Merry Christmas to All and To All A Good Night

Merry Christmas to All and To All A Good Night, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

Backyard Predator

Backyard Predator, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A mature Coopers Hawk in our suburban Atlanta backyard. If you look closely, you can see the hawk's prey, a frog from the creek across the back of our property. Shot handheld with a Nikon D90, a Nikon 80-200 f2.8 AF-D telephoto lens and a Kenko Pro 1.4x teleconverter. (DSC_0802(1))

Rose at Sunset

DSC_3732crev3, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A rose from the Culinary Institute's garden. Taken at the Culinary Institute of America in St Helena, CA. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 50mm f1.8D lens.

Texas State Capital

DSC_0077, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

The Texas State Capital in Austin at night. I shot this hand-held with a Nikon D90 and a Nikon 18-35mm f3.5 lens. The low-light performance and metering capabilities of the camera are amazing.

The Qatar Pearl

The Qatar Pearl, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

Qatar characterizes itself as the "Pearl of The Gulf". The slogan pays tribute to both the economic development of the country and its heritage as a center for pearls. The Doha skyline of Al Corniche is visible in the background. Shot on Fuji Superia Reala 100 film with a tripod-mounted Nikon N80, a Nikon 28-70 f3.5 lens and a Nikon SB600 speedlight (used for fill flash to soften the shadows on the interior of the clamshell).

Sunset over the marshes at Groton Long Point

80100003, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

The setting sun illuminates two houses along the marsh that occupies the center of Groton Long Point, near Mystic, CT. Shot hand-held with a Nikon N80, a Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 telephoto zoom and Fuji Velvia 50 film.

Lines and Curves

DSC_0053, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

I recently had the opportunity wander around the new Mexican American Cultural Center in Austin, TX. I was walking around the city while business, experimenting with my new Nikon D90. The director of the center was kind enough to show me around while they were working to open the building. This photo was shot hand-held with a Nikon D90 and a Nikon 18-35mm F3.5 lens.

Esmerelda and The Eagle

DSC_2380, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

The bowsprit of the USCGC Eagle frames the Esmerelda, lit with holiday lighting in San Diego Harbor during the Tall Ship festival in August, 2008. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55mm F3.5 DX lens.

Street Corner at Yale

Street Corner at Yale, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

Students walk by billboards advertising the latest productions of the Yale School of Drama in New Haven, Connecticut. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55 f.3.5 DX lens. (DSC_3511 - Version 2)

The Butcher Shop

The Butcher Shop, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

Customers shout their orders through open windows to butchers working in the Wholesale Market outside of Doha, Qatar. It's a long way from the typical supermarket experience. I shot this photo with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55 f3.5 DX lens while traveling for work in Qatar. (DSC_9700)

Raiders Approach The Finish Line

027-DSC_0244, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

My youngest son participates on his high school junior ROTC Raiders Team. Jon opted for the Raiders in his senior year rather than continue with the wrestling program. The shear physicality and teamwork of the Raiders competitions strongly appeals to him. This photo depicts the Raiders squad moving as a team to transport a couple hundred pounds of weight over a 1.5 mile cross-country course. They started as a team and reached the finish line as a team. It's a great story. Shot with a Nikon D90 and a Nikon 80-200 f2.8 AFD lens. (029-DCS_0256)

House On a Hillside in Juneau AK

DSC_1984, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

I shot this photo from the deck of a cruise ship at the dock in downtown Juneau on a cold and wet afternoon. I was trying to capture the colors and patterns of the houses going up the hill. I also thought that the mist added some mystery and a less geometric element to the photo.

I think this is a pretty decent photo. However, it's all the more interesting because it was the topic of conversation recently on a flight from Atlanta to Providence, RI. I sat next to a women who had spent several years working as a professor at the University of Alaska and she knew the owners of the green house well. She recognized it instantly when I showed her the photo. It makes for a very small world. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 80-200 f2.8 AFD lens. (DSC_1984)

Mount Hunter in the Alaskan Range

14950036, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

Mount Hunter in the Alaskan Range. This photo was taken at Mile Marker 135 along the Parks Highway in Denali State Park, AK. Shot with a Nikon N80, Nikon 80-200 f2.8 lens and Fuji Superia Reala 100 film. (14950036)

Footbridge near Watch Hill

DSC_3251, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

We passed this little pond while driving near Watch Hill, RI a few weekends ago. The colors and symmetry of the of the bridge and its reflection were too good to pass up. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55 f3.5 DX lens. (DSC_3251)

Fall Apples

11040007, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A truckload of apples waits for the crusher at a cider mill in Stonington, CT. Shot with a Nikon N80 on Fuji Superia Reala 100 film. (11040007)

