Crane's Estate in Ipswich

On a bright, sunny day earlier this week we took a walk around Crane's Estate in Ipswich, MA.  

The sharp shadows caused by the bright sun made for some nice B&W photos.

Downtown Shadows at Twilight

Early Spring in downtown Amesbury, MA

These were taken in the millyard in downtown Amesbury. 

Otisfield, Maine

Oxford, Maine

Wildlife in Parker River Wildlife Refuge

Today I tried out a lens which I got at a yard sale a while back. It's a Sigma 75-200mm push/pull zoom with manual focus. It took some effort to maintain the focus on the subject of the photograph but I got used to this pretty quick. I also had some trouble with chromatic aberration which I believe is due to having neglected the aperture function which is built into the lens itself rather than being a setting within the camera like I am used to.

I took the lens out in the hopes of taking some photos of wildlife at Parker River Wildlife Refuge in Newbury, MA.

A bird's nest suspended above the sand dunes.

A red-tailed hawk keeps a close watch over the salt marsh

Two otters slink through the reeds in a freshwater pool.

One of the otters stops to have an afternoon snack.

The otters watch the humans as the humans watch the otters.




Overall the photos didn't come out quite like I'd hoped but I think they are alright for my first time using this yard sale find.

Oddities in the Woods: Amesbury, MA

It's the beginning of the New Year and winter feels as if it has just begun here in Amesbury. On a few wintry walks I took some photographs which could be summed up as oddities in the woods.

We are all used to seeing vertical trees standing strong and tall. What I like about this first image is that it bends our expectations. This fallen pine tree brought the earth with it and challenges our perception of which way the trees should be reaching.

Although the snow crystals and the mushrooms have similar forms, you can sense their difference in texture. While the mushrooms are organic, vibrant and soft, the snow is geometric and lifeless. The beauty of the winter woods often lies in the small bits of colorful life that can be found in unexpected places.

As the daylight turns to delicate gold, the snow melts slowly off of mossy bark.

In the shadow of a snowstorm, a vine climbs up this tree like a snake, stopping the snowy wind in its tracks.

In Celebration of the Conservation of Whittier Hill

Although it is still winter, I wanted to post these photos from early fall. I took these on a walk with my husband up Whittier Hill in Amesbury, MA. Today I am posting them in celebration of the conservation of Whittier Hill by the Essex County Greenbelt Association!

Whittier Hill was Amesbury's last unprotected ridgeline which overlooks Woodsom Farm.

The land that has been conserved will now connect Amesbury Town Park to Cashman School and the soccer fields at Woodsom Farm.

This will be a lovely area for Amesbury residents to enjoy for generations!

Near the Tidal Pools at Low Tide

Snowy Hike up Mt Tom

Mike and I are hiking all of the 4,000 foot mountains in New Hampshire. This has lead us on many adventures during the past year. Our last big hike of the season was up Mt Tom and Mt Field. 

Although we didn't see any views from the peaks due to the snowy day, we enjoyed beautiful scenery the whole time. 

Just One Moment in Time

Although it is just one moment in time, this photo captures the essence of a couple's night out with old friends.

Engagement Photos: My Brother and his Fiancee

I took my first stab at formal portraits when my brother and his fiance asked me to take some photos following their engagement.

Fall Colors: Amesbury, MA

Lake Gardner and Powow Hill

Battis Farm

Navy Pier in Chicago

On the Road: At the Mouth of York River

Preparing for Lift Off

A perfect day at the beach

On the Road: White Mountains

My dad and I took a road trip through the White Mountains this past week. We stopped for a cigarette break at the base of Mount Washington. Four of the northern Presidential peaks are visible in this picture - Monroe, Washington, Adams and Madison.

Cannon Mountain is one of the most accessible peaks in the White Mountains due to the tramway. We took the tram to the top where winds were over 40 mph and it was deceivingly chilly.

Lake Chocorua is one of the most classic photos that you can find of the White Mountains. Mt Chocorua has a very distinctive peak and the reflection in the lake attracts photographers across the seasons.

Sand Dunes: Spring In Cape Cod

I took these photos on Mother's Day in Cape Cod. The sand dunes were uncharacteristically devoid of people and the ecosystem looked strangely alien. 

Loons on the Lake

Granite Lake, Nelson, NH

Bridge Underside: Saint John, NB Canada

Maudslay State Park in January

Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, MA is generally known for its beauty during the warm summer months. It is home to hundreds of rhododendron bushes, overlooks the Merrimac River and was once the home of the Maudslay family's manicured gardens.

On a day in January I took a walk off the beaten path and came across some interesting artifacts. I enjoyed editing these photos with a darker atmosphere than one would normally associate with Maudslay State Park.