Autumn Colors in Virginia

The finishing touches are being put on the blog about our 2009 Autumn Tour of the Commonwealth. Be sure to check back around Nov 20, I hope to have all the photos edited and posted to this interesting tour of Virginia landscapes and Virginia Historical sites, including Colonial Williamsburg.

in reference to: Virginia Images Photography... Your East Coast Art Source (view on Google Sidewiki)

Autumn Colors About To Burst Across Virginia

Make Plans Now For This Year's Parade Of Colors!

In previous years I have missed much of an incredible and inexpensive opportunity, and so I plan to do things differently this year. More than just a day trip! Virginia has endless possibilities for great fall photography. The Fall Foliage Network make it easy plan trips around the Mid-Atlantic, capturing great photographs with unusual compositions.   You can visit them online at http://www.foliagenetwork.com/ . According to the Oct. 10 2009 report, there is little to see so far, but the good news is that there is still time to plan for the burst of color that is about to happen.

I try to capture images that show color in connection with known structures, or against architectural features common to colonial construction.  For me, it is a way explore, photograph and escape the office for a few days!  Here's one of my favorite images of a well known Virginia Landmark. Do you know what it is?

Hint: If you've ever been to C'Ville, you know!

Some of the prettiest and most colorful trees in autumn are the maples. That's what you are looking at here, at the University of Virginia. Other colleges have given me inspiration to capture other architectural gems. Virginia has dozens of colleges and hundreds, if not a thousand landmarks,  so a photographer could wonder around the Commonwealth and never run out of subjects. With the addition  of GPS the whole process became much easier, especially when it comes to parking, finding gas and food in the middle of nowhere!

In the early 1990's I visited Colonial Williamsburg and took a summertime photograph of the Wren Building at the College of William and Mary.  A few years later, I returned and captured a photograph of the same scene, from a similar angle of view. This time it was November, and the trees show a  remarkable array of natures color.

I already had a project in mind for the two images, that by repeating visits to Williamsburg I would create another "Seasons"  set.  In my studio, "Seasons" refers to a set of photos taken at different times of the year. A very popular series of the Nicolson Store, also in Williamsburg, can be viewed at our studio. 

The fall season is almost upon us, apparently delayed a bit this year. I expect October 20-29 to be the peak of color in the mountain areas of Virginia. Low lying areas a bit later east of the Blue Ridge, while western areas the leaf drop will have occurred by then. For a more relaxing tour this year, a few vineyards are on my list, a welcome respite from touring Virginia Beach again! Barboursville Vineyards in Central Virginia is close enough to visit on a day trip from Virginia Beach, as is The Williamsburg Winery. If you do go to Barboursville, be sure to check out the ruins!  This photograph is simple composition, the descending fence line helps to draw your eye into the scene, and provides some perspective to just how tall the trees are!

In 2000, I had just purchased my first Digital camera. As it was my first venture into digital photography, I didn't want to spend much, so I settled on a Fuji with a fixed lens (not SLR). The 3 MP camera produced remarkable 17 MB files that made pretty decent 16 x 20 images.  Out with this new toy on my last real autumn tour (until this year) I forced myself to continue a trip around the state, even though it was raining most of the time! Much to my surprise, I learned a lot about low even lighting and how to make the most of a bad situation!  After a day of misty weather, I came across Goshen Pass, near Roanoke. The scene stunned me at first, it was just what I had been searching for. On a bright day, this photograph would not look anything like this! The low light was perfect, allowing for well saturated colors.  The misting rain was creating foggy conditions and low cloud cover at the mountain top adds to this photographs appeal.

If you'd like to see more of my Autumn photographs, visit my website now, and then check back again in November for new images!   http://www.virginiaimages.com/ 

BTW - For you William and Mary fans - here's another "Season" photo of the Wren Building, a rare heavy snow in 2000. Very different feel from the autumn photo. BRRRR!

