Monthly Archives: January 2017

A New Challenge

Posted by Mike on

52 Week Photography Challenge
Week 1 – Story: Rule of Thirds

A new year is suppose to bring a new set of goals. That is the thought behind New Year’s resolutions, right? I have been pretty good at listing resolutions, I have been terrible at following through on them. This year I did not list any. Why put myself through the guilt when I do not achieve or sustain what I thought I would do this year. But, I did want to try something to push myself creatively this year.

I remember when I was doing the weekly themes with some friends I had met on one of my Disney trips. We would pick a theme for a week and share three images that we created and comment on each other’s work. It wasn’t a competition, it was a way for us to keep in touch and learn. I had a lot of fun when we were doing those themes. Some weeks I would plan specific images and other weeks I would wander around seeing what jumped out at me that would fit the current theme. It helped me when I worked either way… if I had an image in my head I would plan everything out and then go execute. If I allowed myself to wander around it was teaching me to see differently or expand how I looked at my surroundings.

To get me back into that mode of operation I decided I would work on a 52 Week photography project. Rather than rely on myself selecting a theme and working on an image I found a project/challenge online that I am hoping will keep me focused. Dogwood Photography is doing a second challenge after what looked like a successful one last year. Reading through the challenge list it appeared to have themes that I could contribute to as well as push me along my goal of increasing my creativity. You can view the weekly challenges here.

If you are looking for something to help jump start your own photography I encourage you to participate in this challenge. I had tried a 365 Project once but only made it through 25% before I gave up. The challenge of creating an image every day eventually wore me out. I think the guilt when I missed a day was the worse and was what truly forced me to stop. I thought with a weekly challenge I will have more opportunities to create the image I want and not feel stressed out about it.

Week 1 – Story: Rule of Thirds

The challenge for the first week is to tell a story using the rule of thirds. This is probably the first “rule” of photography everyone hears about or learns. Digital Photography School has a nice article about this technique if you are interested. Basically the technique involves dividing your image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. To create the most compelling image you would want to have your subject near one of the dividing lines or even better is to have your point of focus at one of the intersections.

The challenge this week though is more about telling a story by incorporating this rule of thirds. I had an idea about what I wanted to do and last night was my first opportunity to execute. The image I created is of the Bed & Breakfast next door. My neighbor had turned his house into a B&B quite a few years ago to capture some of the travelers looking for a place to stay near the miles of snowmobile trails in my area. One trail crosses the road about a quarter mile from my house.

I will admit this is not one of my best images technically. I should have bracketed my exposures to give me more detail in the highlights. I chose not to as I thought it contributed to the story. You will notice if you can visualize the image split into thirds that the truck on one of the dividing lines. I also played with the concept of the rule of thirds a little by creating three zones in this image. There is the snow zone which has the driveway and tracks leading to the truck. The middle zone is the house and then the last zone is the night sky.

 

MLCreations Photography: 52 Week Project &emdash; Night at the B&B

 

Not a great start to the challenge but I did start! I keep the list on my desk so as not to lose focus. I welcome any comments and if you do decide to participate, let me know so I can follow along with your progress.

Creativity

Posted by Mike on

Topaz Labs Plugins

When I was starting my journey into photography and was devouring as much information as I could find. I was reading books, scouring the internet and exploring other photographer’s work via Google Plus. I was also posting to as many photography themes on G+ as interested me. I was still using my little Sony P&S camera while still learning how to create images like those I was viewing online.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; DeltaLakesKnoll

Delta Lake Knoll – Original
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/125s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200

 

On a whim I entered a photography contest where the prize was some software to use with Lightroom/Photoshop. It was the Topaz Labs plugins and fortunate for me the contest did not involve having to post an image. I was lucky enough to be one of the two winners and have maintained the software, using it when necessary, since late in 2011.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Glow

Delta Lake Knoll – Glow
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/125s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200

 

There were times while using the software where I might have gone a little overboard with my processing. I am sure I used it as a crutch when I did not manage to bring home the image I wanted but was able to manipulate an OK image to make a posting. I believe I have struck the right balance with my processing and have learned how to create the image that is in my head when I press the shutter.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Simplify

Delta Lake Knoll – Simplify
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/125s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200

 

My photography is not always about capturing a pixel perfect replica of the scene I am viewing while out exploring. Although that might have been my original thought as to what photography was suppose to be, I have learned to let my images be a release of creativity. I am going to use all the tools at my disposal to change what I have captured into what I see. Every person sees differently and I try to present images that allow you to see what I see.

