Once I finished my new year’s post this morning I went back to my adventure in the video game I am currently playing. I was about to battle the big baddie of the area I’m exploring. Time to gear up and charge in there.
It started off cold this morning and burying myself in the game on this, the last day of my extended holiday/vacation was all I had on my mind. And then it looked really nice outside. The weather app was telling me it was 60F with barely any breeze and a bright blue sky. OK. Is the botanical garden open? No! Dang it! There is always the park.
I didn’t think about it because as I drove into the park I was floored by the number of people.
Don’t panic! You can work with this.
But… people!
They are less interested in you then you are in them…
…people…
It will be alright.
I had no plan for what I wanted to photograph. All I wanted to do was go for a walk and if I find a subject for the camera, it will be a bonus. I put the 105mm macro lens on the camera and headed out.
My other self was right. The people were not a hinderance. I chose to walk the trails winding through the woods rather than the road that circles the park. The park has a lot of mountain bike trails and to my delight a lot of paths to walk. Who knew?
What was churning in my head as I walked… see the little things, look for textures and patterns. But most importantly, be open to everything. There are subjects for you in every direction, be open to seeing them.
I was having a great time. It was a beautiful day and my path through the woods allowed me to bypass the “crowds”. And then I found it…
Carefree Days Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/640s, f/2.8, ISO 100
Welcome to 2026. May the new year bring you fresh goals, steady focus and the momentum to make your ambitions real. Wishing you small joys, big laughs and unexpected delights.
I must confess, I started to write this post last night before the new year arrived. I was full of thoughts but no clear vision for what I wanted to say. I was stuck on trying to be clever and I couldn’t coalesce the mess into a post. I sat at the keyboard writing, deleting, and re-writing until eventually I trashed the post. I went back to my video game and let the thoughts simmer.
I had a good year. Photographically, it was a roller coaster ride. The middle months were inspiration free and I barely picked up the camera. But as the end of the year approached I found rejuvenation through my macro lens. I joined the Columbus Botanical Garden and found joy in exploring the gardens. A new gallery for the website was created as a result of a fascination when the flowers have moved past their prime. See Faded Glory.
Still not sure where I want to go with this… pressing on.
Early in the year I was happy to explore Flat Rock Park after the rains. The small waterfall area (a bit of a stretch, but we’ll go with it) was giving me NY state park vibes and for a few days I climbed all over this area. In the end I was able to capture an early favorite.
Water Slide Plus Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.5s, 28mm, f/16, ISO 100
In February I made my pilgrimage to Walt Disney World. I won’t repeat the thoughts I posted a few weeks ago. I can say the trip did help me with my photography though. There are quite a few images I like from that trip but what sticks with me now are three posts about light and finding inspiration.
Spring brought me the flowers. I visited Callaway Gardens numerous times in the pursuit of the azaleas. I also discovered the tulips. My timing wasn’t the best and I did miss the peak for both areas. One of my favorites is again a couple flowers past their prime.
Together Forever Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/640s, f/5.6, ISO 400
One of my favorite areas around me is a small development called Old Town. You can buy a parcel and have your dream house built, or there are apartments and townhouses available. One of my most frequented restaurants is in this development. One evening on my way to dinner I brought my camera and explored the small park in Old Town. I finally found my azalea image as well as one of my favorite pics converted to art.
Glow Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/400s, 70mm, f/8, ISO 200
Simply Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/1250s, f/5.6, ISO 200
I barely picked up the camera for three months in the middle of the year. I’m not sure why and honestly can’t remember what I did instead of photography (although, my bet would be on video games). When I did pick the camera back up it was with gusto!
I was visiting the botanical garden once or twice a week. Some of the visits were for only an hour but it was good to explore, get out of the apartment and find the inspiration to create. I was extremely excite to find the water lilies. A good portion of one visit was focused on them but I think it paid off…
Lily of the Water Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/640s, f/6.3, ISO 100
I’m losing the mojo… this post is feeling forced. What is up with me? Previous years this type of review post was easy, although looking back, a little formulaic.
Let’s get the favorites out of the way…
You Had Me At Hello Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/1000s, f/3.5, ISO 100
They Light the Night Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 1800
Yep, running out of steam. I’m going to end this here, incomplete as it is. Definitely not the post I was looking to create, but then again, I’m not sure what I wanted to create.
Closing with a few of the books I’m planning on reading (emphasis on planning).
The Soul of the Camera – David duChemin
Visual Poetry – Chris Orwig
The Minimalist Photographer – Steve Johnson (re-read)
Capturing Light – Michael Freeman
The Evocative Image and Square – Andrew S. Gibson (re-read)
And then there are the projects (he says loosely)…
Squared
In The Yard
The Little Things
Floral macros
Butterflies
Minimalism/Abstract
I would like to thank everyone for their continued support. Your comments and encouragement are always welcomed and appreciated. I value the friendships I have developed with a lot of my regular readers. Although we have not met in person, your presence in my life brings me a lot of joy. Thanks!
MLCreations Photography 