This photograph was captured on film during my first visit to Venice in 1998. Rising early in the morning I went down to the gondolas docked at Piazza San Marco hoping to capture sunrise. As I walked through San Marco in the dark with my flashlight the only other person present was someone sleeping in a doorstep.

The blurred motion of the gondolas is deliberate as I wanted to capture their movement while at the same time anchoring the posts and distant shoreline of San Giorgio with sharpness. I used a graduated ND filter to bring down the brightness in the sky and the rest is the beauty of the moment.

This photograph was taken on my first visit to Venice in 1998 and captured with film. The early morning colors reflecting in the canal and a slight mist in the air add to the serene beauty of the scene.

This photograph was taken on a visit to Venice in 2004 and captured with film. The early morning sky reflecting in the tranquil waters of the canal (no boats disturbing it) accent the famed Bridge of Sighs.

This photograph was taken on my first visit to Venice in 1998 and captured with film. It was a defining moment for me as I believe this was the best photograph I had ever captured up to that time. The leading lines of the narrow canal receding into the morning mist create a strong composition.

This photograph was captured on film during my first visit to Venice in 1998. As the rising sun tries to break through the morning fog and haze boats are already plying the grand canal. I believe this view was from the Rialto Bridge.

The warmth of morning sunlight and quiet solitude transform Piazza San Marco at daybreak before the tourists arrive.

This photograph was taken on a visit to Venice in 2004 and captured with film. We took a side trip to the island of Burano with its colorful buildings reflecting in the canals. We weren't on the island long before a storm began to brew and we decided to leave. The trip back to Venice was rough and we even passed a capsized fishing boat that was being rescued by what I assume was the Italian version of the coastguard.

This photograph was taken on a visit to Venice in 2004 and captured with film. Reflections are not always easy to photograph because seeing them is directly related to the angle of view and light falling on the scene, thus it is sometimes a matter of chance.

Such was the case with this image it was pure serendipity. I was in the right place at the right time. However, this was a busy sidewalk on this particular morning. There were many locals heading to work or wherever they were going early in the morning. I set up my tripod but, as is so typical in Europe, I had to wait because no one is willing to step out of the way or pause for even a second to let you shoot. Such is often the case and you can read more about this in my blog "The Importance of Patience". In this instance my patience paid off.

Abstract reflections accent a gondola on a canal in Venice.

A lone orange boat sits docked on a quiet canal surrounded by reflections in the water.

Weathered shutters on a window are accented with flower pots set against a richly colored wall on the island of Murano in Venice.

This is a composite photograph that I have created using layers of tones and textures from my nature images layered over a black and white photograph taken on my first visit to Venice in 1998, captured on Ilford XP2 film. I believe the tones and textures lend an aged feel that is apropos for Venice.

This photograph was taken during my second visit to Verona in 2005, which is also my second opportunity to photograph the city's frescoes. The main piazza, Piazza Erbe, is surrounded by old buildings that echo aa more splendid past. The buildings are decorated with frescoes, which sadly are now deteriorating. The frescoes are up high, the piazza is not real wide and is crowded with people. All of these factors make it a challenge to photograph these magnificent remnants of a bygone era.

This photograph was taken during my second visit to Verona in 2005. This café is located along the main piazza, Piazza Erbe. The piazza is surrounded by deteriorating buildings giving a hint of the city's grand past. I have digitally altered this photograph by adjusting the saturation and softening it. I believe this treatment brings out the worn, aged feel of this beautiful city.

This beautiful balcony hints at the glorious past Verona once held. Although it is not touted as "Juliet's Balcony" one can sense the atmosphere that inspired one of Shakespeare's most famed plays, that of Romeo and Juliet. This photograph was taken during my second visit to Verona in 2005.

This photograph was taken during my second visit to Verona in 2005. I was attracted to the combination of color and composition in this scene. Although Europe is filled with lovely windows and balconies, photographing them is a challenge. There are few opportunities than one might think. They are often high up on narrow streets, crowded with people and there may be utility lines crossing the scene. Finding the space, angle and perspective limits the possibilities considerably.

This photograph was taken during my second visit to Verona in 2005 and my first trip with a digital camera. I was drawn to the deteriorating elegant architecture with its muted earth tones which complimented the green shutters.

This photograph was taken during my second visit to Verona in 2005 and my first trip with a digital camera. I was drawn to the color combination and composition of these buildings. This photograph has been a popular image among buyers.

This photograph was taken during my first visit to Verona in 2004, and my last trip photographing with film. The main piazza, Piazza Erbe, is surrounded by old buildings that echo aa more splendid past. The buildings are decorated with frescoes, which sadly are now deteriorating. The frescoes are up high, the piazza is not real wide and is crowded with people. All of these factors make it a challenge to photograph these magnificent remnants of a bygone era.

This photograph was taken during my first visit to Verona in 2004, and my last trip photographing with film. It was late April and as we crossed the Alps from the north into Italy the climate changed. All of a sudden the sun was shining and the wisteria was in bloom. I was attracted to this gate and the wisteria as it covered the wall and building beside it.

This photograph was captured on Ilford XP2 film in 1998 on my first visit to Paris. The texture in the sky is actually the clouds captured at dusk and not a digital addition. The image has been scanned and warm tones were added digitally to highlight the subtle textures from the film image.

This photograph captures the romance of Paris. A window decorated with flowers and a café sign says it all. The image was taken during my 2009 visit to Paris.

A walk along the Seine at night, Notre Dame in the background with the city's lights reflecting in the Seine, This photograph captures the city of lights at its best. The image was taken during my 2009 visit to Paris.

Montmartre, from it's perch above the city bespeaks timeless draw of Paris and this photographs says "Montmartre".  The image was taken during my 2009 visit to Paris.

This is a composite photograph that I have created using layers of tones and textures from my nature images layered over a view from the Arch de Triumph. The image was taken during my 2007 visit to Paris.

The sun sets over Paris with a view of Montmartre in the distance.

A mysterious woman in black pausing beneath a lamp along the Seine River near Notre Dame.

This photograph of the Ponte Vecchio is a composite created from layers of tones and textures based on my nature images. The original image used was from my first visit to Florence in 1998 and captured on film. The complexity of hues, tones and textures in this image highlight this wonderful old city, birth of the renaissance.

This photograph was taken during my second visit to Florence in 2005. It was also my first trip using a digital camera and venturing into the new world of digital photography. The rich color of this building on the Ponte Vecchio was the result of bright overcast light in early morning. The red ivy created a lovely accent. 

This image was created from a combination of planning and pure serendipity. Although I set up my tripod and composed the stones and reflections in the Piazza Della Signoria, I was hoping for a bicycle to streak through the frame. Instead, this woman with the red umbrella appeared and walked into the scene. I had only seconds and timing was crucial. This photograph was taken during my second visit to Florence in 2005.

Read more about the making of this photograph in my blog "Red Umbrella In the Piazza" on this website.

This photograph was taken during my second visit to Florence in 2005. It was taken during the same morning rain as the "Red Umbrella" in Piazza della Signoria. The lights were still lit around the piazza and added to the reflections in the wet pavement.

This photograph is from my visit to Tuscany in 2014.This old cobblestone lane is in the medieval town of Barga. The hill town of Barga lies in the northern part of Tuscany known as the Garfagnana region. The old town of Barga is built into a steep hillside and a bit off the beaten path. It is a joy to explore.

This photograph is from my visit to Tuscany in 2014. This old cobblestone lane is in the medieval town of Barga. The hill town of Barga lies in the northern part of Tuscany known as the Garfagnana region. The old town of Barga is built into a steep hillside and a bit off the beaten path. It is a joy to explore.

This photograph is from my visit to Tuscany in 2014. This quiet little lane is in the town of Montisi. The hill town of Montisi lies in to the southeast of Siena and is a bit off the beaten path. It was pleasant and quiet little Tuscan hill town.

This Tuscan still life captures the fruitage of the autumn harvest. I spied this display in a little piazza in Pienza. The photograph was taken during a visit to Tuscany in 2014.

This old well in the hill town of San Quirico was photographed during my 2014 trip to Tuscany. We stayed in an agriturismo a few miles from the town but only visited once and enjoyed a great dinner there. Wells were an important feature of the Tuscan hill towns and many are still found in the piazzas.

I visited Monticchiello in 2014 and photographed in this quiet little piazza. Monticchiello is a little off the beaten path, it was quiet and we had lunch at an excellent on a terrace overlooking the valley.

This old well was in a courtyard in the hill town of Montalcino. It was photographed during my 2014 trip to Tuscany. Wells were an important feature of the Tuscan hill towns and many are still found in the towns today. Montalcino is renowned for the wine produced on its slopes. It bustles with tourists but one can still find some secluded spots.

I captured this scene of dramatic clouds moving across the landscape over Montepulciano in 2014. The view is deceptive as Monteculciano, a hill town renowned for its wine, spills down the hillside. It looks like a gradual slope but is much steeper than it appears.

My visit to the hill town of Radicofani was part of my 2014 trip to Tuscany as well. Radicofani sits high above the plains at the south end of Val d'Orcia. It is most definitely off the beaten path.

This view over the hill town of Montalcino was captured in 2014. We visited the town during the medieval Thrush Festival, a community event where the neighborhoods compete withvarious events.

This photograph was taken on a visit to the hill town of Cortona in 2005. Cortona was put on the map so to speak by Frances Mayes with her book "Under the Tuscan Sun". It is a pleasant little village perched high above the plains with a commanding view.

One of the most defining foods of Italy is arguably gelato. I photographed this gelateria on my 2014 visit to Tuscany. The town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana is in the far north of Tuscany and sees very few tourists. It was certainly off the beaten path.

This old well in the hill town of Pienzawas photographed during my 2014 trip to Tuscany. Wells were an important feature of the Tuscan hill towns and many are still found in the piazzas. The well in Pienza is prominently situated in the piazza in front of a former pope's palace.

This Tuscan still life captures the fruitage of the autumn harvest. I spied this display in a little piazza in Pienza. The photograph was taken during a visit to Tuscany in 2014.

This photograph is from my visit to Tuscany in 2014.This old cobblestone lane is in the medieval town of Barga. The hill town of Barga lies in the northern part of Tuscany known as the Garfagnana region. The old town of Barga is built into a steep hillside and a bit off the beaten path. It is a joy to explore.

I visited Monticchiello in 2014 and photographed in this quiet little piazza. Monticchiello is a little off the beaten path, it was quiet and we had lunch at an excellent on a terrace overlooking the valley.

A view over the Tuscan hill town of Montefioralle.

Beynac served as our base for exploring the Dordogne Valley. I captured this scene one evening as the sun was setting. Stone patterns create leading lines in this composition as the last rays of the sun struck the wall in the distance. The detail in the stone textures of this image are amazing.

We spent two nights in St Cirq Lapopie, an old medieval village built into the side of a hill overlooking the Lot River valley. The village sees day tripping tourists come and go but by evening we had the place to ourselves.

I woke up on the first morning of my stay in St Cirq and went out to photograph the stone arch leading into our village. To my surprise, the village was filled with fog which lingered late into the morning. This is my favorite image that captured the feel of the morning. A gallery in which I displayed this image once had someone insist that I "Photoshopped" this scene because it was too good to be real. All I can say is that I am not good enough with Photoshop to create something like this.

This scene has been a favorite among buyers. The composition owes a great deal to lens/focal length choice coupled with lighting. I used a long focal length to compress the view. There is an entire valley and river between these towers and the distant hill. The sun was already setting behind the hills and the light was pretty even except for the last sunlight softly bathing the hill on the far side of the river.

This is the first in a series of photographs I have titled "Down the Lane in Beynac". The village of Beynac is built on the side of a hill overlooking the Dordogne River Valley which is seen in the distance. Honey colored stone houses line narrow cobblestone lanes and there are these little street lamps hanging from the walls all around the town. It is quite picturesque.

Quaint stone houses and little lanes make Beynac a pleasant place to relax and explore the Dordogne Valley.

We were driving through the village of Loubressac and decided to stop and walk around for a bit when I spied this home. It was too quaimt to pass up.

The village of Domme is another town in the Dordogne Valley. It sits high atop a hill with a commanding view of the Dordogne River below. This shuttered window and balcony adorned a home there.

This photograph has been sepia toned digitally to enhance the old world feel of the medieval village of St Cirq Lapopie. As fog rolled down the hill one evening it began to envelope the village in a shroud of mystery.

Walking around the village of St Cirq Lapopie in early morning fog was surreal. There was no one around, it was quiet and peaceful... just me and an old medieval village.

This photograph has been digitally toned and softened to create a dreamy feel. I use such techniques sparingly but once in a while, I feel that a scene can best convey the ambiance with such an alteration. I think it works with this one.

Beynac served as our base for exploring the Dordogne Valley. I captured this scene one evening as the sun was setting. Stone patterns create leading lines in this composition as the last rays of the sun struck the wall in the distance. The detail in the stone textures of this image are amazing.

The fog in Beynac lingered until mid-morning on the autumn days when we visited. Walking the steep cobblestone streets on these foggy mornings was indeed therapeutic.

One of the advantages of visiting Europe in the fall is seeing the ivy climbing up walls and homes turning red. The red ivy in this scene adds a splash of color to this quaint little lane in the medieval village of St Cirq Lapopie.

Sarlat is the largest town in the Dordogne Valley. Although it is more crowded and visited by tourists, one can still find some quiet little lanes in the old medieval part of town.

I was drawn by the last light of day as it struck this building in Sarlat. This light did not last long but it required I climb up on top of a wall with my tripod to get the right vantage point. I had to work quickly but it turned out successful.

The fog in Beynac lingered until mid-morning on the autumn days when we visited. Walking the steep cobblestone streets on these foggy mornings was indeed therapeutic.

