I have been posting to this blog for over 10 years, each year reporting on accomplishments over the prior year and goals for the new year.

2022 is no different. My photography goals for the year are listed in the first post of 2022 for the C.London 52 Week Photography Challenge. One of the goals was to establish a website and domain so this blog content could be viewed in ways additive to this chronological stream. That goal has been achieved. Check out the website at www.jeffmarcowitz.photography 

Subscriptions to this blog remain intact. All content posted here will also be on the website, however with a subscription to the blog, you'll continue to receive the email notifications.

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

Sunday, June 4, 2023

Keukenhof Gardens

Lisse, Netherlands

Keukenhof Gardens is a 79 acre botanical flower garden that is only open 2 months of the year.  See Wikipedia for background information.  The day we visited, it was in the low 50's and rained the entire day.  For comfort, it was miserable...for photography, it was perfect!

Keukenhof 1
Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/125 20mm ISO 320
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G


Keukenhof 2
Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/125 20mm  ISO 400
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Keukenhof 3
Sony A7 IV @ f8 1/125 70mm  ISO 1000
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Keukenhof 4
Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/125 49mm  ISO 500
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Keukenhof 5
Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/125 49mm  ISO 100
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Keukenhof 6
Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/125 20mm  ISO 320
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Keukenhof 7
Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/125 70mm  ISO 500
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Keukenhof 8
Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/125 26mm  ISO 1600
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Keukenhof 9
Sony A7 IV @ f5 1/125 20mm  ISO 160
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Keukenhof 10
Sony A7 IV @ f8 1/125 20mm  ISO 2000
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

All Photographed 5/9/23

Friday, June 2, 2023

67-69 CE

67-69 CE
52Frames - Week 22 - Religion

Although not religious, I wear this Masada coin every day as a reminder of my two amazing trips to Israel. 

Sony A7 IV @ f5.6 1/125 50mm ISO 6400
Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro

Photographed 6/2/23

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Manneken-Pis

Manneken-Pis
52 Assignments BW - #43 - Building Detail

Perhaps the most famous statue in Brussels, Belgium

Sony A7 IV @ f5 1/320 70mm ISO 100 Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 5/2/23

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Heartened

Heartened
52Frames - Week 21 - Low Key

On occasion, pieces of our artwork are the subject in a photo challenge. In this instance, sunlight streaking across the wall highlights a portion of an abstract painting.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f2.8 1/5 40mm equiv ISO 500

Photographed 5/23/23

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Cinema Nova

Brussels, Belgium
Featuring the Tin Tin guys.

Cinema Nova
Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/125 22mm ISO 125
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G


Cinema Nova
Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/125 20mm  ISO 200
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

All Photographed 5/3/23

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Mondrian

Mondrian
Elevation Study 1
Brussels, Belgium

Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/320 20mm ISO 100
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 5/3/23

Monday, May 22, 2023

2023_CLondon52_May: Abstract

From the C.London website: "As a photographer, I often find myself drawn to images that leave interpretation open, and this prompt encourages just that. Whether it's using color, texture, or form, abstract photography challenges you to experiment with different elements and create images that are open to interpretation. It's an opportunity to let your creativity run wild and see where it takes you. I can't wait to see what kind of abstract images we can come up with!"

With this month's theme being "Abstract", I attempted abstraction through either composition or processing for this series of images.


1.  Movement
I have never seen so many bicycles as in Amsterdam.  Pedestrians be damned...bicycles rule.
Bicycles Rule
Bicycles Rule
Ricoh GRIIIx @ f16 1/30  71mm equiv ISO 5000
Photographed 5/7/23


2.  Light & Shadow
River cruising through Belgium & Netherlands provided interesting bridge photo opportunities for light & shadow...during the few times the sun was out.
Span
Span
Sony A7 IV @ f5.6 1/1250  145mm  ISO 100
Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071
Photographed 5/13/23


3.  Human Emotion
Middelburg, NL
Amidst the rain and haze, love was in the air.
Beginnings
Beginnings
Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2.0 1/100  6mm (135mm equiv) ISO 64
Photographed 5/12/23


4.  Patterns & Texture
Glass vault over the main concourse of the Amsterdam Centraal train station.
Iconic
Iconic
Ricoh GRIIIx @ f7.1 1/60  71mm equiv ISO 6400
Photographed 5/7/23

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Along the Singel

Along the Singel
52Frames - Week 20 - High Key
EC: SOOC

Walking along a narrow sidewalk by a canal in Amsterdam's "9 Streets" district, this colored section caught my eye in contrast with my wife's white shoes and black slacks. Due to crowds, I didn't have a lot of time to play with settings. On the 3rd exposure compensation attempt, I struck a balance between the rich color on the bricks and a blown out version.

Not the greatest of high key shots, but the intent was there and it keeps the streak alive.

