Coming Home

Posted by Mike on

Melbourne Beach, Florida

The weather hasn’t truly been bad. Listening to the reports I am happy I do not leave off the Eastern shore of Lake Ontario. They have been hit hard this past week. We did experience some unpleasant weather on Tuesday. There is a warm front coming through my area. Around 3pm the sleet and freezing rain started. I opted to leave work early in hopes of out running the weather East. The ride home had its moments but in the end I only traveled an extra 5 minutes due to the weather.

The drive did have me thinking about the beautiful weather I left in Florida back in December. In particular, the last day where I was at the beach for the sunrise. I had an opportunity to switch out my lens to the telephoto and capture the sandpipers and seagulls. On the way home I kept thinking of this particular image I was able to capture of three gulls heading back toward the beach. I had to finish processing and then post it.

  

MLCreations Photography: Florida &emdash; Coming Home

  

I used quite a few of my compositional tricks to help improve the chances you will like this image. 🙂 I’ll tell on myself and explain what I did…

In my post about the new 52 week challenge I joined I talked about the rule of thirds. That rule is in full force in this image. Can you spot them all?

First, the horizon is on the bottom third horizontal line. Next I placed the three seagulls on the left vertical line. As luck would have it the gulls are also on one of the intersection points. Now, the highlight on the right where the sun will eventually break above the clouds is on the right vertical line. See what I mean by the rule of thirds is in full force.

Now there are few other eye-catching tricks employed in this image. There are three separate layers to the image. The water/waves are in the bottom third of the image and become the foreground. The clouds on the horizon are in the middle third while the gulls and bright yellow/orange sky are the top third. The clouds effectively become the background and the gulls and the hint of the sun are the subtle subject.

One last trick is the odd number of seagulls. This is often referred to as the rule of odds. The brain does not try to ‘pair’ off the odd number and bring a dullness or ‘sameness’ to an image. You can read more about this photographic ‘rule’ at another Digital Photography School article here.

So, did I succeed? Did my tricks influence you at all?

Monorail Shade

Posted by Mike on

Monorail Monday
Future World, Epcot, Walt Disney World

There are classic views of the monorail while you are in Epcot. Views you must capture if you are a monorail enthusiast like myself. And then there are those different views of the monorail. The out of the ordinary views. Those are the views I look for. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. I haven’t made up my mind on this one yet. It is is different, I’ll admit.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Monorail Shade

 

While you are in Future World at Epcot the Monorail track passes over head while it makes the loop around Spaceship Earth. This is the big reveal! Your first look at Epcot as the Monorail is cruising into the station. If you are sitting on the right side of the car you will have a continual view of Spaceship Earth. On the left you get glimpses of the attractions in Future World or at the top of the loop you can see into World Showcase.

This image is from a bench almost directly under the track on the way to Mission: Space. My eye always catches contrasting colors and the yellow in the umbrella against the blue sky was a combination I wanted to incorporate. I have done another monorail image incorporating these umbrellas, but the closeness of the track I thought would provide a unique view. I fired off a burst of exposures but I liked one of the first as the monorail is starting to enter the scene. Negative space can enhance an image as much, if not more, than by filling the whole frame.

Surf Dreamin’

Posted by Mike on

Cocoa Beach Pier, Florida

Not only should you be looking at your ‘keepers’ but the less than perfect images are learning experiences as well. And sometimes the oops or ah, crap images are avenues for creative outlets. I never throw away an image until after a long consideration and inspection.

 

MLCreations Photography: Florida &emdash; Surf Dreamin'

 

This image is the result of me not paying attention! I was focused on getting the shot and neglected to watch as the surf was coming further up the beach. This five second exposure was almost done when a big wave came crashing towards me. I grabbed the tripod and tried to out run the water. One soaked foot later and an image interrupted I learned to keep one eye out on the water.

But the same principal applies to this image as does an image with car lights. The main exposure was almost set (a little underexposed) and the only points tracked during my grab and go are the intense lights. To me it looks as if I tried to do light painting around the pier area. The surf is smooth light I wanted. The clouds are exposed to my liking and the pier stands out as it should.

