Monthly Archives: February 2020

Different World

Posted by Mike on

Squared – SQ139

An old article on Digital Photography School popped up in my stream the other day and it got me to do a little experimenting of my own. The article “How to Create Abstract Photos with Oil and Water and a Little Dish Soap” struck the right chord with me and Sunday morning after my normal routine was completed I dragged out the needed equipment to play.

It is not as easy as the article leads you to believe. I few wrong turns and a quick washing session for the glass plate before I started to get a few images I was happy to capture. Before I try again I need to get a few more colorful backgrounds. I also need a couple more eye-droppers in order to make placing the various liquids easier. Overall, I had fun and that was the best part…

  

MLCreations Photography: Squared &emdash; Different World

Different World
Olympus E-M1 Mark II, M. Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro, 1s, f/5.6, ISO 200

Winter Streaks

Posted by Mike on

Delta Lake State Park

Saturday morning was too cold for me. It was eight below zero and although it looked like it was going to be a good sunrise, I did not want to venture out into that temperature. If the cloudy sky prediction of the weather apps was only half right the conditions were possibly going to be better at sunset. All day long the sun shone down and slowly warmed everything up. And, as predicted, the clouds started to roll in toward the late afternoon.

Luckily for me it was not a completely cloudy sky. The temperature had worked its way up to twenty six and I was in the mood for a sunset. I drove up to Delta Lake in search of anything interesting. At least this time I remembered to grab the Lensball and I was able to find a few interesting views with my glass sphere. There might be a few of those images popping into my stream later.

With only a few minutes left until sunset I worked my way back to the beach entrance thinking of calling it a night. As I stopped and chatted with a family who was there enjoying the sunset, I spotted a few small breaks in the ice. I must have looked like a mad man as I tried to run toward the lake and hopefully my opportunity for a winter reflection. I don’t believe you can look graceful running in shin deep snow with a backpack on and a tripod in your hands.

It was totally worth it! The sun is seconds away from disappearing below the horizon, the clouds played their part perfectly and the colors are amazing. Never stop looking for your next image, it is closer than you think…

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Winter Streaks

Winter Streaks
Olympus E-M1 Mark II, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/25s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 100

 

Please Sit Down

Posted by Mike on

Union Station, Utica, NY

Another look at the beautiful interior of Union Station in Utica, NY. There is a lot in this image that I like. At first there is an impression of symmetry but as you explore the space you see it is broken up in multiple ways. I’m a big fan of the repetition of the various elements in this image as well as the leading lines. And who wouldn’t like the detail in those marble columns?

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Please Sit Down

Please Sit Down
Olympus E-M1 Mark II, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

 

Daybreak

Posted by Mike on

Union Station, Utica, NY

Credit for me wandering down to Union Station on Saturday should go to Sandy Roe of Photos at 1020. I saw her image from the same corner of the station on the @ocnewyork Instagram account and wanted to get some pics of my own. The detail inside the station is absolutely incredible. Between the marble and architectural detail you tend to stand and stare as soon as you walk inside. I also liked the blue from the clouds outside highlighting the windows. A very nice balance to the predominately yellow theme of the interior.

I opted to go for a panoramic image rather than switch to my wide angle lens. I wasn’t confident how much I could capture and I was curious what the distortion would do to the view… I actually like it. This is a five image series in portrait orientation merged in Lightroom and processed as a single image with Aurora HDR.

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Daybreak

Daybreak
Olympus E-M1 Mark II, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1.3s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

 

Touch your nose

Posted by Mike on

American Bison, Rosamond Gifford Zoo

It has been a couple of years since I visited the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse. I typically went out in January for their annual photo contest. Now they do a contest every month but I felt I needed to stick to tradition and visit in the beginning of the year.

I thought by picking a weekend without an event it would lessen the crowds. I was even at the zoo as soon as it opened. My plans were slightly torpedoed. The zoo became crowded pretty quickly. I made the rounds outside first and by the time I was back to the buildings it was difficult to spend even a few minutes at each display alone.

I did manage to get to the American Bison before they were shepherded into their building so the employees could clean their paddock and refresh their food. I liked this one as he showed me how easy it is to stick out your tongue and touch your nose…

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Touch your nose

Touch your nose
Olympus E-M1 Mark II, M. Zuiko 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R, 1/250s, 150mm, f/5.6, ISO 800