2014 in Review

For me, 2014 has been a productive year for photography. Let's see what I have done...

Today in 2013, I was shooting in Bryce Canyon. This year, I didn't travel much due to family and job. Instead, New Jersey landscape was my major focus this year, included Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Gateway National Recreation Area, Manasquan Reservoir County Park, and many beautiful beaches and shores.

I also published number of images on magazines, book and calender this year. A few articles was published and accepted too, included “Interview with Kah-Wai Lin” in Bokeh Magazine, "Featured Artist" in Landscape Photography Magazine (in press) and “Guide to Slot Canyon Photography” in PSA Journal (in press). Quite a productive year for publication!

I start applying for photographic distinctions since September, so far I was awarded the following photographic distinctions: UPI-APHRODITE, ASPAS, RISF1, LRPS, APSM, PSA 1 Star in PIDC and PIDM, AICS, AUSPA, ASWAN and UPI-CR1. I was also awarded a service distinction, AISF for promotion of ISF in USA. What's next in 2015? I wish to achieve some "F"-graded distinctions, ARPS, more crown in UPI and more star in PSA!

I am also volunteering in various photographic societies. I am the star ratings director in nature division and mentor for architectural photography at Photographic Society of America (PSA). I am the vice president for Atlantic Region USA, general secretary and database administrator at Image Colleague Society (ICS) and the president of their New Jersey Chapter (NJ-ICS). I am the international coordinator for East Coast USA ICS Young Photographer Project. I am also the chairperson for general business at Princeton Photography Club. In addition, I am the chairman for organizing the 1st New Jersey-ICS International Photographic Exhibition in 2015.

Many of my images were exhibited in juried photographic exhibitions in USA. In addition, I start participating international photographic salons since September and so far I received 126 acceptances of 63 titles. Many of my images were also awarded in national and international contest, notably, I was awarded 5 ribbons in international photographic salons!

I am looking forward for 2015 being another exciting year! Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!

Honorable Mention at PSA-MAC National Cups 2014

 
Four of my images were awarded honorable mention at PSA Mid-Atlantic Chapter National Photography Cups Competition 2014. To view all other awarded images, please visit Winning Gallery of PSA Mid-Atlantic Chapter.

Licentiate, Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain (LRPS)

Following the successful submission of a portfolio of images to Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain (RPS), I am honor to receive the distinction of Licentiate, Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain (LRPS). The RPS now entitles me to use the title LRPS after my name. 

 

This is the panel of images that I submitted for LRPS assessment in October 2014.

Honorable Mention at Vukovar 2014

My image "Grey Heron" was awarded honorable mention at 1st International Salon of Photography "Vukovar 2014" organized by Digitalna Foto Arhiva, Croatia.

This image was taken at Kinta Nature Park, which is located at Batu Gajah of Perak, Malaysia. The bird life there is super rich, it was claimed that the park is home to more than 130 species of birds and has the largest heronry in the country on one of its islands. We visited the park during the breeding season, thousand of herons were spotted on one of the islands. The sight is simply spectacular!

FSS Honorable Mention at Shadow 2014

My image "Dried Trees" was awarded FSS (Photo Association of Serbia) honorable mention at 1st International Salon of Photography "Shadow 2014" organized by Serbia Photo. At the same time, I earned 10 acceptances in this exhibition which count toward the PSA star rating. 

This image was taken at the Howell Township, Monmouth County of New Jersey. It is one of my favorite photographing location in New Jersey, the beautiful surrounding render unlimited creative opportunity at anytime of the day. I took this image after passing of golden hour at dawn, when the mood is best suit for black and white conversion.

PSA 1* in PID Monochrome

I was awarded PSA 1 Star in PID Monochrome (Photographic Society of America, Star Ratings). The PSA 1 Star was award for having a minimum of 18 acceptances with 6 unique titles accepted into international photographic exhibitions recognized by PSA. For more information about star rating, please visit The PSA Star Ratings Program.

PSA 1* in PID Color

I was awarded PSA 1 Star in PID Color (Photographic Society of America, Star Ratings). The PSA 1 Star was award for having a minimum of 18 acceptances with 6 unique titles accepted into international photographic exhibitions recognized by PSA. For more information about star rating, please visit The PSA Star Ratings Program.

Associate, SWAN Photo Club (ASWAN)

Following the successful submission of my exhibition acceptance report (at least 50 acceptances with 25 titles in photographic exhibition recognized by FIAP or PSA, from at least 10 different countries within 1 year) to SWAN Photo Club (SWAN), I am honor to receive the distinction of Associate, SWAN Photo Club (ASWAN). The SWAN Photo Club now entitles me to use the title ASWAN after my name.

Associate, United States Photographic Alliance (AUSPA)

Following the successful submission of a portfolio of images to United States Photographic Alliance (USPA), I am honor to receive the distinction of Associate, United States Photographic Alliance (AUSPA). The USPA now entitles me to use the title AUSPA after my name.

