CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-22 14:48:13 (34 comments, 50 reshares, 475 +1s)

A new image in my Imagine series.. 

http://paulpichugin.com

2013-05-22 20:37:39 (23 comments, 2 reshares, 76 +1s)

Suggestions please: What is your favorite glossy paper?
Test prints from yesterday.
It's time to order some glossy papers without a texture.
I don't like the speckled reflection in the Hahnemühle FineArt Pearl.

2013-05-21 11:05:09 (44 comments, 47 reshares, 365 +1s)

This is my new #birdfish  series where I am going to be playing with the species underwater and hanging out with the birds as well on the topside, a fun mix of my wet world.   Shot off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico with the Canon 5d Mark III + Nauticam Housing + Canon 14MM.

for #wildlifewednesday  with +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus 

+Water Bird Wednesday curated by +Ray Bilcliff +Sherry McBriar #WadingBirdWednesday

+Wide Angle Wednesday curated by +Asif Patel #WideAngleWednesday

+Birds4All curated by +Walter Soestbergen #Birds4All

+HQSP Birds curated by +Marina Versaci +Joe Urbz #hqspbirds

+BIRD LOVERS Worldwide #birdloversworldwide   curated by +Robert SKREINER and +Heinrich Wagner  

+Landscape Photography curated by +Margaret Tompkins +Carra Riley +paul t beard +David Heath Williams +Bill Wood +Jim Warthman+Ben T #L... more »

2013-05-20 15:12:15 (34 comments, 15 reshares, 338 +1s)

Alpine Lake Reflections At Sunset
From my blog: http://www.niophoto.com/alpine-lake-reflections-at-sunset/

I published many black and white (long exposure) images lately, so I figured it was time again to post in color :)

This photograph features a small Alpine lake called “Lej Pitschen”. It’s located at the top of the well-known Bernina pass in Graubünden (Grisons), Switzerland. In the background you see the mountain Piz Cambrena, which has an altitude of 3606 meter (11.830ft).

I captured this image at the end of May (last weekend). The lake was still partly frozen. As I was shooting fairly close to sunset, I ran around like a maniac to try to capture this lake and the surrounding mountains with differing compositions, perspectives and focal lengths. About 10 minutes after I shot this one, the light was no longer hitting the scene. Timing is everything inlandsc... more »

2013-05-19 13:12:47 (33 comments, 24 reshares, 403 +1s)

Crowded Skies

I frequently hear that photography is a powerful tool to freeze a moment forever..but when I take a picture I feel exactly the opposite, I feel that everything flows away while I can stand still in the time..

Photography is my drug.

#LongExposureThursday #PlusPhotoExtract #ThirstyThursdayPic

Suggested music for this picture : ♫ +Ludovico Einaudi - Nuvole Bianche ♫
Location of this picture: Lerici - Italy

Buongiorno +Google Italia!  Siete pronti per un altro #LongExposureThursday? Italiani, +Google+ vi aspetta! :D


www.francescogola.net 

2013-05-21 11:07:58 (47 comments, 22 reshares, 392 +1s)

One of thousands hidden little bays at the coast of Lofoten. Photographed during twilight, exposed for about 30 seconds on transparency film. Enjoy!

2013-05-16 14:44:07 (58 comments, 24 reshares, 365 +1s)

I've been taking some time to check out the new G+ features.  As expected, I like some of the new things quite a lot and others not so much.  But look how pretty shared albums are now.  :)  

Now I just need to figure out if I can tell it which photos I want displayed.  Anyone know?  Maybe I just need to have separate albums for color and BW long exposures.  ;)

#newgoogleplus  

2013-05-14 18:54:17 (64 comments, 17 reshares, 271 +1s)

How about today? Want to come shooting today?

~Out in the Swiss countryside with +Johan Peijnenburg :)

#switzerland #switzerlandwithathena #iphone4s

2013-05-13 20:47:23 (25 comments, 10 reshares, 241 +1s)

Featured photo from my latest blog. http://www.magichourunplugged.com/2013/05/09/return-to-the-sea/

2013-05-10 17:15:37 (38 comments, 4 reshares, 177 +1s)

The Moments Between || Venice By Boat

We couldn't have asked for better weather today as we toured the beautiful canals of Venice, in what has to be one of the most beautiful boat rides I've ever taken. From the water, Venice is a visual feast of stunning architecture with beautiful photographic opportunities literally around every corner. I really can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon in Venice. 

