UNFURLED added to San Juan Marriott Collection

I am proud to announce that The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has  added UNFURLED to its permanent collection.  Prints will be installed in each of its 129 guest suites. In conjunction with Indiewalls  (16 West 36th Street, New York City), the project should be installed and completed in the next several months. UNFURLED is part of a triptych that can be viewed and purchased from my website (see below).

The San Juan Marriott Resort is located at 1309 Ashford Avenue in San Juan (1-787-722-7000). Enjoy their unbeatable oceanfront location with easy access to popular attractions such as Old San Juan, Condado Beach, Isla Verde and plenty of shopping and dining within walking distance.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Verona Italy

Two of Shakespeare‘s plays are set in Verona: Romeo and Juliet and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. It is unknown if Shakespeare ever visited Verona or Italy at all, but his plays have lured many visitors to Verona and surrounding cities. The city has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture.

 Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can acquire his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Cavazzone (azienda agricola e agrituristica)

Cavazzone has produced balsamic vinegar for generations. A winding 40 minute drive from Reggio Emilia, Italy to this magnificent location. Ask for Umberto Sidoli, the owner. Perhaps you will be fortunate enough to be taken on a tour of this extraordinary property!

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can acquire his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan

Only steps from the Duomo you will find this magnificent mall, a glass and iron covered gallery. Breathtaking

!Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can acquire his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

The Duomo Cathedral of Milan – A Coney Island of the Mind

“In Milan, in spite of weariness, we climbed up to the roof of the Duomo and there amused ourselves with the fine population of figures of that eye-catching marble garden”

Hermann Hesse, 1903

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can acquire his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

The Duomo Cathedral of Milan

Henry James : “A structure not supremely interesting, not logical, not … commandingly beautiful, but grandly curious and superbly rich. … If it had no other distinction it would still have that of impressive, immeasurable achievement … a supreme embodiment of vigorous effort.”

It is so complex so as to confuse. But, when viewed on a broader level, an appreciation of this structure keeps producing wonder. If you plan on visiting, get there early before the crowds and seek access to the elevator that will take you to the top. The interior doesn’t compete with some other cathedrals, but the exterior is insanely intricate and magnificent. Its very complexity creates a photographic puzzle which is extremely difficult to capture. When in Milan, give yourself several hours to enjoy.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can acquire his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Fine Art Photography Awards 2018

PRESS RELEASE

4/27/2018

This year’s FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS is pleased to nominate Rich Smukler of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida as a nominee is the category of Abstract for his image entitled “WIRED”.  According to Smukler, this piece is a closeup of the Freedom Tower, also known as One World Trade Center,  located in lower Manhattan, New York City,  which now sits where the Twin Towers once dominated.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can acquire his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

IPA – International Photography Awards

PRESS RELEASE

                    IPA One Shot Themed Photo Competition: Winners Announced!

The International Photography Awards (IPA) has just concluded our special single-image photography competition centered on the theme Harmony, and we want to congratulate Rich Smukler of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida who was awarded Honorable Mention for his image “At Rest” in the category of Nature.

IPA received thousands of superb entries from all around the world and our illustrious Jury reviewed each submission based on originality, creativity, excellence of execution, and overall impact.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can acquire his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Juno Pier

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike. John Muir- The Yosemite (1912).

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can acquire his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

International Photography of the Year (honorable mention in Nature:Landscape

“This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never dried all at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.” John Muir

An amazing week in Yosemite led to this lead image (one of six) to be honored by IPOTY.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can acquire his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

When we contemplate the whole globe as one great dewdrop

When we contemplate the whole globe as one great dewdrop, striped and dotted with continents and islands, flying through space with other stars all singing and shining together as one, the whole universe appears as an infinite storm of beauty.
– Travels in Alaska by John Muir, 1915.

Waiting for the early morning sunrise in Stuart, Florida, I absorbed the quiet, the dark and serenity. Not yet having enjoyed my morning coffee, I was over-washed with a sense deep-breathed clarity.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can acquire his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing

“As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can”.”
― John Muir

The Sierras can either stop your heart or remind you that it is there. On the way to Bishop, California I was blessed with this scene.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Early Morn in Stuart Florida

The stunning quiet of the early morning on the water never loses its lure.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Coffee Mountain debuts at 2017 IPA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

International Photography Awards Announces Winners of the 2017 Competition!

