Crab Season in Maryland runs from April 1to to December 15th.
Catch me if you can !!!
Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab lurking in a marsh at Assateague Island, Maryland.
Prints available: CLICK HERE
Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs
Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore Collapse
A tragic ship collision caused the Key Bridge to collapse like a house of cards on March 26, 2024.
In the wee hours of a cold March morning, a large freighter, the Dali, lost power and steerage control and collided with a major support of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. The collision occurred at 1:28 AM and caused the main supporting structure to fail and the bridge spans to, literally, fall apart.
Imagine the chaos that ensued when a massive freighter collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing sections to collapse into the Patapsco River below. The sheer force of impact from the container ship left onlookers stunned and authorities scrambling to respond to this unprecedented disaster. As emergency crews rushed to the scene, questions arose about how such a catastrophe could have occurred in one of the busiest waterways in Maryland. This disaster effectively closed the (very busy) Port of Baltimore for an indeterminant length of time.
The Key Bridge was opened for use in 1977. This author can remember watching the construction process for the years before the opening. The full name is, of course, derived from the lawyer, Francis Scott Key, who penned the words to our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner.
In conclusion
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore sent shockwaves through the city as the iconic structure crumbled into the Patapsco River. The aftermath of the bridge collapse revealed a startling vulnerability in our infrastructure and raised concerns about the safety of maritime navigation through this vital transportation corridor at the state and national levels. Investigations underway and repair efforts are already being planned. One can’t help but wonder about the long-term implications of this incident on shipping traffic and regional economy. As we await updates on this developing story, it’s clear that lessons must be learned from this tragic event to prevent similar disasters in the future.
For many, this catastrophic event raised questions about infrastructure resilience and safety in a rapidly changing world. In moments like these, we are reminded that even our most trusted landmarks are vulnerable to unexpected challenges and that vigilance and care must be paramount in safeguarding our communities from potential disaster.
Visit www.FSKBridge.com for more photos of the Key Bridge as it used to be.
Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in Delmarva
Historic Train bridge over the river at Tuckahoe River State Park in Queen Anne, MD
Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go in a make-believe train at the Tuckahoe State Park. The bridge has been out of service for many, many years but still stands over the Tuckahoe River along Route 404 in the center of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
The Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in Queen Anne, MD is a beautiful and important landmark that has been part of the community for over 100 years. Located near the intersection of Route 404 and Route 50, this bridge is an integral part of the local history. Built in 1909, the Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge stands as a testament to the engineering genius of its creators. Tucked away in the woods and now partially overgrown, this bridge is quite hard to find. It was originally built by the Pennsylvania Railroad and is a one-lane concrete and steel structure that spans the Tuckahoe River. Its overall length is over 100 feet and it stands 26 feet tall. The bridge is located at the southern border of the Tuckahoe River State Park and is “briefly” visible to vehicles passing by on Maryland Route 404 near Queen Anne, Maryland.
“Tuckahoe State Park is a public recreation area located along Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, United States. Adkins Arboretum, a garden and preserve maintaining over 600 native plant species, occupies 500 acres of the park.” (from :Wikipedia)
The above photograph was taken in 2014 and has been a popular image of Bill Swartwout Photography’s online gallery. So, of course prints are available along with a variety of home decor items.
Link to: Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in the Fall
Link to: other images of the Tuckahoe River Bridge
Link to: Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery.
Link to: Railroad Bridge at Tuckahoe State Park (below)
Calendars for the New Year
Created with Photographs by Bill Swartwout Photography
October, November and December are the months for calendars – plan for 2023. #ShopEarly #BuyIntoArt
Assateague Ponies, Ocean City, Indian River Bridge and Fire Control Towers are what I have created from my photographs and offer for sale at the amazing “Zazzle.” Click the image or the link below the image to browse of shop…
Link to browse or shop: https://www.zazzle.com/mbr/238675969062853179?rf=238675969062853179
Two Flags over Fort McHenry Wall Art
This unique photograph speaks of American History and Patriotism.
So, why are there two American Flags in this photograph? Few people know this, but you can actually fly your own flag over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. You can either bring your own American Flag or buy one in the gift shop and take it to a Park Ranger in the fort. He or she will hoist your flag up the historic flagpole (may even let you help) and you can see your own flag flying over Fort McHenry. The Visitor Center staff will then give you a certificate to certify that your flag was flown over Fort McHenry.
It was at this revered place that American soldiers defended our young country against the British fleet during the War of 1812. This final battle took place on September 13-14, 1814 and marked one of the culminating battles of the war.