A huge thanks to +Walks of Italy for providing us with such a great tour. Not only did we get some great photos, we also came away with a greater understanding of Venetian History, Architecture, and Culture. If you have the chance to visit Venice, I would highly recommend taking this tour. 

Pictured behind +Athena Carey, +Ken Kaminesky, +Naomi Locardi and me, is the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, one of my favorite stops along the tour. Moreinfo... more »

2013-05-09 11:43:04 (36 comments, 1 reshares, 114 +1s)

Yes, I have finally joined instagram.  Who else is there?  Let's connect! :)

2013-05-06 19:20:13 (25 comments, 11 reshares, 262 +1s)

From Venice with Love <3
Oh, with +Elia Locardi and +Ken Kaminesky too. ;)

2013-05-08 18:05:55 (32 comments, 7 reshares, 236 +1s)

Venice with two fab travel photographers? Yes please. :)

With +Elia Locardi and +Ken Kaminesky

Photo by +Naomi Locardi

2013-05-10 04:04:40 (84 comments, 9 reshares, 268 +1s)

My new +f-stop Tilopa and I are packed and ready to fly to Venice tonight! I am going to meet +Naomi Locardi, +Elia Locardi and +Ken Kaminesky for three days of nonstop shooting. Probably a bit of wine drinking too. ;)

#f-stop #fstop #tilopa #fstopwithathena #athenacarey

2013-05-03 13:08:18 (68 comments, 19 reshares, 324 +1s)

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. ~Martin Luther King, Jr

How about a warm splash of color as we head into a rainy weekend?  :)

#Switzerland #SwitzerlandwithAthena #Geneva #hope  #nikcollection #seatuesday  #FineArtPls

2013-04-30 10:00:37 (108 comments, 47 reshares, 614 +1s)

Anyone want to come shooting today? ;)

#iPhoneSnap #SwitzerlandWithAthena

2013-04-29 18:57:53 (50 comments, 5 reshares, 233 +1s)

How about a pink frame of happiness from my macro days for the awesome #MacroMonday  team, +Kerry Murphy +Kelli Seeger Kim  +Jennifer Eden   and +Jake Easley :)

2013-04-27 12:38:11 (29 comments, 8 reshares, 116 +1s)

From objective reality to an artistic vision.
Pre announcement: Online Black and White Masterclass: 6 weeks online course

This weekend I'm going to announce an online Black and White Masterclass in which I will personally teach you, and guide you through, my Black and White workflow that will start in 4 weeks in the weekend of May 25. I will reveal all secrets, answer all your questions, help you with the post-processing, review portfolios and share tips and tricks with the objective to create award winning Black and White images yourself. 
I will demonstrate my SGM and iSGM methods on subjects like seascapes, architecture and other subjects like cars.
If you're interested then keep an eye on this weekend's announcement and early bird discounts. The max. number of students is 10.
This online B&W masterclass is a one-off thing only. The rest of... more »

2013-04-25 10:23:19 (209 comments, 24 reshares, 440 +1s)

I am delighted to announce that I have just become one of
+f-stop's Staff Pro Team.  I’ve been in love with their brilliant camera gear bags for ages now, so really, it’s a match made in heaven.  ;)

You can see my Staff Pro Profile here:  http://fstopgear.com/staffpro/athena-carey  While you're over there, check out the bags.  Great stuff.

And here’s a Behind the Scenes photo of me with my favorite bag, the F-Stop Loka, up in the Uri Alps in Switzerland.  It was minus 30 degrees that day!  
Photo credit:  Mike Carey.

