Behind the Scene – Carefree Days

Posted by Mike on

Behind the Scene – BTS01

I’ve been doing more thinking than I normally do. WTH?

It is so bad that I have been writing things down. Who am I?

I’m not a reflective person, nor am I a person who looks very far down the road.

But, I have been enjoying my photography these past few months. During the summer of neglect I was unsure if I would continue this journey. I now understand a contributing factor to my recent enjoyment are the interactions I have with my online friends. I need to put in the work because I know I tend to go silent at times. I’m trying to be better…

A few ideas have been bouncing around in this empty head of mine. I’m hoping I can find a way to bring them to these pages in a way that everyone will enjoy. The first one is this Behind the Scene idea. A few comments on recent posts got me thinking an understanding of what I went through to create the image would be something interesting. Hence, a peek behind the curtain and sorry to say, into the jumbled mess of my mind.

So, let’s get this party started with a recent image, Carefree Days from Flat Rock Park. As soon as I spotted the swing hanging from the tree, I knew that it would be the image of the day. In my excitement I jumped right in photographing it and didn’t spend the time working the scene. My first image looked like this…

Carefree First

What do you see? A tree, right? But the swing is my subject. So what did I do? I only had my 105mm prime lens on the camera, so I needed to zoom with my feet. Yes, I could have cropped the image later as I processed it but I generally try to get the image as best I can with the camera.

Few steps closer. Same sight line. You get this…

Carefree Second

A slight improvement. I removed the clutter at the top of the image but the tree is more prominent than the swing. Still not what I want. Also, what do you see behind the swing? Yes, that’s right, more clutter.

I need to change my view in an attempt to remove as much of the distractions as I can. The other factor working against me is my focal length. The 105mm is working hard to compress the view. Even though my aperture is wide open at f/2.8, I’m not getting much blur in the background due to the optics. The distance between the background and the swing is less than the distance between me and swing.

I’m not going to be able to make the background disappear but by choosing a consistent grouping of brush I can help the swing stand out. Stepping a little closer and moving to my left, I find the best view available. This is the image…

Carefree Third

I’m happy. I’m also thinking I should come back for another attempt with the 24-70mm lens, but for now I can continue the walk. But I’m distracted because thoughts of how I want to process the image are already running through my mind. I was aware of my surroundings enough not fall as I zombie walked back to the car.

These three images are straight out of the camera. Now the camera images are in a 2 x 3 format which is not my favorite. I tend to use 5 x 7, 4 x 5 or the radical 1 x 1 formats. This is a tall image so my first adjustment is to crop to the 5 x 7 format. It helps me remove a little more of the clutter at the top and bottom of the original. I’m basically removing anything that doesn’t help me tell the story.

The last big adjustment I made was to convert the image to B&W. That allowed me to hide the small patches of green in the foreground and background. Plus, as you all know by now, I love me a monochrome image. And, so you do not have to go look at the other post, the finished image…

Carefree Days
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/640s, f/2.8, ISO 100

My hope is that you will find this interesting, maybe helpful and at the very least entertaining. Please let me know in the comments. As for the other ideas swirling around in my head, they should find their way to the blog soon. I know, I’m excited too…

Everyone Needs a Dream

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

My walk at the park on the first of the year started off a little slow. I wasn’t “feeling it” and I had to get out of my head. I didn’t want to bring any expectations with me as I walked. All I was hoping to do was let myself see the little things around me. Then I found this little guy and smiled. Now I knew it was going to be a good walk…

Everyone Needs a Dream
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/1000s, f/2.8, ISO 100

Carefree Days

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

Once I finished my new year’s post this morning I went back to my adventure in the video game I am currently playing. I was about to battle the big baddie of the area I’m exploring. Time to gear up and charge in there.

It started off cold this morning and burying myself in the game on this, the last day of my extended holiday/vacation was all I had on my mind. And then it looked really nice outside. The weather app was telling me it was 60F with barely any breeze and a bright blue sky. OK. Is the botanical garden open? No! Dang it! There is always the park.

I didn’t think about it because as I drove into the park I was floored by the number of people.

Don’t panic! You can work with this.

But… people!

They are less interested in you then you are in them…

…people…

It will be alright.

