Monthly Archives: June 2026

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

Into the Light

Posted by Mike on

Wordless Wednesday
Columbus Botanical Garden

Into the Light
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/60s, f/5, ISO 100

Haunting Memories

Posted by Mike on

Haiku
Squared – SQ220
Columbus Botanical Gardens

Haunting Memories

Shadows pass beneath,
Cherished thoughts held deep within
Haunting memories.

Haunting Memories
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 100

Uniquely Me

Posted by Mike on

The LIttle Things – TLT022
Columbus Botanical Garden

Again?

Yes.

You’re not getting tired of this place?

No.

Ugh, wake me up when you’re done.

You’re going to miss it all.

Been there, done that. Don’t forget to wake me.

I’ll probably leave you there so you can see what I see.

Not likely…

You’ll be sorry.

Zzzzz!

It is Friday afternoon, the work week shrinking away in the rearview mirror as I head to the botanical garden. I waited until late in the afternoon to visit my floral sanctum. It was hot out, but I knew there would be plenty of shade if I needed it. I wanted to see the gardens once again through my macro lens. Always a wonderful time…

I’m enjoying these extended Friday hours. Although, using the normal hours as an excuse to leave work early was nice, not having to rush over is better. It doesn’t hurt that not a lot of people show up for the extended hours, so I have the place practically to myself. Time for my walk-about.

I tell myself to look for the little things, but in reality I’m letting the them find me. The little things have a way of jumping out and catching my eye. Either the color or the light will stop me as I walk. The camera is coming up as I crouch down to get a closer look at what needed my attention. Hey there, let me show you off to everyone…

I was asked the other day how I decide a title for each image. Sometimes, the title is in my head as I’m capturing the image. Other times, the title is an extension of how the image makes me feel or how I felt when I saw the subject. How each person “sees” my images is different, colored by the lens of their experiences. I believe the title I give each enhances how they are viewed, or maybe they are simply words with meaning only to me.

Embrace Your Unique Light by Nora Sterling

In the realm of comparison, a poem I share,
A tale of emotions that many may bear.
When compared to another, we often feel small,
Inadequate, lesser, not measuring up at all.

But let me remind you, dear soul, it's not fair,
To judge your worth based on another's affair.
Each one is unique, with a story untold,
A journey of growth, both precious and bold.

Comparison breeds envy, steals joy away,
Drowns us in sorrow, day after day.
Remember, my friend, you're a masterpiece true,
No need to compete or try to outdo.

Embrace your own path, your strengths, and your light,
For in being yourself, you shine ever so bright.
You are enough, just as you are,
A shining star, no matter how far.

So let go of comparisons, break free from that chain,
Embrace your uniqueness, and let your true self reign.
For in celebrating others, without envy or strife,
We discover the beauty in each of our lives.

Uniquely Me
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/60s, f/8, ISO 100

My Time to Soar

Posted by Mike on

Chattahoochee Riverwalk

I mentioned on an earlier post that during my Saturday morning adventure I stopped at Waveshaper Island on the Chattahoochee Riverwalk trail. The Great Blue Herons were very active that morning and I had a glorious time following them with the camera. Besides getting a few great close-ups I had the opportunity to practice my action shots.

I’ve been a little busy this week after work each day (honestly, how busy can I be? I should have written I’ve been engrossed in the book I’m reading). So, I haven’t made the time to process the wildlife images from the weekend, although I am quite happy with this one. This heron was zooming back and forth across the river. I was getting the opportunity to test out the autofocus system on the camera, my panning skill and in the moment compositions.

Finally, an in-flight image where I’m not holding the shutter down as they fly away from me! 🙂

My Time to Soar
Nikon Z6 III, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/2000s, 300mm, f/6.3, ISO 800