#FstopWithAthena   #SwitzerlandWithAthena   #Fstop   #Titlis   #switzerland  

2013-05-02 18:58:58 (150 comments, 32 reshares, 545 +1s)

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.  ~Henry David Thoreau

I have such fond memories of this special day spent with beautiful people, +Nathan Wirth, +Grant Murray +John Kosmopoulos and +Alan Allum.  Thank you all for this perfect last day in California.  Lately I have been trying to force myself to pick a direction for my photography.  I’ve found that it’s a bit difficult reigning myself in!  Darn creatives...  ;)

#CaliforniaWithAthena #California #BWFineArt #FineArtPls #BlackandWhite #LongExposure #LongExposureThursday #SeaTuesday #MonochromeMonday  #nikcollection

2013-05-02 18:59:32 (150 comments, 59 reshares, 739 +1s)

...lonely, sleeping without you. ~The Cranberries

I was feeling a bit sad that I missed the Photowalk in Donegal last weekend, so I poked around in my files from my last time there and found this.  Wish I could have been with you guys +Ireland.  xx

#IrelandWithAthena #Ireland #BWFineArt #FineArtPls #blackandwhite #longexposure #LongExposureThursday #seatuesday  #nikcollection

2013-05-02 18:59:51 (118 comments, 17 reshares, 379 +1s)

This way to the bar...  Happy Weekend Everyone!! :D

I have finally downloaded my infrared photos from the trip to Malaysia.  In retrospect, I wish I had taken more!  Remember that photo of the sunscreen smeared back of my camera I posted while I was there?  Here’s the actual photo.  I’m just getting the hang of IR processing, but so far, I am loving it.

#Infrared #MalaysiaWithAthena #BWFineArt #FineArtPls #blackandwhite  #nikcollection

2013-04-10 20:21:58 (16 comments, 5 reshares, 134 +1s)

Women Wednesday Update - PLEASE READ and SHARE

Due to much blessing, the artistic lives of +Athena Carey, +Lee Daniels, +Christina Lawrie and +Kerry Murphy are booming. That being said, with heavy hearts they will no longer be able to co-curate the +Women Wednesday theme due to time contraints and other commitments. Beginning next week, please do not tag them in #womenwednesday  posts. 

I will be co-curating with +Scott Detweiler. Feel free to tag me, +Niki Aguirre and/or him each Wednesday if you want us to check out your photo, but no pressure to do so otherwise!

Cheers! 

PS: This information has been updated in +Daily Photography Themes. If there are other lists that you find incorrect, I'd appreciate any help in correcting them. Thanks!

2013-05-02 19:11:25 (105 comments, 12 reshares, 376 +1s)

...haze all in my eyes, Don't know if it's day or night, You've got me blowin, blowin my mind, Is it tomorrow or just the end of time? ~Jimi Hendrix

I’m back from 2 weeks in tropical paradise.  I must say though that I feel a bit in a haze.  We left 30+ degree sunny weather and landed in 6 degree full on winter fog.  So surreal.  Spring is struggling to spring here, but I am so ready for  sunshine and green plants.  Has Spring sprung where you are?

Apologies that this may be a post and run.  I have a sick little one at home today - for the past three days actually. :(

#BWFineArt #FineArtPls #blackandwhite #SwitzerlandWithAthena #Switzerland   #spcfeature  #nikcollection

2013-03-29 02:41:10 (74 comments, 14 reshares, 327 +1s)

Island life. The view from my chair today. :)

#MalaysiaWithAthena #iPhoneSnap

2013-03-28 03:56:24 (46 comments, 23 reshares, 364 +1s)

Beautiful morning run. :)

#MalaysiaWithAthena #iPhoneSnap

2013-03-27 11:29:49 (48 comments, 16 reshares, 346 +1s)

Dear Borneo,
OK if I stay forever? :)
xx

#MalaysiaWithAthena #iPhoneSnap

2013-03-22 14:25:37 (41 comments, 12 reshares, 306 +1s)

Athena Carey Cover Photo Collage Template 02 - Vertical Photos

One last post before I fly out to Malaysia for two weeks.  I'll have internet there, but will be pretty busy.  I promise to check in as often as possible. :D

This latest template for the cover photo will hold three vertical photos.  Here is the link to the blog post with instructions and the template:  http://goo.gl/u7206  *Post a link to your cover photo here if you use this template*  I would love to see what you do with it. :)

