Found this on the camera, though it was from my last visit … turns out it was from late March of ‘25. Oops.

Going with the latter.

Woke up this morning to some flurries that quickly escalated into proper snow. Been a long time since I photographed snow so figured it was time. Taken from the back porch, nothing special, just snow. Cropped with a wee exp boost, otherwise untouched.

Post breakfast at Madman Espresso, we were uptown bound. The cool and overcast weather lent itself to a more somber and reflective mood … it felt right.

Star crossed lovers.

Made it to the Delacorte Theater and was able to spend some time with Romeo and Juliet. I love how their forms meld into and out of each other, how clothing seems to vanish and reappear. Had the weather been brighter and bit warmer, I would have lingered longer. Next time.

Towards the reservoir.

Moving further into Central Park, the less flattering weather seemed to keep folks elsewhere, opening up the Great Lawn for some people-free photos. While freeing up the lawn, the mood of the day lent itself to a trip around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. It was quiet, calm, lending itself to reflection.

Heading downtown.

Grabbed a train downtown, back to the hotel for a bit of warmth and comfort. This particular station was … less polished than others but the grit had a good look to it.

Last weekend, I hopped the train to NYC for a few days. It was a solo trip to unplug and feel at home again in the sites, sounds and smells of the city. If you know, you know. Things were a bit out of sorts early on as I forgot that the NYC Marathon was that day, something I was reminded of the closer I got to Central Park up the west side. By the end of the evening, things were falling into a place again.

Heading uptown.

While I saw the Reeves / Winter performance of Waiting for Godot a few weeks back, I couldn’t help but snap a few shots along the way, can’t pass up a chance to photo the Great Ones. Was able to cut between streets at the Minskoff Theatre before chilling at the Worldwide Plaza for a few minutes to enjoy the sun.

Heading downtown

Not long after, I discovered the marathon. Hats off to all that participated, hell of an accomplishment. While it did prevent me from hitting my destination, it was hard to be too upset at it. Took a train back to 34th to settle into the hotel before heading further downtown to visit the Leica store in Meatpacking, always a good (and potentially hella expensive) time. Meatpacking is always a dope place to hang and a street or two always seems to be blocked from motor traffic. It was then that I stumbled into the Little Island, a thing I knew nothing about, at the perfect time of day.

To dinner

Took the train uptown to grab some of my favorite pizza from Don Antonios on 50th. Had my margherita and a glass of Chianti before heading back to the hotel and calling it a night. Turned out to be a solid day.

Back in May, I needed to take a day to clear my head so I took the camera and went for a walk, snapping pics to help clear the head. Posted some pics in the Grey isolation. post. Was doing some Lightroom cleanup and found this one that I forgot to post. Better now than never.

Taken a few weeks back while leaving the local winery. Looks way more dramatic than what it actually turned out to be.

Continuing our mission to visit some other local wineries, we stumbled into the Violet Vintage Wine Company. Bigger than the previous two with a unique vibe and plenty of outdoor seating (weather was perfect for it). Food and wine were pretty damn good. Totally worth a revisit.

Meanwhile, Rachel is getting more comfortable with the Q3 in prep for visiting AZ at the end of the month.

Took a break from our go-to winery the other week, hit up a couple of smaller locals to see what we are missing in our backyard. Stumbled onto Deerfoot Vineyards and Winery, a small winery with a Chardonnay that I actually liked … didn’t see that coming.

There is something about Leica cameras that just make you want to use them. I felt it in the first few minutes when I rented a Q2 a couple of years back. So strong was the connection that I bought into the Leica family shortly after returning the Q. You just can’t help but pop the lens cap off and snap some shots whenever it’s in your hands … even if it’s just when shuttling the camera upstairs while also feeding Juno the cat.

Black and white preset straight from the M11 P.

Leaving Skogur, we headed further east to our next stop, Reynisfjara. Never been to a black-sand beach before and, truth be told, the waves were a little too dangerous (damn sneaker waves) to venture into the sand so it was more of a black-stone experience.

You can see a hint of the Hálsanefshellir Cave and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks on the edges of the last pic. Sadly, the conditions at the time made for a brief visit. Guess we’ll have to go back. What a shame ;)

Powered up the Q3 this morning to check the charge, been neglecting it a bit since the M11-P showed up. Flipped on the back screen and the focus was on two of the power cables under the desk. It was simple, minimal, with the velcro stranding out as the only real contrast … so, I snapped a shot cuz why not.

After spending some time at Skogafoss, we ventured next door to the Skogur Museum and had a fun little history lesson before wandering around the village right out back. While the homes were small with a very distinct earthy smell, the view was, like all views in Iceland, amazing.

