Happy Birthday, Vincent!

Wheatfield with Crows - Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Today we celebrate the birthday of Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh, whose ingenious visionary legacy is treasured and adored by art fans around the globe.

I was first exposed to Vincent's work by, of all things, a jigsaw puzzle. My mom bought the puzzle (a painting of a farm with fields and fencing) when I was about ten years old. I remember us sitting at the kitchen table working to put it together.

Van Gogh's unique style jumped out even from a flat reproduction. Those magical brush strokes! I'm filled with wonder every time I look at one of these incomparable masterpieces.

Thank you for sharing your art with us, Vincent. You brought great pleasure into this world during your tragically short life. We are forever in your debt.



Camera: Nikon D800E
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Phantom Biker - Mexico City

Where The Unexpected Is Expected

Mexico City is full of surprises. Every day, I saw things that I had never seen before - fascinating people, unusual situations, unexpected events.

I **wish** that I had been a bit quicker with the camera in some instances. I missed more than I captured. Luckily, I did get some shots of the city's more unpredictable side. 

Phantom Biker - Mexico City

This guy came racing past on his bike as I was photographing a warmly colored building façade. Thanks for entering the frame at just the right moment, amigo! I appreciate it!


Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Pyramid of the Sun

The Ancient City of Teotihuacán


The Pyramid of the Sun is the center-piece of a sprawling ancient city in the mountains of Mexico. Little is known about the people who built these massive structures nearly two-thousand years ago. 

When the Aztecs discovered the site centuries later, the original inhabitants had long since disappeared. Teotihuacán, as the Aztecs called it, remained the largest city in the Western Hemisphere until the 1400s.

Pyramid of the Sun - Teotihuacán, México

Pyramid Dimensions

Base: 225 meters (733 feet)

Height: 75 meters (246 feet)

Volume: 1.2 million cubic meters of solid rock


Located about an hour outside of Mexico City, Teotihuacán can take the better part of a day to explore. Luckily, tourists are still permitted to climb to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun. The Pyramid of the Moon is partially restricted.

If you plan to visit (something that you should strongly consider if you plan to be in the Mexico City area) be prepared to do a lot of walking. Carry water, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen liberally. At 7,500 feet of elevation, the Mexican sun is merciless. And watch where you place your hands; this is scorpion country.



Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Fun in the Fountains - Mexico City

Be Cool

Mexico City's Arch of the Revolution (Monumento a la Revolución) was designed to include a thoughtful accessory - an array of illuminated, pulsating, ground-level fountains that encourages heat-weary pedestrians to walk right through. 

Fun in the Fountains - Mexico City

Should you be so inclined - or overheated - you can stroll through these colorful fountains, wait for the water to come on, and become instantly soaked. Oh, and in Mexico, you can have fun like this even in January!



Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Main Square - Puebla, Mexico

Shot In The Dark

I made a point to travel light on this recent trip. I didn't even bring a tripod - which for me is like leaving the house without pants. 

Nevertheless, I managed to capture this colorful shot - handheld - well after the light had faded from the evening sky.

Main Square at Night - Puebla, Mexico

Have I mentioned lately how impressed I am with today's camera technology? Wow!

I need to visit some more colorful places! :-)

Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Pope In A Fiat

A Most Excellent Visit

2015 wouldn't have been complete without a visit by Pope Francis, his most energetic and enthusiastic excellency!

Pope In A Fiat - New York, 2015

Chalk this image up to some insanely good luck. I had no idea that the Pope would be on this street in this moment. I knew that he was in town, but I never imaged that I would see him. 

I was doing my best to avoid places where the Pope would be (no offense, Your Excellency). Too many people!

I was walking along about to cross the street when the police suddenly blocked the intersection with barricades. I asked the police if the President was visiting. They said no, it was the Pope.

Well, OK then! A once in a lifetime photo opportunity has just presented itself! Let's get ready!

I pulled my camera out of the bag, scouted for a geometrically balanced backdrop (nice trees, huh?), dialed in a fast shutter speed, waited for about five minutes and - click, click, click - His Excellency sped right past.

A photo adventure that I'll never forget!


Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Happy Holidays from New York

'Tis the Season!


Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from New York City!

Happy Holidays from New York!

Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2015 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved