Top 12 of 2012 - Number 4:D-Day Conneaut

Number 4 on my Top 12 of 2012 countdown is our first visit to something that will become a summer tradition.  All the way up in the far east corner of the state is the town of Conneaut, OH.  For years I've heard about this massive WWII reenactment that is held there every year that includes a full D-Day reenactment WITH landing craft.  Well, after going this year, I've learned a few lessons about shooting this reenactment.  First, there are a LOT of people that turn out for this one.  I mean a LOT.  So when your trying to get close to the action to photograph it, you have to make sure you get there early and prepare yourself for a wait. I learned that lesson with the bridge battle.  I thought we got to the site early enough only to find out that I was way too far back to catch anything good on "film".  But I made sure to get down to the beach VERY early to have a good view of the beach landing.  The event runs on a Friday/Saturday and we've already decided that next year, we WILL be going to both days.  The group of pictures I enjoyed the most from this shoot is the old vet talking to the reenactors.  It was something to see a group of guys gathered around this man as he told his stories of his experiences in France after he landed on D-Day.  Everyone in the group held on his every word. 

Top 12 of 2012 - Number 5:Fort Laurens

Number 5 on the top 12 of 2012 is one of my favorite local events at one of my favorite local sites.  Fort Laurens, located in Bolivar, OH, stood as the only fort built by the early Americans in the area that is now the State of Ohio.  Its short but intense history is part of the American story.  Today on the site stands a museum dedicated to telling the story of the fort.  There is also a Tomb of the Unknown Patriot of the American Revolution.  Like at Arlington, this tomb is dedicated to someone known only to God but that soul was someone that was stationed at this fort and was an American Patriot.  Each year in July, a group of dedicated local historians meet at the site to have an encampment.  Both American and the British are represented.  Each afternoon during the event, a special salute is held at the Tomb to recognize those that sacrificed their lives in our nations early history.  The event is topped off by a "battle" on the field displaying fighting techniques and tactics of both sides.  Always a great event and something I hope more and more people come and witness.  This is an important part of our American story and I'm lucky enough to live just down the road.

Christmas in Zoar 2012

Christmas in Zoar was this past weekend.  Another year where we are getting ready to celebrate the Christmas holiday season with temperatures in the 50's and sunny skies.  I'm not complaining, though.  Was a great day for people to come out and check out Zoar with all it's holiday splendor.

Top 12 of 2012 - Number 6:Dundee Falls

When I told all my friends way back when I was living in Detroit that we were moving to Ohio, the comment most said to me was that it was a flat, boring state.  Well they were wrong.  VERY wrong.  You see, the experience of Ohio most people that live in the greater Detroit area have is what they see out the car window when they travel to the amusement park Cedar Point.  Between Detroit and Sandusky, OH, it's flat.  It used to be a marsh way back when.  So I was amazed when we moved over to Northeast Ohio.  Hills and glacier cut valleys and rock outcroppings.  It really is amazing.  And when I moved south to marry Denise I entered northern Appalachia.  Lots of rolling, beautiful hills.  That's why this location I find so amazing.  For a couple years now I kept hearing about this place called Dundee Falls and we finally were able to find it. Dundee Falls is actually a state wildlife area that is open for public use.  In other words, it's public hunting grounds.  What I found so amazing about this area is how much it reminds me of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park area.  In an area surrounded by farmland and hills, this is a unique place.  But also an area that needs to be taken care of.  Lots of trash and graffiti.  But still one of my new favorite places.