It wasn’t the big trip to Ithaca for another State Park day but it was a beautiful afternoon here in Central NY. The small park north of Rome is open all year so I didn’t have any worries I couldn’t get in. Considering it was a week day, I didn’t think there would be too many people I would have to work around. Pixley Falls packs quite a lot to explore into a small area. The namesake waterfall was my focus…
Spring Falls Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/4s, 13mm, f/11, ISO 100
I think I forget this lesson at least once a year. If a park has a website check it out before you drive there. If I had followed that advice I might have saved myself a drive to Chittenango Falls. On the other hand I would have deprived myself of a beautiful afternoon.
I immediately found out the gorge trail was closed. I understand why. The amount of water flowing over the falls was epic. To say I wasn’t a little disappointed would be lying.
I get it. It is for my own safety. There was a lot of water. The roar was intense.
I walked in a direction of the park I have never visited. I was rewarded with a scene I did not know existed. I feel the water in this stream dries up during the summer. I will check it more often now that I know where to look.
Unknown View Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 0.8s, 34mm, f/11, ISO 100
It was a beautiful day. The park was not crowded. I’m already here, might as well explore. There are images to capture.
I stop at the overlook next to the top of the waterfall. Damn. That is a lot of water. And yet, I’m amazed that there are portions of trees clinging to the rocks. I wonder how long they can hold on before they end up at the base of the waterfall, or further downstream.
I head upstream.
The view of Chittenango Creek as it works its way toward the great plunge.
Bring it to the Fall Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/13s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200
There are trails on the left side of the creek. There is only a partial trail on the right. I head right. The view at the turn in the creek should be worth a look. I’m hoping there isn’t so much water that I can’t get close enough with the camera.
Going Upstream Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/8s, 30mm, f/8, ISO 200
I wait here as there is a person with their dog currently standing at the spot I want. I’m in no hurry. The sounds of the water are relaxing. I should sit down. Soak it all in.
Oh look, they moved on. My turn.
There is a larger opening through the trees here. I can capture a wider view.
Bonus!
A couple showed up on the opposite side of the creek. They are out exploring as well. If I wait a few minutes I can include them in the image. I don’t normally include people but for this view they add scale. They don’t stand still. My shutter isn’t fast enough as I prefer to blur the water. Oh well, they will have to be slightly blurry…
Look at that view Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/6s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200
Back toward the waterfall. I wonder how far I can go on the opposite side. I would still like to get a view of the falls to show the water. I stop on the bridge to get the opposite view to the one above. The last few feet of creek before it heads into the gorge.
Heading for a Fall Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/8s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200
Most of the trail on the right side of the park is closed. Understandable. Again, disappointing, but I get it. So much for a grand view of the waterfall. I can still convey the power. I have to let go of the “iconic” view and find the image. Finish the story…
The top of the 167′ cascade waterfall. Can you hear the roar?
Going Over Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/10s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200
The Bridge Down Below Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/8s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 200
If you look closely at the second image you can see the pedestrian bridge over the creek below. I typically setup on the right side of that bridge to capture the view of the waterfall. Check out an iconic view when the water isn’t so powerful… Simple Beauty.
I took today off from work. My original plan was to drive to Ithaca and walk a few of the state parks. After my experience at Chittenango Falls I checked out the websites for the parks and found the trails I want to walk are not open yet. There is one park I could visit but I will wait until I can make a day of it.
I’ll still take the day off. I’m betting the views at Pixley Falls are worth a look. I’ll let you know…
Fine. Bellamy Harbor Park should give us plenty of opportunities. It will be like shooting landscapes in a gallery.
It was a calm evening with a few clouds in the sky. I like clouds. The light needs something to play off. I park at the lot next to the Mill Street bridge. Its a favorite location, especially at sunset. My first stop is on the bridge, aiming the camera west into the setting sun.
First Look Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/100s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 200
Not too bad. I like the appearance of a separate flow within the canal. First decision, keep crossing the bridge to get the park from across the canal or back to the park side to shoot down the canal hoping for something with the sun. I choose to stay on the park side of the canal.
Down Low Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/100s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 200
Nice! Notice how the clouds form a pointer toward the sun. I’m also liking the reflection of the light in the calmer waters of the canal. Would this be better if I turn the camera? Let’s try one in portrait…
How about portrait Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/40s, 27mm, f/11, ISO 200
It’s OK. Not the image I was looking to capture. I do like the couple walking along the canal. They add a little to the story. The sun is about to poke below the clouds. Time to get ready for a sunburst. Shooting into the sun can produce challenges. I learned quite a few years ago how to make it work for me.
