For past centuries and through modern times, seafaring vessels have used lighthouses for navigation and as a beacon of potentially dangerous seas… and for just as long, there have been onlookers on land who have drawn, painted, and photographed these pillars of light.
I have photographed these steadfast sentinels from both coasts and each time I visit one of these silent pharos’ I come away learning something new about myself.
The famed Quoddy Head Lighthouse. The name Quoddy Head, which means “fertile and beautiful place,” comes from the Native American Passamaquoddy tribe - “People of the Dawn”. Taken in early September, 2023 this lighthouse sees the first light hitting the United States.
Taken during low tide - I ascended a fairly good sized monolith to get this perspective.
In 1808 Thomas Jefferson commissioned the Wood Island Light - which was created to provide a beacon of safe passage to all who entered Casco Bay. Photographed less often than the Portland Head Light, this is Maine’s second oldest lighthouse and America’s eleventh oldest lighthouse.
Standing at a stout 41 feet this lighthouse is frequented often, especially during strong storm surges. I have fallen in love with this locale. I love the colors the tiny “Nubble Island” produces, even during the most monochromatic days.
On this day, which was blustery day where my fingers wouldn’t do what I wanted them to do. Making camera calibrations was as much frustrating as it was painful. The soft silky water is from capturing the tides ebb and flow for over 4 minutes, which really sets the mood.
Considered to be one of the most photographed lighthouses in America the Portland Head Light is the second oldest lighthouse in New England, which first provided light to ships back in 1791. On this particular day the temperature was in the single digits.
Sea smoke, also known as steam fog or Arctic sea smoke, is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when very cold air moves over warmer water. In the Gulf of Maine, sea smoke is most commonly seen in the winter months, when cold Arctic air moves over relatively warmer ocean waters in the Gulf of Maine. Sea smoke can create beautiful and surreal views, especially when the sun shines through the fog, creating a golden glow.
While the clouds did not want to make an appearance on this warm fall day the incoming tide surely made up for it.
Approaching the famous “Nubble” to find a different perspective is virtually useless as it has been photographed from every angle over the past 100 years. The best you can hope for is the current weather pattern to act as a catalyst to produce a spectacular event. This frigid cold day in February where temperature at sunrise was a balmy 5 degrees allowed mother nature to provide a wonderful display of a sunrise.
As is the overarching theme for many of the photographs I take, this was one heck of a cold day. Sea smoke is a phenomenon caused when very cold air moves over warm water. In Maine, this usually means negative ten below zero will create conditions where we can see “sea smoke”.
Located in South Portland, Maine the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse has provided protection to ships since 1897.
Unquestionably one of the most peaceful places on planet earth. Located in an area where, I believe, less than 10% of all tourists ever visit sits a photographers dream. Standing 56 feet above mean high water it’s Fourth Order Fresnel is still providing light.
Alone, I sat here sitting, watching, and listening to a buoy’s rhythmic ding - spoiled that I had this area to myself. I was able to take my time composing this “moment” as the temps were probably close to freezing, which was a reprieve from the harsh cold winter we experienced here in Maine.
The Bug Light is a popular historic lighthouse located in South Portland, Maine. It is also known as the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse or the Bug Light Park Lighthouse. The lighthouse is situated on a small peninsula at the eastern end of the Portland Breakwater, also known as the "Bug Light Park."
A long exposure created a minimalist effect, which is calming.
An interesting fact about the Bug Light was that the architect was Thomas U. Walter, most noted as the designer of the U.S. Capitol east and west wings and its current dome.
Completed in 1905, the twin of the Graves Light off Boston, Ram Island Ledge Light provides a protective light to ships navigating Portland Harbor.
This is a rather long 4 minute exposure - making the soft current look almost like sand.
Hendricks Head Lighthouse was erected on the western side of Southport Island in 1829 by Joseph Berry to guide vessels up the Sheepscot River to the shipbuilding center at Wiscasset Harbor. I was situated on the eastern shore of Georgetown Island which was an amazing one mile away. A stead hand holding my 500mm lens enabled me to take this great shot.
