The 8 O'Clock Train brings the Rain / Chicago

The 8 O'clock train was approaching .... just before the rain started to fall ...

Have great day !

Regards,

Gerry

Oia, Santorini, Greece

As mentioned in my previous post, Santorini is a wonderful island and perhaps the most famous of all islands in the Aegean Sea.

From a photographer's perspective Oia is the place to be. Oia with its magical scenery of handcrafted traditional small houses, castles and monasteries is located approximately 10km north of Thira. It is Santorini's most famous villages and is the standard setting for the most beautiful sunsets postcards and various advertisement.

However, besides trying the beat the ultimate sunset shot Oia is offering another omnipresent gem - countless interesting motives for the abstract photography.


Enjoy the two examples ... more will come....


Regards,

Gerry

White Desert / Egypt

As mentioned in my previous post, the White Desert, Egypt with its quite dramatic snow-white rock formations is really an interesting place. The strong sandstorms (especially in spring) and large temperature difference between day and night are the originator of such an impressive rock formations.

Enjoy it ;-)

Regards,

Gerry

La Défense, Paris, France

La Défense is the modern high-rise business district of Paris / France. With over 150'000 daily workers and 3.5 million square meters of office space it's Europe's largest business center. La Défense is located a few kilometers west of Paris and can be easily reached by the world famous Metro.

If you like modern architecture, then this is the place you have to visit in Paris. This futuristic looking area with all the various glass and steel skyscrapers is absolutely amazing - breath taking.

Enjoy the green bridge ;-)


Regards, Gerry

Delicate Morning Light - White Sands National Monument

Again … White Sands National Monument…

It’s hard to describe in words how beautiful such a sunrise is. The silence and the pastel color tones are overwhelming…. it seems to be in another world.

Enjoy it ;-)

Regards, Gerry

New York's Facades

Despite the fact that I love the nature and my heart beats for landscape photography I'm always inspired from the abstract structure and pattern of NYC facades.

Have a great Sunday!

Regards, Gerry

Clouds Attack !

Just another scene of my favorite place "White Sands National Monument". An upcoming thunderstorm changed the mood of this peaceful place within no time. Heavy lightning, strong wind and tropical rain forced me to leave ... immediately !

Some technical information:

• Canon 1ds Mark II
• Canon 16-35mm F2.8 II
• 16mm
• 1/50 sec
• F22
• ISO 100
• Tripod
• no filters
• B/W conversion in lightroom

Regards,

Gerry

Kauai - the Garden Islands (Hawaii)

We all know some world-famous Hawaiian islands like Big Islands, Oahu, Maui and Kauai but the whole Hawaiian area comprises of a total of 137 islands! Quite a big number, isn't it?

The Hawaiian Islands have a volcanic in origin and there are still some active volcanoes around. For instance the largest active volcano on earth is Mauna Loa and Kilauea is presently one of the most productive volcanoes (in terms of how much lava erupts each year). Both volcanoes are located on Big Islands.

Despite the fact that all the Hawaiian Islands are very close together the characters are totally different. The tropical paradise of the Hawaiian Islands is Kauai. If you ever have the chance to visit the Hawaiian Islands Kauai should be on your "must-see" list.

Kauai known as the garden island has also the wettest spot on earth, rainfall ranges from 35 inches at Poipu (southern area of Kauai) to 472 inches (12 meters) on the east side of Mt. Waialeale !!! This place must be really wet ;-)

The beauty of Kauai is very hard to describe. There is the giant Waimea Canyon which is the largest canyon in the Pacific, the rainforest, the Na Pali Coast, the lush tropical greenery, the endless number of waterfalls and some really beautiful sand beaches.

If you are a landscape photographer or a flora photographer, you won't be disappointed.


Aloha

Gerry

Where is the border between Landscape and Abstract Photography?

The wonderful scenery of White Sands National Monument with the world's largest gypsum dune field is a perfect place for Landscape Photography..... and on the other hand an infinite source for the abstract photography.

But where does the landscape photography end and the abstract photography start?

Well, that's not easy to answer. The more landscape and abstract photography I do, the more is the border blurred. To keep this philosophical discussion short I would say that the Landscape Photography is not so much about the subject itself but rather about the place in which the subject exists.

