Synergy

Malvern, Pennsylvania, July 21, 2024

When I saw this photo (and sorry for the lack of humility!), I was a bit surprised: During the game, total concentration is "a must", a lot of tension and, although the team is winning, there are smiles at specific moments. The detail of this photo is that yes! There is a concentration... and a sense of confidence... and something else, synergy!!! 

Synergy is the action of two or more causes whose effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects. Synergy is a little more complex, deeper than teamwork. It is the sum of personal effort, the ego of each player and the commitment of the team. The looks directed at the same point, the players jumping to the same height, the similar gesture, focus but no concern...

Lucky me that I was able to capture that unique moment!

… And I just…

Old City, Philadelphia, July 4th, 2024

It took me a while to see myself as a "photographer." I spent a while in "cautious student mode" before I started to fully enjoy it; meaning, taking the errors as part of the process.                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Taking this photograph (which was actually the result of 10 clicks), made me realize that I was (finally!) "taking a risk", without anxiety, on the result.

So, without further ado, I add some tips for my fellow photographers, hoping they will be useful to you:

• Take a lot of photographs, that will help you sharpen your "eye".

• Experiment with all styles of photography: Street photography, sports, architecture, abstract, you name it! Only then you will be able to know which of them you like the most.

• Before editing with any software (Photoshop, Lightroom, Luminar, etc.), make sure you correctly manage the exposure triangle of your camera: ISO, Aperture, Shutter speed.

• Dare to try all the ideas you can think of. If it doesn't go well, you learn in the process, but if it goes well... Enjoy it!

• The best camera is the one you have in your hands!

• Have a lot of fun!

Mrs. Abby Giraffe

Philadelphia Zoo, Jun 3, 2024

                                                                                                                                                                           A Children's Story                       

I didn't know she could talk... Imagine my surprise when I approach to take her a picture, and she says to me (in her very polite voice): "What a beautiful camera!".

I looked into her big eyes and she smiled at me... I could only open my mouth, but no sound came out.

She kept smiling and said, "My name is Abby, nice to meet you! Can you feed me, please? I would like some of those green leaves. I won't bite your fingers."

She took a few twigs and brought them to her mouth. She chewed them carefully and then said, "Thank you!" Finally I was able to speak, and I said, "How tall and beautiful you are! Can I take you a picture?"

She replied: "Do you think I'm beautiful?" and softly giggled. Then she said, "At my age, I must look like a serious giraffe. I count until 3 and you can take my picture". When she heard the click of the camera, she said, "Can you show it to me, please?" And I showed it to her. She said: "I like your photo, Thank you!". Then, Abby told me she had to take care of the children who came to visit her. And with a big smile, she said goodbye to me.

Sunshine (I’m back!)

Gloucester Oct 22, 2023

                                                                                                                                                                           Yes, after a while, I'm back.                           

One lesson I've learned recently is to take time at the right time to see things in perspective. Or evaluate. or rest. Or all the reasons together. That's exactly what I did.

I came back fresh and renewed, and looking forward to continuing to do this self-exploratory photography blog.

I want to take this moment to thank all those who have taken the time to leave their impressions. This blog will remain open to everyone who wants to express their opinion. Thank you!

Arepas for Breakfast

Harrisburg Oct 3, 2023

My mom used to say that one of the greatest treasures in life is friendship. Here's proof of that: My friend Alejandra Rivas Mintz wrote this beautiful children's book "Arepas for Breakfast".        Amazon's filing reads: "Arepas for Breakfast is a story about three young girls living in Philadelphia, who miss their Abuela (who lives in Venezuela) very much. The girls' mother is from Venezuela and their father is from New York. Whenever Abuela comes to visit, she makes the girls favorite breakfast -- Arepas. Unfortunately, Abuela only comes when the weather is warm. "It's cold!" 

Arepas for Breakfast is a tender (and a real one!) story about a multicultural family, its roots, and its values. Here's the link to Amazon, you won't regret it!

https://www.amazon.com/Arepas-Breakfast-Alejandra-Rivas-Mintz/dp/1728325307/ref=sr_1_3?crid=14J5M0GZYCUXM&keywords=arepas+for+breakfast&qid=1702956200&sprefix=arepas+for+breakfast%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-3

Trees, trees, trees

Keuka Lake, NY Aug 16, 2023

When I find myself surrounded by trees, flowers, grass, makes my day.  I take a few minutes to breathe deeply and thoroughly enjoy it. I have many photos of trees, turned into memories of peace on crazy days.

