Big Sky County

We attended my favorite niece's wedding, then spent two weeks in Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Cody (the rodeo... yahooo), and Covered Wagon Dud Ranch. Thye're not kidding, there's a big sky out there... Dramatic landscapes, and riding into the backcountry of Montana on Louie, Louie was truly spectacular!!! Kathy and I have been invited back to the ranch in Sept. on assignment, to do a photo shot. A trade... should be great fun!!!

Sukhothai

Sukhothai
Originally uploaded by jandarmor

Kathy and I visited the birthplace of Thailand... Sukhothai. Ancient ruins, wonderfully preserved statues and sites of worship. Thi s image was a collaboration... Kath did Buddha, I did the PS. I'll have more images posted on Flickr and my own website soon.

The Portsmouth Historical Society

The Portsmouth Historical Society
Originally uploaded by jandarmor

Foster Comstock gave me one of his magnificent prints of this building, this view, actually, only he turned his lithograph into a whimsical face. 

This is my high dynamic range tribute to him. He was a good man, once the head of the school of architecture at Princeton, director of Doris Duke's Newport Restoration Foundation, and a mentor to me. May he rest in peace.

The building, Greek Revival, Portsmouth country style, was used for another purpose, no doubt, but I don't know what. The triangles are many. It must have be designed by a man.

Elmhurst Portico

Elmhurst Portico
Originally uploaded by jandarmor

The memories flow forth when I look at this picture.I was here when this was part of Sacred Heart Academy, and when it fell in ruin. I was here when the nuns fished off the pier, looking like ghosts in the fog. I recall doing my children's portraits on this step, and many other children when I was Armor Photography. I diid figure studies on the bench just off this portico, and taught photo classes on the grounds. Two of my children were married here. I shot high school proms here. And of late, I have done granddaughter's birthdy portraits here. So many good memories here...

Smiling Irish Eyes

_JAN3343
Originally uploaded by jandarmor

Here's one, up close and personal, from a series of head shots I did of Eve Condon, dancer, actress, and feminist, extrorindaire. She loves the camera, and the feeling is mutual. Strong features, a flair for the dramatic, and gorgeous green eyes make Eve a wonderful subject for my new "Headshot" page.

The HDR Workshop

Pont Mirabeau, Paris
Originally uploaded by jandarmor

Chris Alvanas led our workshop on High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography on Saturday. Judging from the emails I've received today, it was a success! 9 participants attended at 2701 East Main Artists. These photographers came away with much useful information, as well as inspiration from Chirs' great images. As a bonus Mr Alvanas shared some of his retouching techniques.  That alone was worth the cost.

I seem to be shooting more and more HDR images of late. It has put some magic back into my photography. The results are often other worldly, with a depth that is lacking in many "normal" images. Now, with the advent of digital, this profession is rapidly changing,  so fast it makes my head spin. It's an exciting time to be involved. And you can expect that six months from now there will be another new new thing.

The City of Light

Eiffel #1
Originally uploaded by jandarmor

Yes, indeed, Paris was lighted up for Christmas. I've posted some images of our cruise from Paris to Rueon in Normandy. See them on my Flickr site as well as my website. I am so turned on by this wonderful city, I find so much to photograph. So much to do, so much to eat... Yes, "I love Paris in the winder, when it's raining, "etc. etc.