Category: Photography

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Wide Angle Lens for the Indian River Inlet Bridge

After posting these photographs of the Charles W. Cullen Bridge over the Indian River Inlet in Sussex County, Delaware, I received several “likes” on Facebook, a few comments and a couple of questions. One question that made me reflect a bit was, “What lens did you use?”

A lot of people just use the “kit” lens that comes with their “good” camera (DSLR) or whatever lens is attached to their point-n-shoot. However, for spectacular scenery you sometimes need to go as WIDE as possible. Here’s the photo…

Indian River Inlet Bridge
Charles W. Cullen Bridge at Indian River Inlet, Sussex County, DE

I used one of my favorite lenses, one that I’ve had for over 10 years. It is a Sigma Lens w/ Nikon Mount, 10-20mm f:4/5.6 Wide Angle “Zoom” lens. Back when I bought it the cost was a bit more than that of the camera I used it on. I have since worn out “that” camera but the lens works just fine on my new Nikon DSLR. For this particular view of “the bridge” the zoom was set to 11.5 mm (which would be the equivalent of 17 mm on a full-frame camera). The exposure was 1/200th of a second at f7.1 for the lens opening, or f-stop. I had the ISO (film sensitivity) set to 200 to maintain as much detail in the image as possible.  (No, I am not that detailed of a person. All of that information, called exif data, is stored with the image file.)

Normally for a shot like that I like to use a tripod. But look at all those rocks I walked across – and you may understand why I left the tripod in the car. LOL Plus, there was really no way I could set the tripod up where I ended up for framing the picture.

Normal lenses are called “normal” because they are used primarily for normal pictures. When shooting scenic views  you should consider using the “widest” view lens you have. When I get “lens envy” and think about the next lens I want I often long for that 400 mm Nikkor with an f2.8 aperture, But being more realistic I probably never will buy one. I wouldn’t get enough use out of a lens like that to justify the purchase price.

Here’s a B&W version of the above Indian River Bridge…same image…different editing.

Indian River Bridge Picture in Black and White
Black and White version of the Indian River Bridge

This bridge has photographers always taking pictures at night. The blue lighting makes it look almost magical. I, of course have some of them, too. But don’t overlook the varying light conditions that can occur at any time of day or night. You just have to “see” what the possibilities hold for you.

See more of my photography at USPictures.com.

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American Flag Photography at Fort McHenry

There is no better place to shoot flags (as in “with a camera”) than at the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner, Fort McHenry, in Baltimore, Maryland. Remember that just a little more than 200 years ago the British were actually shooting at our flag – with big guns (cannons).

When I visit in Baltimore I often go for a walk at Fort McHenry. This particular day had one of those “postcard” skies, with fair-weather cumulus clouds against a bright blue background; so I went to Fort McHenry for a couple hours…with my camera bag, of course. Today I actually got to photograph two American Flags flying over the Fort at the same time and on the same flagpole. Read why below the photograph…

Twin American Flags at Fort McHenry in Baltimore

If you bring an American flag or buy a flag in the Ft. McHenry Gift Shop – a ranger will “run it up” the flagpole, let it fly in the breeze for a short while and then bring it down. You will then be a proud and patriotic owner because you have a flag that actually flew over Fort McHenry. They will even provide a certificate of authenticity for your flag stating that it flew over Fort McHenry. How cool is that?

This image is available, along with more of my photographs, in my online gallery at US Pictures, Bill Swartwout Photography. 

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Lost in the Fifties Tonight with Cathy Gorman and Jimmy Merchant

Cathy Gorman and Bill Swarwout
Cathy and Bill ridin’ with the top down.

In addition to art photographs I shoot plenty of pictures that will not be for sale as art prints but will become mementos of good times. I was invited by the incredibly talented vocalist, Cathy Gorman, to her (End of Summer/Welcome to Fall) back yard “Shed Party.” I wondered about the “shed” but was immediately transported back in time when I entered “that very special building” at the end of her yard; transported all the way to the 1950s and 1960s. That’s a period of music that Cathy shares when she performs. She is not “lost” in the 50s – but simply keeps that era alive and with her, and for us, as we all move forward.

Cathy's Rock and Roll Shed
Cathy’s “Rock & Roll Shed”

The evening was an incomparable experience that might be described as being in a scene akin to the “Jersey Boys” – but, through the magic of music and one special guest, taking us back to “Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers” of 1956. I had the opportunity to mix and mingle with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Jimmy Merchant and his lovely wife, Mary. They were the most gracious “famous” people I have ever met. Jimmy exudes the confidence of a seasoned performer yet has the humbleness of a God-fearing man who truly appreciates the blessings which he has been given. He freely shares those qualities with those who meet him and listen to him perform.

Jimmy entertained us with narrative and songs from his “Teenager” days. That, indeed, took me a long, long way back. I was in third grade when “Why Do Fools Fall In Love?” soared onto the charts in January of 1956.

Jimmy Merchant photo by Bill Swartwout
“Teenager” Jimmy Merchant – of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers

The music I grew up with in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s will live on forever. It is still popular among folks of all ages. What is interesting to me is that I can’t remember or even name most of those songs if someone asks me about them. But when I hear them in a performance I can sing along using almost every word. That’s what a large group of Cathy’s friends and fans did on that special night.

The Gorman back porch became a makeshift stage. Cathy sang, then Jimmy sang and then “they” sang – far into the night. We weren’t really Lost in the Fifties – it just seemed like it at the time – and all the way home – and the next day – and…

Cathy Gorman and Jimmy Merchant by Bill Swartwout
Cathy Gorman and Jimmy Merchant

Many thanks to Cathy Gorman for hosting such a wonderful party and musical experience. And many thanks to Jimmy Merchant for being there and letting me (and others) rub shoulders with a living legend.

Jimmy, we loved your stories and your music. Thank you – for being you.

As Jimmy enjoys the “later” years, as many of us are, he has continued his artistic ways in yet another medium. While he still is a remarkable Rock & Roll performer, he is also a remarkable artist, with art works covering subjects from classical to the abstract.

You can visit them on Facebook: Cathy Gorman and Jimmy Merchant
 
Note please: the images above were captured with my iPhone and, therefore, not the quality I would normally share. That evening was too much fun to not share with friends and with Cathy and Jimmy.