Cool Photo Ops

Favorite Places to Shoot Fall Colors in Northeast Ohio

2011-10-07T19:40:00.000-04:00

Well its that time a year again, when the leaves on the trees turn all sorts of beautiful colors. Luckily for those of us that live in Northeast Ohio, there are a lot of places to take beautiful Fall Color Shots. Listed below are some of my favorite places to take Fall Color Photos.

Mt Jeez located across from Malabar Farms

Mt Jeez is a large hill that overlooks Malabar Farm and the valley below, more Mt Jeez photos can be seen here:

Mt Jeez Photo Gallery

Tinker's Creek Nature Preserve

Tinker's Creek Photo Gallery

The Seven Pond Trail is a great place to take Fall Color photos, there are lots of ponds where you can get some great reflections of the colors in the water.

Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation

All of the Cleveland Metroparks are great places for taking Fall Color Shots, here's a photo of my buddy Denny aka Wood Duck Dude taking photos at the North Chagrin Reservation.

North Chagrin Fall Color Gallery

Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Blue Hen Falls

There's lots of cool places to take Fall Color Shots in the Cuyahoga Valley, but Blue Hen Falls is one of my favorites. (Also check out Brandywine Falls and the Beaver Marsh)

Blue Hen Falls Gallery

So get out to your favorite Fall Color spot before the leaves fall off the trees and have fun!!! You may even want to pull out your fisheye or super wide angle lens and get a couple of Fall Color Self Portraits!!!

Balloon Classic Invitational - 7/29 - 7/31

2011-07-19T21:38:00.000-04:00

If you like photographing Hot Air Balloons then you might want to check out the Balloon Classic Invitational taking place in North Canton Ohio from 7/29 - 7-31.

I attended this event last year and had a great time, it's one of the largest Balloon Fests in the area. There will be 65 Balloons at this years event. Here's a slideshow from last years event:

Balloon Classic Invitational Slideshow

NOTE: Access on the field is not allowed except for pilots and crews, but you should still be able to get some good photos.

Click the photo to see more photos!

BALLOON CLASSIC ACTIVITIES: Hot air balloons fly best in less than 8 mph winds, and the weather must be almost perfect for these beautiful balloons to take to the skies. Pilots are briefed on weather before each and every flight; flights may be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions.

Helpful hints: If you’re an early bird, come check out the morning flights! For evening flights, traffic is especially heavy, so plan ahead.

FRIDAY, JULY 29

5:00 AM – Dawn Patrol

6:30 AM – Media Flight

6:30 PM – Balloon Launch

9:45 PM – Night Glow

SATURDAY, JULY 30

6:30 AM – Media Flight

6:30 PM – Balloon Launch

SUNDAY, JULY 31

6:30 AM – Balloon Launch

Here are some of my Balloon Photography Tips

Balloon Photo Tips:

1. See which way the wind is blowing then position yourself so the balloons will fly toward you.

2. Look for colors, shapes and patterns

3. Use people as scale to show how large the Balloons are

4. Show the crew at work

5. And of course show them in the air!!!

More balloon photos here: Hot Air Balloons

Here's the address and a Google Map

Kent State University Stark Campus &
Stark State College of Technology
6000 - 6200 Frank Road NW
North Canton, Ohio 44720

Convenient parking available
Enter public parking lots off Frank Road,
and pay only $5.00 per vehicle after 3:00 PM

For those with a GPS here are the Coordinates in the Decimal Degree format

LAT N 40.867810
Long W 81.441656

Click on the Camera Icon to get directions from your location.

