Monthly Archives: July 2013

Pratt’s Falls

Posted by Mike on

I head to go to Syracuse yesterday morning but decided before I left that the return trip would be an adventure. After my first waterfall image a few years ago (well, at least since learning more about photography) I have been fascinated by them. Surprising, New York state has an abundance of waterfalls for me to explore. I found the NYFalls website about a year ago and have been trying to make my way to those close to me.

Pratt’s Falls is located just south of Syracuse within the Pratt’s Fall County Park in the town of Pompey. There is a nice trail leading down to an overlook spot at the base of the falls. With all the recent rain it did make for an interesting walk but ensured there would be good water flow over the falls. Due to the severity of the terrain in the gorge you have to stay on the trail which limits the possible views of the falls. I think a revisit during the colored leaves season is in order…

Start of the Fall Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/20s, 17mm, f/20, ISO 100

Start of the Fall
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/20s, 17mm, f/20, ISO 100

Pratt's Falls Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/3s, 24mm, f/22, ISO 100

Pratt’s Falls
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/3s, 24mm, f/22, ISO 100

Divide the Light and Dark Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/6s, 50mm, f/22, ISO 100

Divide the Light and Dark
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/6s, 50mm, f/22, ISO 100

Top Close-up Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/5s, 55mm, f/22, ISO 100

Top Close-up
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/5s, 55mm, f/22, ISO 100

Bottom Close-up Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/5s, 55mm, f/22, ISO 100

Bottom Close-up
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/5s, 55mm, f/22, ISO 100

Closing for the Night

Posted by Mike on

After dinner, and the rain, I headed out to the park to grab some sunset images. I managed to come home with a few keepers. As I was finishing up the dishes I noticed the clouds and some really funky light. I went out into the yard to see what I could do with some long exposures. I’ve always liked the way clouds streak in the sky when you leave the shutter open.

My first few attempts turned out OK for the clouds but the foreground was a little too dark. What the heck, might as well play around, digital images cost me nothing but my time. I popped the flash up (yes, I really need to buy a proper flash unit) and tried a few settings. I didn’t want to overpower the clouds so I dialed back on the flash power. A -2EV setting gave me what I wanted.

Not a bad attempt although there was just enough movement in the blossoms to cause a little ghosting. I think it works OK considering the movement in the clouds. I would have stayed out longer but the darn mosquitoes were eating me up!

Closing for the Night Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 30s, 17mm, -2EV flash, ISO 100

Closing for the Night
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 30s, 17mm, -2EV flash, ISO 100

On the Pond

Posted by Mike on

Luckily for me I have great neighbors! Otherwise I would be running out of subjects for my images. One of my neighbors has a pond up behind his house and he told me that the water lilies are in bloom. I finally made it over the other morning, although it was an overcast day, to grab a few pictures.

Of course, I had to run back home since the 17-70mm lens didn’t have enough reach. Up until now I have been happy with 200mm being my longest lens considering I mainly capture landscapes or macros. Those stinking lilies were out in the middle of the pond and quite unwilling for a close-up. Either I need that 400mm lens or the D7100 with the extra 1.3 crop feature… lol!

Water Lily 1 Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/20s, 165mm, f/5.3, ISO 100

Water Lily 1
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/20s, 165mm, f/5.3, ISO 100

Water Lily 2 Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/40s, 200mm, f/5.6, ISO 100

Water Lily 2
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/40s, 200mm, f/5.6, ISO 100

Water Lily 3 Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/40s, 200mm, f/5.6, ISO 100

Water Lily 3
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/40s, 200mm, f/5.6, ISO 100

Water Lily 4 Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/20s, 200mm, f/5.6, ISO 100

Water Lily 4
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/20s, 200mm, f/5.6, ISO 100

Coming and Going

Posted by Mike on

My intent the other night was to capture the clouds just after sunset. I setup at the side of the road to capture a few images. Not as exciting as I hoped. And then the first car passed my location. Ding! Idea forming. It was late, it took longer than normal.

I had to wait quite a few minutes to get cars going in both directions. I didn’t think my luck would allow two cars going opposite directions at the same time so I decided to capture one each way and blend the two images in PS Elements. Another few attempts and I finally settled in on a 13 second exposure (two of them). I needed that amount of time to get the complete light trails along the length of road in the frame.

I had fun, and isn’t that what it is suppose to be about?

Coming and Going Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 13s, 35mm, f/22, ISO 100

Coming and Going
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 13s, 35mm, f/22, ISO 100