Early morning in the medieval village of Sarlat is the peaceful time. Before the inhabitants are out and the tourists arrive one can wander the streets in peace and solitude.

This photograph was taken early in the morning before the tourists began to explore the town. It is a good example of the care I take in composing my images, which comes from my film days (before Photoshop). There is actually a car in this scene and although some might just shoot and clone it out in Photoshop, I carefully explored angles and perspectives that allowed me to hide the car. Shooting low, I was able to allow the menu sign to hide it.

This old medieval lane houses a row of local artisans and is bustling during the day, but in the early morning it was empty of people.

I have an affinity for art nouveau and this little café on one of Tallinn's side streets just off the main square captured my eye. It was actually difficult to photograph because the street is narrow and has a constant flow of pedestrians. During early morning, before opening hours the painted shutters are closed creating an unimpressive view of the shop so it could only be photographed while people were passing by. It took patience to capture the moment.

As stated above, I have an affinity for art nouveau and this little café on one of Tallinn's side streets just off the main square captured my eye. It was actually difficult to photograph because the street is narrow and has a constant flow of pedestrians. During early morning, before opening hours the painted shutters are closed and the menu sign is absent, creating an unimpressive view of the shop so it could only be photographed while people were passing by. It took patience to capture the moment.

As I frequently mention, doors can be difficult to photograph in Europe because streets are narrow, making it difficult to get the right perspective. In morning hours there may be cars parked in front of them and during daytime there can be a steady flow of pedestrians. I was therefore happy to capture this one because the combination of colors is appealing in my opinion.

Minimalistic and with a simple composition this scene has an appeal because of the color combinations coupled with the architectural elements.

Kinga Street is a small side street just off the main square in Tallinn's old town. I think this view captures the charming character in the early morning. The street looks charming from most angles during the day when shops are open, but during morning hours when the shops are closed up many of the doors and shutters are covered with graffiti. It is the side of Tallinn that many tourists do not see.

This quiet little medieval courtyard was a pleasant respite from the hoards of tourists that filled Tallinn during the day. Many Baltic cruise ships visit Tallinn during the day flooding the town with tourists, but then they disappear in the evening. 

Another view of Tallinn in the early morning hours. There were few people walking the streets in the early morning, but not as few as many European cities I visit. There is a night life / party scene thatis quite active. I encountered quite a number of people, sometimes in groups who had been partying all night. Being approached by a group of drunk men on a deserted street never makes me feel comfortable. Most of my experiences of this nature have occurred in eastern European countries but I have always managed to avoid problems.

I was drawn to the simplicity of this still life in a café window.

I was drawn to the fun, quirky display in this window. Europe is filled with little touches like this but one must keep a keen eye or they will be missed.

From the upper part of the old city, there are several vantage points looking out over Tallinn's old town with its walls and towers.

Another minimalistic photograph, I was attracted by the composition of this scene.

This photograph was captured early in the morning during one of the few breaks in the clouds throughout the week. The calm canal reflected the buildings, clouds and blue sky beautifully. I used a neutral grad filter to keep the brightness-contrast in balance. Colmar was my base for exploring the region and this was the only morning such a scene presented itself.

Although my visit to Kaysersberg was the coldest day of our trip, I made the best of it. There was off and on rain and a stiff cold breeze blowing through the town. Kaysersberg is the home of Albert Schweitzer. However, it is a pretty town and I captured some lovely images there. This is one of my favorites.

The character of this old wisteria vine speaks volumes. The accent of this grape hod repurposed as a wall planter adds to the charm of this photograph. Many homes had these grape hods on the walls filled with flowers.

I was attracted by the color combinations of this café scene in Colmar. Getting the composition just right was a challenge but it came together.

This lovely photograph of wisteria on a home in Riquewihr captures the charm of the region. This image went viral on Facebook (at least for my work that is) when it was pulled off Etsy and featured on Faerie Magazine's Facebook page. People envisioned it as a Hobbitt home.

Normally cats will not stand still for me. Perhaps this cat found satisfaction in that I was standing there photographing in the rain, with my tripod, under an umbrella and the cat was dry under the overhang of a roof.

I am often asked: "Was this building really this blue?". The answer is yes! The buildings of Alsace are painted with very bold colors. In fact the building next to this one was orange. The bold colors, combined with the half-timber buildings contributes to Alsace's charm.

A view of the colorful village of Rodern nestled amongst rolling hills and vineyards. You couldn't ask for a more picturesque setting.

Green and more green. If you like the color green it can't get more green than this... well they say Ireland has more shades.

This photograph possesses a very simple composition. I was drawn to the harmony of the pastel colors and textures in this scene.

This section in the village of Colmar is called La Petite Venise or "little Venice". Can you guess why?

The village of Zellenberg is a little off the beaten path in Alsace. It sits high up on a hill overlooking the vineyards and valley below. Finding this home covered in wisteria made the side trip worth it.

An old well that has been repurposed into a flower planter in the village of Riquewihr.

This bold orange colored house was really this orange and it sat next to a bold blue building. Such is Alsace boldly colored half-timber houses with lots of character.

Another planter from a repurposed object. This old pump makes a great planter. I was standing under the awning of a café, out of the rain, to get this shot.

The collection of rustic objects in this courtyard in Colmar creates a wonderful scene and captures the feel for this region.

This photograph can certainly be said to be minimalistic. Although it is a simple composition, the bold yellow and green combination give it a strength of character.

There were a number of these stone troughs that were being used as flower planters in the village of Kaysersberg. It made a great still life.

Voila! This is Alsace, colorful villages nestled amongst rolling hills and vineyards. You couldn't ask for a more picturesque setting. It was our intention to sit out here in the lovely spring weather and picnic with such views. Alas, I made this photograph in the cold rain, under an umbrella, and we ate our picnic lunch in the car.

The village of Zellenberg is a little off the beaten path in Alsace. It sits high up on a hill overlooking the vineyards and valley below. Finding this home covered in wisteria made the side trip worth it.

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I set up my tripod, made all my settings, composed this scene and took one image when a car pulled up right into the scene (no more than 20 feet from me) and parked. The driver got out, looked at me and then walked away. Was I wrong to expect a little more politeness and consideration?

Believe it or not this photograph was taken in the fall of 2005. The bright green grass looks more like the color of springtime because it had just rained and there was a thin cloud layer creating bright and even light. I couldn't believe how green it was.

As I passed this scene on the road I was struck by the lighting. I had to go a ways before I could turn around. Returning to the scene I found a pull off and the light was spectacular. Late afternoon-early evening light with brooding clouds in the background. I am very fond of this image.

Autumn in Tuscany means brown fields, but I am amazed at al the different tones. As the sun and clouds move across the sky the shadows and contours highlights the tonal differences.

I was out early in the morning and it had been raining. The scenery was bland and it was cold, so I decided to scout for places I might return to at a later time. The road that this farmhouse was on had been closed due to construction repairs on a bridge, but I decided to drive down the road to see what was there. There was absolutely no traffic on the road and all of a sudden the rain stopped and the sky began to clear. There was no pull off, but since there was no traffic I just parked my car on the road and got out to photograph. The clouds were rolling across the sky rapidly and the light was in constant change. All I can say was that it was simply amazing.

This photograph is among my favorite landscapes from my fall 2014 trip to Tuscany. The contours of the land combined with the colors and tones create leading lines that complement the cypress lined road to the farmhouse.

Classic Tuscany.

As the morning sun rose and bathed the fields in a warm glow, the fog began to dissipate. I was drawn to the curving furrow that traversed the fields in this scene as it created a leading line that combined with the slopes in drawing the eye of the viewer to the farmhouse in the distance.

Tuscany is a lesson in light. Clouds moving across the sky can create patches of illumination that come and go. I was fortunate enough to capture this moment in time before it quickly disappeared.

I thought a narrow landscape format suited this scene and accented the contours and tones.

Sunrise in Tuscany can be so beautiful. When I stopped to set up for this image I could barely make out the features of the landscape but was willing to take the chance because I could tell it was going to be a spectacular sunrise.

This image was taken the first morning I was in Val d'Orcia. Having arrived in the evening on the day before, I had no idea where to go the next morning. I drove out into the landscape blindly on that first morning heading toward Pienza and came across this scene. The morning light striking this hilltop as the distant scenery fades into haze was sublime.

I love the warmth of this scene as the morning light baths this farm in its glow. 

Mount Amiata dominates the Val d'Orcia and can be seen wherever you go it seems. The colors of this sunrise generate a calm and peaceful feeling as the mountain begins to be illuminated at daybreak.

The popularity of Cortona in recent years has been a result of Frances Mayes' book "Under the Tuscan Sun". However, this sunset illustrates what is so appealing about this Tuscan hill town.

Another of my favorites from my fall 2014 trip to Tuscany. The golden autumn sunlight and haze across the fields in this scene captures the feel of Tuscany so well.

Another view as the day unfolds across the Val d'Orcia.

This scene was captured in the hills above Florence. It has been digitally softened and warmed to create an atmosphere of romance.

During our fall 2005 trip to Europe we decided to take a bus to Fiesole on the outskirts of Florence and hike back using a hiking guide I had brought. When we came upon this olive grove we were lost but the sky was bright and overcast illuminating the green grass. I was amazed at how bright green it was considering it was October. Shortly after taking this photograph we found the path and went on our way only to have a torrential rain come upon us. Wet and cold we made our way to a road and took a bus back into Florence. 

The golden light of autumn over the Val d'Orcia.

Pre-dawn colors in the morning sky over a farmhouse in the Val d'Orcia.

The famed winding road to La Foce as the morning sun moves across the landscape.

This lakeside view was encountered on a walk alongside Lake Como somewhere south of Varenna. The warm autumn sun bathed the villa wall with a view looking out into the haze on Lake Como and the distant hillside.

Fog and haze enveloped Lake Como as I captured this photograph of a ferry approaching the dock at Bellagio. As ferries ply the lake shuttling people from lakeside town to lakeside town, just as they have for decades, the pace of life shifts gears. This change of pace is peaceful and relaxing.

The elegance that has been part of the beauty of Lake Como is seen in the villas that are found along the lake. I was particularly drawn by the architecture surrounding these doors at Villa Monastero.

A red railing lines the promenade (known as the passerella) along Lake Como in the town of Varenna. A relaxing stroll along the promenade is a sure way to leave your cares behind and relax.

What could capture the peace and tranquility of Lake Como more than a sunset framed by the silhouettes of a villa along the lake. When I look at this scene I tend to reminisce and think - Yes someday I will return to Lake Como.

A major component of the villas on Lake Como are their gardens. The ivy adorning this stairway was already turning red when we visited in the fall.

Set in a hazy landscape of cypress trees and steep hills alongside Lake Como, Villa Monastero looks out across the lake beckoning the traveler to come and enjoy the view.

Here Villa Capri and its garden sits along the shoreline of Lake Como while a haze hints at a view of the hills along the distant shoreline.

Backlight, created from sunlight striking the red ivy on this pergola at Villa Cipressi, adds a translucent effect to the architectural elements in this photograph. Coupled with the diffuse light from haze on the lake, this filtered light softens this garden scene.

The Alhambra is simply amazing. This great Moorish palace in its worn state still gives a hint of the grandeur it possessed. This photograph captures the bold warm colors of Spain reflected in a palace courtyard. This scene as well as others captured in the Alhambra do not convey the difficulty of obtaining the image. The palace is flooded with tourists, and group after group paraded through this courtyard. It took time and patience to photograph this scene.

The Alcazar in Sevilla is another Moorish palace that recalls the splendor of this culture in Spain. I was drawn by the compositional elements of this scene as well as the warm colors. 

What better way to express the culture of Spain than a night scene. The nightlife in Spain is well known worldwide... the country comes alive after dark. Sevilla is at the heartbeat of Andalusia and this scene captures the essence of that. This photograph is among my top selling images.

The bold blue color of this doorway attracts immediate attention. However, the black iron and touch of yellow that accent the composition create harmony amongst the elements.

The simplicity of a single chair in the midst of the Moorish architecture, and looking out into a courtyard in the Alhambra, is a setting than beckons one to sit and relax. I had to vie with weary tourists to get an image between their turns at taking a seat.

This little vignette in an Alcazar courtyard makes for a nice still life. The dappled light on the urn and ivy creates a sense of seclusion.

I particularly likethis photograph because I was drawn by the interplay of warm light and shadows with the architectural elements.

I thought this scene, located in our hotel, captured the romance of Madrid at night. We had the place to ourselves this particular evening.

The simple composition of this photograph speaks volumes. I think it captures the essence of Andalusia. It is the warm colors and thin outlines of deeps shadows under the bright and intense sun that create the feeling that accompanies this scene.

The garden at Palacios Nazaries is one of the many gardens that grace the complex of the Alhambra.

This photograph is a composite created with layers from my nature images. The textures and tones yield a pleasing rendition of the view from the Alhambra.

The view, looking out over Granada and the Sierra Nevada Mountains has the look of an old painting after this technique.

The main plaza in Granada at night ,as seen from above. This view was from the balcony of our hotel room.

The grand complex of the Alhambra as seen fro macros the valley at dusk.

The complex of the Alhambra is huge. By the use of a long focal length I was able to isolate portions of the complex in a series of scenes I have named simply as detailed views of the Alhambra. This is view number 1.

The complex of the Alhambra is huge. By the use of a long focal length I was able to isolate portions of the complex in a series of scenes I have named simply as detailed views of the Alhambra. This is view number 2.

The complex of the Alhambra is huge. By the use of a long focal length I was able to isolate portions of the complex in a series of scenes I have named simply as detailed views of the Alhambra. This is view number 3.