Sony A7 IV @ f7.1 1/125 55mm ISO 100
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 5/16/23

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Skyline

Skyline
Riverfront
Ghent, Belgium

Sony A7 IV @ f7.1 1/640 45mm ISO 100
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 5/11/23

Friday, May 12, 2023

Veins

Veins
52Frames - Week 19 - Details

Keukenhof Gardens
The Netherlands

Was hard to choose from this 79 acre display of the most incredible flowers.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f7.1 1/50 40mm equiv ISO 1250

Photographed 5/9/23

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Lunch Break

Lunch Break
Antwerp, Belgium
Seen while walking city streets before the rain came.

Sony A7 IV @ f7.1 1/125 70mm ISO 100 Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 5/10/23

Friday, May 5, 2023

The Real Deal

The Real Deal
52Frames - Week 18 - Food Photography

Brussels, Belgium
Was hard to choose from this vast display.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f3.5 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 125

Photographed 5/3/23

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Bank Left!

Bank Left!
52 Assignments BW - #6 - Feel The Tension

The drone...water landing or land landing?

DJI Mavic Mini @ f2.8 1/5 4.5mm (24mm equiv) ISO 800

Photographed 4/18/23

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Negative

Negative
52Frames - Week 17 - One Light Source

Was happy with this result!

Sony A7 IV @ f4.5 1/125 29mm ISO 320
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 4/29/23

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Happy Face

Happy FaceChicago, IL

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f3.5 1/2500 40mm equiv ISO 8000

Photographed 4/27/23

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Apocalypse?

Apocalypse?
Long Beach, CA

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f16 1/4000 40mm equiv ISO 8000

Photographed 4/23/23

Friday, April 21, 2023

Adirondacks

Adirondacks
Despite the snowflakes, spring weather is around the corner.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f8 1/200 40mm equiv ISO 100

Photographed 4/17/23

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Angles

Angles
Pickwick Theatre
Park Ridge, IL

Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/1000 59mm ISO 100
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 4/13/23

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

4-Square

4-Square
52Frames - Week 16 - Blue Hour

From my drone 19 minutes after sunset.

DJI Mavic Mini @ f2.8 1/4  4.5mm (24mm equiv) ISO 800

Photographed 4/18/23

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

2023_CLondon52_April: Color

 From the C.London website: "Anyone who’s been around in the past knows that color theory is one of my main focuses and passions. As such, you are all subject to my obsession, and April is all about color! If you need a starting off point on Color Theory, I have a blog post, Color Theory for Photographers: An Introduction. I will also be hosting a totally free color theory workshop this month on the challenge’s Discord. Stay tuned for the exact day and time. In the meanwhile, have a colorful month!"


1.  Color Blocking
How better to illustrate color blocking than with colored blocks?
Peek-a-Boo
Peek-a-Boo
Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f1.6 1/30  4.2mm (26mm equiv) ISO 640
Photographed 4/2/23


2.  Color Temperature
Photographing reflections on the shady side of the street largely kept color temperature on the cool side and enhanced the depth via contrast between shadows and sun.
Twins
Twins
Sony A7 IV @ f4.5 1/200  70mm  ISO 100
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
Photographed 4/13/23


3.  Color Symbolism
Orange depicts arrival of road construction season in Chicago.  It's everywhere.
Tis the Season
Tis the Season
Ricoh GRIIIx @ f8 1/400  40mm equiv ISO 100
Photographed 4/18/23


4.  Desaturated
Sometimes color detracts from the strength of the image.
New Kicks
New Kicks
Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f1.6 1/40  4.2mm (26mm equiv) ISO 500
Photographed 4/1/23

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Space Invader

Space Invader
Park Ridge, IL
Photographed as part of 52 Assignments BW11 - Get Cornered

She was actually pressing the crosswalk button while I was composing a photo. Shadow makes it appear that my pocket was being picked.

Sony A7 IV @ f8 1/640 20mm ISO 100
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 4/13/23

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Galactic

Galactic
52Frames - Week 15 - Dreamscape

From my kitchen.

Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/125 50mm ISO 800
Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro

Photographed 4/11/23

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Hugs

Hugs
52Frames - Week 14 - Fill the Frame

My granddaughter.

Sony A7 IV @ f1.4 1/125 85mm ISO 640
Rokinon AF 85mm F1.4 FE

Photographed 4/5/23

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

7.1 On Your Radio Dial

7.1 On Your Radio Dial
52 Assignments BW - #25 - Time Stands Still

North Shore Classics
Mundelein, IL
1946 Ford

Sony A7 IV @ f9.0 1/30 95mm ISO 12800
Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 1/18/23 (meant to post sooner - oversight)

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Virtual Medicine

Virtual Medicine
52 Assignments BW - #08 - Honoring Henri (Cartier-Bresson)

Decisive moment.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f1.6 1/60 4.2mm (26mm equiv) ISO 125

Photographed 3/28/23

Monday, April 3, 2023

Look Up!