View Balloon Classic Invitational - Canton in a larger map

2011 Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Tour 7/2/2011

2011-06-20T20:02:00.000-04:00

Here's another great Photo Op over the July 4th weekend - a self guided tour of the Veterans Memorial Bridge (aka Detroit Superior Bridge) The bottom part of this bridge was used for Trolley traffic over the Cuyahoga River in the Flats. I've done the tour about 3 or 4 times and its a great place to photograph Cleveland history. They'll have displays of old trolley cars and you can even see the old tracks in the ground. You can also get some great views of the Flats from the bridge. So if your looking for something different to shoot on Saturday July 2nd check out the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Click photo to go to gallery

Bridge & Subway Tour

When: Saturday, July 2, 2011
Times: Open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Northeast Corner of W. 25th Street & Detroit Avenue, at the west end of the bridge. Free parking is available at the Department of Public Works Bridge Garage, which is located at the tour’s entrance.
Cost: FREE

No reservations
Self guided tour with volunteers on hand to answer questions
Wheelchair & stroller accessible
Cameras are welcome
Attractions include films, trolley displays, streetcar, and a unique view of the area
All ages

Directions and where to park!

Click on the camera icon to get directions from your location

GPS in Decimal Degrees N41.492884 W81.705633

View Veterans Memorial Bridge Tour in a larger map

Parade the Circle 2011

2011-06-06T20:51:00.000-04:00

Now this is a Cool Photo Op.... Parade the Circle. I've gone the last two years and it's always a lot of fun, lots of cool costumes to photograph. If you get there early you can photograph the participants getting ready for the parade in the staging area on the top deck of the Art Museum Parking lot.

Saturday, June 11, 2011
11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Parade at Noon
Wade Oval, University Circle

More info here: Parade the Circle Info

Click Photo to see more photos

Click on the camera icon for directions to Parade the circle

GPS Coordinates in the Decimal Degree format.

Latitude: N 41.50888
Longitude: W 81.61077

View Parade the Circle 2010 in a larger map

Chagrin Falls Balloon Fest 2011

2011-05-23T19:05:00.003-04:00

Are you looking for somethng colorful to shoot over the Memorial Day weekend? Then check out the Chargin Falls Balloon Fest!

The Balloon Fest takes place from Thursday May 26th to Sunday May 29th, here's the details

Note the Balloon Glow on Thursday has been Canceled due to the weather!

Weekend Balloon Festival Schedule

Thursday May 26th Blossom Glow at 8:00 PM at CFHS CANCELED

Friday May 27th Mass balloon ascension 6:30 pm at CFHS

Saturday May 28th Balloons fly in to CFHS field – 6:30 AM

Balloon launch from CFHS – 6:30 PM

Sunday May 29th Balloons fly in to CFHS field – 6:30 AM

Balloon launch from CFHS – 6:30 PM

Starting times are approximate. Flying is subject to local weather conditions (rain, high winds, low clouds). Morning events may not originate or terminate at Chagrin Falls High School, but will always include a fly-by. Evening events will feature all balloons launching as a group from the Chagrin Falls High School athletic field.

On Thursday evening they have the Balloon Glow where all the balloons are lit up to the sounds of music

Balloon Photo Tips:

1. See which way the wind is blowing then position yourself so the balloons will fly toward you.

2. Look for colors, shapes and patterns

3. Use people as scale to show how large the Balloons are

4. Show the crew at work

5. And of course show them in the air!!!

The balloons launch from the Chagrin Falls High School field behind the school. See map below for directions from your location.

GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 41.4283302
Longitude: -081.3775026

Click the blue balloon for directions from your location to the High School entrance. The P is where you should park. The red balloon shows the field where the balloons will be taking off.

View Chagrin Falls Balloon Festival in a larger map

To see more photos go here: Balloon Fest Photos

Hope to see you there!!!

Oh and since the Balloons only fly in good weather and calm winds you might want to check the weather maps on the right side of this blog.

For more info on the Balloon Fest go here: Chagrin Falls Balloon Fest Info

Want to find a great location for the Full Moon tonight? Then get The Photographer's Ephemeris

2011-03-19T16:11:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone, I've been getting a lot of questions today on where a good location would be to get a shot of the Full Moon and the moonrise tonight. Well a great program for photographers to help you plan for a sunrise, sunset, moonrise or moon set is the Photographer's Ephemeris. The Desktop version is FREE and there is also an app for the Iphone! I use it all the time mostly for sunrises and sunsets and highly recommend it. You can get it here

The Photographer's Ephemeris

They have video tutorials to show you how to use it!