Quaint, cute, charming... I try to use these adjectives sparingly, but how else can this scene be described. I particularly like the touch of the Chianti wine bottle hanging in front of the window.

This photograph invites the viewer to take a peaceful stroll down the old stone lane in this Chianti hill town.

This photograph comes from my 1998 visit to San Gimignano and was captured on film. Clouds and mist hovered in the valleys below the hill town.

We made a day trip to San Gimignano from Siena via bus. Our original intent was to take a bus part way and take a hiking trail up to the town. The directions in my book were very sketchy and we never even succeeded in finding the trail. We ended up waiting for another bus to come along and take us into the town. Maybe the bus driver's skepticism at our request to be dropped off at Zona di Foci should have been a clue to our folly... alas we were naïve.

This is another view from San Gimignano, photographed on my 1998 visit.  This photograph was captured on film and has been scanned for digital printing.

This home in a Chianti hill town comes with a cat on the front doorstep. I believe the occupant likes plants, don't you?

Somehow I feel that narrow stone lanes and arches create a sense of adventure. They seem to extended an invitation to explore.

This is another view from San Gimignano, photographed on my 1998 visit.  This photograph was captured on film and has been scanned for digital printing. I have added a soft focus vignette to create athe romantic feel that is part of the Tuscan experience.

I thought an antique touch conveyed the ambiance of this scene. Originally photographed with film on my 1998 visit to Siena, this image has been scanned and digitally altered to create the antique look. The iconic Fountain of Joy is in the main Piazza of Siena and there you can watch the pigeons line up for a drink.

All the elements needed for a picturesque scene of Chianti are here... a window and green shutters, an old pump, a planter with flowers. I think that covers it.

Another cobblestone lane and arch climbing the steep hill in a Chianti village.

The hill town of Montefioralle lies in the heart of northern Chianti. It is a quaint and quiet little town. This view is from the steep narrow road above the town which we took by mistake and which made my wife extremely nervous, but I had to stop and get a photograph as long as we were up there..

This photograph is a composite created with layers from my nature images. The textures and tones yield a pleasing rendition of the view over Siena. The original photograph was captured on film.

This photograph is a composite created with layers from my nature images. The textures and tones yield a pleasing rendition of the view over Siena. The original photograph was captured on Ilford XP2 black and white film.

The village of Manarola, with its colorful homes built into the side of a cliff, is probably one of the most photographed villages. With today's modern digital cameras there is a plethora of heavily color saturated images depicting the village lit up at twilight from the trail above. My closely cropped view is a less common view and the colors more true to life. To this day people still find this imageappealing.

The hiking trail between the five villages along the Cinque Terre offers beautiful views of the Ligurian Sea and coastline - Villages perched on hillsides and built into the cliffs, rugged cliffs and steep vineyards that seem to defy gravity.

As we sat relaxing along the harbor one evening, I watched this fisherman working with his nets and chatting with friends along the shore. The compositional elements in this image seem to harmonize in this image... the angular geometric patterns across the harbor mix with the spherical patterns that are repeated in the fisherman's hat as well.

I was struck by the juxtaposition of this blue fishing boat against the cliffs as it headed out to sea one morning. The striation of the rock layers along these cliffs fascinated me as well, it indicates the strong geologic forces that created this coastline.

The simplicity of this red boat in the late afternoon sun is accented by the warm muted colors of the building across the harbor in this photograph.

Our home base on the Cinque Terre was the village of Vernazza. Our hotel was at the very top of the cliffs under the shadow of the castle. The terrace behind our hotel looked out over the sea offering this view of the rugged Ligurian Sea and coastline - Villages perched on hillsides and built into the cliffs, rugged cliffs and steep vineyards that seem to defy gravity.

The hiking trail between the five villages along the Cinque Terre offers beautiful views of the Ligurian Sea and coastline. This view looks out over the village of Corniglia with Manarola in the distance.

This photograph was captured on a visit to Germany's Rhine and Mosel River Valley's in 2013. Our base on the Rhine was Bacharach and one evening we hiked up into the vineyards above the town to enjoy the view and we were rewarded by this beautiful scene as twilight set in.

This is a composite photograph in which I have combined layers of textures and tones from my nature images to create a complex print. I believe this treatment captures the old world feel of this remarkable old town.

This photograph was captured on a visit to Germany in the spring of 2013. It was the coldest May in a hundred years and, combined with rain it was miserable weather. However, I still found many opportunities to photograph.

This photograph was captured on a visit to Germany in the spring of 2013. Rothenburg is crowded with tourists but there are still spots to find a bit of peace and quiet, especially on a very cold day.

This photograph was captured on a visit to Germany's Rhine and Mosel River Valley's in 2013.  Bacharach was our baseto explore the Rhine Valley. It is a quiet little town and this picturesque café represents it well.

This photograph was captured on a visit to Germany's Rhine and Mosel River Valley's in 2013. The quiet little town of Bacharach served as our base for exploring the Rhine Valley. The peace and quietude of the town has been captured in this night scene.

This is a composite photograph in which I have combined layers of textures and tones from my nature images. This photograph was captured on a visit to Germany's Rhine and Mosel River Valley's in 2013. Marksburg Castle is on the Mosel River and the wooded path to reach it is a steep climb. One could also walk the road but why?

This photograph was captured on a visit to Germany in the spring of 2013. This black and white scene has been digitally treated as I do with my composite photographs, using multiple nature images from my collection by overlaying them on the original image and thhus allowing a slight bit of color to mix with the tones.

This photograph was captured on a visit to Germany's Rhine and Mosel River Valley's in 2013. The region is renowned for it's Riesling wines and what better way to capture the culture than an image of an old wine press discovered while walking along a road.

This photograph was captured on a visit to Germany's Rhine and Mosel River Valley's in 2013. Who could resist photographing this scene found in a town along the Mosel River.

Solitude, seclusion a retreat to the forest - Take me away to the woods... these little cabins beckon the call of the wild.

Suomenlinna Island lies in Helsinki's harbor and is an easy access by ferry. Looking out towards the Baltic Sea the granite coastline is a great place to relax and explore endless photographic opportunities. 

Lush and green, this woodland was alive with little squirrels darting about, but I was particularly drawn to the fern which holds the central position in this photograph. I wanted to capture it in its context, the surrounding environment.

What can I say? It is not often that a Midwesterner gets to see a boat hanging suspended from an old brick building on the waterfront of a harbor along the sea. I was drawn to the textural composition in this image.

Solitude, seclusion a retreat to the forest - Take me away to the woods... this little cabin beckons the call of the wild.

I am making an assumption that this is an old cistern but am not certain. At any rate, I was attracted to the bright green ground cover that surrounded the subject of this image. I felt there was an appeal to this simple composition.

There was a simple but welcoming nature to the doorstep of this Finnish timber home. The rug reminded me of the little mats we napped on in kindergarten.

I thought the composition of this photograph conveyed a sense of adventure... stumbling upon a red house while strolling through the forest. Sounds a bit like the setting for a fairy tale.

