Sedona, The Kayaking Dog

Every now and then, my friend Tara will call and ask me to join her on her next kayak outing. I always say yes because it’s a chance to see the shoreline from a different perspective, take in the beauty of nature, and enjoy the peace and quiet that being on the water brings. I grab my camera and she grabs her dog, Sedona.

Sedona is a Jack Russell Terrier mix and just the right size to fit in a kayak without taking up much space. Her special spot is on the front of the boat where she can see everything ahead of her, and personally, I think she likes to lead the way.

Our latest outing took us to Northwest Bay on Lake George on a beautiful afternoon in September. It was a quiet stretch of water that led into Lake George where we saw herons, mountainsides, and an active beaver swimming and slapping the water. Sedona stayed in her spot taking it all in while enjoying the time with her mother.

For me, an adventure without my camera would leave an empty feeling, like a part of me was missing. I imagine, a kayak journey without Sedona would leave Tara feeling that same way.

All Photos Copyright of JKLENTINI PHOTOGRAPHY 2014

A Day on Lake George

Just when life gets so hectic that you don’t think you have any time to breathe, God will conspire with the world to put you just where He knows you need to be…at just the right time!

To see more of beautiful Lake George, click here http://www.jklentini.com/lakegeorge

 

 

A Visit to the George Eastman House

With the sound of live organ music filling the house, George Eastman would exit his bedroom to begin his day in his conservatory, reading the paper. Inventor, philanthropist, and the father of modern photography, his legacy still continues to touch thousands of lives today. A visit to the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film is a step back to the early beginnings of photography and a tribute to the man who made Kodak a household word. Standing among the old cameras, the collections of century old images, and learning about the life of the man who, from humble beginnings created so much, infuses me with awe, inspires new creative energy and reminds me why I became a photographer in the first place.

“George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film, the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the world’s oldest film archives, opened to the public in 1949 as an independent, non-profit museum. It combines the world’s leading collections of photography and film with the stately pleasures of the landmark Colonial Revival mansion and gardens that George Eastman called home from 1905 to 1932. The Museum is a National Historic Landmark. Mr. Eastman, the founder of Eastman Kodak Company, is heralded as the father of modern photography and motion picture film.”

http://www.eastmanhouse.org

George Eastman House

The gardens at the Eastman House

Eastman House Gardens

What photographers used to carry with them to develop in the field.

Gardens at the George Eastman House

The Conservatory

Garden trellis at the Eastman House

The West Garden

In the Conservatory

Old car at the Eastman House

All images copyright of Joan K. Lentini and are available for purchase at http://www.jklentini.com. A portion of all sales of these prints will be donated to the Eastman House to help sustain the museum and its mission.

Vanity Salon

When a group of women come together with the purpose of improving lives, the result is pure magic.  Vanity Salon (www.vanitysaratoga.com) , located in the heart of Downtown Saratoga Springs, NY is more than an ordinary salon, it’s an escape from the daily routine of life. The energy and commitment of the talented professionals at Vanity envelop each client in relaxation, support and the utmost in care. Vanity is an oasis of beauty, pampering and elite service transforming each client into the best version of themselves while providing a true sense of belonging. To see a list of their services, visit http://www.vanitysaratoga.com.

 

Tara

The beautiful women of Vanity

Krisse and Zero

Angela

 

 

 

 

SUP Yoga On Lake George New York

Summer was drawing to a close as the member’s of Patty’s Water Sports ( http://www.pattyswatersports.com) Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Yoga class arrived for the morning class at Sandy Bay in Cleverdale  on Lake George. The mist was floating over the mountains across the way , the air was warm, and the morning peaceful. This was the last class of the season. After greeting each other, one by one the class members grabbed their boards, got on and paddled off into the stillness.

Patty’s husband George, owner of Boats By George ( http://www.boatsbygeorge.com) took  out a boat so I could get a closer look at what a Sup Yoga class actually was. “We’ll have to be quiet”, he told me. I sat on the tip of the boat with my camera and watched as the class proceeded to move from  pose to pose. Taught by Toby Gifford, an instructor with The Lemon Tree Yoga and Healing Arts Studio ( http://www.lemontreeyoga.com), it was impressive to watch.  With  the faint sound of lapping water, each class member stretched out on their board and went through the movements with grace, beauty, and strength and incredible balance. There is a peace to being on the water that is soothing to the soul. I can only imagine that bringing the practice of yoga on the water enhances that peace to a new level.

Patty can be reached at patty@boatsbygeorge.com or at 518-656-9353.

Bicycles for Humanity

Landis Arboretum

After a lovely string of beautiful sunny days in May, I chose the coldest day of the month to journey to Landis Arboretum in Esperance, New York. I went with a good friend and we laughed as we remarked, “Only us, huh?” It was cold and 50 degrees, but we bundled and hit the road.

Landis Arboretum, http://landisarboretum.org, is a 548-acre site overlooking the Schoharie Valley.  Beautiful plants, trees, and shrubs highlight a good portion of the Arboretum. The remainder is woodlands, wetlands, over 8 miles of hiking trials and open fields.  Peace, quiet, and natural splendor is what you will find here. My friend and I had the place to ourselves on this chilly day in May and we enjoyed every minute of the getaway.

My purpose, as always, was creating images of the beauty, the landscape, and the vistas. I was hoping for blooming gardens and brought along my reflector on the off chance the sun would show itself, but I was also secretly happy for the overcast day and the even lighting. The gardens were far from “blooming” this early in the season, but the reflector did have a use I had unintended until inspiration struck. I just love those moments! Thank God for the wonderful friend, not only for the great company, but her “assistant” skills which were outstanding. It would not have been the same without her!

The Landis Arboretum • 174 Lape Road • Esperance, NY 12066 • 518-875-6935

Hidden Gardens

Hidden Gardens

When I think of traveling and exploring, my thoughts go to places far away…a day trip, a weekend, time away to discover new worlds! Sometimes, those new worlds can be right under my nose! How often I have passed Hidden Gardens of Saratoga, www.hiddengardensofsaratoga.com on my trips into town and have marveled at its uniqueness always saying to myself, “Someday I have to spend some time there with my camera.”  Hidden Gardens is a visual feast for the eyes …and for the lens…with its beautiful floral designs and array of antiques for garden and home. Literally, something around every corner to delight your senses! You can find them at 87 Church Street in Saratoga Springs or call at 518-583-3335.

Enjoy!

Welcome

Frog Dance

Please Stop

Goddess

Take A Bite

Standing Watch

Iron Fence

Coming Soon