Alien Ice - Cleveland Deep Freeze

© Stuart Pearl 2010 (Click Image to Enlarge)

I was just a few miles from downtown Cleveland.. And yet the landscape resembled a frozen moon. Bizarre shapes surrounded me in the 15 degree weather as I slowly hiked across the icy boulder field.

It had been at least 10 years since I'd last visited Cleveland's Edgewater Park Beach. Back then it was sunny and 85 degrees. Surf sprayed across the rocky beach as I strolled in shorts and shirtsleeves back then.

Today I wore a flannel shirt, fleece vest, parka, hat, hood and earmuffs. The cameras were not so well protected and the batteries died after 90 minutes.

A thin coat of bright powder covered uneven ice and it was difficult to find a safe pathway. The setting sun glared off trunk shaped icicles and caused deep shadows between the shoreline boulders.

Some of the structures resembled sea anemones, pointing skyward, in search of aerial plankton.

The odd thing was the twisted nature of these lakeshore stalagtites. In Early January while the lake was cold but still unfrozen, the high winds must have whipped the surf spray at an angle across the trees and shrubs. Ice then formed as the wind-driven droplets twisted around branches and trunks causing the extraordinary patterns.

Other structures resembled spiked leviathans foraging across the boulder strewn landscape.

With Lake Erie to the north, a few lone shrubs still manage to rise from the snow and ice.

Although the landscape fascinated me in the warm, late afternoon light, I was curious how it would appear under cooler, early morning illumination.

Returning two days later at 7:15, I encountered a bleak overcast sky with just the faintest morning glow. The quality of the light was completely different from Saturday's high contrast sun, with an emphasis now on the blue part of the spectrum.

You can see an enlarged slide show of these images by clicking HERE.

The Buck Stops Here

© Stuart Pearl 2010

And a number of his friends often join him. Sometimes we'll have as many as eight deer grazing our myrtle beds, hosta plants, and other shrubbery. And during the warmer months they do this seeminlgy oblivious to the racket of yard equipment and neighborhood traffic. Who needs hamsters?

Our lot is bordered by a small wood to the east. To the back are 850' deep properties. This provides some degree of cover and safety for the adult deer. They and their young will often visit for a while, dining on our ornamentals during the summer, or digging in the winter snow for any greenery.

Our property is situated between two local park systems. To the West we have the Euclid Creek Metropark and off to the East is the North Chagrin Reservation.

Some feel the deer travel between the two parks depending upon food supply and the pressures from human activity. Either way we have daily sightings. We've actually see more wildlife in our backyard than we have during our visits to the Adirondack, Shenandoah and Smoky Mountains.

Thank You!

© Stuart Pearl 2010

Fundraisers remind my of my high school PTA days, the time I spent as a Band Parent, and my years in the Jaycees. Projects are very gratifiying when they generate profit for a good cause.

This is the second year that the Cleveland Sight Center has been kind enough to use one of my photographs for their Holiday card sale. I want to thank everybody who purchased any of the cards that were offered this year. They earn revenue for critical projects, and I get some greeting cards.

Although sales were down slightly from last year, "Arch Reflections" was the top seller for 2009. Of 55,242 cards sold, it accounted for 12,582 of total sales.

Trevor & Mary Shull - November 28, 2009

© Stuart Pearl 2009

Now and then I'll shoot a very special wedding out of town. Last Saturday I spent a wonderful day in Columbus with the Hughes and Shull family covering Mary and Trevor's wedding day.

(A slide show of Mary and Trevor's complete photo gallery can be viewed HERE.)

The November weather cooperating perfectly with a cool but sunny and clear day. We began our photo session at the Franklin Park Conservatory. It's beautiful floral grounds mix classic architecture with avant garde sculpture and contemporary design.

The formal gardens were a perfect backdrop for Mary's classic beauty. Trevor cleaned up pretty well also.

The 5 p.m. ceremony was held at the Atonement Lutheran Church for about 120 friends and family.

The reception was held in the Whestone Park of Roses Shelter House a couple of miles from the church. Bill Hughes introduced and toasted the happy couple.

Carol Shull with son Trevor.

Click HERE to see the entire gallery of Mary and Trevor's wedding photographs. To see more work from Stuart Pearl Photography please visit my Social Event and Fine Art galleries online.

© Stuart Pearl 2009 "Arch Reflections" (Click Image to Enlarge)

Do you enjoy sending holiday cards with a local flavor? Check out the Cleveland Sight Center's website for their 2009 Holiday Greeting Card offerings.

This year I was fortunate to have "Arch Reflections" selected as one of six cards being offered by local artists. Showing the Main Avenue Bridge in the foreground, the picture was shot last January with the temperature hovering near zero. I was standing on the East Bank of the Flats. Nearby, Saturday night crowds used to throng to Fagans and D'Poos, crossing the river to Shooters using the now vacant water taxi.

The Defunct Flats Water Taxi

All proceeds benefit the Cleveland Sight Center. The profits help them provide programs and services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. If you order 100 or more of the same card, you can have a one-line imprint of your name or company added on the inside.

Other cards offered this year feature the artwork of Andrew Morrell, Jay Patel, Richard Tuschman, Thomas Roese, and Bradley Hart.