The grey space at the bottom is the place for your profile photo and the "about" information that Google adds.  You can change the frame to be whatever color you like with the paint bucket tool.  The template is a png file, so you can use whatever editor you prefer.  Let me know if you find any errors or if you need more support in using the template. Enjoy! ... more »

2013-03-21 13:52:33 (92 comments, 24 reshares, 417 +1s)

The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

This was a lovely outing with some very lovely people - +Nathan Wirth +Grant Murray +Cameron Siguenza and +John Kosmopoulos, to a place that I will not soon forget.  The whole time I was here, I felt some part of myself reaching out to this tree.  And in this image, I can see through the patterns in the grass that she was also reaching out towards me.  I love nature.

#Infrared #SFwithAthena #BWFineArt #FineArtPls #blackandwhite 

2013-03-18 10:00:50 (43 comments, 4 reshares, 135 +1s)

Registration is Open for a wonderful Photowalk in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Where: Batu Dam, Ulu Yam (Latitude: 3°16’28.01″N, Longitude: 101°41’28.00″E)
Register here: http://goo.gl/7tbci

_Join Athena Carey (2012 IPA winner) and Sanjitpaal Singh (2012 IPA winner) for a photowalk as they discover the wonders of Malaysia’s Natural Heritage. They’re inviting you to experience photography with them, and they will be giving away some goodies. ;)

Sponsored by:
XUME Quick Release Adapters - http://www.xumeadapters.com/
SmugMug - http://www.smugmug.com/
RDT Prints - http://www.rdtprints.com/
Fujifilm Malaysia - http://www.fujifilm.com.my/

2013-03-12 14:55:39 (93 comments, 20 reshares, 482 +1s)

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other. ~Audrey Hepburn

Another day out with the little Sony camera. :)

#SwitzerlandWithAthena #Switzerland #Sonyrx100 #minimalism #minimal   #BWFineArt #FineArtPls #blackandwhite

2013-03-15 08:07:45 (132 comments, 101 reshares, 574 +1s)

Athena Carey Cover Photo Collage Template 01

UPDATE:  I have adjusted the template and the instructions to account for the weird left side cropping that Google does to Cover photos on profile pages.  All the exiting links will take you to the updated info.  :)

Yesterday I switched over to the new cover photo style without realizing that it is HUGE.  I wanted to stay with something more like my previous scrapbook photos, so I made this template.  Some people expressed interest, so I am sharing the template and instructions on how to use it on my blog (my poor neglected blog is feeling very important today).  *Here is the link*:  http://goo.gl/NM5OJ   Enjoy! :)

The grey space at the bottom is space for your profile photo and the "about" information that Google adds.  You can change the frame to be whatever color you like - I used white.  Letme know if ... more »

2013-03-06 13:43:21 (115 comments, 16 reshares, 429 +1s)

Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air. ~John Quincy Adams

I can’t help being amazed at what the little Sony rx100 can do.  I took it out with me on this cold winter walk back in January.  I wasn’t sure I’d be happy with the results, but wow!  I am going to be taking this little camera with me more often I think.  ;)

Do you have a compact camera that you love?  Let me know about it in the comments.  :D

#SwitzerlandWithAthena #Switzerland #Sonyrx100 #minimalism #minimal

2013-03-01 13:44:53 (76 comments, 28 reshares, 434 +1s)

True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about and few have seen. ~Francois de La Rochefoucauld

How about something bright and cheerful to head off to the weekend on? :)

#IrelandWithAthena #Ireland #longexposure #LongExposureThursday #seatuesday

2013-02-25 13:55:52 (204 comments, 54 reshares, 837 +1s)

Tufted Dreams 

I’m back!  After a week in the mountains with no internet I came home and promptly got a double ear infection.  A trip to the hospital, a course of antibiotics and an unrelated cortisone shot later I am almost better.  I think it’s time for me to do some catching up!  :D

