Rolfe Photography, Digital Workshops & Photo Walks

2012-01-25T14:55:00.004-05:00

Rehoboth Photography Weekend

Friday February 24th-Sunday February 26th

101 North Boardwalk

Rehoboth, DE. 19958

Want to get out of town? Got the Winter doldrums? Did you get a new digital camera over the holidays and need some help with those bells and whistles? Delmarva Photo Safaris has the perfect remedy.

A Rehoboth photography workshop weekend led by seasoned professional photographer Judy G. Rolfe and hosted by Atlantic Sands Hotel in Rehoboth.

We will walk the boards "making" not just "taking" pictures. Morning Photo Walks are approximately 2 hours long. Comfortable and WARM clothing, water,shoes, are recommended in addition to your digital camera & its handbook, empty media cards, fully charged batteries & backup batteries AND your enthusiasm for digital photography! Optional Sunset shooting Saturday evening. Saturday and Sunday mornings after our PhotoWalks we will swap some stories (digital related preferred), and do a little chimping (chimping is a term used for reviewing your shots on your LCD screen on the back of your camera, usually accompanied by lots of ooh, oohs and aah, aahs) But the Atlantic Sands will be providing us with the means to view and critique our images on the big screen . The weekend will start off meeting up at the hotel for appetizers and tickets for complimentary drinks where we will go over the next days schedule. First thing Saturday we will step-off onto the Rehoboth boards and "make" sunrise images under the tutorage and watchful eye of Judy.Saturday afternoon we will have a Digital 101 classroom, indoors.

Canon-mount Lensbabys will be shared for interested participants.

Loan of a Canon 400mm is available also.

Single Occupancy Package = $299.00

Double Occupancy Package = $225.00 per person

Included;

2 nights in ocean-view or oceanfront room

Welcome reception Friday evening with appetizers and 2 beverage tickets

Plated Full Breakfast Saturday morning in Atlantic Seafood Grill

Plated Full Breakfast Sunday morning in Atlantic Seafood Grill

All taxes, fees and gratuities included in package pricing

10%-15% discount on all services available at FUSION Spa

Locals Package = $140

Includes;

Friday meetup at Atlantic Seafood Grille Bar, apps & two drink tickets included

Workshop participation Sat+Sunday and breakfast.

Storage for baggage/backpack and or gear.

Parking

(Accommodations not included).

Curious participants email jr@rolfephotography.com or call Judy @ 302.644.4458

Minimum number of participants required.

Code for Atlantic Sands "Rolfe Photography Workshop".

Check out posts about the Atlantic Sands/DPS weekend by clicking on below links.

http://www.delmarvaphotosafaris.com/register

https://www.facebook.com/RolfePhotography

https://twitter.com/RolfePhoto

http://pinterest.com/rolfephoto/photography/

When Pigs (Cameras) Fly?

2011-12-21T01:58:00.001-05:00

Octo what?
The octocopter developed by Ermes Technologies can fly more than a half-mile into the sky at speeds of up to 42 mph, scanning whatever you want it to with a camera.It can be piloted via remote control or even fly itself automatically, allowing for the recording of image stills that a photographer couldn’t capture.
Read more: http://lightbox.time.com

MY 2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

2011-11-29T16:32:00.072-05:00

LIGHTING

Interfit,Cool Studio Lighting products.
http://www.interfitphotographic.com

Radio Slaves
http://speedliting.com/
http://radiopopper.com/

Cowboy Studio
www.CowboyStudio.com

Honl Lighting Systems, The Creative Lighting Starter Kit
http://www.honlphoto.com/creative-lighting-starter-kit.html

Rogue FlashBender
http://www.expoimaging.com/

Honl Lighting Systems, The Creative Lighting Starter Kit
http://www.honlphoto.com

LED Lite Panel; Litepanels harnesses its Emmy award-winning LED technology to bring you theMicroPro Hybrid - the first professional LED light to combine “continuous output” and a “flash” feature in a single fixture.
http://www.lite-panels.us/

CAMERA

Lensbaby
http://www.lensbaby.com/holiday-savings

Lensbaby Macro Kit
http://www.lensbaby.com/

Vello Battery Grips
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
Lens Mount adapters;
http://www.amazon.com/

Wacom Bamboo Fun Pen and Touch Tablet
http://www.amazon.com

b-grip
http://www.bgrip.com/

Photographic Solutions, Digital cleaning solutions;ive the Digital Survival Kits! Enter the code "judy" for a 10% discount.
http://www.photosol.com

Hoodman, LCD impact protection for all digital still cameras
http://www.hoodmanusa.com

ThinkTank Camera Bags, use code WS-011 plus you an extra 5% commission thru 12/31/11
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products.aspx

BlackRapid Camera Straps
http://www.blackrapid.com/

Rainsleeve
http://www.adorama.com

M Disc Archival Storage
http://millenniata.com/m-disc/

New Velcro Removable Picture Hanging Strips;
http://www.velcro.com

BOOKS

Photography Books, Limited Edition Prints and Calendars on Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod & The National Seashore. By Charles Fields
www.charlesfields.net/

Contact Sheet;When a photographer creates a noteworthy photograph, many images taken before and after "the moment" are left unseen to anyone but the photographer himself. In the case of an extraordinary or famous photograph, these "unseen images" on the original contact sheet take on even more importance, offering insight into the subject matter, the artistic process, and the story behind the image. This book presents 40 such behind-the-scenes glimpses, from photographers like William Claxton, Imogen Cunningham, Elliott Erwitt, Nan Goldin, Dorothea Lange, Peter Lindbergh, Joel Meyerowitz, Ed Ruscha, and William Wegman.
http://www.daedalusbooks.com

Camera: A History of Photography from Daguerreotype to Digital
http://www.amazon.com/

Mastering Digital Printing Edition2
http://www.worldprintmakers.com/

Lou Jones' CREATIVE FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY AT LIGHTSPEED
http://fotojonesbooks.com/

DVD's

Ansel Adams
http://www.shoppbs.org/

Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens
http://www.amazon.com/

Ed Burtynsky
http://www.edwardburtynsky.com/

Bill CunninghamNY
http://www.amazon.com/Bill-Cunningham

Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Impassioned Eye
http://www.amazon.com/Henri-Cartier-Bresson

SOFTWARE

onOne Perfect Photo Suite 6
http://www.ononesoftware.com/

Photomatix (HDR) enter code "RolfePhoto20"
http://www.hdrsoft.com/

X-Rite Eye-One 2Monitor Calibration or the i1 Display Pro
http://www.adorama.com

Spyder 3 Express
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

Adobe Elements 10
http://www.amazon.com/

Nik Software,software products for digital photography and imaging professionals i
https://www.niksoftware.com

Shape Collage - Automatic Photo Collage Maker
http://www.shapecollage.com/

MAGAZINE'S

Shutterbug
http://www.shutterbug.com/

PDN
http://www.pdnonline.com/

Natures Best Photography
https://www.naturesbestphotography.com/

APP's
Photosynth
http://itunes.apple.com/

Quad Camera
http://itunes.apple.com/

Tilt Shift Generator
http://itunes.apple.com/

Instagram
http://itunes.apple.com

Bump, makes sharing with people as simple as bumping two phones together.
http://itunes.apple.com

MISCELLANEOUS

iPhone tripod holder,The Glif: Minimalist iPhone Stand & Tripod Mount
http://photojojo.com

The Gymbl, it attaches easily to the iPhone and can be used as a tripod.
http://www.youbiq.com/

Cookie Cutter, The Most Delicious Cameras You’ve Tasted
http://photolover.diyphotography.net

Suzie Automatic's Laptop Decals
http://www.etsy.com/

Picture Ledge
http://www.ikea.com

STATIONERY
Paper Culture
http://www.paperculture.com

Photography T-Shirts @ Cafepress and PetaPixel
http://www.cafepress.com/
http://www.petapixel.com/

Gift Certificate to BorrowLenses
http://www.borrowlenses.com/

Gift certicate to MPix, Rent Cameras, Lenses, Tripods, and Other Accessories by Mail.
http://www.mpix.com/

Leica Look-Alike Skin for the iPhone 4
http://store.petapixel.com/products/Leica-Look%252dAlike-Skin-for-the-iPhone-4.html
http://www.etsy.com/

Lens Mugs from the Photojojo Store
http://photojojo.com/

Photo Clips;
http://photojojo.com/store/

Steel Magnetic Photo Cable
http://www.streamlinenyc.com

USB Drive
A camera shaped USB drive with a removable lens for toting 4GB in style.
http://photojojo.com/

Etsy photography gift ideas.
http://www.etsy.com/

and last but not least a gift certificate to DelmarvaPhotoSafari's
http://www.delmarvaphotosafaris.com/

Photography Correspondent Judy G. Rolfe

2011-11-16T16:06:00.005-05:00

Detail of cover from The Contact Sheet; images by Elliott Erwitt.

Yours truly is a photography correspondent for The Daily Glean, a blog for Daedalus Books contributed to daily by blog-mistress Janet P. Mullany. Check out some of my photography book critiques and please feel free to rate each review. Enjoy and hey buy some photography books from Daedalus Books ok?

Judy's photography book critiques;
http://dailyglean.salebooks.com/search?q=Judy+Rolfe

Daedalus Books;
http://www.daedalusbooks.com/

On Annie

2011-11-15T19:31:00.018-05:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Annie Leibovitz joins Brian Williams in the Rock Center studio for an impromptu photo shoot, courtesy of the iPhone. Leibovitz says it's all about editing to get to that perfect picture. Actually I have been saying that we better be looking over our shoulder at the iPhone ever since it came out. What seemed impossible just a few years ago this iPhone camera has now made possible. I am a big fan of it, can you tell?!

Just out, a new book by Annie,Pilgrimage.Unlike her other books, Pilgrimage,features no celebrities, no luminaries, no models. Instead, it's a thoughtful meditation on how she can sustain her creativity in the face of adversity and make the most of it.
The idea came from Leibovitz's and her partner Susan Sontag. The two had planned to do a book of places that were important to them. To me, much of the inspiration comes from her children. As a photographer myself, I know that inspiration can come from many different sources, different places and at different times. Inspiration is the fuel that powers our visual engines.
P.S. this book would make a great Holiday present for somebody...

Check out this audio link by clicking on arrow (>) below.

And lastly; Annie's book signing tour details.
http://www.randomhouse.com/book/99599/pilgrimage-by-annie-leibovitz#events

Mama luv's her LensBABY

2011-09-17T15:40:00.006-04:00

Am having some fun knocking around with the Lensbaby Composer Pro. I think you can tell that from the captures.

New Delmarva Photo Safari Site!

2011-06-02T14:30:00.006-04:00

Photo safaris are adventures to unique locations in the Delmarva area where photographers learn new skills while enjoying an affordable getaway. It’s also an opportunity to meet other people who enjoy photography.

If you’re a photographer who enjoys the great outdoors and, in particular, the Delmarva region, there’s a safari that will interest you.

Photographers of all skill levels with cameras of all types — disposable, film, digital, even smartphones — are welcome.

Check it out!

http://www.delmarvaphotosafaris.com

The Washington Post Beach Guide 2011

2011-05-27T15:29:00.024-04:00

Headed to the beach? Learn what's new, what's old and what's on tap at the shore this summer by checking out this Annual Guide.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/

I was lucky enough to be able to shoot the images for this guide and had lots of fun doing it. Below, is a image of Matt Haley, Owner of Matt's Fish Camp and Sue Ryan Owner of the Good Earth Market Farm holding wild and freshly picked strawberries Sue had just dropped off and Matt had turned into a fabulous dessert with buttermilk cream, black pepper and basil.

One of the things I enjoy most is meeting new people as I shoot my way through a assignment. As I was looking for a good boardwalk scene I came across artist Ellen Gavin, pictured left, who I learned was participating in the RAL sponsored Arts Festival over the weekend. She had come down from Millville, N.J. I loved how all the elements came together in this image.

Want to learn more about Ellen..

http://www.greenbootstudio.com/

Cherry Blossom MeetUp

2011-04-03T17:48:00.010-04:00

The day started early but it was worth it. I organized a Sunrise photo MeetUp to capture the Cherry Blossoms along Washington DC's Tidal Basin. These blossoms generate alot of interest and next year when we celebration the 100th anniversary of their arrival they will generate even more!

If you would like to participate in future MeetUps you can do that one of two ways. Sign up to my NoNegatives list serve or Delmarva Photo MeetUp Group.

BTW, a little known fact... Eliza Scidmore, a photographer and writer for National Geographic played an important role in bringing the cherry blossoms to Washington DC in 1912. To learn more about Eliza click on link below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliza_Scidmore

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/nonegatives/join

http://www.meetup.com

Photographer Ginger Monteleone "Making A Difference"

2011-03-27T14:21:00.003-04:00

Confirming that pictures can have power.. when Ginger Monteleone, a Florida photographer pointed her camera at Cali a stray pit bull she made a difference for 100's of animals. Ginger says "She had a skill . I take picutres. I am a photographer. So I wanted to give back". Check out how Gingers images are making a difference between life and death for dogs.

Proof that pictures do have power,hopefully Ginger and Cali have inspired you as they have me.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/42283371#42283371

http://www.gingermonteleone.com/Its-a-doggie-dog-world/Dogs-needing-homes

To donate to Ginger's Rescue "Big Hearts For Big Dogs".

http://www.wix.com/whatapittie/big-hearts-for-big-dogs

Nature's Best Photography at Smithsonian

2011-03-26T18:02:00.005-04:00

Nature's Best Photography
Windland Smith Rice International
2010 Awards Exhibition
Open April 16 to September 25, 2011

The annual show of extraordinary images comes to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History at a peak time of year for visitation. The category Winners and selected Highly Honored images from the 2010 competition will be displayed as large-format prints and in an accompanying HD video in this year's Awards Exhibition. Washington DC is very beautiful during the spring and summer and the new dates will allow greater opportunities for everyone to see the exhibition.

http://www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/natures-best-2010/index.html

http://www.naturesbestphotography.com/gallery_wsr_2010.php/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3qzXvaAl7o

Magazine subscription

https://www.naturesbestphotography.com/subscribe.php

Museum of Natural History

1000 Constitution Avenue Northwest
Washington D.C., DC 20004
(202) 633-1000

Dame Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor

2011-03-23T15:24:00.010-04:00

February 27, 1932 – March 23, 2011

“I've been through it all, baby, I'm mother courage.”

Elizabeth Taylor quote

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation is taking donations in the late actress' name to honor the legacy of the legendary actress, businesswoman and activist.

Established in 1991, the foundation's focus is, "direct services for people living with AIDS, ETAF provides funding to AIDS service organizations throughout the world to assist those living with HIV and AIDS," according to the ETAF website.

Taylor was an outspoken activist and fundraiser for the struggle against AIDS, beginning in the mid-1980s when the virus was still largely a mystery in the United States.

To submit a donation in Taylor's memory, visit:
http://www.elizabethtayloraidsfoundation.org/

Meetup to Photograph the Cherry Blossoms

2011-03-23T14:52:00.005-04:00

WHO: Delmarva Photo Safari's. You must sign up or contact Rolfe Photography to be part of our MeetUp Group.

http://www.meetup.com/DC-Delmarva-Photo-Meetup-Group/events/16860068/

Price: $50.00 per person(refund policy)

WHAT:MeetUp this year, because 2012, the centennial of the gift of the trees from Japan will be too crowded. Two non-photographer friends/spouses can accompany you at no charge.No pets please.

Afterwards post images to flickr and search for group;

MeetupDC2011

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1618265@N20/

WHEN: Saturday April 2nd 2011, Rain date Sunday April 3rd

MeetUp @6am sun rises @ 6:50am

WHERE: How to find us: Tidal Basin Paddle Boat House, S.W. Washington. D.C.