I had no plan for what I wanted to photograph. All I wanted to do was go for a walk and if I find a subject for the camera, it will be a bonus. I put the 105mm macro lens on the camera and headed out.

My other self was right. The people were not a hinderance. I chose to walk the trails winding through the woods rather than the road that circles the park. The park has a lot of mountain bike trails and to my delight a lot of paths to walk. Who knew?

What was churning in my head as I walked… see the little things, look for textures and patterns. But most importantly, be open to everything. There are subjects for you in every direction, be open to seeing them.

I was having a great time. It was a beautiful day and my path through the woods allowed me to bypass the “crowds”. And then I found it…

Carefree Days
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/640s, f/2.8, ISO 100

Happy New Year

Posted by Mike on

Thoughts and Ramblings of a Chaotic Mind

Welcome to 2026. May the new year bring you fresh goals, steady focus and the momentum to make your ambitions real. Wishing you small joys, big laughs and unexpected delights.

I must confess, I started to write this post last night before the new year arrived. I was full of thoughts but no clear vision for what I wanted to say. I was stuck on trying to be clever and I couldn’t coalesce the mess into a post. I sat at the keyboard writing, deleting, and re-writing until eventually I trashed the post. I went back to my video game and let the thoughts simmer.

I had a good year. Photographically, it was a roller coaster ride. The middle months were inspiration free and I barely picked up the camera. But as the end of the year approached I found rejuvenation through my macro lens. I joined the Columbus Botanical Garden and found joy in exploring the gardens. A new gallery for the website was created as a result of a fascination when the flowers have moved past their prime. See Faded Glory.

Still not sure where I want to go with this… pressing on.

Early in the year I was happy to explore Flat Rock Park after the rains. The small waterfall area (a bit of a stretch, but we’ll go with it) was giving me NY state park vibes and for a few days I climbed all over this area. In the end I was able to capture an early favorite.

Water Slide Plus
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.5s, 28mm, f/16, ISO 100

In February I made my pilgrimage to Walt Disney World. I won’t repeat the thoughts I posted a few weeks ago. I can say the trip did help me with my photography though. There are quite a few images I like from that trip but what sticks with me now are three posts about light and finding inspiration.

It’s About the Light

Opaque Morning

Morning Walk

Spring brought me the flowers. I visited Callaway Gardens numerous times in the pursuit of the azaleas. I also discovered the tulips. My timing wasn’t the best and I did miss the peak for both areas. One of my favorites is again a couple flowers past their prime.

Together Forever
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/640s, f/5.6, ISO 400

One of my favorite areas around me is a small development called Old Town. You can buy a parcel and have your dream house built, or there are apartments and townhouses available. One of my most frequented restaurants is in this development. One evening on my way to dinner I brought my camera and explored the small park in Old Town. I finally found my azalea image as well as one of my favorite pics converted to art.

Glow
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/400s, 70mm, f/8, ISO 200

Simply
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/1250s, f/5.6, ISO 200

I barely picked up the camera for three months in the middle of the year. I’m not sure why and honestly can’t remember what I did instead of photography (although, my bet would be on video games). When I did pick the camera back up it was with gusto!

I was visiting the botanical garden once or twice a week. Some of the visits were for only an hour but it was good to explore, get out of the apartment and find the inspiration to create. I was extremely excite to find the water lilies. A good portion of one visit was focused on them but I think it paid off…

Lily of the Water
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/640s, f/6.3, ISO 100

I’m losing the mojo… this post is feeling forced. What is up with me? Previous years this type of review post was easy, although looking back, a little formulaic.

Let’s get the favorites out of the way…

You Had Me At Hello
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/1000s, f/3.5, ISO 100

They Light the Night
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 1800

I don’t want to forget a few of the posts…

Walktober

Unforgotten, Remembered, and Elevated

Yep, running out of steam. I’m going to end this here, incomplete as it is. Definitely not the post I was looking to create, but then again, I’m not sure what I wanted to create.

Closing with a few of the books I’m planning on reading (emphasis on planning).