Enjoy it!

Red Shoes

Mar 11, 2023 Philadelphia, PA

After a short absence, I’m back.

This year I went for the very first time to the Philadelphia Flower show: I was amazed and very impressed! The creativity, diversity, the colors, the audience, and of course, the flowers. It was the paradise for photographers.

This picture called “The Red Garden”

I love you Philly!

A not so simple photograpy.

Jul 27, 2022, Wildwood, NJ

One of the most fascinating things about photography (and in life, if we go a little deeper!) is that there is ALWAYS something new to explore, something new to learn.

“Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art.” The quote is from Frederic Chopin; yes, the great composer and virtuoso pianist.

Taking a "simple" photograph is not so "simple", that is a statement. "Simple photography" has been on my list of learning and practice for some time. After many failed attempts and in the least expected place, here is my first simple photograph. Who would have imagined it?

Time goes by.

Jun 25, 2022, Philadelphia.

If we strictly talk about photography, this shot is not the best example: There are too many elements, too many lights, cars, buildings, etc.

This post is about "How perception changes over the years"... This is the story:

When I saw the Ferris Wheel,I started a countdown waiting for the moment to take a ride. 4 weeks passed! (Those who know me, know that it was an eternity for me!). The day came and when I was in the line, I remembered some rides of my childhood, and the happiness I felt.

Only that this time instead of joy, I was nervous when it began to move. What??? I grabbed the seat as if my life depended on it. Taking a picture? I totally forgot my camera.

Only when my feet touched the groung I could smile again.

There is always a first time…

Jun 18, 2022, Philadelphia.

My path to photography has always been interesting, and above all, full of surprises.

From learning to combine science and art, trying out different styles (the ones I like and the ones I don't!) to facing my well-masked shyness (don't laugh... I'm serious!)

This time I came to an event where there was models involved. And I found myself enjoying the occasion: This girl is wonderful and she made our experience easy. Thank you so much!

Let’s talk about winning/losing…

May 14, 2022, Philadelphia.

When you are a spectator, there are many significant moments that you miss; your hope that your team wins the match makes you see only their effort to score the goal. As for the rival team, it is very possible that you will see only the fouls they commit. Selective look they call it.

This photograph shows what perhaps the fans do not see at the end of the game, immersed in their own emotions: The wide smile and pride of the winners, and the frustration and loneliness of those who gave everything and lost the match.

As they go off the field, the players are already thinking about their next game...

Blood Moon

Apr 17, 2022, Philadelphia.

Yes, when summer starts, it's also outdoor football season. Like the players, I really enjoy it. After all, football and my children led me to photography.

Today I take a soccer break to show a beautiful red moon.

There are many stories, predictions and myths about the blood moon. What is undeniable is that it is a beautiful and impressive spectacle. More experienced photographers can obtain, perhaps, more creative photos. I just took my photos and then admired her for a long time.

Enjoy it!

Referees

Apr 23, 2022, Philadelphia.

The referees are the most loved/hated characters in a football game. It is difficult to understand a referee’s decision when it goes against the team you support. Before the VAR, the referee's decision was always controversial; with the VAR, "the philosophers" of the game (and there are many, many of them!) even seeing the evidence, they contradict it.

In the past years I have met many referees; almost all of them have been soccer players, others have played other sports. They know that they are going to be hated by a section of the audience and keep their nerves to explain it to the players. Every referee feels respect for the players, whether former players or not, they feel the passion for "The King of Sports".

GOALLLLL!

Apr 17, 2022, Philadelphia.

The purpose of Football is to make a goal by advancing a ball over the goal line into the goal net, and at the same time defending a goal and keeping the opponents from scoring. Ergo, the goal (Duh!). It sounds easy, right? The key is how to do it...

