TopShutter - Photographic Impressions for your Pleasure by Chen Guttman

"Alien shadows"

2009-06-29T19:47:00.005+03:00

@ ISO 400 (film), f/2.5, Pentax Me Super

Reserve duty...usually it's not that of a fun game, but this last time I came with my old Pentax and played some nice games...

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"Painting Comics"

2008-01-19T18:26:00.001+02:00

Kindergarden - Tel Aviv - Israel - 2008

@ ISO 400, f/2.2

Birthday at the kindergarden.

It's amazing how the world changes, technological advances and perspectives, yet the pencil, the brush and the artistic way to express oneselves persists even after 25 years...

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"Foot step"

2007-11-30T11:15:00.000+02:00

Nahal Amud (upper) - Israel - October 2007

@ ISO 800, f/4

Naha Amud National park is one of the most amazing parks I have been to in the past year in Israel. It's sorrounding flora is amazing and combines many species as well as mysterious atmosphere at some points of the way...Highly recommended for those that visit Israel.

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"The shdaow of surprise"

2007-11-27T20:35:00.000+02:00

Negev - Israel - November 2007

Kodak 400, f/1.8

Reserve duty at the Negev - great place to take pictures of people at bizzare hours (such as this one taken around 4 am)...

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"HUM!!!"

2007-11-20T20:40:00.001+02:00

Z'eelim - Negev - Israel - October 2007

@ ISO 400, f/4

We were on our way to visit The Besor National park, when we saw at the sides of one of the junction an Ostrich farm. "Hey, why not go and photograph some Ostrich??" we asked ourselves and quickly we parked the car at the side of the road and went to "play" with the Ostrich. This is one of the "games" we played, this Ostrich was dangerously close to my lens circular polarizer, and even though I pressed to get as close as possible, I was also afraid for my equipment...turned out it was worth the effort and risk!

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"The Look"

2007-11-16T17:43:00.001+02:00

The Old City - Jerusalem - Israel - September 2007

@ ISO 800, f/4

These old stones has something in them that attracts you back in time to past of times - maybe it's just the texture or maybe the hundreds and if not thousands of years that are part of the stones. And maybe it's the passer by that add to the European atmosphere that welcomes you once you enter the gates of the old city.

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"Waiting"

2007-11-15T17:06:00.000+02:00

Tel Aviv - Israel - August 2007

@ ISO 400, f/4

The moment of reunion. Yuval, in his best of clothes at his best of day, waits for the bride, Inbal, to come down with it's eyes fixed on the staircase. At those moments you start to realize some of the tension that was built slowly over the past months and exlplode in couple of minutes. And this is the only the start, for the ceromony is just 5 hours from now...

Mazal Tov Yuval and Inbal!

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"Watch out!"

2007-08-21T21:29:00.001+03:00

Old Jaffa - Jaffa - Israel - August 2007
@ ISO 400, @ f/4

I am working in a biotech company in Israel, and last month Jorge Rodriguez came for a two-months visit from the states. Aside from working in the company, we found the time to take him to all kinds of places in Israel. In once instance, I took him to Old Jaffa, which he loved (and also I got totally soaken wet by a wave while walking on a wave breaker...).
We had some serious laughs...
This is one souvenir of his visit here...

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"Rushing down the clock"

2007-07-19T20:07:00.000+03:00

The clock - Jaffa - Israel - April 2007

@ ISO 100, f/16

Another view of the clock tower - One of the most classic symbols of old Jaffa.

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"Power Stand"

2007-07-04T01:17:00.000+03:00

Suzanne Dallal Center - Tel Aviv - Israel - June 2006

@ ISO 1600, f/2

I had the pleasure to attend Studio B's dance show last Monday at Suzanne Dallal Center, Neve Zedek, Tel Aviv. It was the summarizing dance show displaying impressive dance abilities and choreography, accompanied with short movie clips in the intercessions between one dance session and another.

Very impressive...