Now back to the moonrise, well unfortunately for you Cleveland Area photographers who want to get the moonrise over the city of Cleveland, Edgewater is NOT a good location tonight. Looking at the map on the Photographer's Ephemeris you can see by looking at the light blue "moonrise" line that the moon will rise to the south of the city and not behind the skyline.

Wendy Park may be better, not sure.... download the Photographer's Ephemeris and find out for yourself!!!! : ) When you use the program just put the cursor at your shooting location and see where the moon will rise tonight.

Here's what it looks like from the Upper area of Edgewater.... as you can see the moonrise (light blue line) is far south of the city when shooting from Edgewater.

Click the photo to see a larger view.

Heron Rookery

2011-03-09T18:24:00.001-05:00

If you like getting photos of Blue Herons then the place to be is the Heron Rookery on West Bath Road in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Every March the Herons return to the rookery to nest. By mid March there are hundreds of birds and nests. Check it out if you get a chance.

Click Photo to go to Gallery

Directions: Click on the camera to get directions from your location.

View Heron Rookery in a larger map

Winter Photo Safari and Backyard Bird Count - Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve (Dike 14) 2/20/11

2011-02-15T19:21:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone, I read about this in Tuesday's (2/15/2011) Plain Dealer.... I guess Dike 14 is now called the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve and they are having a Winter Photo Safari and Bird Count, there are group photo safaris at 1:30 and 2:30 or self guided tours from 1 to 4pm, you can find out all the details by clicking on the flyer link below. Sounds like a Cool Photo Op!!!

DIKE 14 WINTER PHOTO SAFARI & BACKYARD BIRD COUNT—SUNDAY, FEB. 20 @ 1—4PM

Meet at the park office for site briefing. Group bird hikes & photo safari groups will depart at 1:30 & 2:30. Self guided visits from 1 pm—4 pm. Participate in the 2011 Great Backyard Bird Count or take photos of the winter landscape to submit for display in the Exploration Station during the month of March. Co-sponsored by the Dike 14 Environmental Education Collaborative.**The Exploration Station will be open during this program.** Click Here for flyer.

Cool Photo Ops - Great Places to Take Photos in NE Ohio and Beyond

2011-02-04T10:47:00.000-05:00

Attention Photographers, looking for fun places to take photos in Northeast Ohio? Then check out my Cool Photo Ops Blog.

Everyone is welcome to come on the shoots or go on your own when you get a chance, the more the merrier!

You will find information on the fun places to take photos in the Northeast Ohio Region.

You will also find links to Maps with directions to the shoots (including GPS coordinates), weather maps, sunrise and sunset information, photography links and helpful photo tips.

Coming soon is the Sled Dog Classic

Also if you have suggestions for shoots, let me know and I'll post them on the blog.

Punderson Sled Dog Classic 2/26 & 2/27 HAS BEEN CANCELED!!!

2011-01-01T22:44:00.005-05:00

According to the Siberian Husky Club the Sled Dog Classic has been Canceled!!!

Go here for Details: Siberian Husky Club

Now for something different the 2011 Punderson Sled Dog Classic taking place on Saturday Feb 26th and Sunday Feb 27th 2011!
Pick the date that's convenient for you,

Click the photo to go to Sled Dog Gallery

Hi Everyone a cool place to shoot this winter is the Sled Dog Classic at Punderson State Park on 2/26/2011 and 2/27/2011. The event is free for spectators. This should be a fun Photo Shoot, a lot of us went last year and had a great time. You can see my photos at this link Sled Dog Classic Photos

They have all different classes of races and even have a Kid n Mutt Fun Run

More information can be found here: Sled Dog Classic Race Info

Time : 9:30 am Races are from 10am to 3PM
Place: Punderson State Park
Park Map: Punderson State Park Map
Directions: Click on the camera icon to get directions from your location. To view a larger map Click on "View Larger Map" below.

