Taking Photographs on a Family Vacation

Written by:  Gary Wonning

We often assume to photography wildlife we have to travel to some far off land, leaving our families and the comforts of home behind.

As I emphasized in my ebook, “How to make money in photography“, this just isn’t the case.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. If capturing hundreds of photos of exotic wildlife, then maybe you would need to travel great distances. However, if your time and money is limited and you need or desire to combine your photography interests with a family vacation, you can still get some fantastic photos of wildlife close to home or your favorite vacation spot.

Such was my dilemma during a recent trip to Michigan. Visiting with family always has a high priority and many times photography has to take a back seat. I naturally wanted to get some quality photos for my blogs and my website.

We were traveling by train which further complicated the issue, taking photos through a window  from a  moving train doesn’t lend itself to producing high-quality photos. Hoping for the best I grabbed my camera gear and could only imagine how things would turn out.

Church in Cumberland Maryland.

While it is true, I didn’t get very many good quality photos through the windows of the train, all was not lost. I did get some decent photos I can use for my blogs. The biggest problem while on the train was the glare normally associated with photographing through a window. A polarizer will help, but in many cases that leads to distortion and only slightly reduced the glare.

Martinsburg West Virginia, roundhouse

As I said, the trip was mainly about seeing family and friends, however, in spite of some cloudy weather, I did manage to get a few quality photographs of wildlife, flowers and scenic shots.

At  the end of our vacation, we visited the Stoney Brook Preserve near Detroit Michigan. I knew nothing of the area, I didn’t know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised when we arrived.

The weather was extremely hot and I was pleased to find I could take photos from inside the building through a glass window with no distortion or glare. An added benefit, the birds and animals scurried about unaware we were so close to them.

I was even able to photograph two squirrels fighting over the food in  a bird feeder.

Two squirrels fighting.

Walking the grounds, I was able to get a few quality nature photos as well, proving that regardless of the circumstances, it is always possible to come home with many useable photos, worthy of being displayed on anyone’s wall.

 The author has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature, landscapes and studying native cultures. Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt, the Canary Islands, much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hardcover and Ebooks, and contact information: please check his website, http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

IMprove your health, Increase your wealth

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money, often a full-time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment but a living income.

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Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge #$4 Fredericksburg Virginia

 Historic Fredericksburg Virginia is one the most historic towns in the United States. Just a short visit will enable you to tour several locations of interest in our history. Along with a Civil War Cemetery, there is a Revolutionary War era cemetery, The Rising Sun Inn. The Inn Restaurant still in operation today , was owned by Lawrence Washington , George Washington’s brother and frequented by many of the founders of the day.

One of the most notable of the historic landmarks is the Masonic Lodge frequented by George Washington himself.

He was raised a master mason on August 4th,1753 and continued to be active in masonic work , as many of our founders did, until his death.

 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website, http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

Throughout man’s long history on earth,there has been one group of people who have carried the torch of liberty and freedom throughout the ages , from time immemorial until the present day. In these days their counsel is need more than ever.

 

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The Potomac River

The Potomac River, known as “The Nation’s River”, is 383 miles long and forms a natural boundary along  the borders of Maryland, Washington, Virginia and West Virginia.

Passing through or near such historic places as Cumberland Maryland, Martinsburg, Harper’s Ferry, and Washington D.C. It is rich in history and heritage.

Cumberland Maryland

Much of our early nations history took place along it’s banks. Our first president, George Washington was not only born in the Potomac basin, but spent most of his life here as well.

Many of the battles of the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, as well as the civil war were fought in the watershed of this beautiful river. It provided a valuable route to lands to the west when they were opened for settlement, in the early days it was the only passage into the interior of our nation.

It not only provided a route into the unknown land west of where civilization had advanced , it’s waters and surrounding area provide food, shelter and clothing to the early settlers.The land was full of wild game and the river supplied fish.

Potomac River

Stretching from the hills of West Virginia where it links with the Shenandoah River it meanders  to the Atlantic Ocean, it links coal miners in the mountains to the urban residents of Washington D.C.

Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed and applied what he has learned to solving the many issues facing not only the United States, but the world as well.