Suomenlinna Island lies in Helsinki's harbor and is an easy access by ferry. Looking out towards the Baltic Sea the granite coastline is a great place to relax and explore endless photographic opportunities.

The warm sunlight of early evening bathes the distant shoreline of a cove on Suomenlinna Island highlighting the varied colors and textures of the landscape.

Suomenlinna Island lies in Helsinki's harbor and is an easy access by ferry. Looking out towards the Baltic Sea the granite coastline is a great place to relax and explore endless photographic opportunities. Here the island fortress is seen in the background, set against whispy clouds and a blue sky.

The long days of summer extend the hours of dusk in the northern latitudes. Here, a lone tree stands on a hill in evening sunlight as the sun's rays add warmth to the coastal grasses creating a feeling of peace and solitude.

This photograph has been digitally softened to lend atmosphere to the warmth of the sun on a coastal hillside of wildflowers and wooden fence on Suomenlinna Island.

Purple-blue wildflowers growing in a rock wall on Suomenlinna Island make for a lovely subject in this composition.

This lush and green woodland was alive with little squirrels darting about. I was drawn to the contrast between the earth tone colors of the path and the variations of green covering the forest floor.

Suomenlinna Island lies in Helsinki's harbor and is an easy access by ferry. Looking out towards the Baltic Sea the granite coastline is a great place to relax and explore endless photographic opportunities.

Cumulous clouds move across the morning sky over Helsinki harbor providing a backdrop for sailing boats on the waterfront.  

The natural beauty of some yellow wildflowers in a rocky crag along the granite coast of Suomenlinna Island provide visual interest amongst the lichen covered granite.

Solitude, seclusion a retreat to the forest - Take me away to the woods... these little cabins beckon the call of the wild.

Sailing boats sit moored in the harbor at Helsinki with a brooding morning sky in the background.

The warm light reflecting from the yellow wall in this scene adds ambience to this rustic scene of a barrel on a hand cart at the entrance to a farmyard.

The simplicity of this food sack atop a barrel captures the rural life.

The compositional elements of this image create leading lines that draw the viewer into the scene. The diagonal lines of the cart, wood pile and roof converge near the center.

Another collection of rural artifacts.

This pair of rusty old milk cans on a bench makes for a nice rural still life.

Memories of a bygone era, hand pumps such as this can be nostalgic but also serve as a reminder of how hard basics such as water were obtained in years past.

Colors and shapes create a geometric composition in this farm scene. The round wheel creates interest among the lines and angles in the image.

More rustic artifacts that create a rural still life.

Flowers blooming in this colorful cottage garden greet the visitor to this timber home with a thatched roof.

Behind this timber home, lush ferns and greenery almost hide an old wheel barrow propped against the house.

A wheel barrow and ladder propped against the home in a farmyard remind one that the rural life is not without hard work.

The natural sunlight reflecting from this vaulted ceiling in Malbork Castle created an incredible luminescence. It accented the structural design beautifully.

Photographed in the early morning during a light rain, the pastel colors of these buildings compliment each other wonderfully.

I was drawn to the color combination and ornate decorations on these doors in Wroclaw. This was a busy street and not an easy image to photograph.

I am drawn to the simplicity of the architectural elements of this image coupled with the muted earth tones.

Another early morning, just me and the pigeons. I think there is a sense of peace and solitude with this photograph.

The natural sunlight reflecting from this vaulted ceiling in Malbork Castle created an incredible luminescence. It accented the structural design beautifully.

I particularly liked the combination of these ornately carved doors and the framing and marble surrounding them.

This is not a typical color combination but I thought it works well together... I'm not the decorator, just the photographer.

I have digitally altered the color saturation slightly and added sepia toning to this photograph to give it an aged look. I thought that the ambiance it created was appropriate to the subject.

What can one say. The carving on this doorway is superb.

I was drawn by the geometric patterns and architectural elements that contribute to the composition of this image. To me, it looks like a scene that would inspire MC Escher himself.

I was drawn by the interplay of light and shadows on this vaulted ceiling. Photographing it was rather difficult because it was a low ceiling in an exterior corridor at Malbork Castle. In order to get a the right perspective I had to place my digital camera low to the ground and flip the viewfinder to see the composition.

The architectural elements of this tightly cropped composition are enhanced by the strong light and shadows.

Zlotnik is an occupational name for a goldsmith. The vines compliment this building nicely adding to the composition of the image.

I found the red ivy, combined with the architecture in this composition appealing. However, as I was setting up my tripod a group of teenagers walked up at sat down on these steps, apparently deliberately. They lit up their cigarettes and so began the waiting game. Eventually they moved on and I was able to get my image. Since I have sold several of these prints I guess it was worth the wait.

More art nouveau architecture in Ljubljana . These pale blue doors complement the subdued stone surrounding them.

The trail through Vintgar Gorge, roughly a mile in length, is not a long nor arduous hike by any means, but the gorge itself is spectacular. The Radovna River winds through the gorge in a series of waterfalls and quiet pools and, at times, the trail hugs the cliffs by means of a wooden boardwalk (seen here) lending an air of adventure to the trek.

Slovenia has a rich apiculture (beekeeping) tradition. Colorfully painted beehives, like this one, can be seen in the area around Lake Bled. In fact, we visited the apiculture museum in Radovljica and found it fascinating.

Morning reflections accent the art nouveau Cobblers Bridge in Ljubljana. Although there has been a bridge in this location since the middle ages, the current bridge was designed by Joseph Plecnik and constructed in the 20th century.

Autumn colors bring beauty to Vintgar Gorge as the Radovna River winds through the canyon.

Fall colors on the distant shore of Lake Bled serve as a backdrop for three docked pletnas. The boats, referred to as pletnas, are active throughout the day taking tourists to the island in the lake. I was drawn by the composition of the wood planks on the dock creating leading lines to the boats on this peaceful morning.

I thought a slight soft focus and warm digital filtering created an added ambiance to the dappled light of this scene.

Autumn colors reflect on Lake Bohinj nestled among peaks of the Julian Alps. We took a bus from Bled to the lake and the trip back was indeed memorable. The bus driver drove like a wildman all the time watchinga show on the little television screen mounted on his dashboard. I was quite relieved when we finally made it back to the town of Bled.

The trail through Vintgar Gorge, roughly a mile in length, is not a long nor arduous hike by any means, but the gorge itself is spectacular. The Radovna River winds through the gorge in a series of waterfalls and quiet pools with the trail hugging the towering cliffs.

Walking through the countryside in Slovenia allows one to stop and enjoy life at a slower pace. To the side of this barn stacked with wood, is a typical Slovenian hayrack, while the Julian Alps rise in the background.

The trail through Vintgar Gorge is spectacular. The Radovna River winds through the gorge in a series of waterfalls and quiet pools.

I was drawn by the architectural elements in this image. The composition of these elements combines with the light colors to create a high key feel to this image.

