A walk in Autumn...

Let's take another walk through some of last Autumn's foliage. I'm lucky enough to live close to several rivers, lakes and ponds. Which always provide great fall color!

A winding river leads us to color in the distance.

The small falls over the same river, just further up.

A path brings us around the lily pad and turtle laden lake. Notice the footbridge?

A sailboat out enjoying the glorious afternoon sun.

Reflections in the lake surface.

And crystal clear mirror images after the wind stopped screaming.

A tiny covered bridge, meant for horse travel... If you've never visited New England, our scenic byways and small town back roads can lead you to some of the most breathtaking views during Autumn. Get outside and capture your favorites!

Lynch park rose garden... pre-roses.

Let's take a walk through the Lynch park rose garden. There aren't any roses yet, but the architecture is just gorgeous. I'll bring you back in full bloom some time later in the Summer.

The falconry statue is one of the first things to catch my eye. The light and shadow playing across it was really beautiful.

You can see the ocean over the hill. The late afternoon sun painted quite a lovely photo for me to capture.

What a pretty copper topped gazebo. The pillars, the railing, the lion in the middle. I love it all.

Speaking of lions, check out this pair! The detail work on these were amazing.

The ribs, the belly hair, the paws... Just awesome statuary.

A charming bench at the end of the path...

Let's take a closer look!

Watching over the garden... Waiting for Summer roses and tourists to arrive.

I hope you enjoyed taking a walk with me through the Lynch park rose garden in Beverly, Ma. I can't wait to enjoy it again with you once all the roses are blooming!

Hammond Castle

On Saturday I went to Hammond Castle in Gloucester, Ma. It's still closed for the season until May, so I wasn't able to go all the way around the castle or go inside. Another visit is definitely in order.

 The castle was built between 1926 and 1929 and was the home to John Hays Hammond Jr. An inventor and prankster who was known to usher his guests into a room, closing them inside. Only for them to find out that there were no door handles on their side of the room! He created hidden passages in the castle and was able to spy on or sneak up on anyone in the castle.

A free standing wall enhances the ocean view.

Lions gaurding the drawbridge.

I love the gargoyles perched around the castle. All different faces and expressions.

There's still a bit of snow on the ground, but it was an absolutely gorgeous day! I love how the shadows on my side of the doorway really enhanced the bright colors in the sun on the other side.

The crashing waves and the view from behind the castle are just breathtakingly beautiful...

I love all the textures. Old iron door, granite walls, and smooth pillars.

In the Summer when it opens back up for tourists I'll get some nice shots from the gazebo!

Keeping a watchful eye on all the guests. Hammond Castle is often used for weddings. I'd love to do some portraits here!

Handsome lion.

Spectacular architecture, perfect sky...

I hope you've enjoyed visiting the castle with me. I can't wait for Spring to officially be here so I can share some more of My New England with you!

Salem Willows

Over the weekend I visited the Salem Willows in historic Salem, Ma. In the Summer it's packed with people, but since it's a bit chilly still it was almost devoid of people so I was able to get some nice scenic shots!

Once Summer comes I'll have to go back and show you how different the pier looks when filled with people fishing!

The waters were choppy, and the skies were ominous.

I love coming here in the afternoon light. Bare trees, interesting shadows and highlights, a comfy bench.

Take a walk down the path with me....

View from a bench... I love the row of sea side homes and all those bobbing buoys.

I love Salem. It's one of my favorite cities to visit.

I hope I've inspired you to visit too!

Warner Covered Bridge

Today I'd like to take you to a covered bridge in Warner, Nh! There's something about driving through small towns via the scenic byways of New England. The feeling that things are a little slower, a little more tranquil than my daily life in a large city.

The covered bridge in Warner covers a single lane dirt road. And since the snow hasn't melted yet, it still looks like Winter here in New Hampshire.

The river was flowing, but really still. So the tree branches reflected off the surface. The sky was really overcast the day I went, which isn't my favorite thing in the world. But I tried to make the best of it!

I really liked the way the window made the snow covered scene really interesting!

Take a step back from the shot you think you want to take. And see if another perspective makes a more interesting photo!

There aren't a whole lot of different ways to photograph a covered bridge, but I try to make each shot interesting and inviting. Do you want to walk inside?

I love all the old wooden beams. The "light at the end of the tunnel" feel of looking through the bridge.

I love small town life and small town charm....

The butterfly place

Since we talked about butterflies being great practice for moving objects and waiting to capture them at the perfect moment, I wanted to take you to The butterfly place in Westford, Ma.

After the ice storms from last winter damaged the roof, the trees and pretty much destroyed The butterfly place they were closed for quite some time. I was super excited to visit once they had rebuilt the greenhouse!

There are so many beautiful species of butterflies and moths, and it's so much fun to try capturing them.

I loved the two of these perched upside down together.

The different variations of color, shape, patern on them amazes me. Some looked like someone had taken some pinking shears to them!

Even though The butterfly place is fairly small, they manage to pack a whole lot of butterflies in!

For me, trying to capture them and not make every shot look the same is a great challenge since most of them flutter around at waist height bushes. Kneeling down to take a shot straight up to the glass roof really made this Monarch stand out in front of the bright blue sky.

The leopard patern on this guy was fascinating to me!

And when he perched on the purple flowers for a bit of nectar, I got quite a few shots! The action setting on the Canon EOS 40D is a wonderful tool.

Such vibrant colors around every turn. Both the flora and the butterflies!

If you love butterflies or photography or both, I would recommend The butterfly place. I would love to do a children's portrait shoot here! I may have to plan a session for sometime this spring... Stay tuned!