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Impression

Delta Lake Knoll – Impression
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/125s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200

  

So today I decided to present a few different views of the same scene that I have created using the Topaz Labs plugins. I generally use the software in a more subtle approach but I thought it would be fun to show what it is capable of creating.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Texture Effects

Delta Lake Knoll – Texture Effects
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/125s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200

BREIA

Posted by Mike on

Black River Environmental Improvement Association

Well I did it!

I bought the snowshoes I mentioned I would get in my Delta Day post.  My intent was to get the snowshoes and the hiking poles.  What I did not count on was the pair of Merrell waterproof hiking boots.  It is rare for a store to carry the wide width version of any of the Merrell boots and when I spotted them on the shelf I had to snatch them up as well.  At least that is what I kept telling myself as I walked to the counter to pay.  🙂

It is all good.  The boots and the snowshoes work great!  I first took everything for a spin around the house to ensure I would not fall over and strand myself out in the wilderness.  Once I was satisfied I could work all this equipment and look good doing it (LOL) I packed up the camera gear and headed North toward the cross-country ski trails along the Black River Canal.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Canal Trail

  

I had about and hour and a half before sunset.  I set a goal of 45 minutes up the trail and then I would work my way back to the car.  It was so nice to be out walking without sinking up to my ankles in the snow.  I can see me exploring more of Delta Lake State Park and I am finding all sorts of new places to use my new winter gear.  As I was putting everything back into the car I was wondering why I had never done this before.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Abandoned 1

 

On the trip back down the trail I pulled out the camera and managed to capture a few images. Near the start of the trail there is an old barn that I have seen from the road as I drive to Pixley Falls. I have always wanted to get up close and see what photographic potential this barn held. The few images I did capture were not terrible but I will be back when the sun is out and I can work in some more shadows. I think there might be potential if the sun is right for some interior images too.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Abandoned 2

 

That first walk with the snowshoes was great. I am already researching other trails I can explore. Luckily for me I leave in/near a snow belt in Central New York. If the beginning of this winter is any indication I will not be without opportunity. Stay tuned. More adventures with snowshoes to come…

Morning Rivers

Posted by Mike on

Oriskany Creek and Mohawk River
River Street, Oriskany, NY

It was the last day of the holidays/vacation and I was not about to let it slip away as was my penchant last year. After finishing up posting my Delta Day blog and grabbing a quick breakfast, I headed out in search of the sunrise. I was debating my destination internally and adjusting the heading of the car as I observed the morning sky. The lower temperatures this the morning (~12° F) gave me an idea that the rivers/creeks over by the barge canal might hold something interesting.

As I approached the parking area for the barge canal I thought maybe the Oriskany Creek should be my first objective. As the creek winds its way through the lowlands toward the Mohawk River it creates a horseshoe shape at the final approach. I had stopped once before for an image in this same area in the summer of 2015 (Shrouded Sunrise). I have always wanted to get a closer image of the creek.

Today I pushed my timidness aside. I parked the car in the path leading into the corn field, attached the camera to the tripod and strode out across the field toward the edge of the creek. The sun was still about twenty minutes from rising but the colors were exactly what I was looking to capture. The crispness of the morning, the small bits of ice floating by and the layer of ice accumulated on everything combined to create something better than I had envisioned as I walked across the field.

 

MLCreations Photography: Landscapes &emdash; The Turn

 

I will be returning to capture this view again this winter. I realized as I pulled into the driveway if I had been able to wait until 15-20 minutes after the scheduled sunrise I would have been rewarded with more color in the sky. That of course would have changed the whole mood of the image. This second mood I have put on my list of images to capture… 🙂

My fingers were slightly numb. I only brought my thin gloves that allow me to work the camera with them on. I was happy with the images I captured, knowing at least one will allow me to create a great picture. I started my way home but when I crossed over the Mohawk River I looked East into the sunrise.

Damn! That is a great view too!

Keep driving, your fingers aren’t warm yet.

