Monthly Archives: May 2013

After the Storm

Posted by Mike on

I had quite an interesting afternoon yesterday. We lost power at work around 2pm. I work in a manufacturing facility (forging and machining), and a load center ‘popped’ in one end of the building which tripped a circuit break at the sub-station across the road. They ended up sending everyone home early although by 5pm most of the building was restored. I ended up going back to work to help power back up the inspection equipment.

While I was there a particularly heavy thunderstorm rolled through the area and the resulting deluge of water was incredible. I finished up my part of the plant re-boot just in time to head to my daughter’s high school for a parents meeting. This scene caught my eye on my way to the meeting. I guessed I could be just a little late, so I pulled into the parking area for the town hall to grab a few images.

I’m always fascinated by front light on a scene when the sky is still dark. I couldn’t pass this up…

After the Storm Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/400s, 19mm, f/8, ISO 400

After the Storm
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/400s, 19mm, f/8, ISO 400

She turned, slightly embarrassed…

Posted by Mike on

A few weeks ago I stopped at my neighbor’s house to ask if it was OK for me to photograph the daffodils that line his driveway. He was great, pointing out all the other flowers in the yard I should photograph. Now he comes over to let me know when a new blossom arrives.

The image below is a Japanese Peony. That blossom is bigger than a grapefruit! We walked around the yard after I captured a few images so he could show me more opportunities that will be available soon. I’m really looking forward to the water lilies on his pond. He is going to mow the bank better so I’ll have a clear view.

I need to get a few of the images printed and framed for him…

She turned, slightly embarrassed Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/320s, 58mm, f/8, ISO 400

She turned, slightly embarrassed
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/320s, 58mm, f/8, ISO 400

Movement

Posted by Mike on

How do you capture the wind?

I sat in the chair in the living room on Sunday reading a book as the wind whipped the trees outside. It was a pretty nice day with intermittent sun and a wonderful cloud cover. There was a few sprinkles occurring every now and then but nothing really too drastic to fully ruin the day. It was the wind that had my attention.

From where I was sitting I could see various trees out the window and watching the effect of the wind was quite mesmerizing. And then the sun poked through the clouds. The added benefit of spotted highlights really had me thinking I needed to capture this movement. My first few attempts with the trees just didn’t work out. I went around back and tried with the lilac bush. Success!

The lighting wasn’t as dramatic as the trees from my window but the effect of the wind is definitely visible. My method of capturing the wind is to capture what it does…

Movement #1 Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/10s, 28mm, f/22, ISO 100

Movement #1
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/10s, 28mm, f/22, ISO 100

Movement #2 Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/10s, 28mm, f/25, ISO 100

Movement #2
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/10s, 28mm, f/25, ISO 100

Movement #3 Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/8s, 35mm, f/25, ISO 100

Movement #3
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/8s, 35mm, f/25, ISO 100

Purple Field

Posted by Mike on

Late in the day yesterday the wind finally subsided enough for me to venture out with the camera. I thought about going a few times over the weekend (actually, the next post is about movement) but being primarily a landscape/detail kind of guy I didn’t see where I would come home with anything useful. I was also consumed by Dan Brown’s latest novel which contributed to my lethargy.

I pass this field across from the town park numerous times a day. These purple flowers have held my attention lately so I made a concerted effort to stop and capture a few images. This is the best I came away with. I think there is still a better image in that field. I’ll have to give it a go again soon.

Purple Field Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/40s, 38mm, f/16, ISO 100

Purple Field
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/40s, 38mm, f/16, ISO 100