Some of you may remember this island and the duck story I told last time.  I arrived at dawn to shoot the island and was surprised to find the water in front of it littered with sleeping ducks.  They didn’t match my artistic vision, so I “took them out” with a long exposure and some creative editing.  You can see that image here:  http://goo.gl/Ea0h7  This time I decided to work with the dreaming, floating, feathered friends.  Next time I’m bringing a wider lens. :)

#MinimalMonday #Switzerland #SwitzerlandWithAthena #BWFineArt #FineArtPls #blackandwhite #longexposure #SeaTu... more »

2013-02-15 11:19:31 (50 comments, 17 reshares, 381 +1s)

It was a snowy, white-out hike. Mostly uphill, and awesome. Now for a well deserved burger and beer. :)

#iPhoneSnap #SwitzerlandWithAthena

2013-02-14 11:27:13 (54 comments, 12 reshares, 442 +1s)

Top of the world... ;)

2013-02-13 14:39:27 (86 comments, 22 reshares, 460 +1s)

It's a beautiful day in the mountains :)

2013-02-09 10:27:19 (106 comments, 22 reshares, 518 +1s)

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm. ~Abraham Lincoln

Thanks everyone for your wonderful notes and encouragement.  :)  All is better here.  I’d be ready to jump happily back into the online social life, except that tomorrow morning I am leaving to spend a week in a Swiss mountain, winter wonderland.  I am not sure if the chalet even has internet!   But hopefully I can bring back a bunch of photos to share with you and stay in touch a bit with my phone.  

Have a great week everyone!

+rohan reilly  I am sure you recognize this place.  Thank you so very  much for taking us there! :)

#IrelandWithAthena #Ireland #BWFineArt #FineArtPls #blackandwhite #longexposure #LongExposureThursday #seatuesday

2013-02-08 15:54:13 (33 comments, 3 reshares, 88 +1s)

SHOUT OUT TO ALL MALAYSIAN

Ms +Athena Carey  an IPA award winning photographer is coming to Kuala Lumpur. Date will be sometime end of March to April (under discussion)

Mr +Sanjitpaal Singh will be leading the photowalk.
If you wish to join, do mention here.
The photowalk will be coordinate in +Malaysia Photowalk 

2013-02-07 08:50:47 (6 comments, 2 reshares, 87 +1s)

Images submitted, votes tallied, winners announced ... thanks to everyone who came to the walk, everyone who contributed an image, and to all the judges.

Extra special thanks to Laurie, Josh and Dan for contributing the software,  Rod Clark for contributing the filters, the folks from XUME for the adapters, and the folks from SmugMug for the membership.  Special thanks also to +Ron Rothbart  for donating the calendar and to Rob for the eBook.  

Check out the photowalk webpage to see the winning images:  http://nlwirth.com/photography/a-slice-of-time-a-san-francisco-bay-area-photowalk-january-4-6-2013/

A Slice of Time: A San Francisco Bay Area Photowalk  - January 4-6, 2013

Photo Competition Winners

Special Prizes:

The winner of The complete Nik Software Suite: Judged by +Laurie Rubin  +Josh Haftel  & +Dan Hughes  is ... +Swee Oh. <... more »

2013-02-04 14:12:42 (94 comments, 24 reshares, 472 +1s)

We’re In This Together
Being a parent is dirty and scary and beautiful and hard and miraculous and exhausting and thankless and joyful and frustrating all at once. ~Jill Smokler

I might not be around as much as usual.  I promise to pop in and leave plus ones as much as I can, but my comments might be less for awhile.  *La vie est de temps en temps difficile, mais elle est toujours aussi belle...*

#MinimalMonday #Switzerland #SwitzerlandWithAthena #BWFineArt #FineArtPls #blackandwhite #longexposure   #AthenasBird  

2013-01-29 06:50:32 (169 comments, 30 reshares, 542 +1s)

Unibison, “Where’d everyone go?”