Associate, Image Colleague Society (AICS)

Following the successful submission of a portfolio of images to Image Colleague Society International (ICS), I am honor to receive the distinction of Associate, Image Colleague Society International (AICS). The ICS now entitles me to use the title AICS after my name.

Appointment of NJ-ICS President

On behalf of the board of directors of Image Colleague Society International (ICS), the New Jersey Chapter of ICS (NJ-ICS) was founded in September 2014. I was honored to be appointed as the president of NJ-ICS.

ICS, a non-profit photographic organization, is a flawless connection for photographers associated worldwide interested in photography and understands the universal language; for those who are passionate in the arts and sciences of photography through international exhibition. For more information, please visit ICS website.

“Sussex County" on Landscape Photography Magazine

My image “Sussex County, New Jersey, USA” was featured in Photo of the Month September 2014 in Landscape Photography Magazine, Issue 43, 2014. Landscape Photography Magazine is a fantastic magazine focus solely on landscape and nature. I strongly recommend to all the photography enthusiasts and I am sure you will love it as I do.

This picture was taken at the Sussex County Sunflower Maze in Augusta, New Jersey. The strong contrast between the blooming and fully grown sunflower as if the conversation between the young and elder generations. Don't you think so?

"Zabriskie Point" on Landscape Photography Magazine

My image “Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park” was featured in My Favorite Location in Landscape Photography Magazine, Issue 43, 2014.

This image was taken during my trip to Death Valley National Park, California in the end of December 2013. This is the Manly Beacon photographed from the Zabriskie Point. Just right after the sun climb up from the horizon, the upper part of Panamint range in the background was showered with the magical alpenglow. It is an unforgettable moment that I would love to share!

Nominee in 9th Annual Black & White Spider Awards 2014

Good news! Three of my images were selected as Nominee in 9th Annual Black & White Spider Awards 2014:

 Fire Wave, Valley of Fire State Park (Amateur - Nature)

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park (Amateur - Nature)

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (Amateur - People)

Art in Bloom

On October 19, the New Jersey Chapter of Floralia, a national floral designers group, had a reception of Floralia Floral Exhibit at the Guild of Creative Art, New Jersey. Marina Kerber had selected my work "Dawn at Manasquan" to interpret her floral creation. 

Although I wasn't able to attend the reception, Vicky Culver from Guild of Creative Art sent me this picture of Marina's floral creation placed next to my work. As a token of appreciation, I offer my work to Marina, as I thought both mine and Marina's works are perfect combination in the interpretation of the art in bloom.

Exhibition in Millstone River Gallery

My works "Spring Lake" and "Black-crowned Night Heron" were selected for exhibition at "Birds & Sky & Water - The Beauty of Nature" in Millstone River Gallery located at Merwick Care & Rehabilitation Center, New Jersey, from September 21 to December 13, 2014. If you have a chance to stop by, welcome to see my works and many other fantastic works contributed by members of Princeton Photography Club.

Exhibition at Guild of Creative Art

Two of my favorite images "Dawn at Manasquan Reservoir" and "Morning Dancing Trees" were selected for exhibition at The 22nd Annual Open Juried Show in Guild of Creative Art (New Jersey, USA) from September 27 to October 29, 2014. The opening reception will be on September 28, 3-5pm. If you have an opportunity to be in New Jersey, stop by the exhibit and I am sure it is a great show!

Dawn at Manasquan Reservoir

Morning Dancing Trees

Happy Hour

There is no excuse not to shot macro in the Sussex County Sunflower Maze. Besides the majestic view of sunflower maze, the little buddies, mostly bees, are everywhere. I found this pair of goldenrod soldier beetles mating on the sunflower and I couldn't resist myself from photographing them. After I took this picture, a rain came down all of the sudden and we sheltered under the tent. Interestingly, when the rain stopped after 15 minutes, we found this lovely couple is still wandering on the same flower in the same posture! I guess they are really having a good time:P

Sussex County Sunflower Maze

Sussex County Sunflower Maze in Augusta, New Jersey is the largest sunflower field on the east coast, with over 1 million flowers bloom this year. This is the most majestic sunflower field I have ever seen in my life and I would strongly recommend to anyone who love flower, nature or summer!

Just a bit of education... Since 2008, New Jersey Audobon Society, with the support of the Department of Agriculture in New Jersey, create a program called SAVE (Support Agricultural Viability and the Environment). SAVE program has recruit 14 farms in New Jersey to grow sunflowers and harvest the seed. This is to reduce our dependence on the distant farms and thereby reduce the carbon footprint involved in transporting the seeds to New Jersey. SAVE buys the seeds from the farms and sells the birdseed statewide. Besides, SAVE also supports the environment by establishing 1 acre of grassland habitat for wild nesting birds for every 5 acres sunflowers planted (Source: Here Comes The Sunflowers).

