking image.

Sony A7Cii @ f2.8 | 180 x 30" | 28mm | ISO 100
Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A067

Photographed 11/1/24

Friday, November 1, 2024

Calories

Calories
52Frames - Week 44 - Baked

J's Deli
Palm Desert, CA

Dinner at the deli so the day's baked goods were already covered.  Streak-saver shot AND a good dessert nonetheless.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro @ f1.8 | 1/100 | 6.76mm (24mm equiv) | ISO 160

Photographed 10/30/24

Thursday, October 31, 2024

I Couldn't Help It

I Couldn't Help It
Visual Notes 35

Palm Desert, CA

After climbing 2 flights, I emerged from the dark stairwell and was blasted by this display of color, light and shadow.  I grabbed my phone camera and fired away.  It was like the “Jerry Seinfeld” of photography…pictures of nothing, but it was a moment of beauty & interest in my mind, and I was compelled to capture it.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro @ f2.2 | 1/1100 | 2.22mm (14mm equiv) | ISO 25

Photographed 10/31/24

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Diagonals IV

Diagonals IV
Visual Notes 34

Lincolnshire, IL

While on a walk in the bright sunshine, this scene captured my attention for Visual Notes due to the strong geometry of light and shadow.  The full collection can be viewed here: https://www.jeffmarcowitz.photography/Collections/Visual-Notes

Apple iPhone 15 Pro @ f2.8 | 1/640 | 9mm (100mm equiv) | ISO 25

Photographed 10/21/24

Monday, October 28, 2024

Impact

Impact
52 Assignments Exposure 06 - Blaze A Trail

Illinois Tollway I-94
Lake Forest Oasis (view north)

Long and short exposures with a subtle composite.

Sony A7IV @ f16 | 2.5" | 200mm | ISO 800
Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 9/25/24

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Tunnel

Tunnel
Visual Notes 33

Jefferson Park
Chicago, IL

Experienced this repetitive archway and thought it would be a good subject with which to revive the Visual Notes collection.   The full collection can be viewed here: https://www.jeffmarcowitz.photography/Collections/Visual-Notes

Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/160 | 90mm | ISO 3200
Leitz Elmar-C 90mm F4 (adapted)

Photographed 10/26/24

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Nature's Palette

Nature's Palette
52Frames - Week 43 - Nature

Wright Woods
Libertyville, IL

Forest preserve, autumn color, pond, reflection and...the moon. Was hoping for some ducks to swim into the scene but they were not cooperating.

Sony A7IV @ f4 | 1/1000 | 37mm | ISO 250
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 10/21/24

Friday, October 25, 2024

It Used To Be Dark!

It Used To Be Dark!
52Frames - Week 42 - On The Ground!
EC: Use A Macro Lens

Every time I get my hair cut, the pile gets lighter and lighter.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro @ f2.2 | 1/120 | 2.22mm (24mm equiv) | ISO 250

Photographed 10/17/24

Thursday, October 24, 2024

A Rare Occurrence

A Rare Occurrence
52Frames - Week 41 - Panorama

Earlier this month the Chicago area was graced with an occurrence of the northern lights. It was a clear night so I went out to shoot star trails since the forecast was only a 10% chance of being able to see the aurora.

I got lucky with both! This photo is a 5 shot panorama merged in Lightroom. The star trails + aurora photo was posted earlier on my blog at https://jeffm211-p52.blogspot.com/2024/10/good-fortune.html.

Sony A7IV @ f2.8 | 5 x 1.6" | 28mm | ISO 1600
Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A067

Photographed 10/11/24

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Stroll

Stroll
52Frames - Week 40 - A Quiet Moment
EC: Golden Ratio

Independence Grove Forest Preserve
Libertyville, IL

During the week, this is an especially peaceful place for a stroll.

Sony A7IV @ f6.3 | 1/400 | 111mm | ISO 250
Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 10/2/24

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

No Kleenex

No Kleenex
52Frames - Week 39 - Mode of Transportation

Independence Grove Forest Preserve
Libertyville, IL

Rarely do I have Kleenex when using this mode of transportation.  The glove works.