Because of the movement in the last 20% of the exposure there was a natural softness to the image. I was able to recover most of the detail in the pier but in the end I went with a soft and dreamy look to enhance how I felt about the image. And yes, I am dreaming about my next trip to Florida! LOL

A New Challenge

Posted by Mike on

52 Week Photography Challenge
Week 1 – Story: Rule of Thirds

A new year is suppose to bring a new set of goals. That is the thought behind New Year’s resolutions, right? I have been pretty good at listing resolutions, I have been terrible at following through on them. This year I did not list any. Why put myself through the guilt when I do not achieve or sustain what I thought I would do this year. But, I did want to try something to push myself creatively this year.

I remember when I was doing the weekly themes with some friends I had met on one of my Disney trips. We would pick a theme for a week and share three images that we created and comment on each other’s work. It wasn’t a competition, it was a way for us to keep in touch and learn. I had a lot of fun when we were doing those themes. Some weeks I would plan specific images and other weeks I would wander around seeing what jumped out at me that would fit the current theme. It helped me when I worked either way… if I had an image in my head I would plan everything out and then go execute. If I allowed myself to wander around it was teaching me to see differently or expand how I looked at my surroundings.

To get me back into that mode of operation I decided I would work on a 52 Week photography project. Rather than rely on myself selecting a theme and working on an image I found a project/challenge online that I am hoping will keep me focused. Dogwood Photography is doing a second challenge after what looked like a successful one last year. Reading through the challenge list it appeared to have themes that I could contribute to as well as push me along my goal of increasing my creativity. You can view the weekly challenges here.

If you are looking for something to help jump start your own photography I encourage you to participate in this challenge. I had tried a 365 Project once but only made it through 25% before I gave up. The challenge of creating an image every day eventually wore me out. I think the guilt when I missed a day was the worse and was what truly forced me to stop. I thought with a weekly challenge I will have more opportunities to create the image I want and not feel stressed out about it.

Week 1 – Story: Rule of Thirds

The challenge for the first week is to tell a story using the rule of thirds. This is probably the first “rule” of photography everyone hears about or learns. Digital Photography School has a nice article about this technique if you are interested. Basically the technique involves dividing your image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. To create the most compelling image you would want to have your subject near one of the dividing lines or even better is to have your point of focus at one of the intersections.

The challenge this week though is more about telling a story by incorporating this rule of thirds. I had an idea about what I wanted to do and last night was my first opportunity to execute. The image I created is of the Bed & Breakfast next door. My neighbor had turned his house into a B&B quite a few years ago to capture some of the travelers looking for a place to stay near the miles of snowmobile trails in my area. One trail crosses the road about a quarter mile from my house.

I will admit this is not one of my best images technically. I should have bracketed my exposures to give me more detail in the highlights. I chose not to as I thought it contributed to the story. You will notice if you can visualize the image split into thirds that the truck on one of the dividing lines. I also played with the concept of the rule of thirds a little by creating three zones in this image. There is the snow zone which has the driveway and tracks leading to the truck. The middle zone is the house and then the last zone is the night sky.

 

MLCreations Photography: 52 Week Project &emdash; Night at the B&B

 

Not a great start to the challenge but I did start! I keep the list on my desk so as not to lose focus. I welcome any comments and if you do decide to participate, let me know so I can follow along with your progress.

Creativity

Posted by Mike on

Topaz Labs Plugins

When I was starting my journey into photography and was devouring as much information as I could find. I was reading books, scouring the internet and exploring other photographer’s work via Google Plus. I was also posting to as many photography themes on G+ as interested me. I was still using my little Sony P&S camera while still learning how to create images like those I was viewing online.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; DeltaLakesKnoll

Delta Lake Knoll – Original
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/125s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200

 

On a whim I entered a photography contest where the prize was some software to use with Lightroom/Photoshop. It was the Topaz Labs plugins and fortunate for me the contest did not involve having to post an image. I was lucky enough to be one of the two winners and have maintained the software, using it when necessary, since late in 2011.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Glow

Delta Lake Knoll – Glow
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/125s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200

 

There were times while using the software where I might have gone a little overboard with my processing. I am sure I used it as a crutch when I did not manage to bring home the image I wanted but was able to manipulate an OK image to make a posting. I believe I have struck the right balance with my processing and have learned how to create the image that is in my head when I press the shutter.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Simplify

Delta Lake Knoll – Simplify
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/125s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200

 

My photography is not always about capturing a pixel perfect replica of the scene I am viewing while out exploring. Although that might have been my original thought as to what photography was suppose to be, I have learned to let my images be a release of creativity. I am going to use all the tools at my disposal to change what I have captured into what I see. Every person sees differently and I try to present images that allow you to see what I see.

