Mile 55 Photography, LLC

09/05/2026

I went to the "Troops through Time!" event at the Monocacy National Battlefield today. Good, well organized program. I wish more people would attend events like this. Artillery and musket firing demonstrations, living history displays, guest speakers and, of course, their museum. It's not huge, but for a smaller, but very significant battle of the Civil War, very impressive.

I only got to hear the first speaker, Dr. Julia Shively, historian from the Maryland National Guard. Her very interesting talk was about Maryland's role in the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and the War of 1812. If you like the Mel Gibson movie "The Patriot", you may be surprised at the role Maryland played in the battles depicted.

Bonus on the way to the car! I had heard that there is a pair of eagles that sometimes perch on the trees by the Monocacy River behind the visitor center. But I had never seen either of them. Until today. One sat patiently waiting as I took a few portraits. Another photographer joined me for a while until it took off; obviously it was time to go fishing.

You can visit the Monocacy National Battlefield page at https://www.facebook.com/monocacynps

08/28/2026

Current house guest: Mr. Peabody (He's had Lasik.)

08/17/2026

I was fortunate enough to be walking along the road from the Harpers Ferry visitor center at just the right time to catch this web in-process (builder at about two o'clock on the web) perfectly backlit by the morning sun shining through an opening in the trees. The little guy was probably cursing the light as it illuminated what was supposed to be a stealthy trap.

The second photo shows three minutes later with the spider passing through the steadlily moving beam of sunlight possibly for the last time as the work continued.

08/13/2026

Inspired by the article in the paper by Kimberly Yourick of Lockhouse Gallery, I went outside to do some plein air photography. 😁

"Amphibian Landscape"

08/11/2026

The digital flipbook for the 2027 calendar "Canal Birds" is now up! Take a look for a preview.

Birds at the C&O Canal towns from Point of Rocks, Maryland to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

08/10/2026

Just arrived!

The Heron ran away in the voting for the cover, but both the Heron and the Bald Eagles are in the calendar.

January - Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
February - American Robin in snow
March - Yellow-throated Warbler
April - Great Blue Heron
May - Baltimore Oriole
June - Peregrine Falcon Fledglings
July - Prothonotary Warbler
August - Louisiana Water Thrush
September - Adult and Jubenile Bald Eagles
October - Black Vulture
November - Golden-crowned Kinglet
December - Red-shouldered Hawk

All are my own photos. Half of them are within 1/2 mile of the Brunswick boat ramp. Others are from Point of Rocks to Harpers Ferry.

They are available now for pick-up. (Or drop-off if you live in Brunswick or nearby.) Just message me and we'll arrange it. And they will be on sale at our spot at Brunswick Railroad Days first weekend in October, the Holiday Market in December, soon at the Harpers Ferry Bookshop and, hopefully at the Brunswick Community Festival and a business or two in Frederick.

$15 including tax. I will include the 2026 edition with a purchase of the 2027 calendar while supplies last. Also available by mail, although I'll need to check on postage. If memory serves, it was $5 or $6 to mail to most addresses in the US last year. Might be different now.

Thanks for all of you who have supported this project with your purchases over the previous four annual calendars!

07/06/2026

Light up the sky!

First Baptist Church building at about 9:15 this evening. Brunswick, Maryland.

06/18/2026

June 17, 2026 Frederick Keys double header against the Hub City Spartanburgers (Texas Rangers affiliate) who didn't really show up to either game. (9-3, 9-1)

It was wag day and I like dogs. I made a quick friend of this beautiful little puppy and in between games saw the owners taking a photo of her by the giant baseball. Of course, I asked if I could take one too since she was already posing.

06/13/2026

I've had the honor now of volunteering for the Street Dog Coalition as photographer at the two clinics they've conducted so far in Frederick. Working with local veterinarians, they offer free vet care for the pets of those that are homeless or at risk of homelessness as well as help, in cooperation with the health department, for the pet owners.
The service they provide may not be available for these dogs and cats otherwise.
Here are a few of my favorite photos from the second Frederick clinic, held on May 30th, showing pets, clients and volunteers. (Permission was given by clients pictured to have their photos taken. The volunteers didn't have a choice. 😁 )
You may notice that Tank, the large brindled dog, was back. (See post from first clinic.) And he was looking much better.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2261605407573702

05/27/2026

I had to drive in to Frederick today. Figured I'd bring my camera and stop by Ballenger Creek Park to see what the offering would be at the two small ponds they have.

I heard the unmistakable call of the Belted Kingfisher - at least two of them. (Sounds like a kid riding his bike with playing cards in the spokes.) However, they weren't being very cooperative. And then they left.

I spent some time there and as I was making my way around the pond to leave, I heard them again. I followed one as it landed on the far side of two trees. The plan was to make my way nonchalantly around the other side of the trees to try to get close enough for a good shot and around the branches for a clear shot, but on the way, I took the opportunity to shoot through a narrow opening through the branches of the two trees in case the bird took off before I could make it around to the other side or if she was spooked.

Good thing I did, because after a few shots, she took off. Fortunately, the end product was a naturally framed portrait of this beauty (it is in the eye of the beholder, after all).

My last half-way decent photos of a Kingfisher were 3-1/2 years ago. This one outdoes any of those. They're not easy to get due to how skittish they are. I am super fortunate to have had this one sit for me in that little window of opportunity.