This year, The International Photography Awards received 14259 of submissions from over 165 countries, and is pleased to declare that Rich Smukler was awarded Honorable Mention in Fine Art – Landscape for the winning entry Coffee Mountain.

ABOUT Rich Smukler
Rich Smukler has blended his life-long passion for art and photography. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. While his cutting edge passion for graphic design has earned him accolades and awards for innovative style, his genre as a fine art photographer encompasses photo-realism to abstract graphic design. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

About the International Photography Awards
The International Photography Awards conducts an annual competition for professional, non-professional, and student photographers on a global scale, creating one of the most ambitious and comprehensive competitions in the photography world today. Each year, the International Photography Awards (IPA) invites passionate photographers, to compete for the title of Photographer of the Year, Discovery of the Year and Deeper Perspective Photographer of the Year. A board of esteemed professionals in the field juries the competition: curators, photo editors, gallery owners, art directors, and other luminaries from the international photography community. 

MORNING TOUCH to Exhibit at The Von Liebig Art Center in Naples, Florida

Naples Art Association’s 52nd Founders Juried Awards Exhibition

Preview Reception: March 2, 2018 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (reception and awards presentation)

Date: March 2 – April 16, 2016
Location: The von Liebig Art Center

The fine art exhibition will be installed on the ground floor and second level of The von Liebig Art Center in six galleries and will be on view from February 24 through March 25, 2018 . The von Liebig Art Center is located in Naples, Florida at 585 Park Street in the heart of the 5th Avenue South shopping, dining and arts district. The Naples Art Association’s Founders Exhibitions are a long-held tradition honoring the founding members of the Naples Art Association. The exhibition will feature recent work in all media by Naples Art Association members.

“Morning Touch” is part of a photographic essay of Yosemite National Park which can be seen in full on Rich Smukler’s website at www.richsmuklerphoto.com. Rich specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Hats Off!

My Hat is off to all of you have followed my blog all these years; commented, participated, agreed, disagreed, and otherwise made this endeavor so enjoyable! Here is hoping for a healthy and creative 2018. Please keep your comments coming!!!!!!

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Another Gift from Mother Nature

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Stewart Fine Art Gallery exhibits Smukler Photography

Old Town by Rich Smukler

Stewart Fine Art Gallery is now proudly representing the works of Rich Smukler Photography. Several major pieces of Smukler’s work are currently on exhibit. For any questions about gallery hours, pricing, etc., contact

Sonny Stewart

Stewart Fine Art

5501 N. Federal Hwy #3

Boca Raton, FL 33487

561-995-2760

stewartfineart@att.net

http://www.SFAglass.com

 

Stewart Fine Art is a contemporary art gallery, owned and operated by Sonny Stewart. The gallery has a focus on contemporary art and exhibits a mix of artists in all disciplines and levels exhibiting Paintings, Photography, Ceramics and Sculptures. Stewart Fine Art represents a full range of perspectives consisting of Figurative, Abstract, Representational, Conceptual, Minimalism, Realism and POP ART.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

 

Elvis is in the House!

Early morning fog provides an amazing photographic opportunity!

If not Elvis, then perhaps Jimmy Hoffa! Nevertheless, you never know when a great opportunity might strike, so keep that camera charged and ready to go. A totally unexpected, early morning fog provided this wonderful possibility.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Washed Up!

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Freedom Tower, New York City

Visiting ground zero is an emotional and required visit when coming to New York City. Both the interior and exterior provide dramatic, memorable, and sadly, chilling views.

One World Trade Center is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the sixth-tallest in the world. The structure has the same name as the North Tower of the original World Trade Center.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

 

Black & White Spider Awards 2017: Rich Smukler honored

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LOS ANGELES (11/19/17) – photographer Rich Smukler of the United States was presented with the 12th Annual Black and White Spider Awards Nominee title in the category of Nature for three of his images at a prestigious Nomination & Winners PhotoShow streamed Saturday, October 14, 2017.