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Impression

Delta Lake Knoll – Impression
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/125s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200

  

So today I decided to present a few different views of the same scene that I have created using the Topaz Labs plugins. I generally use the software in a more subtle approach but I thought it would be fun to show what it is capable of creating.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Texture Effects

Delta Lake Knoll – Texture Effects
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/125s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200

BREIA

Posted by Mike on

Black River Environmental Improvement Association

Well I did it!

I bought the snowshoes I mentioned I would get in my Delta Day post.  My intent was to get the snowshoes and the hiking poles.  What I did not count on was the pair of Merrell waterproof hiking boots.  It is rare for a store to carry the wide width version of any of the Merrell boots and when I spotted them on the shelf I had to snatch them up as well.  At least that is what I kept telling myself as I walked to the counter to pay.  🙂

It is all good.  The boots and the snowshoes work great!  I first took everything for a spin around the house to ensure I would not fall over and strand myself out in the wilderness.  Once I was satisfied I could work all this equipment and look good doing it (LOL) I packed up the camera gear and headed North toward the cross-country ski trails along the Black River Canal.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Canal Trail

  

I had about and hour and a half before sunset.  I set a goal of 45 minutes up the trail and then I would work my way back to the car.  It was so nice to be out walking without sinking up to my ankles in the snow.  I can see me exploring more of Delta Lake State Park and I am finding all sorts of new places to use my new winter gear.  As I was putting everything back into the car I was wondering why I had never done this before.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Abandoned 1

 

On the trip back down the trail I pulled out the camera and managed to capture a few images. Near the start of the trail there is an old barn that I have seen from the road as I drive to Pixley Falls. I have always wanted to get up close and see what photographic potential this barn held. The few images I did capture were not terrible but I will be back when the sun is out and I can work in some more shadows. I think there might be potential if the sun is right for some interior images too.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Abandoned 2

 

That first walk with the snowshoes was great. I am already researching other trails I can explore. Luckily for me I leave in/near a snow belt in Central New York. If the beginning of this winter is any indication I will not be without opportunity. Stay tuned. More adventures with snowshoes to come…

Morning Rivers

Posted by Mike on

Oriskany Creek and Mohawk River
River Street, Oriskany, NY

It was the last day of the holidays/vacation and I was not about to let it slip away as was my penchant last year. After finishing up posting my Delta Day blog and grabbing a quick breakfast, I headed out in search of the sunrise. I was debating my destination internally and adjusting the heading of the car as I observed the morning sky. The lower temperatures this the morning (~12° F) gave me an idea that the rivers/creeks over by the barge canal might hold something interesting.

As I approached the parking area for the barge canal I thought maybe the Oriskany Creek should be my first objective. As the creek winds its way through the lowlands toward the Mohawk River it creates a horseshoe shape at the final approach. I had stopped once before for an image in this same area in the summer of 2015 (Shrouded Sunrise). I have always wanted to get a closer image of the creek.

Today I pushed my timidness aside. I parked the car in the path leading into the corn field, attached the camera to the tripod and strode out across the field toward the edge of the creek. The sun was still about twenty minutes from rising but the colors were exactly what I was looking to capture. The crispness of the morning, the small bits of ice floating by and the layer of ice accumulated on everything combined to create something better than I had envisioned as I walked across the field.

 

MLCreations Photography: Landscapes &emdash; The Turn

 

I will be returning to capture this view again this winter. I realized as I pulled into the driveway if I had been able to wait until 15-20 minutes after the scheduled sunrise I would have been rewarded with more color in the sky. That of course would have changed the whole mood of the image. This second mood I have put on my list of images to capture… 🙂

My fingers were slightly numb. I only brought my thin gloves that allow me to work the camera with them on. I was happy with the images I captured, knowing at least one will allow me to create a great picture. I started my way home but when I crossed over the Mohawk River I looked East into the sunrise.

