Vintage Olmsted Falls Wall Decor Available for Purchase!

It has been over 20 years since I took my first scenic photograph of historic Olmsted Falls and I still believe this quaint little town has the most picturesque spots packed into a small area than any other place I've visited.

Situated in Western Cuyahoga County, Olmsted Falls has a gorgeous wooden covered bridge, a couple of publicly accessible gazebos, a beautifully restored old train engine and caboose, a park with flowing waterfalls and a beautiful historic district with century homes that have been restored and are now inhabited by specialty shops with hand-crafted goods. In fact, some buildings in the Grand Pacific Junction shopping district date back to 1840! See my photographs of Olmsted Falls dating back to the early two-thousands at www.SpectraLight.com/OlmstedFalls

I’ve always wanted to create stunning images of landscapes and unusual architecture. Unfortunately, I never did well in art class as a kid. I understood good composition but just couldn’t draw a stick figure to save my life! I then fell in love with photography and was finally able to capture amazing scenes with a camera when the artist’s brush failed me. However, my images still looked like pictures since they were taken with a camera. The digital process I’m using now has elevated my photographs to look more like the paintings I wanted to create since I was a little boy.

Along with Olmsted Falls scenes, my artwork includes photographs from around the world including a fog-shrouded Golden Gate Bridge taken from Alcatraz, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island (appearing as if it were taken in a by-gone era) and more. I also share NASA images of the planets and galaxies in our universe!

I offer my images as traditional and canvas prints with mats and frames, canvas wraps, acrylic and wood prints as well as aluminum panels which sets each photograph apart from all the other mediums. There’s nothing as striking as a photo that shines on an aluminum surface with a bright, clear, glossy base and brilliant color that pops!

I also offer my images as puzzles, on tote bags, smart phone cases, yoga mats, beach towels, t-shirts and so much more.

SPECIAL BONUS: If you mail or email me a copy of your receipt showing a total purchase of $60 or more of any of my artwork (not including sales tax and shipping) – I will send you a set of three uniquely shaped, limited edition collectors' cards as shown below – each one individually signed by me (or not signed by me if you prefer). Maybe they'll be worth something as a collector's item someday (but probably not ). Also, I would be happy to sign any photographs you purchase through my website if your bring them to my studio in North Ridgeville. Contact me here to arrange an appointment: www.SpectraLight.com/contact

My photographs are most sought after during the Christmas season so I created a special website where they may be viewed or purchased: www.SpectraLight.com/ArtSale.

For last-minute shoppers, I keep a limited inventory at my home/studio in North Ridgeville. To see them in-person, call 440-748-6300 (a landline – text messages won't come through) for more information or to schedule an appointment.

The post Timeless Olmsted Falls Scenes From 20+ Years Ago… Including a Covered Bridge, Gazebos, Waterfalls and Train! appeared first on SpectraLight Photography and Design.

For years I've been bored with photographing fireworks. Fighting the crowds to get a good spot, dealing with hot and humid July weather, bugs, crying children… the list goes on. I'd rather stay home and chill-out with the Mrs. – UNTIL NOW!

A few years ago, I read an article by a photographer who captured some amazing fireworks photos. He gave the technical settings that he used for beautiful shots over a scenic lake. He inspired me to see if I could create images unlike any I've made before.

So I set out for the annual fireworks display in my town – North Ridgeville, Ohio. The weather was cool and comfortable for a July evening. I was able to stake out a spot by the lake where the fireworks would be launched. The bugs weren't annoying either (I think they preferred the taste of those around me.) And the crying children? It's amazing what ear plugs can mask out!

For 20+ minutes I shot photos with my Nikon camera mounted on a tripod with exposures ranging from one to four seconds at f/11 at ISO 100. If you don't have a clue about those settings – have no fear! It seems that anyone can get decent photos with just about any camera – even with smart phones. Even if you have firework photos from previous years that you wish to add some excitement to – read on!

Upon returning home, I loaded the photos onto my computer. Sadly, I was UNDERwhelmed by what I had captured. They looked similar to the old, boring fireworks photos I'd taken in the past.

Instead of using an expensive software program called Adobe Photoshop; I opened the photo, above, in an affordable program called “Studio“ by Topaz Labs. I've used this software to spice up photos from my previous travels with amazing results. The three variations of the original photo in this article were created with just a couple mouse clicks using Studio!

Pro tip: To achieve similar results in Topaz Studio, choose “Add Filter” > click the “STYLISTIC” tab > choose “Flare”. Then you can experiment with the various adjustments to make each star unique.

Topaz Labs is a company that has created several easy-to-use photo enhancement programs that can be used without even reading the instructions. It has a simple user interface that will have you creating photo masterpieces in minutes.

I found myself immersed in the software for hours as I created countless variations of each image.

See the rest of Topaz Labs photo enhancing software here: www.SpectraLight.com/TopazSoftware (NOTE: You won't see Topaz Studio on this page.)

Have fun!

