Bellamy Harbor, Rome, NY
There was a sliver of light in the sky Sunday morning. The forecast didn’t look good for the rest of the day, but I wanted to capture colors. I wanted the sunrise. I drove to Bellamy Harbor in the hope I could capture both.
The light was changing fast as the clouds were fighting the rising sun. I could see it already, my normal view down the canal with the sun providing the color against the gathering clouds. It was going to be a good one.
This time of year the sun rises to the right of the Mill St. bridge as I look east down the Barge Canal. When I arrived at the harbor my first choice was to setup at the water’s edge near the pedestrian bridge over the Mohawk River. I would be looking straight into the sunrise and could include rocks with river debris as foreground elements.
First Choice
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S, 0.8s, 26mm, f/11, ISO 100
Not a terrible image but not the one I had in my head. Time to move to “my spot” next to the water control gates at the opening of the harbor.
Damn.
The city fixed the fence again. Not sure what my thought process is or why I think this way, but I have no issue going around the fence if someone else has made the opening. I refuse to do it myself. It is a small difference but I stick to it.
Now what?
There is still a view to capture. Keep working the area.
Maybe the view looking down the canal framed by tree branches and the over growth? It could work. I’m not a fan of obscuring the sky but at least give it a try. Placement of the camera is important for this one. Too low on the bank and all you get is the over growth. Too high and the branches from the tree invade the harbor view. There it is…
Framed View
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S, 0.8s, 38mm, f/11, ISO 100
Still not the one. The light is changing too. Closer to sunrise. Next option?
An elevated view? Same spot in the harbor as the first image but from the top of the bank. I’ll still be looking into the sunrise. The light will be centered.
Higher View
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S, 0.8s, 29mm, f/11, ISO 100
Almost. Is it getting darker? No, my eyes must be playing a trick on me. Any other thoughts for your sunrise?
Something with out the over growth in the foreground?
Wow! Look at that color. Definitely a view with more water to get the color reflection. From the pedestrian bridge? That could work.
Bridge View
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S, 0.8s, 26mm, f/11, ISO 100
Damn. It’s cold out this morning. Fingers are getting a little numb.
One more. Back to the water’s edge. Look at those colors.
Fire in the Sky
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S, 1/4s, 29mm, f/11, ISO 100
As you can probably tell, the last two images are my favorites. I didn’t know what I would find for an image but I stayed with it. I didn’t get the image in my head but I didn’t walk away. The light was constantly changing providing new and different opportunities..
Looking at the last two images, I wish I had used a neutral density (ND) filter. It would have slowed down my shutter and created smoother, silkier water. It could plus these images or maybe not. The option for me as I processed the captures would have been nice. Next time…
Don’t give up on a scene, especially if an obstacle prevents you from the planned image in your head. Don’t be tied to that vision, create a new one.
MLCreations Photography 
The second to last shot is my favorite – that’s a stunner. There’s something about the composition here that is very pleasing to the eye. For me I think it is the “balance” – the water and the sky, the perfect turn of the river, the trees to either side. Love it! And thanks for sharing your thoughts along the way. Perseverance is a huge part of photography.
Thanks Karma. I almost stopped with the second to last image. After the last one though my hands needed to get warmed up. I went for coffee and breakfast.
I like the last two, too, and was unable to pick one over the other because they’re both beautiful shots. Love the reflection of color on the water. I really appreciate how you shared your process as you went along. Thank you. It’s always interesting to me to hear/read how others think when they’re trying to capture what’s in their head. Persistence pays off. :)
Thanks Robin. I’m not always that persistent but when I am, it generally works in my favor.
It must have been sooooo cold! Do you use lens heater at all? But you’re hand holding, right? I’ve always been amazed that you could hold still enough. I like the last two as well. But I really like #1 too! I think I’ll be using handwarmers, maybe foot warmers too when I go out next. Some of my Milky Way photographer friends have batter operated mittens. :) And vests. And probably more. I’m feeling lazy during this deep freeze, I’m only going out to get the dog to pee.
I have gloves but they are thin so I can still work the buttons on the camera. These images were on a tripod but even that was cold to hold. I was telling myself as I quick walked back to the car… “I need to get better stuff, I hate being cold.”
My Milky Way instructor keeps battery operated warm gloves in her pocket and slides her hands back in her pockets to warm them up as she’s working. Might be worth it. Maybe I’ll investigate. I did buy a lens warmer, and lugged it out a couple miles to a lighthouse last year but forgot to put it on the camera. Sigh.
Appreciate the story of this photo trip, Mike. Nice to see the comparison between the first and last photos. Do you ever use a graduated density filter? I find it extremely useful to darken overly bright skies and bring balance between sky and ground….. 🙂
I have a set of ND filters I use slow down water. If I need to balance the image I’ll use two exposures and blend them.
They’re all gorgeous, but yes, the last two are my favorites, too. Certainly made getting up early, searching for the perfect spot, and freezing your bits off worth it.
As much as I complain, it was a good morning… 🙂