Ok - and what about the Abstract Photography?

The Abstract Photography is the form of photographic art that focus on shapes, patterns / textures, lines combined with an unusual sometimes minimalism perspective. The creative isolation, abstraction of the subject is the goal - the art of isolating the subject.

Here are two examples of an abstract interpretation of White Sands National Monument.

I hope you like the result.

Regards,

Gerry

Do you like Orange?

Orange is a visually dominant power color, due to its association with the sun and the color of flame. It combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow without being as aggressive as red.

The color Orange energizes people and may stimulate enthusiasm and creativity.... and maybe it energizes you?


I wish you an energized day ;-)


Regards, Gerry

Brooklyn Bridge at Presidents Day / New York

I always visit the Brooklyn Heights when I'm in New York City and enjoy the beautiful view of the Big Apple - especially at night.

The last year's Presidents Day was a beautiful day in NYC and (as usual) I enjoyed the sunset from the Brooklyn Heights. Once the sun was set I walked down to the Water Street and stopped by at "Jacques Torres Chocolate". If you love all kind of Chocolates - this is the best place in NYC to buy real good chocolate or to taste one of their incredible good Chocolate drinks.

Actually they are offering the following drinks:

• Jacques' House Selection - 60% Dark Chocolate
• Dangerously Dark - 72% Dark Chocolate
• Almighty Almond - Dark Chocolate with Almonds
• Pistachio Pleasures - Dark Chocolate with Pistachio
• Orange Orbit - Dark Chocolate with Candied Orange
• Wicked Ways - Dark Chocolate with Spices
• Ginger Bar Man - Dark Chocolate with Candied Ginger
• Peanut Butter with Dark Chocolate

I tasted all of them (not at this evening!) and my favorite is the spicy "Wicked Ways". After such a "heavy" drink I was ready for the "blue hours" and I walked to the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park and photographed this "Classic" Brooklyn Bridge scene.

... hhhmmm ... the chocolate was great ;-)

Regards, Gerry

Magic Verzasca Valley (Ticino, Switzerland)

The Verzasca Valley is a long wild and nearly untouched narrow valley that is located in the north of Locarno, Ticino, southern part Switzerland. This long beautiful valley got its name from the river Verzasca with its turquoise glacier water (yees - the water is refreshing). There is only one serpentine road going up the hill from Locarno through Gordola into the valley. Just at the beginning of the valley is a huge dam. This impressive construction, which is 220m in height, served as scenery for the James Bond Movie "Golden Eye" and is since then an attraction to a lot of Bungee Jump fans, who are looking for an unforgettable kick ....


The majority of the tourist visit the dam and the well-known Lavertezzo bridge which is indeed a nice place to stop by ..... but the real gem of the valley is aside those two places and the landscape photographer will enjoy the rough nature.

Despite the fact that both valleys "Maggia Valley" and "Verzasca Valley" are so close together, the character of the valleys are totally different..... and my personal favor is the Verzasca Valley with its turquoise water and incredible rock formations.


Enjoy it ;-)

Regards, Gerry

White Sands National Monument

…. 275 square miles of white waves ….

As I already said, this is an incredible area. I captured this scene with my new Canon 16-35mm F/2.8 II and I have to admit that I’m very impressed with the image quality of this redesigned lens version. The old version was also a great lens but had some soft corners and sometime purple CA fringing with high contrast edges at 16mm.

Enjoy it ;-)

Regards, Gerry

The Eiffel Tower and the Golden Ladies

The the Eiffel Tower, which was designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel and built as a temporary structure for International Exhibition of Paris of 1889, is always worth to stop by.

I photographed both scenes under foggy conditions and a strong flashlight illuminated the golden ladies (Palais de Chaillot).

Enjoy it ;-)

Regads, Gerry

PS: Gustave Eiffel also designed the Statue of Liberty in New York

Chicago Blue and Orange !

Well, Chicago (Illinois) is very well known for its architectural work and I always enjoyed my visits.

