Merry Christmas!

Click on the Merry Christmas on my blog to view a Christmas Message for you. Hope you enjoy your Holiday!
Sevastra Photography

12 Days of Christmas Photo Style

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my True Love gave to me
twelve photo tips
eleven hours of photoshop lessons,
ten... iphoto aaaaapps
nine free textures
eight lens cleaning cloths
seven magazine subscriptions,
six... online web ordersss...
five boxes of print paper…
four Photoshop World tickets
three Kelby online books,
two Canon lens…
and a assistant to edit my images!!

Like a Leaf in the Wind

Photography.
Whats your specialty? Your area of interest? Your Style? Is it landscape, candid, aerial, cars, sunsets, sunrises, long exposures, sports, HDR, action shots, abstract or a million other styles?

For me, I find that to be a very difficult question to answer. I love all of the above. It really depends on the mood I'm in that particular day. Some say it's important to stay with a single style. You should strive to make your name synonymous with your style. When an individual sees your images they can easily see that it's one of yours. You must admit there is no mistaking a Monet or an Ansel Adams.

So what do you think?

Do you stick to a particular style? Is it because you feel like you have to or is it because you want to?

Scenic Maine Lighthouse Calendar SevastrA : Beautiful Images of New England

Scenic Maine Lighthouse Calendar SevastrA : Beautiful Images of New England

New Calendar available to order for 2012!!!

Did I Miss Something?

Yeah I think I did! I missed the fall foliage season!
I had to wonder...
...was it because I was working a lot?
...was it because I had misjudged the season time frame?

Hummm looking at the trees in Maine it almost looks like they are burnt. Most have dry dark leaves. I think even the weatherman is confused. Each week he gives his foliage report and continues to make it sound like life is bursting with red, oranges (my personal fav)and yellow. So far, all I have been able to find is some greeny looking yellow which I have affectionately renamed grellow.

I have spent hours, even days looking for the foliage. I drove to Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Mexico, Bath, Boothbay, Damarscotta, Rumford, Newport, Naples, Newry, Bethel, Mechanic Falls, Norway, So Paris and who knows where else. It all seems to look the same. Then...
Came to rain! Crap now it's washing away the grellow!! No!!

That's it I'm on a mission to figure this out. If I can understand what causes the color change maybe, just maybe I can figure out what causes the lack of color. Then if I'm really good I may be able to figure out where it is hiding.

In easy terms the colors of fall are an effect of a tree's growth factory shutting down for the winter. Winter is a bad time for growing: too little water, too little sun, and too much cold. Because of this trees stop producing chlorophyll,and begin to store sugars that they can use for antifreeze protection.

To begin the sealing-off process, the tree grows a membrane between each branch and leaf stem. The membrane hinders the flow of nutrients into the leaf which stops the leaf from making new chlorophyll. The old chlorophyll quickly decomposes and the leaf's green color fades.

If the leaf contains carotene, like in a birch tree, aspens, and cottonwoods for example, the fading leaf will change from green to yellow. Carotene, takes over and persists in leaves even after all the chlorophyll is gone. The leaves of those trees now look yellow.

The sealing membrane not only stops the inward nutrient flow but also blocks the outward flow of sugar, trapping it in the leaf. The blocked leaf sugar in some trees, like maples, oaks and sumacs reacts to form a red pigment, called anthocyanins. The brighter the summer the more vivid the red.

Lets not forget that the rainfall experienced during the summer determines how healthy the tree will be during the growing season which will affect the vibrant color it will produce.

So to sum up, we need a balance and healthy amount of sun and moisture during a trees growing season, warm days in early fall with cool crisp nights. Cool but not a freeze. Now if I remember correctly we had a dry July. I'm not even sure if it rained all month. That could be a major contributor. An early frost can cause leaves to fall before they even get a chance to change color.

Okay so let's look for an area with lot's of water, sun and offers somewhat of a shelter from wind and is in a confined space that can also help ward off frost by holding onto the warmth of the days sun.

Hummmm- How about a small cove? Maybe a sheltered waterfall off the mountains? BINGO!

My unofficial suggestion for anyone that is hoping to see some vibrant colors before the season is over is to look for small bodies of water that are sheltered from the wind. This can come in the form of a cove, maybe an area that has runoff from a mountainous zone.

Good luck in your search. I would love to see or hear how you make out in your own personal quest.
Check out my images at www.sevastra.com be sure to check out the Colors of Fall gallery.

The Beauty of Maine Lighthouses

Lighthouses have long been associated with mystique, romance and solitude. They are special places filled with dreams,hope, yearning of the heart and spirituality.

Maine Lighthouses are exceptionally beautiful. Nestled against the strong rocky coast. Keeping secrets of lost loves, found friends, childhood memories and young love.

Many people relate lighthouse viewing to summer, but that's not true. They are wonderful to visit anytime of the year. Take the time to look around you and plan a visit to your local lighthouse, I can guarantee you will have the time of your life!

