Yes, yes, I know. I’m pushing the concept of a silhouette. But, this is very silhouette like, so I’m throwing it out there today… 🙂
Good eye! This is the same tree and table from an earlier post. I couldn’t resist the sun peeking around the tree, the light on the grass and the highlighted edges of the table. What can I say, the scene screamed click the shutter now!
Peeking Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/100s, f/11, ISO 100
My walk at Flat Rock Park on Sunday brought me an unexpected surprise. I didn’t anticipate the recent rains would have created enough water flowing down the rocks for a waterfall. I had the 28mm lens on the camera and the tripod was back in the car but by decreasing the aperture to f/16 I was able to get a 1/15th shutter speed. Not quite the silky smooth look I prefer but I’m not going to complain. I spent most of my time in this area exploring all the possibilities. How could I refuse the one with a reflection as well…
Unexpected Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/15s, f/16, ISO 100
When the fat finger keeps hitting the shutter release
Typically, I throw these away once I import the files to the computer. There is an idea floating on the outskirts of my mind which is probably why I didn’t trash these pics. We’ll see what happens…
Potential Imagined Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/8, ISO 180
It is the second Sunday of the new year, so I’m not too far behind getting this posted. I have droned on about themes in a few posts recently and have called out the associated theme a couple of times already. Today is the day for me to list the themes I enjoyed years ago and plan to use as motivation this year.
AbstractMonday
LeadingLinesMonday
MacroMonday
MonochromeMonday
BokehTuesday
GrassTuesday
TreeTuesday
BridgeWednesday
WetWednesday
WildlifeWednesday
InMotionThursday
LongExposureThursday
StairsThursday
BuggyFriday
FloralFriday
FarmFriday
SilhouetteSaturday
SongbirdSaturday
SunsetSaturday
SunriseSunday
DoorSunday
SignSunday
Again, these have been shamelessly “borrowed” from Google+, don’t give me credit for this creativity. Play along if you find one or two that interests you. It appears some of these themes are still being used here on WP. In the reader you can search for a theme to find others already playing.
Well, the sun is almost up so I need to get out and start exploring…
I was sitting at my desk after uploading yesterday’s post, my mind floating within the possibilities for the day, when it hit me… If I go to work now, I could leave early and visit the botanical garden. That started a flurry of activity. Brush the teeth, get dressed, pack a lunch, pack the camera bag and out the door I flew.
It wasn’t going to be a great weather day but with rain in the forecast for Saturday and temperatures dropping on Sunday I didn’t want to waste even a slim chance for a few pics. I’m not going to lie, focus all day was not top notch. More than once I thought of using a few hours of personal time but I pushed on and walked out the door at 2:30pm. I even managed to finish a couple of task before leaving. 🙂
I walked through the garden gate at 3pm. There was a lot of the Shine event still visible. From what I could tell they were working from one end of the property toward the other. No problem, it wasn’t going to be in my way. The lady at the gate let me know the Camellias were blooming and to be sure not to miss them.
Well, the first image isn’t a Camellia but hot damn! Yep! Good decision for today…
Love on the Edge Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/200s, f/3.3, ISO 100
Oh yeah, not everything was in bloom but there was color everywhere. I froze for a moment not sure which direction to go in first. Out of the corner of my eye I spied a wooden bench swing and a trail off the paved path. To the right we go.
Not every attempt was successful. I don’t think I came home with a Camellia image I’m happy with but that gives me a reason to return (like I need one… LOL). The bench swing attempts (several different swings) didn’t do it for me, but I did find a bench where someone left a Camellia blossom on the arm. You already know I can’t pass up a bench.
Contemplation Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/3.2, ISO 100
Nestled among the trees and plants, off the normal path, this looked like a good place to sit and let the cares of the day melt away. I wanted to, but I was on the clock. The garden closes at 4pm and I had more to see.
I switched lenses to the Lensbaby Velvet 85mm. I used this lens trying to be creative with a few of the Camellias. I need more practice, both in getting the focus I want as well as interesting compositions. I did find this little one.
Feel My Light Nikon Z f, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/60s, f/4, ISO 100
Eventually, I worked my way back to the fountain. It is a central feature of the Camellia Bowl garden. The snowflake lights from the Christmas event still hang throughout the garden giving the fountain an ethereal vibe. The properties of the lens also contribute to the effect. This is almost the same view as my Community image on the Shine post.
Stars in My Eyes Nikon Z f, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/125s, f/2.8, ISO 100
Park closing time was approaching fast. I wanted to explore the gardens around the farm house before I called it a day. I switched back to the 105mm macro lens since I was frustrated with the Lensbaby. I basically had the garden to myself and the walk back along the trail helped to improve my mood.
As I expected, not a lot of subjects around the farm house. I could see in a few weeks, maybe a month, this area will be popping again. I need to get my act together and figure out how to use the 85mm lens. I did manage to find a couple of interesting views with my normal macro…
Party Time Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/3.3, ISO 100
Alien World Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/160s, f/3.8, ISO 100
As I was heading out, I met one of the employees. I wish I had asked his name. Anyway, he is a photographer too. He asked if I got any good pics and wanted to know what I was using. We talked about macros and he mentioned his setup includes a multi-light rig. He said it allowed more control over a ring light. I would agree and it would depend on the subject but for now I’ll stick with my ring light.
I will say, every interaction with the people at the garden makes me feel good. They are all so nice and I’m very happy with being a member. I’m looking forward to what the garden will do this year…
MLCreations Photography 