Hopes of viewing a spectacular sunrise gave way, rather quickly to a flat light that screamed for the lighthouse to be photographed in black and white. Sea smoke can be seen on the horizon, showing that the cold weather air did not do well against the warm current.
First lit in 1896, the Curtis Island Light is located at the entrance to Camden Harbor, at the southeastern end of Curtis Island. It sits on a public park, but is accessible by boat only.
Marshall Point Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the rocky coast of Port Clyde, a small fishing village in the state of Maine. It was first built in 1832 and the current tower was constructed in 1858 and stands 31 feet tall.
The lighthouse is situated on a narrow point of land that juts out into the ocean, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline. It is painted white with a red lantern room and a black roof, making it a picturesque sight against the blue sea and sky.
The lighthouse is also known for its connection to the famous author, E.B. White, who lived nearby in North Brooklin, Maine. White wrote a children's book called "The Trumpet of the Swan," which features a character named Louis the swan, who travels from Montana to Maine and visits Marshall Point Lighthouse.
This lighthouse was made most recently made famous by being part of the film Forrest Gump.
Few places in America afford a person the ability to truly view the night sky without any light pollution. The rugged coast of Acadia National Park is where I can freely observe and photograph the milky way. Acadia is one of the most visited National Parks in the country and most nights I am spoiled with being the only person around… like a child being let loose in an amusement park with free reign to ride any attraction without pause.
A rare evening where the weather held off to give way to super clear skies. A mile or so outside of Reid State Park entrance is a small pond called Ice Pond in Georgetown, Maine. This is what I used for a focal point for my latest Milkyway excursion. A composite of a single image for the foreground and the milkyway, which is a stack of 12 images edited in Photoshop.
Sunrise is clearly approaching from the east, but not before the milky way has the last word on who is the boss of the night sky. The core of the milky way kisses Otter Cliff a farewell — until tomorrow. I encourage anyone who is able to visit Acadia National Park to do so during the night hour — without the need to reserve a parking space on top of Cadillac Mountain or jocky for a parking spot at Sand Beach. Come, sit, watch and listen at any one of the beaches at Acadia — you will not be dissapointed.
Nestled away on the southeastern side of Acadia National Park, Little Hunters Beach is often overlooked as the trees along the park loop road obstructs the entrance to this pebbled covered beach. Being that it faces the southeasterly sky, it provides the one of the best vantage points to view the milky way in the entire park and honestly the entire state.
The milky way, again, is breathtakingly clear, on this chilly April morning; masking the famous Otter Cliff of Acadia National Park. As early as 1604, ships navigated this portion of America’s coastline. I have sat many a night alone on this beach watching the same stars as the sailors who crewed on Samuel Champlain’s ship. Visibly clear are three other planets; Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter.
The milky way is visible from this viewpoint for only a few short weeks a year. On this early March morning I was able to navigate Acadia National Park’s rocky coastline to gain entry into this cave, which is accessible only during low tide. What a wondrous moment viewing the milky way while enveloped in a cave that is millions of years old. I truly felt at that moment that, quite possibly, there was not another human on earth observing the milky way from a cave at the same time as me. I had what I know to be the trifecta, low tide, no clouds, and no moon… a one in a million chance.
I believe that wildlife photography is not just about capturing a moment in time, but about telling a story. Each photograph is a window into the complex and interconnected web of life that surrounds us. It is my hope that through my work, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the vital role that wildlife plays in our planet's ecosystems.
In addition to showcasing the beauty of nature, my portfolio also aims to raise awareness about the threats that wildlife faces. Climate change and habitat loss are just a couple of the challenges that animals must overcome in order to survive. By highlighting the resilience and adaptability of wildlife, I hope to inspire you to take action to protect our planet's biodiversity.
The buck was getting that top shelf leaf… not a care in the world.
Along Route 102 in Southwest Harbor, Maine were no less than 40 deer on this morning. From my car I was able to snap this shot of this wonderful creature.