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"Around the Clock"

2007-06-21T18:40:00.000+03:00

The Clock Plaza - Jaffa - Israel - 2007

@ ISO 100, f/14

The Clock Plaza (Kikar Hashaon) is one of the most famous monuments in Jaffa. The corner stone of the clock tower was laid on the year 1900 in honour of the 25th year of the Sultan's rein and six years later the building was finished. This clock tower and it's surrounding were the center of Jaffa as many goverment offices occupied the nearby compound. The two clocks at the top of the tower still work, BTW...

This photo will be exhibited at the "Harova", the new residential neighborhood built this days in Jaffa.

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"Carmen at Witz Auditorium"

2007-06-10T18:40:00.000+03:00

Witz Auditorium - Weizmann institute of Science - Rehovot - Israel - May 2007
@ ISO 800, f/2

The famous show "Carmen" was performing one evening at the large auditorium of WIS and here is one take of the show - a beautiful display of color and dance, performed marvelously and with passion by the dancers...highly recommended!

More photos here...

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"At the Bakery"

2007-05-28T00:12:00.001+03:00

@ ISO 800, f/4

44 Kedem st - Jaffa - Israel - May 2007

@ ISO 800, f/4

A few days ago I was wondering around in Aj'amy neighborhood in Jaffa, enjoying the quiet of the streets and allies, savoring the old houses and the new luxurious and prestige complexes, intermixed together with such a vivid contrast that one can not believe how this mix can happen.

I was thirsty, and I stopped in front of a little bakery - turns out that the friendly owner, Abraham, and his worker, Tamer, invited me to see the bakery from inside and take some pictures (which I did, of course). I had so much fun walking there, taking pictures and see how they work, in unison...

More to come...

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"Green-eyed Smile"

2007-05-18T12:17:00.001+03:00

Abulafia Bakery - Jaffa - Israel - May 2007

@ ISO 100, f/2.2

I went out shooting this morning at Jaffa's street and upon finishing, I was passing by Abulafia's famous bakery sitting on Yeffet st. I wanted to take some shots from inside, but had been asked to coordinate any shooting with an authoritative figure.

While discussing these issues with one of the managers, I notice that his son, Haham Nazahir has such bright and unique eyes, and offered to shoot his portrait.

"Zur @ Barshevski"

2007-05-09T08:15:00.000+03:00

Barshevski - Rishon Lezion - Israel - May 2007

@ ISO 3200, f/4

Yesterday night, at the comfy Barshevski Bar in the old industrial zone in Rishon Lezion.

Eran Zur and his band gave a show full of vibe and energy, filling the place to the ceiling with enthusiastic crowd, rocking the place to high heaven.

More photos here...

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"Birthday cake"

2007-05-08T19:29:00.000+03:00

Givaataim - Israel -March 2007
Kodak Gold 200

Celebrating the 3rd birthday of my Nephew, Adar (the leaning boy at the center of the frame) - It's amazing how the character of those small ones evolve and takes shape even when all are under the same roof and parental care...

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"Night Shift"

2007-04-26T21:45:00.000+03:00

Alfredo Restaurant - Petah Tiqva - Israel - April 2007
@ ISO 3200, f/4

This evening I joined my good friend, Anat, for a dinner at a local restaurant not far from my home. She chose "Alfredo" restaurant out of a long list of restaurants in the area, and after 20 minutes we were already sitting and checking out the menu. Luckily, I had my camera with me when I saw through the window the briefing of the night's shift waiters. Quickly, I took my camera and got out to the porch, the evening cool and the breeze light, asking if I can take a photo. The "Master" waiter, dressed in white, happily agreed and joined the line of waiters, all dressed with their Black-Red uniform - this is the result.

The dinner was superb, by the way!

P.S. - A tip for the waiters (double the meaning... ;) ) - you can email me here and I will send you the original file so you can print out a copy for your own use...

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"Down the Alley"

2007-04-25T18:55:00.000+03:00

The Market place - Nazareth - Israel - April 2007

@ ISO 400, f/10

We visited Nazareth at the early hours of a Saturday afternoon, thus, many shop were already closed and the streets semi empty and calm...