Chesapeake Bay Photo Gallery in Virginia Beach

Virginia Images Photography

website features photography of the Chesapeake Bay

All of the art photos are by Tim Rudziensky, a Virginia Beach Art Gallery owner and Photographer.

Rudziensky has been taking photos of the Bay since the mid-1990's when a friend introduced him to helicopter aerial photography. There are some beautiful scenes captured during sailing events, including Harborfest, Op Sail and the Low Rent Regatta, some from helicopter and some where the photographer waded into the Bay with camera in hand to get the perfect composition.

Several photographs depict life on the Bay and include local favorites from Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs to places to eat them like the former Duck In on Shore Drive. The Last Call at The Duck In remains one of his best sellers, four years after the restaurant closed!

Rudziensky says that he is thankful to live on the Chesapeake Bay, as it provides opportunities to capture images that otherwise would be missed. "To me photography is all about being in the right place at the right time, sometimes that is by accident" explained Tim during an interview for the Virginian Pilot. Being in the right place certainly paid off this last summer, as the photographer stood near Lynnhaven Inlet watching a storm pass by, a waterspout formed right in front of him!

The waterspout was just northwest of Lynnhaven Inlet, and moved south towards the Ocean Park shoreline before retreating into the sky. Now that's being in the right place at the right time! Or, was it luck. Having a 100 - 400 mm zoom lens helped capture the image perfectly. One of the photos was picked up by local news stations and newspapers.

Visit the website at http://www.virginiaimages.com/ to see approximately 600 of Rudziensky photos, or  click this link to go directlty to the Chesapeake Bay Gallery

http://virginiaimages.com/catalog/chesapeake-bay.html?osCsid=1j7h9gk8jbve59fjkiqj53dhr6

The above photographs are just a sneak preview. Knowing it is difficult to judge photography on a website, you woe it to yourself to visit the Virginia Images Photography Gallery in Virginia Beach. 847 Seahawk Circle, Suite 101, 23452.  Phone ahead, as the photographer is sometimes out capturing new photos, especially in the morning and evening hours. Phone 757 425-3110

Rudee Inet Jetty Surf Photo 1967 Steel Pier

The Old Steel Pier located at Rudee Inlet
shown in this 1967 photograph was eventually destroyed. The building on the pier was moved to Rudee Inlet and is now part of a restaurant. Over the years several Virginia Beach locals have told us stories about how the pier met it's demise.

One story involves a devastating fire, another version has it being destroyed in the Ash Wednesday storms of March 6th to the 8th, 1962.  These photographs contradict that tale as they were taken several years later. Anyone that actually knows what happened to the Old Steel Pier, when it came down and why, please post a comment to let us know.

Anyone interested in Old Virginia Beach photos would find a visit to our studio quite enjoyable. Since 1993 I have been acquiring old photographs of both Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Special emphasis of my collection is the development of popular areas such as Rudee Inlet, Lynnhaven Inlet, the Oceanfront and of course Norfolk's waterfront area. 

The last aerial photo shown is looking north along Atlantic Avenue, just before the new bridge opened in 1967.  This photo when paired with one of the above images of the pier, makes an impressive presentation.


In addition to the aerial photographs, there street scenes featuring the oceanfront area and downtown Norfolk's hot spots. The street scenes and waterfront photos begin in the 1900's. 

We are located in Virginia Beach, 1/2 mile east of Lynnhaven Mall. Take I-264 to Lynnhaven Parkway South, follow to International Parkway, turn left (east) and proceed to the next traffic light, turn right at light onto Seahawk Circle, drive about 1/4 mile, turn left into KBM Properties.  We are at 847 Seahawk Circle, Suite 101, Virginia Beach VA 23452  Phone 757 425-3110 to make sure we're in the office, sometimes we're out taking photos, making deliveries, installations etc.

Many locals know us as Virginia Images Gallery - from our years at  Hilltop - Waterside and Lynnhaven Mall. Visit  us on the internet at

http://www.virginiaimages.com/

Hope to see you soon!