Common Sense solutions to complex problems.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com

You can also follow him on your Kindle.

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Alexandria Virginia

Located just outside and south of  our nation’s capitol lies Alexandria , Virginia . Situated along the Western bank of the Potomac River,Alexandria is approximately six miles south of downtown Washington D.C.

Along with it’s historic center, Old Town, it is home to mostly high income government, military and professionals from private industry.

One of the most famous landmarks is the George Washington Masonic Memorial.

Reading like a history of who’s, who of America, George Washington, George Mason, and Robert E.Lee are just a few of the famous Americans who are part of the heritage of this city.

Founded in 1695, Alexandria became a busy seaport filled with brigs, schooners and ships
of the kind that traversed the high seas en route to England and the
Caribbean.

Alexandria was one of the first major  trading centers and ports in the colonies.

On April 14, 1755, five Royal Governors of the Colonies met with British
General Edward Braddock at his headquarters, the Carlyle House, to
discuss avenues to fund the British military  in the French and Indian
War. A tax on “all his Majesty’s dominions in America” was recommended
to the British Parliament and became the first Colonial Tax.

The succession of taxes that followed fanned the flames of colonial unrest against England and cries of “taxation without
representation” began to sound, rallying the colonists against the
crown, the seeds of revolutions had been planted.

In response, local leaders like George Washington and
George Mason met at the Court House in Alexandria on July 18, 1774.
Here, Mason’s Fairfax Resolves were adopted, which called for an end to
trade with England.

In 1775, tensions in the colonies reached a boiling
point, with the American Revolution to follow.

Alexandria was ceded to the federal government in 1791 to form the District of Columbia. It was then given  back to Virginia in 1846 when the District of Columbia was reduced in size by establishing it’s boundaries north of the Potomac River.

Market Square in Old Town boasts of being the oldest continuously operating marketplace in the United States. With its concentration of boutiques, restaurants, antique shops and
theaters, it is a major draw for tourists.

Like Old Town, many
Alexandria neighborhoods are compact, walkable, high-income suburbs of
Washington, D.C. Because it’s citizens are mainly federal government employees, it is the seventh largest and highest income
independent city in Virginia.

 

Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

Common Sense solutions to complex problems.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com

 

You can also follow him on your Kindle.

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Throughout man’s long history on earth,there has been one group of people who have carried the torch of liberty and freedom throughout the ages , from time immemorial until the present day. In these days their counsel is need more than ever.

Martinsburg West Virginia

Martinsburg West Virginia is home to the oldest working train station in the United States. Built in 1847 it is one of the few structures in Martinsburg to survive the Civil war. It is now a designated National Historic Landmark.

Old Round House Martinsburg West Virginia

The old roundhouse , significant because of it’s architecture,the role it played in the 1877 Great Rail Road strike,  and because it was the site where confederate troops actually stole a train loaded with supplies and munitions during the Civil war,  is also a National Historic Landmark.

Great Rail Road Strike 1877

Because of it’s location, the town and railroad subsequently changed hands many times.Through these gently rolling hills and peaceful meadows  both the union and confederate troops jockeyed for position to and from such battles as Gettysburg, Antietam, and Monocacy.

Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean, and studied Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different cultures!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has studied.

Common Sense solutions to complex problems.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks, please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com

 

You can also follow him on your Kindle.

 

 

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This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well

Virginia Sunrise

We decided to do something a little different this year. Since we have several relatives living in the Midwest, mainly Indiana and Michigan,we decided to travel by Amtrak during our annual pilgrimage to the north land.

It became quite an adventure, enjoyable but at the same time a bit out of the ordinary. To travel to the Midwest from Florida, one has to first go to Washington D.C. then board a train for Chicago and from there to the final destination.

Amtrak Orlando Station

Since our journey began in Sarasota Florida and there is no train service from there, our first option was to either travel by chartered bus to Orlando or make the two hour drive by car. We optioned for the bus , a wise decision, because of stops in Bradenton, St.Petersburg, Tampa and Lakeland the two hour drive became a four hour trip. Even at that it was rather enjoyable.

The trains have a habit of being late, and this was no exception.A slight mechanical problem was discovered in Miami and as a result , cars had to be switched. One has to realize that most times the train will be late and allow for this, it adds to the mystic of traveling by rail.