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"Noon Chat"

2007-04-23T20:32:00.000+03:00

Tiberius - Israel - 2007

@ ISO 800, f/4

Last Saturday I have met with Jerzy Bucki, a TE member that came for a short visit in Israel, and together we visited Tiberius and Nazareth at the north of the country. The tour together was great and we talked about so many subjects - I wish could visit Poland and have a glimpse of his country from up close... )
Before we came to Tiberius, we wanted to visit the crusader's old Belvoir fort (in Hebrew known as Kohav Hayarden) however our approach from west was rough and passed through fields of wheat. After half an hour of drive on rough dirt roads we decided it's better we return to civilization before the private car get stuck...

Upon coming to Tiberius, we went to the shore-line promenade and near the southern wall of the old city I found these kids having a small chat after a quick swim. Seeing them relaxing in the sunlight, talking and chit chatting, it reminded me of my youth...

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"Walking along the Sea"

2007-04-13T10:52:00.000+03:00

Old Jaffa - Israel - 2007

@ ISO 100, f/9

Friday evening at Jaffa, very tranquil, you can feel the Shabat entering the souls of people, and the relaxed atmosphere...

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"Bird's perspective"

2007-04-12T12:21:00.000+03:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006
@ ISO 100, f/4

Last post from Masada, for now...On our way down on the Cable car, we all watched down to the little humans that struggle upward, toward the top of the Massada...Been a great trip!

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"Going Down I"

2007-04-08T20:29:00.000+03:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 100, f/11

On our way back, we decided to take the motorized option and while waiting for our turn, I got this view of the cable car and the panorama.

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"Southern scouting point"

2007-04-07T13:29:00.000+03:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 100, f/11

Getting back to the intense daylight that awaited us outside, we continued south on the Mountain's plateau till we reached the southern point, the South fort, which controlled the passage from the south side cliff of the mountain (an approach which today is impassable). The fort's location was wisely chosen, controlling and scouting over Masada stream, the Dead sea, the dike and the surrounding Roman camps which siege the mountain.

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"The Southern Pit"

2007-04-06T09:52:00.000+03:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 400, f/4

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"Down to the Pit"

2007-04-05T19:36:00.000+03:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 100, f/8

Sixthy four carved steps lead to the southern water pit, one of the biggest in the Masada's compound. As Masada is situated in the desert, a water system was imperative - Hordus built an extensive system that utilized dams that diverted the waters to water channels which eventually lead the water to water pits carved into the mountain sides, containing a total of 40,000 cubic water. Water was then transfered to the top of the mountain with beasts of burden, entering the compound through the water gate and the Snake path, filling the water pits in the compound (such as this one above).

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"Transit Camps"

2007-04-04T17:23:00.000+03:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 100, f/10

I am returning to my trip to Masada mountain...

On the eastern side of the inner wall are a collective of structures that served at the days of the rebellion as the residence of the rebels. Many specimens were found in this part while excavating: Jewelry, coins, weaving tools etc. In the background you can see the dead sea in the distance...

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"Family Joy"

2007-04-03T02:29:00.000+03:00

Moshav Avihail - Netanya - Israel - April 2007

@ ISO 800, f/4

"Leil Haseder" (Seder night) was held today evening and I decided to bring you one instance of the happenings of the ceremony.The Seder night is a Jewish custom held mostly by families but also within groups assemblies, with the purpose of telling by heart the exodus of the Israelis from Egypt - the story telling is child oriented as it is a commandment to pass the story of the exodus to the next generation. The "Hagada" is the written description of the commandments as well as how to manage and tell the stories of the exodus, which elaborate the drinking of 4 glasses of wine as well as eating several food products that symbolizes the exodus from Egypt to Israel (bitter herb, haroset, Mazza etc.) A feast is also being held at approximately the middle of the Hagada story telling and the overall Seder is accompanied by singing, which many times brings out humorous situations, especially if the ceremony is held in a family, where there is Homerus traditions...The above note will explain you this laughter burst of the mother (left) and her daughter when one of diners sang out loud, getting quite dramatic at one of the Hagada's parts...I felt that this shot describes the Seder spirit held in most places in Israel, with joy and laughter, singing and eating, a pleasant evening with the family...
Hag Sameah!