You always regret not stopping! What have you said? Next time I’ll stop. Well, it is next time now!

I turned around and parked the car in the area for the barge canal access. I worked my way under the River Street bridge and climbed down into the river so I was right on the water. One slip and I would be very wet and very cold.

A few images in the portrait orientation. They look good.

Wait! What has Bryan Peterson always said… “the best time to shoot in landscape orientation is right after shooting in portrait” (I paraphrase). OK, a couple more in landscape. Now carefully walk back along the river. Whew!

I liked the one in portrait the best.

 

MLCreations Photography: Landscapes &emdash; Slow and Steady

 

If you look closely at the vanishing point of the water you will see the winter steam rising off the water. I thought of attaching the zoom lens to capture the phenomena but there was not enough visually interesting elements. Maybe I’ll find that better view next time.

Delta Day

Posted by Mike on

Delta Lake State Park

The new year started out fairly routine. Heck, if I am being honest it was boring from the very start. I’m not much for parties so I believe I was asleep by 11:15pm on New Year’s Eve.

Hey, no comments from you in the back!

I enjoyed my night. I watched a good portion of the second season for The Man in the High Castle. The book was interesting but the series on Amazon Prime is very good. I could have watched all ten episodes and then I would have surely been up past midnight, but I promised myself I would at least make an attempt to make the show last a few days. It worked a little… 😉

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Winter's Beach

 

Anyway, back to the first day of the new year. Grocery day! I was up close to my normal time. Shoveled the driveway. Got my cup of coffee and sat down at the computer to post my Year in Review blog article. I had spent most of the previous day writing it. I didn’t make any official resolutions for the new year, they never work out so why set myself up for the guilt. But I did have a few things on my mind concerning my photography journey and used the time before grocery shopping to investigate.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Halo

 

I wasn’t too hopeful for how the day would turn out with the weather, it was a rather blah morning. By early afternoon I realized it was turning into a day I should be outside enjoying. Although it was tough dragging myself off the couch, where I was enjoying a good book in the warmth of the sun coming though the window, I put on my coat and headed outside.  Wow, it was a gorgeous day!

First up, shovel the dusting of new snow off the driveway. With the sun beating down and the temps slightly over freezing any of the packed snow would begin to melt if I cleared away the covering. I then took a trip over to town in search of snowshoes. I’m thinking snowshoes would give me more chances to explore this winter and I know I could use the exercise! The one sporting goods store was closed, but a return is on my agenda for today.  If you do not hear from me again it is because I fell over while exploring with my snowshoes and couldn’t get up!

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Waters Edge

 

I walked up and down my road grabbing a few pics with my phone.  I had upgraded a few months ago to the new Google Pixel phone.  Although I am reading of issues other users have been having I am quite happy with the phone.  The camera is better than any of the previous phones I have owned and it is always fun for me to capture an image, process it with my phone apps and immediately post online.  Here is one of the images I managed to find yesterday:

 

 

As sunset approached I packed up my camera gear and headed to Delta Lake State Park. I wasn’t sure what I would find but I knew there would be other people out enjoying the day and I thought they could add some interest to any images I capture. The park did not disappoint. We had ice fishermen, cross-country skiers, snowshoers and some people out to enjoy the coming sunset. I had a good hour to explore and enjoy the ending of the day. I came home with a plethora of images to share. And rather then drip feed them to everyone, which only encourages me to not go look for more images, I am bringing them all to you in this post.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; The Point

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Through the Warmth of the Sun

 

This collection highlights what is possible to capture if you look around and are not afraid to experiment. All these images were captured within an hour time frame, yet there are so many different looks and feels. Each image changes the environment I was in. Use a faster shutter speed and you can darken a bright day. Convert an image to monochrome and you can highlight the shadows that play across the snow. Point your camera into the sun and create sun flare to enhance an image.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Anticipation

 

I will attempt to create posts that include more thought. Last year I took the easy way out most of the time and only posted an image. I think that cheapens your experience of what I created. I can enjoy a beautiful picture but I connect with the image more when I know some of the story behind it. Maybe my stories will connect with you… 🙂

2016 – One Month at a Time

Posted by Mike on

My Year in Review

Wow! Another year has been put to bed. I cannot believe how fast the days slip past. I remember as a kid thinking how long it was until my birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Each day of school seemed to last forever and those big events never arrived quick enough. I never seem to have enough time in a day to get all the work done. Now, I find myself wishing everything would slow down so I can enjoy it better.

