Category Archives: 2018

Now on display at Warren Twp Library!

by in 2018, Exhibits and tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment
“Landscapes of New Jersey”

NJ Landscape Photographer

On display now at the Warren Township Library through the month of September.

42 Mountain Blvd.
Warren
NJ 07059

NJ local artwork for sale

A 21 piece fine art photograph exhibit showcasing precisely 1 image for every county in New Jersey.

Somerset County NJ art exhibit

All finished pieces are for sale and custom framing and sizing is available. All images can be enlarged to 20″x30″ for home installations.

where to buy pictures of NJ

 

 

New Jersey artist

Custom wooden NJ map thanks to Reclaimed LLC

DBlinder Landscapes of NJ Warren Library-9738

DBlinder Landscapes of NJ Warren Library-9720

 

DBlinder Landscapes of NJ Warren Library-9723

I also have smaller wildlife photography in the nearby annex room.

DBlinder Landscapes of NJ Warren Library--2

 
I will be presenting an inside look at the project on the night of August 15th – http://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/657517
 
Hours and street address of Warren Township Library here – https://sclsnj.org/about/branch-locations/
Do you have any questions about the images or techniques I used?
Seeking photography lessons?
Are you looking to purchase one of the pieces?
Drop me a line!

Rough Green Snake in New Jersey

by in 2018 and tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Opheodrys aestivus

Wharton State Forest, Pinelands National Reserve, New Jersey  July 2018

Not staged photographs, these are arboreal (tree dwelling) snakes that spend their time hunting for insects and spiders.  This snake was extremely docile and tried its hardest to ignore the photographer (me) shoving a camera lens into its perch.

Photography equipment used:

Tamron USA 18-400mm VC + Canon SL2 Digital Rebel

More info on Wharton State Forest

new jersey wildlife photography by dave blinder

A Rough Green Snake on the prowl for its next meal. Wharton State Forest in New Jersey, 2018, photographed by Dave Blinder.

new jersey wildlife photographer

A Rough Green Snake on the prowl for its next meal. Wharton State Forest in New Jersey, 2018, photographed by Dave Blinder.

new jersey green snake picture

A Rough Green Snake on the prowl for its next meal. Wharton State Forest in New Jersey, 2018, photographed by Dave Blinder.

Upcoming photography program for Denville Rotary 7/19/18

by in 2018, Nature, New Jersey Fine Art Photography, travel photography | Leave a comment

➡️Join me next Thursday, 7/19 at 12:15 for a program on ✈️Travel Photography Tips & Tricks✈️, hosted by The Denville Rotary Club

Anyone is welcome and Denville Rotary loves to have guests. However, the lunch costs $16 per person payable at the door.

⌚️Thursday 7/19 12:15PM
St. Francis Retreat Center (Club Room)
122 Diamond Spring Road
Denville

🌎We will dissect how to take the best pictures possible on your next vacation. The material is suitable for all ages and all skill level. I always leave time for Q&A also because the goal is for me to help you.

Contact me if you have any questions in advance or cannot make this program
dave@daveblinder.com
973-727-2037

DBlinder Grand Canyon Landscape Photography

Visitors at Duke Farms NJ

by in 2018 and tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Just a wordless (mostly) photo essay of a single day at Duke Farms in Hillsborough New Jersey.  Visit http://dukefarms.org to see current events.