Sunflower Fields in New Jersey

In New Jersey, you may find magnificent blooming sunflower fields in one of many local farms around July and August. Since 2008, eight farms in New Jersey have signed up with New Jersey Audubon Society to devote several acres of land to grow sunflowers for birdseed (see: NJ Farms Blooming With Sunflowers).

The above abstract picture (camera panning technique) of sunflower field was taken at Duke Farms in Hillsborough. I am a frequent visitor of Duke Farms and I enjoyed very much the nature and relaxing setting there. Though not very big in size, the sunflower field located in front of visitor center offer a pleasant view at anytime of the day.

There are plenty of other sunflower fields in New Jersey. Noteworthy, the Sussex County Sunflower Maze in Augusta is the largest sunflower maze on the east coast, with over 1.5 million flowers in 2013. Besides, Donaldson Farms in Hackettstown has about 30 acres of sunflowers planted throughout the farm, and they offer sunflower tours from late August to mid/late September. Brodhecker Farm in Newton also has a magnificent sunflower field in their farm.

Deer Leap Falls, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is among the most scenic nature wonder in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I always wanted to explore the park although I am not a big fan of black bear:P 

We were here during a friend visit last weekend. There are tons of spectacular waterfalls in the park and most of them are easily accessible. We explored quite a number of them despite a short 2 days trip. Dingman Falls and Silverthread Falls can be access easily via a 0.4 miles hiking trail; Buttermilk Falls is located at the roadside; Bushkill Falls, a.k.a. "The Niagara of Pennsylvania", can be reach easily via one of the several trails; all three waterfalls in the George W. Childs Recreation Site - Deer Leap Falls, Factory Falls and Fulmer Falls are also easily accessible via a short loop trail.

This picture was taken at the Deer Leap Falls in the George W. Childs Recreation Site. As you can see from the picture, the water flow is low due to the low rainfall recently. Nevertheless, this is a fantastic place to visit and photograph and I will definitely plans for another trip in the autumn.

Dancing Trees

It was another fantastic morning at Manasquan Reservoir County Park, New Jersey. The light was great and I was planning to try something different other than grand landscape.

I switched to the telephoto lens and search for a nice piece of dried trees for abstract shot. The location that I was standing is facing east, which add a bonus as the beautiful light forming a nice background and the tree trunks became the silhouette. So I panned my camera vertically, with experimentation of different exposures and speed/direction of camera movement. After quite a number of trial and error, here is it - the trees is dancing happily!

Lesson of the day - abstract is one of the best way to train your creativity, anywhere and anytime.

Chasing Light at Ocean Grove

It's another morning shooting session at the New Jersey Shore and this time it is Ocean Grove. It is a pretty typical beach and I have two thought in my mind - to create a long exposure shot using the 10-stop ND filter and to create a sea stripe shot by panning the camera. Although there is no dramatic clouds, the soft light before sunrise is good enough for me to fulfill the mission.

A suggestion to those who love shooting water, get some good quality ND filters. I have a B+W 3-stops and a 10-stops ND filters, which I carried them in my bag wherever I go. They lend the way to creativity and fun!

 

Opening Reception at NJ350 Elements

It was a great evening in the opening reception of NJ350 Elements at Duke Farms. I felt great when I saw my picture "Manasquan Reservoir County Park" printed on 40" x 60" Satin Fabric, hanging outdoor and illuminated by the natural light. The beautiful Duke Farms is just an ideal location for such photo exhibit that showed the nature wonder of New Jersey.

If you have chance to visit Duke Farms, stop by the exhibit in front of the visitor center, I am sure you will be amazed. Otherwise, please visit the NJ350 Elements - Selected Photos to view the photos online. You may also view the finalist photos at NJ350 Elements - Discover New Jersey Video.

Once again, thanks to Danielle Austen and Nancy Edwards who organizing such an amazing event!

Guest Blog by Jennifer Bolton: Keeping Your Camera Safe While Traveling

Text contributed by Jennifer Bolton

For all of us who love to discover new and exciting places, capturing beautiful images is an absolute must. Especially in a world where digital photography and social media sharing dominates the industry, whether using our high-res smartphones or special lenses, both aspiring and expert photographers anticipate each journey with eagerness and expectation. But our coveted image-capturing devices are not immune to accidents and even theft, and taking precautions while on the road or doing fieldwork is essential.

Purchase a Good Coverage Plan

It doesn’t matter whether you’re taking a casual break or engaging in an intensive expedition – making sure that your camera and equipment is protected under appropriate financial coverage is a must. With many great deals available which cater individually to specific items or overall household and/or travel insurance, the small fee you pay is next to nothing compared to repairing or replacing damaged equipment and losing your work. You can have peace of mind by investing in a good plan (always read the small print) as well as checking out the warranties on your product(s) and what they cover. Some credit card providers also offer warranties on products which are purchased with a particular card/plan and cover various scenarios for a short time, so these are also worth looking into – but always check the length of the term and whether or not the coverage extends to other countries.

