Bannerman's castle in detail before the collapse Hudson River hudson valley Hudson Valley fall time canvas print metal print wall art

I am Alec Halstead, a photographer whose lens has traversed the intricate landscapes of both war and peace, capturing the essence of life in every frame. Nestled in the serene Hudson Valley, New York, I am not just a photographer; I am a storyteller, a veteran with 23 years of military service etched into the lines of my journey.

Having exhibited and published globally, my work reflects the dichotomy of my experiences. The world has shown me its ugliness and horror, but through my lens, I find beauty in the minutest details. My passion is to share this beauty, a mission that fuels my soul.

Yet, there are moments of self-doubt. Despite knowing I am a decent photographer, the comparison to others sometimes leaves me feeling second-rate. However, resilience courses through my veins. I never quit, no matter how dark the path, and my innate photographer's eye remains a constant source of inspiration.

A graduate of the New York Institute of Photography, my retirement has granted me the time to delve deeper into my lifelong passion. The roots of this passion trace back to a windswept day when I was just 11, aboard our family boat to Wellesley Island. Amidst the chaos of crashing waves, a massive tanker framed by islands unfolded before me. I seized the moment with my dad's Kodak Instamatic, and that bite from the photo bug has never healed.

In the military, I faced a defining moment. Tasked with capturing images from a ship's helicopter, the perfect conditions turned into a nightmare. The captain's disappointment in the blurry photos shattered my confidence. Yet, from the ashes of self-doubt, a phoenix rose. The reworked photos, shared by a friend, found their way into naval publications, paving the way for my role as a military photographer at subsequent commands.

Learning from mistakes became my mantra. I evolved, honing not just my skills behind the camera but also mastering the art of marketing my work. The recent sale of one of my helicopter shots online to a stranger provided the boost I desperately needed, reigniting my passion for a lifetime.

Amidst my journey, Bannerman's Castle stands as a constant muse. Countless photos, each telling a story, have been captured from various vantage points. One particular shot tested my limits; a steep embankment, a loose stone, a fall that left me skinned and bruised. Yet, I climbed back up, capturing the castle's fading beauty—a poignant reminder of the resilience embedded not just in structures but in the human spirit.

As my story unfolds, each photograph is a testament to growth, perseverance, and the unwavering pursuit of capturing the world's beauty through my lens. Alec Halstead, the photographer, the veteran, forever chasing the elusive beauty that resides in both chaos and calm.

Production and Shipping Time:

Glossy Photo Paper: 5 days for printing, 5 days for shipping.

Ready-to-Hang Canvas: 5 days for printing, 5 days for shipping.

SHIPPING DETAILS

There are 5 ways to print these images.

1) Premium Glossy Photo Paper are high quality, professional paper-prints.

Sharp, Vivid and rich Color sets this apart from a casual photo print.

You'll feel like you're there.

Premium Glossy Photo Paper will last a long time.

This option is available in 8x10 inches, 11x14 inches or 16x20 inches.

They are designed to be placed in a glass frame, which can be purchased separately (starting at a few dollars at your local Target or online).

2) Ready to Hang Canvas are ready to hang right out of the box with zero assembly required. Ultimate convenience.

Gorgeous finished look. It comes out of the shipping box finished and ready to hang with a simple nail in the wall.

Canvas Prints are a well-known, high-end way of displaying photographs.

1.5 inch thick wooden stretcher-bars that give it shape, in the same way an oil painting is traditionally assembled. There are no staples or ugly lines visible on the sides (very important).

Estimated delivery time for printing, assembling, packing and shipping is around 10 days.

3) Ready to Hang Canvas (split into 3 panels)

This is for larger pieces, and the photograph is split into 3 even panels, 3 separate canvas panels which put together make a single large image.

This gives a modern look, and allows spectacularly large sizes on your wall!

4) Aluminum Metal Prints

Create elegant wall decor that shines with high-end, exclusive and unique aluminum metal prints.

Create a polished addition to any home or office. 3/64" thick aluminum panel. Features a glossy coating and rounded edges.

UV resistant ink prevents fading. All metal sizes are ready to hang on your wall, right out of the box.

5) Acrylic Prints

Create eye-catching home decor with modern acrylic prints. Light refracts through the museum-quality acrylic bringing vibrancy and depth to your photos. The .22" thick clear acrylic produces superb image quality from edge to edge and absolutely stunning, brilliant color!

UV resistant ink prevents fading. All metal sizes are ready to hang on your wall, right out of the box

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