1501 Maine Avenue Southwest
Washington D.C., DC 20024
703.801.6834 Pro Leader's cell

MAP;

http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&rls=en&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=dc+paddle+boats&fb=1&gl=us&hq=paddle+boats&hnear=District+of+Columbia&cid=0,0,12120693264459624812&ei=ewZ0TdH_DYL-8Aa55OWkDw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=2&ved=0CDIQnwIwAQ

Animal Planets: POLAR BEAR: SPY ON THE ICE

2011-03-06T21:30:00.010-05:00

Award winning filmmaker John Downer (ELEPHANTS: SPY IN THE HERD, TIGER: SPY IN THE JUNGLE), who revolutionized natural history filmmaking by pioneering the use of spy cameras to capture animal's most intimate moments, has created a new team of spy cams to film polar bears in Norway. Now, on Thursday, March 10 at 10 PM ET/PT, one of the world's most dangerous predators will be seen in an engaging new perspective in the Animal Planet special POLAR BEAR: SPY ON THE ICE.

POLAR BEAR: SPY ON THE ICE follows polar bear mothers Aesa and Svanna as they lead their cubs on a journey across frozen land in arctic Norway. Their destination: sea ice on the edge of the polar ice cap surrounding the North Pole - the ultimate hunting grounds for life sustaining seals. It's an expedition that will take months and the perils will be especially great, with brand new cubs in tow. Each mother will need endurance, ingenuity, and steadfast determination to safely make it through this incredible journey alive.

Narrated by Novella Nelson (The Last Airbender, 30 Rock) and composed by Will Gregory of the pop group Goldfrapp and Richard Fiocca of the miniseries Life, POLAR BEAR: SPY ON THE ICE presents viewers with an enchanting look at the daily life of two very special polar bear families and the other bears they encounter along their journey - all while focusing on the innate curiosity of these extraordinary animals. To capture this personal perspective, in one of the most barren and harshest environments on earth. Be there!

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504803_162-20039413-10391709.html?tag=contentBody;housing

The Biggs Picture:Landscape Exhibition Opens Friday March 4th

2011-02-25T13:51:00.006-05:00

Opening March 4th-June 19th. The Biggs Picture exhibition features paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, craft, video and any artistic medium by regional artists. This juried competition asks artist contestants to interpret the theme of "Landscape."

The Biggs Picture 2011 competition drew nearly 300 entries from over 100 individual applicants. The 2011 jurors Robert Koenke, Editor-in-Chief of Wildlife Art Magazine and Catherine Drabkin, Delaware College of Art and Design Founding Faculty Member, selected 73 works to be displayed in the exhibition at the Biggs Museum of American Art. Yours truly submitted this entree of a lone tree on the Smith Farm in Lewes during a snow storm. I froze to death making this image, but it was worth it.

http://www.biggsmuseum.org/exhibitions.html

Biggs Museum

406 Federal Street

Dover, DE. 19901

302.674.2111

Map

http://www.mapquest.com/#b87ca128f2c4404c9f0f76f6

Unexposed Vivian Maier Now Exposed

2011-01-09T14:55:00.013-05:00

The Hidden World of Vivian Maier from The Kitchen Sisters on Vimeo.

I've come across a amazing story. A Chicago man, John Maloof acquired Vivian Maier's negatives while at a furniture and antique auction. From what he knows, the auction house acquired her belongings from her storage locker that was sold off due to delinquent payments. John didn't know what 'street photography' was when he purchased them.

It took him days to look through all of her work. It inspired him to pick up photography himself. Little by little, as he progressed as a photographer, he would revisit Vivian's negatives and he would "see" more in her work. He bought her same camera and took to the same streets soon to realize how difficult it was to make images of her caliber. He discovered the eye she had for photography through his own practice. Needless to say, he is attached to her work.

After some researching,he had little information about Vivian. Central Camera (110 yr old camera shop in Chicago) had encountered Vivian from time to time when she would purchase film while out on the Chicago streets. From what they knew of her, they say she was a very "keep your distance from me" type of person but was also outspoken.

Some of her photos have pictures of children and often times it was near a beach. He later found out she was a nanny for a family on the North Side whose children these most likely were. One of her obituaries states that she lived in Oak Park, a close Chicago suburb, but he later found that she lived in the Rogers Park neighborhood.

Out of the more than 100,000 negatives he has in the collection, about 20-30,000 negatives were still in rolls, undeveloped from the 1960's-1970's.He has been successfully developing these rolls. John says, it's been very exciting for him. Most of her negatives that were developed in sleeves have the date and location penciled in French (she had poor penmanship).

John found her name written with pencil on a photo-lab envelope. He decided to 'Google' her about a year after he purchased these only to find her obituary placed the day before his search. She passed only a couple of days before that inquiry on her.

He wanted to meet her in person well before he found her obituary but, the auction house had stated she was ill, so he didn't want to bother her. So many questions would have been answered if he had. What a fascinating woman and I am so glad John uncovered her.

VIVIAN MAIER 1926-2009

http://www.vivianmaier.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/

http://www.explorechicago.org/

http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/

DADT Signing

2010-12-23T21:40:00.018-05:00

It was 1993 and "Don't Ask Don't Tell is inserted into a bill requiring the military to follow Reagan's directive. President Bill Clinton, in a defense directive, declares that applicants for the military should not be asked about their sexual orientation.

Its December 22nd 2010 and after 17 years of this failed law President Obama signed legislation that will result in the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT). With the stroke of his pen he finally put a end to this discriminatory ban. I felt especially fortunate to be shooting this signing since I have been covering it most of those 17 years.

Pictured on this historic day along with President Obama and Vice President Biden are Joint Chiefs Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Rep. Patrick Murphy, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Sens. Joe Lieberman, Susan Collins, Kirsten Gillibrand and Mark Udall .They were joined by Former US Navy Commander Zoe Dunning and former USMC Staff Sgt. Eric Alva. Their leadership, has restored honesty and integrity as core values of our military.

The final end to the discriminatory ban will happen only after a certification process followed by another 60 day period.

L/R; Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign and former USMC Staff Sgt. Eric Alva.

http://www.whitehouse.gov

Shoot The Moon!

2010-12-20T17:24:00.007-05:00

Weather dependent,we will be treated to a total lunar eclipse early Tuesday morning. What makes this eclipse rare is that it coincides with the winter solstice, a feat that has not occurred in over 350 years!! Tuesday's eclipse will begin at 1:33 a.m. EST and will continue through 5:01 a.m. Totality, the time when Earth's shadow completely covers the moon, will start at 2:41 a.m. and lasts 72 minutes. Roughly 3:15 a.m. will prove to be the best time to view the eclipse. NASA reports the eclipse will then be at its peak and the moon will display the most brilliant shade of coppery red. Tuesday is a busy calendar day in the world of astronomy. Not only does the total lunar eclipse take place in the morning, but winter officially gets under way at 6:38 p.m. EST. It is extremely rare for the two events to take place on the same date. The last such occurrence took place on Dec. 21, 1638. The next time the two events pair up will occur on Dec. 21, 2094.

This event will separate the die hard photographers from the non die hards. First off you have to be in place by 3am with preferably a long lens and second it will be 28 degrees but feel like 10.

Let me hear from you if you go out. Also feel free to download some of your best into my flickr group NoNegatives.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/nonegatives/

Snowing Snow Geese

2010-12-12T19:00:00.003-05:00

Spotted these guys in a corn field near my home and couldn't resist going and grabbing my long lens and making their picture.

Meetup At Prime Hook

2010-11-17T16:24:00.004-05:00

Join me for a Delmarva Photo Meetup at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge beginning at 2pm, Sunday November 21st to walk thru the The annual Prime Hook Nature Photography Contest at the Visitors Center to learn what makes a good nature photograph and afterwards head out with our cameras on one of walking trails. emailjr@rolfephotography.com to sign up.

Prime Hook is located at

11978 Turkle Pond Rd

Milton, DE 19968

(302) 684-8419

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/primehook/index.html

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/primehook/pdf/PrimeHookMap904final.pdf

http://www.meetup.com/Delmarva-Photo-Meetup-Group/calendar/15478235/

A Must-See! The Art of the Steal

2010-10-02T16:41:00.005-04:00

This eye-opening documentary tells the story of the Barnes Collection, $25 billion worth of masterpieces by Cezanne, Matisse and Renoir that has become the focus of a culture war between those who wish to preserve the intentions of the collection's original owner, and a conspiracy of politically powerful corporations seeking to profit by seizing and relocating the artwork. The Art of the Steal Manifesto From the Battle for the Barnes Collection, first showing Tuesday October 12th @ 7pm EDT on Showtime. http://www.sho.com/site/schedules/product.do?episodeid=136735&seriesid=0&seasonid=0

http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/459378/The-Art-of-the-Steal/trailers

Engage, Lobby, Love

2010-10-02T15:46:00.014-04:00

Best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert, whose book Eat, Pray, Love was recently released as a film starring Julia Roberts, joined the Immigration Equality Action Fund to lobby Congress for passage of The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), a bill to end discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans and their children, who are unable to sponsor their foreign-born partners for residency in the United States. Gilbert met with key Congressional lawmakers and called on elected leaders to pass UAFA. Gilbert’s recent best-seller, Committed, chronicles her experience as the American half of a straight, binational couple.

Pictured is Gilbert and Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of the Immigration Equality Action Fund during a Capitol Hill Press Conference joined by Congressmen Nadler (D-NY) and Honda (D-CA).

More than 36,000 LGBT binational families are impacted by current law, with nearly 17,000 of those families raising young children. In conjunction with Gilbert’s visit to Capitol Hill, the Immigration Equality Action Fund has also launched an online campaign – Engage, Lobby, Love - to encourage allies to join Gilbert and call on Congress to pass the Uniting American Families Act.

Got A QR code Yet?

2010-09-16T14:18:00.021-04:00

QR Codes, short for “Quick Response Code”, could be the next wave of the future. But just what are these digital doo-hickeys? Are they just another Universal Product Codes (UPC)?

A strange logo? Part of a super secret government plan to track your every move? Nope, thankfully not.

These funky codes can be scanned with the camera in your iphone, Smartphone or a Blackberry. Scanning a QR Code allows you to obtain instant answers and links you directly to whatever you may need.

To experiment with QR codes, you'll need a couple of tools.

First, install a QR scanner app on your smartphone. Search the Web for "QR Reader" and the model of your phone to find a scanner app; they're available for the iPhone, Windows Mobile, Nokia, BlackBerry, and other app-based phones with a camera built in.

Once you've got a scanner installed, point it at a code to give it a try, like this one (above).

Baby Fin Whale Washes Ashore In Lewes

2010-09-12T14:58:00.009-04:00

By PETER BOTHUM • The News Journal •
September 3, 2010

A 31-foot fin whale washed ashore around noon
today on the ocean side of the point at Cape
Henlopen State Park in Lewes.

Suzanne Thurman, executive director of the non-
profit Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation
Institute, said the baby calf was only a few months
old when it died at sea and was brought ashore by
the increase in wave activity caused by Hurricane
Earl.

It was spotted in the late morning by a park ranger
and brought ashore with a backhoe.

”I almost thought that it was going to be too heavy
for it,” Thurman said. “They just didn’t give up.”

Thurman said she and others from MERR will be
back on the beach Saturday to perform a necropsy
and bury the whale, which had been dead for
several days to a week when it floated to the beach.

Volunteers from MERR had wanted to perform the
necropsy today, but the massive waves whipped up
by the storm forced everyone away from the whale,
Thurman said.

"The tide was just so severe," she said.

While some members attend to the dearly departed,
others will be educating curious onlookers about
the whale and the conservation of marine mammals,
Thurman said.

To learn more about the great work that MERR is doing
or to become a much needed new member/supporter
clink on the MERR link;
http://merrinstitute.org/

Want to learn more about Fin Whales? Click here
http://www.coolantarctica.com

Article in Wilmington News Journal;
http://www.delawareonline.com/

Sister Cites Connect Through The Art of Photography

2010-09-09T22:18:00.010-04:00

By Mary Daisey Shockley • Staff Writer
LEWES -- When photographer Judy Rolfe walked into
a class she was teaching on Cape Cod, she never
dreamed she'd make a special connection.

When she asked her students to stand up and tell a
little bit about themselves, Carlotta Luke stood up
and said she was from Lewes.

"With Lewes being so small, I was surprised I didn't
know her," Rolfe said. "Then I noticed she had an
accent."

Luke already knew about Lewes, Del., after some of
her Google searches directed her to the town's
website.

"I knew it existed," she said. "I've also met a few
people who have been there and I thought it was
very interesting."

After class, the two talked and Rolfe learned that
Luke was from Lewes, England, a town in East
Sussex with a population of about 15,988.

After Luke shared photos of her hometown with
Rolfe, she knew she had to one day visit the area.

"I was just sold from the beginning," Rolfe said. "It
was so beautiful with lots of history, castles and
rolling green hills."

The two quickly discussed the possibility of
arranging a photography exchange. The idea is for
a group of photographers to travel across the pond
and spend a week in their sister city.

"We'd like to take the same sort of trip and walk
around the streets," Rolfe said. "I would be
interested in marching through some of their castles
and soaking up their history. We think we are old,
but their town goes way back."

This isn't the first time residents of the two towns
have met; Mayor Jim Ford has even entertained their
former mayor Jim Daily.

"We have a very nice, warm relationship with them,"
Ford said. "It's an interesting cultural exchange. I
would love to someday visit."

Luke said she hopes to find time in her schedule to
participate in the photography exchange. She said
she is intrigued by the town's history and would
love to learn more about it.

"I would be really interested to see it and see what
it's like," she said. "I think other people would be
curious about it, too."

For more information about the photography
exchange, call 302-644-4458 or email
jr@rolfephotography.com

WorldWide Photo Walk a Hit

2010-07-09T13:57:00.024-04:00

Fifty photo enthusiasts stepped off bright and early Saturday morning from the Canalfront Park in Historic downtown Lewes Delaware.
We started with the Park and from there we walked thru the Lewes Farmers Market, a community-based, producer-only, farmers market located in the Historical Complex off Shipcarpenter Street. This was the highlight of the walk. Numerous photo opps everywhere you turned with your camera. We ended our walk at The Beach House Restaurant where we grabbed a bite, swapped some stories, and did a little chimping (chimping is a term used for reviewing your shots on your LCD screen on the back of your camera, usually accompanied by lots of ooh, oohs and aah, aahs).

The free event (but registration was required), was the brain child of professional photographer and #1 bestselling computer and technology book author Scott Kelby. It's an opportunity for photographers, professional or hobbyist, to shoot photos and compete for prizes and socialize. It is the world’s largest global social photography event in the history of photography itself. It takes place on the same day around the world where over 33,000 photographers of all walks of life and skill levels gather together, to socialize, learn new tips from each other, and explore their corner of the world through photography.

The social aspect of this event has also transcended into the online world of social networks as well. Participants in the Lewes Worldwide Photo Walk are encouraged to post their pictures on the RolfePhotography Flickr site.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/leweswwpw/

In addition to enjoying a day of photography with other like-minded individuals, participants are eligible to win prizes from the Worldwide Photo Walk’s sponsors if their Lewes photo is chosen as the best photo of the day by me, your walk leader. Be sure to submit your one image by July 31st. Each winning walk photo is then entered into a global competition where Scott Kelby picks the single “best photo” of the event along with 10 runners-up. The winners are announced August 14th. Full details are available at: http://worldwidephotowalk.com/

Questions email jr@rolfephotography.com

Lewes Photo Walk

2010-07-01T13:36:00.007-04:00

LEWES DELAWARE PHOTO WALK; Saturday July 10th 2010 10am-12noon.The Photo Walk combines historic commentary of Lewes and helpful photo tips and begins at 10am this Saturday with additional dates to be determined. The tour will begin at the Lewes Public Library @ 111 Adams Avenue in Lewes. Disposable cameras, digital cameras, and film cameras are all welcome. The walking tour is approximately 2 hours long and covers an area of less than a mile. Comfortable clothing, water, shoes, hat and sunscreen are recommended. The cost for the photo walk is $25 per person / $22 for Friends of Lewes Public Library members with current membership card. Reservations are a must. Call Rolfe Photo at 302-644-4458. A portion of the registration fee will go to the Friends of Lewes Public Library.To learn more check out the Lewes Library site and Judy's website.

http://www.leweslibrary.org/events_classes/classes/photo_walking_tours.htm

www.rolfephotography.com

Red Knot Ritual

2010-06-03T19:46:00.006-04:00

The Delaware Bay's extensive sheltered beaches provide ideal habitat for both spawning horseshoe crabs and staging shorebirds. Red Knots, Ruddy Turnstones, Semipalmated Sandpipers, and other shorebirds time their migration to arrive as the crabs spawn, so the abundance of eggs can fuel their last leap to the Arctic. It is usually the end of May first part of June. I try and go every year and capture this ritual with my camera.