Look Up
52Frames - Week 13 - Get Low (Alternate)

Union Station
Chicago, IL

Sony A7 IV @ f4.5 1/125 20mm ISO 1600
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 3/28/23

Friday, March 31, 2023

No Thanks; I'll Fly

No Thanks; I'll Fly
52Frames - Week 13 - Get Low

Union Station
Chicago, IL

Sony A7 IV @ f4.5 1/125 70mm ISO 1250
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 3/28/23

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Take the Stairs!

Take the Stairs!
52Frames - Week 13 - Get Low (Alternate)
EC: 4+ Leading Lines

Union Station
Chicago, IL

Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/125 20mm ISO 640
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 3/28/23

Monday, March 27, 2023

Journey

Journey
52 Assignments BW - #23 - Work The Angles
Evanston, IL

Sony A7IV @ f8 1/80 20mm ISO 12800
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 3/22/23

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Where Is Everyone?

Where Is Everyone?
Don't recall ever seeing a Starbucks this empty on a weekday afternoon.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f8 1/250 40mm equiv ISO 200

Photographed 3/23/23

Friday, March 24, 2023

Sushi Girl

SushiGirl
Kilauea, Kauai, HI
Prepping for the next day.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f2.8 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 640

Photographed 3/6/23

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Sweet Sounds

Sweet Sounds
52Frames - Week 12 - Music

Although not a performance venue, Bill Hoffmann graced me with some sweet sounds from a violin at his music shop of 25+ years. I’ve passed this shop hundreds of times over the years and never knew it existed. 

Hoffmann Strings Ltd.
Dealer, Restorer & Maker of Violins, Violas, Cellos & Basses 
https://hoffmannstringsltd.com/

Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/125 67mm ISO 3200
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 3/23/23

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

2023_CLondon52_March: Community

From the C.London website: "A big part of this challenge is the community we’re building together. This month we’re focusing on that in attempts to really strengthen it. Some of us are still strangers, so let’s take the time to change that. We’ll have weekly voice chats on the discord and various times that hopefully are suitable for most, and I’m going to ask you to reach out to other members of the community for help with this month’s prompts."


"1.  Feedback to and from a peer.  Giving and receiving feedback is a valuable skill for any creative. For this challenge, we’re asking that you engage with another participant of the challenge to both ask for and give feedback. The photo you create should be made with feedback you received in mind. When giving feedback, remember to make it constructive and with actionable things which can be done. The way you see an image is different than how your partner saw it while making it, so your eye and thoughts are valuable."

I received feedback from my friend @photofinishsid as follows:

1. This is my kind of photo. I love it.
2. I like the crop ratio that you have chosen. Most people would have chosen to include much more of the railroad cars. I like that you have decided to include just the couplers.
3. I like the rust, teal and orange colors in the photo.
4. I wonder if you could have blurred the background at all?
5. I also would have liked to see you differentiate the coupler from the track with a filter of some kind. Not sure if that would have been possible or not.  Great photo.

In response to Sid's comments, I made adjustments to the background (#4) and the pipe beneath the coupler (#5).  When making this image, I also was cognizant of the complementary colors of orange/blue on the train cars and red/green on the coupler & background.
Hitched
Hitched
Sony A7 IV @ f2.8 1/125 28mm  ISO 100
Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071
Photographed 3/7/23


"2.  Re-creation of a peer’s photo.  Choose a photo from a peer that you find interesting and inspiring and use that as a launching off point for your photo for this week. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an exact replica, but more inspired by. You can look at other participants’ submissions on the discord, reddit, flickr, and facebook. It’s encouraged to reach out to the original creator to show them what you’ve made."

Prime oceanfront property abandoned along the Boardwalk in Kapa'a, Kauai, HI.
Abandoned
Abandoned
Sony A7 IV @ f8 1/200  20mm  ISO 100
Tamron E 20mm F2.8 F050
Photographed 3/4/23


"3.  Your community outside photography.  We’re spending this month really solidifying the community within the challenge, and one way to do that is to bring what you value in a community to the group. For this prompt, focus on another community you are a part of - what makes it valuable to you? What do you give it and what do you take from it? Share that through your photography with this community."

12 Step Community.  You get out what you put in...and more.
From Darkness to Light
From Darkness to Light
Sony A7 IV @ f8 1/125  31mm  ISO 100
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
Photographed 3/22/23


"4.  Your neighborhood.  Step outside your home and walk no more than a half mile (800m to the non-imperial unit users) documenting your surroundings. These are things you see every day, so I’m asking you to look at the familiar with new eyes. Put yourself in the shoes of someone from a completely different background. What may the find interesting? Don’t be afraid to over shoot during this exercise. The culling will be part of the exorcise. We’re looking for one final image that you feel best represents your neighborhood."

A difficult task representing my neighborhood in a single photo.  Within 800m is residential, offices, retail, restaurants and a county forest preserve.  Pretty great!
Welcome to the Neighborhood
Welcome to the Neighborhood
Sony A7 IV @ f8 1/160  20mm  ISO 100
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
Photographed 3/22/23