Author Archives: Mike

We Interrupt This Broadcast

Posted by Mike on

Mike’s Ego

And by we, I mean me.

Can I call this a public service announcement? Probably not. Self serving ego-inflation? More appropriate.

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted via IG messaging by someone at the Oneida County Tourism department. When I lived in NY, it was in Oneida county. This person had seen one of my images of Bellamy Harbor and asked if I would be interested in submitting a few images to their Erie Canal photo contest (Capture the Canal). Of course I did!

I was contacted this week and informed that one of my images was select for second place in the contest.

Woo hoo!

It has been difficult to not topple over due to the inflation of my ego. I’ll be the first to admit it has boosted my interest in photography (which has been on and off of late). Before we go too much further, let me share the selected image…

Reflecting Bellamy 2
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 2s, 56mm, f/11, ISO 100

Of the images I submitted, it is of my favorite view of the harbor, so I feel it is a fitting selection. The person at the tourism department even asked if I had additional images of Oneida county I would be willing to share. So, I sent off a few more for use on their social media sites. I’m curious when/if I’ll be able to see them online.

Back in 2017, I submitted a few images to a photo contest for the Rome Canal Fest. I didn’t win the popular vote back then but I did snag a chairman’s choice ribbon for one of my pics. I should probably state that I don’t create images for others, but every once in a while, recognition (even the comments posted here) really do boost my confidence. Oh yeah, the chairman’s choice image I mentioned…

Erie Barge Olympus OM-D E-M10, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R, 1/80s, 14mm, f/7.1, ISO 200

OK… ego trip is complete…

Psst, buddy… over here

Posted by Mike on

Frontierland, Magic Kingdom,
Walt Disney World

Psst, buddy… over here
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/8, ISO 100

Make an Impression

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park

Uh!

What?

Feeling a little redundant.

Why?

Another image of the water at the park. Viewers are probably getting tired of these same ol’ scenes.

Do you like it?

Yes.

Then go for it.

Make an Impression
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.4s, 37mm, f/11, ISO 100

Oops… and a couple more

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park

It didn’t start off as the best day. Well, I had to go to work for one, but that isn’t what I meant. Weather was iffy. Until the sun works it way back to rising at a proper time being in the dark an extra hour in the morning is not ideal. But, the day turned it around by the time I decided to get off the couch.

It would have been easy to remain on my butt after dinner. I’m glad I didn’t.

As I’m sure you have figured out, I went to Flat Rock Park. Although it was a beautiful evening, the cooler temps, or maybe because it was a Monday, kept most people away. I had the area around the waterfall basically to myself. I explored…

I don’t remember this image happening. I assume it was during a switch from landscape to portrait orientation on the tripod. It was a nice surprise when I loaded the images into Lightroom. This is the first one I processed last night. I’m really liking it and I am thinking I need to create a few more like this…

Oops
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/8s, 28mm, f/11, ISO 100

I moved further upstream then I have explored before and was rewarded with this view. Yes, these are the same set of trees I have been including in most images at the park. They are such camera hogs, practically begging to be photographed.

Picturesque
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.5s, 30mm, f/16, ISO 100

What trip to the park would be complete without some flowing water. I’ll admit the recent rains helped, but the light on the trees (yes, those trees) is what really jumped out at me. Come on, admit it, you would have captured this view too… right?

Striking
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1s, 44mm, f/16, ISO 100

I suppose I should get ready for work. I know, I would rather be out with the camera too, but I do like my toys.

Later…

Market or Sweets

Posted by Mike on

Silent Sunday
Asia, Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Market or Sweets
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.5s, 24mm, f/8, ISO 6400

Flight Night

Posted by Mike on

Asia, Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Back in January, as my Disney trip was approaching, I received an email about park hours changing at the Animal Kingdom. I got very excited as this change was an extension of the park closing. Rather than close before sunset, the park was staying open well past. I quickly re-arrange my plans in order to visit the park on one of those nights. The park is magical when it is lit up at night and I didn’t want this opportunity to escape me.

As I was running around trying to capture all the views I had in my head I was stopped by this scene…

Flight Night
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/20s, 24mm, f/5.6, ISO 8000

It wasn’t on my list but damn… luckily, there were few people in this area of the park and I was able to get an unobstructed view. I have more night scenes to process from the Animal Kingdom so I’ll warn everyone now. 🙂