Check out this You Tube Red Knot video on Allison Argo the filmmaker of the PBS documentary "Crash: A Tale of Two Species.

Visit this site to learn more about the Red Knot.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/crash-a-tale-of-two-species/video-full-episode/4772/

Washington Post's Annual Beach Guide

2010-05-22T16:35:00.029-04:00

The Washington Post assigned me to photograph their annual Beach Guide; A city dweller's guide to Delaware, Maryland beaches: dining, coffee, bike tours. For urbanites weighing a trip to the shore this summer.

Check out Hari Cameron (above) the "flavor technician" at Nage Restaurant in Rehoboth. Take it from me Hari's vegetable platter gets more than five stars, it gets five megapixels! By the way most of the veggies are picked that morning and brought in from the Russell's who own a community organic farm located just up the road in Milford Delaware.
Laura Lea (right) plays the acoustic guitar at The Starboard in Dewey. Their stories and images can be found in the Beach Guide.

I'm also giving five megapixels to Zogg's Restaurant and bar's rum infused punch and dark and stormy (left), a Rehoboth beach favorite.
www.washingtonpost.com

"Delmarva on View" Photography Reception June 12th

2010-05-05T15:48:00.005-04:00

“Delmarva on View Contest” is sponsored by The Friends of Lewes Library. The contest is open to photographers of all abilities and ages. Professional and non professional photographers, film or digital. Children up to age 18 and adults will compete separately. All images must be photographed on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Submitted photographs will be judged by a panel of professionals. Awards will be given for first place and honorable mentions for second and third in each category. The Grand Prize Winner will have the opportunity to take a photography course with me, freelance photographer Judy Rolfe, and will also receive a cash prize from the Friends of Lewes Library. Submissions may be listed for sale to benefit the Friends of the Lewes Public Library. Exhibit will open June 12, 2010 and continue to July 31, 2010 at the Lewes Public Library.

Contest Details and Registration will be available at the Lewes Library and on the website www.leweslibrary.org
The library located at 111 Adams Street Lewes DE. 19958

Castle Hill Digital Photography Workshops

2010-03-08T14:37:00.008-05:00

I am thrilled to be asked again this year to teach the "Shooting with Your Digital Camera" course at Truro Center For The Arts Castle Hill August 2nd thru August 5th. It will be a fun, digitally-energizing, photography workshop for those with previous experience with digital cameras, and computers, who are interested in creating dynamic and beautiful images of the Lower Cape Area. Photography locations include Truro Pamet Harbor, Highland Light, Provincetown and Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, weather and time permitting. In day one the workshop begins with a presentation that covers digital basics like, mode, white balance, image quality and why we use them plus touches on composition. Day two and three we shoot (with the pro leaders help) til we get nice early sun lit images. Day four we come back to our classroom, participants must have a flash drive or CD of their ten best images ready for uploading for class and instructor critique. Note: downloading will be done by participants outside of class. If you don't have Photoshop CS3 Castle Hill has several Mac laptops available for use.
Going to be on the Cape this Summer?
Looking for a excuse to be on the Cape this Summer?
Not a digital photographer? Courses are not limited to just photography. There's something for everybody; Painting, Drawing, Clay, Printmaking, Sculpture, Jewelry and Glass and Writing to just name a few.
Click on the link below to learn more.
http://www.castlehill.org/

Seaside Dining

2010-02-14T15:12:00.005-05:00

Was out shooting some birds, noooo not with shot guns but with my camera yesterday. Came across several cardinals who had spotted some birdseed. They had to have been hungry since they let me get pretty close to make this picture. Thank you Mr. Cardinal.

Don't Ask Don't Tell

2010-02-14T15:02:00.002-05:00

The top brass of the United States military came out for repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" because "it's the right thing to do."
Quoting Joint Chief of Staff Mike Mullen "My personal belief is that allowing homosexuals to serve openly would be the right thing to do. I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens. For me, it comes down to integrity -- theirs as individuals and ours as an institution".

In the Senate hearing room there was standing room only. No Secretary of Defense, no Chairman of the Joint Chiefs had ever said it so simply and so powerfully before.

Service Members Legal Defense Network web site to learn more about DADT
www.sldn.org

C-SPAN and me

2010-02-14T14:46:00.009-05:00

The DADT hearing was broadcast live on C-SPAN and can be viewed below in its entirety. It is worth watching, not only to see the genuine support in Congress but also the tough fight ahead. Plus you get to see me again. I am the one in the green turtleneck down in front.

C-SPAN broadcast

http://www.cspan.org/Watch/Media/2010/02/02/HP/A/29196/Senate+Armed+Services+Cmte+Hearing+on+Dont+Ask+Dont+Tell.aspx

Nature's Best, A Must !

2010-01-11T17:02:00.008-05:00

If you have a luv or appreciation for nature you must go see the current exhibition running through May 2nd 2010 at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. called Nature's Best Photography Awards. Launched in 1996 at the Washington DC National Zoo, the Nature's Best Photography Windland Smith Rice International Awards has now become a multi-year exhibition program. The images are absolutely breathtaking.Out of the tens of thousands of entries, winnners have been selected in 19 categories. The photography and quality of the pictures is fabulous. Something I appreciate is each photographer has supplied a caption describing each picture AND provides information on what the animal is doing and how the photographer was able to capture such an amazing image, from what type of camera was used, to what the necessary angles were, to difficulties obtaining the shot. These stunning portraits of plants, animals, and people celebrate the beauty of nature while recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship.
And guess what? If you think you have what it takes you too can submit images for next years contest. Go to the Natures Best Photography website to learn more.
http://www.naturesbestphotography.com/enter_guidelines.php

Other links to the exhibition;
http://www.naturesbestphotography.com/gallery_wsr_2009.php/

http://www.naturesbestphotography.com/gallery_wsr_2009.php/

For $0, this is a perfect way to spend a afternoon or lunch hour.

National Museum of Natural History
10th and Constitution Ave, NW
(202) 633-1000
http://www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/natures_best_2009/index.html

Dredging the Hudson River

2009-11-19T13:46:00.010-05:00

The Hudson River could become the nation’s biggest environmental cleanup story.
For decades, General Electric dumped contaminants, polychlorinated biphenyls, also known as PCBs into the river. In May 2009, the dredging of the Hudson River began and I was hired by The Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University to photograph the cleanup. I was lucky enough to be able to shadow David Rosoff MS’90 (geology), the Hudson River on-scene field coordinator for the Environmental Protection Agency and Melanie Chapman MEM’06, an environmental scientist with Ecology & Environment (E&E), one of the consultants working with EPA. Dave and Melanie are pictured above with GE's Fort Edward Plant in the background.
Dave says it best,“Perhaps down the road Fort Edward and the upper Hudson River won’t be known for PCBs but instead for the place of serenity and beauty that it is.”
To learn more about this Superfund site click on link below and be sure to watch the video Erica Rowell shot.
http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/dukenvironment/

President Signs Hate Crimes Legislation Into Law

2009-10-31T16:21:00.004-04:00

The Human Rights Campaign, hired me to photograph President Barack Obama signing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law. The new law gives the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the person's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. The legislation was added as a provision to the FY 2010 National Defense Authorization Act.
The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act honors the memory of Matthew Shepard, a Wyoming college student brutally murdered in an act of hate violence in 1998, and James Byrd, an African-American man who was dragged to death in Jasper, Texas, in 1998.
The Shepard Family has established The Matthew Shepard Foundation in his honor. To learn more click here.

To learn more about James Byrd Jr. click here.

15 Seconds Of Fame

2009-10-31T16:13:00.008-04:00

We photographers don't get enough opportunities to toot our own horn so when a situation presents itself we grab the horn and start toot'n. My situation that presented itself...CSPAN. Yes CSPAN caught me in action covering the White House reception the President held after signing the Hate Crimes Legislation into law.
Not sure how long the CSPAN link will be up but to view the Presidents remarks and catch me on a ladder photographing him (my 15 seconds of fame) click on the link below.

http://www.cspan.org/

Smile Mr. President!

