Cristina Castro Pelka Photography

-cricket-'s photostream

2011-09-16T12:49:00.001-04:00

West Virginia Car Show

2010-03-25T10:15:00.008-04:00

© 2010 Christopher Thomas Grasso

Photographer friend of mine took these on a trip to West Virgina. I added my touch on the first image and we came up with a great shot. The othes are directly from the camera, no editing at all. Cars like this are abandoned everywhere it seems...coupled with the crazy weather and mist, he got some great shots!

Mr. Steel face to you...

2010-03-16T10:09:00.002-04:00

Palisades Intersate Park

2010-03-16T09:59:00.004-04:00

At the foot of the Palisades Parkway on a rainy road trip. good company. great day. It was my first time at this park, it has a beautiful scenic overlook into Manhattan and a birds eye view of the George Washington Bridge.

Dina Was There

2010-03-16T09:56:00.003-04:00

Daily Grind--revisted

2010-03-08T16:34:00.003-05:00

Fat Tuesday

2010-02-16T15:00:00.006-05:00

Carnival in Galicia:

Crepes (Fiollas)

Fat Tuesday today. This time of year my father continues his family's tradition and makes stacks of these scrumptious pancakes in the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday. This past weekend I decided to make the "fiollas" for the first time. The recipe follows.

Enjoy!

SWEET CREPES
INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 cup of milk
3 eggs
1 cup flour
pinch of salt
2 tablespoons butter to coat pan

PREPARATION
Pour all ingredients into a bowl and beat for 6-8 minutes medium speed. Let the mixture rest 1 / 2 hour.
In a frying pan. It should be oiled every time you make a pancake. The best thing is a piece of white fat (salted) pierced with a fork, but if not available it can be coated with oil/butter. When pan is hot, pour mixture with a ladle shaking the pan to cover it completely, by otherwise fine. When it starts to lift, lift the edges, flip it over until it looks golden. They should not be too dry. Set to cool on a cloth and then transfer to a plate when cool. Stack up as many as you like. You can sprinkle with sugar.

SALTY CREPES
For savory crepes milk is replaced by water or caldo. I made the caldo with ham hocks and generously salted the resulting stock. My dad uses pigs feet to make the broth.

1 1/4 cups of water (or caldo)
3 eggs
1 cup flour
salt

Preparation is just as sweet without adding sugar.

Images are from last Carnaval, the crepes are rolled with sugar, sauteed in butter and brandy and served as a dessert.

The Blizzard that wasn't?

2010-02-11T17:13:00.002-05:00

Future generations won't know it as "The Blizzard of 2010."

The National Weather Service said Thursday that conditions around the metropolitan area didn't qualify for blizzard status. But it came close.

Snow totals ranged from 10 to 16 inches around New York City, Long Island and northeastern New Jersey. Staten Island's Great Kills checked in with 17 inches...

We had fun none the less, throwing snowballs, building snowmen and enjoying two days at home in our pjs.

Nazareth Housing Holiday Party

2009-12-09T15:18:00.010-05:00

I volunteered my photographic services last weekend for a holiday party for Nazareth Housing. Nazareth Housing is a pioneer in the developmentof cluster site transitional housing for homeless families. It has been rated in the top 10 family shelter providers for NYC since 2006...

Each year Nazareth Housing staff hosts a holiday party as a means of continuing their connection with formerly homeless families. The event draws hundreds of participants allowing former shelter residents to renew acquaintances and strengthen their bonds with their ongoing supportive services.
Location: Immaculate Conception Church, E 14th, NYC

Cousins

2009-12-01T10:38:00.007-05:00

November 22nd, 2009
Conference House, Staten Island, NY
On the occasion of my Mom and Dad celebrating their 45th Anniversary this year, we got the kids together for a group shot and some single poses. Down at the end of Staten Island, it wasn't the ideal time of day but the day was sunny and the kids cooperated...mostly. :)

reflections heading up west

2009-08-19T13:57:00.003-04:00

iphone again, sunset 08.15.09, it turned out to be a good night...

Cristina's Cone Flowers

2009-08-06T16:54:00.003-04:00

I run by these often, and always want to photograph them, since I dont carry my Nikon when I'm out on my runs, I can never shoot them...luckily this morning I had my phone with me and captured them. The iphone camera colors were off I had to enhance the image in pshop. In reality the yellow is so much brighter ...

