Laughing Frog Images

Ever need every last drop?

Posted on January 12, 2016January 10, 2016 by Kurt

That morning cup of coffee is a ritual for millions the world over. Ever need every last drop?

I was organizing images tonight and came across this one of our dearly departed Hunter.

He liked a drop or two of iced coffee every now and then, and this day in November 2013 was one of those days.

There were a few drops left, and he was determine that they were to be his. Never mind the fact that his head wouldn’t fit in the glass – he was going to get his due!

I never saw him get his head stuck, but I did see him contently licking iced coffee from his paw a time or two…

Things came to a bit of a halt tonight as I paused to smile and remember him.

For those of you who didn’t get to read about him when he passed, he was a gentle giant and a kind soul.

Some &^$% people left him in front of a pet store in a crate on a cold February morning in 2012. We me him not long thereafter, as it seems that adopting cute kittens is far more prevalent than adopting a six year old. He was a project – building trust and getting him to understand that we were here to serve (cat owners, you know what I’m talking about…). Every time I see one of those “Who Saved Who?” bumper stickers, I can’t help but think of Hunter.

And, I think of him when I’m going for every last drop…

Beyond the memories this image stirred up, there’s a moral to be found here – and here it comes:

Take pictures.

Take pictures of your family. Take pictures of your friends. Take pictures of your pets. Take pictures of things that make you smile and things you want to remember. These days it’s pretty cheap and pretty easy to make a memory – there are few excuses not to make a memory.

And when you stumble across random images when you aren’t expecting to, they bring a pause and a smile to the insanity and craziness that seems to be everywhere in life today.

And that’s not a bad thing….

The Frog is back.

Posted on January 10, 2016January 9, 2016 by Kurt

Well, we’re back!

The Frog took some time off from the blog to take care of some things around the house, and spend time with family, friends, and (of course) the cats. It was a nice way to end the year. I hope you enjoyed your holidays as well.

In the midst of all that, I did some photography and I also scanned several hundred slides dating back to the late 1970’s. Yes, I have a lot of processing to do!

So, what’s coming to Laughing Frog Images in 2016?

Petroglyphs.

Wild horses.

Trains. Contemporary and historical.

A National Monument or two.

The stories behind the pictures.

“How to” insights (or at least how I do/did, keeping in mind that I have no formal photography training!).

A new book on the final years of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad as I saw them through my lens.

A new book on steam operations from the 1970’s and 1980’s (and possibly more). Think C&O 614, Reading 2102, N&W 611, N&W 1218 and maybe Nickel Plate 765 as well.

It’s going to be a busy year!

Thanks for your support as we grew throughout 2015. Every “follow”, “like” and “share” is greatly appreciated.

Here’s to a great 2016 for all of us!

Merry Christmas, WNY&P Style

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Kurt

Merry Christmas from Laughing Frog Images!

This year’s card takes us back to February of 2003, and the early days of the Western New York and Pennsylvania (WNY&P) Railroad. The WNY&P is a part of the Livonia Avon and Lakeville (LA&L) family of railroads.

We’re at Niobe Junction, New York on this brisk February morning to see two LA&L Alco C424m’s heading west to Corry, PA on the former Norfolk Southern / Conrail / Erie Lackawanna / Erie Railroad mainline.

Niobe Junction is at the east end of what was a separated section of double track. Typically, when railroads had a double track mainline, they kept the tracks parallel to each other. I seem to recall having read somewhere (and I can’t find the source now) that the line separation was made due to issues with the eastbound (uphill) grade and the effect that it had on eastbound perishable (iced) food freight – something to do with the ice shifting in the cars. It was one of those interesting railroad history stories. Just wish I could find it instead of relying on a crowded memory…

Anyway, on this fine February morning, we see two spotless Alcos, each 35+ years young (and still around today!), heading west to Corry, PA.

They’re passing an unusual sign warning drivers of “increased train traffic”, as the WNY&P is about to resume through freight service on the line between Meadville, PA and Hornell, NY.

Why were they headed to Corry as light engines?

A customer in Corry had a slight problem.

A freight car was stuck – as in frozen stiff, and it needed to be moved. The two Centuries headed west from the terminal in Falconer, NY, freed the car for the customer, and headed home.

That’s customer service by the WNY&P in the spirit of the Erie Lackawanna’s “Friendly Service Route”!

Peace. Love. Joy.

Posted on December 21, 2015December 20, 2015 by Kurt

Well, here in the U.S., we’re in the middle of the Christmas rush – those that haven’t shopped are watching the clock tick, and those that are selling are trying to influence those who still have to shop. And so it goes…

Around the world, millions are already traveling or preparing to travel.