I was particularly drawn to the warm colors of this ornate window and pediment in Ljubljana.

The trail through Vintgar Gorge is spectacular. The Radovna River winds through the gorge in a series of waterfalls and quiet pools.

Our day trip from Bled to Vintgar Gorge consisted of an outbound bus trip followed by a day of hiking, and then walking back to town. The return hike from Vintgar Gorge involved a mixture of trails and roads. The quaint rural setting of the return hike was marvelous with the Julian Alps serving as a scenic backdrop.

Fall colors grace a woodland hillside in Vintgar Gorge.

Shabby chic might be the way one would describe this old home in the town of Radovljica.

The trail through Vintgar Gorge is spectacular. The Radovna River winds through the gorge in a series of waterfalls and quiet pools.

This is not a typical view of the Spanish Steps but I love the patterns created in this section of the ascent.

I was drawn to the asymmetrical elements against the soft tonal color of this building.

I thought this scene captured the essence of café life in Italy, la dolce vita. I have digitally treated this with a slightly posterized look, which I thought added to the presentation.

This image was captured very early on a quiet summer morning, as I descended the Spanish Steps. It was just me and a jogger running up and down the steps.

The night life in Rome is quite active and full of energy, especially in the summer. I felt that photographing the movement of the activity in front of the Pantheon with a slow shutter speed captured the feel of the city.

This is a composite photograph that I have created using layers of tones and textures from my nature images layered over a view of the skyline dominated by the famed pines of Rome. This is my visual tribute to Respighi's classical symphonic poem "The Pines of Rome".

The Spanish Steps in black and white... just waiting to see if Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck might show up. I guess I was just a few decades too late.

This is a composite photograph that I have created using layers of tones and textures from my nature images layered over a view of the Forum and a hillside dominated by the famed pines of Rome. One of my favorite genres of painting is the Hudson River School of artists. These composites are a sort of homage to them.

A colorful mix of yellow and orange buildings accented with greenery line the cobblestone streets of the old town.

One of the many bicycles seen along the cobblestone streets of Stockholm.

These benches, accented by planters with lobelia, make for a colorful mix that deviates from the warm yellow tones that dominate the old town. 

Surprises at every turn in the street. As I photographed this scene in the early morning hours, I was joined by a young man with a hangover who was locked out of his friend's apartment and he had lost his cell phone. You meet interesting people in the wee hours of the morning.

I was drawn by the dappled lighting that was present in this scene. It added a glowing warmth to the buildings, particularly at the end of the lane.

Early morning and the homes are closed tight from the night before.

I didn't see many arches in the old town but this one added a feel of seclusion to this street.

The early morning is the only time you will not find these streets crowded with people in the summertime.

This quiet little square just seems to invite you to sit and relax for a moment.

Bright red awnings over the outside seating await a new day of activity soon to begin.

Bassano del Grappa sits in the foothills of the Alps in northeastern Italy. It is a small town, but the old wooden bridge, the Ponte Vecchio, is the main attraction. The original bridge was designed by the architect Palladio in the 16th century and has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries. With the hills as a backdrop it is a scenic setting.

Little touches of style abound in Europe. This floral display on a bicycle outside a bakery in Bassano del Grappa is an example of these little touches. It is not a show for tourism because Bassano is not a town visited by tourists, rather it is simply the way of life.

A bottega is a studio where apprentices learn from a master artisan, thus I can only assume that this bakery is the training ground for bakers. The pastries inside certainly looked as if they were prepared by an artisan.

As the afternoon sun begins to set on the Ponte Vecchio in Bassano a warm glow bathes the town's buildings. The weekend we visited Bassano del Grappa turned out to be a festival and it seemed the entire village was hanging out on the bridge, happily partying as the Italians know how to do so well... la dolce vita.

Vicenza is filled with the architecture of Palladio. I thought the silhouette of this monument against the sky at dusk said volumes.

Simplicity is what is appealing about this image. Simple compositional elements and a simple color scheme. Though the building is deteriorating, there is a subtle beauty in its character.

I couldn't resist capturing this scene, it was the view from our hotel window of the building directly across the street.

The Veneto bears the character of the Venetian influence which dominated the region. It is clearly seen in these windows in Traviso.

I was attracted to the earthen tones of this building and the simple wooden shutters adorned with a little balcony.

We passed this castle and vineyard as we hiked out of Bolzano in 2004 to explore the surrounding area. It was springtime and the new foliage in the vineyard was bright green but not full enough to hide the vines. The setting for this scene with the backdrop of the foothills was lovely.

I visited the Val d'Aosta in the fall of 2000 on our second trip to Italy. The region lies northwest of Torino, the area which is home to some of my ancestors. In fact, on this trip I was able to meet my grandmother's cousin and his family who were still living in the town of our family's origins. The mountains in Val d'Aosta and Gran Paradiso National Park are spectacular. We hiked in the park and enjoyed the Alpine beauty immensely. The week after we left, the area experienced major flooding which wiped out one of the villages in the valley.

I was drawn by the shadows, composition and colors of this scene in Milan. I set up my tripod waiting for the right person to walk into the scene, but alas it never happened.

An early morning hike in Gran Paradiso National Park led us along the Val di Cogne. The sun was rising over the peaks and a blue sky heralded a beautiful day in the mountains. This river valley and the park lie in the Val d'Aosta region of northern Italy. A week after this photograph was taken, this valley experienced a devastating flood which destroyed small villages in the valley.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan is one of the world's oldest shopping malls. The architecture of this four story arcade with its covered glass domes is grand indeed.

Our visit to the Dolomites in the late fall of 2005 included hiking across the Alpi di Suissi, the largest alpine meadow in Europe. Hiking under the majesty of the jagged peaks of the Dolomites was exhilarating. Unfortunately, I got a cold and sore throat that hampered the rest of my trip. Even so, it was grand and I would love to return.

Clouds drift over the mountain peaks in Val di Cogne near Gran Paradiso National Park.

Soft light and light autumn fog clothe this small family vineyard in the Piemonte region of Italy. When visiting the home where my grandmother's grandmother lived in Castellamonte, we came across this vineyard behind the houses.

Cows grazing in Alpi di Suissi under the majestic Dolomites is a common sight. One of the more memorable sounds of my travels is that of cow bells echoing in the Alps... so soothing and peaceful.

Another image from our visit to the Dolomites in the late fall of 2005, which included hiking across the Alpi di Suissi. Hiking under the majesty of Sasso Lungo and the jagged peaks of the Dolomites was a memorable experience.

While photographing in Milan's main piazza near the Duomo, I noticed the Duomo reflecting in the glass of these doors.

This photograph was taken on my 2005 visit to Italy. The scene was one that required patience as these steps had a constant flow of people and I had to play a long waiting game to get the right moment (you can read more about it in my blog).

A detailed view of the city hall in Perugia. The various elements, touches of color, and the combination of shadows make for a visually appealing image.