Tim Rudziensky

mailto:vtimrudz@vaimages.hrcoxmail.com

Virginia Beach Surf Classic Art Photo Canvas Edition

Photographer Tim Rudziensky

has issued a

Limited Edition of 25 Canvas Prints

of the 2009 photograph titled

"Bay Motion"

Captured on the Chesapeake Bay during the summer of 2009, this stunning image is of gentle Chesapeake Bay waves at sunset. The photographer found a location that allowed him to shoot almost into the direct sun as it set over the Bay. The golden tone is not a photoshop effect, it is the natural light on a hot summer evening. Taking advantage of high tide at sunset on a clear evening, combined with a 800mm lens and a fast shutter speed allowed the photographer to capture this extraordinary image. The canvas edition is available in two sizes 24" x 36" wide and 32" x 48".
Both sizes can be framed in a variety of frame mouldings.

Contact the photographer by email at  timrudz@vaimages.hrcoxmail.com or by telephone (757) 468-1193.
The studio is located near Lynnhaven Mall at 847 Seahawk Circle Suite 101 Virginia Beach VA 23452
NOTE: From September through November the studio is staffed mainly between the hours of 11:00 am and 4:00 PM. The photographers typically travel more frequently during this time. Call ahead to be sure someone is there!  Already know what you want and just need to place an order? Place the order online at www.virginiaimages.com

Old Norfolk Photos - Norfolk VA History in Vintage Pictures On-Line

Once a week or so, my phone will ring and the voice on the other end is asking about some old photo of Norfolk that was spotted in a restaurant somewhere downtown. I smile a little inside when they ask if we
have anything of old Granby Street, or the Norva.

For the last twenty years I've been gathering old photographs of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Not just ordinary photos, I look for images that show daily life in these cities. Photographs that give the viewer an idea of what made Norfolk's Granby Street and Virginia Beach's Atlantic Avenue so popular.

There are thousands of old photos in private collections, but many are family photos and are not of broad interest.

The photographs I've concentrated on show familiar landmarks, or public places that bring back memories to those over age 30. To younger generations the photographs give a glimpse of places Grandpa took little Susan on a hot summer afternoon. What long time Norfolk resident does not remember summers at Ocean View Amusement Park?

During the 1940's a trolley ran along Granby Street, transporting thousands of citizens to the amusement park. This photograph shows the old trolley terminal at the top of Granby Street.

Many sailors would take the trolley while on Saturday leave from the nearby Norfolk Navy Base.  This was the place to be, especially in the 1940's. A day at the park was a day away from the war.

How many of my readers will remember the Rocket, the roller coaster at the amusement park? There are many photographs of the park in our collection, including the Kiddie Train, an aerial view and a color photograph of the explosion during the making of the final film that was the demise of the park. Visit our gallery in Virginia Beach to see them all, or visit our website and look for the Historic Hampton Roads Photo Gallery.

Currently there are approximately 50 Vintage Norfolk Photos in the collection. You can see some of them by visiting this page on my website:

http://virginiaimages.com/catalog/vintage-hampton-roads_old-norfolk-scenes.html

We can reproduce the [photographs as murals, on paper, canvas, wallpaper, art paper and photo paper. If you've found your way to this blog, you owe it to yourself to visit our Virginia Beach location. If you are a corporate client, restaurateur or gallery owner, call us and we'll come to you.

Our gallery offers the photos several ways. If you are looking to saved a buck or two, buy just the photo and frame it yourself. If you want more personalized service, or have a corporate job to do, we are happy to assist ion any way we can. From print selection and placement, to printing, mounting, laminating and framing, we do it all. All work performed in house, on time and within budget! Big Claim? Not really, we do it all the time. If you are looking for something extra special, ask to see the new Gallery Wraps - an all Canvas product that does not use a traditional frame.

