Rocco Galatioto, nice photos and good food

This wonderful lady who graciously invited for Christmas lunch and dinner while in Sicily, was a natural to photograph. It was the only way to thank her for her endless hospitality. I  am always amazed at the natural friendliness of Sicilians. It's amazing . These photos ware taken with the Lumix GX-1 in  fluorescnt  light. Only minor color correction was needed. These are example of the impromptu portrait when there's no equipment to get in the way. I just love them. I hope you agree.

A few years ago,  in  Castellammare del Golfo, while I was on my way home, late at night, I just passed by this alley. I saw that it would make a really good image so I took it. I even remember the camera I used, a Nikon D70S.  

These two tulips. I consider to be, perhaps, my two best flower shots. Shot at the Queens Botanical Garden with the Canon 5D and the Canon 24 mm F 2.8 lens. I have posted these before but they are worth a second look.  

As the holidays are finally behind us and we embark on a new year that hopefully is better than the last. the blog is assuming what we believe to be a quieter  and more peaceful look. This blog is intended to be a place where one may stop to find a little respite from the hectic lifestyles that most of us have. So relax and enjoy. All the best and thank you for visiting. Rocco Galatioto

To start the year right, I am wishing that everything comes up roses.

Canon 5D with Canon 16-35 F4 L lens

. Here in Castellammare del Golfo, Santo Stefano or  Saint Stephen's day is one of total rest.  After all one has to digest all the great food eaten on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. The town is completely closed. All stores excluding the farmacia di turno , or the pharmacy whose turn it is to stay open, are shut down. It's very strange. This year this feeling of desolation was augmented by a gray and inclement day.  Things did pick up on Friday the 27th, however. These photo were shot in Piazza Petrolo.

Digital Camera Sales Drop. Smartphones to Blame? Perhaps According to Reuters, as reported in  the New York Times, compact digital camera sales are down by an incredible 40 percent. Some of better known brands such as Panasonic, Olympus and Fujiflim -- are actually losing money on their camera divisions. And the bad news continues. Sales for mirrorless cameras, which are mid-tier cameras halfway between compact point-and-shoots and mirrored DSLRS, are also so,so, making up only 10.5 percent of interchangeable lens camera sales in the US (and 11.2 percent in Europe): this despite doing quite well in Japan, where they make up 36 percent of ILC sales. We have bee saying that the end of the traditional camera is near but we are always surprised at the rate of change. As we have said many times prior to this announcement, the big cameras are really only to show off. We still believe that the "serious photographer, so to speak will ultimately embrace the mirrorless micro fou...

I just realized that the blog reached 100.000 page views. This is really sort of a milestone. When I began, a few years ago, the hits were few but slowly a loyal following developed. I could never imagine having so many visits. I want to thank all of you who take the time to visit this blog that is  really a labor of love. All the best and happy new year.

I have recently left my beloved Castellammare but will soon return. Cannot stay away. This night shot was made with the Lumix GX-1. This is a very competent travel and all around camera that will not get in your way.

May you bee as happy as these children.

It's all in  the timing and the light. Much it actually takes place without any input by the photographer whose sole ability is seeing and capturing the moment. It'd really that easy. These two images were shot in Scopello, Sicily while I was photographing the obvious that  is the famous scogli or sea boulders, i noticed these grasses with the dying sun playing a magical game. I took the shots, only these two; I hope you like them.

One of my all time favorite photos. Shot in June of 1975 on Kodachrome 64 and scanned.