Once on board , we settled in the tight quarters for the overnight ride to our nation’s capital. The meals are always delicious and top notch with tonight being no exception. A steak dinner topped off with the best cheese cake anywhere, a cold beer, and it was time to settle in our bunks for the evening.

Despite the tight quarters and being awakened by the train whistle every time we approached a crossing, a good night’s rest was accomplished.

There are no mile markers along the tracks, so the only way to tell where you are in the morning is to remember to take a schedule with you when retiring for the evening.

Sooner or later the train will stop at a station, and one just checks the schedule with the town the train is in and thus it can be determined how early or late the train is. (Hint) it won’t be early. They never leave early so as to make sure everyone gets on the train.

Virginia Sunrise

This beautiful sunrise awaited me as I woke from dreamland. Somewhere in Virginia, it was time to prepare for a seven hour layover in Washington D.C. before venturing on to the Windy City that evening.

Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean, and studied Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different cultures!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has studied and applied what he has learned to solving the many issues facing not only the United States, but the world as well.

Common Sense solutions to complex problems.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks, please check his website.http://www.commonsensejourneys.com

 

For weekly travel updates, follow me on Kindle.

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Rising Sun Tavern Fredericksburg Virginia

To  anyone visiting Fredericksburg, Virginia on the “don’t miss” list is lunch at the Rising Sun Tavern.

Originally built in 1760 by Charles Washington, George’s brother, this residence was turned into a tavern about 1790.

My journey had started in Charleston South Carolina the day before and after staying the night in Richmond, I got a rather late start for Fredericksburg.

 Having driven all morning I decided to have lunch before seeing the sights  the town had to offer.
As I entered, a tavern wench met me at the door. As I was escorted to my table she informed me that she was serving out her indenture of 7 years for stealing a loaf of bread in England.

 
After dining, I was invited to take a 30 minute tour of the    establishment, led by the tavern wench.
 
I was pleasantly surprised, much of the furniture and woodwork  is still
in its original state. The tap room features a display of 18th and
19th-century pewter and a reconstructed bar cage.In its day   the
tavern was a proper high-class establishment, While the ladies were
consigned to the Retiring Room spending their day gossiping and doing
their knitting  the men would be consuming  multi -course meals and many tankards of ale in the Taproom or playing cards and enjoying Madeira in the Great Room.
As a matter of convenience the tour just happened to end in the gift shop where I was able to pick up a couple of nice souvenirs.

 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature, landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt, the Canary Islands, much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks, and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com

Your comments appreciated

 

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well.
   

Fredricksburg, Virginia

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Located on the Rappahannock River near the head of navigation at the fall line, Fredericksburg developed as the frontier of colonial Virginia shifted west out of the coastal plain. The Virginia General Assembly established a fort on the Rappahannock in 1676, just below the present-day city. 

George Washington spent much of his early life here, his family moved to Ferry Farm in Stafford County just off the Rappahannock opposite Fredericksburg in 1738. George Washington was made a mason in Fredricksburg Lodge.

 Washington’s mother Mary later moved to the city, and his sister Betty lived at Kenmore, a plantation house then outside the city. Other significant early residents include the Revolutionary War generals Hugh Mercer and George Weedon, naval war hero John Paul Jones, and future U.S. president James Monroe.

During the American Civil War, Fredericksburg gained strategic importance due to its location midway between Washington and Richmond, the opposing capitals of the Union and the Confederacy. During the battle of Fredericksburg, December 11-15, 1862, the town sustained significant damage due to bombardment and looting at the hands of Union forces. 

Rising SunTavern

Other historic buildings and museums include the late 18th century Rising Sun Tavern, that was owned by Lawrence Washington, George Washington’s brother. Nearby points of interest include George Washington Birthplace National Monument, located 38 miles to the east in Westmoreland County, and the Ferry Farm historic site in Stafford County where Washington spent his boyhood across the river from Fredericksburg.

Fredericksburg National Cemetery, is located on Marye’s Heights on the Fredericksburg battlefield and contains more than 15,000 Union burials from the area’s battlefields.

 

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

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