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"Untitled"

2007-04-02T07:59:00.000+03:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 100, f/5.6

As I mentioned before, baths were part of the Roman culture, and even at this arid place one could find many baths, some are even wide enough to accommodate many people. In this picture you can see the personal bath and ,the water hole.

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"East of the Sun, West of the Moon"

2007-04-01T09:15:00.000+03:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 100, f/13

At that era of time, the telegraph was yet to be invented, not to think about Sat phones or any cellular antenna to be erected...Pigeons, that was the name of the game at those days, and those mastered birds were trained to fly and deliver deciphered messages from isolated posts.

This is a remnant of a columbarium, the chamber that used the Romans to keep the birds together and also used it as a watch post until the outer wall was erected.

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"At the ancient Synagogue"

2007-03-24T00:31:00.000+02:00

Originally, this section was a stable but when the jewish rebbelion occoured and Masada was held by the jewish rebbeles, this section was turned into a synagogue, one of the only synagogue that functioned in the days after the loss of second house. Today, a real synagogue is located in the small room in the right side and even though I don't the time it opens, it is available for the ones that wish, to say a prayer toward north, Jerusalem...

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"First Century Dry Sauna"

2007-03-16T11:26:00.000+02:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 400, f/4

Been to reserve duty, hence my lack of posting here...

Back to Masada, we are in the bath section. Baths were an important part of the daily agenda back at the days of the Roman empire. This part of the Caldarium display the double floor architecture (Hypocaust) which hot air was passing through the space in between and created the effect of what we know today as the Dry Sauana.

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"A palace with a view III"

2007-02-18T01:53:00.000+02:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 100, f/11

Taken from the upper level of the palace looking down on the middle balcony...

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"Masada Profile"

2007-02-14T22:21:00.000+02:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

Kodak Gold 200

Before ascending to the upper balcony I had the oppourtunity to get the mountain's distinctive profile, the sloping three balconies and then a long long slope down...

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"The Northern Palace - Middle Balcony"

2007-02-10T13:26:00.000+02:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

Kodak Gold 200

I'm returning to Masada after the wintry short break...

As you may recall, Hordus built a palace on the northern cliff of Masada for his guests (and himself), with impressive 180 degrees view from East to West. This shot was taken from the middle balcony, facing the cliff itself, and looking up toward the upper balcony of the northern palace. You can distinguish part of the carvings into the rock at the base of the cliff, and the above balcony. A strong motif in the Palace is the semi-circular architecture which enables this impressive side-to-side panorama. You can also distinguish the circular trench that used as a basis for the middle balcony (where I stood - it's a bit skewed due to the ultra wide angle of view).

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"Showing her the Sea"

2007-02-08T22:25:00.000+02:00

Tel Aviv Harbor - Tel Aviv - Israel - 2007

@ ISO 100, f/3.5

The winter here in Israel is at it's peak, or so it feels like. So here is a winter take - a break in the stormy week at Tel-Aviv's Harbor. Many came to freshen up from staying in their houses, with their kids, with their friends...

Soon I will return to Masada, to Autumn...

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"Bee's Work"

2007-02-03T13:45:00.000+02:00

Magshimim - Israel - 2007

@ ISO 100, f/3.5

Tu Bishvat, Holiday of the trees, is celebrated this weekend so I went outside to capture the Peach trees at blossom time. The place was full of working Bees, so I had the chance to capture them at work...

Happy holiday and a warm weekend!

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"What's your Name?"

2007-02-02T17:42:00.000+02:00

Espresso Bar - Ibn Gvirol st. - Tel Aviv - Israel - 2007

@ ISO 100, f/2.5

I am doing a short break from the Masada trip for some shots done in Tel Aviv.

This pretty girl was sitting right behind my friend in a local and busy cafe in center Tel Aviv (near Itzhak Rabin Square) on Ibn Gvirol st. She has that pleasant smile so I couldn't resist asking her for a photo, which she didn't mind. So here you have - a nice smile on a nice Friday afternoon...

