Exploring Prague and the Funicular to Petrin Hill

With the Charles Bridge and Prague in the background, this solitary row-boat appeared to be quite “solitary”!

DSC_7761

I left off yesterday having explored some of Wenceslas Square in New Town and Old Town Square.  When I presented this trip to my Travel Spirit Meetup.com, I stressed the point that we would be traveling together as independent travelers, meaning if you wanted to stay with the group you could, and if you wanted to divide off with someone else or a separate group, you could and should.  At various times during the tour, people would do that.  I enjoy solo traveling and believe it empowers people, so I encouraged others to take at least a few hours by themselves, exploring.

On our way walking to take the Funicular (Cog Railway) up Petrin Hill, we happened upon this interesting Memorial to Victims of Communism…

DSC_7764

Continue reading

Old Town vs. New Town in Prague

The Astronomical Clock in the center of Old Town Square is on the tourist’s “must do” list, so we did it.  There were twelve of us traveling through Eastern Europe for 11 days.  Shifting from one leg to the other to take pressure off of my back, it was hard to believe I was finally there.  When the figures finally did their thing (I forget now what they did because I watched a clock in Munich also), it was a bit anti-climatic.  I was more interested in taking photographs of the amazing architecture and people!

DSC_7722

I loved watching the giant bubble maker making his bubbles and children trying to pop them!

DSC_7706

A couple of us climbed to the top of the Powder Gate for a fantastic view of Prague…

DSC_7685

Continue reading

A Day Late to Prague

I couldn’t believe my ears when I arrived to the Delta Airlines check-in desk at the Cincinnati airport and the Reservations Clerk said, in a cavalier tone, “Your flight to Newark, NJ has been cancelled due to weather.  Come back in the morning for the next flight.”  I explained I was leading a group of people through Europe and it was very important to arrive as soon as possible.  After checking some other options, he explained that was my only option.  My husband drove the 50 minutes back to the airport to pick me up and in the morning made the third trip to the airport to drop me off.  I’ve always liked Airports.  The anticipation of going somewhere new, the people watching, and even the photo ops.  Who knew restrooms can look “artsy”.

DSC_7538

On my overnight flight from Newark to Amsterdam, I was seated between two men traveling together.  I intended to get as much sleep as I could, but they were so funny and interesting, we talked and laughed for more than half of the flight!  I had arranged for an airport shuttle to pick up the 12 travelers in my group.  They arrived at various times, so there were a number of trips.  After notifying one of the travelers of my late arrival, they decided to wait the extra two hours for me to take them on Day 1’s list of activities:  Taking Tram 22 to the Prague Castle Complex, which includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the Powder Tower, Rosenberg Palace, and the Old Royal Palace; strolling down from the Castle area on Nerudova Street across the famous Charles Bridge.

After checking into the hotel and taking five minutes to freshen up, I joined the group in the lobby for the day’s activities.  The first photo I took in Prague was while we were waiting to hop on Tram 22.  When I requested permission to take this woman’s photo, she asked “why” with a puzzled look.  I responded, “Because I like your pants and your dog”.

DSC_7553

So, now we’ve arrived at the top of the hill where the Prague Castle Complex is situated, including St. Vitus Cathedral.

DSC_7606

Continue reading

European Vacation: 9 Countries, 10 Cities, 27 Days, 12,500 miles

Having just returned a few days ago from my month-long European Vacation, I’d like to share a photo from each of the ten Cities I traveled through.  I’ll be going more in-depth in future posts about my experience of taking a group of travelers through Europe, my feelings and thoughts, challenges and delights!  The photos are in order of Cities visited…

Here’s most of the group (a couple of people’s flights were delayed or missed) (for the Eastern Europe portion) in front of St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague.

DSC_7568

Within the Hofburg Palace Complex – Vienna, Austria

DSC_8164

Continue reading

How to break into Real Estate Photography

The best way to break into Real Estate Photography is through someone you know!  My brother’s wife is a Realtor and over Easter I mentioned I was going to buy a wide-angle lens for Real Estate photography, architecture and landscapes.  She had a house ready to list and I went over today to take photographs.  It was a rainy day here in Cincinnati, but fortunately the rain abated long enough for me to snap a few photos of the outside…

DSC_7449

It’s a beautiful home with 4,800 square feet!  It took me an hour and one-half to take the photos and that was with me rushing because I had a hair appointment to keep!

