When my daughter and I were walking through Flat Rock Park we ventured off road. Probably because something caught my eye and off I went in pursuit of the shiny. She had no choice but to follow (bwah ha ha). After the first image, I needed to collect the set (colors). I’m thinking there could be more of these pics… at least in my head. We’ll see what happens. No promises, y’all know how bad I am at follow through… 🙂
Blue 14 Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/800s, f/2.8, ISO 200
Red 14 Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/500s, f/2.8, ISO 200
White 15 Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/800s, f/5.6, ISO 200
Reflecting on these now I wish I had captured all three from the same hole. This proves I’m still rushing through the process. I get a thought or idea, run with it, but in my rush I don’t fully think of what I want to show. Oh well, next time.
P.S., I’ve spent some time trying to collect my thoughts for an end of the year post. I’m still processing the tangled mess of ideas swirling within my head. I’m also fighting the rabbit hole I usually fall into when I review what I have done previous years, which isn’t helping the process. Or, maybe it is, hard to tell once all the thoughts start fighting for attention.
In the early afternoon I was contemplating being more active.
What is this?
Huh?
Where are you going with this? And seriously, contemplating? You were barely rubbing two thoughts together much less contemplating.
I’m writing?
Are you sure?
Yes… well, maybe?
If you’re unsure, imagine what your reader is thinking.
Huh?
Wow, you’re a smart one, aren’t you?
Hey!
Just commenting on your monosyllabic responses…
Just Dandy Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/1000s, f/2.8, ISO 200
My daughter works the first weekend shift, which is Friday thru Sunday, 7am to 7pm. I’m not sure I could do the twelve hour shift but the plus side is your weekend is four days long. I gave her a call after lunch to see how she was doing since she had spent the holiday with her mom. She was getting ready to go for a walk around her apartment complex.
Seeing how I told myself I was going to be more active, I asked if she wanted to go for a walk around Flat Rock Park. We are both about five minutes from the park (opposite directions) and agreed to meet in ten minutes. It was a sunny day but the temps were starting to cool off. Still, a walk would be good. A chance to chat and selfishly, I could play with the new lens.
Don’t worry, it works for her too. She gets to play the Pokemon Go on her phone. Apparently, there are a lot of opportunities to catch them all at the park. So, a win-win for us.
The new lens is a little challenging. I’m up to it though. I like the results when I get it right. I guess I’ll have to go for more walks to practice. That isn’t a bad thing. I missed these three amigos while we were walking. My daughter stopped to investigate and then pointed them out to me. See, you got the credit you wanted… 😉
Three Amigos Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/160s, f/5.6, ISO 200
I have a few more images from the walk I am playing with, hopefully the vision will come together so I can share them with you. If not, well, the park is only five minutes away…
I probably should have avoided the web during the holiday sale season. As I looked more into photographer Anne Belmont (see To Aspire post), I found she had a discount code at Lensbaby. Combine that with a sale and I end up buying a lens. Now I am really looking forward to Spring and the possibilities for my floral macros.
I went with the Velvet 85mm lens. On the website it is listed as a portrait lens (which is what an 85mm lens is typically used for) but after seeing the images this lens can produce as a macro lens, I’m excited. It arrived on Saturday, late in the day, but I quickly attached it to my camera and ran outside. The little flower by my patio was still there, and even though I was losing the light I captured this image.
Velvety Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/60s, f/5.6, ISO 1600
The lens is manual focus, which is OK with me, I won’t be in any hurry with my macros. It will force me to slow down, but that will help me to be more deliberate with my images. I still have most of this week off from work and I’m seriously considering a drive up to Atlanta to visit the botanical garden. I’m pretty sure they have buildings to explore…
Due to the holidays and lingering vacation days I needed to use by the end of the year, I have been off work since December 19th. I will not be back to work until January 2nd. After a week of being totally lazy, I thought it was time to go for a walk. It had nothing to do with the amount of food consumption over the holiday… I swear! 😉
Typically, midday light is considered harsh light and not preferred for photography. It really depends on the subject and objective. If your compositions include shadows (which help provide depth) the midday light can produce wonderful images. It is more about the photographer understanding the light.
This time I was going to walk the road that meanders through the park. The round trip is two miles, which I sorely need (I don’t move enough). The road is one way, going clockwise from the entrance. Most people walk in that direction, which really confuses me. I walked counter-clockwise so I could see the cars coming at me.
Come on, this way!
Take a Look, Swap a Book Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/60s, f/1.8, ISO 100
I’m always curious if these book swap boxes get used much. I didn’t open it to see what my options would be for a book. I have enough of my own I need to still read. Maybe I should bring a few over and contribute to the swap.
Stone Bridge Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/160s, f/8, ISO 100
If you can’t tell, I’m fascinated by this stone bridge. It was one of the first photographs I captured at the park when I moved to Georgia. I missed my opportunity for another autumn pic with the bridge but I do like this view. I will need to capture another one once we see more green in the spring.
Yellow Reflected Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/1250s, f/2.8, ISO 100
Another object I’m fascinated with at this park. I’m sure frequent readers are getting tired of seeing this one. Still, the yellow reflected in the water with the blue sky and green pines is pretty cool, right?
Holiday Styling Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/1000s, f/1.8, ISO 100
OK, this one was giving me a Charlie Brown Christmas vibe. You can’t pass by this and not capture an image. I thought about replacing the one red bulb that had fallen but it kind of makes a statement, so I left it. The background is very busy, I went with a shallow depth of field in an attempt to help highlight the subject.
Meander Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/125s, f/8, ISO 100
This one shows how to use the light to my advantage. The sun is coming in high from the left. Plenty of shadows on the trees to give the image definition. The road leads the eye toward the brighter trees in the distance. You probably wouldn’t guess this was captured in the middle of the day.