Courtney's Sweet 16

2009-07-19T18:15:00.018-04:00

Recently a friend asked me to photograph her daughter's Sweet Sixteen celebration. I was hesitant at first, due to the fact I prefer to photograph inanimate objects, :) but in the end I had fun and was quite pleased with the results. She was stunning and the party was loads of fun! Here's some of the pix...every one was delighted and I may do it again!

off pink

2009-07-17T07:13:00.001-04:00

jonasmania

2009-07-15T12:24:00.001-04:00

july just july

2009-07-08T11:16:00.000-04:00

All Net

2009-07-06T11:46:00.001-04:00

Main Beach, EH

after the storm

2009-06-29T11:30:00.001-04:00

popcorn clouds in a saffron sky

The 43rd Annual Art Show at the Conference House Park

2009-06-02T13:44:00.004-04:00

I am excited to announce that I will be displaying my photos at this show for the first time. There will be a judging and all art can be purchased. Hopefully the weather will hold out and I'll see you there! --Cristina

Sunday, June 7, 2009
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Staten_Island
Members of the South Shore Art Group present fine works of art in the Conference House Park. Guest musicians play for the artists and visitors. No admission fee. For more information, call (718) 984-6046
Location: Conference House Park: Conference House (7455 Hylan Boulevard)

click here for the NYCGOVPARKS website

Chinese Scholar Gardens

2009-05-29T17:01:00.002-04:00

Tulip Bokeh

2009-04-20T19:57:00.002-04:00

Into flowers lately, most be the season ;)
hi

happy spring

First Blooms

2009-04-17T09:13:00.001-04:00

Trees just outside my home are just starting to bloom.

March.

2009-04-01T10:36:00.005-04:00

Here are some of my favorite shots from March. It's been a long cold winter I am SO looking forward to Spring!

Fog on the Bayonne Bridge

2009-03-30T10:53:00.001-04:00

I'm back

2009-03-28T21:55:00.002-04:00

and so is Spring!

Snow!

2009-03-04T16:43:00.004-05:00

one way only

2009-03-02T07:39:00.005-05:00

Snow-bound...we have are having a huge winter storm in the east, kids are home and we expect to get 10 inches of snow! Looking forward to photographing some snow later this afternoon.

These shot(s) are from last week, Newark again, I love the angles and shapes I grab from the signs against the buildings. I started a series of these. calling them "go"most of them are taken at stop lights. fun on my commute, cant beat it :)

The red door

2009-02-25T10:19:00.001-05:00

Found it this morning driving in took another little detour, :) I find the greatest images in Newark. I think people have given it a bad rap for too long. I loved the look of this door and the color is just perfect.

my mini-sunset

2009-02-24T06:38:00.003-05:00

In January, took this out by the water in Staten Island when there was barely any light left (hence the graininess) I enjoyed photographing it just got there too late. Looking forward to longer days...hurry spring.

Kitchen Makeover/Home Goods

2009-02-22T22:34:00.006-05:00

Haven't posted in a few days. Been knee deep in paint -- so to speak. Not finished yet, but we painted the kitchen and decide to go yellow to brighten things up a bit. The paint name is called "caribbean sunset" perfect for February! Nice change from the old blue. On one of trips to Lowe's I did get a chance to go into Home Goods and got a shot of some really cool glasses. I loved the colors and they grabbed my eye right away. Well Sunday's done...sigh, Monday manana :) I know it will be a good one.

sunrise over newark

2009-02-19T20:46:00.005-05:00

Caught this on the ride in Friday. I cant get over how much is going on in the pix that I did not see when I took it. I took a bunch of them and like the gritty-ness of the texture that I borrowed from a friend so I used it in the series.

fire-escape

2009-02-18T15:22:00.009-05:00

On the way in this morning, I decided to go off my usual route and shoot in B&W, I found these great trees, they were leaning so far into the street and the backdrop was this great old brick building. The one thing I can say about Newark is that it has a lot of character and it always has something interesting around every corner.

vino-tinto

2009-02-18T04:30:00.002-05:00

practice

2009-02-16T03:22:00.000-05:00

answerthephone

2009-02-15T11:02:00.001-05:00

late4work

2009-02-13T15:16:00.003-05:00

whatever_thismorning

2009-02-12T16:55:00.003-05:00

sky was brillant this morning, must have been the crazy winds we had, made for great clouds and color

reaching4biko

2009-02-11T07:03:00.002-05:00

nomoon4chase

2009-02-10T09:50:00.003-05:00

I missed the full moon last night, I blame my empty battery and bad timing on my part. But I did get a chance to shoot Cathy's orchid. I babysit it every year while she's in FL. It just started blooming and has several more buds on it that are also ripe to open. For me it's a sure sign that spring is around the corner. Now all I need to seal the deal is the annual visit of the ducks on my pool cover. Ah, spring, can't come too soon.

