Friday, June 17, 2011

The Dragonfly Incident





From Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capitol of the World, Tammy Espino shares this whimsical short tale proving that Tammy is every bit as entertaining as her city!  You'll just have to read this little story to know what I'm talking about!  Have a great time, and enjoy the photos.

(More of Tammy's work can be seen by clicking the links, below.)


http://dremchser.redbubble.com/
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2019534
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/land-of-fire-tammy-espino.html

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Thanks for stopping here to see the latest post. I'd love to know what you think of the "Relentless Pursuit" series. Please leave a comment below for the author or email me with your suggestions on what you'd like to see on this blog. Also, click the green SU icon at the bottom of this post to recommend the blog to Stumble Upon members. It will dramatically increase the "exposure" of our authors' work.

If you have a story to post on this theme, contact me. And be sure to take a look at my Photography site. I'd love to hear from you! Also, consider forwarding the link to "Relentless" to your friends and family. Thanks again!
--
Michelle Alton

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THE DRAGONFLY INCIDENT: (A prickly situation)

It’s the first week of June, and things are really starting to heat up here  in Southeast Nevada.  In summer the times to be out shooting Nature and landscapes are limited to the break of dawn and then again at sunset-- unless you’re a trained Navy Seal!

My morning started out frustrating today, as I was trying to purchase plane tickets online, and could not find any seats for the times I needed them.    Since I had gotten a late start because of the plane tickets fiasco, I would have to rush because the temperatures were already rising quickly.

Land of Dragonflies

My first stop was the Henderson Wild Bird Viewing Preserve (BVP). BVP is becoming one of the best places in southern Nevada to watch birds.  Desert species, water birds, wading birds, shorebirds and insects of all shapes, sizes, and colors can be abundant here.  Paved and dirt walkways run on dikes that divide the area into 13 brush-lined ponds that provide many vantage points for viewing birds.  But I was going there to shoot dragonflies! 

I did not realize that BVP had switched to summer hours and would close in less than an hour.  Just my luck! 
I met a nice older gentleman right off, and the two of us carried on together to Pond #9.  A few American avocets buzzed us and then some Killdeer feigned broken wings for our cameras.  Their babies must have been close by.  I managed to click off a few quick shots, but the dragonflies were not cooperating today.  None would be kind enough to sit still for me, so I was out of luck for now.  “I WILL be back,” said I in my best “Terminator” accent.

Worth a Scolding by Security

Little Pollen Face
Next stop:  The cactus garden just up the street from where I live.   Sometimes dragonflies buzz around there and I also was hoping to see new blooms on the cacti.

Cactus Garden I

While taking a brief rest on a park bench, I saw in rapid succession:  A woodpecker, a hummingbird, a quail with about 14 babies (I’ll come back to find them again; they got away quickly), several lizards and some new cactus blooms.

Another Bloomin' Cactus
There's More to See than just Cacti

At the entrance to Cactus Garden

Wild Flowers are all through the Garden

Well, I guess I have always had a propensity for breaking rules…especially silly ones and particularly when I’m on an important mission.  Visitors are supposed to stay on the sidewalk and trails,  but today I was in my “Rules are made to be broken” mode.  After taking an owl’s eye gander around to make sure I was out of eyeshot of  Security Officers and other tourists,  I slowly and carefully maneuvered onto the dirt path between some cacti.  And I got my shot of the fresh blossoms!

Cactus Garden II

And just as if to say “You were WARNED, Dummy,” the cactus thrust its needles at me, and as I’m writing this tale, I’m still smarting -- in a very sensitive spot!

Sharp and Unkind, Cactus Needles Come Out in Clumps

Got me Again!

Well, except perhaps for my sore bottom,  it had turned out to be a great day, and I was only scolded by a Security Guard once!  In his most stern voice, he yelled harshly, “Get away from the trees!”  And that was it!  Under my breath, of course, I was muttering, “I will go anywhere I want as soon as you’re not watching me!”   And then I made friends with him.  Some of my best friends are the police and security officials who are out there to thwart my photo shoots!   I can’t figure out why I’m so conspicuous!  Perhaps my three cameras, five or so lenses and my trusty tripods and my deer-stalker’s cap are the dead giveaway!

Dragonflies:






Avocet Party


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  All photography by Tammy Espino

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TAMMY'S BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

I have been a photographer for most of my life.  At first I shot mostly family and vacation photos.