It is amazing that I even have this shot in my portfolio. I was attracted by the light as it struck the buildings differently. However, to achieve this perspective I had to mount my camera on a tripod, set the timer and hold the tripod up above my head, stabilizing it on a railing. It took several tries but I captured the scene.

I was attracted by the warm colors of this scene.

A simple façade on a restaurant, yet it is appealing. I have sold several prints of this image.

The leading lines created by the architectural elements of this image along with the subtle color variations make for a pleasing composition.

The hill country of Umbria shrouded in haze and light fog is seen in the distance from a vantage point in the town of Perugia.

I thought sepia toning this image added just the right touch needed to convey the atmosphere of the scene.

when we visited Spoleto in 2005 it had a weathered and worn look. There was a lot of remodeling going on with the old buildings but I thought sepia conveyed that aged ambiance appropriately.

I loved the dappled light that illuminated the courtyard beyond this Brunello winery entrance in Montalcino. Love the olive jar.

The warm colors of this agriturismo in the Val d'Orcia combine well with the white stone steps and the grey gravel. We rented an apartment room here for a week, enabling us to explore the region and relax to the rhythm of Tuscany.

We came across this quiet little courtyard in the hills above the Val d'Orcia while out for a drive.

Another view of the Brunello winery we visited in Montalcino. Again, the dappled light in the courtyard is the accent that adds panache.

The ancient Ponte della Maddalena lies in the Serchio River valley of the northern region of Tuscany known as the Garfagnana.

Harsh sunlight creates strong shadows and warms the stone buildings in this courtyard at a winery in the hill town of Montalcino.

This is not a typical image that people would associate with Tuscany. Bagni di Lucca is in northwestern Tuscany in the region called the Garfagnana. The town is nestled in the valley of the Serchio River amongst the Apuan Alps. This spa town attracted the likes of Byron, Shelley, Dumas, Rossini, Lizst, Verdi and Puccini to mention a few.

The door leading to our apartment at the agriturismo.

These special Brunellos were on display in a niche at a winery in Montalcino.

The solitude of a stroll under the Tuscan sun down a quiet lane in Tuscany is just what the soul needs. This image was captured on my 2014 visit to Tuscany. I have added warmth and sepia toning to give it a romantic feel that is Tuscany.

I cannot say for certain that this is an old mill but the architecture seems to hint at it. This scene was in a valley far below a hill town somewhere around Montalcino.

Rays of sunlight create shadows which strengthen the leading lines in this image while the dappled light on the wall illuminates the red ivy.

This quiet little courtyard was somewhere in the hills above Val d'Orcia. We just happed upon the place while out for a drive.

One more image of the agriturismo we called home for a week.

In this scene I feel that the soft colors of this sunrise complement the earth tones don't you?

I have both a vertical and horizontal version of this scene. To read more about the making of this image, visit my January 16, 2016 blog "Don't Forget to Turn Around".

This famous cypress grove lies along the road between Siena and San Quirico but I climbed up into the surrounding hills early in the morning to obtain this view.

This photograph is a prime example of the ever changing light in Tuscany. As clouds rolled across the sky late in the day, the sun broke through to illuminate this hill for a brief moment and then it was gone. Fortunately I had been set up in position, waiting and watching the light.

Spending a week in the Val d'Orcia afforded me opportunities to experience a variety of sunrises. The silhouette of these cypress trees seemed an ideal subject against this tequila sunrise.

I chose a square format for this photograph to emphasize the solitary nature of this lone cypress tree.

The sparsely interspersed cypress trees on the ridges in the Crete Senese are great subjects for minimalism - Silhouettes and a little color is all you need.

Walking out into the plowed autumn fields of the Crete Senese at evening time is quite peaceful. A solitary cypress tree expresses the solitude well.

I have both a vertical and horizontal version of this scene. To read more about the making of this image, visit my January 16, 2016 blog "Don't Forget to Turn Around".

Another morning of dramatic clouds at sunrise in the Val d'Orcia.

It's another tequila sunrise... with a different focal length.

I photographed the fountain in Arles on my first visit to France in 1998. This image was captured on film early in the morning before the town began to stir. This is a beautiful old fountain. I wonder if Van Gogh took the time to notice... or was he too busy painting the café?

Wine is king in Beaune, a town in the Burgundy region of France. I visited Beaune in 2009 and the presence of the wine culture permeated this little town.

I visited Beaune on a day trip from Paris in 2009. Often the strong harsh light of mid-day lends itself to the black and white medium, where the shadows and tones add to the composition. However, I thought the profusion of flowers could be emphasized by adding a spot of color to this black and white image.

This image is testimony to the fact that you can still obtain great photographs while shooting in the middle of the day. The scene was entirely in the shade with nice even light. The colors, tones and textures create visual interest and a pleasing composition.

A detail view of the fountain in Arles. The sign "eau non potable", basically "don't drink the water" is a nice touch. One client couldn't resist purchasing this print for their bathroom... what a clever idea.

This image has been softened digitally and I added some warmth to create an appealing ambiance.

This view over Salzburg is from Kapuzinerberg across the valley. Taken at daybreak on a very cold morning the sky was quite dramatic as the clouds quickly rolled past.

Soft evening light and a calm reflection showcase the grand beauty of the Glorietta at Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna.

As the late afternoon sun begins to set, a warm glow is cast on the west facing side of the Glorietta at Schonbrunn.

Architectural elements of both a building and garden surround a statue in a garden at Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna.

With a long lens to compress the view, I was able to capture the rooftops of Salzburg dominated by the Untersberg in the background.

A view of Vienna from a path on the Schonbrunn Palace grounds is all that is needed to begin humming waltzes. Strauss' "Tales from the Vienna Woods" comes readily to mind.

Leopoldskron Castle near Salzburg seen from across the lake may be a familiar sight to many. It was used as the Von Trapp Family home in the film "The Sound of Music". This black and white image has been toned digitally giving it the resemblance of a selenium toned look.

This view over Salzburg is from Kapuzinerberg across the valley. Taken at daybreak on a very cold morning the sky was quite dramatic. This black and white image has been toned digitally to bring out the dramatic features in the morning sky.

This photograph is a composite created with layers from my nature images. The textures and tones yield a pleasing rendition of the view of Chateau Amboise in the Loire Valley.

What is France without the fruit of the vine. The wine culture is an integral part of life in France.

Alas, with our time in the Loire Valley cut short, I have few images of the chateaux in the region. I managed to capture this on an evening stroll during our brief stay in the area.

This image caught my eye while walking through a park at the former home of Leonardo da Vinci. Silk screens of Leonardo's works were hanging from the trees and the backlighting was coming through this one. Pure serendipity, timing and a careful eye for composition and lighting and voila!

Wine barrels and an old bucket always make great subjects for a composition.

We were able to tour Close Luce during our brief stay in the Loire Valley. The park around the former home of Leonardo da Vinci is filled with his inventions. Here is a paddle boat of his design docked and collecting autumn leaves.

Red ivy adds character to this collection of old wine barrels.