Canon 5Dsr + EF 40mm STM

duke farms new jersey picture

6/10/2018 in Hillsborough New Jersey. Photo by Dave Blinder. More info on Duke Farms – http://dukefarms.org

 

duke farms new jersey picture

6/10/2018 in Hillsborough New Jersey. Photo by Dave Blinder. More info on Duke Farms – http://dukefarms.org

 

duke farms new jersey picture

6/10/2018 in Hillsborough New Jersey. Photo by Dave Blinder. More info on Duke Farms – http://dukefarms.org

 

duke farms new jersey picture

6/10/2018 in Hillsborough New Jersey. Photo by Dave Blinder. More info on Duke Farms – http://dukefarms.org

 

duke farms new jersey picture

6/10/2018 in Hillsborough New Jersey. Photo by Dave Blinder. More info on Duke Farms – http://dukefarms.org

 

duke farms new jersey picture

6/10/2018 in Hillsborough New Jersey. Photo by Dave Blinder. More info on Duke Farms – http://dukefarms.org

 

duke farms new jersey picture

6/10/2018 in Hillsborough New Jersey. Photo by Dave Blinder. More info on Duke Farms – http://dukefarms.org

duke farms new jersey picture

6/10/2018 in Hillsborough New Jersey. Photo by Dave Blinder. More info on Duke Farms – http://dukefarms.org

 

 

 

Grand Canyon and Sedona Arizona Trip

by in 2018, Tamron, travel photography and tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lisa and I recently got home from 1 week out west which was a terrific trip.  We flew non-stop from Newark airport into Phoenix and I was able to secure tickets at $300 after some diligent research.  Our first accommodations  were Forest Houses Resort in Oak Creek Canyon (just outside of Sedona).  For the 2nd leg of our trip we stayed at the Yavapai Lodge within Grand Canyon National Park.  We found the rates at both to be reasonable and the rooms were more than adequate.  I also booked a rental car from Phoenix at $16/day thanks to hotwire.

red rock country sedona

Sedona, Arizona. This photo was taken from Red Rock Crossing. Image by Dave Blinder, please contact me for licensing or prints.

For photography equipment I brought along my Canon 5DsR dslr as well as my Canon SL2.  I brought three lenses with me, the Tamron SP 24-70mm VC G1, Tamron SP 150-600mm VC G2, and the Tamron SP 90mm VC G1 macro lens.  I did not use my macro lens much as I was often on the go, and did not want to swap lenses in dusty environments.

elk wildlife picture

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Image by Dave Blinder, please contact me for licensing or prints.

For the sake of brevity I am not posting pictures from each and every park we visited, however I am happy to answer any travel questions that I can help with.  Some of the many attractions we enjoyed include: Slide Rock State Park, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Red Rock State Park, Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, Palatki Heritage Site, Tuzigoot National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Little Colorado River Gorge, and of course Grand Canyon National Park.

south rim grand canyon art print

Early morning view of Grand Canyon National Park Arizona. Image by Dave Blinder, please contact me for licensing or prints.

I found the lighting conditions around Sedona to be challenging during my trip, yet I really enjoyed my time spent in the area.  Photographic momentum picked up for me when we made it to the Grand Canyon.  It would be difficult to take a bad sunrise or sunset picture when standing in front one of the natural wonders of the world.  I also found the Navajo tribal land (just beyond desert view) to be very peaceful and a very immersive nature study area.  Do yourself and check out the Little Colorado River Gorge when in the area.

arizona ground squirrel picture

Rock Squirrel at Little Colorado River Gorge. Image by Dave Blinder, please contact me for licensing or prints.

Now that it is finally springtime here in New Jersey, I look forward to photographing the regularly scheduled birds and bees.  Let me know if you have any questions about my Arizona pictures or any of my travel accommodations.

Arizona yellow bird id picture

Lesser Goldfinch Female with Fledgling at the Verde River in Cottonwood Arizona. Image by Dave Blinder, please contact me for licensing or prints.

Winter on the Ogden Mine Railroad Bed

by in 2018, Nature, New Jersey Fine Art Photography and tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
Winter view of trail and pond

New Jersey Fine Art Landscape Photography from Jefferson in Morris County by Dave Blinder.

 

March 3, 2018 in Jefferson, New Jersey.

This must have been quite a view for the rail workers many years ago when the Ogden Mine was operational. Per the Morris County Park Commission​: “This is the largest park in the Morris County Park System, encompassing 3,346.07 acres of beautiful near-wilderness and recreational areas.”