© Stuart Pearl 2009 (Click Image to Enlarge)

In my previous entry I displayed some Fall beauty from Cleveland's urban landscape. But just east of our home is the Cleveland Metroparks.

We often hike in the North Chagrin reservation. Some of our kids were in town that day and we used it as a good excuse for a relaxing hike. This is a shot of one of the overlook shelters. It's a great place to see a variety of birds and fall colors across the hills.

Flats Fall

Oarsman at Jefferson Bridge Pilings (Click on Images to Enlarge) © Stuart Pearl 2009

Cleveland's brownfields sport their pallet of seasonal colors. And the Flats is no exception as we approach the Fall color peak. Even in the absence of nature's colors, light beams can make interesting patterns among the bridges and beams.

"Bridge Beams" from east bank of the Flats.


If I don't shoot at least several dozen pictures a week I gett antsy. To satisfy these urges I shoot weddings, social events, promotional work for WVIZ/PBS and the Cleveland Landscape. And the best way to do the latter is to take my camera to work. This affords me the best opportunities for interesting light.

Statuary at Federal Courthouse Building

On the early morning trip downtown or the evening return home, some of the most interesting shadows and contrasting textures fall across the landscape. Every day is different. And because Cleveland's weather is so changeable, the quality and intensity of light can change from minute to minute.

Skyscraper canyons often create unpredictable wind tunnels for the unsuspecting pedestrian. The body can be struck by the random icy blast. The same holds true for lighting. The eye can be wonderfully surprised by the unexpected beam of light spotlighting a red Maple against the canvas of dark office windows.

The Innerbelt Bridge spans not only the Cuyahoga River, but woods that support deer and other wildlife. It's only a matter of exploring the side roads and abandoned building sites. Powder white and gray bridge piers provide interesting counterpoint to bright yellow leaves.

Arches of the Terminal Viaduct have framed Cleveland's skyline since the late 1920's. Today they support RTA train traffic from Tower City to the West 25th Station and beyond.

View From Columbus Road Bridge

Want to see more images of Cleveland's skyline and the industrial flats? Click here. Other photo galleries displayed by Stuart Pearl can also be seen at this site: http://www.pbase.com/sapearl/root

The Ken Burns Effect In NE Ohio

Ken Burns at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park All Images © Stuart Pearl 2009

The Ken Burns Effect describes a popular video pan and scan technique that filmmakers use with still photographs. It focuses the viewer's attention on key elements of a picture and creates heightened interest by zooming and moving across the scene.

Blue Hen Falls - CVNP (Click image to enlarge)

Burns had a similar effect on his audience as he spoke to a crowd of 200+ picnickers at the Happy Days Visitor Center on August 2, 2009. He was in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park promoting his new documentary "The National Parks - America's Best Idea .

It was directed by Burns and written and co-produced by Dayton Duncan. WVIZ/PBS coordinated his visit to the Happy Days Visitor Center , giving supporters a chance to preview excerpts from Burns' new film.

This six episode series is scheduled to broadcast on PBS stations September 27 - October 2. You can a see a short segment of this film by going to the following video link.

Brandywine Falls - CVNP

Prior to his talk, Burns worked with the WVIZ television staff to produce several videos promoting the film. The Happy Days Visitor Center provided the backdrop.

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 it is actually within the Virginia Kendall State Park .

The bronze statue commemorates the work of all the CCC workers from that era to those who maintain current park facilities. The CCC provided jobs and education for men between the ages of 18-25.

Videographer Rich Geyser and Director Jane Temple

WVIZ/PBS production crew filming promotional commercials.

Burns arrived about 3:30 P.M at Happy Days in his rental car. CVNP was on his route to Chautauqua and then Acadia National Park in Maine. I was immediately impressed with the 56 year old filmmaker. His hair was thicker than any I've seen in my own mirror in years.

CVNP CEO Deb Yandala with Ken Burns and Ranger

Ken Burns is an excellent public speaker. He is passionate about his documentary projects and his words carry the conviction of his beliefs. He's also very approachable and a pleasure to chat with.

Teddy Roosevelt was a major proponent of the National Parks. Through legislation, lobbying and personal exploration his efforts insured the creation and preservation of these natural resources.

Carriage Trail Path - CVNP

Cuyahoga River at Rt. 82 Bridge last winter (Click on Image to Englarge).

T.R. figures prominently in Burns series. He once said "it is the preservation of the scenery, the forest, and the wilderness game for the people as a whole, instead of leaving the enjoyment thereof to be confined to the very rich. It is noteworthy in its essential democracy, one of the best bits of national achievement which our people have to their credit".

Beaver Marsh, early Spring (Click image to enlarge)

This documentary took approximately 10 years to produce with an investment of $15 million dollars. And like all of his projects, it keeps Burns travelling. He spends about 150 days on the road each year filming, at speaking engagements, and promoting his projects.

July 29 was Burns' birthday - which was spent in his automobile. In small consolation the Happy Days picnickers sang happy birthday to the film maker.

Burns says that he is making the same film over and over again. "Who are we as Americans?" This is the question addressed in "The Civil War," "Jazz," "Brooklyn Bridge," and "World War II." Now he examines the question from the perspective of America's National Parks.

Ken Burns and Stuart Pearl - CVNP 8/2/09