Enjoy it ;-)

Regards, Gerry

Big City Window Scenes / Reflections

I love to walk through modern cities and explore the interesting neighborhoods. My photographers' eye is always spying on interesting skyscraper window scenes and/or window reflections. These abstract photographs are diametrically opposed to the "pure" landscape photography but I'm loving it.


Maybe you like it too ;-)


Regards, Gerry

Grande Arche de la Défense / Paris / France

The project to build the 'Grande Arche' was initiated by the French president Mitterand and designed by Otto van Spreckelsen. It is a 106 meters white building with the middle part left open. The sides of the cube contain offices and you can take the elevator to the top of this building. If you plan to visit Paris this is a must see place ;-)


Enjoy the building ;-)

Regards, Gerry

Gauli Water

... just another scene from the same location ....


Regards, Gerry

Urbachtal / Gauli Glacier

The Urbachtal and the Gauli Glacier are located in the middle of the Bernese Alps which are a group of mountains in the western part of the Alps, in Switzerland. The Urbachtal and especially the area around the Gauli Glacier is a very remote location. You won't be disturbed by any phone calls .... because there is no mobile reception and you won't see many hikers because the journey to this place isn't an easy one.

The Urbachtal with its impressive sheer rock walls and waterfalls is the starting point for a long exhausting hike to the Gauli Glacier.... but you will be rewarded with a gorgeous view of this secluded area around the Gauli Glacier. And, there is a small mountain shelter so called "Gaulihütte" and this is a perfect place for a rest or to stay over night.

If you are looking for an unique wild and rugged are - this is the place to go ;-)


Enjoy it ;-)



Regards, Gerry


-> wanna see more water photographs ?
-> http://www.gerrypacher.ch/water.html

New York the city that never sleeps (II)

... two famous buildings photographed under moody conditions ...


Regards, Gerry

New York the city that never sleeps (I)

New York City is a Photographers Paradise! Day or night, cold or hot, rainy, foggy or sunny conditions … there are always interesting motives to find. Just open your eyes.

Regards, Gerry

Valle Maggia, Ticino, Switzerland

The Valle Maggia, north of Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland is a valley of natural beauty and is surrounded by steep, wooded rock faces and reaches from Ponte Brolla to Bignasco on a length of 25 km. The valley ascends 3000 meters from the valley floor to the highest mountain. Hundreds of small mountain streams and numerous tall waterfalls are feeding the Maggia River throughout its course.

During the years the Maggia River shaped a unique stone rock landscape which is really worth to visit.

But don`t forget that when it rains the calm Maggia River can be very dangerous. And one more point .... you shouldn't climb down the steep cliff to the river when rain is coming up. Once the cliffs are wet you won't have a chance to escape the rising water level.

Enjoy it !

-> wanna see more? http://www.gerrypacher.ch/water.html

Regards, Gerry

Frank Gehry / Düsseldorf

The star architect Frank Gehry was born in Toronto, Canada in 1929. His buildings, including his private residence, have become tourist attractions. Many museums, companies, and cities seek Gehry's architectural inspiration to build an unique attraction.

His best known works include the titanium-covered Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles, Dancing House in Prague, Czech Republic and three office buildings in the new Media Harbor (Medienhafen) in Duesseldorf, Germany.

The buildings aren't huge but the appearance is really breathtaking.

Enjoy it.

Regards,

Gerry

Engadin and the Golden Autumn

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the Engadin (south east part of Switzerland) particularly out in the wilderness with all the changing colors of the nature. An amazing deep blue sky with crisp and clean air, and at the same time incredible golden shades on the trees and also some first white peaks on the mountains.

In the past I was very much focused on shooting all these wonderful panoramic scenes and I did not even recognize that there was something else that would be much more interesting (IMHO) to focus on. The reflections of the golden larch forest !

Enjoy it.

Regards, Gerry

What a Day !

Maui's (Hawaii) most popular activity is Sunrise watching at Haleakala. The Haleakalā or East Maui Volcano (10,023 feet or 3'055M.ü.M) is a massive shield volcano that forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui.

However, swarms of people begin driving at 2 or 3 A.M. !!! every day to have the opportunity to view an unforgettable sunrise from above the clouds (maybe). They must have definitely read the various travel guide books in preparation for their vacation in Maui.