GPS Coordinates
latitude: 41.46118938889867
longitude: -81.21947765350342

View Larger Map

Sled Dog Photo Tips

This will be the second time at the Sled Dog Classic for me, here are some photo tips I learned from last year

1. The best shots are taken with the Sled Dogs running toward you. Shots from the side are not as dramatic

2. Get down low at the dogs eye level.

3. Try and take some human interest shots of the dogs and their owners

4. Sled Dogs are cool, try and get some good portrait shots of them.

5. Try to capture the peak action.

6. Try to show how strong these animals are as they pull the sleds.

Well those are some of my tips, if anyone else has any tips to share, just click on "comments" below and leave your tips, comments and suggestions.

If you are going on the Sled Dog Classic Shoot or any cold weather shoot you want to keep your hands warm but still be able to use the controls on your camera so what do you do? You might want to try a pair of Glommitts, Glommitts are a combination of a glove and a mitten.

Glommitts will keep your hands warm when you're not using your camera and the top mitten part folds back to expose your fingers when you are taking a shot.

There are a lot of different makes and models. Just Goggle glommitts to find out where you can purchase them.

Glommitts can be found at most sporting good stores. I get a lot of my stuff at Cabela's online. Click on the Cabela's link and enter glommitts in the search field. Mine are a couple of years old so they may not carry the brand above anymore, but they probably have new and improved models.

Balloon Classic Invitational - North Canton 7/30-8/1

2010-07-29T16:50:00.004-04:00

If you like photographing Hot Air Balloons then you might want to check out the Balloon Classic Invitational taking place in North Canton Ohio from 7/31 to 8/1.

NOTE: Access on the field is not allowed except for pilots and crews, but you should still be able to get some good photos.

For more information go here to the HotAirBalloon.com site

I got the following information off the HotAirBalloon.com site. Here's what you'll see.

After the sun sets Friday night, a special show begins with the spectacular balloon glow. The balloons tether on the ground and fill their balloon envelopes with propane so they glow brightly in the night, in a musically choreographed program. On Saturday night, the balloon flight is followed by the fabulous Jackson-Belden Fireworks show, also musically choreographed and sure to delight people of all ages.

Here's a schedule:

Friday, July 30th
Dawn Patrol – 5:00 am
Media Flight – 6:30 am
Evening Flight – 6:30 pm

Saturday, July 31st
Morning Flight – 7:00 am
Evening Flight – 6:30 pm

Sunday, August 1st
Morning Flight – 7:00 am

While I've never been to the Balloon Classic in Canton I have been to the Chagrin Falls Balloon Fest many times. It's very colorful and fun to watch!

Here are some of my Balloon Photography Tips

Balloon Photo Tips:

1. See which way the wind is blowing then position yourself so the balloons will fly toward you.

2. Look for colors, shapes and patterns

3. Use people as scale to show how large the Balloons are

4. Show the crew at work

5. And of course show them in the air!!!

More balloon photos here: Hot Air Balloons

Here's the address and a Google Map

Kent State University Stark Campus &
Stark State College of Technology
6000 - 6200 Frank Road NW
North Canton, Ohio 44720

Convenient parking available
Enter public parking lots off Frank Road,
and pay only $5.00 per vehicle after 3:00 PM

For those with a GPS here are the Coordinates in the Decimal Degree format

LAT N 40.867810
Long W 81.441656

Click on the Camera Icon to get directions from your location.

View Balloon Classic Invitational - Canton in a larger map

Parade The Circle - Saturday June 12th

2010-06-07T20:37:00.003-04:00

Attention Photographers - Parade the Circle is happening this Saturday June 12th in University Circle. I went last year for the first time and had a lot of fun. Lots of great photo ops and colorful costumes. If you get there early you can photograph the participants in the Art Museum Parking lot getting ready for the Parade. Find out more here: Parade the Circle

Click Photo to see more photos

Click on the camera icon for directions to Parade the circle

GPS Coordinates in the Decimal Degree format.