Earlier this month when we had a morning snow, I headed out on the unplowed roads to see what the local American Bison were up to.  I found this little guy out in the field looking a bit lost.  His pals were actually not far off though, eating hay and frolicking in the snow.  He soon joined them.  Here's some information on the herd of American Bison here in Switzerland:  http://goo.gl/ll9br

#MinimalMonday #Switzerland #minimalism   #SwitzerlandWithAthena  #BWFineArt  #FineArtPls

2013-01-25 13:42:56 (93 comments, 6 reshares, 254 +1s)

Happy News

I'm so happy to tell you that I am featured in the latest edition of Extraordinary Vision Outdoor Photography Magazine by +Angelo Ioanides.  And also happy to tell you that this beautiful, high quality iPad magazine is free!  Check it out at:  https://itunes.apple.com/app/id563485634  :D

2013-01-24 14:33:32 (72 comments, 19 reshares, 357 +1s)

UK Seaside Photowalk 2013

Would you like to spend two or three days photographing the UK Seaside alongside some of Europe’s best photographers this Autumn?

Lets join forces to plan a weekend of photography on the beautiful UK coastline.  Please send us your location suggestions along with reasons why yours is the best location for a seaside photowalk.

Locations should be 1) within a 2 hour drive from an international airport 2) in an area with hotels and restaurants 3) preferably allow night time access as well .

HOW:
1.  Circle the UK Seaside Photowalk Page (so you can tag it).
2.  Make a post in the UK Seaside Photowalk Community with your location suggestion and your reasons.
3.  Include a photo in your suggestion post and tag the UK Seaside Photowalk Page on the photo for a chance to have your photo as the banner on thePhoto... more »

2013-01-24 12:11:04 (64 comments, 16 reshares, 265 +1s)

Together We Can Make a Difference 

Once again, hundreds of photographers have come together and donated their time and their work to rally behind a good cause and create a beautiful art book.  This year, the Plus One Collection book’s proceeds will go to The Kilgoris Project, to help the children of a Massai village in southwest Kenya.

Please consider buying a copy of the book to support our project.  The startup funds have been raised now and that means from this point forward all funds raised will go directly to the charity!  Together we can make a difference for these children. :)

Help us here:  http://www.indiegogo.com/plus-one-collection-2012.  

Information about the Kilgoris Project:  http://thekilgorisproject.com/

Artists in the book:  http://plusonecollection.com/2012-artists/

This is an image of me with my copy oflast year’... more »

2013-01-23 03:18:46 (164 comments, 63 reshares, 660 +1s)

I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day. ~Vincent Van Gogh 

This was the colorful (in more ways than one!) end to all the photowalks on Sunday, in fact to the entire photowalk weekend.  A small group of us went back to the Point Reyes Shipwreck after dinner to light it up and catch the stars.  After only a handful of shots, we were struck with fogged up lenses and angry wild boars had tried to attack us.  What a night!  A HUGE thank you to +Scott Jarvie +Brandy L Green +Michael Bonocore +Natalia Stone and +roma g for this wonderful end to a crazy good photowalk weekend.  :)

AND a great big thank you to +Dave Morrow for his stars tutorial.  I have not even finished watching all three videos and have learned a TON already.  If you want to make gorgeous photos like he does (this one does not even begin to think about comingclose), get o... more »

2013-01-21 08:21:19 (49 comments, 4 reshares, 211 +1s)

On the SF Bay Area Long Exposure Photowalk, I met a lot of great photographers I look up to. 

One of the photographers is the beautiful +Athena Carey  She is also a pro when it comes to long exposure photography.  Check out her work...

http://www.athenacarey.com

2013-01-19 12:39:59 (127 comments, 74 reshares, 819 +1s)

Out in the snow with +Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter :)
#SwitzerlandWithAthena  #iPhoneSnap

2013-01-16 13:48:28 (147 comments, 45 reshares, 546 +1s)

A dream you dream alone is only a dream. 
A dream you dream together is reality.  ~Yoko Ono

What a dream the +A Slice of Time - SF Bay Photowalk 2013 was - so many photographers came together (like the birds on that rock there) to spend a weekend together making beautiful photos, enjoying nature, laughing, learning, teaching, eating, drinking and being extremely merry.  I’m branding it an absolute success.  :)

Please remember that if you participated in this event, you can enter the photo contest for a chance to win some very nice prizes by entering up to two images you made during the event.  Details are here:  http://www.photographersforgood.com/Pages/Social/27504977_3WKbRz