Meadow Morn – Yosemite National Park – United States National Park Photography – Black and White Landscape Photography

The live online gala was attended by over 11,000 photography fans around the globe who logged on to watch the climax of the industry’s most important event for black and white photography. 12th Annual Jury members included captains of the industry from The Armory Show, New York; Christie’s, London; McCann, Singapore; GQ, New York; Hot Docs Film Festival, Toronto; Y&R, Malaysia; Sharon Calahan, Pixar Animation Studios, Emeryville; Bloomsbury Auctions, London; and Donald Schneider Studios, Berlin who honored Spider Fellows with coveted title awards in 31 categories.

BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS is the leading international award honoring excellence in black and white photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers worldwide and honors the finest images with the highest achievements in black and white photography. http://www.thespiderawards.com.

Bejeweled

 

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

 

Roman Rain (series)

Italian Fine Art Photography, Images of Rome

As I wandered the streets of Rome, the heavens opened and spewed forth this wonderful opportunity. I huddled in a doorway hoping for the rains to slow, when this image revealed itself, a colorful umbrella reflecting on the sidewalk below.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Roman Rain

Waiting for the rain to stop

The beautiful weather turned quickly, but opportunity came calling.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Merced Morning – Yosemite

Merced Morning – Yosemite

The Merced River, in the central part of California, is a 145-mile  tributary of the San Joaquin River flowing from the Sierra Nevada. It is most well known for its swift and steep course through the southern part of Yosemite National Park and the world-famous Yosemite Valley. The river’s character changes dramatically once it reaches the foothills and the lowlands, becoming a slow-moving waterway meandering through irrigated fields.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Longest Night travels to Rome

PRIZE 2016

I am thrilled to announce that I will be one of 30 artists named as finalists. The opening reception will be held 4/1/2017 at Arte Borgo Gallery
Borgo Vittorio 25
ROMA – ITALY
Tel.: +39 06 44 61 945 at 18:00 h

Longest Night – Eastern State Penitentiary

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Oceanside Museum of Art features works of Rich Smukler

Swampscape1

Swampscape #2

Two infrared images from Rich Smukler will be part of the upcoming Art Alliance at the Museum show which will take place between March 4 – August 27, 2017 at

TheOceanside Museum of Art
704 Pier View Way
Oceanside, CA 92054

An Artists’ reception is scheduled for March 25, 2017, 5:00 – 8:00PM. If you have questions, please contact Katie Sanderson, OMA Exhibition Coordinator and Registrar, at (760) 435-3731, or email katie@oma-online.org.

Smukler’s images are part of a larger study recently published in The LandEscape Art Review (Anniversary Edition December 2016).

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

INCARCERATION Opens at OCCCA

Rich Smukler Exhibits Longest Night at OCCCA

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 4, 2017, 6-10pm

February 4 thru March 11, 2017

Curators: Pat Sparkuhl, Gregg Stone, Leslie Davis

Longest Night – Eastern State Penitentiary

“If you would seek vengeance above all else, be sure to dig two graves.” – Greek proverb

The U.S. now confines more than 2.2 million people in its prisons. This amounts to 1.2% percent of its population, more than any other country and eight times more per capita than Russia. Our incarcerated citizens have become a shadow nation, hidden and often forgotten. This shadow nation is supported by a budget estimated at 64 billion annually, or nearly 6% of our gross national product. Incarceration has become a big and rigorously privatized business. Our current approach has produced a profitable if brutal cycle: poverty and the absence of economic opportunity funnel individuals into crime, prisons militate against rehabilitation, convicts re-offend following release, and after arrest are returned to prison as compliant recidivists. As a result, U.S. recidivism rates are now at 68% and increase every year. In this environment, it’s hard to tell where justice ends and vengeance begins.

“Longest Night” is part of a photographic essay of Eastern State Penitentiary recently published by LenCulture Magazine. Located in Philadelphia (Smukler’s hometown), Eastern State Penitentiary was once the largest and most expensive public structure ever erected, and quickly became a model for more than 300 prisons worldwide and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. It was also known for some such infamous prisoners as Al Capone and Willie Sutton.