A mother and he fawn were getting some morning grub - they are pretty tame out here as there is no hunting on the island.
The Kennebec was almost like ice - this Mallard was relaxing - giving way to an almost perfect reflection.
In just a few moments the eagle on the bottom will drop the fish it is eating and actually cock his head to the side to say - why did I just do that….
The Great Egret is the symbol of the National Audubon Society, one of the oldest environmental organizations in North America. An early morning in April at Maine’s largest marsh in Scarborough Maine.
One of Maine’s largest rivers is the Kennebec which is where the red winged black bird loves to relax… this male, resting on last years vegetation was posturing to the other males in the area — carving out his dominance.
The glossy ibis love some mud - again, loving the 3000 acres of marshland in Scarborough this glossy ibis was in heaven during an early morning in late April - scrounging for some sweet breakfast nommage…
The eastern phoebe is known as the best natural fly catcher… who wouldn’t want a handful of these perched on the outskirts of their property in the early summer? Their song and little tail wiggle caught my attention — begging me to take their photo.
One half of a nesting pair of bald eagles along the Kennebec River in Winslow, Maine this eagle was off to find some dinner for their littles. I observe at a distance far enough so not to stress the family. I am not sure you have seen such determination on a face …
On a different day observing the nesting pair of eagles this eagle sat perched on an old pine - I don’t think they moved for over an hour. I was able to stabilize my camera to my tripod and take some really low ISO shots producing some sharp images at 500mm. I assumed that their left side was their best side…
The glossy ibis, I wasn’t sure what caught their attention, but they didn’t move from this position for a number of minutes. I like to think that they just wanted to pose for the photographers along the trail… knowing that they had the best legs in the marsh.
Their nest is perched in the oldest pine in the area, close to 50 feet off the ground. You have to look really hard to find it, even when I go back and visit this family I struggle to find it. They look so content. I can’t wait to see their little get strong enough to look up over the edge of their nest.
This is the first and only Golden Eagle I have ever witness in the state of Maine. It was an absolute pleasure to photograph it. With its striking golden-brown feathers and powerful talons, the golden eagle is an apex predator that commands respect and awe in its natural habitat.
The song sparrow is in my opinion one of the most photogenic birds. While I find it hiding in the thickets most often, I find that I can track it only when it flies from bush to bush…. getting lucky when it lands on an open branch.
No, not that Downey… this is the Downey Woodpecker. These birds have a sixth sense… knowing when you are trying to photograph them they will purposefully roll around the trunk of a tree evading the capture of a lens. It is a fun dance.
The coloring of the background complimented perfectly with the song sparrow … a perfect pose. Nothing else to say.
The tree swallow - who else feels that the blue cap doesn’t remind them of captain america, right? The are true bombers. These birds are absolutely fun to watch in an open setting - they are not scared at all by a human… flying by my head at speeds approaching 18 miles an hour… so intense.
The Snowy Egret are a graceful bird to watch. Usually traveling in large groups — swooping down in marshes - as was the case here. He would soon land and wade in shallow water to spear fish and other small aquatic animals.
Undeniably - one cannot never mistaken a blue jay. The longest living blue jay lived to almost 27 years. This fellah was digging in at the roots of a tree, just out of frame.
coming in at a very small 5.5 inches the tree swallow can fly at a very fast 19 miles per hour. Imagine trying to capture one in flight with a 500mm lens … I know I heard people close by laughing at me while I swung my body back and forth like I was holding a tuba in a marching band… in the end I was able to get these three sort of sharp images.
While not related, it certainly looks like a parent having a “teachable moment” with their child… this great egret and snowy egret are holding that same sort of pose…
What is a wildlife section without having a representative of any local coastal McDonalds, right? The true coastal trashcan… these fellahs love some french fries.
On the Messalonskee Trail in Winslow, Maine a Yellow Warbler is enjoying a beautiful May morning.