In high school I was on the year book team so most of my friends appear in the book. That was back when photography was film cameras and dark rooms (gives away my age!!)

A few years ago I became a member of a very popular online photo sharing site.  I’ve learned a lot and keep on learning from so many nice people; and have expanded my collection of camera and photo gear. My photos have appeared in the local newspaper, in Times Square in NYC, on local television. in art shows and photo contests. I have a book  of flowers at Bookblubs; and though I love nature photography best, photography, in all of its forms, is my passion.

P.S.:  The Quail family keeps getting away from me this year, they are faster than me and my camera I will get them though :) 

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Tammy's Bonus Shots:




Curves

City Girl Encounters Wild Animals

Wild








Top Guns


Vegas Wetlands

Huntington Morning

Pier 77






*** I Need Your Story! *** { I'm Serious!}I f you have a story to post on this theme, contact me, please! We have zero stories on tap and I shall have to resort again to posting my own work! Please consider sharing your tales of Relentless Pursuit! And I'd be appreciative if you also take a look at my Photography site. I'd love to hear from you!
--
Michelle Alton


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Friday, June 10, 2011

Ophidiophobia Overcome

NancyJ Hovey

 
Nancy is a Florida gal who is not only an intrepid photographer, but an amazing woman who has overcome more life-threatening medical conditions than most of us even think of in our lifetimes.  She still lives with almost constant pain and what others might call "disability," but she leans forward and meets each challenge with extreme courage and not a trace of bitterness.  Her photographer buddies will tell you that she is a fast friend who is always there to offer encouragement and empathy.  She is much loved.

Her brief story, below, is the tale of her relentless pursuit of her passionate hobby, and her struggle with a menacing phobia.

To see more of Nancy's stunning photography, click here.  And also take a look at the bonus photographs at the end of the story.

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Thanks for stopping here to see the latest post. I'd love to know what you think of the "Relentless Pursuit" series. Please leave a comment below for the author or email me with your suggestions on what you'd like to see on this blog.

If you have a story to post on this theme, contact me. And be sure to take a look at my Photography site. I'd love to hear from you! Also, consider forwarding the link to "Relentless" to your friends and family. Thanks again!
--
Michelle Alton

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Ophidiophobia Overcome (Click on photos to enlarge them.)


Have you ever had a fierce fear? One that keeps you from high altitude lookout points? Or from bridges? Or from walking among bushes, or through gardens? Well, I do, and here is my story about the chilling experiences I had on the path to healing.

Ophidiophobi or ophiophobis is the abnormal fear of snakes. Fear of snakes is sometimes called by a more general term, "herpetophobia," fear of reptiles and/or amphibians.

There is a distinct difference between people who simply do not like snakes or fear them for their venom or the perceived danger and someone who is phobic like me.  An ophidiophobic would not only fear snakes when in live contact with them, but also dreads thinking about them or even seeing them on TV or in pictures.

Cameras have always found their way into my hands.  But due to my phobia, I often missed out on great photo opportunities.  Then several years ago I began to get serious about photography.  A neighbor of mine, an avid amateur photographer, was planning a trip to a  nearby city to take photographs at its small Botanical Gardens. I was all primed to go, but suddenly I became filled with apprehension... bushes, flowers, paths among the trees, uh oh...they could all  mean 'SNAKES'!

Botanical Gardens

SNAKES! 

The thought of actually walking around with the possibility of SNAKES appearing in my path stopped me in my tracks?  Oh no!  But with persistence from my friend, I tagged along with her even though I was well-and-truly terrified.

When we arrived at the open gateway of the Botanical Gardens I took a deep breath; but kept telling myself that I had to do this.  Through the years, I had made some progress toward combatting the fear within myself.  In earlier years I could not even look at a photo of a snake in books, magazines, television, or movies.  So, I began my own healing process by going to books first. (The snakes aren't alive there, right?)  After finally feeling comfortable with the 'looking', I began to read articles. Do I retain the information?...NOT!  After all, the fear is still inside me.  And if I allow it, the fear will rule over any possibility of beating it.  And not only will it stay around but it will grow and keep on growing!

My persistence began to pay off when my children came along...Boys!  Oh dear, boys love snakes...well most do, anyway!   So off to the zoos we went.  When it came to the reptile house I had to drag myself in--holding on to the boys’ hands as if they were protecting ME, instead of the other way around!  Oh dear, LIVE REAL SNAKES, but behind glass! SAFE?  I had to show NO FEAR in front of those two sweet boys looking up to me.  I trembled with fear during those moments in there, gawking at those slithery snakes.