 

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

LandEscape Art Review features Rich Smukler

I am very proud to share this with you. For me, a wonderful way to start the new year. As always, I remain excited to share any questions or comments that you might have. Are there any images in the article that move you? And thank you all for following my work. It means a lot to me.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Davidson Glacier

Davidson Glacier, Alaska

Davidson was one of my favorite memories of 2016 despite the schlep to get there. From the cruise ship in Skagway, to a small boat, to a bus, to a hike and finally a kayak. Pshew! But believe me, it was worth it.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Meadow Morn – Yosemite

Meadow Morn – Yosemite National Park – United States National Park Photography – Black and White Landscape Photography

As the sun  starts to peak over the mountains of Yosemite and into the meadows below, the magic show begins! The glow begins to spread and summons a new day.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Prism Hotels and Resorts acquire two works by Rich Smukler

Slot Canyons 1 – taken at Antelope Canyon in Page Arizona

Prism Hotels and Resorts has acquired two images to be installed early 2017 to be placed in Roasters Coffee Shop. Located at 455 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80246, Roasters is part of the Holiday Inn Denver-Cherry Creek. These images were taken in Antelope Canyon, Page Arizona and measure  approximately 36″w x 46″h.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

 

 

 

Meadow Mist

Meadow Mist – Yosemite National Park

The cold rain of Yosemite is a blessing to photographers. As the  early sun rises and warms the dampened meadows, an eerie, ghostlike mist and fog permeate the area.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Fire in the Sky – El Capitan

El Capitan – Yosemite National Park

El Capitan is located in Yosemite National Park. This granite monolith stands 3000 feet tall from base to summit. It imposes itself upon you and leaves an unforgettable mind-print.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

First Glow at Yosemite

First Glow at Yosemite National Park

If you haven’t updated your bucket list lately, Yosemite National Park is a must. I recently spent a week at this magnificent location and remain in awe. This Black and White image was taken from one of Yosemite’s meadows as dawn began to peak on the monolith above.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Rich Smukler Honored by 11th Annual Black and White Spider Awards

Retread

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

11TH ANNUAL BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS HONORS RICH SMUKLER  FROM THE UNITED STATES IN THE STILL LIFE CATEGORY

LOS ANGELES 11/5/2016  Photographer Rich Smukler of the United States was presented with the 11th Annual Black and White Spider Awards Nominee title in the category of Still Life at a prestigious Nomination & Winners PhotoShow webcast Saturday, November 5, 2016.

The live online gala was attended by over 10,500 photography fans around the globe who logged on to watch the climax of the industry’s most important event for black and white photography.

11th Annual Jury members included captains of the industry from National Geographic, Washington DC; The Armory Show, New York; TBWA, Paris; Victoria Film Festival, Canada; Aeroplastics Contemporary, Brussels; Studio Hansa, London; Fratelli Alinari, Florence; Australian Centre for Photography; Young & Rubicam, Lima; and Anthem Worldwide/Marque Branding, Sydney who honored Spider Fellows with 627 coveted title awards and 951 nominees in 31 categories.

“It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the 7,556 entries we received this year,” said Basil O’Brien, the awards Creative Director. “Smukler’s “Retread,” an exceptional image entered in the Still Life category, represents black and white photography at its finest, and we’re pleased to present him with the title of Nominee.” Jury member Paola Anselmi, interdisciplinary curator and arts writer in Australia added, “As always it was a real treat to be part of the program. Congratulations to all involved and to all the remarkable photographers who gift us new insights into the world and ourselves.” “A truly amazing set of entries, so many deserving winners,” added Marcel Wijnen, Creative Director at Anthem Worldwide.

BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS is the leading international award honoring excellence in black and white photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers worldwide and honors the finest images with the highest achievements in black and white photography. http://www.thespiderawards.com

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Swampscapes

Swampscape #2

Another spectacularly serene morning on the swamps of Loxahatchee. The Arthur R. Marshall Refuge Complex is part of The National Wildlife Refuge System.The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Swampscapes

Swampscape #1

This infrared image was captured at The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Refuge Complex. It is composed of two national wildlife refuges in southeastern Florida. The refuge includes 145,800 acres of the northern Everglades habitat and has become my go-to place for peaceful serenity. The beauty of Infrared photography is that if you aren’t too excited about greeting the dawn or  waiting for sundown as is generally required with much of landscape photography, you can shoot when the sun is high in the sky which provides great opportunity.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Misty Fjords National Monument

Misty Fjords National Monument

Misty Fiords National Monument  is a national monument and wilderness area administered by the U.S.Forest Service. Misty Fiords is about 40 miles (64 km) east of Ketchikan, Alaska, along the Inside Passage in extreme southeastern Alaska comprising 2,294,343 acres.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Neutral Density Filters

Dawn Beach

Neutral Density Filters in a nutshell serve as sunglasses on your lens to reduce the amount of light entering your lens and thereby allow you to shoot with extended exposure times. You may want to do this, for instance, if you would like to create a motion-blur with a slow shutter speed as with the image above, giving you that creamy, soft texture of the sea.

These filters can be purchased individually or in combinations  with varying  opaque density. I am working with a three pack of filters by Tiffen. You can use an individual filter which screws over your lens, or stack them to provide additional opacity. There is a lot written on the subject and I won’t delve into that in this post, but two tips come readily to mind. You MUST use your tripod and you should experiment with varying shutter speeds, aperture settings and sensor sensitivity.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Night Photography Tip

Alabama Hills, California

Fenix HL21 Headlamp

Low light Photography creates some extra challenges. One tip I learned the hard way is to have adequate lighting to set up and adjust your equipment. It sounds so basic, but if you shoot long enough, you are bound to make every mistake in the book. As I have mentioned in the past, preparation prior to going out into the field is a must. But recognizing that there is always more to do once you get out there is the essence of this recommendation. It seems so simple, but a standard flashlight will not free both hands up  (unless you place the flashlight in your mouth)!  Aha! Consider a headlamp!!!! They are relatively inexpensive (around $30.00), are light weight, take up little space, and are extremely effective. The light follows your eyes! I have had luck with a company called Fenix, but I am certain there are others out there.

The dawn shoot above was at The Alabama Hills, just outside Lonepine, California. It is near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada in the Owens Valley. I was facing east (slightly to the south) which set up this silhouette with the morning sun’s rays coming from behind the image and slightly to the right.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Your Tripod – Wake up and Smell the Roses!

Zabriskie Point at Dawn – Death Valley, California

I know. The tripod is a burden, takes extra time, just something else to do. Wake up and smell the roses! If you are serious about your photography, your tripod is a major asset and critical if you want to be the best that you can be. Of course there are times when it isn’t necessary, as in street photography. However, if you are shooting close up shots, the slightest shake can cause distortion. If you are in the field shooting landscapes, using a telephoto lens and waiting for the light, it is a must! Again, the camera becomes heavy with your long lens, and even with image stabilization, you will be unsuccessful. The above image was a dawn shot at Death Valley’s Zabriskie Point. When I first arrived, it was dark and cold. I set my camera on the tripod and waited for the right moment. I had time to review my settings and sat back for that golden moment.

Additional tip: Learn how to use your tripod and practice set-up before going out into the field. Time can be fleeting and you don’t need to be fussing around while it passes.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Your Camera and Bright Light Conditions

Infrared Photography in South Florida

The beauty of Infrared photography is best brought out when the sun’s infrared rays are strongest. Typically, this is midday when the sun is at its brightest. Unfortunately, if you are shooting using live view, your LED will be difficult to see due to glare.

Though I rarely recommend various products, I encourage you take a look at Hoodman HoodLoupe Optical Viewfinder for 3.2″ LCD Displays and related products. It effectively blocks out the sun’s glare and allows you to have a clear view of your subject. Hoodman also has a rubber eye loop which fits over your viewfinder if you are hand-holding your camera and don’t use your LED.

Hoodman HoodLoupe Optical Viewfinder for 3.2″ LCD Displays

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

 

Tips for Cold Weather Photography

Denali National Park, Alaska

A recent trip to Alaska caused me to revisit some basic tips when shooting in pretty extreme weather conditions. The temperature varied from near freezing to the low 80s and provided quite a challenge when it came to preparation for the trip. A few things you should keep in mind:

1. Camera Preparation: Consider your settings beforehand (to the best of your ability) and before you step outside. You don’t need to be fussing with your camera when you get out in the cold. Also, try to get your camera out in the cold for a significant period of time before you shoot. Otherwise, going from a warm lodge or car directly to the cold weather will cause condensation to form on your lenses and camera – not a pleasant thing.

2. Clothing: Layers of course, the conditions can change quickly and you’ll need to be ready. Gloves are a critical piece of the puzzle. There are some winter gloves available that allow you to remove the fingers which permit you to manipulate the camera when outdoors. I personally prefer using thin glove liners. When you are looking for subject matter or waiting for the light you can wear the glove shells and slip them off when ready to get to work.

3. Coming Indoors: Consider an airtight plastic bag for your camera to avoid condensation and remove your memory card as soon as possible for the same reason.

Happy Shooting!

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Crowley Point, Death Valley

The majestic scenic overlook at Crowley Point is nothing less than breathtaking. It is located at the west entrance to Death Valley National Park and provides a wide variety of panoramic photographic landscape possibilities.

Crowley Point, Death Valley National Park

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Lost in the Sierras

Lost in the Sierras

I stumbled upon this quirky image in the prairies outside Bishop, California. The tires serve as a marker to a farm hidden back in the brush. Mountains from The Inyo National Forest serve as a backdrop and curiously mirror the contours of the tires.

For those who are unaware, the Inyo National Forest covers part of the eastern Sierra Nevada of California and the White Mountains of California and Nevada. The forest covers 1,903,381 acres and includes nine designated  wilderness areas which protect over 800,000 acres.

 Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

ANCIENT BRISTLECONE PINE FOREST

Home of the oldest living things on earth, The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is located about an hour east of Bishop, California in The White Mountains (elevations between 9,000 to 11,000 feet) and accessible via The Schulman Grove Visitor Center. These magnificent trees can range between well over 2,000 to 4,773 years old! Think about it! This was taken in October and the temperature was below freezing. If you plan to go, dress accordingly.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

 

 

Our Elephants are Disappearing

A recent article  in The Washington Post by Darryl Fears is titled “Forest elephants are vanishing, and they might never recover from poaching.” It points out the startling decline in birthrate as well as the negative impact of poaching. I found it both saddening and alarming. This particular image was taken at The San Diego Zoo. Though I have been to East Africa (Tanzania and Kenya), this particular photo sticks with me.

Our Elephants are Dying

 Is there something we can do as individuals to stem the tide and protect these magnificent animals? I encourage your thoughts.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

International Color Awards in Architectural Photography

Longest Night – Eastern State Penitentiary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

9TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL COLOR AWARDS HONOR Rich Smukler from Boca Raton, Florida.

LOS ANGELES 8/24 – Rich Smukler of the United States was presented with the 9th Annual International Color Awards Nominee title in the category of Architecture: architectural photography.  He was also nominated in the Category of Nature: nature photography. 5,678 entries were received from 78 countries.

“I am proud to announce that ICA saw fit to bestow this honor. You might remember that ‘Longest Night’ was awarded Honorable Mention at this year’s International Photography of the Year Awards.”

“Longest Night” is part of a photographic essay of Eastern State Penitentiary recently published by LenCulture Magazine. Located in Philadelphia (Smukler’s hometown), Eastern State Penitentiary was once the largest and most expensive public structure ever erected, and quickly became a model for more than 300 prisons worldwide and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. It was also known for some such infamous prisoners as Al Capone and Willie Sutton.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

International Color Awards Nominee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

9TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL COLOR AWARDS HONORS Rich Smukler from Boca Raton, Florida.

LOS ANGELES 8/24 – Rich Smukler of the United States was presented with the 9th Annual International Color Awards Nominee title in the category of Nature Photography.  5,678 entries were received from 78 countries.

The live online gala was attended by over 10,000 photography fans around the globe who logged on to watch the climax of the industry’s most important event for color photography. 

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).