Unfortunately, I forgot to ask her name...

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"The Northern Palace - Lower Balcony"

2007-01-30T23:20:00.000+02:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006
Kodak Gold 200

Masada "golden era" was at the time Hordus was the governor of Judea. Hordus saw the strategic potential of Masada natural geographic isolation, and built a palace heavily fortified and well supplied for times of crisis and for indulgence in winter times. The creme De la creme of Masada is the northern palace, three terraced levels carved into the side of the mountain, each servs as a "suite" on it's own and literally hanging on the brink over 300 meters of void. Needless to say, the panorama is absolutely amazing, the Dead sea shines from not far away to the west...

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"Watch Tower"

2007-01-20T14:55:00.000+02:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

Kodak Gold 200

On the Mountain.

The most prominent element on Masada is this watch tower, which controlled both the eastern and western entrances to the compound. This tower also controlled the northern section that held the warehouses of Masada and the Northern Palace, which was used by highly respected VIPs and Hordus himself.

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"Under the Monster"

2007-01-08T21:59:00.000+02:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

Kodak Gold 200

With time came the technology and advance, and around the 70's of the last century the Cable car was part of this impressive monument of nature. Within 2 minutes of electrical current and the turning of the wheel, you can bridge the gap of 350 meters with ease...In some way, this monster is already part of the Masada...

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"Bridging the Gap"

2007-01-04T20:57:00.000+02:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 200, f/6.3

Still climbing.

The "Snake path" is a 2 km long path that starts at the National Park's entrance and ends at the top of the plateau , some 350 meters above - luckily, 700 steps aid to bridge this gap...

;)

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"Enjoying the Silence"

2007-01-03T19:16:00.000+02:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 400, f/4

Waiting for the sunrise, and enjoying Nature...

Away from the bustling towns and industrial life, so close to nature you get that at the end, you are connected to this land, to the air, to everything - the sun is part of you, and you are part of the sun. One matter, one entity...

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"Dividing"

2007-01-02T21:16:00.000+02:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 800, f/4

Starting the climb.

It was around 5:30 am, the first rays of light already passed the mountains on the eastern side of the Dead sea, and it was cool. The "Snake path" took with loops toward the top of the rising plateau, the cables of the cable car were stretched over our heads, observing our progress, as well as the almost full moon high above. ..

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"First Light"

2007-01-01T23:34:00.000+02:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 400, f/4

First light over the desert and Masada mountain. That night we had a visitor: a fox. The little Canis looked for food and it could smell our dinner leftovers for km's away, so when darkness and stillness ruled, it moved and started to dig underneath a big rock me and Oz hid the trash bag - we expected that company would arrive and inspect the area, we just didn't believe it would happen so soon. The fox, I must say, was suffering from hunger more than from fear. It dug underneath the stone while I shone with my headlight on my forehead and camera in the other hand. Unfortunately, the camera refused to focus no matter what, so eventually I went to sleep with blurred pictures which I purged later on.

That night the moon shone and around 4 am we had quite a lot of light so we could easily distinguish the outlines of Masada Mountain, the mountain we would climb in less than two hours time. While Oz arranged his stuff, I took the time to keep a memory of that impressive sight.

The camp tent and vehicle was of others travelers that still slept even when we were half way up on the mountain...

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"Dusk over Masada"

2006-12-22T21:23:00.000+02:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 1600 f/3.5

Oz and I just arrived to the open camping site on the eastern side of the Masada Mountain. We quickly arranged the tent as well as our dinner before starting a fire to just do something with ourselves.

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"Snapping wood"

2006-12-20T22:11:00.000+02:00

Masada National Park - Judean Desert - Israel - November 2006

@ ISO 3200, f/4

Today I will take you to my recent trip to one of the popular attractions in Israel, Masada National Park.