To see additional lighthouse images on my website visit
http://www.sevastra.com/Landscapes/Lighthouses/9616164_BnbHqQ

The attached video is really long, I'll admit to that but the Maine Office of Tourism has done an exceptional job capturing their beauty. If you don't live in Maine, sit back and enjoy this exceptional video. Who knows you may even decide to visit this great state.

Light Spirit - Lighthouses of the Maine Coast from Maine Office of Tourism on Vimeo.

Maine Lighthouse Day

Saturday, September 17th, 2011 is Maine Lighthouse Day. Lighthouses that are rarely open will be open for the public to enjoy and climb to the top. Guides will be available to answer questions and share history about the lighthouse and their keepers.

If you have never been inside a lighthouse and have always wanted to see the lens close up this is the day to visit. 25 Lighthouses located throughout the State of Maine will open their doors for all to experience.

• Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse -- Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island (land-based)
• Browns Head Lighthouse -- Vinalhaven Island (offshore)
• Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse -- Swan's Island (offshore)
• Burnt Island Lighthouse -- Entrance to Boothbay Harbor (offshore)
• Curtis Island Lighthouse -- Entrance to Camden Harbor (offshore)
• Deer Island Thorofare Lighthouse -- Mark Island near Stonington (offshore)
• Doubling Point Lighthouse -- Arrowsic (land-based)
• Dyce Head Lighthouse -- Castine (land-based)
• Fort Point Lighthouse -- Cape Jellison near Stockton Springs (land-based)
• Grindle Point Lighthouse -- Islesboro (offshore)
• Kennebec River Range Lights (two towers) -- Arrowsic (land-based)
• Little River Lighthouse -- Entrance to Cutler Harbor (offshore), noon to 3 p.m.
• Marshall Point Lighthouse -- Port Clyde (land-based)
• Monhegan Island Lighthouse -- Monhegan Island (offshore), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Owls Head Lighthouse -- Owls Head (land-based)
• Pemaquid Point Lighthouse -- Bristol (land-based)
• Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light) -- South Portland (land-based)
• Portland Head Lighthouse -- Cape Elizabeth (land-based)
• Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse -- Rockland (land-based via a breakwater)
• Seguin Island Lighthouse -- Near entrance to Kennebec River off Popham Beach (offshore), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Spring Point Lighthouse -- South Portland (land-based via a breakwater)
• Squirrel Point Lighthouse -- Arrowsic (land-based)
• West Quoddy Head Lighthouse -- Lubec (land-based)
• Wood Island Lighthouse -- Biddeford Pool (offshore)
Source: lighthouseday.comhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif


Which one would you visit? Owls Head ~known as the most haunted? Portland Head Light where it’s told the basement is haunted by passengers that passed away during the ship wreck that took place outside the lighthouse in On Christmas Eve, 1886. Marshall Light used in the movie Forrest Gump? Maybe Sequin Light where is is reported that a lighthouse keeper was driven mad by his wife repeatedly playing the same sheet of music over and over, driving him to murder and suicide.

To view some images visit

Canyon Livin

Panning for Gold is not the only recreation to be found in Byron, Maine.
Coo's Canyon in Byron, Maine is a great family fun place to explore for all ages.

As a young girl my grandmother brought me there and taught me how to pan for gold using old metal pie pans. That was over 30 years ago. Today people still enjoy panning for gold on the Swift River. If your not all that familiar with how and where...Just stop at the Coo's Canyon Gift Shop across from the Canyon they offer free lessons, supplies and great advise on where to look for treasures.

Not into panning for gold? That's okay the Canyon is wonderful for swimming and many areas are perfect water wading. On hot days the water is like a warm bath. Relax and let the water drift over you massaging your tired body.



Kids love playing in the water. Hours pass like minutes while they hunt for rocks or spend the afternoon catching minnows. Today we did both, hauling back tons of rocks to make balancing rock lamps and found out that T-shirts make super minnow catchers.



If all else fails, enjoy the beautiful waterfalls. Coo's Canyon is a little piece of Heaven located on Rt 17 in Byron, Maine. Relax and enjoy. For more views of Coo's Canyon visit my website gallery.



CLICK IMAGE BELOW FOR VIDEO

Let your Colors Burst ~I see a spark in YOU

A few weeks ago we went shopping and saw the most amazing paintings. After much consideration we decided to order some canvas and paint our own.

Tim had the bright idea that before we attempt to create a painting 63x 36h we should each buy a practice canvas 11x14 and attempt our hand at creating what we had imagined to be a master piece riddled with sand, sea glass and shells. Weeks passed as the canvas sat in the closet.

The Fourth of July seemed quiet. We decided to spend the afternoon relaxing in the gazebo painting our practice masterpiece. The anticipation was exciting. We gathered all our materials. Acrylic paint~check, water & small cups to rinse our brushes~check, canvas~check, small pieces of sea glass~check

We quickly realized we have no talent. After the first try we both did a cover-up and started again.

The moral of this story? We both come from an era where the sky was the limit. Our parents reinforced this by telling us how great we are/were at everything we attempted to accomplished. How bold we were to not even consider that we did not have the creative talent to pull this off.