DSC_7498

I went from room to room, turning on lights, adjusting bedding, etc.  I really liked this room…

DSC_7497

Continue reading

The best Mother’s Day Gift

I had the best gift for Mother’s Day…time with my son!  My husband took us to see a movie of my choice…The Grand Budapest Hotel.  Not their cup of tea, but hey…it’s Mother’s Day and they always let me rule the day!  Then we went to the mall shopping for my son’s girlfriend’s birthday gift from me and had a delicious meal at the Cheesecake Factory.  I had the Shrimp Scampi with Steak Diane…sooo yummy!  When my husband asked what I wanted for Mother’s Day, I said “To spend time with you and Justin”!  All of our parents have passed away, so we have a small family now and I’m grateful for them.

DSC_7374

Happy Mother’s Day!

Enhanced by Zemanta

Cinco de Mayo in Cincinnati

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday made for partying and Cincinnati loves to party!  A group of us met at Nada Restaurant in downtown Cincinnati and of course I brought my camera.  I ran into people I’ve photographed for iSPYCiNCY at other events and took their photograph.  I stopped this girl for a photograph and love her expression!

DSC_7117

I even ran into my hairdresser…Jocelyn (on the right), who I’ll be seeing before I go on my trip next week!

DSC_7085

Continue reading

Starr Family Photos

I had such a good time with my son’s girlfriend’s family today!  They haven’t had family photos taken in years, of all of them, and with Baby Zachary’s arrival a few months ago and little Colin growing up so fast, it was time.  For this photo, I told them to “Strike a pose” and I love how everyone looks so natural!

DSC_7050

Here’s my son and his girlfriend–Ashley.  She may look short here…but actually she’s 5’9″ tall…he’s a whopping 6’8″ tall!

DSC_7069

Continue reading

Cinco de Mayo Festivities at Buck’s Bad Ass Bash

Festivities for Cinco de Mayo were well under way when I arrived at Buck’s Bad Ass Bash yesterday in Over the Rhine, Cincinnati, Ohio!  I was on assignment for iSPYCINCY again and the weather was perfect.  This annual event is held in a parking lot near Vine and 12th Street.  In case you didn’t know, Cinco de Mayo is a historic holiday celebrating Mexico’s defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla.

These two fun-loving girls readily agreed to be photographed…

DSC_6954

Cinco de Mayo has become synonymous not only with tacos, sombreros, and Pinatas, but also with Margaritas, tequila and beer!

DSC_7024

Continue reading

Photo Shoots for iSPYCINCY

I love my work!  How many people can say that?  It took me a while to get here and it’s not just one job.  Not only am I a freelance photographer, I’m also helping an elderly couple (around 90 years old) organize and declutter their retirement village condo, and am taking people on trips to Europe!  I work with the husband, mostly on paperwork, because the wife has a touch of Alzheimer and is physically limited walking very slowly with a walker.  I’m finding this line of work very rewarding because I’m able to remain patient and let him make decisions about his things.  I offer suggestions.  I didn’t realize how patient I can be.

Anyway, last night I took photos for an event called Revel & Feast held at Memorial Hall in Cincinnati.  It’s was a celebration marking Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 20th anniversary season.  My assignment was to take around 25 posed shots of people along with their names, and another 25 shots of the awards, a performance by teenagers, and some of the area where dinner was to be served.

The light glowing in the background really accentuated these beverages…

DSC_6596

The venue is gorgeous!

DSC_6598

There’s a place called Neon’s in an area of Cincinnati called Over-the-Rhine and I did a photo shoot for iSPYCINCY a couple of weeks ago.  They have a brunch on Sundays and an outdoor seating area.  Dogs and their owners were out soaking up the sun and enjoying the yummy food!

DSC_4907

Continue reading

Tunes & Blooms at the Cincinnati Zoo

Going to the Zoo, no matter where you live, is a rather inexpensive way to get some exercise and have fun!  Especially if you have a band to listen to and beautiful flowers surrounding you.  The Cincinnati Zoo has a cool free event (except for parking) in the Spring called “Tunes & Blooms” where you can do exactly that!  I was there a couple of days ago with my friend Dee and was so delighted to happen upon this beautiful Peacock strutting his tail feathers…

DSC_6333

The reggae music was fun to dance to provided by “The Cliftones” band.  There were tons of children there enjoying the tunes!