Latitude: N 41.50888
Longitude: W 81.61077

View Parade the Circle 2010 in a larger map

Lake View Cemetery and Daffodil Hill

2010-04-04T17:34:00.005-04:00

Ok Spring is finally here and it's time to get out and start shooting. A great place for April photography is Lake View Cemetery. Lots of great buildings to photograph like the Garfield Monument and Wade Chapel. Then there's the famous Daffodil Hill that is lined with hundreds of daffodils. You'll be able to use all of your lenses here from macro to telephoto.

Dona and I scouted out Daffodil Hill on Saturday (4/3/10) and there were small patches of Daffodils on the hill with a lot more still waiting to bloom. If the weather stays warm there should be a lot more daffodils in a week or two. Pick a day and check it out for yourself! You might want to avoid Daffodil Sunday (4/18/10) though cause it may be pretty crowded on that date.

See more Lake View photos here: Lake View Cemetery Photos

Lake View Euclid Ave entrance GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41.5139448
Longitude -81.598742

Click on the Blue Balloon to get directions to Lake View from your location:

View Larger Map
Click on the camera icons to see where the Garfield Monument, Wade Chapel and Daffodill Hill are located

Headlands Dunes In the Winter

2010-02-08T16:37:00.006-05:00

Here's a cool photo op or should I say COLD photo op cause you can only do it in the winter months. It's a trip to photograph Headlands Dunes in the winter! I've photographed Headlands Dunes many times but never in the winter until last Sunday. Since Dona and I love taking photos at Headlands Dunes we decided to see what it looked like in the winter and boy were we surprised by what we saw. We knew Lake Erie would be frozen, but we figured it would be a flat frozen lake, instead we saw large dunes sticking up in the lake that made for some interesting photography. We were even able to walk out on the ice and got some photos of the lighthouse that you can't get other times of the year. Check it out if you get a chance, yeah it's gonna be cold, but the photos you get will be worth it.

Headlands Dunes in the Winter - Click Photo to see more.

To get to Headlands Dunes take the road just to the right of the entrance to Headlands Beach, this is shown on the map with the green icon, this will lead you to the 24 hour fishing entrance indicated by the red icon (look for the 24 hour fishing entrance sign) and the Dunes Parking area. To get directions from your location just click on the green and enter your address.

GPS coordinates:
Lat N41.752793
Long W81.287831

View Headlands Dunes Nature Preserve in a larger map

Winter Waterfalls

2010-02-03T18:51:00.004-05:00

Ok it's the middle of winter so it's time to go out and get some winter waterfall shots. A good place to do this in Northeast Ohio is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park where you'll find Brandywine Falls and Blue Hen Falls. A few years ago I photographed Brandywine Falls in the winter. There is a stairway that leads down to an observation deck. In the winter this deck maybe closed due to ice on the stairs so you'll have to find another vantage point or risk getting caught by the Rangers if you sneak down the stairs.

Brandywine Falls by Ron Skinner

Blue Hen Falls is also located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, its a small waterfall that you have to hike to from a small parking lot (about 4 cars) I've photographed Blue Hen Falls many times mostly in the spring and fall, this year I'm going to photograph it in the winter.

Here's a photo of Blue Hen Falls in the winter taken by my friend Vicki Moisio...
Blue Hen Falls by Vicki Moisio

For more information including GPS coordinates of the Falls click on the following links:

Brandywine Falls

Blue Hen Falls

If you get a chance this winter get out there and photograph these falls it's very scenic and a lot of fun.

If the weather is good I'm going to try and get out there this Saturday 2/6/2010, maybe I'll see you out there.