During that overnight battle is when Francis Scott Key penned his poem entitled “The Star Spangled Banner.” That poem was eventually adopted by President Woodrow Wilson as the standard National Anthem of the United States. But it wasn’t until 1929 that “House Resolution 14” was enacted by Congress naming “The Start Spangled Banner” as the official National Anthem of the United States of America.
Use the links below to browse or shop more of Bill’s photographs of Fort McHenry and the American Flag.
Link to: Two Flags over Fort McHenry
Link to: Bill’s Fort McHenry Collection
Link to: Bill’s full Gallery at Fine Art America/Pixels
Delmarva Farm Scene in Black and White or Color
This Delmarva Grain Elevator received positive comments in both presentations, color and B&W.
How does one choose which presentation to publish to one’s online gallery? Why, ask your followers on Social Media, of course – specifically on Facebook.
The steel-gray color of the sky seems to emulate the steel-color of the silos and transfer screws of this grain elevator on a Maryland farm. When asking friends and followers a piece of art, one must have a thick skin because some of the responses my be quite critical. Fortunately, most in this survey were complimentary.
This was the question – simple and straightforward:
- Does this work better in Color or in B&W? (It was also identified as a Delmarva Grain Elevator – photographed on 06/18/22.)
Here is a list of 18 unmodified responses – in the order received:
- The color shot is FANTASTIC. !
- Color. Love it.
- I like the touch of blue in the color version.
- Love the color with the blue sky peeking through.
- Black and white photography for me, as your subject is mostly monochromatic and lends itself to that medium. The color version almost takes on a selective coloring look to it. But you should always go with what your vision is for the piece, speaking from your heArt.
- Color wins…
- I personally like the B&W more but it seems that the darkness of the clouds goes away in the above B&W version. I still like the second/B&W version more but would make it a bit darker.
- I like the color shot.
- Color for sure!
- Both great. BW for me.
- Color shot!
- Black and white, more dramatic.
- B & W
- Rather ominous in BE. Pop of blue in color is interesting but overall BW
- B&W
- I like the black and white due to the detailed shown on the structure of the grain silos and transfer screws.
- I’m usually a black and white fan but for this one I’ll go with color.
- Just enough color in the sky enhances it…my opinion! Great picture!
The overall result is 10 prefer the color presentation and 8 prefer the black and white. While the color version appears to have won the poll, the margin is small, and I would not like to disappoint the 44% of my responders who chose the black and white version of my Delmarva Grain Elevator photograph – so I have uploaded BOTH versions to my online galleries.
Choose a link below to get a better look at YOUR choice…
Shop: Color version of Delmarva Grain Elevator
Shop: B&W version of Delmarva Grain Elevator
Shop: The Farm Collection in Bill’s Gallery
Shop: Bill’s Full Gallery at Fine Art America/Pixels
The chicken is in the heart of Delmarva.
The Delmarva Peninsula – home to a wide variety of grains, vegetables and livestock – has a long history of farming, but in the 1950s the peninsula began to focus on its poultry industry. Today, Delmarva is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the nation; it is also one of the largest chicken-producing regions in the world. The mainstay diet of a chicken is corn, followed by soybeans, wheat and to a lesser extent, other crops.
Patriotic Landing on the Ocean City Beach
A Para-Commando Parachutist displays the American Flag as he “drops into” the OC Air Show.
During the Ocean City Airshow in June of 2022, parachute jumpers from the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM, or SO COM) performed the opening act. They jumped from a helicopter about 8,000 feet above the ocean city beach and landed in the sand near show central at 17th Street on the boardwalk. Show.
The last of the jumpers flew an American Flag from his rigging and landed to the playing of our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner. It was a wonderful way to kick off the OC Air Show and set the stage for three hours of spectacular aerial displays. The event (this year**) was capped off with a rousing performance by the The United States Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.
** The Ocean City Airshow usually alternates year-to-year with the Thunderbirds and the United States Navy Blue Angels demonstration team. These are both incredibly powerful displays of the American military and patriotism.
Photographs on a variety of substrates and also on home decor items are available at the links below. Click to shop…
Link: Patriotic Beach Landing Wall Art
Link: Patriotic Beach Landing Simulated Charcoal
Link: Patriotic Beach Landing Expressionism
Link to: Bill’s Ocean City Collection.
Ocean City Beach Rocks, Waves and Sand
A recent storm creates a painterly style beach in Ocean City, Maryland.