Use Quality Protection

Many models already come with a case, but often these offer only minimal protection and are designed for aesthetic purposes rather than functional ones – they don’t always cover the entire device, are not always waterproof, don’t provide additional pockets for other items and are often not very durable despite being expensive. It’s better to shop around and find generic brands (unless you don’t mind dishing out some more money for brand names) and finding light-weight yet sturdy cases which offer:

• Protection from the elements (sunlight, rain, snow)
• Insulation against varying temperatures and humidity
• Protection against wear and tear
• Additional storage space for batteries, lenses, memory cards, chargers, adapters, and other items
• Ease of access, but with efficient safeguard against theft
• Comfort for carrying and transporting
• Know Your Environment

Although spontaneity is part of what makes a photographer’s journey so memorable, it’s important to have a good grasp of the environment you will be taking your photos in. This includes taking note of the climate, weather, geography, and all other environmental aspects, as well as the cultural, social, and political nature of the location. For example, you’ll want to know if you will be working in a high humidity environment, and whether or not your lenses will cope with change in pressure so that you can take care of them properly.

Just as vitally, take time to respect the customs of the people and their respective environment. In some regions, many locals may not be happy to have their photo taken without permission and a small fee. Underground urban areas, sacred sites and museums are just a few of the places where camera activity is forbidden in some places. Also note that when using an expensive-looking camera, it immediately sets you out as a target for pickpockets and thieves; know how to avoid situations where such criminals can capitalize. There will be some locations where it will be better leave your camera at home altogether, whereas in other places, stealthy criminals can easily slide their hands into your pockets when you are focusing intensely on the next shot, or grab your camera the moment you put it down. Some photographers take multiple memory cards per trip so that in the event of a theft, not all the images are lost.

Be Familiar with Your Equipment

It’s quite common to purchase a new model just before going away on a trip, but there is nothing worse than being presented with some fantastic picture opportunities and not being able to take advantage of them because you haven’t taken the time to know your device. Even more importantly, not knowing how to properly take care of your camera while away can result in accidental damage. Know how to maintain your equipment and make sure that you mark off your checklist while packing so that you don’t leave anything behind.

Take your camera with you in your carry-on luggage where possible, always use the strap, and stay vigilant; just by following a few of these simple steps, you can enjoy a safe and memorable vacation with ample photo opportunities.

Abstract at Goshen Pond

Weather is a friend or foe to landscape photography, and unfortunately, it is unpredictable. The great light can happens anytime when you are not in the field, and the poor light can be your company when you are standing in front of a majestic landscape. It's all the matter of luck, unless you have time to chase for the light everyday in the field - unfortunately it is not the case for an amateur photographer like me.

This was the images taken at Goshen Pond in the Wharton State Forest, New Jersey last weekend. It's an hour drive and some hike and search, so I would really love to see the dramatic cloud and sky during the golden hour, and it would be also a nice scene when the fog invade the area (see the work from Richard Lewis, where he capture the Goshen Pond in a foggy morning). However, these ideal situation doesn't happen, so I was looking for the abstract shot, and I wanted to capture the icon of Goshen Pond which is the dead trees standing in the middle of the pond. I tried different ways to get it right, panning the camera horizontally and vertically, from different angle and perspective. After all, one works well, it is by panning the camera vertically on the reflection in the pond. Hurray!

The lesson is, if the light doesn't cooperate, don't give up, try other options, like abstract or black & white. Treat this as a good opportunities to train your creativity!

Exhibition in Duke Farms

My work "Manasquan Reservoir County Park" was awarded as a winner for "NJ350 Elements - A Unique Nature and Wildlife Photo Exhibit" at Duke Farms, New Jersey, from August 1 to September 2, 2014. The image will be printed on 40"x60" satin fabric and will displayed outdoors around the Duke Farms Orientation Center. For more information about the exhibition and to see the works of other artists, please visit NJ350 Elements.

I will be present for the opening reception on August 8, 2014, 6-8 pm and I would love to meet you there to show you my work. Hope to see you soon in Duke Farms!

Sea Stripes

Inspired by Katherine Gendreau, these pictures was taken at Spring Lake and Belmar Beach in New Jersey. The idea is simple, just by panning your camera horizontally over the long exposure. The composition is simple too, with just a few elements - sky, sea and sand. Yet, the creativity are endless - it is the weather, time of the day, lighting condition, movement of cloud and tide that create the infinite combination of color, pattern and mood.

If you have a chance, take a look at the sea stripes series by Katherine Gendreau. Her works are magnificent!