Here's a Google Map of both Brandywine and Blue Hen Falls, to get directions to Brandywine Falls click on the "CAR ICON" To get directions to Blue Hen Falls click on one of the "BLUE P ICONS" ( Blue Hen has two parking areas a small 4 car lot and a larger overflow lot)

View Blue Hen Falls in a larger map

Gorge Metro Park

2010-01-24T09:42:00.003-05:00

Here's a cool place to take photos in the Cuyahoga valley, Gorge Metro Park located in Cuyahoga Falls. I made my first visit to Gorge Metro Park on a photo walk I did with the Cuyahoga Valley Photo Society There is a 1.8 mile hiking trail that you follow that takes you past an old hydroelectric dam and past lots of rock formations. It's very scenic, check it out if you get a chance.

Old Hydroelectric Dam
Click photo to go to gallery

Gorge Trail
Click photo to go to gallery

While you are in the area you might want to check out High Bridge Glens Park where you can see waterfalls and ice formations in the winter. An old amusement park used to be located here.

Here's a map of Gorge Metro Park, click the blue icon to get directions from your location.

Here's the GPS coordinates in decimal degrees (Make sure your GPS is set for the decimal degree format)

Latitude: N 41.12030914
Longitude: W 81.4935135

View Gorge Metro Park in a larger map

Punderson Sled Dog Classic 1/9 & 1/10/2010

2010-01-02T11:01:00.008-05:00

Now for something different the 2010 Punderson Sled Dog Classic taking place on Saturday Jan 9th and Sunday Jan 10th 2010!

Pick the date that's convenient for you, I'm planning on going on Saturday Jan 9th and getting there around 9:30am

Hi Everyone a cool place to shoot this winter is the Sled Dog Classic at Punderson State Park on 1/9/2010. The event is free for spectators. This should be a fun Photo Shoot, I've never photographed Sled Dog Races before and I'm really looking forward to it.

They are also racing on 1/10/2010 if you can't make it on the 9th. If the weather is bad on this weekend the rescheduled dates are 2/27 and 2/28 and 3/6 and 3/7

They have all different classes of races and even have a Kid n Mutt Fun Run

More information can be found here: Sled Dog Classic Race Info

Time : 9:30 am Races are from 10am to 3PM
Place: Punderson State Park
Park Map: Punderson State Park Map
Directions: Click on the camera icon to get directions from your location. To view a larger map Click on "View Larger Map" below.

GPS Coordinates
latitude: 41.46118938889867
longitude: -81.21947765350342

View Larger Map

Sled Dog Photo Tips

This is my first time photographing Sled Dog races and I always like to be prepared when I photograph a new event. One way to do this is to study other photographers work, by doing this you can see what works and what doesn't work. A good place to find photos of the event you are going to photograph is on the photo sharing sites. Since I have my photos on Smugmug, I figured that would be a good place to start, so I searched Smugmug for "Sled Dogs" and lots of galleries popped up with photos of Sled Dog races. Some photos were good, some more like snapshots and some were outstanding. Go here to see the Sled Dog Galleries

So what did I learn?

1. The best shots are taken with the Sled Dogs running toward you. Shots from the side are not as dramatic

2. Get down low at the dogs eye level.

3. Try and take some human interest shots of the dogs and their owners

4. Sled Dogs are cool, try and get some good portrait shots of them.

5. Try to capture the peak action.

6. Try to show how strong these animals are as they pull the sleds.

Well those are some of my tips, if anyone else has any tips to share, just click on "comments" below and leave your tips, comments and suggestions.

If you are going on the Sled Dog Classic Shoot or any cold weather shoot you want to keep your hands warm but still be able to use the controls on your camera so what do you do? You might want to try a pair of Glommitts, Glommitts are a combination of a glove and a mitten.

Glommitts will keep your hands warm when you're not using your camera and the top mitten part folds back to expose your fingers when you are taking a shot.

There are a lot of different makes and models. Just Goggle glommitts to find out where you can purchase them.

Glommitts can be found at most sporting good stores. I get a lot of my stuff at Cabela's online. Click on the Cabela's link and enter glommitts in the search field. Mine are a couple of years old so they may not carry the brand above anymore, but they probably have new and improved models.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T11:47:00.006-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year to my family and friends! I'm looking forward to hanging out and taking lots of photos with all of you in 2010!!!!