Plan your visit to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

5 shot panorama off the Canon 5DsR + EF 40mm STM lens

I recently purchased a “gray market” Canon 5DsR dslr camera brand new in box on ebay for $2100.  That is incredible savings as I see the USA version selling for $3700 today (March 4th) on B&H!

Several friends have asked me if I bought a 50 megapixel camera so that I can crop more often.  Quite the contrary, I hope to not crop AT ALL! My goal is to achieve the most detailed images I can in-camera and to offer massive prints of landscapes, wildlife, macro, and possibly even some street photography.  I do think it is important to “go big or go home” with visual arts especially when the subject matter has the potential to create an immersive experience.

I have been underwhelmed by the impact of some of my past photography exhibits.  I have often printed to 12″x 18″ from previous 18 megapixels camera like my trust old Canon 7D.  While I was happy with the image quality, I find that typical photograph print sizes are easily lost in the shuffle and quickly forgotten to most viewers.  If you truly believe in your technique and your subject matter you must push your activity to the limit and rise above.  When there is an opportunity to overachieve, why not do so?

The final pixel county of my merged wintery image is 21227 x 8469 pixels.  If printed at 300dpi for extra find detail that could be a projected size of 70″ x 28″.  A 150dpi print resolution which can still render a nicely detailed print I could print to 141″ x 56″!  Does the average person need an 11 foot print?  No, most decidedly not.  However, the local hospital, college campus, or hotel lobby might be looking for some original nature art to spruce up their facility.

Do you have any questions or comments on the location, my photograph, photography techniques, or New Jersey Fine Art Print Installations?  Leave a comment here, or contact me at dave@daveblinder.com

 

Upcoming Library Presentation

by in 2018, Nature, New Jersey Fine Art Photography, Presentations and tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I am drafting NJ photography program descriptions for later in 2018. I always enjoy interacting with new photography or nature enthusiasts. Let me know if your camera club, library, or community center is interested in a presentation and I will try to accommodate.

NJ Landscape Photographer

Landscape photograph taken in 2018 by Dave Blinder in Parsippany, New Jersey.

 

Landscapes of New Jersey presentation by Dave Blinder
August 2018
Warren Township Library

Join us as local photographer Dave Blinder walks us through his images for his comprehensive “Landscapes of New Jersey” exhibit. Dave will present 1 nature photograph for each of New Jersey’s 21 counties. We will learn how, where, and why each image was captured and we will discuss the challenges of taking on a large state-wide project. Camera settings will be revealed, compositional techniques will be discussed, and personal anecdotes of Dave’s photographic journey will be provided.

Dave Blinder is a career photographer with specializations in clinical imaging, architectural photography, and fine art sales and exhibitions. Dave volunteers in his spare time for outdoor education and land conservation purposes. He is a proud board member of the Denville-based 501(c)(3) Protect Our Wetlands, Water, and Woods organization. Find Dave’s photographs on the web at facebook.com/daveblinderphotography

Ecotourism in SE Florida 2018; a visual essay

by in 2018, Tamron, travel photography and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
Nike Missile picture

A National Park Service volunteer provides information on the history of the Nike Missile at Everglades National park in Homestead Florida. February 2018, photo by Dave Blinder

Crocodile viewing Everglades National Park

Crocodile viewing at Flamingo Campground Marina. An NPS ranger gives information on American Crocodiles. Everglades National Park in Homestead Florida. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018.

Robert Moehling is Here picture

Robert Moehling interacts with customers at Robert is Here. Homestead Florida, February 2018. Photo by Dave Blinder

Robert is Here produce

Cashier uncorks a coconut at Robert is Here Fruit Stand. February 2016 in Homestead Florida. Photo by Dave Blinder

Robert is Here owner picture

Robert Moehling attends the customers at Robert is Here Fruit Stand. Homestead Florida in February 2018. Photo by Dave Blinder.

