The Town and Village of Green Island still enjoys several community and municipal benefits – band concerts in the summer, parades on Memorial Day, a monthly newsletter with a hand-typed letter from the mayor.
One of those town and village traditions is the annual visit for Santa Claus. Santa and his wife travel through the neighborhood on their sleigh – which is pulled on a trailer by a Green Island Power Authority pickup truck – and kids stand outside and wave to the Clauses as they travel by. Then the Clauses make their way to the Church of the Good Shepherd for caroling and treats.
Now for me … when Santa Claus travels through Green Island, it’s time for me to break out the camera gear and get some photos. Especially since the parade route passes right in front of my house.
Sunday night. I’m monitoring the Green Island village Facebook page, and they’re updating Santa’s travels through the neighborhood. He’s on George Street. He just went past Paine Street Park.
At the same time, I’m checking my camera settings. Nikon Df at the ready, and I’ve attached the Zodyak 180-degree fisheye lens with my P6-NEF adapter. Let’s see how Kris Kringle and Miss Kringle look in a fisheye capture.
Here they come down High Street. I can get this shot without any trouble.
Damn, it’s cold outside. Temperature feels like five below zero. Gotta get this shot before my fingertips freeze off.
And here he comes. Sponsored by the Green Island Power Authority.
And I got this shot for my efforts.
Not bad. A little lens flare, but nothing too distracting.
Okay, now I have to make sure Santa Claus gets my letter for Christmas.
Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is a Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl victory, an Albany Patroons championship, and to have one of my photos run the table in Competition Season.
Look, it’s either that or you fulfill my original 11-year-old boy request for Lynda Carter for Christmas. 😀
Chuck The Writer 