After seeing all those stunning photographs of Haleakala's sunrise, I was more than eager to see it for myself ! I was feeling like - this is a must - there is no way. But after reading all the recommendations twice, checking my individual timetable and recognizing that this might be a very crowded place for a landscape photographer I decided to go for the Sunset ;-)

I asked myself what might be the difference between the Sunrise and the Sunset (beside the angle) from a photography point of view and I came to the conclusion that the air might be a little bit "clearer" at the Sunrise but you know this is just a theoretical point ... because Maui is in the middle of nowhere surrounded by water.

Everyone I know had gone to the summit of Haleakala to watch the sunrise ... but I decided against this "good practice" approach...

And you know what, I could not have been more impressed by what I saw the way up to the Haleakala. Because I drove up during daylight hours so I was able to experience the wonderful changing exotic flora all the way long from the bottom to the peak. But keep in mind the altitude of the volcano is 10,023 feet .... and it's damned chillllllllllyyyyy - especially when sun is gone ;-) And the best thing comes now, only a handful visitors where there to watch the sunset and they all were gone when I captured this scene.

Indeed it was a wonderful day ! It was definitely worth to be a contrarian.

Take care,

Gerry

Burano, Venice, Italy

Just three additional scenes which I like ;-) and demonstrate the various colours of Burano.

Enjoy it !

Regards,

Gerry

Maui, Hawaii

Maui, the island with the two faces. On the one side there are the hotels with all the tourists and on the other side there is the “pure” nature. I prefer definitely the second one.

Maui's Secret Beach is located just south of Big Beach (which is really Big !) in Makena and is very, very popular for unforgettable sunset wedding moments. That's why I captured this beach during sunrise ;-)

Ka'anae at sunrise:

And the second scene is at Ka’anae which were captured during sunrise.

A magic place.

Regards,

Gerry

Havana, Cuba

Actually I'm preparing myself for an one-week photo trip to Havana/Cuba and therefore I'm collecting all kind of information about this beautiful city.

• if you have any good ideas or some important information which I should know ... please drop me a line !

Many thanks in advance !

After browsing over various books and galleries one master piece catched my attention. Robert Polidori's book "Havana" is a true masterpiece of Urban Art. He captured the real beauty and melancholy of the old city "Havana".

The book offers a breathtakingly spectacular selection of old houses and facades, ruins, scattered hallways, back rooms and "real" Cuban living rooms throughout all social levels.

Once you gazed at all these stunning photographs you urgently feel the need to visit this unique place.... before any cash-hungry investors will erase the beauty and melancholy of Havana.


Well, I booked my flight already ........ ;-)


Take care.


Gerry

White Sands National Monument

At Sunrise:

At High-Noon:

This is just an additional post to my previous one. White Sands National Monument is really a stunning place. The colors are changing dramatically during the day and it is a pleasure to be an eyewitness of such a spectacular natural phenomenon.



Hope you enjoy it the same way I do.



Wanna see more? -> http://www.gerrypacher.ch/desert.html



Kind regards, Gerry

White Desert / Egypt

The White Desert of Egypt (also known as Sahara el Beyda) is located around 45 km north of the oasis Farafra (mid-way between Dakhla and Bahariya). The desert consist of cream-colored sand and massive white chalk rock formations which have been created as a result of heavy sandstorms in this area.

It was an unique adventure to camp out in the desert for a week and to experience the beauty and silence of the White Desert. It's really hard to describe but it was an unforgettable experience. Can you imagine that you don't hear anything except the noise in your ears during the night?

To be disconnected from the world (for a short period of time) was really relaxing and despite the fact that we stayed in the middle of nowhere I never felt lost.

However, this is a fabulous place for landscape photography.

Wanna see more? -> http://www.gerrypacher.ch/desert.html

Take care,

Gerry

The Power of the Color Blue !