Heading back uptown, waiting for the train.

Been going to NYC for quite a long while yet managed to never visit the Brooklyn Bridge, until now. All the people, the heat of the day and the cloudless conditions made the trek feel pretty long so we asked the AI nonsense on the phone how long the bridge actually was. Confidently did it proclaim “1,595 ft (.3 miles). Turns out that’s not entirely true. It’s actually 6,016 ft (1.1 miles). The smaller number is just the length of the largest span so yeah, context is important. Feels like there is an AI lesson there, too.

Found a lot of locks clipped onto things, had to look that one up, too. Apparently they are “love locks” and, in mass, add a significant amount of weight to the structure. So much so that they are illegal in NYC and come along with a $100 fine. Illegal or not, it was sort of a cool photo with the city in the background.

Ever since I started visiting NYC in the 90’s, Bryant Park has always been a momentary rest, a place to relax for a moment and observe the city as it moves around you. Now nostalgic, it’s become a staple to my visits, even just for a few moments.

I have no idea what the hell this is. I first stumbled across in back in 2015 after a work dinner at Tao Downtown in NYC (it’s right around the corner). Forgot all about it until this past weekend as we left the restaurant for the walk back uptown and there it was. I still have no idea what it is but I think I am now resolved to wonder down this tunnel when next I am there to see what it is first hand.

Wasn’t sure which version of the pic I liked the best … they both manage to capture an appropriate mood.

Our first “traditional” waterfall visit on our Iceland trip. Beautiful and a little damp but hey, it’s a waterfall. One of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Skogafoss clocks in at 25 meters wide with a roughly 60 meter drop. While we didn’t climb the stairs to the observation deck, we did fill some water bottles for the road (we were told it was safe and it certainly seems to have been). Legend has it that a Viking treasure was secreted away in a cave behind the waterfall, leaving only a metal ring behind before vanishing once discovered. That same metal ring is on display in the adjacent museum.

Leading up to the falls …

Skogafoss …

The bench (I have a thing for bench photos) …

I had no idea that there was an unplugged version of Take On Me out there. The original was always an 80’s fave, full of energy … the unplugged is just … beautiful. A little sad. A little somber. Sort of hated myself for not knowing this existed seven years ago but, the more I think about it, had I heard it before today, I’m not sure I would have appreciated it as much.

It is, seriously, one of the most beautiful songs that I have heard in a really long time. I’m talking tear worthy. Holy shit.

One of the more unexpected things we experienced during our visit to Iceland was the Friðheimar tomato farm. After spending all morning in the cold, the geothermal warmth of the greenhouse was very much welcome. While typically not a fan of tomato soup, this was game changing. Paired up with some fresh made bread and a tomato beer (sounds weirder than it tasted), it was the perfect lunch. We found it to be so profoundly good that we ordered four jars for Christmas. Shipping was a bitch but it was well worth it.

Ever since we started drinking wine, we have been amazed at how our tastes have changed over time. Our palette evolves with our experiences. The greater the exposure, the more refined things become, dialing in what you appreciate (and don’t). Earlier on in our wine journey, we tried a local winery that we were very “meh” about. Decided to try it again today, years after our initial visit, curious to see if our feelings were the same. Sadly, they were.

Had an early day at work, made our way to a cool part of town for some tacos, had a bit of a walk after. I’m not familiar with the Be Mine Boutique but their sign game is strong.

Back to some photos from our 2024 Iceland trip.

After visiting Thingvellir National Park, we moved to the Gullfoss Waterfall. While Thingvellir was crisp and cold, Gullfoss was next level cold with the introduction of the wind and moisture. Traveling further east, things were a little more neutral (there is a lot of this landscape) until we reached the Geysir Geothermal Park. Less windy, just as moist but parts of the ground were boiling. The natural range of Iceland is breathtaking.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Neutral Ground

Geysir Geothermal Park

Struggled with the exposure on this one but found a balance that I was pretty ok with. A little blown out but it reminded me of shooting 1600 film in daylight back in the day. Touch of nostalgia turns a more favorable eye.

Ever since shooting with the rented Leica Q2 in ‘23, I was hooked on the Leica shooting experience. Pre-ordered the Q3 which was my EDC for the trip to Iceland in ‘24. Figured I was set for cameras from here on out … until I was able to play with an M11-P while visiting NYC for an extended weekend. Think I managed to pick up the last one from B&H at pre-tariff pricing. Took it for a walk the day after delivery to get a feel for it. I’m sure it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but damn do I love the stripped down simplicity and pure experience of shooting with it … and that shutter snap … damn.

Just a few snaps from that walk.