Skating in Central Park

This shot was taken on a cool crisp day in Central Park similar to today. It's a great day to visit the city, shop, and maybe even skate!

Cenral Park Carraige Ride

This close up of a horse drawn carraige was shot in Central Park in New York City. It's a great way to see some of the sites!

Christmas Is Coming

Hey folks, Christmas is coming so please stop by our shop for some unique holiday shopping. This image just reminds me of the holidays. It was taken by chance early one morning after a snowfall. The wind had blown the snow off the berries which made for a pleasing shot.

Holiday Portraits and Photos

'Tis the season as they say and please do not forget about your holiday photos! I'm posting some of my favorites from during the past years. We can provide a set of digital images at the location of your choice.

Christmas is a popular time to take a family portrait. Or, think outside the box - we can photograph your home, your favorite view, etc. All images are provided on CD. 3 images that you select will be edited and printed on ultra premium glossy photo paper using 80-year archival ink to provide durable, super high quality, long lasting images. This is a great opportunity to capture a special someone or something for posterity.

Elegant Seaside

Central Park

The Twins

Totem Pole

The Reverand

Happy Family

We Do Model Portfolios Too!

Fayerweather Light Late Summer

We've seen many images of this subject at sunrise and some at sunset. Here's one taken in the late Summer when the skies were still bright around 8:00 PM. I take most of my shots of the Fayerweather Lighthouse late in the day when it is lit by the sun from the west. I liked this image because the curving jetty caries you into the scene. Enjoy!

Tidal Marsh In Mystic, Connecticut

One of the things that David Pressler taught me early on in my photography training was to always look around for the small details. Well this is what happened when I created this image. I was standing near the entrance to Mystic Seaport looking at all that it had to offer and when I looked to the left, I spotted this scene which to me is very pleasing. Hope you enjoy it.

Orion Ventures LLC Presents It's all about you!

Hey Folks, I know I haven't posted to the site for a bit. That's because I've been busy opening up a new shop in Black Rock. Orion Ventures is my LLC where our motto is "We Develop Creativity".

It's all about you! is the latest addition to our ventures that currently include William Alderman Photography, Dollar Bill's Emporium, and The Alderman Group. To add to the fun, I live in a 5 room apartment directly above the shop. WooHoo, no more commuting! Here's some details:

It's all about you!

3008 Fairfield Avenue
Black Rock, CT 06605
203-870-9111

Situated in the Quarterboard Row Building in the historic seaport village of Black Rock, this innovative shop combines the benefits of our projects into one unique retail space. At It's all about you!, the customer is number one! Whatever you want, we will get it. Our services include:

• Techno Art Gallery - come view our artists work on DVD

• Digital Photography Studio

• Vignette Consignment Shop

• Unique Collectables and Gifts

• Estate Sale Management

• Project Management

• Interior Design and Repair Services

A complete selection of vendors for any project you may have.

Artists & consignors, please call us at 203-870-9111 or e-mail us at:

ItsAllAboutYou.BlackRock@gmail.com

Happy Thanksgiving

This was a chance shot taken by the Fayerweather Yacht Club early Tuesday morning. I had been up on the roof deck shooting the early morning sunrise and when I came out to the street there was a flock of wild turkeys running around. I advised this guy to hide for a few days and he was kind enough to pose for me. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Fayerweather Light Sunrise

As you may have noticed, shooting the Fayerweather Light at the entrance to Black Rock Harbor is one of my favorite subjects. I've shot it from a variety of locations, most recently St. Mary's By The Sea in Black Rock. I hope you enjoy this image as much as I did creating it.

Early Morning Moon Set

While I was shooting the sunrise, I noticed the setting moon behind me and thought that this made an awesome shot through the tree branches. Hope you enjoy it!

Sunset In Black Rock Harbor

After all of the sunrise shots I had been creating, I thought it would be fun to shoot a sunset image. This one was created at Seaside Park near the fishing pier. At this time of year, you have to be on your toes because the sky literally lights up for only a minute or so and it's easy to miss.

We Honor Those Who Serve on Veteran's Day

To those we have served and are serving, please accept our thanks. Our family's ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War so for today, I present the Westport Minuteman for your review.

In Memory of Jean Emily Burrage Alderman

Today would have been Mom’s 90th birthday. The photo of Mom and Dad at Niagara Falls was taken by an unknown photographer.

