Sunset Safari

A male African Lion posing during the Sunset Safari at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, hosts Sunset Safaris on Tuesdays during the month of July each year. The zoo closes at 4:30PM each day. By attending a Sunset Safari you get back into the zoo from 5:30 to 8:30PM.

Along with viewing the zoo animals, there is live music performed by local bands and special pre-ordered meals available. On the evening of my visit, the band was all about music from the 1970’s which brought back memories.

This is a good time of the day to see animals who mostly sleep or are inactive during the heat of the day moving around as the air cools with the setting sun. In particular, the African Lions were very active and playful inside their enclosure. The two sisters were taking turns stalking their brother. A bit of rough housing would ensue when one of them would punce on his back.

In between bouts, they would relax and even pose for the visitors watching and photographing them through the glass.

Shooting through glass is challenging. You have to be careful not to get reflections of yourself and other people near you. I get as close to the glass as I can and shoot straight on.

I was informed by the zoo volunteer the lions are triplets. They also have a tendency to roar around 8PM each night but decided not to on this evening. I’ll have to wait to capture a roaring lion photo on some other day.

If you have a nearby zoo which has evening hours or a program such as a Sunset Safari, grab your camera and enjoy an evening with some real animals.

A Lioness takes a break from stalking her brother but still keeps an eye out for another advance during the Sunset Safari at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York.

View 83: Landmark Theatre

Click on Photo to see the Photo Essay

Village by the Lake

Skaneateles Lake, the cleanest of the Finger Lakes, has water so pure the city of Syracuse uses it unfiltered.

On the northern shore of Skaneateles Lake, the quiet village of Skaneateles (pronounced “skanny-atlas”) sits as it’s citizens and visitors walk through the unique shops and restaurants of a cool summer evening. Sailboats, pleasure and fishing boats come and go creating the feeling of a laid back timelessness.

Luxury apartments, parks and a church of Skaneateles along the lake shore.

This is a far cry from the last time I showed you Skaneateles: View 50: Scrooged! It was much colder!

Syracuse Nationals Hot Rod Show

Some of the nearly 7,000 hot rods, muscle cars and classics at the Syracuse Nationals last weekend at the New York State Fairgrounds.

The rainy day forecasted turned into a dry, warm and perfect day to for me to spend at the 10th annual Syracuse Nationals Hod Rod Show. Nearly 7,000 hot rods, muscle cars and classics filled the New York State Fairgrounds last weekend. The passion the owners of these vehicles is apparent with meticulously polished and maintained surfaces shining for my camera to capture.

The famous running Mustang logo from a classic 1969 Ford Mustang muscle car at the Syracuse Nationals Hot Rod Show.

Winning at a car show as large as the Syracuse Nationals means you have to get every detail of your car cleaned, polished and presented for the judges. I can not imagine the task that must have been as I was overwhelmed in the sea of beautiful cars.

Flames and bright colors are what draw me to a hot rod. Click on photo to see the entire car.

Muscle cars from the 1970's are a favorite of mine like this shaker hood from a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am Black Bird. Click photo to see the entire car.

Of all the styles of hot rods, I like the coupes the best.  Add flames and bright colors and I can’t resist photographing them.

Chromed grills and engine bays cause havac with my camera's meter but I still can't resist them. Click on photo to see entire hot rod.

View 82: Syracuse Photographers Association Meetup Group

Just about a year ago, I found a meetup group for photographers in the Syracuse area. As much fun as I have in finding my own photo events, the Syracuse Photographers Association sets up meetups where a single photographer might not get access to. Another reason for joining was to share ideas and to learn from other photography enthusiasts. The group consists of amateurs and professionals. I’m still learning about everyone and the Internet site helps to keep up with everyone’s photographic exploits.

Last week, the group came out to my home town. After some shooting, the group settled in at the Mohegan Manor for some chit chat, beverages and photography discussions.

Members of the Syracuse Photographers Association check out a member's portfolio at the Mohegan Manor in Baldwinsville, New York.

Later we all headed across town to check out the Erie Canal Lock 24 area while we waited for the sunset.

Heading for a sunset, members of the Syracuse Photographers Association walk towards the Seneca River.

View 81: Lake House

A sunset is reflected in the windows of a house along the Lake Ontario shore near Oswego, New York.

Living close to one of the Great Lakes has it’s photographic rewards. Living on one of them yields daily rewards for the people lucky enough to do so and the birds who share it with them.

Seagull seemingly enjoying the view of the colors following a sunset on Lake Ontario near Oswego, New York.

View 80: 4th of July Concert

The band, Sharp Dressed Penguins, entertain the lawn chaired audience on Paper Mill Island in Baldwinsville, New York.

Small town America celebrated the 4th of July last Saturday. Within an hours drive of my home I could have been at any type of concert from a full orchestra to rock and roll bands. Instead, I decided to head to my town’s amphitheater and enjoy the sounds of the Sharp Dressed Penguins on Paper Mill Island. The night was cool for July but that did not deter the many who turned out to hear the music and to watch FIREWORKS!

A patriotic firework burst over Paper Mill Island in Baldwinsville, New York, in celebration of the July 4th holiday.

5 Star Photo: Sam the Eagle

Patriotic Eagle

If you own any kind of photo management software, you are aware of the star rating system where you rate your photos from 1 to 5 stars. This system is as individual as us photographers. I only use 1 thru 4 stars and save 5 stars for my computer’s screen saver. They might not even be the best of my work. They are photos I am proud of or I just like a lot.

Above is Sam the Eagle from The Raptor Project taken at last year’s New York State Fair. Sam is always perched fittingly in front of an American flag. One of my 5 Star Photos.

Happy Birthday, America!

Celebrating 233 years this Saturday, July 4th.