Time to Cook? Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/1600s, f/2.8, ISO 100
I keep feeling like there is image I want to create with these different sites throughout the park. Picnic tables and places to cook. A little sad that they appear to be neglected and rarely used. I do like the stone work though…
Stairs Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/400s, f/8, ISO 100
G10 Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/500s, f/8, ISO 100
Behind the G10 site is a group of trees that I keep trying to capture. The trees are lifeless but the bare trunks attract my attention every visit. This time, I put in the effort to capture an image of what I’m seeing. I believe this one shows it best…
Texture Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/4000s, f/1.8, ISO 100
We are just about back to where we parked the car. Sitting on the edge of the rocks in an area that feels like an amphitheater I liked the defiance of this tree. No one is telling it it shouldn’t trying growing among the rocks.
Defiance Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/250s, f/8, ISO 100
It felt good to use the old leg muscles. Typically, I drive the car and park in the various locations, partly due to time constraint but that is only an excuse. From now on I need to park once and walk more. You are welcomed to join anytime.
Looking through my images for a post for Christmas, I couldn’t help but come back to this post from 2020. I might be in a weird place with Disney right now, but I can’t deny they do a nice job with the holiday.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!
Christmas Day Train Station, Magic Kingdom
Holiday SSE Epcot, Walt Disney World
Holiday Earth World Showcase, Epcot, Walt Disney World
American Adventure Christmas American Pavilion, Epcot
¡Feliz Navidad! Mexico Pavilion, Epcot
God Jul! Norway Pavilion, Epcot
Pere Noel France Pavilion, Epcot
Father Christmas United Kingdom, Epcot, Walt Disney World
Poinsettia Mickey Spaceship Earth, Epcot, Walt Disney World
Poinsettia Earth Future World, Epcot, Walt Disney World
Last night my daughter and I visited the Columbus Botanical Garden for this year’s holiday event, Shine. I have been looking forward to this since the Halloween decorations were removed and the garden started preparing for the end of the year holidays. Between our work schedules and the weather, last night was the best opportunity to visit (although, I might go back tonight… we’ll see). You can learn more about the event on the garden’s website – Shine.
Light Up the Garden Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 3600
It is a warm night, no breeze with a hint of pine wafting through the air. I think I can even smell the smore’s being roasted over campfires by kids and adults alike. We’ll start here, below the rose garden, for our walk through Shine. Don’t worry, all the paths are lit and the walking is easy. Come on, follow me…
To the Fun Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 1100
We a drawn by the dancing lights and the activity at the top of the path. There is so much to see and soak up. I’m not sure where to point the camera first. I start clicking the shutter before I settle down and look for images I want to create. The story I want to tell.
We get to the center garden, full of native Georgia perennials, and I realize I’m a little too tall for the light trellises. It doesn’t stop me, of course, but now I have to divide my attention between the camera and not getting my head tangled in the lights… 🙂
Enter the Lights Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 720
Working our way through the garden we emerge on the other side to find a complete light tunnel up to the top of the garden. The little kids in us have to go through the tunnel. Who wouldn’t? Tonight is about letting the little kid out to play (let’s be honest, I always do that). It is a little challenging for me as the path is a two-way avenue, and I’m left to hunch even more to make way way around the oncoming families.
Which Path to Follow Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 700
The adventure through the tunnel is worth it. The reward at the end is a giant Ferris wheel (not rideable), Santa and the campfires for smore’s. There is a tent with a stage for a small play that happens twice a night (we missed both performances). I really like Santa in his sleigh with the reindeer, I only wish the giant sign wasn’t behind them… oh, well.
Santa! Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 10000
Xmas Trees Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 140
We work our way back through the garden so we can enter the wooded trail that leads to the Camellia garden. The trail is decorated for the Walk of Stars which features suspended Moravian stars dedicated to loved ones. I’m especially excited to see the Camellia garden and how it has been decorated.
Walk of Stars Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 450
They Light the Night Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 1800
The stars are beautiful, the atmosphere reverent. We walk in silence.
We make our way to the start of the camellia garden, it is a section named the Camellia Bowl. It features a wonderful trellis with a suspended bell. All has been decorated with lights that provide the perfect illumination. More than one individual stops to ring the bell, the sound echoing through the woods.
Camellia Bowl Bell Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 3600
Ring the Bell Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/60s, f/1.8, ISO 3200
The Camellia Garden is decorated with hanging stars, lighted paths and benches. In the middle of the woods it is a wonderful holiday oasis. We start along the path to the fountain. The area is busy but not terribly crowded. I’m able to get a few good images. After a few people filled attempts my luck turns and the fountain is empty. I take a breath, remember to slow down even through the excitement, and focus…
Camellia Garden Fountain Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 2200
We walk along the meander paths until my daughter spies a refreshment tent. She can’t resist the hot chocolate. As she goes off the get her holiday elixir I wander around until I find a bench I can’t resist. It wouldn’t be a walk through a garden if I didn’t stop and capture an image of a bench.
Take a Break Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/60s, f/1.8, ISO 11400
The hot chocolate is, well, hot. We decide to pause our walk and sit on one of those wonderful benches to allow it to cool. As luck would have it, the bench is near the fountain. I’m not one to do “street photography”, but I can’t resist this scene. The word that comes to mind as we sit there and observe the families, is community.
Community Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/60s, f/1.8, ISO 1250
The event is getting crowded. It is becoming more difficult for me to capture any additional images. We have seen all there is to see. I guess it is time to go.
I hope you enjoyed our walk through Shine. Today is the last day of the event. I’m on the fence as to if I will go again tonight. It is supposed to be another beautiful evening. I’ll let you know what I decide… if I go, you are free to join me.
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