The day started out rainy, but by the afternoon it cleared up. I started my walk from a main transportation hub, Deák Square, where three subway lines and numerous tram and bus lines intersect. I strolled on a very well known street of Budapest, Andrássy út. This long, wide road houses gorgeous buildings, elegant stores, restaurants, as well as very old, mature trees. It ends at Hero’s Square.
The biggest surprise for me on this walk was seeing a huge structure built into the City Park pond. I had no idea first what it was, but behind it I found a board explaining that it was the facility that will house the Synchronized swimming events during the Fina World Championships. Hopefully, in the remaining 12 days prior to the event they will be able to do something with the smell that surrounds the whole area that is coming from the pond, which in its current state smells like a swamp.
Enjoy the tour! (Directions and direct link to the gallery under the map.)
  • Directions to use the map: If you click on a picture circle on the map, location information will open on the left side. Click on the image to see it enlarged, then click on the back arrow to get back to the map. (Zoom in on the map to see more location circles.)
  • It is also possible to view the images in a gallery, without the map background, by clicking here.
I traditionally spend a few weeks in Hungary every summer, visiting my family and friends. I like to visit and photograph lots of places, mostly in Budapest, and this year I’d like to invite you to follow along with me on my walking trips. I will take photos on my walks and post them on a map. If you click on a picture circle on the following map, location information will open on the left side. Click on the image to see it enlarged, then click on the back arrow to get back to the map. (Zoom in on the map to see more location circles.)
It is also possible to view the images in a gallery, without the map background, by clicking here.
Enjoy the first short trip I took between Blaha Lujza Square and Kossuth Lajos Square (Parliament).
Yesterday I visited a nearby beach, and while I was mostly taking pictures with my DSLR, I also took a quick snapshot of the sunset with my phone. I posted it to Facebook, and many of my friends liked it. Here is the image I posted:
I came home with a few pictures that I wanted to post-process. I browsed through the images and chose some that 1. I thought had a good composition, 2. the water looked silky and pleasing, and 3. had both nice clouds and cloud reflections. Here are the two images in their original, RAW format (if you are used to seeing only jpg-s, these images will probably look really blah to you – and I agree; they are. RAW image files must be post processed.)
I chose two originals to create one final image, because I preferred the sky in the second one, but everything else in the first one. I composited them.
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Since I’ve learned about the Orange County Canon Experience Center’s educational programs about 2 month ago, I’ve taken a few night classes there. I take every opportunity to educate myself, especially about photography.
I signed up for the Harry Benson: Shoot First event at least a couple of weeks ago, and I have to tell you honestly that I didn’t read the description well enough. I thought that I was just going to see a documentary about Harry; you can imagine my surprise, when I actually saw him in person coming into the theatre, and after the movie having him answer questions from the audience.

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Harry is 86 now, and he is still as funny as he was throughout his life. It was awesome to get the background stories behind many of his images, and also hear his insights about photography. This was one of the most inspiring events I’ve attended in the past decade.
A few of Harry Benson’s famous images in the gallery:
Harry gave us permission to take pictures and videos of him (at least I had my iPhone with me), and here is his answer to one of the questions: “What was his most powerful, moving picture he had taken.”
​The documentary of his life is very interesting, entertaining, and touching. If you get a chance, make sure you watch it. It is available after December 9, 2016: HARRY BENSON: SHOOT FIRST