A canada goose just relaxing on a hummock. Messalonskee Lake in Maine is a treasure trove for bird lovers and nature lovers in general. Imagine going out on a kayak - early morning - late summer - perfect.
The American Bullfrog - on the Kennebec Trail in Winslow, Maine you are apt to hear the sounds of many bullfrogs and if you are lucky you may even find one hiding in plain sight.
I could have sat there all day watching these egrets interacting. Such fun - so relaxing.
Looks like the color pallet for next years favorite color scheme, right? Seriously! These little blue birds are going to be trend setters.
The cardinal is the state bird for seven states. While Maine has the Chickadee — we do appreciate and welcome the cardinal anytime.
A very frigid March day - this single eagle is scoping out the Sebasticook river - perched on top of the oldest and tallest pine in the area. I found it fitting to put it in black and white…
I have to admit that this an osprey that is nesting on top of a telephone pole… seems less dramatic knowing that… but it was fun capturing this moment… with no real place to pull over I had to slow down to a crawl with my camera out my car window… I was appreciative that they looked my way for the pic.
The Bald Eagle season came to a close for the 2023 season along the Sabasticook River in Benton, Maine. At the height you could have seen over 30 eagles at any one given time feasting on the alewives… now we have eagles in the single digits; mostly resting and taking the heat.
It is good to sometimes sit and just watch the eagles - they don’t always have to be catching food to get a great photo.
It is so fun to sit and just watch these creatures in their element. This eagle was sitting, just reflecting… deep in thought.
Along the Kennebec Trail you can watch a nesting pair of eagles - on this day, the female sat perched on a dead branch watching her partner catch dinner on the Kennebec - it was after ten minutes or so that she decided to go catch up with them.
This female has had a busy nesting season taking care of her two babies — sometimes it is good to get away from the nest and have some quiet time.
The maritime genre of fine art landscape photography captures the beauty, drama, and mystery of the sea and its surrounding landscapes. It encompasses a wide range of subjects including oceans, coastlines, beaches, harbors, ships, and lighthouses. The maritime genre has a long history in the world of art, with some of the earliest examples dating back to the 17th century.
Photographing the maritime can be challenging due to the constantly changing conditions of the sea and weather. It requires a deep understanding of the natural elements, such as the movement of the tides and the colors of the sky, as well as the technical aspects of photography, such as exposure and composition.
Through the lens of my Sony A7rV, maritime landscapes are transformed into fine art that capture the majesty and power of the sea, the tranquility of a sunset on the beach, or the rugged beauty of a rocky shoreline. It is my hope that maritime photography invites you to experience the wonder and awe of the natural world.
You have most likely driven over a tiny bridge in Eden, Maine and never realized the gorgeous views provided. This is taken right at that bridge —
Along Route 102 in Southwest Harbor you will find the most beautiful marsh - given the light with the fog — it made for some nice photography. Texture was added after, for added flare.
Looking out from Sorrento Maine - a wonderful fishing community on Frenchman’s Bay. Looking out you can see Cadillac Mountain. The closest island is home to Osprey.
Boulder Beach is the information name given to this stretch of beach in Acadia National Park.. here sits Otter Cliffs - at 110 feet high it is one of the highest headlands north of Rio De Janeiro.
Lobster yachts are the lifeblood of the lobstermen in down east Maine. Port Clyde is home to some of the most majestic seascapes you will lay eyes on.
From under the pier at Old Orchard Beach - the pylons are caked with barnacles.
Never complaining — always willing to go above and beyond… these lobster yachts are most humble.
Such an odd weather pattern on New Years day back in 2018 — rain, crazy winds and rainbows… sometimes when you are doing photography you have to turn around…
As the poster states - this is America’s only beachfront amusement park - situated adjacent to the Pier at Old Orchard Beach.
Many days when temps hover around freezing you will not see many tourists around Old Orchard Beach - a few locals are scattered about, but for the most part it is a wonderful place to stop and listen to the churning waves crash against the empty shore. Very calming, for me anyways.
Lobster shack - this has to be one of the most photographed shacks in all of New England.
In so many instances as a photographer you get so caught up in what is in front of you and the struggles of not finding a good composition that you forget to look behind you… it was the storm clouds behind that simply took my breath away….
With less than ideal skies for a sunrise photo here at Old Orchard Beach I decided to go for a long exposure of the pier and ebb tide.
A workhorse - at parade rest until called upon.
A short 1.5 mile trek will bring you to this most epic vista to view the epic sunrise - this area is along the Culter Coast in Maine.
On the eastern shore of Georgetown Island in Maine you can find not a soul … which is a shame - this little sea port is my new favorite place to go. I can’t wait to visit in the summer.
This monochrome gallery showcases a collection of black and white photographic artworks. It features a variety of photographic genres such as landscapes, still life, and abstract compositions, among others.
These photographs are carefully curated to represent my vision and style, often highlighting the beauty of form, texture, and contrast that can be achieved only with monochrome photography.
The elusive “single tree in a field” - at least in Maine, it is what every photographer is on the look out for when traveling throughout the state. It was happenstance that I came across this beautiful tree — I was traveling back home from the coast and wound up in a tiny town called Palermo — so happy I was able to capture this sentinel protecting the bolder from the weather.
The Cape Neddick Light or “Nubble” was constructed back in 1879 and was the last lighthouse in America to be automated.
This frigid morning in February was so chilly that sea smoke formed on top of the ocean water. Taken at 6:10AM, right at sunrise, the sun had no chance to break through these dynamic clouds.
Resulting from glacial scouring, Messalonskee Stream was instrumental in providing waterpower for many factories in the early part of the 20th century — even the axehead factories — where Oakland Maine was considered the axehead capital of the world.
On a very calm morning in Wellington, Maine I pulled over to snap this wonderful fruit tree in a field. Wellington is a very small town in Maine that has around 225 people living there.
From the iconic footbridge in Waterville Maine I was able to capture the complete stillness of the Kennebec River - in the distance is a still in service train track operated by the Central Maine Railroad.
The Ticonic Foot Bridge is a historic pedestrian bridge that spans 576 feet across the Kennebec River in Waterville, Maine. Built in 1901, the bridge has been an iconic landmark in the city for over a century.
Completed in 1905, the twin of the Graves Light off Boston, Ram Island Ledge Light provides a protective light to ships navigating Portland Harbor.
This is a rather long 4 minute exposure - making the soft current look almost like sand.
An early morning adventure to Old Orchard Beach left me this wonderful view all to myself.
Only when the temperatures get around -10 below zero will this phenomenon occur... where the very cold air his the warm ocean water... relatively speaking. From Fort Williams Park I observed one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen. I have this in color as well but opted for black and white because it really gives a sense for how cold it looking at the Portland Head Light.
Cape Disappointment is a headland of the Pacific Northwest - located at the extreme southwester corner of Washington. The seas were super quiet revealing a rather quiet and reflective moment. I really wanted to do this in black and white - contrast was just so good.
These two wonderful chin strapped Canadian geese quite leisurely swam in the bay by Mink Island. They were kings of their domain, being the only two in sight. I too was the only one around. How spoiled were we?
focusing on random landscapes and musings from my travels through America I have used a variety of techniques, such as lighting, composition, and post-processing, to create striking and evocative images that celebrate the natural beauty and charm of “everyday” America.
I hope we are able to appreciate the unique character and charm of rural life and to connect with the natural world in a meaningful way.
Using a 90mm Macro lens I was able to focus on the finest marking of rust on an aging train trestle in central Maine. At a glance it looks like a satellite view of somewhere on earth.
On New Years day in 2018 I was met with a crazy rain storm at the Old Orchard Beach Pier and was immediately met with a wonderful rainbow.
From the same train trestle that had the rust this is a single bolt still doing it’s job.
Looking like cross roads these are just wonderfully placed cracks on Oak Pond in Maine.
