Uncategorized – Page 6 – Michael Rappa

Photo of the Day: Old Friends

December 31, 2014February 18, 2018 Michael Rappa1 Comment

During my walk along San Francisco Bay back in October, I noticed that this pelican and fisherman appeared to be hanging out as if they were the oldest of friends. Perhaps they meet out on this pier every day, in the shadow of the Golden Gate, enjoying one another’s company, while the fisherman shares some of his catches with his feathered friend . . . it would be a nice story anyway. 🙂

Date: 10/16/2014
Camera: Nikon D5100
Click for larger view

You can view more featured photos at my Photo of the Day Collection.

Photo of the Day: Yosemite Night Sky

October 29, 2014February 18, 2018 Michael RappaLeave a comment

The night sky over Yosemite is amazing. If you live in an area with high light pollution as most of us do, you likely have never seen a sky like this. There are so many stars that you feel like you’re standing on a different planet. I was actually able to see the Milky Way, as well as several shooting stars.

I didn’t have the proper equipment with me for taking high-quality night photos but this shot will give you some idea of what it looked like outside my cabin. I wish my stay had been longer so I could have ventured down into Yosemite Valley one night for even better views, but that gives me something to look forward to when I return one day.

Date: 10/18/2014
Camera: Nikon D5100
Click for larger view

You can view more featured photos at my Photo of the Day Collection.

Photo of the Day: Glacier Point at Dusk

October 27, 2014February 18, 2018 Michael RappaLeave a comment

During my recent trip to San Francisco, I rented a car and headed to Yosemite National Park for a couple of days. My goal had been to drive out to Glacier Point on my first day because I knew I wouldn’t have time on the other two days, but for various reasons I got to the park too late and didn’t reach Glacier Point until after sunset. Consequently, my photos from that night were basically shot in the dark with little to focus on, so I broke out my f/1.8 prime lens and hoped for the best. The resulting graininess from boosting the low light levels made the photos look more like paintings, but I liked the effect, all things considered.

This view of Half Dome from Glacier Point is a composite of two separate photos not originally intended to be a panorama, but the photos were close enough in composition that it worked.

Date: 10/17/2014
Camera: Nikon D5100
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You can view more featured photos at my Photo of the Day Collection.

Photos of the Day: An Osprey Brings Home Dinner

October 6, 2014February 18, 2018 Michael Rappa4 Comments

During my recent trip to Cape May I went on a bird watching cruise through the marshes, where I was lucky enough to capture this osprey in flight clutching a fish in its talons.

You get two photos for the price of one today. 🙂

Date: 9/22/2014
Camera: Nikon D5100
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You can view more featured photos at my Photo of the Day Collection.

Photo of the Day: Louvre Panorama

September 19, 2014February 18, 2018 Michael Rappa1 Comment

Here’s a panorama I took of the Louvre during my day in Paris a couple of months ago. The plaza was not very crowded for the summer, probably because it had rained for most of the day, but this was one moment when the sun finally peeked out.

Date: 7/1/2014
Camera: Nikon D5100
Click for larger view

You can view more featured photos at my Photo of the Day Collection.

Photo of the Day: Sunset Reflection

September 14, 2014February 18, 2018 Michael RappaLeave a comment

Here’s a quick photo I snapped with my pocket camera the other night. It’s a sunset reflected off my car window featuring a silhouette of me taking the photo.

Date: 9/12/2014
Camera: Panasonic DMC-FX8

You can view more featured photos at my Photo of the Day Collection.

Photo of the Day: Edinburgh Castle Dog Cemetery

August 8, 2014February 18, 2018 Michael RappaLeave a comment

During my exploration of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland I happened upon this small garden that has been used since the 19th-century as a burial place for regimental mascots and officers’ dogs.

A dog lover myself, I found this to be quite touching, and the image stuck with me as much as anything else I saw in the castle, so I thought I’d share it.

Date: 7/6/2014
Camera: Nikon D5100
Click for larger view

You can view more featured photos at my Photo of the Day Collection.

Photo of the Day: Patallacta on the Inca Trail

June 13, 2014February 18, 2018 Michael RappaLeave a comment

Patallacta was the first big Inca ruin site we came across as we hiked the Inca Trail. This photo was taken from a plateau at the top of our first moderate ascent on Day 1. Unfortunately, the classic Inca Trail does not pass close enough to these ruins for a visit, but there is an alternate five-day hike during which you can camp nearby and visit the site.