There are a lot of things going on – and somewhere in the middle of it all, peace. love and joy are out there.

So why am I writing this in such broad terms?

Easy.

Demographic reports tell me that Laughing Frog Images is currently followed beyond the U.S. in thirteen (13) countries around the world, plus one (1) U.S. Territory. That’s just those who follow Laughing Frog Images’ Facebook page. I can’t tell where those of you who follow Laughing Frog Images on Google+ or via our Blog are from, nor can I tell where every visitor to each medium is located. Let’s just say that I’m amazed and humbled by it all, and encouraged to see that the following keeps growing.

Those demographics also tell me that there’s much more to this holiday season beyond wishing every one of you a simple “Merry Christmas”.

Among you who follow the Frog, there are a lot of people in a lot of places around the world celebrating their own religious, ethnic and cultural traditions, seasons and events.

I’m not even going to pretend that I know what all of them are, nor am I going to try and fake it by trying to wish everyone a happy this and merry that. Odds are that I’d likely make a mistake or two (or more), and perhaps make a fool out myself in the process.

So, the Frog is simply going to wish everyone out there reading this three simple and universal things:

That there may be peace for your, your families, and friends.

That you take time to love yourself (not selfishly, but to take care of yourself), your family, your friends, your pets, and even those who aren’t your favorite folks.

That you take the time to find the joy in this season.

The Frog has been quiet lately – between the day job and family and friends, the Frog has been very, very busy. He’s tired and looking forward to a little downtime. You probably won’t see a new post until early in the New Year. He’s also realized that churning out an informative, interesting, and entertaining blog and an interesting website and product selection is easier than it sounds when one already has a full-time job!

Don’t be this guy!

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Kurt

Look at this poor little thing.

Worn out from holiday shopping – he just gave out on the wall.

Holiday shopping can do that to you!

We have a solution!

There’s one day left to take advantage of Laughing Frog Images’ 2015 holiday sale.

25% off everything on except our books (yeah, there’s always a catch!).

There’s still time to get what you want your way by Christmas if you find yourself in that situation….

Or, because you feel like this little guy, get yourself something!

Even if you don’t… safe and happy holidays to you and yours from Laughing Frog Images.

Reflections on the USS Arizona

Posted on December 7, 2015December 6, 2015 by Kurt

I have been to Pearl Harbor once.

Coincidentally, it was ten years ago today – December 7, 2005.

That day, by virtue of being on the last boat out to the Arizona Memorial, I experienced something that most people don’t – the internment of a Pearl Harbor survivor’s ashes on the USS Arizona.

I saw the gathering of family, Honor Guard, and current military personnel for the ceremony.

While I wasn’t a part of the ceremony, I was certainly moved by it.

There were few words being spoken as people took their places at the Memorial as we were leaving (it was a private ceremony).

There didn’t need to be any words.

You felt the significance of what happened there in 1941, and was happening there that day.

The feelings were more than any words could say.

It still moves me today as I write this.

The Arizona was seeping fuel oil that day, and, to my knowledge, she still does.

Perhaps it is her way of weeping for all who gave their lives that day.

Maybe she weeps as a symbol for all who have given their lives at war.

I don’t claim to have any answers about what happened at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 or why.

Nor can I really grasp man’s inhumanity to man throughout history.

Or today.

All I can do is sit here and be moved by a ten year old image and wonder “why?”

It’s a very broad “why” that’s not limited to Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor is just one part of that “why?”

I wonder why about a lot of events that have cost mothers their sons and daughters, and children their mothers and fathers.

I wonder how people can kill other people because they (fill in the blank).

I wonder, and I just don’t understand.

I probably never will understand.

Maybe it’s because I’m a photographer that I see and feel things in pictures, and believe that a picture can carry and convey a meaning – no words necessary.

I think that the USS Arizona weeps for us all.

N&W 1218

Posted on December 6, 2015December 6, 2015 by Kurt

On August 18, 1987, there was a passenger excursion from Bellevue, OH to Columbus, OH and return behind Norfolk and Western Class A 1218.

The train traveled on the Norfolk and Western mainline between the Lake Erie docks at Sundusky, OH and Columbus, OH.

This was the largest steam engine I had ever seen in service, and was the first and last time I saw 1218 run. She hasn’t run in years, and may never run again. You can click here to learn more about N&W 1218. She’s currently at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, VA not far from her birthplace.