NOTE: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, you'll help support this blog at no cost to you – allowing us to continue sharing information like this for your education and enjoyment. Win/Win! Thanks!

The post Fireworks photos with a unique twist… these aren’t your mamma’s snapshots! appeared first on SpectraLight Photography and Design.

Trumpler 14 is a glittering star cluster that contains a collection of some of the brightest stars seen in our Milky Way galaxy. It was captured by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope in 2017.

I used this photo for the sky in the 360° interactive panorama photo I created of the Martian surface by NASA’s Rover – the Perseverance. See that photo here.

I've created a variety of products available for purchase featuring the amazing Trumpler 14 image as seen below.

Have you ever seen unique images of outer space printed on such a wide variety of items as seen here? Which item do you like best? Share your thoughts with a comment here.

The post Trumpler 14 – a collection of stars in our Milky Way Galaxy by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope appeared first on SpectraLight Photography and Design.

I've loaned 17 limited edition AlumaGraphs^TM for exhibition at the Avon Lake Public library. The artwork includes a fog-shrouded Golden Gate Bridge taken from Alcatraz, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island appearing as if it were taken in a by-gone era and a unique rendering of a horseless buggy at Grand Pacific Junction in Olmsted Falls.

I discovered a unique way to “print” my art that sets it apart from all other medium. Instead of using traditional photographic paper, the images are rendered as AlumaGraphs^TM – a proprietary process that transforms photographs into faux paintings and then melds them into aluminum. There’s nothing as captivating as a photo that shines on aluminum with a bright, clear, glossy base and brilliant color that pops.

I've always wanted to create stunning images of landscapes and unusual architecture. Unfortunately, I never did well in art class as a child. I knew what good composition was but just couldn't draw a stick figure to save my life! I then fell in love with photography and was finally able to capture amazing scenes with a camera where an artist brush failed me. Nevertheless, my images still looked like pictures. The digital process I now use has elevated my photographs to look like the paintings I wanted to create since I was a little boy.

Some of my work may be viewed at www.mark-madere.artistwebsites.com.

The library is at 32649 Electric Blvd in Avon Lake. The exhibit runs from March 1^st – 31^st , 2014

The post Avon Lake Public Library to host my AlumaGraph exhibit appeared first on SpectraLight Photography and Design.

I'm really excited to be asked to show how to take better vacation photos at the May 20th meeting of the North Ridgeville Arts Council. I will be presenting “Discover 7 Secrets to Better Vacation Photography.” The information can be used to improve vacation photography, pictures of friends and family, sporting events and more.

Topics to be covered include: how to choose a camera, creative composition from unusual camera angles, use of natural light and electronic flash, how to help people look their best, enhancing photos after they're taken, saving and preserving picture files to guard against loss from a computer crash, different ways to display photographs for maximum enjoyment and more.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

The meeting is on Monday, May 20th at 7 p.m. at North Ridgeville Library,35700 Bainbridge Rd, North Ridgeville.

The post Discover 7 Secrets to Better Vacation Photography appeared first on SpectraLight Photography and Design.

You're a winner!”

Yes, those could be the words that a few lucky Cleveland area photographers hear after judging is completed for three amateur photo contests – one local, one national and one international.The local contest is the “Photo Safari at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo here you can try your hand at animal photography. All photos must be taken on zoo grounds between April 1 and October 31, 2013 and submitted to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on photographic paper on or before October 31, 2013.

The Best of Show winner will get a Behind-the-Scenes Zoo tour, Adopt an Animal package courtesy of the Cleveland Zoological Society and a Polaroid PoGo Photo Printer. Other prizes include Zoo family memberships, 18-hole rounds of golf at any Cleveland Metroparks Golf Course, $25 Discount Drug Mart gift cards and much more. [Contest ended… entry webpage was deleted long ago]

Next up is the “Olive Garden Picture Perfect InstaGram Contest.” And no, you don't have to be an Olive Garden fan or even eat there to be eligible to participate. Of course, I LOVE their Eggplant Parmesan so I'll grab a bite there in your honor.

There are 42 prizes with the Grand Prize winner receiving a $500 prepaid credit card.

The contest is open to lawful permanent residents of the United States (including D.C.); between the ages of 13 and 18 years old as of April 1, 2013, and have an active InstaGram account. The contest ends on May 14, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. so you better hurry! [Contest ended… entry webpage was deleted long ago]

Finally, there's the “The Art of Photography Show 2013.” There are $10,000 in cash awards with the first place winner receiving $2,000 and fourteen others grabbing lesser cash prizes.

This contest is geared for aspiring photographers who are ready to invest $25 for their first entry and $10 for each additional entry. Entries must be received by May 18th at 11:59 pm PDT (California Time) so time is of the essence. [Contest ended… entry webpage was deleted long ago]

Have you ever wanted to create a book of your favorite images to share with family and friends? Or maybe you would like to offer your book for purchase to the general public for a little extra income.