Mom was a special person who met my father during World War II. In those days, marriages between Australians and Americans were virtually unheard of. No one really traveled between the U.S. and Australia. Today the flight time in jets from New York to Sydney is about 24 hours. Imagine the time it took in the 40’s to get there in a prop plane! During the war, Dad worked for Eastern Aircraft (owned by GM) and was on loan to the British Navy. He was an expert on the aircraft of that era and two of the books he wrote are in The Library of Congress. An avid photographer, we still have the photographs he took of a kamikaze attack on his aircraft carrier. Fortunately, he and many of his crew-mates survived and they were able to put in to Sydney Harbour. As the story goes, he then went to pick up a paycheck at Holden (GM Australia). Well he met my Mom and the rest is history. Dad knew she was his soul-mate from the minute he laid eyes on her. He really wanted her and spent countless hours having the American family write letters to Mom about what a great guy he was. She finally agreed to marry him. Now keep in mind, that after the war, the United States would not permit travel here. The government at the time was afraid we would be overwhelmed with refuges. True love overcomes all and Dad snuck Mom into the United States. Australia is a Commonwealth Country as is Canada. Mom flew to Vancouver Canada – a trip that took days. They boarded the Canadian Pacific Railway and travelled to a stop just north of Buffalo. There, Dad had an old friend who owned a farm that spanned the border. They crossed into the United States on that private land and were married shortly thereafter. It seems like Dad had friends everywhere because they went to Montreal a couple of months later. His buddy had prepared the required paperwork and they entered the United States legally. Mom was very proud of her homeland, Australia, and never gave up her citizenship. She did however get a green card. In this time, we talk a lot about illegal aliens. Well, Mom was one of the first! In 1987, I had the great fortune to take her back to Australia for the first time since she left in 1946.

Today I would ask you to help me celebrate the life of my Mother. Some days we shed tears while on others we smile as we remember her. I would like to take you away for a short period of time - to take you on a journey.

Please think about a day in the past that was filled with fun, exhilaration, and excitement. A day that you had not a care in the world. A day that you were totally immersed in that moment.

Close your eyes - yes, close your eyes and think about it. It’s all right to smile; in fact I would like you to remember it so well that you can’t help but smile. Perhaps it was a day outdoors, skiing, hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, a back yard barbecue, a concert, a play, the joy of a newborn, whatever it was, do you remember it well? Think about it; re-live it.

You may have been the first up the ski lift after a night of newly fallen snow. As you got off the lift, you turned to head down the mountain. You paused at the top of your favorite trail and looked out over the valleys below you, covered with a fresh blanket of snow. The sun shimmered off the snow crystals like a billion diamonds. The sky was blue and clear, the scent in the air was indescribably clean and crisp. As you headed down the trails, you made first tracks and the only sound was that of the powder under your skis.

It may have been a walk in the fall woods. As you walked up that old logging trail, the sound of birds and scolding squirrels, the crunch of leaves under your feet, that heady smell of moss, freshly fallen leaves and fall flowers permeated your senses. The trees were painted in their autumn colors, the bright yellows of the birches, the intense reds of the maples and the deep greens of the pines, hemlock and cedar.

Was it a day at an amusement park when you went on every ride at least once, except the roller coaster? You did that three times! The sounds of the calliope in the background, screams of delight from children of all ages, the aromas of hot dogs, onion rings, fried dough and cotton candy all filled the air.

Or was it a day on the water or at the beach? Soft warm sand to sink your feet into, clear cool water to swim in, the smell of the salty air, hearing the gulls over head, listening to the rhythm of the waves coming into shore. Were you on a boat? It doesn’t really matter what kind it was. Perhaps a sailboat cutting gracefully across Sydney Harbour, the wind singing in the rigging, the lines slapping on the mast, heeling over just enough to make it interesting but still allowing you to relax.

It makes no difference what your day was made up of, what does matter is that even today you can see in your mind your surroundings, remember the sounds, the smells and re-live those emotions.

Do you remember what happened at the end of that day? I may not have been there but I’ll bet that sunset arrived. And with the sunset, you picked up, went home, set anchor or otherwise ended your day. You knew that wonderful day was going to end but you didn’t think about it until the sun was low on the horizon.

You could not stop the sun from setting, but you will always have the memories. And just as we cannot stop the sun from setting, we cannot stop the process of life. With Mom’s passing she was relieved of her pain and suffering.

In the coming days, weeks, months and years, when a thought of Mom comes to mind, let the memories bring warmth to your heart and a smile to your face, for we are fortunate to have had her.

