Monthly Archives: June 2026

Morning Ride

Posted by Mike on

Chattahoochee Dragonfly Trails

A few weeks ago I finally finished my normal internal debates and purchased an e-bike. I have been thoroughly enjoying all the trails I explore but there are so many more places I’m interested in seeing and the bike will help me reach them. The first few rides were getting used to the bike and making small tweaks to the seat and handle bar height. I was still waiting for my helmet and didn’t want to venture too far until I had my noggin’ protected.

Saturday morning in addition to checking out the Market Days in Uptown I brought the bike with me so I could venture further on the Dragonfly Trails along the Chattahoochee River. I decided to go north toward the dam as I knew there were a few places to get some pictures from previous walking adventures on that portion of the trail.

I didn’t get very far before the back brakes started making an annoying noise (the calipers were rubbing against the disk… 😦 ). It wasn’t anything serious but the noise really was grating on me. I needed to fix this before going too far. I stopped and grabbed a few images but decided to head back to the car.

I walked around the Market Days before heading back home. I didn’t even want to walk the trail looking for more views, all I could think about was the brake noise. When I got home is was an easy adjustment for me and the noise is now gone. I need to get a small pouch for a few basic tools to be able to make these repairs in the field (on my To Do list!).

The Dam
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/100s, 47mm, f/11, ISO 200

There is a spot along the trail with an overlook spot, maybe it is a fishing spot, but anyway it provides a big sweeping view of the river from the North Highland Dam to the US-80 bridge into Alabama. I liked the framing provided by the trees for the long view of the dam. I also couldn’t pass up the opportunity to grab a set of images for a panoramic view…

The Big View
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/100s, 24mm, f/9, ISO 100
{12 image pano}

As I made my way back to the car, doing my best to ignore the brake noise (not successful!) I stopped at another overlook spot that provided a nice view of the working side of the dam. I can see me exploring this area more in the future…

North Highlands Dam
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/80s, 66mm, f/8, ISO 100

Seeing the Image (or not!)

Posted by Mike on

Columbus Botanical Garden

Yesterday was the beginning of La Calavera Catrina at the botanical garden. This is their summer event (although it runs until early November) highlighting the rich history and iconography of La Catrina. The displays are centered around nine eight foot tall sculptures created by artist Ricardo Soltero on loan from the Denver Botanic Gardens.

The evening before the start of the event the garden hosted a members only First Harvest which allowed us to celebrate the summer bounty from their vegetable garden. There was an assortment of vegetable dishes, samples of various tomatoes and some wonderfully delicious sorbet created at the garden. We also were able to get a first look at the sculptures before their debut to the public.

I had high expectations I was going to create a few interesting images of the sculptures as well as capture candid moments of the event, street photography style (this one was a big wish by me). Although the event was amazing; the food, interacting with a few people and viewing the sculptures, I struggled with capturing interesting images. I will at least show you one image so you can see how beautiful the sculptures look.

La Catrina
Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/200s, f/5.6, ISO 400

My initial attempts were with the small 40mm lens. I felt the size of the lens would reduce the attention my camera would gather and allow me to walk practically unnoticed through the garden. I wasn’t feeling it. After sampling the bounty I switched to my 105mm macro lens in an attempt to isolate my subjects. In the end I fell back into my normal habits and searched out a few floral subjects.

Anticipation
Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/400s, f/5.6, ISO 400

Luckily for me, I will have all summer to explore the gardens and La Calavera Catrina. This will allow me to find those images I desperately wanted during my first evening walking among the sculptures. More to come…

Of the Water

Posted by Mike on

Wordless Wednesday
Columbus Botanical Garden

Floating in My Thoughts
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/320s, f/5.6, ISO 100

My Own Light
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 125

Two Bee or Not

Posted by Mike on

Columbus Botanical Garden

Intense
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/16, ISO 450

Lovin’ Orange Feeling
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/160s, f/5.6, ISO 100

Solstice

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park
Columbus Botanical Garden

Happy Summer Solstice! At 4:24am this morning the astronomical summer began! I looked out the window but I didn’t see any momentous event to mark the occasion… maybe Mother Nature decided to play it cool this year.

We have been experiencing the remnants of tropical storm Arthur. Or, maybe it is only a stretch of rain. Either way, there has been quite a lot of water falling from the sky. I noticed Friday afternoon as I drove home from work that Flat Rock Creek was high. I decided on Saturday morning to go over and see how the “waterfall” was looking and maybe get lucky enough to grab an image or two.

There was a large volume of water flowing down the rocks. I setup at the base of the formation as the sun was beginning to burn through the clouds. Unfortunately, I neglected to bring a lens cloth with me and the spray was coating the front of the filter faster than I could capture my prize. The “haze” in this image is due to the water droplets on the lens.

Volume
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/25s, 24mm, f/8, ISO 200

The image title works on a couple of levels. The sound of the rushing water was as pronounced as the amount of water actually flowing. I attempted a few other views but they didn’t really do it for me. I told myself I would return before sunset but good ol’ Mother Nature had different plans.

I decided after the park that if the weather held I would run over to the botanical garden for some floral macro exploration. I skipped my normal Friday after work visit to the garden and was itchin’ to see what another week has brought for me to capture. I couldn’t pass up one of my favorites…

Luminary
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/1000s, f/3.3, ISO 100

Sentry

Posted by Mike on

Cooper Creek Park

There is always that one person who ignores the group and stands off by themselves…

Sentry
Nikon Z6 III, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/320s, 300mm, f/6.3, ISO 140