Holiday Photos at the Cleveland Greenhouse and Nela Park

2009-12-20T13:20:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple more ideas of places to take Holiday Photos..... The Cleveland Greenhouse and Nela Park.

The Greenhouse is decorated with colorful plants and Christmas displays, parking and admission is free.

Click the photos or slideshow below to go to the gallery.

Nela Park is the Headquarters of GE and has a nice lighting display...

Here's a slideshow of the Greenhouse and Nela Park.

To get directions to the Greenhouse click on the Blue icon, for directions to Nela Park click on the Green Icon.

View Cleveland Greenhouse in a larger map

Holiday Lights

2009-12-16T21:45:00.009-05:00

Hi Everyone, well it's the season to go out and get some photos of the Holiday Lights, there are lots of great displays out there but one of my favorites is a Crown Point in Strongsville, this street has been displaying lights for the last 20 years. The house at the end of the street looks like Clark Griswalds house in the Christmas Vacation movie.

Here's a slide show of holiday lights photos I took on a Cleveland Photographic Society Field trip to Crown Point and the Strongsville Town Center

Click on the photo to go to the gallery!

A fun thing to try when taking Christmas light photos is to use a long exposure and zooming the lens.

You can also try defocusing your lens to take out of focus lights

If you'd like to check out Crown Point in Strongsville here's a map of the location.

Just click on the blue icon to get directions from your location.

GPS Coordinates (make sure you're gps is set to the decimal degrees format)

Latitude: 41.282293
Longitude -81.796839

View Christmas Lights 14326 Crown Point Pkwy in a larger map

Digital Images 15% Discount

2009-12-05T20:39:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone one as a way of saying thanks to everyone who visited my photograhy site Digital Images by Ron Skinner and my Cool Photo Ops Blog I'm offering a 15% discount on all photos until 12/31/2009

To take advantage of this offer do the following

Go to my Digital Images by Ron Skinner site

Select the photos you want to order

Enter the code: holiday09 during checkout!

Thanks!!!

About Cool Photo Ops

2009-11-29T21:19:00.003-05:00

Attention Photographers, looking for fun places to take photos in Northeast Ohio? Then check out my Cool Photo Ops Blog.

Everyone is welcome to come on the shoots, the more the merrier!

You will find information on the fun places to take photos in the Northeast Ohio Region.

You will also find links to Maps with directions to the shoots (including GPS coordinates), weather maps, sunrise and sunset information, photography links and helpful photo tips.

Coming soon is the Sled Dog Classic

Also if you have suggestions for shoots, let me know and I'll post them on the blog.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

2009-11-26T09:27:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for all the fun times I have going out and taking photos with all of you!!!! (Yes even you Canon owners!!! LOL )

Rock Hall, Voinivich Park and other Downtown Shots

2009-11-22T09:10:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone this is a last minute shoot suggested by Vicki, we are going to try and get some late afternoon and sunset shots from Voinivich Park, located behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We will be meeting on Sunday 11/22 at 3:30pm and everyone is welcome. Hope to see you there.

Here's a photo Vicki took about a week ago:

When: Sunday 11/22 3:30pm

Where: Voinivich Park behind the Rock Hall

GPS Info (Note make sure you have your gps set to decimal degrees format to use these coordinates:
Latitude: 41.50868
Longitude: -81.69432

Here's a google of map, click on the blue icon to get directions from you're location

View Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in a larger map

Favorite Fall Color Spots - Tinkers Creek NP

2009-10-01T22:46:00.005-04:00

October is here and the leaves are beginning to change, so I thought I would post some of my favorite places for Fall Color photography.

First up is Tinker's Creek Nature Preserve

The reason I like Tinker's Creek is because of all the ponds located in the preserve, you can get some great reflection shots of the fall colors by following the Seven Ponds trail.

Directions to Tinker's Creek Nature Preserve - click on the "P" on the map to get directions to Tinker's Creek NP from your location.

View Tinker's Creek Preserve in a larger map

Note the parking lot is pretty small and only holds about 6 cars.