Sony A7IV @ f8 | 1/400 | 232mm | ISO 250
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/23/24

Monday, October 21, 2024

Three Birds

I'm by no stretch a birder or bird photographer.  However, I did manage to capture photos of a few birds on the Africa trip.  Below are my three favorites.  In retrospect, the timing of these photos being captured is interesting.  The first one was shot during the first hour of the first game drive, before any significant animal sightings.  The last photo was captured on our last game drive, after spending a week experiencing amazing animal sightings.  Needless to say, my focus was not birds during that intervening period.

These are the last of my initial Africa postings.  Going through the remaining photos and creating a book lies ahead.  

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
Saw this guy on our first game drive...and many more throughout subsequent drives.

Sony A7IV @ f6.3 | 1/250 | 273mm | ISO 1000
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/14/24


Gray Go-Away-Bird
Gray Go-Away Bird
Another common bird which we saw and heard often.  The unique characteristic of this bird is their call which sounded like they were saying "go away"; hence the name.

Sony A7IV @ f6.3 | 1/1000 | 400mm | ISO 250
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/14/24


Lilac-Breasted Roller
Lilac-Breasted Roller
ID'd by our guide as a Lilac-breasted Roller, probably the most photographed bird in South Africa.  Not being a birder, this is the only one I saw and was fortunate to capture this photo on our last game drive.


Sony A7IV @ f7.1 | 1/640 | 400mm | ISO 250
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/19/24

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Giraffe Feeding Station

Giraffe Feeding Station
Simbambili Game Drive
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

Our guide told us that one of his guests actually asked if that's what it was!

Sony A7IV @ f6.3 | 1/500 | 309mm | ISO 250
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/17/24

Saturday, October 19, 2024

What A Face!

What A Face!
Simbambili Game Drive
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

Caught this guy at his highest point above the water and did a deep crop to show those facial features.
 

Sony A7IV @ f8 | 1/125 | 218mm | ISO 250
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/19/24

Friday, October 18, 2024

White On Black or Black on White?

White On Black or Black on White?
Simbambili Game Drive
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

Every single zebra has a unique pattern.

Sony A7IV @ f9 | 1/1000 | 145mm | ISO 2500
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/18/24

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Aftermath

Aftermath
Simbambili Game Drive
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

Two brothers sharing a meal of young buffalo. We arrived after the kill.

Sony A7IV @ f6.3 | 1/500 | 57mm | ISO 2500
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/17/24

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Have You Ever Wondered...

Have You Ever Wondered...
Buffalo Camp Game Drive
Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa

...how giraffes drink water?

Sony A7IV @ f5.6 | 1/500 | 99mm | ISO 1000
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/16/24

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

When You Have An Itch...

When You Have An Itch...
Buffalo Camp Game Drive
Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa

...Lick It!

Sony A7IV @ f6.3 | 1/500 | 381mm | ISO 2000
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/16/24

Monday, October 14, 2024

Deadly Defense

Defense
Buffalo Camp Game Drive
Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa

White Rhinos are herbivores so the deadly horns are there for defense.

Sony A7IV @ f6.3 | 1/500 | 400mm | ISO 400
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/14/24

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Leverage

Leverage
Simbambili Game Drive
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

African elephants use many means to constantly feed themselves since, on average, they consume more than 300 lbs. per day.

Sony A7IV @ f6.3 | 1/500 | 296mm | ISO 4000 Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/19/24

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Symbiotic Relationship

Symbiotic Relationship
Buffalo Camp Game Drive
Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa

Red-billed Oxpeckers riding the back of a buffalo.

Sony A7IV @ f8 | 1/500 | 400mm | ISO 4000
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/16/24

Friday, October 11, 2024

Good Fortune

I'm taking a short hiatus from posting an Africa photo due to the extraordinary opportunity that came to pass on Thursday evening.