On the Confidence Course

20-11050021, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

I shot this photo during a Junior ROTC Raiders competition held at my son's high school in October. The Raiders Competition focuses on squad-level skills and teamwork. It's surprisingly athletic and requires a keen sense of teamwork in order to succeed. The photo was shot with a Nikon N80 and a Nikon 18-35 f.5 lens on Fuji Supera 400 film. (20-11050021)

Glacier on the Denali Massif

DSC_0692, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

An aerial view of one of the numerous glaciers near Mount McKinley in the Alaskan Range. I shot this photo from an aircraft just before sunset. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55 F3.5 DX lens (DSC_0692)

Peterbuilt 387 Outside of Winder, GA

Peterbuilt 387 winder ga.jpg, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

It's no secret that I am a fan of big things that move, trucks, locomotives, ships of all types. This is a photo of a Peterbuilt 387 Tractor attached to a flatbed trailer. I shot it on the spur of the moment while buying gas at an adjacent gas station. It's the most-viewed photo in my collection on Flickr. Can somebody tell me why? Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Quantaray 70-300 tele zoom.

GLP Lagoon at Sunset

33250016e, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A view of the lagoon at Groton Long Point, CT. Shot just before sunset with a Nikon N80 camera, a Nikon 28-70 f3.5 D lens and Fuji Superia Reala film. (33250016e)

Reds and Blues

DSC_3738e, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

Flowers outside the Culinary Institute of America in St Helena, California. This is actually a flower bed surrounding a sign at the entrance to the parking lot. Not a very glamorous location. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 50mm f1.8 lens.

Sunset Cliffs

Sunset Cliffs, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

Point Loma is characterized by soft, sandstone cliffs along the ocean. These cliffs are deeply scarred by the effects of ongoing erosion. The edges are very unstable in some areas. This photo was shot in Sunset Cliffs Nature Park, just below the Point Loma Nazarene University. Shot with a Nikon N80, Tamron SP AF17-35MM F/2.8-4 Di LD lens and Fuji Superia Reala ISO100 film (07110020e).

The Californian At Sunset in San Diego Harbor

The Californian At Sunset in San Diego Harbor, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

This is a new version of this photo. I shot a very similar photo of this scene last year. It's such a beautiful sight at sunset that I felt inclined to make it again. The Californian was launched in 1984 as part of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. It is a replica of the 1847 revenue cutter CW Lawrence, which patrolled the west coast during the California Gold Rush. She was acquired by the San Diego Maritime Museum in 2003. She is currently berthed outboard of the ferry Berkeley. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55 f3.5 DX lens. (DSC_0073e) Frank Mara, All rights reserved

HMS Rose at Sunset

07130014cre, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

HMS Rose at sunset in San Diego Harbor. This replica served as the set for the Russell Crowe movie "Master and Commander: The Far Side of The World" in 2003. Shot with a Nikon N80, a Tamron 17-35mm f2.8 SP AF lens and Fuji Supera 400 film.

Rounding the Mark

DSC_2570e, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A set of sailboats head for the mark on the downwind leg during a Wednesday night race. This is a long-standing recreational racing league that convenes every Wednesday evening, drawing boats from New London, Groton and Mystic, CT. Shot with a Nikon D50, a Nikon 80-200 f2.8 AFD lens and a Kenko Pro 1.4 teleconverter.

Wheel Chair Racing

DSC_0898, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A shot of one of the wheel chair competitors during the 2007 Peachtree Road Race. This is one of my favorite sports photos. I love the intensity of the racer's expression as she drives for the finish line. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 AF-D lens.

Powering Out of Turn 1

DSC_4287, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

The XM Radio Team's Acura-powered American Le Mans car in Turn 1 on the Road Atlanta Course during the 2007 Petit Le Mans. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a NIkon 80-200 f2.8 AFD lens

Heading Out To Sea

Heading Out To Sea, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A lone parasail pilot heads out towards the horizon. Shot just after sunset at the Torrey Pines Glideport near La Jolla, California. Shot with a Nkon N80, a Nikon 50mm f1.8D lens and Fuji Superia Reala 100 film. (74880024)

Faces from Time to Cast Away Stones

Faces from Time to Cast Away Stones, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A close up photo of two of the several faces from the sculpture "Time to Cast Away Stones" by Steven Kaltenbach. Located near the civic center in downtown Sacramento, CA. Shot with a Nikon D50, 18-55mm f3.5 DX lens and a Nikon Sb600 Speedlight.