This beach scene in Ocean City, Maryland is a bit extraordinary because of the numerous rock jetties that have been exposed by a recent massive coastal storm. The wave action and green water of the Atlantic Ocean is enhanced by the exposed rocks and cliff-like shape of some areas of the beach.
This area of the Ocean City beach, about mid-boardwalk in the 12th Street to 15th Street area never has rocks and or jetties exposed the way these are seen. The storm repositioned hundreds of thousand tons of sand, exposing some areas and filling in some other areas. But, not to fear, time and wave action will eventually restore the beach to what we are more used to seeing.
There is a Coast Guard Cutter lying at anchor just offshore. It is not there to protect swimmers from the occasional rip currents, the lifeguards are fully capable of that, but is there to assist with the Ocean City Air Show taking place the weekend this photograph was captured.
This has been an enormously popular beach scene of the Ocean City, Maryland surf. When it was originally shared on social media it received hundreds of engagements, comments and shares. It is an actual photograph that appears a bit “painterly” because of the colors and the lighting. One seldom sees the beach, sand and waves in OCMD quite like this.
Photographs on a variety of substrates and also on home decor items are available at the links below. Click to shop…
Link: Ocean City Beach Rocks, Waves and Sand
Link to: Bill’s Ocean City Collection.
Food as Art – and Nourishment
Some food looks better than it tastes.
Some food tastes better than it looks. Some may look interesting and taste interesting, too.
Here’s a stack of Onion Rings from a restaurant in St. Joseph, Michigan named Clementine’s (yup, you guessed it, OhMyDarling.com). This tower of Michigan Onion (bet you didn’t know Michigan is a major onion-producing state) onion rings was about the best we’ve had – anywhere – ever. Artistically, the tower also has merit and would look great in a vertical wall art presentation in one’s kitchen or casual dining area.
How about some red hot chili peppers to spice up that blank wall in your kitchen? Hot peppers are all the rage these days – just look at the gazillion jars of hot sauces available at any gourmet market. These peppers, in blazing bright red, photographed at a farm market in Delaware, are the epitome of chili peppers and would certainly brighten up any place you decided to display them as wall art. Or what do you think about these depicted on coffee mugs or maybe even hot chili pepper throw pillows.
Then there is always popcorn. Right? How about this as a design element in itself. Everybody likes popcorn and this display of Carmel Popcorn, while photographed at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, might be found in just about any beach town – anywhere. Can you imagine how challenging this would be as a jigsaw puzzle. Absolutely and, yes, this is available as a quality jigsaw.
Click the links below to see a bit more about each image and/or to browse/shop for wall art (for you kitchen, perhaps) or for a home decor item as a conversation piece.
Link: Best Onion Rings Ever
Link: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Link: Caramel Corn Behind Glass
Link to: Bill’s Food As Art Collection at Fine Art America – where you can see many other examples of “Food as Art” that may get your creative juices flowing.
CSX Locomotive 5292 in Baltimore
Engine 5292 is seen crossing Warner Street by the Ravens’ Football Stadium.
Photographing near the Warner Street crossing in South Baltimore I caught this CSX 5292 General Electric Evolution Series Locomotive deadheading from the rail yard to who-knows-where. This section of track is the only entrance and egress to the Locust Point terminal and the Riverside Yard of the railroad division of the CSX Corporation in South Baltimore, Maryland. It is a safe place to watch and photograph passing trains and equipment.
Warner Street is just south of the M&T Bank Stadium, home to Raven’s Football. In the rail photograph below you can actually see how close the stadium is to this railroad/street crossing. This “environmentally friendly” engine produces about 4,000 horsepower is one of the most efficient locomotives on rails today.
So what is the “CSX” in the name depict? In 1980 the Chessie System merged with the Seaboard Coast Line and formed the CSX Corporation. Word has it that the “X” is the “multiplier” math symbol and gives the merged companies a multiple of size, strength and service.
Click the links to see more detail and and to shop for wall art and/or a variety of home decor items imprinted with these photographs.
Link: CSX 5292 Warner Street Crossing
Link: CSX 5292 Locomotive in Baltimore
Link to: Bill’s Trains and Railroads Collection at Fine Art America
Link to: Bills Pictorem Gallery (w/ Free Shipping)
Observe above, in wide-angle, the beauty of a CSX Locomotive 5292 General Electric Evolution Series. Engine 5292 is seen crossing Warner Street by the Ravens’ Football Stadium in South Baltimore, Maryland. This photograph is one way to bring back vivid memories of Baltimore’s past and present.