Florida Everglades tourism

Tourists look for wildlife. Pa-hay-okee Overlook at Everglades National Park in Homestead Florida. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018.

Florida Key Deer photography

A Florida Key Deer Buck approaches a woman. No Name Key in the Florida Keys. These volunteers were outdoors picking up litter and recyclables. February 2018, photograph by Dave Blinder.

Picture of Old Bahia Honda Bridge. Summerland Key

Fishing in front of Old Bahia Honda Bridge. Summerland Key in the Florida Keys. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018.

Florida Keys Photography

Kurt Hassleman snaps a scenic shot. Summerland Key at the base of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018.

Girl on beach picture

Girl picking up seashells on Florida Keys. Summerland Key at the base of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018.

Shark Valley Miami Picture

Cyclists on bike trail at Shark Valley. Shark Valley. Visitor Center in Miami Florida. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018.

Biking at Shark Valley Florida

Cyclists on bike trail at Shark Valley. Shark Valley. Visitor Center in Miami Florida. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018.

Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk Wildlife Viewing

Birders at the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk. Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve in Naples Florida. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018.

Parking lot for Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk

Photographers at the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk. Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve in Naples Florida. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018.

Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk Naples photography

Photographers at the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk. Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve in Naples Florida. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018.

Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk picture

Birders at the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk. Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve in Florida. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018.

Everglades Florida dog friendly

Visitors at the H.P. Williams Roadside Park. Turner River Road, Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018

Big Cypress Florida photography

Young Photographer at the H.P. Williams Roadside Park. Turner River Road, Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018

Big Cypress National Reserve picture

Visitors at the H.P. Williams Roadside Park. Turner River Road, Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida. Photograph by Dave Blinder, February 2018

Informational links on Florida scenic points of interest:

Nike Missile Base at Everglades National Park

Robert is Here Fruit Stand in Homestead Florida

Pa-hay-okee Overlook in Everglades National Park

Old Bahia Honda Bridge in Summerland Key

Shark Valley Visitor Center near Miami Florida

Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk in Naples Florida

H.P. Williams Roadside Park in Big Cypress National Preserve

Please let me know if you have any questions on the images, places visited, or photography equipment.

All images taken with the Tamron USA 18-400mm VC HLD zoom lens and Canon Rebel DSLRs.

Purchasing equipment through my Amazon Affiliate links helps support my informational posts. Thank you!

Purch

First day out with the Tamron SP 150-600mm VC G2 lens

by in 2018, Bird Photography, Nature, Tamron and tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Yesterday was my first spin out with Tamron USA’s updated G2 version of the acclaimed 150-600mm super telephoto lens.  Though I purchased the optional Tap-in Console for lens updating and fine tuning, I did not have time to initialize the device yet.  Hence, I unboxed the new birding lens, mounted it on my compact yet powerful Canon SL2 digital rebel, and took a drive to a nearby nature area, Great Swamp NWR.

Interestingly, I do not recall photographing a Gull of any sort before at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in the past.  I have been doing bird photography there for years… go figure.  Anyhow this handsome Ring-billed Gull was photographed from my car yesterday.  I shut off the engine to take the shot (too many vibrations and who needs the extra CO2 emissions anyhow).  In the caption for the photograph I have included specific camera settings.

Tamron SP 150-600mm VC G2 Birding Photography

Ring-billed Gull photographed with the Tamron SP 150-600mm VC G2 super telephoto lens + Canon SL2. 600mm, 1/640 f/6.3 ISO 200. Great Swamp NWR in New Jersey.

Below is a 100% crop from the above image.

Tamron 150-600 G2 sample image detail

100% crop of Ring-billed Gull Photograph. Tamron SP 150-600mm VC G2 + Canon SL2

Here is a Flickr link to view the full sized original 24 megapixel image of the Ring-billed Gull.