While Mom may be physically gone, she will always be with us as long as we keep her alive in our minds, in our hearts, and in our souls.

God bless you Mom, we miss you.

Mersey Bluff Lighthouse - Tasmania

Well, since we're still on the subject of lighthouses, I thought we'd take a trip to Australia and the island state of Tasmania.

Tasmania is located 150 miles south of continental Australia across the Bass Strait and is known as the "island of inspiration" due to its large and relatively unspoiled natural environment. The Great Australian Bight borders it in the west, The Tasman Sea in the east, and The Southern Ocean in the south. Hobart, the largest city and state capital is the south; we rented a sailing yacht there to cruise in The Southern Ocean. The most well-known resident is the Tasmanian Devil. After an 11-hour night crossing of the Bass Strait aboard the MS Abel Tasman, we arrived in Port Devonport on the north side of the island. Just outside of the port, we came upon the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse on the western side of the mouth of the Mersey River. It was constructed in 1889, replacing a succession of previous beacons. This lighthouse is considered unusual in Australia because of its distinctive verticle red striped daymark. Tasmania will be featured in future posts, we spent a month here.

Portsmouth Harbor Light - Portsmouth, NH

At the mouth of the Piscataqua River, you will find New Hampshire's only deep water port, Portsmouth Harbor. A series of lighthouses were constructed in the area as early as 1771, originally from wood. The current cast-iron lighthouse was constructed in 1877 on the grounds of Fort Constitution (originally called Fort William & Mary by the Brits). In December 1774, Paul Revere rode to Portsmouth from Boston to warn the locals of British plans to reinforce Fort William & Mary. They immediately raided the fort and made off with the supplies. Many consider this to be one of the first battles of the American Revolution. It is said that the ammunition taken was used against the British during the Battle of Bunker Hill. You can see the remains of the fort just to the right of the lighthouse.

This image was also shot from Fort McClary. Although I would have preferred light from the west, I'm happy with this shot.

Whaleback Light - Kittery, Maine

This is the most southerly lighthouse in Maine, located just northeast of Portsmouth Harbor at the mouth of the Piscataqua River. Apparently both Maine and New Hampshire have squabbled over the lighthouse for years. The Coast Guard finally settled the dispute by declaring it to be in Maine. Ideally, I should have shot this image from Fort Foster but I couldn't find it and was pressed for time. I ended up in Fort McClary to get the shot. It's not that good because of it's distance from Fort McClary and again I was shooting into the morning sun. I'm planning a major Maine Lighthouse shoot at some point during the next 2 months to provide you with a proper image.

Boon Island Light, Maine

Wow, this was a Ghost Lighthouse for me. I was reading about the background of Maine's Lighthouses and came across some information on this one. It is about 9 miles offshore from York Beach and can be seen from Cape Neddick. Well imagine my surprise and glee when I went back to the raw images of the Cape Neddick Light and found that I had captured this shot. Mind you, it's not very good but at least I have it. I'm thinking about buying a longer lens so I can get more detail on the next trip.

According to my research, this island is a just a strip of jagged rocks waiting to destroy a passing ship. The most notorious wreck was that of the Nottingham Galley in 1710 where the survivors resorted to cannibalism.

Cape Neddick Light - York Beach, Maine

On Monday morning, after a delightful meal hosted by our hero Marine Corporal Dan Buscemi at Amore Breakfast in Ogunquit, I began my drive South back to Connecticut along Shore Road which eventually turns into Route 1A. Soon, I arrived in York Beach and headed out to Sohier Park to shoot the Cape Neddick Light. This lighthouse is also called The Nubble Light referring to the barren rocky island (a nubble) where it sits. It is said that when NASA launched the Voyager Spacecraft, they picked photos to identify Earth in case the craft fell into extraterrestial hands - these included an image of the Nubble. I knew this shot would be challenging because I had to aim East into the morning sun. It would be preferable to create this image with the late afternoon light from the West - I'll try that on my next visit. All things considered, I'm happy with it.

Goat Island Light - Cape Porpoise Harbor, Maine

During the next few days, we shall visit the images of 5 lighthouses that I was able to shoot during Summerfest 2010 in Maine. For some background, the coastline of Maine was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago forming a series of bays, inlets, ledges, and shoals. For mariners, these waters were complicated and extremely dangerous. There was no such thing as GPS so commencing around 1794, a series of lighthouses were constructed to provide a fixed point of guiding light. Well over 60 of these structures still dot the coast. Just outside of Kennebunkport, at the entrance to Cape Porpoise Harbor, you will find the Goat Island Light. It is said that the Secret Service agents guarding George H. W. Bush use the island to keep an eye on the Bush Compound at Walker's Point. This image was created at dusk, shot from some lobster company docks.