This past year has been another year of great exploration and travel. I was fortunate enough to make quite a few trips to Florida and those trips allowed me to explore a good chuck of the east coast. There is a lot still to see and you can bet I have more trips planned. Florida has become more than Walt Disney World for me. It has become the place I enjoy photographing and exploring.

I also made a few trips (although not as many as I would have liked) to the state parks near me. I definitely want to increase my trips to see more of what my home state has to offer. I know I have made this promise to myself in years past, hopefully this coming year will be the one in which I keep the promise. All I know is that every park I visit has unique vistas for me to explore and finding the images I want to capture brings me joy.

I’m not sure if I have grown as a photographer this year. I do know I have captured fewer images but the ones I do bring home have more meaning to me. I have moved beyond the spray and pray methodology, and have put more thought into the process. It doesn’t always work out for me, maybe I over think it some times, but it does create a better experience for me overall.

Well, I don’t think everyone is up to too much soul searching in this post so I should move on to the images. As I have been fond of doing in the past, I selected my favorite image from each month.  Some months that was way more difficult than in others.

 

January – Once again the first month of the year started out very sparse photographically. The majority of my images were from a trip to the Rosemond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse. Every year the zoo has a photo contest which allows free entry into the zoo with a camera.  Although I managed to find a lot more images in 2016, my favorite image was not from that trip.  This image was captured on January 2nd. I was out for a walk on a beautiful morning and spotted this deer path through the field. I really like how the path leads the eye to the tree and colorful sunrise sky.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Lonely Path

Lonely Path
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/160s, 27mm, f/16, ISO 200

 

February – Last winter was very mild (I’ll bet we have almost had more snow this winter then all of last year) and I was able to venture out with the camera more than usual. This image was captured at the Utica train station at the start of a very busy Saturday. Reading the post associated with this image I am amazed how I was able to accomplish so much yet still make a couple of trips out for pictures. This image is classic leading line material. No subtlety involved here. But hey, it works!

 

MLCreations Photography: Landscapes &emdash; Waiting on the Arrival

Waiting on the Arrival
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1s, 12mm, f/16, ISO 200

 

March – The first month involving one of those numerous trips to Florida I mentioned. This trip was to drive my Mom and Grandpa down to my Mom’s place in Lake Alfred. I spent a few days with Mom helping get her place opened up and then ventured over to the East Coast to visit my Mother-in-law. It was during this stay that I captured this beautiful sunset with the Melbourne Beach Pier. It was a cloudy day and most people had given up on the sunset but I waited until the end and was rewarded with this view.

 

MLCreations Photography: Landscapes &emdash; Melbourne Beach Pier Sunset

Melbourne Beach Pier Sunset
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1.3s, 12mm, f/16, ISO 200

 

April – I return to my Grass Poker days for my favorite image this month. I refer to my early photography when I was participating in the various photo themes on Google Plus. I started exploring around the house more, looking for those unique images which can be found all around us. Of course, long time readers also know I have a thing for the dandelions as well. The processing on this image was a departure for me but the results created an image I have hanging on my wall.

 

MLCreations Photography: Grass &emdash; Dandie

Dandie
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/320s, f/2.8, ISO 200

 

May – The start of the state park trips! I had promised myself I would explore more of the NY State parks this past year (alas, I did not fulfill that promise very well). I started with a Spring trip to Chittenango Falls. I have learned quite a lot about photography and post-processing since my first visit and I used all my knowledge to capture another portrait view of this wonderful waterfall. When the water flow is right the cascades create a very classic waterfall look.