I switch the camera back to landscape orientation and change from aperture mode to manual mode. Adjust the exposure and wait. First image is straight into the sun. Plenty of flare and spots. No problem. Second image I place my finger over the sun. This removes the flare and spots. I can combine the two in Photoshop to create the image I want.
Sunburst Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/40s, 22mm, f/11, ISO 200
Now it is time to cross the bridge and see what the park looks like from the other side. I like the views of the park from across the canal. Plenty of space under the bridge to see the original park but also the new park across Mill Street.
Setting up low along the canal I can capture a sweeping view of the original Bellamy Park. I wish there wasn’t that big red floating structure in front of the boat house but I cannot complain about the colors or sky. Fantastic!
The Other Side Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/30s, 17mm, f/11, ISO 200
I only have to walk under the bridge to see the new addition to the park. A few years ago the city expanded the park adding a new pavilion. Last year Hamilton College built a facility for the rowing teams. I have yet to watch a race but it is definitely on my list for this year. I also like the view down the canal toward Utica…
Pavilion and Tower Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/20s, 19mm, f/11, ISO 200
Toward the East Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/20s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200
Oh, wow! The sky is changing again. The sun has set and now I’m hoping the color will change as the sun reflects off the clouds. Time to get back across the bridge. The view from the bridge is one I cannot pass up. This is Bellamy Harbor…
Grand View Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/20s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 200
The sky isn’t changing they way I hoped.
Be patient!
You always leave too early. How many times have you kicked yourself as you drive home? Hhhmmm? Too many.
Relax. Take a breath. Enjoy the view.
Oh wow! The lights came on.
Now, this is why you waited…
The One Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 0.3s, 29mm, f/16, ISO 200
Well? Did you get any good images?
A few.
Being out there while the sun was setting was the experience.
It was a beautifully sunny day, although a little on the cool side. Temps only getting up to the low 40’s…
I had spent enough time playing video games. I should get out and move.
Last year the city of Rome extended the paved trail along the Mohawk River. The section they created, I have walked for years but it was a winding dirt path between Chestnut street and Olney’s Flower shop. Now it is an official part of the trail. I intended to walk it last year when it opened, but to be honest I wasn’t that ambitious.
Come with me on my walk…
Let’s Go – Color Olympus Pen-F, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/400s, 16mm, f/8, ISO 200
I’m not happy with the colors after the snow melts and before Spring kicks into high gear. I tried being a little creative with the processing but I knew as I was on the walk I would be processing the images as monochrome. Knowing this does change the way I capture the images. I’m more focused on the shadows and highlights. Let me know how I did.
Let’s Go Olympus Pen-F, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/400s, 16mm, f/8, ISO 200
It is only a couple hundred yards of walking from my apartment to Olney’s Flower Shop. The trail follows Black River Boulevard until it turns toward the river near the car wash. I would call this view the beginning of the trail. To the left of this view is an area that appears will eventually become a rest area. I’m looking forward to see how it turns out.
Old Trail Olympus Pen-F, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/320s, 14mm, f/11, ISO 200
As I approached the river I ended up crossing a part of the old dirt trail I walked for years. In the winter it is a snowmobile path. As you can see, the trail planners didn’t understand the ground water flow. Behind me in this view is a small pond which is obviously filled from water now blocked by the raised trail. Should be interesting to see how the new trail holds up.
The next section of the trail follows the Mohawk River. I like how it turned out. I used to fight the overgrowth to get a look at the river. Now it is much easier to capture the views I want.
Toward the River Olympus Pen-F, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/320s, 14mm, f/11, ISO 200
Mohawk River 1 Olympus Pen-F, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/250s, 14mm, f/11, ISO 200
Looking Back Olympus Pen-F, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/100s, 14mm, f/11, ISO 200
Looking Back Bigger Olympus Pen-F, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/125s, 14mm, f/11, ISO 250
The new section ends at Chestnut Street. Walking under the bridge connects me with the old trail. Over the Mohawk River and then into the familiar section that heads toward Mohawk Valley Community College and eventually ends (usually where I stop) at Culverton Road.
I’m not sure if it was the guilt of sitting on my butt all morning or pride out weighing common sense. I kept walking. According to Google maps the eventual round trip was a little over five miles. I was out walking for almost two hours. It was a good day.