I find the results to be very good for keeping the aperture wide-open at F/6.3.  I find that most lenses get sharper when stopped down a couple of stops.  We might even see a bit more fine detail if I had taken this Gull image at F/8.0 versus F/6.3.  Below is a look at the G2 lens, I shot this in my home studio.

Bird Photography DSLR Lens

Tamron SP 150-600mm VC G2 Super Telephoto Lens which replaces my trusty G1 version which I have happily toted around for a few years.

 

Any questions or comments on the article?  Leave them on WordPress or email me at dave@daveblinder.com

 

 

 

Interested in spoiling yourself with this new lens?

Purchasing any of the equipment below through my Amazon Affiliate Links will help support my blog.

Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Canon EOS Rebel SL2 Digital SLR Camera Body – WiFi Enabled

5th Annual New Jersey Highlands Juried Art Exhibit

by in 2018, Exhibits, Nature, New Jersey Fine Art Photography and tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

I have the great privilege of being among the finalists for the 5th Annual New Jersey Highlands Juried Art and Photography Exhibit at the Morris Museum

Museum Entrance

New Jersey Highlands Coalition Juried Art & Photography Exhibit Morris Museum Morristown, New Jersey January 11, 2018 Photo by Dave Blinder

My finalist entry within the exhibit is titled “Summer at Kincaid Woods”.  Taken in Summer 2017, I was hiking back towards my car when I found myself bathed in warm late day light as I passed over wetlands and through woodlands.

I hoped to best capture the mood of that moment.  My limited edition (1 of 25) piece is matted and framed to 16″x24″ on archival quality paper and materials.

Dave Blinder picture

Kincaid Woods in Summer by Dave Blinder New Jersey Highlands Coalition Juried Art & Photography Exhibit Morris Museum Morristown, New Jersey January 11, 2018 Photo by Dave Landry

Opening reception took place the night of January 11th 2018.  The artwork remains on display at the museum in Morristown until February 18th.  Please let me know if you visited and would like to provide feedback on your experience.

Museum Attendees

Crowd View New Jersey Highlands Coalition Juried Art & Photography Exhibit Morris Museum Morristown, New Jersey January 11, 2018 Photo by Dave Blinder

I would especially like to thank my friends Jim, Geoff, Len, Pauline, Ellen, and Douglas for coming out in support. Great mingling with the other artists and outstanding organizing by Morris Museum Staff and the Highlands Coalition.

NJ Highlands Coalition Directors

Elliott Ruga and Julia Somers New Jersey Highlands Coalition Juried Art & Photography Exhibit Morris Museum Morristown, New Jersey January 11, 2018 Photo by Dave Blinder

Dave Landry picture

David Landry Photographer, Denville Resident, POWWW Boardmember New Jersey Highlands Coalition Juried Art & Photography Exhibit Morris Museum Morristown, New Jersey January 11, 2018 Photo by Dave Blinder

NJ Highlands Painting

New Jersey Highlands Coalition Juried Art & Photography Exhibit Morris Museum Morristown, New Jersey January 11, 2018 Photo by Dave Blinder

Morris Museum Visitors

Crowd View New Jersey Highlands Coalition Juried Art & Photography Exhibit Morris Museum Morristown, New Jersey January 11, 2018 Photo by Dave Blinder

Morris Museum Exhibit

New Jersey Highlands Coalition Juried Art & Photography ExhibitMorris Museum Morristown, New JerseyJanuary 11, 2018 Photo by Dave Blinder

Morris Museum in Morristown NJ

New Jersey Highlands Coalition Juried Art & Photography Exhibit Morris Museum Morristown, New Jersey January 11, 2018 Photo by Dave Blinder

 

Morris Museum visitors information:

Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights Road
Morristown, NJ 07960
PHONE: (973) 971-3700
EMAIL: info@morrismuseum.org

Museum Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, 12:00pm to 5:00pm
The Museum is Pay as You Wish on the second and third Thursday of each month from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

 

If you have any questions or feedback on my article or artwork please contact me at dave@daveblinder.com