Me and my friend, Oz (seen in the picture breaking dry branches), decided to visit the National park early as possible (sunrise). So, late in that afternoon one Friday in November we drove to the Dead Sea. From the main road (#90) branched a small asphalt road that lead us to the National park - we pitched our tent in the Eastern open camping site of the park and quickly made fire from dry branches we found in the close ravine. Unfortuantely, the branches were very dry and highly inflammable, thus, consumed as fast as we could bring more branches. It took maybe 20 minutes till we decided that we had enough of being slaves of the flames and prepared dinner.

"Friday afternoon at Caesarea"

2006-12-19T23:12:00.000+02:00

Old Caesarea - Israel - September 2006

@ ISO 100, f/11

Aside from ruins exploration, Old Caesarea is also a lovely place to go and play with the kids (kites, ball games or just sit on the grass) or bath in the near shore (especially when the weather is so fine!).

Picked this up just before returning to the car...Was indeed a lovely day!

Next post, a surprise!

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"Sir, your table is ready"

2006-12-18T18:29:00.000+02:00

Old Caesarea - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100, f/9

A table with a view is something most us want when we come to a restuarant - something that will contribute the appropriate atmosphere to a nice lunch or dinner.

This one was taken near the old ruins of Caesarea, and right above the beach line. A fabolous spot to have a late breakfast or lunch!

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"Freedom?"

2006-12-17T21:33:00.000+02:00

Old Caesarea - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100, f/4.5

I guess everyone goes through this stage at least one time in their entire life span: locked up in his/her body, locked up in a situation that he wishes to break loose and elope to the promising freedom that just awaits several steps on the other side of the wall that life and circumstances raised before us with the passing time...Somehow, this scene - the misery-stricken man (?) and the white sailing boat somehow sparked that thought in my head, these two contradictions with the impressive scene serving as a background to my thoughts. That everlasting sea and the ruins of long forgotten empire - Are we puppets on the chain governed by shear faith or masters of our own life, our own freedom, our own happiness...?

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"Modern Vs. Ancient"

2006-12-01T11:31:00.000+02:00

Old Caesarea - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100, f/8

A look over the Cardo and the prominent power plant's chimneys of Hadera

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"Arcade to the Present"

2006-11-22T19:46:00.000+02:00

Old Caesarea - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100, f/9

Still strong, the arcade of archs frame the famous Hadera Chimneys.

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"Historical Layout"

2006-11-17T14:09:00.000+02:00

Old Caesarea - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100, f/11

Once in the old bizantic city, one immidiately encounter the rubble of historic pieces of stones, marble and other exotic chunks of what was the city back at it's golden age...

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"Entrance"

2006-11-15T22:25:00.000+02:00

Old caesarea - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 400, f/8

This is the main entrance to the forted city, dated to the medieval period (around the 9th century). Mind the arches at the top of the high ceiling...

For a bigger version of the photo, click on thumbnail

"Rooted"

2006-11-09T22:33:00.000+02:00

Old Caesarea - Israel - 2006
@ ISO 100, f/10

Finally, I came to the main entrance to Old Caesarea - across a wide dike, through an impressive forted area into the opening of the city. More to come...

For a bigger version of the photo, click on thumbnail

"A walk on the Beach"

2006-11-08T20:47:00.000+02:00

Caesarea beach - Caesarea - Israel -2006
@ ISO 100, f/9

The aqueduct runs along the shore of the Mediterenean sea, at a stretch of a beautiful beach, which is far from being virgin (the 4X4 tire track is visible enough). Many people were actually sleeping in tents and were just waking up when I reached the beach to take several shots. Others, like the couple and the lady playing with her dog, were doing her early morning sport. It was a beautiful morning for a lovely walk...

For a bigger version of the photo, click on thumbnail

"In my Playground"

2006-11-07T20:49:00.000+02:00

Caesarea - Hadera - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100, f/9

Returning back to Caesarea.

It was early in the morning and these youth were playing, mostly throwing lumps of dirt at each other, enjoying themselves, sometimes quarreling...this is their playground

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"Me and Her"

2006-11-02T20:45:00.000+02:00

"Moses" restaurant - Rothschild Bd. - Tel Aviv - Israel - 2006
@ ISO 3200, f/4

A lady, checking the menu of this American style restaurant in southern Tel Aviv. I guess she wasn't impressed as she left her sit less than five minutes after this take...

