• Journey's,  Schoolhouses

    Neispic One Room Schoolhouse, Glastonbury CT

    This post is part of a continuing series called “one room schoolhouses”. To view other one room schoolhouses in CT and RI access the search menu in the top right corner of the homepage and enter “schoolhouse”. For more information on schoolhouses purchase Linda K. Elliotts book titled “Connecticut Schoolhouses Through Time” on Amazon. The Town of Glastonbury originally referred to this school as the “17th District School” but at some point later on it became the Neipsic School. Originally built in 1889 as a one room schoolhouse it was expanded in 1900 to two rooms. I couldn’t determine where the name Neipsic came from but it’s quite possible that…

  • Barns,  Featured Pictures,  Journey's

    Barn Beauties on the CT coastline (5 STARS)

    These two barns sit almost directly across from one another along a well travelled CT coastal country road. If you’re one to pay any attention to old barns what will immediately strike you is their absolute pristine, new like, appearance. The roofs are brand new, the cladding does not show one board that is so much as slightly warped. None of the boards even have signs of aging at ground level where you tend to see it most. New looking storm windows are in place and on the larger barn there were even some small windows that were added which are not typical of barns. The sliding front doors on…

  • Journey's,  Schoolhouses

    Wallop One Room Schoolhouse, Enfield CT

    This blog entry is part of an ongoing project called “One Room Schoolhouses in CT”). To view other “schoolhouse” posts access the search bar in the upper right hand corner of the homepage and enter “schoolhouse”. The Wallop School was one of the last one-room schoolhouses in use in Connecticut and is one of just a few that remain in their original location. Although still sparsely populated by today’s standards, Enfield’s population had grown considerably by 1754 and had spread across most of Enfield’s vast area. Enfield’s citizens (men only – no women allowed!) voted that year to establish five school districts including the Wallop District. Later that year funds…

  • Barns,  Featured Pictures,  Uncategorized

    “The Old Cider Mill”, Glastonbury CT

    The Old Cider Mill 287 Main Street Glastonbury CT PH: 860 657-9197 Cheryl, Molloy (our dog) and I dropped by The Old Cider Mill on a Sunday winter afternoon.  The facility was closed and unoccupied so getting an unencumbered good shot was easy. *The Old Cider Mill in Glastonbury, Connecticut, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating cider mill in the United States. Its history dates back to the early 19th century, though the current building was constructed around the 1870s. Over the years, it has become a cherished landmark, offering a glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage. Per their website it appears Riverview Farms operates the mill.…

  • Barns,  Featured Pictures,  Journey's

    Beautifully maintained Tobacco Farm, Suffield CT area

    The northern portion of CT straddling the CT river was rich in tobacco farming through the 19th and 20th century. As a result tobacco farms dotted the countryside and it’s almost impossible not to see dozens of them as you drive throughout the towns in this area. As a photographer and connoisseur of old barns I couldn’t help but take notice of the superior condition this tobacco barn was in. The owner has gone through great lengths to keep the exterior stained and the roof updated. Pretty much every old tobacco farm that I’ve seen has been withering in it’s natural state. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as long…

  • Journey's,  Schoolhouses

    First District Schoolhouse, Haddam CT

    This blog entry is part of an ongoing project called “One Room Schoolhouses in CT”).  If you’re interested in the history of one room schoolhouses in CT I suggest you purchase CONNECTICUT SCHOOLHOUSES THROUGH TIME by Melinda K. Elliott. This book was has been a very helpful resource for me as I did my research. At time of writing this book was available on AMAZON. This two room schoolhouse was built in 1866. During the 1800’s and early 1900’s the town had up to 14 school districts. Currently the building is in use as the Haddam Senior Center.

  • Featured Pictures,  Table Top

    Silhouette of Loving Couple

    Although I’ve done shots like this before, back in the day, when I was a wedding photographer this shot is actually an illusion. How was it done?  6″ tall ceramic statue  Placed on a table in my studio  (1) strong backlight against a white cardboard backdrop  Using manual focus bring the edges of the hands and head into sharp focus.  Place camera in Manual Mode and exposure for the background rendering the “couple” black.  Bring into photoshop.  Select all the “white” background areas.  Digitally insert a previously taken sunset picture into the selected background.  DONE! To do this same type of shop on location with a “real” couple simply set…

  • Commercial/Retail Product Shots,  Table Top,  Video,  Vido

    Avery Beverages – 2024 Presidential Campaign Bottles

    I was impressed by Avery Beverages marketing approach with the 2024 presidential campaign labels on their pop bottles. As a result, I took an image and made a video. Sony A7RV, 61mp mirrorless camera and a Sony 90mm f2.8 lens were used int the making of the video and image. Image: 1/10th, f8, ISO 100, MANUAL MODE Red colored back light, (2) font/side lights. White reflective board on sides, back and top.