Lobster Boat at Cape Porpoise Maine

Well folks, tonight was the finale of Summerfest 2010 in Maine. It is said that true friends can go years without seeing each other, yet they will always be friends. When they meet again, they just take-up where they left off. Such was the case this weekend. Tonight we celebrated our joy at being together again with a nice shore dinner. That is the inspiration for today's shot, a small lobster boat in the harbor at Cape Porpoise.

Drakes Island Beach - Polar Bear Party

Today we spent the day here at Drakes Island Beach in Wells, Maine. It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze blowing to keep us cool. I caught up on sleep and must needed relaxation. More images to come from Maine tomorrow. As our commenter points out, these waters are cold, so I have revised the title.

Off To Maine

Off to Maine for some fun and photos. Will post make-up days and new shots when I return. Have a great weekend!

Black Rock Harbor

Greetings from Wells, Maine. Here is an image created Thursday night at The Fayerweather Yacht Club during their delicious Thursday night dinner served by Along Came Carol. In the background you can see the Fayerweather Light and the new fishing pier at Seaside Park. Hope you like this.

Return to Black Rock Harbor

After enjoying a wonderful dinner at the Fayerweather Yacht Club, I had some time to shoot some beautiful images around sunset. I really liked this one of a sailboat heading north on Black Rock Creek flying a brightly colored spinnaker. The reflection in the water adds a nice balance.

South Eastern Australian Coast

Well since we are on the subject of coastal areas, I thought we'd pop around the world to Australia for a shot of the south eastern coastline below Sydney. A picture is worth a thousand words and I believe this image says it all for the beauty of the area.

Sunset Over Long Island Sound

Today I am pleased to introduce a local photographer, Mr. Carlos M. Carmo, Jr. - well known man-about-town. This image caught my eye and really drew me into it. Shot from the deck of the Port Jefferson Ferry on its inbound trip, it reminds me of the excitement of returning home to Bridgeport. Thank you Mr. Carmo!

The Virgin Mary of Bridgeport

Statuary can be found in many places, sometimes elegant tributes to those past as found in Mountain Grove Cemetery or Seaside Park. Other times, a simple yet beloved tribute to a religious icon. Some friends and I discovered this statue on the way home from the Port Jefferson Ferry. We had made a wrong turn and were driving along a street in an area known as The Hollow. God had sent us there to preserve this tribute digitally. The Virgin has moved on but she shall live forever due to the wonders of digital photography. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Christ and Holy Trinity Cemetery

An interesting way to shoot an outdoor statue in a cemetery for example is to create the image in a low light condition while using a flash. The flash reflects well off the stone highlighting the statue while the unlit background virtually disappears. This image was created in the Christ and Holy Trinity Cemetery in Westport, Connecticut.

New York Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art

I really enjoy visiting this museum. There is just so much to see and do both inside and out. I've found that the statues look best in black & white, at least to my eye. Enjoy!

Phone Booth at Ye Old Yacht Yard

As you may have noticed from previous posts, I enjoy going to Ye Old Yacht Yard. It seems there is always something new to post. This old phone booth caught my eye, especially the reflection in the glass. I thought that a black & white would better emphasize the reflection and the detail in the wood.

Queen Schmeen

During the Barnum Festival Street Parade, I was able shoot this image of some Continental Soldiers marching down North Avenue. It's too bad that they weren't rounding up some Brits (BP) and sending them back to the UK like they did during the revolutionary war. I heard the Queen was in New York City today. They should have flown her bony-ass down to the Gulf so she could help with the clean-up.

Vines and Vignette's Flower

Here is another image created Saturday June 5 at Vines and Vignettes. Who can tell me what kind of flower this is?

Walking the Beach After a Storm

You haven't really experienced some good shopping until you've walked the beach after a storm. It's amazing the things you will find. I've gotten some sunglasses, flatware, and a bondage Barbie - all for just the taking. You might even find a nice shoe which is the inspiration for this image.

Lightning Over Sydney Harbour

The past couple of days have been brutally hot which has inspired me to post this image. It was taken during a heat induced lightning storm over Sydney Harbour, Australia. While I'm sure you are all ready to sing my praises as the greatest photographer that ever lived, I must admit that I did not shoot this. It was taken by an Aussie Cousin so I've kept it in the family. I hope you enjoy it.