Eventually I have found with viewing the snakes behind glass more frequently, that I even allowed myself to let some of the fear go, and began to feel safe inside a reptile house. (Though I know deep down that those slithery things could easily sneak in through an open door as no one looks down at their feet to make sure they haven’t let one in inadvertently!)  We all walk in unknowingly--trusting!

I am proud to say, after my friend convinced me to go out and about with my camera, I started very tentatively taking photos of those snakes behind glass. And even “shooting” those peculiar people who walk around with snakes wrapped around their necks.  A camera lens puts distance between the photographer and that slithery snake, thus changing the terms of my snake encounters to safe propositions. Ha!

Florida Pine Snake

Once inside the Botanical gardens, I so enjoy the walk, listening to the birds chirping, feeling the soft breeze, hearing the rustling leaves and branches of trees and flowers.  I find those sounds to be soothing, comforting sounds.   But WAIT!  What was THAT?  OH NO,-- a snake slithering near...NEAR?  YIKES!  The thing is right in my path!
Now, any good sensible Ophidiophobic would run for their dear life!  HA!  Instead I FROZE, with my one leg still up in the air in mid stride.  Yes, I actually froze in motion to the spot.  Miraculously, I then turned sideways, raised my camera, and “CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!”  I was actually taking SNAKE PHOTOS!

The snake “sat there” momentarily, sticking its tongue out flicking at me, then turned its head and off it slithered, back into the garden flowers whence it had come.   And I was in a cold sweat, shaking, and retreating fast in the opposite direction.

After the fact [I’m chuckling here] the joke was on me.  But I was beginning to heal and feeling more comfortable around snakes.  Oddly, I have no fear of standing in the bushes with a hundred busy bees, as long as there is no snake!  Funny!

Then just the other day, coming home after a long day at the flea market, suddenly there was a visitor just a foot or so from my front door handle, right in my path.  It looked like a twig protruding out of the top of the bush; it didn't move at all.  It was a stick... Oh--but it was not.
There before me was a snake.

Now this snake was huge and ugly.  It took a long fifteen minutes for my friend and I to realize maybe it wouldn't move as we unlocked the door, and ran into the house.  We were lucky.  Now, after a few moments in the house, I had to have another look-see. I grabbed my camera like any photographer would, and slowly cracked the door open just enough to let the lens out the door.  The lens was already pushed to the full length. With a quick focus, click click click.  I got it...Now ”shut that door slam fast and lock it, before that snake could come in,” I thought  BIG SNAKE? Ha! It was a baby snake!
BUT IT WAS STILL A SNAKE!

Florida Black Racer

So, during the years, my fear has diminished. I feel better for the growth, but I do not think I am there yet!  Would you be?

To this day, I still will not touch and DEFINITELY not hold a snake.  That is just too much to ask of a phobic!  NO!  NO!  Not going to happen!  Or IS it?
Python (behind glass)

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  All photography by NancyJ Hovey

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NancyJ's Brief Bio:
Originally I am from Michigan and my playgrounds were the city of Lansing, and Michigan State University.   Even during those young years, I had the opportunity to use my grandmother's camera when I could.  After marriage, we moved to Georgia, and I was pleased to have been given a camera as a wedding gift. Since my husband was in the Navy, we were transferred after the birth of our first son, to London England.  Our second son was born in London, and since I was shooting with film, lots of photos were being developed.
Photography was an expensive habit with film cameras.  What with all the shots one wanted to take back then, we had tons of prints.   Later when I moved to Florida, digital cameras came into the world.  I saved every penny I could for my own digital.  And once I had that digital camera, I began to get serious about photography.
 
Though I am still working on conquering my phobia, I love hearing the sound of the camera's shutter as it captures a photo.  Photography to me is peaceful and like a meditation all of its own.  I always find Peace and Love while taking photos.
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Bonus Photos

Cassanova

Facial and Waxing, Please

Friends

Heartfelt Emotions

Hello Again

Impressionism

Light my Heart

North Carolina Blue Jay

Rapture

Fairytale Water Lily

Whisper Softly

Symphony

The Dance


Walk with Me

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*** I Need Your Story! *** { I'm Serious!}If you have a story to post on this theme, contact me, please! We have only one story on tap and I shall have to resort again to posting my own work! Please consider sharing your tales of Relentless Pursuit! And I'd be appreciative if you also take a look at my Photography site. I'd love to hear from you!
--
Michelle Alton


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Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Blue Ladies





                Joe DiGilio

Readers and Followers...you are going to be amazed at Joe's second contribution to  "Tales of Relentless Pursuit."  It's a twist on a familiar theme:  The relentless pursuit of fame and fortune, gone awry.  This story reads like fiction, but then again, you'll have to decide for yourself-- I have my suspicions!  In New York City, perhaps anything can happen! 

Note each of Joe's tales has a color in its title.  I see a pattern developing.  Honestly, if anyone has any connections to the Publishing world, Mr DiGilio could use an Agent!  He has many more stories in his bag of tricks!

For now, enjoy "The Blue Ladies" and Joe's superb photography. (Remember, if you click on a photo, it will enlarge for you.)  By the way, I could not find a single word to cut, and I think you will find yourself wanting more! 

Oh...and if you click on one of the green circular icons (one above Joe's picture, and one on his Biography below), you can write a "Stumble Upon" review, recommending this blog.  It'll help create more readership!
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Thanks for stopping here to see the latest post.  I'd love to know what you think of the "Relentless Pursuit" series. Please leave a comment below or email me with your suggestions on what you'd like to see on this blog. 

If you have a story to post on this theme, contact me. And be sure to take a look at my Photography site. I'd love to hear from you!  Also, consider forwarding the link to "Relentless" to your friends and family.  Thanks again!
--
Michelle Alton

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The Blue Ladies

34th Street Entrance to Penn Station
Part One
Lenore and Irene are identical twins, real head turners, tall, thin, blonde, blue, well put together.  Like many girls they have dreamed of becoming models since childhood but the odds of making a good living as a fashion model are as long as the odds of making a good living as a professional photographer.  Undaunted, they were going to give it a shot anyway because you never know if you don’t try.  So one morning it was off to Manhattan’s Garment District on the Long Island Rail Road with their makeup and whatever else girls put in those annoying little suitcases on wheels they drag through the streets behind them.

It was at a modeling agency on 7th Avenue that they made the acquaintance of a sultry 40ish brunette named Lotta, who, unbeknownst to them, would soon change their lives forever.  Over a cup of trendy coffee Lotta told the girls she would hook them up with a friend of hers who needs models all the time and, pays well.  And all she wanted in return was their promise to model for her, at the going rate until they found someone willing to take their places.  Lotta took the girls to meet her friend Jasper.  There was a lot going on at his studio, a photo shoot for a well-known label was in progress.  The twins were overwhelmed and instantly began to fantasize about getting started on the road to success.  They were so anxious they said “yes” to everything and signed the contracts Lotta placed before them without reading the “fine print."
 
That same day they posed for photos wearing some of the latest fashions, after which they were paid handsomely in cash.  Lotta congratulated them, took them to Tony’s Napoli off Broadway for dinner and then back to her loft in the Garment District to do a little modeling for her, as per their agreement.  When they arrived Lotta opened a special bottle of wine from her private stock which paralyzed them almost immediately after the toast that Lotta made to their success.  They were conscious but they couldn’t move or speak.  Lotta then explained she was a witch and, as it said in the “fine print” they hadn’t read, they were obligated to model for her as mannequins in Manhattan stores and show windows until such time as they could convince, entice, and trick someone to take their place.  Then they watched in horror at their reflections in a large mirror as Lotta stripped them of their clothing before they hardened into chalk-like, lifeless, human forms.

After the Wine
Part Two
I’ve been commuting from Long Island to Manhattan Island on the Long Island Rail Road  longer than I care to remember.  I walk from Penn Station to my office on West 46th Street and back daily; camera at the ready.  The walk is the best part of my commute.  Although my destination remains unchanged I vary my path just to keep things interesting. 

I know it’s time to make a change when I start recognizing the people in the street.  I’m always on the look-out for targets of opportunity. I find something or someone almost every day.  Most of the time I keep the shutter in sports mode because I shoot from the hip a lot. The majority of the images get deleted but some become favorites of mine.

Trendy
I get a kick out of some of the get-ups people wear.  Sometimes I notice trends before they catch on because I walk through the Fashion District often.  I see lots of tall thin models dragging their ubiquitous  little suitcases behind them. They always spot my lens, they almost never smile and I rarely shoot them.  They’re not my kind of target.  I like funny, strange and unusual more.