Phone 757 425-3110. Our Normal office hours are 10 to 4 Monday through Friday. Other hours happily arranged by appointment. Located at 847 Seahawk Circle Suite 101 Virginia Beach VA 23452. Please call ahead before driving to our location! I operated retail galleries for 15 years, and now I'm free to take pictures at will ! My point? We're not always in the office!! Call Ahead - thanks!

Tim Rudziensky

Virginia Beach Photographer
Email :
timrudz@vaimages.hrcoxmail.com

FYI - We also have an equally impressive selection of Old Virginia Beach Photos - see my next blog in a few days!!

Virginia Art Gallery - Features Photographs From All Regions

UPDATED May 15, 2011....Flashback to 1993, Waterside Festival Marketplace. It's Harborfest, and photographer Tim Rudziensky is setting up photographs along a makeshift wall in between Taki's Gyro's and Waterside Burger Works. 

The 39 year old house painter is looking for a new way of life. By the end of the weekend the walls were bare, and Rudziensky was making plans with Waterside management to set up inside a vacant store on the upper level. By the end of the next year, the operation would be have the third largest sales volume in the mall. 

With more than 500 Virginia Theme Art Photographs on display, Rudziensky and his wife Maryanne, were outgrowing the Norfolk location. In 1998 they opened a second art gallery in Virginia Beach's trendy Hilltop area, and in 2005, a production facility near Lynnhaven Mall.

Today the business is the "go to source" for Virginia photographs. Several area photographer's work is now archived at the Virginia Beach studio, located on Seahawk Circle. There are about 150 Historic photographs of Virginia Beach and Norfolk, acquired from private and public collections by well known locals such as H. C. Mann and Carroll Walker. In addition, about a hundred thousand photographs by Millie Boyer, Jack Will and Gene Woolridge, Dave Wilson, Bruce Temte have been added to Rudziensky's own collection which he began in 1988.

The sheer volume of photographs archived at the Virginia Beach studio is staggering. Walls of shelving units filled with boxes, neatly dated and numbered. The front rooms contain framed photographs covering Virginia history as well as contemporary images that are Tim's personal work. Bins with freshly printed photographs sealed in clear plastic are stored in table level bins, indexed geographically for easy browsing. You could spend an hour or an afternoon, and never come close to seeing everything. A sort of Disneyland for photo enthusiasts or local historians.

Rudziensky shows his work at local art shows, and his newest company, East Coast Art Source, Inc. sponsors local art shows. This he sees as necessary because many of the big shows like Boardwalk and Neptune will not permit the sale of photos taken by others. The 6h Annual Chic's Beach Art Show is scheduled for June 25th 2011, and the Third East Beach Art Show was April 30 - May 1, 2011. Both were very successful.

If you don't want to wait for the next art show then visit the gallery or the company website.  The studio and gallery is located at 847 Seahawk Circle Suite 101 Virginia Beach 23452. The website is http://www.virginiaimages.com/.  Call ahead if you are visiting the studio - Tim is often out taking photos, but someone is usually  there 10 to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Phone 757 425-3110

New Harrison Pier - 2008 Norfolk Photo

The New Harrison Pier - 2008
Originally uploaded by VaBchPhotog1

This is the pier that replaced the old one destroyed by a huricane. The new pier features a full service restaurant. Willoughby Spit can be seen in the background. There are several other photos that show the area farther west and east along the Bay and include the most recently developed areas of East Beach. This Norfolk photo and others are on flickr page and my main website - www.VirginiaImages.com

Norfolk East Beach Neighborhood Aerial Photos

Norfolk East Beach Neighborhood
Originally uploaded by VaBchPhotog1

Below are a few (just to give you a sneak preview) of the photos that will be available at the FIRST East Beach Art Show - Sept 19 2009, along the parks of 27th Bay Street in East Beach. 

As you can see there are several photos that show the area, including some old vintage aerial photographs. There are photos that look in most directions from this location, including the airport, navy base and Willoughby. Photographer Ron Brown will have photos that include the most recently developed areas of East Beach.

