Hiding in Plain Sight

This is another beautiful house that has been largely unnoticed by passers-by during the summer because of the grand old trees that obscure the summertime view.

Now that the leaves have fallen, we can see this house's beauty until May, when the trees will leaf out again.

We can finally see it!

I could give you a long list of reasons why I hate the arrival of winter.  It is getting cold.  The trees are bare.  Did I mention it is cold?  And the ice, snow and slush aren't even here yet.

But, one of the good things is that, with most of the leaves gone, we can now actually see some of the beautiful houses that have been hidden by foliage during the summer. 

This is a pretty house in Sunset Farm, a quiet, private, forested community that is right off a busy main street in West Hartford, yet little noticed by passers-by.

Another pair to choose from

Thanks for your comments yesterday.  I learn about photography by listening to your thoughts.

Further up Mountain Spring Road in Farmington from the house shown yesterday is a beautiful white colonial house.  (There are many beautiful houses on this street.)

In the top photo, I wanted to show the whole house and its fence, since the entire house and its setting are wonderful.

Then again, the part that is really special and distinctive for colonial-era houses in this area is the entry way, i.e., the pediment, the double door and the gate.


Which would you have chosen to show?

Barney House: Pick One

The Barney House was originally owned by the family of a former governor of Connecticut.  More recently it was a conference center for the University of Connecticut.  About ten years ago it was sold and I believe it is now back in private hands.

Which of these three photos would you show?

The top photo emphasizes the house's elegant setting and its grandeur.

The middle photo was cropped to show only the central part of the first photo, in an attempt at a more "artistic"  presentation.

The bottom photo is a different picture, showing the great dane that came running up to scare me away.  This was intended to add some life.

So, if you were showing only one photo today, which would you show?  Or would you have run away from the dog?

Weekend Reflections: Well Dressed Men

It must be very disturbing for these two gentlemen.  They were dressed for the holiday parties, and then some cars drove right through them!


This is the window display at the Jos. Bank store on Lasalle Street in West Hartford Center.

You can see more Weekend Reflections on Newtown Area Photo every Friday.

Happy Thanksgiving

Norman Rockwell gained his reputation as illustrator of many covers for the Saturday Evening Post.  During World War II he produced many paintings that were distributed as prints supporting the war effort.  His Four Freedoms series was among his most famous; millions of prints were distributed.  This is Freedom from Want, from 1943.  The others were Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion and Freedom from Fear.

Frame Dimensions in West Hartford Center let me move this print into a spot where I wanted it.  I have had things framed there for years.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving today with family and friends.

Hartford Stage Company

The stage of the Hartford Stage Company is usually off limits to photography.  But, recently the theater completed an extensive renovation and expansion, and they invited the public to visit (and take pictures). 

This picture shows actors during a rehearsal.  Regrettably, I didn't see the performance and it wasn't clear to me whether they were rehearsing the current show or an upcoming one.  So, I can't shed any light on what was going on.