Lady J In San Diego Harbor

DSC_8807, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A view of the The Lady J's bridge and mast, a private yacht moored "starboard side to" the sea wall in San Diego Harbor. The location is just north of the San Diego Maritime Museum and across the street from the County of San Diego Offices. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55 f.3.5 DX lens.

Coffee Shop in Little Italy

DSC_8909cr, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

People working and socializing in a coffee shop in the Little Italy section of San Diego. You can see my entire San Diego photo set here. Taken with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55DX lens. (DSC_8909cr)

Looking East at Sunset

Looking East at Sunset, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A view to the east of our villa in Doha, Qatar. I shot this photo from the roof of the house maintained by my employer in Doha, Qatar. I was attracted by the colors of the sunset. Sunsets in Qatar happen very quickly. There's a very short period of time when you get the warm glow that comes from the sun near the horizon. I think it's because of the nearly flat topography. This photo was published by John Lockerbie in his blog about Islamic architecture and urban design. You can access his blog here. You can see the remainder of my photos from Qatar here. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55 f.3.5 DX lens.

Downtown Philly

DSC_0070, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A view of Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. This is one of my oldest photos. However, I really like it. This is one of a handful that I keep coming back to, time and time again. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55mm DX lens.

The Waterfront in Al Khor

The Waterfront in Al Khor, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

Fishing boats hauled out along the harbor's edge after a night's work in Al Khor, about 30KM north of Doha, Qatar. We don't think of Arabic countries having an ocean-going tradition. However, fishing and pearl harvesting are historically important parts of Qatar's economy. The dhows are particularly interesting. They're ancient hulls that have been periodically updated. The larger ones have newer diesel engines and marine electronics. However, they're still maintained with hard labor and hand tools. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55DX lens.

An Alley in Al Gharrafa

An Alley in Al Gharrafa, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

I just completed a three week assignment in Qatar. I had the opportunity to see most of the country during my stay. The souq (shopping area) at Al Gharrafa is a network of alleys, each containing numerous small shops. Each of the doors in this photo is an entrance into a shop. Shot with a Nkon N80, a Nikon 28-70 f3.5D lens and Fuji Superia Reala 100 film.

Trucks

trucks, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

This photo is one of my all-time favorites. I shot this with a Canon AE-1 and scanned it for use on a commercial website for the trucking industry. What you can't see in the image is the driver of the red & white Freightliner. He became pretty agitated when he realized what I was doing. The location is a rest stop on Interstate 85 Northbound, just north of Atlanta, Georgia. The original negative for this photo is long gone. I've tried to duplicate this shot numerous times and I've never been able to achieve the same composition.

Turn 5 at Road Atlanta

DSC_5073cr, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A pair of Porsches from the Flying Lizards Race Team mix it up with two American Le Mans cars in Turn 5 of the Road Atlanta course during the 2007 Petit Le Mans. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 500mm f4 telephoto lens.

Hanging on in Mid-Air

Hanging on in Mid-Air, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A group of teenagers are spun upside-down on a thrill ride along the midway at the Georgia National Fair. The fair, held in Perry, Georgia USA each October celebrates the state’s farming agriculture industry and farming heritage. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Quantaray 70-300mm f5.6 telephoto lens.

I can now say that I am officially published. This photo was selected by Lonely Planet, a major travel guide publisher for inclusion in an upcoming book about celebrations around the world.

Hartwell Railroad #3016 at UGA

Hartwell Railroad #3016 at UGA, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

The Hartwell Railroad is a short-haul line in Northern Georgia. It is operated by the Great Walton Railroad Company and is also part of the Athens Line LLC. Great Walton operates 37 miles of track and transports coal, paper, plastic and oil. It links to Norfolk Southern in Jackson County, GA. The Athens Line exists to deliver coal to the electrical generation plant on the University of Georgia campus.

This locomotive is a General Motors Model GP30. It was placed in service in 1963 by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad and operated in Colorado and Utah. It was sold to Progress Rail, a rebuilder of locomotives in 1995. The Hartwell Railroad acquired it one year later. Shot with a Nikon N80 (35mm), a Nikon 28-70 f3.5D and Fuji Supera 400 film.

Departure from Salt Lake City

DSC_3618cre, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A long line of departing flights stack up at the Salt Lake City airport as a thunder storm passes overhead. I got this shot while sitting in the window seat on the last row of a 737 just as it was taking off. The photo partially made up for not being able to secure an aisle seat for the long flight home. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55 f3.5 DX lens.

Boats Keep Out

Boats Keep Out, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

Dropping water levels in Lake Lanier have made worrying about boat traffic a moot point. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55 f3.5 DX lens.

