https://garysteinphotography.com/blog daily 0.75 2020-04-09 https://garysteinphotography.com/blog/the-new-reality-called-covid-19 monthly 0.5 2020-04-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1586458380066-UW5OAG004U8277LCGCCT/4T1A0178.jpg blog - The New Reality called COVID 19 Meet Musket. This amazing old timer is affectionately called “The Mayor” of my neighborhood. He regularly checks in on all of the people and dogs in our little neck of the woods. Our dog Joe loves Musket. Who doesn’t? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1586457896358-99Y37QWXY5DM0GQHG71W/IMG_1832-Edit.jpg blog - The New Reality called COVID 19 I doubt the parking lot is empty because of the Food Area sign. This is the Corona result for now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1586457956487-RLEIARKG2DXDUXFW915B/4T1A0164.jpg blog - The New Reality called COVID 19 I need a shrink to find out why I love wood so much. But this stump was obviously cut recently. Because along with the wood grain, there is a new line pattern created by the saw used to cut the tree down. Love it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1586457770441-8LHC47BFD6AQJDT3R154/Boonton+Township+NJ blog - The New Reality called COVID 19 Boonton Township NJ. I always meant to shoot this scene. Well, I have the time. Rode my bike over there and grabbed it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1586458245629-RPV0X6KRHK1AFZWF88OH/Church+on+Main+Street+in+Franklin+NJ blog - The New Reality called COVID 19 Church on Main Street in Franklin NJ https://garysteinphotography.com/blog/2016/3/2/shirow-etz3c monthly 0.5 2019-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1571621494416-5G072ZT3446W2AM2NIVO/e4T1A7066.jpg blog - FALL 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1571621518941-8QN3PU60VCDERYSQTSLY/e4T1A7070.jpg blog - FALL 2019 https://garysteinphotography.com/blog/category/Photography monthly 0.5 https://garysteinphotography.com/blog/category/White monthly 0.5 https://garysteinphotography.com/blog/tag/Landscape+Photographer monthly 0.5 https://garysteinphotography.com/blog/tag/Bucks+County+PA monthly 0.5 https://garysteinphotography.com/blog/tag/photographer monthly 0.5 https://garysteinphotography.com/blog/tag/Landscape+Photography monthly 0.5 https://garysteinphotography.com/blog/tag/Gary+Stein monthly 0.5 https://garysteinphotography.com/blog/tag/photography monthly 0.5 https://garysteinphotography.com/welcome-hyde daily 1.0 2025-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570819213783-QHZGHYWCRV9SCFEOGRNV/lower+rez4T1A7082.jpg Welcome https://garysteinphotography.com/contact daily 0.75 2019-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570819866424-HH08R6DYQIGJYRKJOCAQ/Fire+facebook+2.jpg contact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570832588093-6JMXRY87X9S1OHVGSGM9/low+Father+and+son.jpg contact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570818132402-4CYI7YZKK2SF5W87DNM5/Slot+Canyon+in+Utah.jpg contact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575802425958-4XLKK78TW1JMIY1TR1F6/Prospect+View+Yellow+Moss.jpg contact https://garysteinphotography.com/about daily 0.75 2019-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1576404310359-FJ15P1HU4G45GO9J6ATU/Lunenburg+Motif.jpg about https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570821664296-KEOGYL526Q9220JKKAJP/Spoon+Man+looking+at+me.jpg about https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575918934049-9K2Q88XYMUSX9APZRX1F/Fall+at+the+Dog+Run+web.jpg about https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570821735908-IMDZG34GZ1EO3Y3J0OUN/RTH_0683.JPG about https://garysteinphotography.com/wood daily 0.75 2020-12-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577240106024-9IFSTN26C2GOSWMAHYMR/Barn%2Bon%2BBoonton%2BBike%2BRide Wood - Barn On My Bike Ride Every time I go for a ride I pass a farm with some very appealing barns. Can’t really shoot it from the road so one day I rang the doorbell. I didn’t want to say I love your barns because the wood is so distressed I think it’s beautiful! I think I said something pathetic like we want to build a barn and I’d like to model ours after one of yours. He liked that. I told him if he’d let me shoot the property I’d drop off photos for the family. I did just that and they seemed to like them a lot. That wood really was… historic? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1585311874187-M19WZFBLQXNXRLO2NXJZ/Red+Bench Wood - WOODHENGE I went for a walk in the reservation near our house with my wife. When I reached for my camera before we left home she said, “There’s not much to shoot there. Bare trees and dirt.” I told her I accept the challenge and will find one thing on our one-hour trek. So, this was it! A little red bench halfway into our walk/hike. Had a great walkabout and found one thing to add to the website! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1580739147167-N16RGH22PL73G18WRLR4/Wood+Barn Wood - Open House I have been buying distressed homes, fixing them up and selling them. This isn’t one of them. On the way to check out a house I saw this. Nah, I don’t see this as a rehab. It’s a beautiful relic in all it’s glory but it’s simply missing running water and uhm, everything else? But it stands alone under a stormy sky and begged me to photograph it. Or I was compelled to stop and photograph it. I still got to my appointment on time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575918200927-HQPIGRXMA9G8K9JND5YK/Joe+and+Wood.jpg Wood - Joe and Wood I was focusing on the woodpile when Joe wandered in. I thought he made the shot so much better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1576403307384-QBXQZWV9PNUW12D9YXVU/Inside+the+Bridge.jpg Wood - The Bridges in Buck’s (Not Madison) County I LOVE shooting covered bridges. A natural attraction for photographers. But I discovered that I like the inside even more than the outside! The criss-cross of the wood supports offer an opportunity for dozens of angles and views. The biggest challenge, while setting and resetting the camera and tripod, is dodging the cars using the bridge. I don’t think they’re as fascinated by the inside of the bridge as I am. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570818554573-30F5C5620BS2WJR5IWY1/Diamond+two+by+fours+in+barn+copy.jpg Wood - Chris-Cross Support https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570818462455-DFFVA24W6AYI7QQD7ESG/Window+in+red+barn+with+leaves+3+copy.jpg Wood - Blue Sky In Bloom https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570820107014-I9Q51YC5CXJ8H6TMMPG0/4T1A1631.jpg Wood - Durham Shingles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570821431703-P1VINJ9EHDWW1D3NG1ZP/Barn+in+Niagara.jpg Wood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1571620248126-14H5EHCDL9E3350DU2OG/Wood+On+Forest.jpg Wood - Sawed Off https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570831800593-QSGIXFBUZ8V2X3R3Z7RF/lowe4T1A7229.jpg Wood - Jimi Hendrix Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575918885996-XOJNAPSNF4X2LHPR0N51/Boonton+Barn_0002FINAL.jpg Wood - Move-In Ready https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575918934049-9K2Q88XYMUSX9APZRX1F/Fall+at+the+Dog+Run+web.jpg Wood - Sunbathing at the River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575918988985-3RHK924TE5PAAO6WO4WS/Forest+Rd+Stonewall+web.jpg Wood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575918987734-WK3OL4CXS2TP0DTWY6OF/Leaning+Little+Barn.jpg Wood - Refusing to Fall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575919023255-8YVVDIGT2NWRXCFUTXRO/Wooden+Door.jpg Wood - It's A Brown Door https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1580171456954-T23SKB8S8QOE8EBYUMVW/Building+Wide+Window-Edit.jpg