2009-10-13T18:02:00.006-04:00

After hours of hurry up and waiting, the President did not disappoint.
OMG, I am forgetting to tell you how I came to photograph the President this weekend. The Human Rights Campaign held its 13th Annual National Dinner and hired me to cover the evening but I didnt know until the last minute that the President would be the keynote speaker. I've concluded that life doesnt throw us enough surprises. So when it does enjoy it as I did.
Pictured is the President delivering his keynote speech and a portrait with Dennis and Judy Shepard who were the recipients of the Edward M. Kennedy National Leadership Award presented to them by Patrick Kennedy.

Castle Hill Digital Landscape Workshop

2009-09-16T18:15:00.007-04:00

I had the pleasure of teaching a Digital Landscape photography class at the Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill on Cape Cod. It was a fun, digitally-energizing, photography workshop for those with alot or little previous experience with digital cameras. Photography locations included Highland Light, Pamet Harbor, Head of the Meadow and Lacount Beaches and a sunset dune tour. Many of these locations were shot outside of our 3-6pm class due to the enthusiasm of the class.
One of the major reasons I teach, is to experience that moment of recognition my photography students experience when they “get it.” As “when the light goes on.” There is a visual expression of joy on the face of the student when some difficult concept is finally understood, a technical problem overcome, a difficulty skill mastered or as Molly, a potter taking the class expericenced, a rare encounter with a seagull that you could see clearly affected her and her photography experience and by all accounts will carry over into her pottery. This shared moment of “discovery experiences” is what teaching is all about, is what learning is all about.

I have been receiving emails this week from some of my students. There is a reoccurring theme in each one of the emails. They are thanking me for enabling them to see everything differently now or they left the workshop "inspired".
A greater joy for the teacher, apart from watching the student get it, is to experience that moment of discovery for ones’ self. What keeps us alive, what gives us purpose, are these recurring flashes of discovery and of learning. Castle Hill provided that not only to those eight photography students but to me too. How great is that?!
Enjoy the above slideshow, I have selected one image from each photography students "Best" portfolio.

OMG Images of Omo

2009-09-11T17:08:00.004-04:00

Every now and then you come across another photographers work, efforts or contributions and you just want to share it with others. This is the case of Hans Silvester who for six years photographed the people of the Omo River in Ethiopia. His images are extraordinary. See for yourself.

Beach Portraits

2009-09-11T13:29:00.005-04:00

When people ask me what I specialize in I usually surprise them by saying I specialize in not specializing. You can probably gather that from looking at my wide range of assignments posted on this blog. This image would fall into the category of family portraits and was made of the Paternosters.

Watch This!

2009-09-11T13:18:00.004-04:00

Recently I was hired to shoot some of HRC's new fall merchandise. Here is a image I made of their "Ultimate Watch" it features a quartz movement and a silver sunray dial, the HRC Ultimate Watch fits comfortably on your wrist with a silicon band and a snap-buckle closure. Comes in four fashionable colors so you can express your individuality while supporting equal rights for everyone. Water resistant to 30 meters. Want one? click on http://shop.hrc.org/jewelry-watches/ultimate-watch-4.html

San Francisco Bus Stop

2009-09-11T13:02:00.006-04:00

You never know sometimes how your client intends to use your work. This is a perfect example. Back in June I posted on this blog the email blast that HRC sent out using my ring image. But the best is to learn it also found a home, (bus stop) in San Francisco.

1932-2009

2009-09-10T13:09:00.003-04:00

Walk Right This Way PHOTOWALK

2009-07-12T22:03:00.007-04:00

This Saturday was the kick off of a Lewes Photo Walk sponsored by the Friends of the Lewes Library. I led a group of adventuresome digital photographers on a Photo Walking tour. The Walk combined historic commentary of Lewes and helpful photo tips.
Interested in capturing amazing photographs in 17th century neighborhoods along Kings Highway,Second Street, Savannah and Pilottown Roads and the Lewes Canal Front? Want to explore historic sites like the Zwaanendael Museum, The Cannonball House,Saint Peters Church, founded by Dutch colonists in Lewes in 1631 with a perfect peaceful ending at its garden labyrinth?
Sign up for the next Photo Walk which is Saturday July 25th by calling the number below.

Disposable cameras, digital cameras, and film cameras are all welcome. The walking tour is approximately 2.5 hours long and covers an area of less than a mile. Comfortable clothing, shoes, hat and sunscreen are recommended.
Costs: $25 (Cash or check only) Friends of the Lewes Library $22
Meet at Lewes Public Library at 10am
111 Adams Street
Lewes, DE. 19958

Directions:
http://www.leweslibrary.org/about/location_/_map.htm

Questions and reservations call Rolfe Photography 302-644-4458

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

2009-07-04T15:57:00.004-04:00

Its true.. I had the opportunity to photograph Michael Jackson when he came to the Washington D.C. area years ago. I had all of 120 seconds to make this picture then all the photographers where escorted away from the pit area in front of the stage. But I was able to stay back stage and listen to the rest of the concert. I remember that night, and also where I was the day the Thriller video was aired and of course where I was when I heard the tragic news. I think Quincy Jones summed it up best. Michael Jackson doesn't come around once in a century, or lifetime but only once..R.I.P. Michael Jackson

Ringing In Merchandise Work

2009-06-19T19:48:00.005-04:00

The Human Rights Campaign needed to have some of their new Summer merchandise shot this week and I was lucky enough to get the work. Pictured is the end result of the photoshoot; a email blast of the Vision Spinner rings. Check out the HRC online store. http://shop.hrc.org/

El Tiempo Interview

2009-05-02T10:52:00.003-04:00

I recently was interviewed by Gabriel Pilonieta, Editor of El Tiempo Newspaper. The interview ran in their April 24th editions. Click on link below and scroll down to page 11.
http://www.eltiempohispano.com/sites/default/files/pdf/Abril%2024.pdf

Senator,President, Photographer?

2009-05-02T10:42:00.004-04:00

What a wonderful picture that White House Photographer Pete Souza took of The President turning the tables on photographers. Should photographers be nervous if The President decided to get more serious about photography?
To see more of Pete's offical White House Photographs check out Flickr. Its free to sign up and it only takes a couple minutes. Search for The Offical White House Photostream or if you are a member click on the link below.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse/

The Decisive Moment

2009-04-16T17:19:00.011-04:00

I had a feeling the end of the day might produce a great sunset image up at "The Point" in Cape Henlopen State Park. As I was parking my buggy I spotted a sailboat making its way out of the harbor sailing towards the Harbor of Refuge Light. I grabbed a couple pieces of gear and scrambled down the long sand fence lined path. I quickly opened my monopod, attached my camera and lens and as I looked up there was the picture unfolding in front of me. I got off three frames and then Henri Cartier Bressons "decisive moment" was gone. This image was chosen for "Visual Vacation" (A photographic look at why we live here) in Delaware Beach Life Magazines May issue.
Just who is Henri Cartier Bresson and what is the "Decisive Moment"? Click below link to find out.
www.digitaljournalist.org

To subscribe to or learn more about Delaware Beach Life Magazine click on the below link.
www.delawarebeachlife.com

Hispanic Youth Awards Season

2009-04-16T10:27:00.007-04:00

Tis the season, to hop on a Southwest Airlines flight (News Flash!! they now fly in and out of Boston) and travel to over a dozen cites and cover The Hispanic Youth Awards, sponsored by The Hispanic Heritage Foundation. They identify, inspire, promote and prepare Latino leaders through national leadership, cultural, education and workforce programs. I am there with my camera to capture these high school Latino leaders as they receive their award and grant money for their achievements in the classroom and community. This will be my ninth year and what a wonderful journey this has been.
The above picture, was taken during our Youth Award event in Chicago, its Jillian Alyssa Rodriguez who was being presented a gold medallion in the journalism category .
To learn more about Jillian click back on her name.
To learn more about the Youth Awards click on the Foundations link below.
www.HispanicHeritage.org

Photography Post-It's

2009-04-09T14:14:00.004-04:00

Check out these neat large scale photography posters that were mentioned in Marie Claire Magazine last month. The article talks about an undercover photographer who goes by the name JR. He's French, part activist and part artist and transforms his photographs into large scale posters and pastes them on city walls to create photo galleries in the streets. His photos are breathtaking and meaningful.