 

MLCreations Photography: Landscapes &emdash; Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1s, 30mm, f/16, ISO 200

 

June – Part of my continual issue with myself is dragging my butt out of the house. I let myself be very lazy. On the day I captured this image though I planned the night before to get out to Hinckley Reservoir for the sunrise. Luck played an important part in that the clouds were moving fairly fast across the sky. This allowed me to use my neutral density filters to utilize a longer exposure and capture the movement in an otherwise static image. I played with various compositions until I settled on some natural framing with the grass.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Hinckley on the Move

Hinckley on the Move
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 60s, 12mm, f/13, ISO 200

 

July – Another image as a result of wandering around the yard looking for the over-looked details. I used this day as an opportunity to focus on the tiny and intimate. I fitted the camera with my macro lens and poked it into every little space I could find. This little flower was nestled within one of the lilac bushes that ring the property. I was fascinated with the contrast between the detailed stamen and the soft petals. I didn’t complain about the nice contrasting colors either… 🙂

 

MLCreations Photography: Floral &emdash; Tangled

Tangled
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/200s, f/2.8, ISO 200

 

August – There was much internal debate over my favorite this month. The other image contending for the title (Sunset Ring) was unique due to how I happened upon it but in the end the colors of this image won out.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Lock 20 Rising

Lock 20 Rising
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 6s, 25mm, f/16, ISO 200

 

September – I have an app on my phone called The Photographer’s Ephemeris which allows me to see the location of the sun & moon rising and setting. I can pick a location and date to plan where I want to be to capture that perfect image. For this image I consulted the app to find the moon would rise inline with the barge canal during the full phase. The best location close to me was Bellamy Harbor Park in Rome. The full moon is difficult to capture with surrounding landscape due to the overpowering brightness but your best bet is when it is closest to the horizon.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; MoonRise

Moon Rise
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R, 3.2s, 108mm, f/16, ISO 400

 

October – When I started a new job in April I discovered the Old Erie Canal Park a few minutes away. It has become my escape during those hectic days at work. I leave a pair of hiking boots and the tripod in the car so I will be ready when the mood strikes me. I have capture various images at the aqueduct over Butternut Creek but this one is my favorite so far. I love that I was able to capture the swirl of the water. The processing was also a departure for me and I am happy I strayed outside of my comfort zone.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Round 'n Round

Round ‘n Round
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 5s, 12mm, f/16, ISO 200

 

November – Ah, the super moon. That is all everyone was talking about in November. I got caught up in the excitement as well. Turning to my app again I realized the day of the great rising that I could catch the moon over the B-52 memorial on the old airbase in Rome. It was definitely more difficult than I anticipated. I tried to get multiple exposures so I would have more detail in the moon but this low on the horizon it is moving surprisingly fast through the sky. After struggling to combine two images I settled on this one with the great detail in the plane.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; B-52 Rising

B-52 Rising
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R, 4s, 92mm, f/8, ISO 200

 

December – This year’s Christmas trip to Florida once again produced a great many images from which to choose a favorite. The heron watching the sunrise won due to being “out of my normal” type of image. Viewing this image brings me back to that morning and how impressed I was at being able to get as close as I did for this view. I find I am liking more of my images that have another element beside the landscape, be that people or animals. Something to look forward to in 2017.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Enjoying the Sunrise too

Enjoying the Sunrise too
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 8s, 40mm, f/16, ISO 200

 

Disney – It wouldn’t be a year in review post if I didn’t include a Disney image. I did not have my usual two Disney trips this year but I did manage to visit almost every time I made it to Florida. I feel like a local, popping in for a quick visit, see a few shows, ride a few attractions and grab my images. It works for me!

I could not settle on one image this year. There were two that stand out for me. Both are from my trip in October. The first is a night image of Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom. A few years ago I was able to stay in the park after sundown and I have been waiting for another opportunity. It didn’t disappoint. The second is a happy coincident as extra magic hours in the morning at the Magic Kingdom were about an hour before sunrise. Fog and limited access spoiled the image I had planned but the Cinderella Castle image with a hazy sky is no consolation prize. It is definitely my favorite castle image so far.

 

MLCreations Photography: Animal Kingdom &emdash; Everest of Light

Everest of Light
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 20s, 23mm, f/5.6, ISO 400

 

MLCreations Photography: Magic Kingdom &emdash; Pre-Dawn Cindy

Pre-Dawn Cindy
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 6s, 12mm, f/8, ISO 200

 

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support. Your comments and encouragement are always welcomed and appreciated. I also value the friendships I have developed with a lot of my regulars. Although we have not met in person, your presence in my life has meant a lot to me. Thanks!

Happy New Year and best wishes for a fun and entertaining 2017!