As spectators, we expect our team to score easy goal after easy goal quickly. When you start to understand the dynamics of the game, you notice that football and chess are about the same things: managing territory, executing sound strategies, and, ultimately, defeating the opponent. The players constantly challenge each other, looking for ways to break through the opposing team's defense, managing their own energy and timing at the same time.

That is why when the goal comes is celebrated in style (although for the opposing team it is a moment of mourning).

This was a goal f my team. Let's celebrate!

FOOTBALL!!!

Apr 17, 2022, Philadelphia.

Football is a sport that is played 365 days a year. In tropical countries there is no variation, the same courts and clothing are used. On this side of the world, the story is different: In spring, summer and autumn it is played on outdoor courts, and in winter it is played on indoor courts. Obviously, clothing also changes according to the weather.

The first outdoor game is expected for every single player, their high expectations for the season is visible. After hibernating on winter, they know they have to work readapting to the size of the court and the longer time of the game.

For football players, the first game of spring is a very happy day.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Apr 10, 2022, Fairmont Park, Philadelphia.

“Cherry blossoms are a symbolic flower of the spring, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life. Their life is very short. After their beauty peaks around two weeks, the blossoms start to fall. During this season in Japan, people like to have cherry blossom parties with colleagues, friends, and family.” (From festival.si.edu).

“Blooms of colorful cherry blossoms are a sure sign of the arrival of spring in the Philadelphia region. The annual Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia honors these beautiful flowering trees and the city’s deep Japanese cultural connections.

The celebration takes place in historic Fairmount Park in the oh-so-photogenic forest of sakura (flowering Japanese cherry trees). Most of the trees here were planted in 1926 as a gift from the people of Japan to mark 150 years of American independence.” (From VisitPhilly.com).

Walking under a row of Cherry Trees when their tiny, delicate flowers blow in the wind is indescribable.

Tulips!

Apr 9, 2022, Italian Market, Philadelphia.

Cats chase lights, I chase tulips. I wait for them when winter draws to a close; when I see the sprout making its way across the ground, I cheer it (more than one person looks at me as if I'm losing my mind), and I say goodbye to them until next spring.

I don't know how many flowers can have such an interesting history as tulips, at some point they became currency in Holland.

In popular language, the tulip, like other flowers, has different meanings according to its color. However, the higher meaning is love: Love of friendship, Love to your parents, Love to your kids, or Love to your significant other. 

I feel love as soon as I see a tulip. Actually, I don't have a favorite color, for me they all represent one of the wonders of our nature, a simple and unpretentious flower that stands like a soldier of the English Royal Guard, straight, announcing that spring is around the corner. And that makes me so happy!

Blue Hour

Apr 2, 2022, Camden Waterfront, NJ

Ever since I can remember, I have loved nature. I can't say "I was born this way": My mom adored every single manifestation of "Pacha Mama", and celebrated it (sometimes exaggeratedly, in my child's eyes).

I have to admit I knew about the "Blue Hour" and the "Golden Hour" as such when I started with photography. I must also admit that many times I have been completely fascinated with them and decided to enjoy them instead of taking photos. My bad! And it's because Blue & Golden hours are so ephemeral...

I was very lucky to capture the last light of the sunset with the Blue hour in full swing.

Beautiful start of spring.

El Mar Caribe!

Feb 6, 2022, San Felipe del Morro, Puerto Rico

The Caribbean Sea has many colors (the photo has no filter) and faces. Even on cloudy days with lead gray skies, the blue of the Caribbean stands out from a great distance.

I can't be objective, you know: After all, I was born and bred in the Caribbean.

Getaway to Puerto Rico

Feb 5, 2022, San Juan, Puerto Rico

So, sooooo cold, so many icy days one after another... The sun timidly appears some days and other days it stays asleep... So cold that we decided in seconds and in a fit of madness, to escape to our loved one and sunny Caribbean Sea!

In my country (Venezuela) there is a saying: "The donkey thinks one thing and the rider thinks differently." It hasn't stopped raining from the moment we landed! Sure, we had sunny moments and enjoyed the delicious tropical weather.

Due to the constant rain, we traveled more of the island by car, walking was complicated. And in the middle of the day, I can only describe the experience as "a personal experience with impressionism”.

For moments like this is why I love photography!