JR is traveling the globe currently and working on a project called, Women Are Heroes. He has traveled to Africa, Brazil, Sudan, and Kenya and soon to India and Asia to take photos of women and highlight their struggles and the violence around them. Every visit he makes, he blows up his photos to be an enormous sized poster to be hung in a highly public space for everyone to see.
Check out his website
http://jr-art.net/

Women Are Heros project;
http://www.womenareheroes.be/?en

Another blog link to JR;
http://56minus1.com/2009/02/things-well-done-jr/

Service members Legal Defense Network 17th Annual Dinner

2009-03-19T15:37:00.017-04:00

Every day LGBT service members report for duty. They do their jobs. They do them well. And they risk their lives to protect our freedom even when they are denied those same freedoms here at home. They risk losing their careers because of who they are, but put patriotism above those fears. That courage was honored at The 17th Annual National Dinner and Silent Auction held at the National Building Museum Saturday in Washington DC. Pictured are featured quests; Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer, Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) and Major Margaret Witt (Recipient, Barry Winchell Courage Award). Major Witt's military career spanned 18-plus years. The decorated operating room and flight nurse from McChord Air Force Base earned stellar reviews for her work, which included helping to evacuate the nation’s wounded troops and humanitarian missions to aid civilians. In 1993, Major Witt was a poster woman for the Air Force’s flight nurse recruiting program. In 2003, she was awarded the Air Medal for her Middle East deployment and, later, the Air Force Commendation Medal, for saving the life of a Defense Department worker.
Less than a year later, after an Air Force investigation, Witt, a reservist, was drummed out of the Air Force. Her offense: a committed relationship, with another woman, a civilian, from 1997 to 2003 in their home, miles from any military base. In 2006 she filed a lawsuit challenging her suspension as a violation of her rights under the Constitution’s “equal protection” clause. You can find out more about Major Witt and her heroism here.
To learn more about lifting the ban to help repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" click on SLDN's website.
http://www.sldn.org/

M.I.A.

2009-02-25T11:07:00.008-05:00

May I introduce "Kittypenny". She is a feral kitty that I have been trying to work with so that someday she could be adopted. I am sad to have to tell you she is missing. If anyone here in the Lewes area has spotted her please contact me. (302) 644-4458.
I want to thank the wonderful organizations that have helped me with Kittypenny. The biggest thank you goes to Cathy Woinski who tirelessly devotes helfself to rescuing and adopting out rescued cats and kittens. Just this past summer my kittypenny had a litter of four kittens and it was Cathy that came over right away to help me figure out what to do. We then went about the business of getting Kittypenny neutered. Thats where Pat and Kathy of Just Us came in.They generously had her neutered. And if they hadnt we had the Sussex Mobile Feline Spray and Neuter Clinic that we could have taken her to. This past year I want to recognise and give thanks to the wonderful cat societies and the people that are at the other end of the phone when you call for help in Sussex County and our area of Lewes.

I would like to list the organizations that give countless hours of there time and own money to help rescue, spray, netuer, foster and adopt out all these colonies of cats we have. It doesnt take long after talking to any of these people to learn we have a huge population of cats and colonies and they need your help. Your time, donations of $$, cat toys, bowls, food. But the huge need is for fostering and adopting the cats they or YOU rescue. Please call or email any of them.

Historic Lewes Cat Society
http://historiclewescatsociety.org/mission.asp
Kitten@HistoricLewesCatSociety.org
302-645-1575

Cathy Woinski, works on her own but with all of these organizations.
Lewes,DE.
(302)644-2838

Just Us (A non-profit cat rescue founded by Pat and Kathy)
Rehoboth,DE.
Pat Riordan and Kathy Askew
302-245-7666

Cats Around Town Society,Inc. (CATS) (Mission: CATS assists with trap/neuter/release and offers fostercare for kittens & refers callers to De's low-cost spray/neuter program.
Ocean View, DE.
Sue Peck, V.P. (CATS)
http://www.catsaroundtownsociety.com
email: catsaroundtown@mchsi.com
302-355-9979

Bethany Town Cats (Mission: To Improve the quality of life of Bethany's Feral Cats.)
http://www.bethanytowncats.org/index.htm
info@bethanytowncats.org
302-537-5866

Sussex Mobile Feline Spray and Neuter Clinic
Dr. Jaine Weise
302-945-2561
vettofixem@yahoo.com
Visit SPAYVAN.COM to reserve or call (302) 231-8115

Winter Workshops

2009-02-24T18:14:00.006-05:00

January and February have been great to conduct digital photography workshops. Here is a image from one of them that was held in Lewes Delaware. If I have peaked your interest please feel free to call or email to find out when the next ones are scheduled. Summer on-location workshops are in the works for Tilghman and Smith Islands. Look to this blog for more information on those workshops and more.
Rolfe Photography Company
jr@rolfephotography.com
302-644-4458

Music To Our Ears

2009-02-24T17:52:00.007-05:00

There were pictures to be made January 20th and here are just a sampling of some of the V.I.P's I had the pleasure of capturing during the "Out For Equality" event; Melissa Etheridge, Sir Ian McKellen, Thelma Houston, Cyndi Lauper and Rufus Wainwright. The event was held at the Mayflower Hotel and the event took over the whole hotel. I estimated there were over 2,500 people in attendance and at midnight I felt like I had photographed everyone of them.

EMILY's List Inaugural Luncheon Event

2009-02-24T17:14:00.004-05:00

EMILY's List Inaugural "Power To Change" Luncheon. This is one of several events I covered during inaugural week. Pictured is Ellen R. Malcolm, President of EMILY's List and the closer for the luncheon, soon to be Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
To learn more about EMILY's List or to become a member click on link below.
http://www.emilyslist.org/

Hearings,Hearings & More Hearings

2009-02-24T17:03:00.004-05:00

October was a busy time for Capitol Hill Hearings. This is Representative Oberstar and Mica holding up a example of what they prefer not to fund during a hearing on "Investing in Infrastructure October 29th.

Trick Or Treat

2009-02-24T16:42:00.006-05:00

Definitely a TREAT! Best-selling Author and Personal Finance Expert Suze Orman was honored at the Human Rights Campaign Gala Dinner as the recipient of the 2008 National Equality Award in October. The award was presented by Joe Billone, friend and Avon Vice President to Suze and she was accompanied by her partner in life K.T. To see more images from that night check out Orman's October 2008 scapbook.
http://www.suzeorman.com/igsbase/igstemplate.cfm?SRC=SP&SRCN=layout_scrapbook&GnavID=6

Cut Back

2008-09-30T21:58:00.001-04:00

Gatey Dawkins makes a beautiful cut-back on a seldom seen site this past summer, a good-size wave worth riding at the Navy Jetty in Cape Henlopen State Park.
Check out Gatey's blog.
http://gateydawkins.blogspot.com/

Tis The Season for Digital Workshops

2008-09-26T22:43:00.001-04:00

It is a great time to think about signing up for a Digital Photography Workshop or secure a workshop gift certificate to be used another time. Its just gorejesus out there.

What A Week!

2008-09-26T21:57:00.008-04:00

Lot's going on this week with Rolfe Photography. The week started with a Human Rights Campaign email blast of a band photographed during a merchandise shoot I did last month.
By the way you should check out their video on California's Prop 8 Ballot measure and their 12th Annual National Dinner. Senator Joe Biden will be the featured speaker and Personal finance expert Suze Orman will also deliver remarks at the dinner, where she will be presented with the National Equality Award. This would probably be a good time to mention I will be covering that too. Look for those images next week. Link below.
Then off to Washington D.C. to cover Senator Clinton addressing delegates during the Civil Service Employee Association (CSEA) conference.
The week ended with the publishing of Delaware Beach Life Magazines October issue of the winning images in their Second Annual Photo Contest . I along with DBL publisher Terry Plowman and photographer Carolyn Watston were this years judges. The winners along with having there images published in the magazine also won a Digital Photography Workshop with yours truly.