Winter Sunset Reflection

Winter Sunset Reflection, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

This photo was shot along the main beach in Groton Long Point, CT. For the most part, it is deserted during the winter months. The upper windows of this house are illuminated by the sun setting to the west. The photo was taken as the last rays of the sun were on the horizon. It was a pretty magical moment. A fox strolled down the sidewalk to check me out as I was shooting. It stopped a few feet away from me, gave me a "once over" and went on its way. Shot with a tripod-mounted Nikon D50 and a Quantaray 70-300 f5.6 telephoto lens.

CSX 9004 Eastbound

CSX 9004 Eastbound, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

CSX Locomotive 9004 heading east in the late afternoon near Gainsville Georgia. I think locomotives and other kinds of heavy vehicles are fascinating. You can see the rest of my collection here. Shot with a Nikon N80 (35mm), a Nikon 28-70 f3.5D and Fuji Superia Reala 100 film.

Abandoned Trucks

Abandoned Trucks, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

Two abandoned tractors sit out their retirement near downtown Tate, GA as they are slowly overtaken by Kudzu vines. Shot with a Nikon N80 (35mm), a Nikon 80-200 f2.8 D lens and Fuji Superia Reala 100 film.

Over the Bar

DSC_9224cr, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

A competitor demonstrates an unconventional technique in the boy's high jump event during the Chattahoochee High School track meet on February 20, 2008. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a Nikon 80-200 f2.8 AFD lens. This was a lucky shot, given the slow frame rate of the D50.

Sunset Over The Sacramento River

Sunset Over The Sacramento River, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

I found this site while looking for someplace for dinner one evening in Sacramento. I skipped dinner and spent about an hour getting this shot. The structure is a rice processing and barge loading facility on the Sacramento River. Shot with a tripod-mounted Nikon D50 and a Nikon 18-55 f3.5 DX lens. You can see the rest of my Sacramento photos here.

GA State Capital at Sunset

GA State Capital at Sunset, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

Winter sunset over the Georgia state capital dome. I shot this photo with a little "point and shoot" digital camera from a conference room located in an office tower across the street from the capital building. I made a tent out of a couple of file folders to eliminate the reflections on the window. I was able to talk one of my coworkers into holding it so I could take the shot. Shot with a Nikon CoolPix SQ.

The Sweetwater Millrace

The Sweetwater Millrace, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

The millrace is a channel that runs parallel to the Sweetwater Creek. It is several hundred yards long and was built with slave labor sometime before the Civil War. The millrace redirected water from the creek to the water wheel that powered the textile manufacturing machines of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company. I particularly like this photo because it accurately captures the gray, green and brown color pallet of a Georgia winter. You can access my complete set of Sweetwater Creek photos here. Shot with a tripod-mounted Nikon N80 (35mm), a Nikon 28-70 f3.5D lens, a polarizing filter and Fuji Superia Reala 100 film.

Ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company

Ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

Sweetwater Creek is located in Lithia Springs, a suburb of Atlanta, GA. The New Manchester Manufacturing Company operated a textile mill and clothing manufacturing business along Sweetwater Creek that supplied the Confederate Army. The mill was burned by Union forces during the Atlanta Campaign, part of William Sherman's March to the Sea. The employees were taken prisoner by Union troops and forceably relocated to Ohio for the remainder of the war. The mill was the center of a small town that included a lumber yard, a brick manufacturing operation and a general store. There is no visible evidence of the town today in the area surrounding the mill ruins. You can see more of my photos of the ruins and Sweetwater Creek here. Shot with a Nikon N80 (35mm) on a tripod, a Nikon 28-70 f3.5 D lens and Fuji Superia Reala 100 film. (95420001e)

The Atlanta ERG Sprints at Georgia Tech

DSC_8914e, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

Crew teams from around the region compete in several divisions on ergometers (rowing machines). This is the second of two ERG competitions that kick off the spring collegiate rowing season in the Southeast US. Schools competing in this event include University of Georgia, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Clemson University, and Auburn University. I photographed the competition for the University of Georgia crew team. You can access my UGA photos of the event here. Shot with a Nikon D50 and a 80-200 f2.8 D telephoto lens.

Great Blue Heron On The Chattahoochee

Great Blue Heron V2, originally uploaded by frank.mara.

The Chattahoochee River flows through metro Atlanta. It's a oasis in the middle of suburbia and traffic conjestion. The river is home to a large population of great blue herons. I shot this photo just after dawn at one of the local parks along the river. You can see more of my Chattahoochee photos here. Shot with a Nikon D50, a Nikon 80-200 f2.8D lens and a Kenko Pro 1.4 teleconverter.