Chasing a steam excursion on the flatlands of west-central Ohio is much different than chasing a steam excursion in Western Pennsylvania. Let’s just say that the hills and curves make this a lot easier to do on Sand Patch, the Wheeling Pike, and Sand Patch!

You’ll note that this was another gray sky day. The more that I scan, the more it seems like Mr. Blue Sky had most of the same days off that I did in the 1980’s.

In deference to the gray skies, most of this gallery has been replicated in black and white. It’s more complimentary to the gray sky, and steam locomotives in general. The black and white emulates Kodak’s Panatomic X film. It was so gray this day that I shot the originals on Kodachrome 200 slide film.

The Mail Pouch Barn at Attica Junction appeared in many photographs in the 1950’s, as this line was originally owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad and it was one of the last bastions of Pennsy steam. Things had grown in somewhat since the 1950’s – probably because there was no ash and related “stuff” from steam engines to kill the vegetation – so it was it a very tight shot in 1987, and not at all what I’d hoped for. I checked Google Earth before finishing this post, and not surprisingly, the barn is gone.

None of these shots are in my honest opinion going to grace a wall in large format, but they’re more than suitable for a mug, water bottle, or small print – and for your enjoyment.

Enjoy a look at N&W 1218 in the N&W 1218, Bellevue to Columbus gallery on Laughing Frog Images.

Small Business Saturday

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Kurt

On this Small Business Saturday, please remember to support the small businesses in your area. Actually, please remember to do that all of the time.

It’s not all about the big box stores, shopping malls, and chains intent on conquering and controlling the earth.

It’s about the people in your neighborhoods that have the stores and restaurants in your neighborhoods. Without them, everything would look, see, and taste the same. And that’s not fun.

The four hobby shops that I patronized the most throughout my life are gone. Demographic and economic change had a role in that, as did the internet.

The three camera shops that I patronized the most throughout my life are gone as well, for the same reasons.

It’s strange that people today will go out of their way to a hobby shop or camera store to see, touch, feel and try “stuff” in person, and then leave empty -handed to try and find a better deal on the internet. These are some of the same people to complain when the local store isn’t there anymore… ‘Nuff said.

So, when you’re out and about tomorrow, don’t forget to support your local Small Businesses. We need them. They need us.

And, whether or not you’re out and about, Laughing Frog Images would certainly like to be a part of your Small Business Saturday. We are definitely a small business! It’s pretty much me and Ella when she’s in the mood to help. Or just walk over my keyboard. Or just sleep on my hand and mouse. We don’t have a physical presence yet, as we’re just trying to break even on this endeavor. We do have a small part in the economy, from the people who make the media our images end up on , to those who print and check the images, to those who deliver our products to you. So, so, we’re a small part of the big picture.

We bring you hundreds of ways to give someone special (which could be yourself) something unique, and we’d appreciate your consideration this Small Business Saturday. Everything at Laughing Frog Images (except our books) is 25% off through December 15, 2015. Please check out our offerings and shop easy, shop Laughing Frog!

Lastly, a small business shoutout for Visceral Concepts, our website guru.

Worst family photo you never took?

Posted on November 22, 2015November 19, 2015 by Kurt

Here we are in the 2015 Holiday Season.

This is the third time for this post (I played with it a bit this year). I’m posting it on a Sunday so you’ve got some time to let it sink in, or perhaps share it with “that” person.

I think that it’s relevant every holiday season, and you’ll probably see it every holiday season as long as this site is up.

Hopefully, maybe, possibly, it may inspire someone out there.

It’s relevant not just during the holidays, but every day…

It’s a bit of a history lesson, and a life lesson. Enjoy. Ponder. Reflect…

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What’s the worst family photo you never took?

If you’re thinking about the worst family photo you ever took, go back and read the title and think about it.

It’s probably the time of year, in addition to wondering what to write about, that led me to this topic. We have a “family photo wall” that’s set up something like a family tree. All of the photos are in black and white – as most of the originals were. I have yet to find a good photo of my Great-Grandmother to put on our family photo wall. That’s been bugging me for a while.

And then, there’s a song I heard the other day that always puts me in one of those melancholy, reflective, contemplative moods – “Time Passages” by Al Stewart. Take a ride on the Wayback Machine and check out this video on YouTube of Al and Shot in the Dark performing the song back in 1978 when it was released: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRKyGhgoNE8

So, where am I going with this?

Well, way back when, some families were great with taking family pictures during the holidays – or any time for that matter- and some weren’t. Some stored their family pictures well, and some didn’t.