Ice on Oak Pond in Maine looks eerily like a monster from Stranger Things.
Tiny methane bubbles get caught in Oak Pond gives a look of strung up lights.
More crazy bubbles captured in the ice on Oak Pond in Maine. Looks other worldly…
I love the colors deep in the ice. I could have spent hours on the ice — on my knees just snapping photos all day.
I instantly thought of a clowns face when I shot this photograph.
No two leaves are the same - each one has their own represented decaying beauty.
On Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park this island has been inhabited for well over 4000 years. This footbridge is usually full of people stopping to take pictures of it’s simple beauty.
This unique structure traverses the Carrabasset River into the West Village of New Portland. It is the last of its kind in Maine, and possible the country.
Along the Kennebec Messalonskee Trail there was a small grove of trees reflecting in a small pond - this is an ICM photo of those trees… a single birch tree centers this photograph perfectly.
As the “crow flies”, California is 2740 miles from where I live in Oakland, Maine. With a population of around 40 million, California is certainly a change from Maine where we have well under 2 million living. With such a large population and tourist base I was uncertain if I could find unique perspectives on some of the most photographed locations…
Sunrise on the west coast is a sight to behold. It may have been due to the unseasonable cool weather but I was alone on Baker Beach watching the sunrise. This is quite possibly the first time the Golden Gate Bridge has been photographed from this spot.
The south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge is simply massive. Towering a staggering 500 feet above the roadway, 746 feet above the water, 856 above bedrock foundation this symmetrical sentinel carries the load of the almost 38 inch diameter cable.
This photograph gives the illusion that you could possibly be staring down a long industrial looking highway. I was pleased to come away with this very different perspective of the bridge. Just a half hour prior to taking this photo the fog had fully shrouded the bridge, allowing only the anchorages to be seen… I was very pleased when the fog finally lifted and I was able to lie on the ground and take this almost vertical shot.
The Sentinel Building, as it formally known as, is a flatiron building clad in copper and white tiles. The Sentinel’s copper patina juxtaposed against the Transamerica’s crushed quartz facade makes this a hotspot for photographers. The difference between these two landmarks is 40 floors.
Hugging the edge of the street is the only way I could compose this shot in a way that would possibly produce this amazing illusion. Interestingly enough, before I set up my gear I just watched… I watched everyone walk, drive, cycle past, ignoring the wonderful architecture surrounding them. It was only after I had my gear set up where people finally paused long enough to take notice of what I was taking a photo of. Success.
Built in 1948 and later restored to its original colors just like when it was delivered to Philadelphia for service. This car seats 47 passengers and was modeled after the famous Boston PCC Streetcar. The No. 1059 and has move countless pedestrians down Market Street in San Francisco.
The Golden Gate Bridge has an art-deco design which is highlighted by the straight lines. The two tower carry the burden of the bridges suspension cables as they get ever so smaller as they ascend through the fog. It was architect Irving F. Morrow that came on-board late in the game who is credited for the amazing art-deco design.
The cables and tower literally disappear into the fog…
With a backdrop of San Francisco; Pier Seven is famous with both tourists and fishermen alike. I was told by a local that you can pull darn near anything from either side of this 840 foot pier with a rod and reel - from flounder to sharks.
Lined with perfectly spaced lamp posts and benches one can almost make out the soft blurs of people walking to-and-fro as I captured a brief thirty second moment of time.
My first time in San Fran so I had to go and take all the photos from all the spots of the great vermillion bridge…
Looking out towards Cannon Beach in Oregon. Some of the most famous monoliths ever photographed.
Cape Disappointment is a headland of the Pacific Northwest - located at the extreme southwester corner of Washington. The seas were super quiet revealing a rather quiet and reflective moment.
Also known as Tahoma is a large stratovolcano that sits 60 miles south-southeast of Seattle — but can be see from the needle.
This lighthouse’s name escapes me but I know when I was there photographing it I just felt like I was jettisoned back to the 50s - white picket fence and all the fixings — so calm.