  • The Soul of the Camera – David duChemin
  • Visual Poetry – Chris Orwig
  • The Minimalist Photographer – Steve Johnson (re-read)
  • Capturing Light – Michael Freeman
  • The Evocative Image and Square – Andrew S. Gibson (re-read)

And then there are the projects (he says loosely)…

  • Squared
  • In The Yard
  • The Little Things
  • Floral macros
  • Butterflies
  • Minimalism/Abstract

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support. Your comments and encouragement are always welcomed and appreciated. I value the friendships I have developed with a lot of my regular readers. Although we have not met in person, your presence in my life brings me a lot of joy. Thanks!

Happy New Year and best wishes for 2026!

Golf Anyone?

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

OK, disc golf actually, but you get the idea.

When my daughter and I were walking through Flat Rock Park we ventured off road. Probably because something caught my eye and off I went in pursuit of the shiny. She had no choice but to follow (bwah ha ha). After the first image, I needed to collect the set (colors). I’m thinking there could be more of these pics… at least in my head. We’ll see what happens. No promises, y’all know how bad I am at follow through… 🙂

Blue 14
Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/800s, f/2.8, ISO 200

Red 14
Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/500s, f/2.8, ISO 200

White 15
Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/800s, f/5.6, ISO 200

Reflecting on these now I wish I had captured all three from the same hole. This proves I’m still rushing through the process. I get a thought or idea, run with it, but in my rush I don’t fully think of what I want to show. Oh well, next time.

P.S., I’ve spent some time trying to collect my thoughts for an end of the year post. I’m still processing the tangled mess of ideas swirling within my head. I’m also fighting the rabbit hole I usually fall into when I review what I have done previous years, which isn’t helping the process. Or, maybe it is, hard to tell once all the thoughts start fighting for attention.

Stay tuned…

The Little Things

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

In the early afternoon I was contemplating being more active.

What is this?

Huh?

Where are you going with this? And seriously, contemplating? You were barely rubbing two thoughts together much less contemplating.

I’m writing?

Are you sure?

Yes… well, maybe?

If you’re unsure, imagine what your reader is thinking.

Huh?

Wow, you’re a smart one, aren’t you?

Hey!

Just commenting on your monosyllabic responses…

Just Dandy
Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/1000s, f/2.8, ISO 200

My daughter works the first weekend shift, which is Friday thru Sunday, 7am to 7pm. I’m not sure I could do the twelve hour shift but the plus side is your weekend is four days long. I gave her a call after lunch to see how she was doing since she had spent the holiday with her mom. She was getting ready to go for a walk around her apartment complex.

Seeing how I told myself I was going to be more active, I asked if she wanted to go for a walk around Flat Rock Park. We are both about five minutes from the park (opposite directions) and agreed to meet in ten minutes. It was a sunny day but the temps were starting to cool off. Still, a walk would be good. A chance to chat and selfishly, I could play with the new lens.

Don’t worry, it works for her too. She gets to play the Pokemon Go on her phone. Apparently, there are a lot of opportunities to catch them all at the park. So, a win-win for us.

The new lens is a little challenging. I’m up to it though. I like the results when I get it right. I guess I’ll have to go for more walks to practice. That isn’t a bad thing. I missed these three amigos while we were walking. My daughter stopped to investigate and then pointed them out to me. See, you got the credit you wanted… 😉

Three Amigos
Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/160s, f/5.6, ISO 200

I have a few more images from the walk I am playing with, hopefully the vision will come together so I can share them with you. If not, well, the park is only five minutes away…

Velvety

Posted by Mike on

In The Yard – ITY76

I probably should have avoided the web during the holiday sale season. As I looked more into photographer Anne Belmont (see To Aspire post), I found she had a discount code at Lensbaby. Combine that with a sale and I end up buying a lens. Now I am really looking forward to Spring and the possibilities for my floral macros.

I went with the Velvet 85mm lens. On the website it is listed as a portrait lens (which is what an 85mm lens is typically used for) but after seeing the images this lens can produce as a macro lens, I’m excited. It arrived on Saturday, late in the day, but I quickly attached it to my camera and ran outside. The little flower by my patio was still there, and even though I was losing the light I captured this image.

Velvety
Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/60s, f/5.6, ISO 1600

The lens is manual focus, which is OK with me, I won’t be in any hurry with my macros. It will force me to slow down, but that will help me to be more deliberate with my images. I still have most of this week off from work and I’m seriously considering a drive up to Atlanta to visit the botanical garden. I’m pretty sure they have buildings to explore…