NYPD
In midwinter, Manhattan’s early morning light is generally poor.  The long shadows cast by the city’s concrete, steel and glass monoliths make it difficult to take a clear image on the move without using a flash.   It’s cold too and prime targets of opportunity are scarce for the sidewalk photographer, but you never know what you might see in this town so I try to keep my camera ready and my fingers warm in my woolen mittens, with the slits in the palms.

The bitter wind whistles and moans its way through the canyons formed by the architecture, creating eerie sounds as it blows around corners, through alleys, cracks and crevices .  Raw conditions cause more people to opt for the subway in winter but there are still some stalwart commuters who pull their hats down and turn their collars up as they “hoof it” to their Mid-Town offices from Penn Station, Grand Central Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

The Avenue of the Americas, 6th Avenue to native New Yorkers, is one of my favorite hunting grounds; it’s also Manhattan’s North Wind corridor.  Early one gray, windy morning while passing a dress shop near the corner of 6th and West 46th, I thought I heard a soft voice call to me.  Without breaking stride I looked over my shoulder but there was no one there.  I didn’t

Lenore
give the moment a second thought until the following morning when, while passing the same shop, I heard it again.  This time I stopped for a few seconds to see if I could figure out what had caused the sound, but I couldn’t.  There was only the mannequin wearing the latest fashion in the window.  I dismissed it as one of those innocuous sounds of the city and continued on my way. The next day I fixed my gaze on the mannequin in the window as I approached and kept my eyes glued to it until I passed but as soon as I turned my head forward I thought I heard a faint “Hello.”
This time I stopped, dead in my tracks, slowly turned and looked all around . Clearly no one was there but us-- err … me.  I gave the mannequin a closer look than I had previously but there was nothing else there to see.  As I was turning away I decided to take a picture of the mannequin in the window. I made some adjustments for the light and pressed my lens against the glass to eliminate the glare of the city lights.  Then I fired a burst or two  and went on my way.

Lenore

Late that afternoon, on my way home, I deliberately passed by the shop where I thought I’d heard the voice but the atmosphere was different.  The Sun was up, it was warm and the street was full of people. I heard and saw nothing extraordinary.
 
The wheels in my head were turning now.  Soon after I got home that night I sat down with a “cold one” and downloaded the images I had taken that day.  I deliberately didn’t go straight to the series I had taken of the mannequin because I didn’t want to admit to myself that I seriously considered the sounds I heard could have come from the sophisticated looking figure of a woman in the show window.
The face was aesthetically pleasing.  It had an intelligent, alluring look, high, wide cheek bones and narrow cheeks, small chin and nose, perfectly shaped lips, large eyes and high eye brows, ears and hair close to the head and a long, thin neck. I wondered if the artist who sculpted this face had someone in particular in mind or if this was the face of his dream girl.

Irene
The next morning was typical for the season, windy and raw.  I made a bee line from Penn Station to the dress shop.  Intellectually I knew nothing was going to happen but deep down inside I was hoping something would.  When I arrived I stood directly in front of her.  This time I spoke, “Good  Morning pretty lady. What’s your name?”-- but there was no response.  “I hope you don’t mind if I take a couple more pictures today.  You have very interesting features.”  I focused on her face and took a few shots from different angles.  Then I looked up at her, said “Thanks” and turned to walk away.  That’s when I heard the name “Lenore” whispered softly by a gentle voice.  I looked up,-- she hadn’t moved. I felt strange but I spoke to her any way.
“Hi, I’m Joe.”
"Hi Joe, I see you almost every day. I guess you work around here.”
“Just around the block,” I said.  “I know I’m not dreaming and I don’t think I’m crazy so tell me how it is that I can hear you?”
“A few years ago I made a deal with someone I shouldn’t have and sold my humanity for what I thought would be success, fame and fortune.  What you see before you is what remains. I can only communicate in the presence of one person and only when the sun is down. At this point in time you are that person.”
“Why me?”
“I can’t say, besides day is breaking.  Please come see me again.”
Then there was silence.
It was pretty hard to concentrate on my work that day.  I passed her window on the way home but there was no exchange between us.  That night I looked at the images I had taken of her and wondered what I was going to do.  I didn’t sleep well and took an early train so I’d be able to spend more time with Lenore
Time passed quickly that morning as she explained how she had become the slave of a Garment District witch who routinely tricks young aspiring models, into signing contracts that result in their transformation into mannequins. Then the witch rents them to upscale stores and shops all over the city.
 