Wood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1580171457354-2JBN23GOPBZKYPDQEWUH/Red+Building+Side+Window-Edit.jpg Wood - Bulging Decayed Wall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1580171461236-F2IJWG5LR6D8ALIYP08E/Red+Building+with+Design-Edit.jpg Wood - Rusty Mural https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1585312682741-CWCC96WZPO3OUJ0L8IEF/RED+BENCH.jpg Wood - Woodhenge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575918011015-EID2HM9NLH8EATVYHPJE/Birch+wood+at+Audrey%27s Wood - Birch Wood at Audrey’s Why a pile of Birch wood? Who is Audrey? Of course there’s a story to this. Let me try to connect the dots. When I was 19 I apprenticed at The Playhouse on the Mall in Paramus NJ. It had the distinction of being the only professional equity theater in a shopping mall in the country. It’s been gone for years. But it was a defining summer for me. The woman who ran the apprentice program was Audrey Koran. A seemingly tough theater veteran who taught and assigned backstage jobs to 25+ eager students of the theater. Audrey took to me and I took to her. She trusted me and began to give me more responsibility and ultimately I stage managed a few shows at the theater, which led to my beating her to Broadway by a mere three months. I think she liked that. She never stopped reminding me. Audrey became one of the best, most cherished lifelong friends anyone could hope for. My wife and I were frequent guests at her upstate New York retreat from the big city. My wife Sarah adored her too. So did our kids. We also loved her longtime boyfriend Tom. These were two insightful, extremely bright and empathetic people. Salt of the earth. On every trip up to Ankram, NY I would comb her acres of beautiful natural property and shoot whatever caught my eye. I randomly shot this pile of firewood stacked in her open shed, ready to handle a cold winter. Shortly after that trip I got a call from Audrey’s daughter, Liz at 6:00AM. That could NOT be a good thing. Liz was crying. Her mom died the night before in Tom’s arms. An unexpected death with no warning. Why the wood pile? Sometimes a seemingly unrelated photo can define something powerful. Why the wood pile? It’s like asking why Audrey? https://garysteinphotography.com/land-seascapes daily 0.75 2024-10-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1596549958389-4TEIFFLYWFPNH1GBLA22/Canoe+Image Land & Seascapes - Can U Canoe? We are so lucky to live within walking distance of the Rockaway River. Canoeing is a favorite activity for many in our neighborhood. We have one as well but we hardly ever have a chance to use it. This is NOT my canoe. I loved the red against the greenery. So serene. This is definitely a meditative spot for me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577194722269-D1QJM4I1PUSGSKSKQYX5/Tulum+Structure+with+Beautiful+Sky+webjpeg.jpg Land & Seascapes - Tulum A must-see bucket list trip for anyone carrying a camera has got to be the Mayan ruins. The structures are awe-inspiring. This was shot with my Hasselblad, the heavyweight champ of medium format film cameras. It wasn’t easy to grab any shot without tourists all over the iconic rock and stone constructions. Who could blame them? After all, what was I but a tourist with a camera? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577799228062-HU5QDP08AJFXTT2X1QY1/Massawepie+Sunset.jpg Land & Seascapes - I Never Shoot These I don't EVER shoot or post sunsets. Everybody shoots them. Julian Lennon is the sunrise/sunset expert. So are Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock. (Obscure reference for some. Sad.) But what can I say? I saw it, I shot it, I posted it. Boy Scout camp at Massawepie. Tupper Lake, New York. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577827560199-WOYCUEGWDHXQSJX1KS4K/Rounded+Stone+wall+web.jpg Land & Seascapes - My Lens of Lenses I think every photographer has a favorite lens. And of course that isn’t a constant. Favorites change. Lately my go-to lens is Canon’s exceptional 14mm prime. Before I shoot any landscape I try to see what it looks like through this lens. I may not choose to use it but it’s always amazing to see how it changes perspective on everything. With this lens the texture of the brick wall just exploded. I love the distortion as other-worldly images come to life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/04baa834-8de6-43c9-81a2-db31a1b17a64/Nova+Scotia+Focus+Stack+Scene.jpg Land & Seascapes - Nova Scotia - Front to Back Desired results in photography change all the time. That’s part of the fun of it. Sometimes I want your eye to go to one area of focus. But lately, only within the last year, I’ve wanted every single area of my landscapes tack sharp, from the furthest distance in the photo to the closest. Now I’m not gonna give away trade secrets here. But I will tell you it absolutely begins with a sturdy tripod. That - and a few magic tricks and special incantations pulls the whole thing together. :) I hope you like it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1601504945651-YGZ1T7WLTB8W3UTC9J5E/Barn+with+Fall+Colors Land & Seascapes - New Hobby Child that I am, I restored a 1971 Puch moped and ride it around looking for photo ops. I had no idea mopeds were so much fun. I will resist any temptation to get a motorcycle. 25 miles per hour is just fine thank you. And I can see the scenery by riding slowly. The colors are changing now as the weirdest year ever (2020) breaks into fall, I saw these colors from my new perch. I left the engine running, grabbed the shot and “sped” off. Such fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577328362849-2761HRKMWL5V77R9NT8L/Peggy%27s+Cove+Nova+Scotia+Lighthouse Land & Seascapes - Peggy’s Cove This classic lighthouse rests at the tip of Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia. I have photographed other lighthouses in my time. But none were more visually satisfying to me than this one. I look forward to our next trip up to that photographic playground. And next time, Prince Edward Island! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/ad234ed0-7896-45e4-85f1-44bc5c10b34d/x1K6A3174-Edit+copy.jpg Land & Seascapes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1601505286820-R3QP8E1LA5YD29GA1D3P/Horses Land & Seascapes - A Gaggle of Horses This serene scene is literally down the street from my house. Every time I ride by with my camera the horses aren’t out. Of course when I don’t have the camera horses fill the field as if they’re organizing a stampede! Well… today a few were out and I did have my camera. Gotcha! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/da88026e-9996-49d0-8d2c-e5d596d783f1/x1K6A3118-Edit.jpg Land & Seascapes - One of Many Caves at The Ovens This was one of the few dry caves. They are deep and dark but this one truly had the light at the end of the tunnel! I think I stood here for an h our! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/5cb426cb-1a30-47cd-adcb-0b74ceab1fdf/x1K6A3206-Edit.jpg Land & Seascapes - Another Delicacy from The Ovens The colors are beyond belief. Very light editing was done here. Basically what ya see is what ya get! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570817935606-MBTPTLJSHTZJC5ZMAGA0/Stonehenge+In+Utah.jpg Land & Seascapes - Stonehenge in Utah I’m not a camper. Really. I’ve always said that my idea of roughing it is going to a hotel I’ve never been to. But my good friend, Lenny Shulman, told me he camped in Utah almost every year and it was the most gorgeous scenery one could imagine. I believed him. But then he said if I joined him we’d be hiking for ten days, ten miles a day, with backpacks, tents, etc. My first response was “no way!” My second response was “NO WAY!” But then… I thought about the pictures. I put on my big boy pants, I bit the bullet and went. This was a while ago so we were both in very good hiking shape and came back even better! And lo and behold, I had my choice of some of the best photo ops I’d ever seen anywhere. And Lenny was such a great guide, we didn’t need no stinkin’ Bryce Canyon or Zion National Park. Lenny blazed his own trails. Structures like this would simply present themselves, daring to be photographed. Rock formations like this made me think of Stonehenge. It was a little tricky to shoot but a touch of fill-flash made the difference. Lenny and I have talked about doing this kind of trip again. Maybe this time… motels? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/034dfb9f-1d2d-4448-a884-0fe19d2c3952/1K6A2518+for+site.jpg Land & Seascapes - Portsmouth Passports Do you ever forget to renew your passport? I have - three times in a row. So that means I’ve forgotten to renew each time over the last 30 years. My wife also forgot. Of course we had a trip planned to Canada, minus passports. Well that wouldn’t work, so I tried to get an emergency appointment in New York. Luckily there was one appointment available. Unluckily it was in Portsmouth, New Hampshire! We live in New Jersey. Always looking to make lemonade out of lemons, I thought if we adjust our driving route to Canada, we can pass right through Portsmouth. And if we have no problem at the passport office this will be snag free! (Crossed fingers.) Otherwise our destination would become… Portsmouth. As luck would have it this was the easiest, friendliest, fastest passport experience we ever had. Even had a little time for sightseeing and photo ops before finishing our drive to Canada. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1583246707551-KOE1KWZZBVRPZGGT3NP0/Hassy+Scan+Stone+house+Red+Door.jpg Land & Seascapes - The Red Door Whenever I ride my bike through beautiful Fayson Lakes (NJ) I pass this stone building with the RED door. But to capture this I wanted to bring out the heavy artillery. Tricky lighting here to get two stone sides. Hasselblad medium format film camera with 60mm Zeiss lens. Kodak Ektar 100 speed film. A handheld meter, a tripod and away we go. Loved the negatives. Scanned them on a pro scanner. Got back a digital image that was so large I could make a wall mural out of this and not lose detail. No matter what the age, a great camera with a great lens wins. :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1572655270612-IVXE8PDB2SW6XX9W3CR0/4T1A7624.JPG Land & Seascapes - Aqua Cove https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570818343790-YKS6271FMW69QAPNLILY/SIDEOF%7E1_0006.jpg Land & Seascapes - A Bridge Not Far https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570818798091-KALTYQ4OQRB98AILK52Q/Venice+Bridge+and+Scenic.jpg Land & Seascapes - Venice Bridges https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570818911291-R093CXLP3EBC6JRL1IB7/011.jpg Land & Seascapes - Church Wall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570818948547-S39C7BGNK6FBZUE5ONUF/012.jpg Land & Seascapes - Peek-A-Boo Tree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570819258265-BQ81414JU1WZQK3015K0/e4T1A7273.jpg Land & Seascapes - Buck's Barn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570820625394-JH3OWW5UHXXIHPVCMJ86/lowe4T1A7209.jpg Land & Seascapes - White Buck Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1571619416487-QQKLECBJRFCLEGURJJ3N/Dead+Tree+and+Foliage.jpg Land & Seascapes - Live Dead Tree in Boonton https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575802425958-4XLKK78TW1JMIY1TR1F6/Prospect+View+Yellow+Moss.jpg Land & Seascapes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1601505528999-76GGAGR1PA8B91M9KR1J/4T1A1006-Edit.jpg Land & Seascapes - Red Gate to Paradise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1601505562644-DS3E7YHEEKI7PGVMFJ88/IMG_1835.jpg Land & Seascapes - Boonton Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1601505576116-TSE2HYZRBZDFECJTVOT7/4T1A1012-Edit.jpg Land & Seascapes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1601505572772-UKQ5HUM4TBSTEY8SJSR4/4T1A1026-Edit.jpg Land & Seascapes - Exploding Color On Stone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/d3d859ed-0d41-4719-b1b6-aa8801add3c7/Paterson+River+Falls+Squarespace.jpg Land & Seascapes - Paterson River Falls (AKA) The Great Falls Growing up in Clifton, NJ, the neighboring city of Paterson, everyone I knew had been to the Great Falls at least once. Many people from the area don’t even know it is the 2nd largest waterfall, by volume, east of the Mississippi River, behind only Niagara Falls. The Great Falls were carved by glaciers that receded 13,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age. I don't think I was even born yet! :) Enough of that! You didn’t come here for a history lesson! One more truth. Just one more! EVERYONE has shot it. If you’re in the area come and photograph it and make it your own! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575661468528-AZ8W3IXSOVF50LZ8YAU8/Gary+Stein.jpg Land & Seascapes - Hanging Out the Wash in Venice Venice is one of the most romantic places on earth. But the smell from the canals doesn’t exactly add to the romance, nor does it really take away since Venice is so breathtaking, especially if you don’t take a breath. One of the many things I loved seeing was the incongruity of the beauty of the canals and the wash hanging on the lines. Well, after all it isn’t just there to amuse tourists. Real people live there. They have to do what they have to do. Even in regards to the smell of the canal. Okay enough of that. Venice is a beautiful place! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577041678918-BTJA85G287QCYMHIWKUE/Rockport%2C+MA+Fishing+Village+Bradley+Wharf Land & Seascapes - Motif #1 For the first time ever Sarah and I went up to Rockport, MA. We always heard how beautiful this fishing village was. We decided to take a look for ourselves and were blown away. This building is called Motif #1. Located on Bradley Wharf in the harbor town of Rockport, it is a replica of a former fishing shack well known to students of art and art history as "the most often-painted building in America." The original structure was built in 1840 and destroyed in the Blizzard of 1978, but an exact replica was constructed that same year. Naturally, I had to have a shot at this building too. I hope I did it justice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577327957722-SYH5433DEOPV3UMP364M/Niagara+Falls+and+Rainbow.jpg Land & Seascapes - Rainbow At the Falls We have family in Canada and almost every summer we spend a week there. I have attempted to catch a rainbow in Niagara Falls many times. Finally I not only caught one but the “Maid of the MIst”… was speeding by, carrying a boatload of tourists. Happy day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577193099358-DM5B891HMA54Y5FQ7GHW/Barn+with+waterwheel+and+fisherman Land & Seascapes - Game-Changer This turned out to be a very eventful day. My friend Gary West was in town. We shot a few hundred weddings together in Los Angeles. I’ve never seen Gary without a camera. In fact one night at dinner with our wives, Gary shot all of our entrees. Go figure. He has to capture everything! My local photo buddy, Steve Selenfriend, Gary and I ventured out to western New Jersey loaded with camera gear. They had high-end digital cameras and I brought my trusty Hasselblad, a medium format film camera. At one point Steve suggested I try his Canon 5D. After shooting this pic and several more I had to adjust my thinking of digital versus film. Digital cameras really did have the goods. Hooked. I bought a Canon 5D Mark III and all the accoutrements. Now I shoot film and digital. I blame Steve! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/b1e27a5b-6d31-4f77-a0de-b78fc18aefe8/x1K6A3174-Edit+copy.jpg Land & Seascapes - The Ovens: Nova Scotia Not far from the land we own on the south shore of Nova Scotia is this magical National park. It’s called “The Ovens” because of the cave formations throughout that look like ovens. Spending a day there just isn’t enough. There’s so much to take in. There are evening concerts as well as a charming indoor/outdoor restaurant. Several pics follow from our first trip there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577055852982-JS6Z5RICE149IATZP02L/Lunenburg+Motif.jpg Land & Seascapes - Motif #0 This building is not an official motif. But when we visited Nova Scotia in November 2019 we toured a gorgeous fishing village called Lunenburg. I think I could live there. Although I don’t fish. But I don’t think I could ever run out of subject matter in Nova Scotia. It really is everything I imagined. Maybe this will become the most painted and photographed building in Canada? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/a7e7bb48-9df7-4ecb-a670-c0eaa2617812/OVENS+FOCUS+STACK+2+for+web+10%3A10%3A24.jpg Land & Seascapes - The Ovens. Hi Neighbor! Historic moment. Yes I have been here before and shot here before. It’s one of my favorite places in Nova Scotia. “The Ovens Natural Park” in Feltzen South. But now… we have a home just a mile away. Our Nova Scotia dream has become a reality. How much time will we spend here? We don’t know yet. But with sites like this, I suspect we will be here often. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/a8377991-2c8c-4321-ac93-c5d32731800f/The+See+Through+Tree.jpg Land & Seascapes - The See-through Tree I was walking Joe the greyhound in the park next door. I discovered that THIS had only recently happened as I had walked past this tree many times. Not only was the tree wide open but I could see the sky through the peep hole in the back. I have no idea how long this tree will still be viable. I doubt it can live like this. The best I could do was capture it for posterity. I hope this beauty is feeling no pain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/cd3b5f3e-0a8f-4fcd-8d6d-0fdb4c45294c/Niagara+Rapids+Walk+2.jpg Land & Seascapes - Not Just Niagara Falls! Of course everyone, not just honeymooners, certainly know of Niagara Falls. But… just a stone’s throw from the Falls is another natural spectacle. If you’re in the area, take in the power and the peril of The Niagara River's Class 6 Whitewater Rapids. You will not be disappointed. But if you are, it’s not my fault. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577056610858-68RLUYMHW9E0U0DQGR9E/Prospect+Rocks+and+Ocean.jpg Land & Seascapes - View From Prospect Bay My wife’s cousins, Craig and Kim Wells can stare at this view from almost anywhere in their house. Beautiful Prospect Bay, Nova Scotia. They must be very relaxed people. Just meditate by looking out the window! I could get used to this. We stayed with them for four days and took the tour. We also thought about putting an offer in on a house down the street. I can dream can’t I? https://garysteinphotography.com/mortals daily 0.75 2022-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/85dc2d4f-da67-4d62-94c4-b2622fe99eb7/4T1A2256.jpg Mortals - Orthodox Engagement Party I recently offered to photograph an engagement party. It had been a long time since I did this professionally. But I got into it. I also reminded myself that after getting the necessary pictures, I switch to a much longer portrait lens to try to capture moments where the subject is not posing for me. This shot of a party guest kinda happened shortly before I left for the evening. This is always the gold I’m after. I love his face. Deep in thought, pensive or, perhaps not. Maybe this is him having a great time? Whatever he’s thinking, he’s not posing. I always loved people photography This party reminded me why I love it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1578177150834-3OZH39M4K9PQU3W10CR7/Brouch+on+Coney+Island.jpg Mortals - Grouch On Coney Island This was not a happy camper on the boardwalk at Coney Island. He wasn’t yelling at me. He was complaining about the waves. They were noisy. They were too aggressive. He also didn’t think they were blue enough. I made him laugh before I moved on. I told him I thought the Atlantic Ocean simply held too much water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577241231513-7APHEJ6X4O6P1E1LFNVS/Godfrey+Townsend Mortals - Godfrey Townsend Godfrey is one of those rock and roll vets that musicians know and love. He’s played out with… everyone! He’s one of the most talented guitarists I know and one of the nicest, most generous people on the planet. Godfrey happily shares his talent. My personal proof of that is that he took my son Ben under his wing. Godfrey thinks Ben is the real deal and has been mentoring him for several years. Everything I said about Godfrey is exemplified in this photo. He is literally watching Ben solo on stage at a show in Westbury, Long Island. Godfrey invited Ben to join him on this and many other concerts. Look at the pride in that man’s face! Do you wonder why I love the guy? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1580181348067-MZHUAA0DD3HI7UZ55PWP/coney+island Mortals - Coney Island Babes The Boardwalk at Coney Island is still a great place to visit. Even though it’s a shell of what it used to be, the flavor, the buildings that harken back to a different time, the ambiance and colorful characters are still a welcomed assault to the senses. When I saw these fine ladies I imagined an entire history in my head. They grew up here. They’re widows. They meet every day for camaraderie and to share stories of a happier time. They find comfort in each other. I didn’t want to bother them to find out if my imagination hit any truths. I caught a moment and moved on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570821040413-EZQTM3WCFT4P6K4VLFU4/IMG_3197.JPG Mortals - Maurice When the kids were still kids we went to Punta Cana for a vacation and I agreed it was better to stay at a resort. But I wanted to see the place through the eyes of a person who didn’t work for the hotel. I wanted a personal scout to show us his Punta Cana. To go where he ate and shopped and hung out. Through a contact at the resort we found the perfect tour guide. Maurice. It might have been a little risky but it turned out to be the day I had hoped for. He took us to the marketplaces, the caves, the villages and we got to mingle with the people who lived there, raised their children, made their living. He was amazing and so kind. We still talk about him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1578774409040-BMZII68961QLRINUO0WM/Pride+for+site.jpg Mortals - Pride While visiting friends in downtown LA, I decided to walk through the Los Angeles Bowery. I came across this man resting in a doorway. Obviously he had seen better days. I started talking to him and asked if I could take his picture. With that, he sat up straight, smoothed out his hair and struck a pose, arms crossed over knees, chin held high. I believe he wanted to look his best. I was moved beyond belief and I learned something that day. There is an inherent need for dignity, for pride and understanding where one fits in at every stop along our uncertain lives. After capturing this moment on film I felt very hopeful. I didn’t see a homeless person. I saw a man. I paid him for the privilege of allowing me to take his picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575803359354-QK39ZM1KESZX1CC7RGNP/Billy+at+the+Chessecake+Factory Mortals - Billy at the Cheesecake Factory Recently I was having dinner at the mall with my youngest son, Billy. My wife and kids are used to my annoying habit of trying to catch photo