Author Archives: Mike

Birds & Blooms

Posted by Mike on

Cooper Creek Park
Columbus Botanical Garden

Beautiful Saturday mornings are not to be wasted. At least that is what I told myself to get moving this morning. I also have to leave on a business trip Monday and will not get a chance to visit my local haunts for almost a week. Plus, we all know I can settle my butt on the couch easy enough so… off I ventured.

First stop was Cooper Creek Park to continue practicing my bird photography. I still have a lot to learn but the attempt is fun. I ran into another photographer and he shared a few more local places for me to explore. Destinations duly noted! Thanks Matt!

Showing Off
Nikon Z6 III, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/320s, 300mm, f/6.3, ISO 500

In a Hurry
Nikon Z6 III, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/320s, 300mm, f/6.3, ISO 200

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

Before I went back home I drove to the botanical garden. Early morning is my time. Generally not many visitors and only a handful of volunteers. Practically had the place to myself… so wonderful.

My Light
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/160s, f/8, ISO 100

Trumpet Tower
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/320s, f/4, ISO 100

Over the Bridge

Posted by Mike on

Callaway Resort & Gardens

The Crossing
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/100s, 32mm, f/8, ISO 100

Bridge View
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/60s, 24mm, f/8, ISO 100

Chasing Greenie

Posted by Mike on

Cooper Creek Park, Columbus, GA

I spent Saturday morning at Cooper Creek Park chasing the water fowl again. I realized I definitely have room to improve with this new bird photography pursuit but the fun is in the attempt. So bare with me as I chase the local birds around the park…

Google Lens informed my this is a Green Heron. I have no basis to argue. I thought he was interesting as the morning sun changed the lighting conditions. I’m still investigating a longer lens as I needed to crop these images a little more than I prefer…

Little One
Nikon Z6 III, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/320s, 300mm, f/6.3, ISO 2500

An Island to Myself
Nikon Z6 III, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/320s, 300mm, f/6.3, ISO 800

You’re in My Spot
Nikon Z6 III, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/250s, 202mm, f/5.6, ISO 220

I’m not a fan of this crop but the top third of the image is a muddy mess and didn’t like looking at it. Compositionally, not my best… 🙂

Only the Lonely
Nikon Z6 III, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/320s, 300mm, f/6.3, ISO 1000

You Light the Darkness

Posted by Mike on

Columbus Botanical Garden

Yes, I know I have it pretty good. I decided to go work early on Friday with the plan of leaving in the early afternoon. The day was shaping up to be beautiful (it did not disappoint) and my plan was to go to the botanical garden. I packed the camera bag so I could drive straight there after work.

I walked through the gate a little before 3pm. Immediately, thoughts of work were washed away. I spent the next hour exploring the corner of ever area. I imagine a sappy smile was plastered on my face the whole time. What a great way to finish the week and start the weekend…

You Light the Darkness
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 140