All things considered, if you go back let’s say 50 years ago – it was a lot more complicated than it is today. There were flashbulbs to load in the flash gun, and then exposures to calculate and settings to set on the camera. Fast forward to the Instamatic camera that took 126 roll film and flash cubes! An absolutely (well, almost) people-proof system that while easy to use, unfortunately didn’t necessarily take great pictures – but preserved memories to stimulate the mental hard drive nonetheless. And then the 110 roll film cameras became a brief rage because they were small. Never mind that so were their negatives, which meant that their practical use was limited.

Fast forward a bit to 1976 and the introduction of the Canon AE-1 35mm film camera. It was the first “camera with a brain” (a microprocessor) and it began the transformation of amateur photography. Load it with film, put the lens on the automatic setting, put the flash on and set it to automatic, set the shutter speed to 1/60 of a second – and indoor family holiday photography was transformed again. (My AE-1, passed down from my Father, is a few feet away as I rewrite this.)

39 years later, we have digital cameras in our phones as well as DSLR cameras that represent the great-great grandchildren of the AE-1. A majority of people are using digital instead of film these days. The cameras have great metering systems, automatic flashes, flashes that adjust their brightness for the scene, red-eye reduction settings. It’s actually pretty easy these days to take a good (great?) picture. Maybe it’s not so good for professional portrait photographers, though.

In the old days, you had to wait days or hours to see if the pictures were good or not. More often than not, if you weren’t happy with your results, you didn’t get a chance for a “do-over” until the next family gathering. Even then, you may not have been able to replicate the picture.

Perhaps the best thing about digital photography is that you can look at your picture seconds later and see who had their eyes closed, or mouth open, or who was making a funny face or obscene gesture. If you don’t like what you got – yell at everyone (politely, of course, because it is the holidays) and take the picture again. And, repeat as necessary…

Filum is virtually free in the form of memory cards. No – that’s not a typo. It’s film as my maternal Grandfather called it. It’s Pittsburghese. Don’t believe me? Look it up!

And – no more having to spend $3.00 extra per roll for 1-Hour processing of your 4×6 prints.

So, where am I going with this? Well, I’m almost there now. Thanks for bearing with me.

OK, I’m there now.

Here goes:

Take pictures this family season. Lots of them. Get ‘em with their eyes closed. Get ‘em with that glob of gravy on their chin. Get ‘em when they’re groaning. Get ‘em when their smiling. Just get ‘em.

That way, you can always talk about the worst family photo you took.

It’s better than lamenting about the photo you never took. That could well be the worst one…

Oh – almost forgot – this post could be a great pre-holiday gift for someone you know. Don’t be afraid to share it.

C&O 614, Akron to Pittsburgh

Posted on November 20, 2015November 19, 2015 by Kurt

On June 28, 1981, the Chessie Safety Express pulled by C&O 614 made a round trip from Akron, OH to Pittsburgh, PA via the Baltimore and Ohio main line.

I didn’t realize how harsh the lighting was for many of these images until I started to work on them. The gray sky for most of the day wasn’t helping things either.

I’m going to guess that when you’re fairly young, still learning photography by trial and error, and excited to be photographing a steam engine running at track speed, you tend to overlook things like sun angles and shadows. Just a guess…

So, this became a black and white gallery for the most part. The black and whites mimic the profile for Kodak Panatomic X film. And, there’s nothing wrong with images of a steam engine in black and white. Some would argue that it’s only right and proper.

As I put the gallery together, it hit me that this isn’t just a train gallery, it’s also a history gallery, as much has changed and much is gone in 35 years.

JO Tower in Akron is gone. The tracks to the left of the train at JO are the former Erie / Erie Lackawanna mainline to Chicago. I believe they’re gone now.

At Edinburg, you can see the four-track signal bridge of the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie spanning the two remaining tracks. Centralized Traffic Control made the other two redundant. The downfall of the domestic steel industry later made the P&LE itself redundant.

At Eidenau, you’ll see that the block signal is sitting in the middle of the former eastbound mainline. CTC had just been installed on the Pittsburgh and Western Subdivision.

The station at Bakerstown wasn’t long for the world at that point in time. Bakerstown Hill was a pain to the B&O – heavy trains in either direction (particularly westbound freight trains out of Glenwood Yard) required helpers. The P&W is now split between the Allegheny Valley Railroad and the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad.

C&O 614 hasn’t turned a wheel in a while.

A look back? Memories? Times past? History…

You can visit the C&O 614 Akron to Pittsburgh gallery on Laughing Frog Images by clicking here.

There are a couple more C&O 614 galleries to come in time for you to order for the holidays, and they include perhaps my favorite images of her.

Getting any gift ideas yet?

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