Mohawk River 2 Olympus Pen-F, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/320s, 17mm, f/11, ISO 200
I did find a few foreign visitors after I crossed the bridge. I was far enough away to not startle them as they walked up from the river. I tried asking for a more photogenic pose but they refused my request.
Canadian Friends Olympus Pen-F, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/125s, 42mm, f/11, ISO 200
The next section of the trail is where I typically search for images with my macro lens. There are not a lot of worthy views but once the foliage starts anew, I will have many options. I knew there were a few stops approaching that would be nice landscape monochrome images.
Near MVCC Olympus Pen-F, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/200s, 20mm, f/11, ISO 250
Mohawk River 3 Olympus Pen-F, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/250s, 14mm, f/11, ISO 250
And just like that I was at the end of the line. The trail continues toward the Barge Canal but I typically end my walks here. It was definitely a good place to stop yesterday considering I started walking from my apartment. This view in my head as I walked wasn’t as spectacular as I wanted but it will improve as the leaves return to the trees.
End of the Line Olympus Pen-F, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/640s, 14mm, f/11, ISO 250
The return trip was a little quicker as I did not stop to capture any images. Probably smart to keep moving though as I was beginning to feel the walk in my legs. This needs to be a recurring activity. I need it! LOL
The park was empty. A few clouds on the horizon but they were moving fast toward the East. Slight ripples on the water producing those soothing sounds I like as they met the shore.
Aaahhh! This is what I needed.
The ice has left the lake, the water level has returned to normal and the possibilities for images were plentiful. I couldn’t ask for a better evening. I grabbed a few images from the beach as the sun crossed into the approaching clouds. I walked out toward the point that typically is in the images I capture. I found a few good silhouette reflections with trees that are now in the water.
When I returned to the beach area for the color show after the sun had set I decided to try a few long exposure images. The clouds were moving at a good clip across the sky which could produce an interesting look of movement contrasted with the calm of the smoothed surface of the water.
To achieve the effect I wanted I needed to pull out the ten stop neutral density filter. As luck would have it the clouds were slowing down. I ended with a forty second exposure. I love the movement in the sky.
Moving Through Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 40s, 15mm, f/8, ISO 200
I am fascinated by water. I could watch the waves in the ocean or flowing water in a stream all day long. Even after an image is captured I sit and stare at the results remembering the moving water. I can hear the sounds of the creek this morning. I’m right back out there, playing in the water…
Fleeting Thoughts Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II, 1/8s, 75mm, f/8, ISO 400
The weather did take a turn for the better yesterday. By the middle of the afternoon the temperature was hovering around 70 F. The sun was out and there was only a slight breeze. It was a beautiful day. Of course I chose to ignore the weather alerts popping up on my phone warning me of impending doom from a severe thunderstorm before sunset.
Instead, I played in the creek. The West Canada Creek. The section below Trenton Falls. My favorite playground. It was fantastic!
Morgan’s Mill Dam Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/2s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200
The approaching storm was coming from the west and the drive to my playground was toward the east. I could see the clouds chasing me in my rear view mirror. I had a feeling the conditions would be right for the images I wanted to capture. I hoped I could beat the storm. I was positive it was going to be worth it.
And it was!
I’ve rambled on before about growing up in the “crick” (I have to remind myself to say “creek” as it has always been a “crick” to me). I felt like I was back in the creek running through my Grandpa’s farm. I really wanted to build some rock dams like I did as a kid but I also wanted to create some images. The images won out this time. Next time, maybe the dam building will win…
The water in the West Canada Creek was high and running fast. There were plenty of opportunities to capture the long exposure, water in motion images for my “Slow” series. I was going to have a blast.
Running Fast Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/2s, 16mm, f/11, ISO 200
I worked my way downstream from the bridge stopping at every opening and pointing the lens at the turbulent water. The sun was popping in and out from behind the clouds giving me the contrast I wanted in the water. I exhausted the extent of my access on one side of the creek so I crossed the bridge and worked my way down the opposite side.
I love how the creek looks completely different depending on the position of the sun. On the first side the sun was at my back but now I had the sun in front of me. It totally changes the shadows in the flowing water. Pointing the camera at the same turbulent area results in different looks to the flow.
I probably should issue a warning now to everyone… I found a lot of good images yesterday. My “Slow” series is definitely growing from yesterday’s play time in the crick… 🙂
Obstruction Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II, 1/10s, 124mm, f/8, ISO 400
MLCreations Photography 