itstimeforanewstart

2009-02-08T12:25:00.007-05:00

In my own backyard. The Winged Victory replica, created by Diane and Glenn Hines and the Queens-based Modern Art Foundry, is still referred to locally as “Lady Victory” or “Winged Victory,” although it does not resemble its famous 2300 year-old cousin in the Louvre. The 10-foot tall, 700-pound Grecian-style woman stands on a globe, which sits on a pedestal along with a spread-winged eagle. She holds a sword wrapped in a palm leaf above her head. The statue’s granite base is 5 1/2 feet tall, and bears the original plaques containing names of 493 World War I veterans from Staten Island’s South Shore. The new Lady Victory and her new park were dedicated on June 9, 1996, the 73rd anniversary of her first appearance.
lady victory

saz_I_madeulaugh

2009-02-07T20:06:00.002-05:00

seethru

2009-02-06T06:37:00.001-05:00

grabbed this reflection on the way to work...liked the layers of transparency

allthissnow

2009-02-05T04:41:00.003-05:00

has made me blue...kinda sick of the cold -- wishing for summer, sand and surf.

delivery

2009-02-04T05:42:00.001-05:00

boohoo-bokeh

2009-02-03T05:36:00.002-05:00

timetogo

2009-02-02T09:22:00.001-05:00

eltingvilledelcodrugs

2009-02-01T09:29:00.000-05:00

2009-01-31T18:56:00.001-05:00

A church, a house and a smoke stack to be named later.

2009-01-30T18:57:00.000-05:00

Confetti and Stuff

2009-01-28T21:06:00.000-05:00

Ramona Pink

2009-01-24T03:05:00.001-05:00

getoutdaway

2009-01-22T20:33:00.001-05:00

first thing out my window

2009-01-21T20:34:00.000-05:00

new lense 50mm f1.8D

2009-01-21T20:30:00.000-05:00

newark stacks

2009-01-17T08:07:00.000-05:00

Gazebo@lemoncreek

2009-01-12T18:12:00.000-05:00

Seguine Swans

2009-01-12T07:01:00.000-05:00

Wall of Color found (Arthur Kill)

2009-01-10T19:47:00.001-05:00

First Snow

2009-01-10T19:40:00.000-05:00

The Blazing Star Burial Ground SI

2009-01-04T22:27:00.001-05:00

Gazebo

2009-01-04T11:52:00.001-05:00

Conference House Park

2009-01-04T11:50:00.001-05:00

Tourist for a Day

2009-01-02T20:01:00.000-05:00

Nyack Cow Bells

2009-01-01T09:07:00.000-05:00

Moma

2009-01-01T09:02:00.001-05:00

xmas MSTF party day

2008-12-21T09:08:00.000-05:00

On my run/walk

2008-11-29T13:36:00.000-05:00

Lion King Black Friday

2008-11-29T10:13:00.000-05:00

New Hope

2008-11-18T10:28:00.000-05:00

SI Sky

2008-11-17T11:08:00.000-05:00

Orange

2008-11-01T11:01:00.000-04:00

2008-10-21T21:00:00.000-04:00

2008-10-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

Nikon D80

2008-10-11T18:47:00.000-04:00

The park is great this time of year, one last burst before the winter.

Martha's skeleton.

and cat...not sophie...

The park was packed that day...you'd never know from the photo.

Mohonk Old shots

2008-08-01T23:17:00.000-04:00

Nan's Trunk

2008-07-23T12:03:00.000-04:00

Porch Roses

2008-07-23T11:49:00.000-04:00

At the Bee-otch 07/08

2008-07-22T09:37:00.000-04:00

Wildwood, New Jersey on a very hot and hazy day in July.

Simone's shells. East Hampton, NY.

Phil's shoes. East Hampton, NY.

Sand art, the creator was too shy to pose.

Beach umbrella colors are great!

Saddlebrook Park

2008-07-19T09:55:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Saddlebrook County Park.

The lake goes on forever.

Paterson Falls

2008-07-19T09:51:00.000-04:00

In the heart of this metropolis lies this wonder. The first time I saw them I was amazed!

These pictures dont do them justice. They are mammoth cascades of water.

From a favorite vaca 2005

2008-07-01T13:26:00.000-04:00

More East Hampton 2007

2008-07-01T13:07:00.000-04:00

East Hampton Summer 2007

2008-07-01T13:02:00.000-04:00

Some old shots that are near and dear, posting to collect and display.