A Celebration of Buffalo and the 716
Bacchus Wine Bar in Buffalo, NY
I was excited and humbled to be asked to create an exhibit of images for the Gallery Room at the Bacchus Wine Bar in Buffalo, NY.
I had other titles in mind but settled on “A Celebration of Buffalo and the 716,” focusing on so many iconic locations in our region. The layout of the room allowed me to create different themes within the exhibit, celebrating Western New York.
I hope you enjoy the exhibit as much I enjoyed capturing the images. I look forward to capturing more, and celebrating all the 716 has to offer.
Lighthouse Images
Mother’s Light (2019)
The unique colors of the sky in the Mother’s Light photo draws a lot of questions – “how did you get the sky like that?” As I say, when you go down to the lighthouse and waterfront often enough, every once in a while, the sky takes on a new or different hue. In September of 2019, on what would have been my mother’s 83 birthday, the sunset presented one of those classic Buffalo sunsets. Five years later, it remains one of my most popular images.
The Color of October Skies (2024)
Unlike Mother’s Light, I wasn’t along the waterfront when the sky started its lightshow this past October (2024). I was driving home from work, and knew I had to find a good spot for the evening’s show. I decided the lighthouse would be a good location and quickly set up to get a few photos. Again, the evening’s unique colors provided a tremendous backdrop for the Buffalo Light.
Built in 1833, the Buffalo (Main) Light is the oldest building in Buffalo.
Sunsets
"Worth the wait...9 years" (2023)
Worth the wait…9 years (2023)
The featured image in the sunset section is “Worth the wait…9 years.” I planned this image at the Gallagher Pier for about nine years. The sun sets through the pillars of the pier twice a year, for a couple of days each time. While we do experience great sunsets throughout the year, they don’t happen every day. Each year, as we approached the “pier dates,” I would check the weather, but sadly the weather wouldn’t cooperate. Finally, during the winter of 2023, weather cooperated and allowed me to climb under the pier to capture this image. I will continue to check the calendar for the future, but this one was worth the wait.
Wilkeson Point (2016)
The development of Buffalo’s Outer Harbor has expanded the potential of locations to experience Buffalo’s sunsets, and Wilkeson Point is a great spot. I often say that clouds make better sunsets, because they can provide depth and color to the sky, and it looked like this could have been one of those night. Sadly, the October clouds took over the sky and stopped any chance of a spectacular sunset. However, this image, just the third one from the evening (of more than 150), shows off the beauty of Wilkeson Point, and majesty of a sunset – even on a less than perfect night.
Tax Day #2 (2015)
Yes, I was going to the post office to mail my taxes on April 15 in 2015. However, as I left the house, I noticed the clouds lining up for a nice sunset. I detoured to the Gallagher Pier and watched as the sun went from yellow to gold, and then the blue hour took over. The long shutter allowed for the sweeping clouds to enhance this image. And then I went to the post office.
Niagara Falls
Frozen Falls (2015)
In 2015 I was commissioned to capture some images of Niagara Falls in a particular color, as it was being illuminated for a local charity. I got up there early in the evening, and watched as the illumination took hold of the ice and snow, enhancing the always spectacular wonder. The colors change every 15 minutes (I believe), and as I was waiting for the specific color to capture, this mix of colors came alive in the evening. I often joke that it looks like sherbet, but it always catches the eyes of visitors at local art shows and vendor events. Niagara Falls is amazing to see any time of the year, but the winter provides a mystical experience for visitors on either side of the border.
Light Falls at Night (2016) and Golden Morning (2022)
As Western New Yorkers, we probably take for granted the beauty of Niagara Falls, and don’t often travel to see this wonder. As a photographer, I try to get there a few times a year. It is always a breathtaking sight and traveling to the different spots in the U.S. and Canada provide different angles to experience the Falls.
Light Falls at Night was just a regular visit in 2016, with a view from Prospect Point just after sunset with the lights beginning to take hold.
Golden Morning was another regular visit, this time in 2022 to the Canadian side of the Horseshoe Falls for the morning’s sunset. As with sunsets, the gold on the horizon and the royal blue sky, enhance the Falls during the early morning hours.