These Norfolk photos and many others are on flickr page and my main website - http://www.virginiaimages.com/

Hope To See You At:
The First East Beach Art Show  Sept 19th 2009
Stockley Gardens Fall Show - Oct 17th and 18th
Or anytime at my studio!
Call Ahead!
Virginia Images Photography - Tim Rudziensky Photographer - (757) 425-3110
847 Seahawk Circle Suite 101
Virginia Beach VA 23452

Norfolk Skyline Photo 2009

Norfolk Skyline 2009
Originally uploaded by VaBchPhotog1

Newest Norfolk Virginia Skyline Photo - no retouching, just some minor adjustments in Photo Shop. This Norfolk photo and others are on flickr page and my main website - www.VirginiaImages.com

Norfolk Skyline Photos 2008

Norfolk Skyline 2008
Originally uploaded by VaBchPhotog1

I have taken quite a few photos of Norfolk Virginia over the years, but this one is, in my opinion the best. It is a compositre of three high res (21 MP) images, and prints to 150 inches wide and maintains clarity. Very Cool! I Love Canon Digital Cameras! This Norfolk photo and others are on flickr page and my main website - www.VirginiaImages.com

Virginia Beach Photo Gallery features Virginia Art from 1900 to 2009

Where can you find the largest selection of Virginia art?

Who sells those old photos of Virginia Beach and Norfolk, the one's you see in restaurants and office buildings?

Ever wondered what your property looked like in the 1960's?
Do you remember that photo gallery on the second floor of Waterside, the one that had all those cool photos and more? They moved to Hilltop East in the late 1990's and then moved again in 2005!

You can find all those photos, and much more by Virginia Beach Photographer Tim Rudziensky.

Visit the new Virginia Images Photography website at   http://www.virginiaimages.com/
or come to the studio at 847 Seahawk Circle Suite 101, Virginia Beach 23452 - just 1/2 mile from  Lynnhaven Mall.

Picture Frames Virginia Beach 23451 23452 23462

We're gearing up for the holidays and offering a special discount to any customers that mention Blogger. It's that simple. Tell us you read this blog and we'll take of 20% from your entire picture frame order. Maximum discount $100.00. One 20% discount per customer please!

East Coast Art Source, Inc. may be better known to you as Virginia Images. We operated art galleries at Waterside in the 1990's and Hilltop Shopping Center in Virginia Beach through 2005.

Now that we're settled into our new production facility near Lynnhaven Mall, we're ready to service our customers that remember us from the gallery business. New customers are always welcomed of course! My photography fans should check out our photo website. http://www.virginiaimages.com/

No Crowds, No Waiting In Line!

The new location offers easy parking in front of our door, our the new location is the perfect mall escape.

We hope to see you soon,

Tim and Maryanne Rudziensky

Owners

Hours

Call ahead just in case we're out, but typical hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. For other hours, schedule an appointment, including evenings (last appointment 6:30) and on weekends 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Phone (757) 468-1193 to schedule.


East Coast Art Source, Inc.
t/a Virginia Images Photography
847 Seahawk Circle Suite 101
Virginia Beach VA 23452
Phone (757) 468-1193

Directions: Lynnhaven Parkway to International Parkway, turn east - heading away from the mall, turn right at next light (Seahawk Circle), drive approx 1/2 mile- when Seahawk Circle bends to the right, turn left into KBM Properties. We are in the center of the first building on your right. 847 Seahawk Circle, Suite 101

**20% discount offer expires Dec 23, 2009. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount offer. Offer good in studio only, not valid with on-line purchases nor at art shows.

Virginia Beach Photos - Norfolk Photos

I've just finished updating my website, and have added many new photos of Virginia Beach, photos of Norfolk and other areas of the Commonwealth. Now if I could just figure out why my page ranking keeps changing, and not for the better! Can anyone explaint his to me? I've triued using keywords and keywords phrases (combination of two or three words) that I thought would help point search engines to my website. So far, that's not happening! Any advice is welcomed!