Soon I realized I had to be a little more discrete or I was going to get picked up by the men in white coats and taken to Belleview for observation.  
I took the early train again the next day.
 
Things were very different when I reached the shop; Lenore was waiting for me but she had company; an identical mannequin stood beside her.  It was then that she introduced me to her twin, Irene, who had fallen victim to the same cunning witch. (A taste of fame and fortune in exchange for servitude for as long as it takes you to recruit your replacement) Irene was different though, pushy with a very seductive tone to her voice whereas Lenore was sweet and demure.
Irene and Lenore
“So Joe, do you and my sister here have a little something going between you?  We’re twins you know and we share everything, don’t we Lenore? "
Lenore didn’t respond.

“Why don’t you come by tonight after the store closes?  The door will be unlocked. I promise you you’ll get some extraordinary images.  What have you got to lose? You’re not afraid, are you Joe?”

I had no response.  That, you’re-not-scared stuff worked when I was a kid; now it just puts red flags up.

“I’m sure Joe has plans Irene.”

“I’ll give it some thought, perhaps I will, if not perhaps some other time.”

"Come back after closing, Joe"

Epilogue

For the next couple of weeks the sisters were side-by-side in the same window.  I walked on the other side of 6th Avenue and observed from afar.  I even looked through the long lens.  There was nothing unusual about the display but my instinct kept me from getting too close.  Then one morning only one of the sisters was there, but which one?  I took a chance, crossed the street and stood in front of her.  When she spoke, I knew it was Lenore.

"We're twins in the same fix, but we're different in every other way, Joe.  She will try to draw you in with promises of images enhanced with Lotta's craft so extraodinary they will make you rich and famous.  See that male model in the rear of the shop? Notice the camera hanging around his neck.  One of Irene's friends worked that scam on him and got free.  Irene has targeted you.  You can never come back Joe; Irene is verry cunning and resourceful and if she finds out I've told you, she will tell Lotta to gain her favor.  I will lose my head and you will be in danger.  There is nothing you can do for me but you can save yourself if you walk away and stay away."

There was a time when I wouldn't have heeded the warning, but that time has passed.  I said "goodbye," took one last picture and walked away.

From the opposite side of 6th Avenue the next morning, I saw two headless mannequins in the show window.  There has never been a mannequin with a head in that shop since, and I rarely get close as I used to but I may get one last series of shots tomorrow just to see if anything happens.

 Lotta's Revenge

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  All photography by Joe DiGilio

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Joe DiGilio’s Bio

Born, raised and formally educated in Manhattan and on Long Island, I could hear the fans screaming from my bedroom window when the Beatles played their first concert at old Shea Stadium.


I am a Viet Nam veteran. I have been married to Linda for 39 years. We have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. We still work but who knows for how long. At this stage of the game we take less and less for granted. Linda works in the accounting department of a non-profit organization and I manage a central monitoring station for a full service security company in Manhattan.

Photography has always been a part of my life. At times it’s played a greater role than it has at others but it has always been somewhere in the foreground or the background. At this juncture it’s fair to say photography qualifies as a passion. I’m self-taught but after 50 plus years of practice even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while. I took my first picture at the tender age of 7 with mom’s Brownie Box camera. A Nikon man, I use a D200 exclusively. I’d like to trade up to a D700 but I have to sell a lot more pictures to justify it.

The streets and architecture of Manhattan are favorite subjects of mine. Our grandchildren, sporting events, wildlife and the great outdoors are also favorites but I’ll try my hand at just about any subject if the spirit moves me.



You can see more of Joe's amazing photography at his website.

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*** I Need Your Story! *** { I'm Serious!}
If you have a story to post on this theme, contact me, please! We have a mere two weeks of stories on tap and I shall have to resort again to posting my own work! Please consider sharing your tales of Relentless Pursuit! And I'd be appreciative if you also take a look at my Photography site. I'd love to hear from you!
--
Michelle Alton


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Joe's Bonus New York City Shots

Bank of America Tower

Bone Head!



Dream in Black and White


Lady and Sun Hat

Time Warp

New York City Reflections

Play it SAFE.  Don't Park!

Radio City Music Hall

White Sails on the Hudson

 


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Joe has submitted another story to Relentless Pursuits.  Here is a link to "The Green Light"



















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