Today on Google+ is Powerline Friday as one of the many photography themes curated by G+ users. This particular theme is run by Natosha Davis. I took the opportunity to try out a new preset I downloaded from Matt Kloskowski’s Killer Lightroom Tips website. It gives the image a little over the top B&W HDR look. I think it worked well for this one…
and in this corner…
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/400s, 55mm, f/11, ISO 200
The Daily Post at WordPress.com offers up a weekly photo challenge. This week’s challenge is unique. It can be an image of something unique, a unique view or take on a common item, someone unique in your life, etc. You can read about the challenge here: Weekly Photo Challenge: Unique.
This is the first weekly challenge from The Daily Post in which I am contributing an image. Although I have a great group of regular visitors I found participating in these types of events helps me in a couple of ways. One, it gets me thinking and seeing differently when I am out exploring. And two, it gets me exploring outside my comfort zone. Writing more within the post, viewing a bigger pool of blogger’s work. Pushing myself to comment on other’s contributions. I promised myself I would be less of a voyeur online and more of a participant.
I thought this image of a tree remnant in the middle of a frozen swamp was quite unique. Typically, the trees are standing tall or if they have fallen they still remain straight and true. This gnarled, contorted tree stump or root has a lot of unique character. I wish I could have been about a foot higher in elevation to isolate the subject a little better. I’m thinking of going back with my telephoto lens and searching for a better vantage point that will help me remove a few of the distractions.
Unique
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/250s, 70mm, f/8, ISO 200
Weathered
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/640s, 42mm, f/8, ISO 200
I’m going to consider this my practice image! I have had this image in my head ever since the snow started falling here in Central NY. I keep seeing this grove of conifers with their branches covered and the sun catching everything in the early morning. There was actually one moment already this year where the scene was almost as I envisioned but I was unable to capture it before it disappeared.
The January thaw didn’t help my chances but the snow we just received has re-sparked my desire for this image. It still is not “right” since there is not enough snow on the branches of the trees but it is getting closer. Saturday morning the sun was doing its part but by the time I walked down to the field the clouds decided my walk would be in vain. I did take the opportunity to check out the possible views in the field and from various locations along the road. I’ll be ready when the snow completes my image!
For now another entry in my Monochrome Winter series…
Conifers in Winter
Nikon D5100, 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/60s, 70mm, f/11, ISO 100
Sunrise Surprise
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/400s, 70mm, f/8, ISO 100
My exploration of Rockefeller State Park Preserve was really just a tease for me. I’m thinking I will need to return either during the summer or the fall to see what else this park has to offer. Plus in the few hours that I was there I was able to only walk through about a third of the trails. It is a wonderful place that will be calling to me as the seasons change.
I came upon this fire hydrant along one of the trails and I couldn’t resist capturing an image. There is a theme over on Google+ called Fire Hydrant Friday which I have been having fun contributing to which probably had a part in my decision to raise camera to eye…
Another image for my Monochrome Winter series…
Trail Safety
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/400s, 42mm, f/8, ISO 200
MLCreations Photography 