DSC_6378

Dee and I saw quite a few people we knew, so while she talked with them, I went in search of some cool photos…

DSC_6355 Continue reading

Hiking in Spring

My girlfriend came over today and we had a wonderful afternoon savoring a homemade lunch of Swai fish, rice and a Salad.  She brought the fish and rice and I made the Salad.   Here’s a pic of what the salad looks like.  It has zucchini, squash, grilled corn, grape tomatoes, red onion, pine nuts, red and orange bell pepper with feta cheese over a bed of lettuce and a homemade vinaigrette dressing…yum!

60a48579bd1c52d2932319fad9d30798

We went hiking at Cincinnati Nature Center’s property called Long Branch Farms in Goshen, Ohio.  Of course, I took my camera and captured a few shots.  Using Lightroom 5, I altered the feel of this one by decreasing the clarity.  I like the muted look sometimes…

DSC_6258

There’s a pretty barn there…

DSC_6267

Of course Jake had a blast!  I noticed the tree limbs were glistening in the sun…almost as though they were covered in ice…

DSC_6262

We had a great time talking and catching up on what’s been going on.  Here’s the barn from a different angle…

DSC_6250

My next goal is to purchase a wide-angle lens and start taking photos of homes.  I’ll contact some Realtors and see how I can get my foot in that door!

 

 

 

Enhanced by Zemanta

The Last Few Days

The last few days have been beautiful in Cincinnati!  My husband and I took advantage of the warm weather and took a Harley Motorcycle ride.  He calls it his “Hog”…

DSC_6193

I had a University of Cincinnati Sorority Formal Dance photo shoot Saturday evening at the Still Meadows Country Club.  In three hours I took 360 photos.  They began eating soon after I arrived, so I took advantage of having a captive audience (while they were in the buffet line) to take photos.  I stood on random chairs around the room once the music started to take photos while they were dancing.  I would zoom in and get some sweet shots of them kissing or slow dancing.  It was a lot of fun!  I particularly like this photo…

DSC_5910

Continue reading

Glamour and Glow

Last night I did a photo shoot for iSPYCINCY at the Madison Theater in Covington, Kentucky of an event called Glamour and Glow.  It was colorful, exciting and electric!  I’ve never shot pics of models with neon paint, so it was a challenge.  I knew I wouldn’t be using flash and would need to shoot high ISO.  One of the challenges were spotlights flashing in different intensities and colors.  Sometimes my light meter would register too dark or too light.  As you can see, the attendees were provided with special viewing glasses.

DSC_5618

This mermaid was cool…

DSC_5494

This little guy was so sweet.  You’ll see another photo down below where he’s balancing on a ball.

DSC_5510

Continue reading

Europe for a Month

You haven’t heard from me for a while because I’ve been busy planning the European trip I mentioned in a past post.  In the other post, I gave you information about the first adventure taking trains from Prague–Vienna–BratislavaBudapest and it occurred to me that I could stay in Europe longer and offer a second trip to another group.  I have purchased train tickets to travel from Budapest to Munich for a few days, then an overnight train to Amsterdam for a few days.  I’ll be staying in an Airbnb in both locations.  Next, I fly from Amsterdam to Copenhagen where I’ll meet the other group for an unforgettable Scandinavian adventure!

We’ll head to Stockholm, Sweden for a few days, then to Oslo, Norway, and finally take the scenic train and boat cruise of the fjords in Norway to Bergen, where we’ll fly home.  There will only be four of us for the second portion.  I’m so excited!!

My three passions in life are photography, travel, and organizing/minimizing and all of my dreams are coming true!  I just helped an elderly couple yesterday with organizing their retirement village home and will be spending a lot more time with them.  And…my photography assignments have been coming along.  I’m still working with iSPYCINCY and have an upcoming assignment Sunday.  I answered a Craigslist ad for a Merchandise photo shoot.  My husband went with me because I was going to the man’s apartment in a new area of Cincinnati called “The Banks”.  He’s starting a business selling picture frames and wanted some lifestyle photographs of them.  Here are a few of them:

DSC_4754 Continue reading