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"Patterns across the Sand"

2006-10-13T09:14:00.001+02:00

Old Caesarea - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100, f/9

Ever keeping and dedicated, the sand keeps on massing on the long and old aquaduct that runs along the sea shore till reaching Old city of Caesarea, some 500 meters to the right of this picture. It was Saturday, early in the morning, and the light that came from the east cast shadows across the sand...More to come!

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"Welcome to Caesarea"

2006-10-10T22:40:00.000+02:00

Caesarea - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100 f/6.3

This is the monument at the T junction prior to the entrance to old and new Caesarea. Caesarea is located on the shores of the Mediterranean sea, hence the anchor monument (with the olive tree's leaf). More to come...

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"My Honda"

2006-10-06T14:58:00.000+02:00

Old Caeseria - Israel - 2006
@ ISO 100 f/5.6

Well, actually not mine (I prefer french cars, thank you very much), but I do think it's a nice advertisment to Honda's '07 models, isn't it?

"A day in the Park"

2006-09-30T19:00:00.000+03:00

Park Leumi - Ramat Gan - Israel - 2006
@ ISO 100 f/11

This one is quite fresh - from this morning, a mix of overcast breaking here and there to let the last smmer rays of sun come and warm us. Me and my family with my nephews went to enjoy the park, the kids mainly enjoyed riding their bikes. I might post some of them.

GMAR HATIMA TOVA.

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"Contemplating Blues"

2006-09-19T22:29:00.000+03:00

"Hof Hadekel" (Palm Beach) - Eilat - Israel - 2006
@ ISO 100 f/4

Been to Eilat last week, splendid weather (HOT!) with the best company...

It is called the red sea, but it's blues are one of the famous in the area (as well as for their cold currents...).

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"Left Behind"

2006-09-16T12:34:00.000+03:00

Terminal #1 - Lod - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 400 f/2.5

With it's feet along the lines, this "body" was left smack on the second floor among other artistic expositions. Only 2 years ago people would wait right there for their turn in the line to board the plane. Surreal.

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"Historical Archs"

2006-09-15T13:50:00.000+03:00

Allenby st. - Tel Aviv - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100 f/9

"The Big Synagogue" is one of the impressive buildings that dot Tel Aviv and is also one of the oldest Synagogues in Tel Aviv. It's corner stone was laid on the 10th of November 1921 at 110 Allenby st. with the honor presence of personas such as: Meir Dizzingoff (the first Mayor of Tel Aviv) and Menachem Osishkin (one of the Zionist organization’s leaders). Only at 1928 the work was finished after numerous stalls due to lack of finance and over time this impressive synagogue have gone through some renovation in the shape of the added archs and internal design changes. Prior to the Independent war an armament stash (“SLIK”) was hidden in the attic and on the roof and was discovered by a surprise inspection held by the British Mandate at that time.
Today the Synagogue is sadly quite neglected (externally) and at night it seemed to me like an old gothic relic that it’s features maintain it’s impressive stand.

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"Spreading"

2006-09-11T20:58:00.000+03:00

Terminal #1 - Lod - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 400 f/2

This picture was taken at the old airport terminal (#1), Ben Gurion Airport, Lod (not far from Tel Aviv). A vast exhibition of "Bezalel"'s art academy was taking place at that huge terminal space (that was replaced by the newer and modern #3 terminal), exhibiting the works of it's Graduates from different majors: Art, Ceramics, Photography, industrial design etc.

The photo above depicts a part of Meital Dahan's work.

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"Sivan"

2006-09-05T18:39:00.000+03:00

Givaataim - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 200 (film) f/2

From time to time I will also post photos of my dear nephews that I adore and love so much. This is Sivan, 7 years old, that just yesterday started her second year at the elementary school...