Damn! That is a great view too!

Keep driving, your fingers aren’t warm yet.

You always regret not stopping! What have you said? Next time I’ll stop. Well, it is next time now!

I turned around and parked the car in the area for the barge canal access. I worked my way under the River Street bridge and climbed down into the river so I was right on the water. One slip and I would be very wet and very cold.

A few images in the portrait orientation. They look good.

Wait! What has Bryan Peterson always said… “the best time to shoot in landscape orientation is right after shooting in portrait” (I paraphrase). OK, a couple more in landscape. Now carefully walk back along the river. Whew!

I liked the one in portrait the best.

 

MLCreations Photography: Landscapes &emdash; Slow and Steady

 

If you look closely at the vanishing point of the water you will see the winter steam rising off the water. I thought of attaching the zoom lens to capture the phenomena but there was not enough visually interesting elements. Maybe I’ll find that better view next time.

Delta Day

Posted by Mike on

Delta Lake State Park

The new year started out fairly routine. Heck, if I am being honest it was boring from the very start. I’m not much for parties so I believe I was asleep by 11:15pm on New Year’s Eve.

Hey, no comments from you in the back!

I enjoyed my night. I watched a good portion of the second season for The Man in the High Castle. The book was interesting but the series on Amazon Prime is very good. I could have watched all ten episodes and then I would have surely been up past midnight, but I promised myself I would at least make an attempt to make the show last a few days. It worked a little… 😉

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Winter's Beach

 

Anyway, back to the first day of the new year. Grocery day! I was up close to my normal time. Shoveled the driveway. Got my cup of coffee and sat down at the computer to post my Year in Review blog article. I had spent most of the previous day writing it. I didn’t make any official resolutions for the new year, they never work out so why set myself up for the guilt. But I did have a few things on my mind concerning my photography journey and used the time before grocery shopping to investigate.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Halo

 

I wasn’t too hopeful for how the day would turn out with the weather, it was a rather blah morning. By early afternoon I realized it was turning into a day I should be outside enjoying. Although it was tough dragging myself off the couch, where I was enjoying a good book in the warmth of the sun coming though the window, I put on my coat and headed outside.  Wow, it was a gorgeous day!

First up, shovel the dusting of new snow off the driveway. With the sun beating down and the temps slightly over freezing any of the packed snow would begin to melt if I cleared away the covering. I then took a trip over to town in search of snowshoes. I’m thinking snowshoes would give me more chances to explore this winter and I know I could use the exercise! The one sporting goods store was closed, but a return is on my agenda for today.  If you do not hear from me again it is because I fell over while exploring with my snowshoes and couldn’t get up!

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Waters Edge

 

I walked up and down my road grabbing a few pics with my phone.  I had upgraded a few months ago to the new Google Pixel phone.  Although I am reading of issues other users have been having I am quite happy with the phone.  The camera is better than any of the previous phones I have owned and it is always fun for me to capture an image, process it with my phone apps and immediately post online.  Here is one of the images I managed to find yesterday:

 

 

As sunset approached I packed up my camera gear and headed to Delta Lake State Park. I wasn’t sure what I would find but I knew there would be other people out enjoying the day and I thought they could add some interest to any images I capture. The park did not disappoint. We had ice fishermen, cross-country skiers, snowshoers and some people out to enjoy the coming sunset. I had a good hour to explore and enjoy the ending of the day. I came home with a plethora of images to share. And rather then drip feed them to everyone, which only encourages me to not go look for more images, I am bringing them all to you in this post.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; The Point

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Through the Warmth of the Sun

 

This collection highlights what is possible to capture if you look around and are not afraid to experiment. All these images were captured within an hour time frame, yet there are so many different looks and feels. Each image changes the environment I was in. Use a faster shutter speed and you can darken a bright day. Convert an image to monochrome and you can highlight the shadows that play across the snow. Point your camera into the sun and create sun flare to enhance an image.

 

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Anticipation

 

I will attempt to create posts that include more thought. Last year I took the easy way out most of the time and only posted an image. I think that cheapens your experience of what I created. I can enjoy a beautiful picture but I connect with the image more when I know some of the story behind it. Maybe my stories will connect with you… 🙂