moments. I loved the way the lamp on the table glowed on his face. I think he was in mid-sentence when I said, “Bill don’t move! Stay just like that!” This less than pleased expression revealed itself. Having no camera, I used my iPhone. He didn’t mind that much. Of course I paid for dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570819720892-G7MFTUW3QI7AMVW423J7/Stein673464-R1-009.jpg Mortals - Greg York I met Greg through my wife around 1990 when we were still living in LA. They went to Northwestern University together. It’s great when you meet someone’s good friend and you become just as close to that person. Greg was a wildly talented costume designer and won numerous Emmys for his work on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS. He was wickedly funny, smart and so thoughtful. When I met him we knew he was HIV positive but not yet sick. The disease finally took hold. Toward the end of his life I asked him if he’d like a photo session for his birthday. He eagerly said yes. I think we used four or five locations in his apartment and several costume changes, including Greg sitting in his pink bathtub, wearing a tuxedo and drinking champagne. I’ll have to hunt that one down. We lost him at the ripe young age of 34. Enough said. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/bc406647-0edb-4d7c-981b-165a689ec185/4T1A2264.jpg Mortals - A Most Serious Rabbi Yes - as he’s about to conduct prayers at this very same party. But this special man also has a face that lights up with excitement, is an inspiring orator and is all about family, community, love and his devotion to God. I am not the most religious man in the world. But when I meet one who walks the walk and talks the talk I am moved not beyond belief… but to it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575714743470-MJNC0KI62OGJY69XVAMC/Alicia+Keyes+arms+up.jpg Mortals - Alicia's Harlem https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570819928219-NMZSZEGQ05Y1UPX9WWQ4/014.jpg Mortals - Classic Coburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570830483194-T51HY5HO8WY5ULEXCSIF/DSC_0300.jpg Mortals - Sarah at Luna Stage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1576968058526-A7ZYU3621PZDIYIO1T4W/Sarah+Lounging+Again.jpg Mortals - Portrait in the Ballroom https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1576967815581-VMIC6PW19BS5H884TZT4/Sarah+Partridge.jpg Mortals - Sarah with Attitude https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1576967943898-220FHG7TWC8Z3BPBSM4O/Sarah+%231+blur+3.3+crop+%2B+1.6+blur.jpg Mortals - Salute to Noir https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1576968630289-Q2ZQ7OXE9HZWV5ZFWI1T/2018-03-30+10.14.32.jpg Mortals - Ben Takes Stage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1612491079611-JZNZQ6TT9B7QV96HJLWF/Lost+in+Punta+Cana.jpg Mortals - Pensive In Punta Cana Well this gentleman wasn’t exactly pensive. He was contemplative and wore an expression that suggested a very tough life. He occasionally muttered comments to himself about passersby. I don’t think he was offering compliments. I made a terrible mistake. One I usually don’t make. I didn’t ask him first if I could take his picture. He looked so involved in his own thoughts I was reluctant to interrupt. Big mistake. After I fired off this shot his head swiveled in my direction faster than Linda Blair’s head in the EXORCIST. He got to his feet and walked toward me with his hand out. I gathered I wasn’t the first person to take his picture. But I may have been the first person to not ask before clicking the shutter. Well, I thought I had captured a pretty good moment so I handed him a few bucks and thanked him. He muttered something under his breath and positioned himself exactly as before in his perch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1605307909846-5GEKUQNL1T75QZCUA722/Posturing+In+Punta+Cana Mortals - Posturing In Punta Cana We saw so many amazing sites in this beautiful part of the world. I mostly focused on the people and places in the Dominican Republic. But sometimes the tourists (like myself) catch my eye. I glanced at this couple and admired them. Why? Because sometimes I can be so self conscious I’m reluctant to take my shirt off at the beach. This isn’t really new. I’ve always been this way to some degree. These two seem to have no such concerns. Bravo. And Brava. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575715127905-60K0XOLUV775Q3PQWXAB/Jim+Lampley Mortals - Jim Lampley It may seem out of character to some that I have always been a boxing fan. Loved the best fighters of the 60’s and 70’s especially. I think the best announcer in my lifetime is Jim Lampley. He was the face and voice of HBO boxing. Recently, HBO dropped the entire boxing platform and allowed SHOWTIME to run with it. It isn’t quite the same without Lampley. I have had the good fortune (as a TV producer) to finesse some impressive ringside seats at a number of fights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575803976616-T23S5AD5H9VWZJ2S1LMB/Love+Laughs+and+Linguine Mortals - Love Laugh and Linguine My writing partner on the left is Sam Ingraffia. The dude on the right is ME from around 1988. These were publicity shots for a dozen planned sitcom pilots at almost every studio in LA. Sam and I created these characters SAL AND JUNIOR. They were us. We were them. We thought we were gonna be very famous. We literally had development deals at Paramount, Universal, Warner Brothers, Fox, you name it, we had a deal. Yet, NO SHOW EVER HAPPENED. And we never had the money for great publicity shots so I always shot them. I shot this of us and 100 others. Time exposure is a beautiful thing. :) I set the lights, the backdrop and fired away. We are still best friends some 30 years later and we’re still not famous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577039630663-3XRSF3MS5AF3CTJDOAG3/Sarah%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bmike%2BStudio%2BMasters.jpg Mortals - First Recording My favorite subject for the past 25+ years has been this world class jazz singer. My beautiful wife, Sarah Partridge, makes photography a snap because it’s impossible to take a bad picture of her. This shot is from the archives. This was at a place called Studio Masters in Los Angeles. Probably 1991 or 1992. It was the very first time Sarah recorded any song anywhere. I think one studio light was above her. Slowwwwwwwww shutter speed. Many recording sessions were to follow. Be on the lookout for more pics of her. I can’t help it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575714602589-1ZVXSLL41K5DR2VQA10Y/Alicia+Keyes+2.jpg Mortals - Alicia Keyes Working as a Senior Producer at GOOD MORNING AMERICA offered opportunities to meet and photograph some amazing people. We produced an outdoor concert on the streets of Harlem. Alicia is one of the nicest, sweetest and most authentic people I’ve been lucky enough to meet. I had been following her with my camera and she was always ready to flash that winning smile. Side-note: When my beautiful jazz-singin’ wife, Sarah Partridge played GOOD MORNING AMERICA on the 4th of July 2006, I borrowed the very same red piano from Baldwin. It looked so good here I knew it was the right choice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577223590428-2VSCF7WS108YDPGQWDJZ/Old+Man+On+Santa+Barbara+Beach Mortals - Grooming in Santa Barbara I love Santa Barbara. Love the town. Love the beach and it was a great way to escape LA for the day. I saw this gent several times. He lived, literally, on the beach. For a guy who lived outdoors, I never saw a more fastidious groomer in my life. He was either trimming his nails, cutting his hair or shaping his beard, most of the day. I wish I took this kind of care with my own grooming. Although I do have a leg up on him. I don’t smoke. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570819448670-1SURD3F9OFBT2UCXVCL7/Ringo+2.jpg Mortals - Ringo Starr I produced every segment RINGO STARR did in the 7 years I was at GOOD MORNING AMERICA. We have been in touch consistently over the last 20+ years. In fact Ringo was on my podcast of four years every time I asked him. Recently, I took my son Ben, who is pursuing a career as a professional rock and blues guitarist, to a concert where he would finally meet Ringo. We went backstage before the concert. I got a Ringo hug, then introduced Ben and they hugged. It’s worth noting that if you are friends with Ringo he is wonderfully sarcastic. After the hug he said to Ben, “Well Ben, you certainly didn’t luck out in the father department!” I love this guy. As a kid growing up I waited with bated breath for the release of every Beatles album. If you told teenage Gary that he would know a Beatle some day he wouldn’t have believed you. It took Ben a week to come down from that night. Ringo is smart, eternally youthful, fun and so not full of himself. If he was who could blame him? But he is great fun and says of his days with the Beatles, “We were a good little band.” Uh, yeah. Ya think? I took this picture from my seat, using an appropriate long lens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570818703647-F4YFZY93YC21BKDF3QX6/Venice+Bird+Woman.jpg Mortals - Bird Woman When my wife and I were in Venice we often strolled through the Piazza San Marco. The pigeons seem to enjoy this world famous spot about as much as the people. This particular woman threw a ton of breadcrumbs and then stepped into their inner circle. I wasn’t sure if she meant to get all of this attention. I wondered if they knew her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577223660241-44RLK9EUXXL49GQBRT2S/Old+lady+rocker.jpg Mortals - May Pang’s Blowout Bash You might remember May Pang. THIS is not May Pang. May was John Lennon’s girlfriend during his marriage to Yoko Ono. John and May went on the road together to try to sort things out. Ultimately, John wound up back with Yoko. But I have been friends with May for many years and every year she throws one helluva birthday party. It’s a food and music fest in NYC and I try not to miss it. May is magnetic and just naturally attracts people. Brings them together. So, a ton of rock and roll performers get on stage and jam the night away. My son Ben has been on stage with his guitar guru, Godfrey Townsend for the past three years. I have no idea who this rocker is pictured here. But she certainly made an impression. Musically and physically. Can’t wait to see who turns up this year! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577066291613-1KNP58RCHPZA2D3KA1NX/Steve+Allen+Tonight+Show Mortals - Steve Allen In 1978, after stage managing several shows on Broadway, I was asked to take a show on the road, written by and featuring Steve Allen. You young people may not know that Steve was a television innovator/icon and was the first host of The Tonight Show in the 1950’s. This was quite a summer for me. As we toured the east coast, I would sit up nights in hotel rooms working with Steve on rewrites throughout the tour. What a thrill! Plus he asked me to shoot some publicity shots with Steve dressed in character. Cosmically, our worlds would soon collide. Steve introduced me to quite a bit of jazz. Years later I was producing a kind of “Entertainment Tonight” on the FX Network. Steve was a guest. As the veteran he was, he whispered in my ear on set, “3/4 shots only please and nothing from the left side.” Ah Steve. After the show I told him that he gave me the gift of so much music I wanted to return the favor. I gave him Sarah’s first CD, just released in 1998. A few weeks later I got a note in the mail from Steve. He broke down every single song on the album and dissected it in glorious detail. I say glorious because he instantly became a huge fan of Sarah’s. In fact whenever she played LA Steve was in the audience. And when he was in New York we went to see him. One night after one of his shows we went backstage, walked into his dressing room and he greeted us with youthful exuberance and said, “Hiya kids!” Some time later, back home in LA, Steve got into a very minor fender-bender. Not feeling quite well he drove to his son’s house to rest on the sofa. He closed his eyes and shortly after that he passed away quietly. Peacefully. Two days after his death we got a letter from him that he mailed the day before he died. We will never forget this guy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577057238016-BDCW81X15OWWHWORGRVR/Spoon%2BMan%2Blooking%2Bat%2Bme.jpg Mortals - I’m Not Scary! So… it looks like I might have taken a field trip to a local prison. This guys’ eyes could give ya nightmares. But no… this was a “friendly” street musician playing the spoons on a corner in Nashville. I asked him if I could take a picture of him showing off his musical talents. He obliged and played, uhm, something while I fired away. The expression in his eyes never changed. But he did play a mean spoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570819955402-81GZ6DAZAYOMMUV7QGT1/010.jpg Mortals - James Coburn I had the good fortune of being asked to write an early Discovery Network series. It was called “Hollywood Stuntmakers” and hosted by James Coburn. I wrote all 13 episodes. Because of a rather low production budget we had to use a lot of footage from the same films to demonstrate stunts. It required almost wall-to-wall voiceover from Jim. He hated that! So did I. But it gave me a great opportunity to meet him in his trailer every morning at 6:00am to do what we called “Coburnizing” the script. We tried to take the onus off of how wordy it was by having Jim improvise some material and I would write it into the script. Afterwards I would give the changes to the teleprompter operator. During this time I got to learn a great deal about him. Things that many people wouldn’t know. He told me why he chose the role he played in THE MAGNIFICENT 7. How he and his best friend, the late Bruce Lee, produced a film together and what he learned about martial arts and eastern culture. He let me shoot his publicity shots. He said I knew him better than the studio photographer. I was proud of that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577067861280-D456BXKFTXIPKQI9DR2L/Ben+Stein+Musician Mortals - Here Comes Ben Stein Let me be an obnoxious father just for a second. Our son Ben is fast becoming a super-sonic classic rock and blues guitarist. He’s getting a lot of attention and hopefully he’s on his way in a difficult career. So because my wife and eldest son perform on stage, I’ve been doing a lot of concert photography. Loving the challenge of shooting in fast-paced environments with ever-changing lighting conditions. I learn something new technically every time I take on the battle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577071816161-ROV3M4DHLWZIWDT1AH3I/Anthony+Michael+Hall.jpg Mortals - Anthony Michael Hall Also from the same play with Steve Allen, a 10 year old kid with no acting experience was chosen to play Steve as a little boy. His real name was Michael Anthony Hall, but he needed to change his name because there was already a Michael Hall in Actor’s Equity Association. As the traveling stage manager, I was offered extra money to be Michael’s guardian on the road. I said yes cause I could use the bucks but didn’t yet know what I was in for. Michael was a precocious, talented, funny, wildly energetic kid. WAY beyond his years… and he was… a handful. But frankly, I got such a kick out of him that we stayed in touch for a number of years. By the time he starred in “The Breakfast Club”, “Sixteen Candles” and more, it