• blue is the color of sky and water and suggests cleanliness and freshness
• blue invokes dreamlike states, it instills yearnings and has a calming effect
• blue is the color of the heart and has a positive connotation
• blue flowers are a popular motif of romantic poetry
  

Some positive association with the color blue:

• true blue - someone loyal and faithful
• out of the blue - unexpected (could be positive or negative) blue ribbon - first rate, top prize
• blue-blooded - person of noble birth, royalty
• ... and by the way, the color blue is also being used as an appetite suppressant ;-)

Almost everyone likes some shade of the color blue .... but Blue can also stand for:

• feeling blue - feeling sad or depressed
• the blues (not capitalized) - depression, state of sadness
• into the blue - entering the unknown or escape to parts unknown
• out of the blue - unexpected (could be positive or negative)

Is Blue your favorite color too?


Regards, Gerry

Brilliant Waters / Elizabeth Carmel

Elizabeth Carmel's new book "Brilliant Waters" contains a stunning selection of beautiful landscape photographs of the area around Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and the High Sierra.

I bought this book on the strength of the cover picture. This book is all about beautiful photographs and nothing else. No further insights - no information about the making - no secrets - only a few poems.

To make a long story short -> 94 pages and 44 photographs and a lot of white space ;-)

However, if you are looking for a book with beautiful landscape photographs of the surrounding area of Lake Tahoe - I think it's worth to buy it. But keep in mind - you won't get any additional information.

Regards, Gerry

The Power of the Color Red !

• Red is hot
• Red is power
• Red is an exquisite ambassador for love and passion
• Red is the color of happiness and denotes purity, joy, and celebration
• Red is the premier signaling color in the natural world
• Red savors the spice of victory
• Red grabs attention
• Red carpet is the place where winners and losers are made and this is just a red wall ;-)

Simply Red ! I captured this RED wall scene in Burano, Venice, Italy during my last trip in December 07.

Enjoy the power of red ;-)

Wanna see more? -> http://www.gerrypacher.ch/venice.html


Gerry

Burano 595 (Venice, Italy)

Burano 595 is an old shabby house and the residents are already gone.

However, that’s exactly the moment when the house gets recognized by the photographer’s eye. I love the various layers of concrete and the pale yellow.


Enjoy it !

Regards, Gerry


Wanna see more ? -> http://www.gerrypacher.ch/venice.html

The Hawaiian Islands - the Paradise on Earth !

High Noon at Ka'anae (Maui):

I love the Hawaiian islands and if I would have the choice this is definitely the place to stay for a while.

The colors are amazing, the nature is overwhelming, the climate a dream and the locals are so friendly.

Enjoy it !

Regards, Gerry


Kulaniapia Falls (Big Island):

Did I mention it already ? Paris is very cool !

The l’Arc de Triomphe is normally overcrowded and you won’t have a chance to use a tripod to capture the spiral staircase.

But wait a second - there is a trick ;-) just wait until the monument get closed and you will have a couple of minutes to capture this beautiful scene until the security will send you away ;-)

But it doesn’t matter … you got the scene ;-)

Enjoy it !

Regards, Gerry

The mystical Staircase... Santorini, Greece

I captured this mystical staircase during my last visit in Santorini, Greece. I made dozens of various photographs but I was not satisfied with the result because the contrast was too harsh.

That’s why I decided to try to capture this staircase before sunrise. So, what do you think?

Regards, Gerry


Wana see more ? -> http://www.gerrypacher.ch/santorini.html

Winter is ... back again ;-)

We got some snow during the night and this was an ideal moment to get up bright and early. It was a wonderful moment to walk over the snow-covered wilderness – so peaceful.

I left nothing behind … beside my footprints ;-)

Enjoy it.

Regards, Gerry

wanna see more? -> http://www.gerrypacher.ch/winter.html

Ca' d'Oro, Venice, Italy

Ca' d'Oro (the correct name is Palazzo Santa Sofia) is one of the most beautiful palazzos on the Grand Canal in Venice. The Palazzo was built between 1428 and 1430 for the Contarini family, who provided Venice with eight Doges between 1043 and 1676.

There are thousands of wonderful photographs around that's why I decided to capture this unique Palaco from an unusal angle. The old Fish Market with its old red plastic curtain offered a fantastic coulisse and creates a special ambiance.


Enjoy it !

Regards, Gerry


-> http://www.gerrypacher.ch/venice.html