Happy Fourth of July

Today we celebrate our independence from the British Empire, unfortunately they have struck back in the form of BP. On a happier note, we attended a fireworks display a couple of blocks away on Arcadia Avenue. Those folks know how to throw a block party, the fireworks were fabulous accompanied by Ozzy himself (well at least a recording). Mark is already working on stepping ours up for next year. As I looked around, it occurred to me why Bridgeport is such a wonderful place. It is full of neighborhoods with real people, down to earth people, who care for each other. The smiles on the faces of children as they enjoyed the event, the adults who all accept each other for who we are, that is what Bridgeport is all about.

I used to live in one of those towns to the West(port) of us that got overrun by the nouveau-riche Long Gislanders (attracted in part by Martha Stewart) who think that money buys them class . Thanks Martha - you screwed up the town, then moved to Bedford Hills. Perhaps in your next book you can include a "Screw-Us Over Souffle". Ann Landers once said: "Class is an aura of confidence that is being sure without being cocky. Class has nothing to do with money. Class never runs scared. It is self-discipline and self-knowledge. It's the sure footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life". No offense to my friends from Westport, but Bridgeport has you beat in every way. Bridgeport has CLASS!

Well now, enough of my pontificating. This image was created on July 3rd at the Pierce Avenue Block Party. Hope you enjoy it. God bless Bridgeport and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Pierce Avenue Block Party

Tonight we had our annual July 4th block party coordinated by Mark Vollenweider, the mayor of our neighborhood. I moved here in April and I can tell you that this is a wonderful place to live. The neighbors are great and they're all real people. Bridgeport is a wonderful city, it has so much to offer. All you need to do is open your mind and you'll love it too.

Insects Can Be Fun or Makin' Honey

Today I thought we'd examine the world of insects. Once again, the importance of always having a camera ready should be a priority.

The image of the bees having fun was created on my back patio in 1987 at the spur of the moment when someone shouted "OMG, look what's happening on your table!"

In the same vein, the dragonfly was also shot at the spur of the moment on another friends patio.

Both images would have been much better if I had used macro lens, but that's the breaks.

Barnum Museum After the Tornado

It was a lovely afternoon with great fluffy clouds in the sky. I was traveling through downtown Bridgeport which had been hit by a tornado last week. Today's image is of the Barnum Museum. Note the damaged windows on the lower level. The plywood covering them is painted with the famous words of P.T himself, "The show must go on". Please visit the Barnum Museum web site to make a donation for their repair efforts.

Fairfield Cub Scout Pack 95

The temperature has dropped considerably, today was a beautiful day to move into my new warehouse space. Let's return to the Barnum Festival Street Parade and Fairfield Cub Scout Pack 95. Now I was a Cub Scout and I don't recall ever building something like this, not even as a Boy Scout. These kids must be some cool cats, along with their parents. I shot this image during this parade as well as the Fairfield Memorial Day Parade. It is absolutely my favorite float ever. Hats off to you boys.

Winter Near Ye Old Yacht Yard

It's been so hot the past few days that I thought I'd cool us down with a lovely morning scene. This shot was taken in the early morning after a light snow. It had been a bit windy which blew most of the snow off these berries. As the temperature began to rise, a mist filled the air creating the effect shown in this image. No Photoshop tricks on this one.

Flappin' It Up

We continue with the Barnum Festival Street Parade today. Here's a lady who was really enjoying herself portraying a 1920's flapper. The one thing I learned yesterday on North Avenue was next time I'll put up a sign "Slow for Photos". In the excitement of the moment, some cars and floats speed up to keep pace - very challenging when trying to shoot a tack sharp image.

Barnum Festival Street Parade

Today I had the opportunity to shoot the Barnum Festival Street Parade. As I watched the crowds viewing and the marchers themselves, I realized that Bridgeport is really a great place to live. As with any large city, it has some issues, but the positives far outweigh any negatives. It's a real city with real people - unlike the worlds of white-bread fantasy that you find in some of the towns to our west. I've always loved bagpipers so I created this image for you.

Black Rock Victorian

On Thursday afternoon, after the tornado, I was sitting in the sidewalk cafe of Lady Luck in Black Rock when I noticed this Victorian house next door. The colors, textures, and shapes had attracted my eye along with the clouds behind it. It works for me, I hope you like it.