HRC site:
www.hrc.org

Suze Orman Site:
http://www.suzeorman.com/

CSEA site:
http://www.csealocal1000.org/

Delaware Beach Life site:
http://www.delawarebeachlife.com

Rolfe Digital Photography Workshops site:
http://www.rolfephotography.com/workshops/workshops.html

Photographic Journey of The Traveling Pant Suits

2008-08-30T14:50:00.007-04:00

I thought that the Democratic National Convention was incredible. I was thrilled to be part of it. One of the assignments that was a highlight of my five days there was covering the EMILY's List gala reception. Featured guests included House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Michelle Obama.
It was a amazing five days, all propelled by the enthusiam and excitement felt after covering events like the EMILY one and Obama's acceptance speech. One picture is not worth a thousand words but a thousand inspiring and hopeful memories.
To learn more about EMILY's List or to become a member visit
http://emilyslist.org/

I Cover Delaware

2008-07-29T12:32:00.000-04:00

Check out the August issue of Delaware Beach Life Magazine. This is a image I made of Holland Glade while riding my bike along the Breakwater Tail between Lewes and Rehoboth.

"An Outgoing Tide" post in The Post

2008-06-21T14:00:00.004-04:00

Now that I am back from the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards road trip I am been more available for freelance work like this one generated from the Washington Post this week titled "An Outgoing Tide", on how investors are turning to all kinds of incentives to fill their rental properties. Check out the story on the Washington Post web site. www.washingtonpost.com

Can One Person Change The World?

2008-05-05T15:13:00.003-04:00

Check out these students I have had the pleasure to get to know and photograph. Currently I am on the road traveling to twelve cities across the USA to recognize others like them for there accomplishments in and outside the classroom. Click on the arrow above to watch a video on last years honoree's.

Free To Move Around The Country

2008-05-04T11:26:00.002-04:00

Pictured is Laura Nieto of Southwest Airlines who has just handed out Southwest backpacks to all the honoress. But as Laura points out, Regina Escamilla has just opened up her backpack and discovered a roundtrip ticket. By the way Southwest is the official airline for the Hispanic Heritage Awards.

Tally Ho!

2008-04-20T19:53:00.003-04:00

What a great way to spend a Sunday morning, tailing the Wicomico Hunt Club as they rode down the beach on Assateague Island.

Library Of Photography Link

2008-04-02T13:02:00.008-04:00

Leah Hoenen's Saltwater Portrait that ran in the April 1st editions of the Cape Gazette has triggered a flurry of positive calls and emails. One email was from Don Tibbits of Library Of Photography web site who spotted the article in th Gazette and wanted to add a fellow Lewesian (thats Delaware speak for Lewes local) to The Library site. Thanks Don!

Check out Don's site: http://libraryofphotography.com/newlinks.html

Saltwater Portrait

2008-04-01T14:15:00.004-04:00

This just in The Cape Gazette has done a very nice Saltwater Portrait profile on me in there Tuesday April 1st editions. Check it out.

http://www.capegazette.com/saltwater/rolfejudy040108.html

Photographer captures world through her lens
.By Leah Hoenen
Cape Gazette staff
Photographing a harp seal on Rehoboth Beach is a bit of a change of pace for Judy Rolfe. The former USA Today photo editor walked away from a career of jetting to the world’s hot spots to return to her coastal roots.
Rolfe left USA Today after 11 years and signed on with the Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan foundation established to promote freedom of speech.

“We’d travel all around the world and talk to journalists, take part in elections, visit newsrooms … in countries that are supposed to be democratic.

“If journalists are missing, dying or in jail, democracy isn’t working,” said Rolfe.

Her most memorable trips were to Africa. In Ghana, she was photographing the nation’s first presidential debate when a riot began outside. “We thought we would be killed. We saw machetes, guns, knives. We called the local police for help but nobody came,” said Rolfe. She said it is likely the incumbent presidential candidate sponsored the riot.

But even the terror of political riots couldn’t scare her away from her work.

What turned the tide of her career was the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack. After that, the Freedom Foundation closed its international division for safety concerns, Rolfe says.

She was living in Washington, D.C., at the time, very near the Pentagon. It was driving down roads flanked by Humvees and soldiers with machine guns that inspired Rolfe to rethink her career.

“The area I lived in was dramatically changed overnight. I started to think of how I was affected by that and how I wanted to move back to where my roots are on the coast,” she said.

Her family still lives in Ocean City, Md., but she chose to settle in Lewes. “I picked Lewes because of the charm of the small town and small community. Ocean City, believe it or not, used to be a quaint small town. Lewes mirrored the community I came from,” she said.

And with the beach and Cape Henlopen State Park steps away, Rolfe has plenty of natural beauty to capture with the camera she keeps slung across her shoulder.

Out of the hustle and bustle of city life and closer to her family, Rolfe is still expanding her career as a photographer. She kept in touch with contacts in Washington, D.C., and still commutes there for work.

What enables her to live here and freelance is digital photography. Digital has been a great revolution in photography, Rolfe says, and she was in on the ground floor.

“I was at USA Today in the advent of digital photography and it was great being there then. We were involved in the testing of Kodak’s digital prototypes – the first digital cameras – and gave Kodak our feedback,” she said.

As a photographer, her life shifted. With film cameras, she flew to where the news was and then quickly flew back to process film or sent it back by courier. But with digital cameras, she could email images from almost anywhere in the world.

“If I was still shooting film, I probably couldn’t live here and have a freelance career,” she says.

But it does have its downsides, Rolfe says. The photographer is also the photo technician, so digital photography takes time away from work in the field, shooting, said Rolfe.

But Rolfe enjoys her digital work and the life it enables her to have. And she’s sharing her extensive knowledge of photography through classes and workshops in the area.

“There is a tremendous interest in digital photography,” said Rolfe.

She says she wants to take her local photography students out to document Delmarva and take advantage of the beauty of the peninsula. “I hope to expand my digital workshops to on-location photography and take people to Tangier Island, Smith Island and other unique places in the area,” said Rolfe.

Find Rolfe online at www.rolfephotography.com.

Lightroom Workshop with Julieanne Kost

2008-03-29T16:01:00.000-04:00

Trying to stay ahead of the curve is the name of the game. One way of doing that is signing up for a Lightroom refresher with Adobe Photoshop Czarina Julieanne Kost. Julieanne helped us learn how to take Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Lightroom and have "more flow and less work". Lightroom is Adobe Photoshops latest software release and the pro photogs essential toolbox, providing one easy application for managing, adjusting and presenting large volumes of digital photographs.

This event was sponsored by ASMP Philly. I met up with fellow colleague Barbara Proud who alerted me to Julieanne teaching the one day course. To be able to spend six hours with Julieanne...I told Barbara to count me in.

EASTER Seal

2008-03-20T16:40:00.001-04:00

Got a phone call from my friend Pat Antonisse as she was walking the boards in Rehoboth Beach Delaware this afternoon about a beached seal. I decided to check it out with my camera. Came back with a couple of nice images of the juvenile seal and of Susanne Thurman who was keeping a watchful and protective eye in addition to documenting it for The Marine Education, Research & Rehabiliation Institute, (MERR). With Easter Weekend upon us I decided to call this visitor "Easter Seal". Not to worry, EASTER Seal was just taking some time out and resting up for her swim up North.

The Travel Channel Academy Class

2008-03-18T15:21:00.000-04:00

L/R; Instructor Greg Berstein with student Rob Jones.

2008-03-18T14:23:00.000-04:00

The Discovery Channel HQ classroom.

GATEY DAWKINS VIDEO. Click on arrow below

2007-12-19T18:20:00.000-05:00

2007-12-19T18:12:00.000-05:00

Whatz goin' on?

2007-07-20T13:16:00.000-04:00

In the middle of my HRC merchandise shoot of retro mugs a curious gull wants to take a closer look at whats going on and if there's any food involved in the shoot.

Recent HRC merchandise shoot.

2007-07-20T10:46:00.000-04:00

This past week I've had the pleasure of working with one of my favorite clients, Don Kiser the Director for Consumer Marketing for HRC. Plus be working in my favorite location, right here in Lewes Delaware. This is one of several merchandise shoots I am doing for him. I cant tell you how enjoyable it is to work with somone who is so easy plus open to your ideas or direction you want to go in with the photo shoot. As a result, this image of the new wristband collection.