Buffalo – The City of Light
Buffalo was the first city in America to have widespread electric lighting and was once referred to the as the City of Light. One of my passions is nighttime photography, and the trend of illuminating buildings throughout the region has allowed me to capture some of our region's most iconic locations.
The Richardson Olmsted Complex (2014)
The Richardson Olmsted Complex (2014)
This massive structure, which is lit every night, is an awe-inspiring piece of architecture in Buffalo.
Fireworks at the Botanical Gardens (2023)
Fireworks at the Botanical Gardens (2023)
Another one of my favorite subjects to capture – fireworks. One of the keys to good fireworks images is to have a subject in the foreground to provide context to the image. There aren’t many better sites than the Botanical Gardens for this.
The North Park (2020)
A landmark in north Buffalo, the North Park Theatre opened in 1920 under the ownership of Michael Shea, Buffalo’s theatre giant. One hundred years later, during the pandemic of 2020, the iconic marquee was illuminated with encouraging words from Monty Python.
The Electric Tower (2022)
Another trip to downtown Buffalo allowed me to get this image of the Electric Tower, which was constructed in 1912. This image also features cherry blossoms in the foreground, highlighting the seventh tallest building in Buffalo.
The Pillars at City Hall (2023)
The Pillars at City Hall (2023)
Another notable piece of architecture in Buffalo is City Hall. With different colors of illumination throughout the year, City Hall adds to the evening flavor of Niagara Square.
Niagara Square with QB1 (2024)
Niagara Square with QB1 (2024)
This image of Niagara Square also features City Hall, a masterpiece of Art Deco design. In this image, Niagara Square, the key to Joseph Ellicott's original radial street design, is enhanced by Buffalo’s QB1. The advertisement was in place for one month in the fall of 2024.
Shea’s Performing Arts Center (2022)
Shea’s Performing Arts Center (2022)
The anchor of Buffalo’s Theatre District, Shea’s lights up Main Street throughout the year, promoting Broadway shows, and supporting Buffalo’s favorite football team.
Independence Sunset (2016)
Commissioned to capture the Independence Day fireworks at Wilkeson Point in 2016, I was waiting for darkness to fall. I was watching the sunset and noticed these little flowers along the rocks near the water. Killing time, knelt down to capture this sunset image.
The Sports Bar
A celebration of Buffalo wouldn’t be complete without images highlighting some of our sports teams.
The Connection (2016)
After a soft snowfall in January of 2016, I went looking for an image to showcase a subject with pillows of snow. The French Connection outside of the arena fit the bill perfectly.
Waiting All Day… (2020)
The exterior of the Bills’ stadium is not an easy subject to capture. I had tried a few times, but to no success. Then, before a Sunday night game in 2020, I traveled to the stadium to try to get an evening photo. I knew the lights would be on for warmups, and because of COVID, there were no fans, cars, clutter, etc.
Ballpark Fireworks (2016)
If there’s a more well-known event in WNY than Friday night fireworks at a Bisons game, I don’t know what it is. For more than 35 years, the sky has exploded in light and color following the Herd’s games – one of Buffalo’s great summertime events.
Parks and Recreation
WNY’s architecture, sports, and waterfront are further enhanced by some of the finest parks and recreation sites around.
Holiday Valley (2021)
Holiday Valley has become a year-round destination, but its legacy remains as a ski resort in Ellicottville. Thousands of winter skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes each winter at this WNY hot spot.
Milky Way at Letchworth (2023)
Milky Way at Letchworth (2023)
Another world-class location in our region is Letchworth State Park. Visitors enjoy miles of hiking paths, campsites, three waterfalls, and so much more. And because the park is removed from the light pollution of the city, when the sun falls in the summer months, the Milky Way becomes visible to visitors.
Autumn at Hoyt Lake (2021)
The Olmsted Park System is a gem within the city, and within Delaware Park is Hoyt Lake. When the calendar turns to fall, the trees along the lake provide a beautiful setting for parkgoers young and old.
Lincoln at the Cherry Blossoms (2020)
Lincoln at the Cherry Blossoms (2020)
The Buffalo Historical Society becomes a high-traffic area each spring when the Cherry Blossoms bloom, and the statue of the sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln, has the best view of this colorful time of year.