Last May, I missed the aurora (northern lights) so hoped to capture a semblance of it this week in our area...which is a rare occurrence.  My expectations were low since NOAA Space Center forecast was for a less than 10% chance (with low energy) of seeing it in northern Illinois.

It was a clear night, so I figured worst case would be some star trail photos and giving my buddy a lesson on how to do them. Good fortune came when the aurora appeared during the last 5 minutes of star trail exposures. We hung around awhile after the star trails were completed to capture additional shots of the aurora.

Good Fortune
Sony A7IV @ f2.8 | 30" x 121 | 14mm | ISO 100
Rokinon 14mm F2.8 Series II



Good Fortune 2
Sony A7IV @ f2.8 | 30" | 14mm | ISO 100
Rokinon 14mm F2.8 Series II


Good Fortune 3
Sony A7IV @ f2.8 | 1.6" | 28mm | ISO 1600
Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A067


Good Fortune 4
Sony A7IV @ f2.8 | 1.6" | 28mm | ISO 1600
Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A067

Photographed 10/10/24

Thursday, October 10, 2024

20 Eyes

20 Eyes
Simbambili Game Drive
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

It was our last game drive of the trip and we wanted to see some hippos.  Riaan (our guide) delivered! 10 of them together here but they didn't come out of the water.

Sony A7IV @ f8 | 1/125 | 50mm | ISO 250
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/19/24

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Think Twice

Think Twice
Simbambili Game Drive
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

During our time on safari, we saw herds of buffalo several times off in a distance.  Until this drive, we hadn't encountered a herd so close up.  This one was estimated to be about 1,000 strong.

It seems as if this guy turned around and warned us not to follow. We didn't.

Sony A7IV @ f6.3 | 1/500 | 50mm | ISO 1600
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/17/24

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Wild Dog Chase

Wild Dog Chase
Simbambili Game Drive
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

These guys were in hunting mode and we followed them through the bush along with some other safari jeeps.

Sony A7IV @ f5 | 1/500 | 63mm | ISO 4000
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/19/24

Monday, October 7, 2024

Staying Close

Staying Close
Buffalo Camp Game Drive
Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa

This little guy was sticking pretty close to mom. Very interesting watching the behaviors.

Sony A7IV @ f6.3 | 1/500 | 164mm | ISO 12800
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/15/24

Sunday, October 6, 2024

In The Bush

In The Bush
Simbambili Game Drive
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

This is what an afternoon game drive looks like.

Sony A7IV @ f7.1 | 1/500 | 400mm | ISO 3200
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/16/24

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Burning Gaze

Burning Gaze
Simbambili Game Drive
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

Her gaze was more intense than any we had seen.  Perched on top of a termite mound, she quietly observed the jeeps around her with unwavering attention. 

Sony A7IV @ f7.1 | 1/500 | 400mm | ISO 2500
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/16/24

Friday, October 4, 2024

Eyes Of Intent

Eyes Of Intent
Buffalo Camp Game Drive
Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa

She was perched on a ledge and then advanced towards our jeep. Behind us was a watering hole, which turned out to be her destination.

Sony A7IV @ f9 | 1/500 | 342mm | ISO 1250
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/16/24

Thursday, October 3, 2024

On Alert

On Alert
Buffalo Camp Game Drive
Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa

Sitting amidst a lion pride, I was able to capture these two females in perfect profile alignment.

Sony A7IV @ f7.1 | 1/640 | 400mm | ISO 250
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/15/24

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Pull Up A Chair

Pull Up A Chair
Buffalo Camp Game Drive
Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa

Hanging out at a neighborhood tree for breakfast.

Sony A7IV @ f7.1 | 1/640 | 63mm | ISO 250
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/15/24

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Breakfast Hunt

Breakfast Hunt
Buffalo Camp Game Drive
Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa

Don't want to get between this guy and the remains of the carcass he's pursuing.

Sony A7IV @ f7.1 | 1/500 | 68mm | ISO 640
Tamron E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067

Photographed 9/14/24