I've create two books using a pretty cool company called Blurb. One is a pictorial celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge and the other is a collection of unique images of Picturesque Olmsted Falls, Ohio.

Now you can create a book for yourself or your mom for Mother's Day and save 20% off through May 10, 2013. Simply enter coupon code LOVEYOUMOM at checkout to claim your discount.

So what's been your experience with photo contests? Please comment here and share some contests you've entered and what you thought of the judging.

Do you like this article? Please share it with your family and friends on Facebook, Twitter, etc. or via e-mail.

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel and then click the bell icon to get instant notifications when we upload a new video: https://spectralight.com/YouTubeSubscribe

See more photos and videos highlighting what is great about CLEveland and Northeast Ohio on our HOTonCLE website: http://HOTonCLE.com

Please subscribe to our HOTonCLE YouTube channel and then click the bell icon to get instant notifications when we upload a new video: http://HOTonCLE.com/YouTubeSubscribe

See the gear and software we use to create our videos and photos: https://spectralight.com/Gear

The post Northeast Ohio amateur photographers could win big bucks appeared first on SpectraLight Photography and Design.

WOW! I just found out that three unique pieces were selected from my digital art collection for exhibit at the prestigious 13th Annual Community of Fine Arts Show presented by the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council. The juried art show runs from August 6 – 18 at the Westlake Porter Library at 27333 Center Ridge Road in Westlake.

My entries include a fog-shrouded Golden Gate Bridge taken from Alcatraz, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island appearing as if it were taken in a by-gone era and a unique rendering of a horseless buggy at Grand Pacific Junction in Olmsted Falls.

Over the past three years, I've developed a proprietary digital process to meld photographs into faux paintings. I’ve always wanted to create beautiful images of landscapes and unusual architecture. Unfortunately, I never did well in art class as a child. I had an idea of what good composition was but just couldn’t draw a stick figure to save my life! I then fell in love with photography and was finally able to capture amazing scenes with a camera where an artist brush failed me. However, my images still looked like pictures. The digital process I now use has elevated my photographs to look like the paintings that I sought since I was a little boy.

I also discovered a really cool, unique way to “print” my art. Instead of standard photographic paper, I have them embedded into aluminum panels. There’s nothing as captivating as a photo that shines on aluminum with a bright, clear, glossy base with brilliant color that pops. Two of my pieces in the show will be presented on these panels.

See more of my work and order prints for your home or business or give as gifts at www.mark-madere.artistwebsites.com.

The post Our unusual artwork accepted for exhibition at prestigious Westlake-Westshore Arts Council show appeared first on SpectraLight Photography and Design.

Do you like free food, rock music and give aways? Then get ready for a fun afternoon at Falls Day in the Park this Sunday – Oct. 2nd – from 1 – 4 p.m. at East River Park on Lewis Road in Olmsted Falls.

There will be free hot dogs, chili, brats, donuts, apple cider and more from local civic groups and businesses. A rock band will provide free entertainment while you enjoy local arts and crafts vendors and more.  It’s a great time to reconnect with old friends from the Olmsted area.

SpectraLight Photography will be showing off and selling “Picturesque Olmsted Falls – Gazebos, Waterfalls, a Covered Bridge and More – Oh My!” Believed to be the first book of it’s kind in Northeast Ohio, it contains nearly 50 photographs that look similar to paintings created with watercolor, oils, canvas and other “Old Masters” techniques.

To launch the book, we are giving away a uniquely shaped, limited edition post card of the scene chosen for the book cover. A sample of the card is shown above. If you can’t make it to Falls Day in the Park, you can get a free post card by sending a self-addressed, long (business size) envelope to: Free Olmsted Falls Post Card, c/o SpectraLight Photography, 8367 Burlington Drive, North Ridgeville, OH, 44039.

The post Get a GREAT Freebie at Falls Day in the Park this Sunday appeared first on SpectraLight Photography and Design.

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For years, people have asked when I would publish a collection of my artistic renderings of the many notable scenes of Olmsted Falls. The wait is finally over!

Check out the book with 47 total scenes of the city. They have all been enhanced in Photoshop to look like actual paintings. It is more obvious in the printed book than what you'll see online.

What a great Christmas or birthday gift for current or former natives of Olmsted Falls.

What do you think of this book? Please leave a comment here and share this page on Facebook, Twitter and your other social media networks.

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel and then click the bell icon to get instant notifications when we upload a new video: https://spectralight.com/YouTubeSubscribe

See more photos and videos highlighting what is great about CLEveland and Northeast Ohio on our HOTonCLE website: http://HOTonCLE.com

Please subscribe to our HOTonCLE YouTube channel and then click the bell icon to get instant notifications when we upload a new video: http://HOTonCLE.com/YouTubeSubscribe

See the gear and software we use to create our videos and photos: https://spectralight.com/Gear

The post Sneak peak: “Picturesque Olmsted Falls” book now at the printer appeared first on SpectraLight Photography and Design.