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"Ordinary"

2006-09-04T19:43:00.000+03:00

Nahalat Binyamin - Tel Aviv - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100 f/4

Another Friday morning starts at Nahalat Binyamin and with it, the stolls preparations...

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"At the Heat of the Day"

2006-09-03T23:58:00.000+03:00

Nahalat Binyamin - Tel Aviv - Israel - 2006
@ ISO 100 f/4

Israel is hot.
It's climate affects it's inhabitants: People who open their heart while they open their shirt, people who are passionate for life and for their family and friends, people that live under pressure but maintain their humor and laughter, people that strive to live (good) even though it's never easy...

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"Lighting Up"

2006-09-02T19:53:00.000+03:00

Nahalat Binyamin - Tel Aviv - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100 f/5.6

Nahalat Binyamin is a heaven for handycraft lovers, from wood style to glass and ceramics. Many merchandise prepare their own art on spot and enabling passer by's to share their artistic technique and imagination...

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"Transfixed"

2006-09-01T10:22:00.000+03:00

Nahalat Binyamin - Tel Aviv - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100, f/4.5

A pantomimist makes a move infront of audience in Nahalat Binyamin

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"Walking the kid"

2006-08-29T20:38:00.000+03:00

Nahalat Binyamin - Tel Aviv - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100 - f/4

Nahalat Binyamin is one of the oldest streets in Tel Aviv. Nahalat Binyamin was actually the name of the association founded almost 100 years ago. This association included some 40 members from Jaffa and the neighboring “Neve Shalom” neighborhood (now known as “Neve Zedek”), most of them craftsmen; grocers and merchants. This gathering intended to build a new neighborhood which will resemble the year old veteran “Ahuzat Bait” neighborhood (which later developed into southern part of Tel Aviv). While “Ahuzat Bait” maintained a “criss-cross” structure, Nahalat Binyamin foundation averted from this rule and it’s unplanned building style characterized not only the proximate streets but also the whole city’s future layout. Nahalat Binyamin is named in memory of Binyamin Herzel, the prophet of the State of Israel.

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"NOT Impressed"

2006-08-18T11:27:00.000+03:00

Nahlat Byniamin - Tel Aviv - Israel - 2006

f/4 @ ISO 100

Nahlat Byniamin in Tel Aviv is one of those sweet streets in the city which makes Tel Aviv so unique. Among old buildings from the start of the 20th century, a market of hand craftmanship of any sort of merchandise is sold under the bright sunlight of every Thursday and Friday morning and afternoon.

More on Nahlat Byniamin in the following posts...

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"Along the Shadow"

2006-08-16T07:25:00.000+03:00

Mishkan Omanuiot Habima - Tel Aviv - Israel - 2006

@ ISO 100, f/11

Behind Mishkan Omanuiot Habima in Tel Aviv (Hall of stage art in straightforward translation) there is a well kept and small garden which on that Friday late afternoon was very quiet (and actually, it is usually very very quite). The prominent building at the far center is the renewed IBM building (now hosting other companies).

"Standing Tall"

2006-08-12T19:09:00.000+03:00

@ ISO 100, f/4

In my home town market.

Friday is a busy day in Israel: most employees have a mandatory free day and take the advantage to make their arrangments. The market is no different in this aspect - on the contrary, it's heavily crowded with many customers looking for fresh and cheap vegetables, fruits, meat, fish and the like. Some merchandise are only found in the market.

Markets in Israel tend to be noisy, as part of the basic marketing tool: the stronger you shout, the more people know of your existence...This guy took this marketing a little further and was standing on this green plastic box and was shouting to the passing and going to buy his merchandise...

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"Fragile Balance"

2006-08-04T00:32:00.000+03:00

@ ISO 100, F/4

Was taken a block from my home...

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"Studio Balance" Show - 8/7/06

2006-07-27T21:47:00.000+03:00

Studio "Balance" is located in the city of Givataim, five minutes drive from the center of Tel Aviv, Israel. A show following the famous classic, "Alice in Wonderland", was presented with the Studio's dancers and also with actors as the main characters of this novel. Here are the pictures:

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