Our second attempt is pictured here. What a downer it is to hit that brick wall, have the cold ice water bucket dumped over our heads waking us to reality.


We did decide the pictures of our paintings looks great so that means we ARE photographers not painters. Will this stop us? Sadly it won't. We will live another day to paint again.

Beware Jamie Wyeth we are hot on your trail. Not because we think we are great but because our parents do!

PS: I made Tim promise that after I pass away and become famous and they discover my very first painting, hiding just below my Balancing Rocks, let everyone know that my original was named, All About ME.

State of Maine Park Pass

What a great value purchasing a State of Maine Park Pass is for a family. Each year I am very careful to check the park pass option on my state taxes. For $70.00 I can visit any State of Maine State Park or Historic site free of charge in the upcoming year.

By purchasing the family pass that means anyone in my car gets in free of charge to locations such as Fort Knox in Penobscot near the Narrows Bridge, Range Pond in Poland or even Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth.

By the family car load reminds me of back in the days when you overloaded your car for the drive-in. Go for it! Live a little, load up your car and see Maine.

My State Park Pass ( say that three times fast) makes it easy for me to enjoy Maine...The Way Life should be.

What has happened to craftmanship and pride?

One thing I do know is that it is alive and well in Riverside at the Looff Carousel!
Tim and I ventured to East Providence to see what was left of my old stomping grounds. Beside a ton of graffiti which I will show you in a later blog, we found a jewel untouched and as beautiful as it was over 30 years ago. The carousel is housed in one of Looff's classic "hippodrome" buildings.

Charles I.D. Looff was a master carver. The carousel was built in 1895 and used as Looff’s showroom. Customers would come from all over the country to view and select the horses they wanted for their rides.

I was surprised to see that kids of all ages still reached their arm out to grab the brass ring. As I heard brass fog bell ring, I knew the ride was about to begin. A small hourglass affixed to the snare drum cabinet of the band organ is what would determine the length of my ride.
Today it is one of the only carousels in America where riders can play the ring game by grabbing a brass ring to earn a free ride. After catching the rings, riders throw them into the cut-out mouth of a clown face painted on a large canvas

The carousel was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and today remains "the State Jewel of American Folk Art” The carousel horses are as beautiful as I remember. If life leaves you feeling empty, take a ride, take a chance and reach your arm out and go for it, grab the brass ring of life, joy and laughter at Crescent Park, in Riverside, Rhode Island.
The restored ride continues to operate every summer.

Do You Dare...

Stay at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast? Many believe that it is haunted by Lizzie's father & step mother to this day. The brutal murder took place in August 1892.

I had to check it out for myself so Tim and I along with Noah ventured down to the Lizzie B&B in Fall River, Massachusetts.

Now we were not brave enough to spend the night but were lucky enough to take part in their evening tour which was wonderful. The tour started at approximately 8:00 in Lizzie's parlor. The tour guide Mrs.Eleanor Thibault was very nice and informative. She made us feel welcome and told us of her many experiences as a tour guide and night manager.

We were lead to each of the eight bedrooms in this old victorian home. What a fun time we all had that evening. At the end of the evening tour for an additional $10.00 per person we had the opportunity to participate in a seance. Let the fun begin!

Needless to say there are many theories on why and how Mr. Borden and his wife were murdered. One being that he was just a little too close for comfort to Lizzie and she told her uncle about it and he hired someone to murder Lizzie's step-mother and then Lizzie's father.

So somewhat believing that theory myself I had to ask Mr. Borden during the seance if he enjoyed all of the women visiting the house and did he watch them in the shower and disrobing. According to the medium he refused to answer my question, but Mrs. Borden whispered "yes he does" at that moment I was happy we were sleeping elsewhere for the night.

If you get a chance be sure to visit this lovely home and if you can stay the night I would recommend it. I know I will be back to stay the night and further explore this beautiful home filled with intrigue and mystery.

My Father's House is Locked?

I just assumed that churches were open to the public 24/7. You have a problem with no where to turn? Stop by your local church, right? Sorry no one is home and the doors are all locked!

It really got me thinking about how many horror movies I have watched where the characters ran to their local church for safe cover. Can you imagine if they were being chased, ran to the church and the door was locked! I would end up prey to the Children of the Corn, the Tommy Knockers, Damien or Sweet Carrie. I just can't run as fast as I could when I was younger.

I guess with unemployment rising, business's closing, families losing their homes to foreclosure,and domestic violence increasing we just cannot trust each other anymore. The sad part is that's when people need that safe haven more than ever.

No discrimination here in Maine

We love all the seasons in Maine. Lucky for us by the time are backs start aching from the heavy snow shoveling Spring arrives to give us some much needed sunshine. It also gives us ladies a chance to shed our LL Bean boots for a while!
Check out this promotional video by The Maine Office of Tourism.


Check out my website at www.sevastra.com Here you will find photos of many of the locations in the video. Plus I could really use the traffic flow. The more clicks I get hopefully the cloud spiders will give me a break and boost me up the ranks for free. Yeah right!