was too difficult to catch this guy on his meteoric journey. Many years later, when I was at GOOD MORNING AMERICA, Michael showed up as a guest. It was a very happy reunion. Michael was now a man. Shocking to see him all grown up. We had fun reminiscing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1579127865815-WEKZ4I9IN1LMS8MDJRL4/Johnny+Cash+and+June+Carter+Cash+Wedding Mortals - Cashing In! Ok, look this is not a great photo. I know that. It’s one of the dozens of weddings I shot while living in California seeking wine, women and song. Wait - I don’t sing and I don’t drink. In any case, if Every Picture Tells A Story (nod to Rod Stewart) the story to this picture is one for the ages. Yes up front and in person that is Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. Be patient. It began like any other wedding job. Beautiful hotel, wonderful bride and groom. I arrive early am with Gary West, my best buddy photo partner, to capture a full day’s event. The groom, known as “Lucky” his whole life, (this moniker pays off later trust me) was very disgruntled when we arrived. He and his future wife booked the honeymoon suite a year in advance. But whenever Johnny and June Carter Cash play a show in the area they get that very suite. The hotel managers were very empathetic but couldn’t do anything about it. Disappointed, Lucky, seizing an opportunity, asked if he could leave a note in Mr. Cash’s mailbox. In essence the message said, “Dear Mr. Cash, I booked the honeymoon suite a lifetime ago but I know you get it when you stay here. So after your concert the least you could do is stop at the party tonight and maybe you two could sing a song”… Boldly done but with a sense of humor. All day we joked about it. He was telling people that he hired Johnny Cash to play his wedding. And all day we riffed on the unlikely appearance of these two country superstars. Around 11:30pm this raucous party was winding down. The wedding band was getting ready for their final break. Suddenly the ballroom doors began to slide open, “The Man In Black” strode in holding June’s hand. The two of them climbed up on the bandstand. Johnny took the mic from the band’s stunned singer and said in a deep voice, “Who’s Lucky?” Sheepishly, the shell-shocked groom stepped forward, walking to the apron of the stage with his newly minted wife. Johnny and June nodded to the band, whispered something to Rick, the band leader and they launched into a rousing rendition of “Jackson”… To say the crowd went nuts is an understatement. But the Cash’s weren’t done. They sang three more songs. I thought the bride and groom were going to pass out. This wedding surpassed any of their expectations. To Hell with the honeymoon suite! We’ve got Johnny Cash! They all kissed. They hugged. Lucky told Johnny that next to marrying his best friend this was the greatest gift he ever received. Johnny wasn’t done. Right after this picture was taken, Johnny took the couple’s hands and told them,”Never go to bed angry”… they promised to heed the advice. With that, Johnny and June strode to the door and headed up to the honeymoon suite. Do you see why this “typical” wedding photo demanded inclusion on my website? :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577464325884-34A9N0CP9FNPTRROODW5/Dad+Portrait.jpg Mortals - Dad, AKA: Lee Stein When the cosmos gave me Lee Stein as a father I drew the winning lottery ticket. I can’t say enough about him. How ‘bout - when I was a kid if my friends wanted to do something, or if my father did, I always chose him. He was just fun, smart, interesting, loving and generous to a fault. My wife and kids adored him too. We lost him in 2007 and my eldest son still finds it hard to talk about the man he dubbed “Pop-Pop”… In fact for all of us, my father had a new name from that day forward. We all called him Pop-Pop. I wear something of his every day and I probably think about him and miss him more than I should. Of course there are no shoulds. What can I say, this guy made an indelible impact! When I lived in LA he would come out several times a year. For a while I made a living shooting actor’s headshots and weddings. On one visit I said to him on this trip you must let me shoot a portrait. Not being a shy person, he agreed. This face, this age, that day - this is how I think of him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577225449167-74WGF5XA8TTSD0SWOD04/American+Tourists+In+Venice.jpg Mortals - American Tourists in Venice I’m sorry to say but sometimes us US tourists are easy to spot. Sometimes it’s made a lot easier if we wear “Hello My Name Is” tags. These folks were part of a larger group from Minnesota. They were arguing about what sites to see and where to find the souvenir shops. As Rod Serling used to say, “No comment here. Just another day spent, in The Twilight Zone.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575803525670-4WO0BYIMULER1WBCCL3H/Cheeky Mortals - Cheeky My wife says that I’m not always that nice. On our vacation in Punta Cana I saw this rather confident women walking down the beach. I was impressed. If she had the stuff to wear a G-string I had the stuff to capture it. So there. https://garysteinphotography.com/furry-friends daily 0.75 2022-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570820790882-0NQ6E3T7EHXMLA5EDCE9/Tiger+stare+down+1_0028.jpg Furry Friends - The Tigers I would LOVE to tell you that I went on safaris and photographed animals in their natural habitat. I said I would Love to tell you that. But the lions and tigers and bears, oh my were all shot at the Bronx Zoo and behind glass! So there, I told you. But it still was remarkable for several reasons. For one, you really can’t tell that they were behind glass. And most importantly, when I shot all of the animals there they looked right at me. I mean it was like a zoo portrait session! I had a great time and I think they enjoyed posing for me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577224341206-PNXET3OPO03XKAF00K7E/Robie+for+site.jpg Furry Friends - Robie I have never had a cat in my life. Wildly allergic. And although I understand people love them and say they make great pets, I never saw the attraction. When my mother-in-law could no longer take care of him my wife asked if we could keep him. I never met a cat that didn’t make me sneeze. Until I met Robie. At almost 14 years old where was he gonna go? And since my sinuses welcomed him, how could I turn him away? It didn’t take long for this guy to work his way into my heart. He was a cuddle bug and with a choice of four people in the house, he slept up against me every night. When I rolled over I took great care to put one hand on Robie as I turned in bed. Didn’t wanna disturb him or hurt him. I have to say I REALLY got it. I’ve always had dogs but I loved this guy beyond belief. He did so many adorable cat things I wouldn’t know where to start. When you said hello to him he opened his mouth wide, made a sound and it was clearly a “hello” back atcha. Sadly, we had to put him down when he was 16. I lost my buddy. Devastated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575802929276-LAO279079LTT6I5K6DFI/Joe+the+Greyhound Furry Friends - Joe the Greyhound Joe is our 5th Greyhound rescue. We adopted our first one before we even had kids. They have been amazing, loving and smart. Joe was the very first Greyhound pup. He was nine months old when we got him. Thankfully he never raced. Joe is probably the smartest but he has absolutely no control where food is concerned. He’ll take it right off your plate, or maybe out of your mouth! But he’s so gorgeous it’s hard to blame him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1579475606339-8YWZXH3N6UFI042487PJ/Polar+Pear Furry Friends - “Nice Polar Bear” Some animals look like they want to be cuddled. Some are clearly not in search of connection. This guy is definitely not a lap bear. But SO huge, so impressive, so majestic and SO glad I had a long lens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575802684987-3MZU8GFO82LFAIH4XDFH/Baby+Bambi+Deer Furry Friends - Doe A Dear Unlike most of the other pictures of animals this one was taken in my backyard. This little beauty was very scared so I didn’t get too close. The perfect opportunity for a longer lens. Shortly after I shot this her annoyed mother came to get her. I have no idea if it’s a doe or a buck. I didn’t look! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570820924286-9IYOQRGUAFLNLXQWUIK8/RACCOON+UP+A+TREE+2.jpg Furry Friends - Rocky Raccoon One morning we looked out of our bedroom window and this sweet looking animal was looking at us. I say sweet looking but raccoons can be very vicious and dangerous. This was the perfect distance and we were protected by a house. My wife uses this pic as wallpaper on her iPhone. I’m not sure that’s a fitting tribute to my photographs but you argue with her! :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577364345391-6NUHYQFT3Y2QS5V948YK/Bear%2BStare.jpg Furry Friends - Bear Stare I was sure this guy was staring at me and saying, “Who do you think you’re lookin’ at?” This was the same magical day at the Bronx Zoo when all residents seemed to stare at me when I lifted my camera. I never got this kind of cooperation from humans. :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575802503775-K3B6O2ZO2C7LWZISWJD7/Bear+Play.jpg Furry Friends - Bear Play https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575802530082-OT8V4OWMKLRZPJY3OZ1Q/Smiling+Bear.jpg Furry Friends - Smiling Bear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575805128323-7YH309SCMJ5B29E08QMG/Portrait+of+a+Tiger.jpg Furry Friends - Real King of the Jungle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1579475982098-Z5XXHGN4TH64G0BM5TY1/DSC_0514-Edit.jpg Furry Friends - Tiger Tag https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1579476000565-AFLPUB5N000BEU6UIS91/Huddle.jpg Furry Friends - Cuddle Cove https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1579476025530-233WVJVGA0ZZ40XDK47B/DSC_0537+%282%29-Edit.jpg Furry Friends - Nice Polar Bear https://garysteinphotography.com/all-the-other-stuff daily 0.75 2020-12-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570818758864-ERSVT6T0EC1B3A3SPWNP/Venice+Magazine+Rack.jpg All the Other Stuff - Magazine Collage in Rome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1570821489899-0V8XQWO276AP0E3JJLQZ/Dinny%27s+2.jpg All the Other Stuff - Dinny's Trail Stop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1576885123516-F5FTUBU2NNVC1ES5464Y/Roll1_464SteinA-R1-09-9.JPG All the Other Stuff - Call To Battle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1576885152106-R2N4RLIMAVOIO3MHDMWW/Roll1_464SteinA-R1-00-0.JPG All the Other Stuff - LA's Bravest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1576885717712-WFNTITFIWHD0JDLCSS8O/Roll1_464SteinA-R1-06-6.JPG All the Other Stuff - The Doors Close At The Pan Pacific https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1576885761984-CPXZBFKNHA9268PBHCKQ/Roll1_464SteinA-R1-08-8.JPG All the Other Stuff - Teamwork https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1601506308060-CUP1V4MEO52ZPYGWPPZT/Robins+House.jpg All the Other Stuff - At Home In Twilight Time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1605639150843-LVOZW4JBHY73OZEZWCJY/Roll1_464SteinA-R1-16-16.JPG All the Other Stuff - History Up In Flames https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1575918445223-J7LLCHV5ROQYXDZET9YS/Hinges+on+dumpster All the Other Stuff - Hinges on a Dumpster I shot this photo of a rusty dumpster because I loved the texture and isolating just a small part of the dumpster helps this shot look rather like an abstract. I also shot it on film for the richness Kodak Ektar 100 still brings. I love film. And yes you can still get it developed and scanned! If you look hard. :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1580140919358-X1GPURNYE5AFOXQ9399U/Red+Back+door+of+Train All the Other Stuff - I Don’t Ski (Cont’d) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1577324514814-Q31F9K8IJ4BF4DV2YFKH/Rusty+Mailbox All the Other Stuff - Rusty Mailbox I love rust, decay and dilapidation. That doesn’t make me a bad person. It’s this photographer’s dreamscape. But I’m not alone. Many photographers love the texture to be found in things that have seen better days. This mailbox is actually in front of a neighbors house. I’m not sure why they don’t replace it. Does it make me a bad person that I’m glad they don’t? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1580141230345-SRG8YXXZJMU3X12P2UDG/Better+Angle+of+peeling All the Other Stuff - Last from the Train Station So, I have no idea what this is. It must have been essential though, so some of you train station enthusiasts can enlighten me. I LOVED the peeling of the surface of this… important thing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1599777670622-X60865TYCBBD5LTD1K0B/Boob+Gravestone All the Other Stuff - What’s In A Name? I’m sorry. I can’t help it. Who could? I’ve passed this cemetery many times and pondered the fate of the Boob Family. Anna died in her mid-sixties. Perhaps she carried the weight of the world on her… shoulders? Maybe Edward died of suffocation? One can only wonder. One day, if I’m lucky, I might meet someone who knew The Boobs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1576595244364-5OPAJ6RI28SH89DNH9XP/Pan+Pacific+Auditorium+Los+Angeles+Fire All the Other Stuff - The End of The Pan Pacific One of the best examples of Art Deco Architecture in Los Angeles was the Pan Pacific Auditorium. I lived just a few blocks away in LA’s Fairfax District. One day I heard the faint sounds of fire engines approaching. The sounds grew to a frenzy of alarms. I ran outside and saw that the Pan Pacific was burning. I grabbed my camera and ran to the building. I got there so fast the Chief thought I was a news photographer. As a crowd grew, a slew of policemen kept people back behind a line they created. The only people in front of that line were the men fighting the fire and ME! Unfortunately the film I had in my camera was TMAX 3200. A very grainy film used primarily for low light. But I had what I had. All I could do was document this horrendous tragedy. Luckily no one was inside and I captured this building’s demise. I spent the next few days tracking down each fire station involved and gave out free photos to the brave men who silenced this massive fire. A prominent piece of LA history was gone in an hour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1580141009611-2XB4HM9B2FCYAUC75GDQ/Green+Train+not+complete+Vivid All the Other Stuff - And… I Still Don’t Ski https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1580076510185-X3JE36SLPGZSQ8QP8Z2L/Green+Train+Vivid+Heal All the Other Stuff - I Don’t Ski But my wife does. So I often accompany her on ski jaunts and look for things to photograph… after going to the gym of course. We went to Gore Mountain upstate NY and stayed in North Creek. Found an abandoned train station with vintage remains. Loved it. The next few photos on the site will be from this trip. https://garysteinphotography.com/purchase-prints daily 0.75 2020-12-10 https://garysteinphotography.com/purchase-prints/purchase-prints monthly 0.5 2020-12-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1607622289886-9OZPLXSH7L4L2JMAQLVV/Red%2BRock%2Bin%2BUtah.jpg Purchase Prints - Purchase Prints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d9e9019ff34916b5d51e066/1607622351901-0G2H6M024OOM8K5S68B1/4T1A7624.jpg Purchase Prints - Purchase Prints