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(London plane trees are a hybrid of the American sycamore. They have a yellow or green underbark, while American sycamores have a white underbark.)

For the technical folks, these are all shot with Nikon D850 with a Nikkor 60mm Micro at around ƒ11 using 3 images focus stacked. The ones with the crazy speculative highlights were shot using an LED ring light.

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It was probably the last 80-degree day of 2023, so I took a nice bike ride on my Ariel Rider to Riis Park beach to enjoy the sunset full moon rise. The beach was pretty crowded for an October day!

I had some excitement, a flat tire on my way back, and had to push my Ariel Rider three blocks to a gas station to air up. Luckily, I had a patch kit with me.

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The surf was picturesque, with the offshore breeze pushing the spray from the waves back into the sea monster pose! Shot around 90th Street off the jetty. Not huge, shoulder high, but pretty!

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It was a surreal and very hot day/night! The year was 2003, and as the sun set, an unexpected crisis unfolded across the northeastern United States and parts of Canada. I found myself sleeping on the roof of my office building since the only lock to my office was the elevator key, which could not be locked without power. Not that I would think someone was going to hike the 11 floors just to rip off some gear that they would have to carry down 11 flights, but because once the power came on, we would be wide open. It felt as though we were in a movie, with the city’s skyline illuminated only by the moonlight. We hung out in a local restaurant that had become a refuge, eating their perishable food and sipping beer as the heat became more oppressive. The atmosphere was a mix of anxiety and camaraderie, with strangers sharing stories and laughter in the dim light. These were shot handheld with a tiny Sony Cybershot 2mp camera, from the roof of the old Fusebox HQ. The images captured that night remain vivid in my memory, each frame telling a story of resilience amidst chaos.

Looking back, the blackout of 2003 was more than just an inconvenience; it was a significant moment in our collective history. It served as a wake-up call, urging us to recognize the importance of community, preparedness, and resilience. As the years have passed, I often find myself reflecting on that hot night, the camaraderie forged in darkness, and the lessons learned that have shaped our approach to power and community involvement today.

In the wake of the blackout, many began to rethink their reliance on technology. The incident sparked conversations about energy sources, the infrastructure of our cities, and the potential for future outages. It led to a greater interest in sustainable practices and alternative energy solutions, as people sought to understand how we could prevent such issues from occurring again. Moreover, communities became more proactive in discussing emergency preparedness, forming groups to share resources and knowledge on how to handle future disruptions.

The aftermath of the blackout was equally significant. Once the power was restored, life resumed with a newfound appreciation for the little things we often take for granted. I remember walking through the streets the next day, observing how the city slowly came back to life. People were out and about, discussing their experiences, some even reminiscing about the fun they had during the blackout. It was as if the power outage had created a bond among us, a shared experience that would be remembered for years to come. This event was a reminder of the fragility of our modern conveniences and the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations.

Reflecting on that experience, it’s clear that moments like these bring people together. The blackout lasted for hours, and during that time, we had to adapt to the situation. As the night wore on, we began to share not just food and drinks, but our fears and hopes. Conversations flowed freely as the reality of the blackout set in. Some locals shared their experiences of previous blackouts, recalling the lessons learned and how they prepared for such emergencies. It was fascinating to hear how a shared crisis could forge new connections among strangers, highlighting the importance of community and support during tough times.

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Inaugural Artists

484 West Lake Dr. Montauk, NY 11954

at Gosmans Dock

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Cast your mind back to the early 1990s when desktop publishing emerged as a game-changer. As an early adopter armed with my trusty Mac II and a 12″ monitor, I witnessed firsthand the transition from manual paste-ups to digital publishing. Critics of this new technology dismissed it as rubbish and amateurish, claiming it would render traditional methods obsolete and cost jobs. While it did eliminate certain roles, it also gave rise to a new breed of designers who embraced the digital revolution.

Fast forward to the mid-aughts, specifically 2007, when the iPhone revolutionized the mobile phone market. With the advent of the iPhone came the era of iPhonography, where anyone could capture stunning images with their smartphone. The photo industry feared the demise of professional photography, but in reality, it brought photography to the masses and heightened its overall appreciation.

Now, AI is showcasing its incredible potential. In my own writing, I utilize Chat GPT for assistance, alongside image generators like MidJourney and Stable Diffusion. While Grammarly has been my trusted companion for spell and grammar checks, AI tools provide an alternative perspective and help refine my writing. However, I don’t simply copy and paste the AI-generated content; rather, I use it to enhance my own writing skills.

Similarly, AI-driven image generators have proven to be a valuable asset for ideation and composite photography. Although the current AI-generated images may be limited in resolution, they offer a level of creativity and inspiration. Nonetheless, a significant challenge lies in accurately rendering hands and feet.

Will AI replace image makers? Yes, it will. But rather than rendering them obsolete, it will give birth to a new generation of image makers who harness the power of AI technology.

To draw a parallel, consider the scenario where a single USB-C cable replaces numerous cables of varying sizes. While some may express discontent, the majority embraces the convenience and simplicity that comes with this advancement.

In conclusion, AI is not a harbinger of destruction but a catalyst for change. It will reshape industries, foster new opportunities, and redefine the way we work. By embracing AI and harnessing its potential, we can navigate the evolving technological landscape and unlock new realms of creativity and productivity.

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Available at all bookstores! and of course on Amazon

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I generated ten images in the upper right, or the top is the last iteration, it follows in backward order.

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Hey artists and photographers, I am running a deep, deep special over on evfineart.com. Order 10 prints, or more, of the same image and I, will print them at cost so you can sell your work and keep your cash flow going. BT

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