Category Archives: autumn

Camera Day

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park
Columbus Botanical Garden

I ended up not using some vacation days in early October. We have a “use it, or lose it” policy at work so now I’m sitting on two weeks of vacation time to fit in before the end of the year. It was time for a long weekend. I took Thursday and Friday off with no real plans other than to not be at work. Thursday was spent being way too lazy, so I decided to get out with the camera on Friday.

I had this vision in my head of the sunrise at Flat Rock Park. I wanted an image similar to the autumn view I captured last year (Autumn Bridge). We haven’t had much rain this fall and the creek was barely visible. My perfect view was non-existent.

Stop complaining! You have a whole park to explore. Get walking…

There were other opportunities for me. It was a good morning and I do have quite a few images to show you. For now I’ll share this view from the top of the rock formation in the middle of the park. I’m unsure what this would have been used for, but it did capture my eye.

Tie Down
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/640s, 70mm, f/4, ISO 100

Have I mentioned that I am a member of the Columbus Botanical Garden? Stop me if you’ve heard this before… 🙂

I thoroughly enjoy being able to go to the garden for pics. It isn’t the biggest garden but they always have something for me to photograph. I think I surprised the gate attendant. The garden is in the middle of preparing for their Shine event which runs from the end of November until Christmas. There were a lot of workers busy replanting. I was still able to find subjects for my macro lens.

Open Your Heart
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/2000s, f/4.5, ISO 100

October Tranquility

Posted by Mike on

Callaway Resort & Gardens

If you are here, you probably know I love a good reflection in my images. I have been known to stop the car to capture a reflection. When I go to Callaway Gardens, there are plenty of opportunities for me. Add in some autumn color and I’m drinking the reflection Kool-Aid. I’m also fascinated by this walkway bridge in the Azalea Bowl area of the gardens. The close-up felt like it should be a painting so that is how I processed it…

Less Troubled Waters
Nikon Z6 II, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/80s, 70mm, f/11, ISO 110

October Tranquility
Nikon Z6 II, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/125s, 100mm, f/11, ISO 450

Autumn Bridge

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

I’m still wondering why it took me so long to visit Flat Rock Park. It is five minutes from my apartment. It is a big park with a lot to see and has a lot of opportunities for me. I’m chalking it up to me being basically lazy… 🙂

Autumn Bridge
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/15s, 37mm, f/11, ISO 100

Autumn Reflected

Posted by Mike on

Silent Sunday
Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

Autumn Reflected
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/50s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 100

Autumn Colors

Posted by Mike on

Lower Falls Creek Lake, Callaway Resort & Gardens

Toward the end of my visit at Callaway Gardens I headed to the Azalea Bowl in the hope of finding some floral subjects. There was only a slim chance but I knew my consolation would be to walk around Lower Falls Creek Lake. I’m a sucker for a good reflection.

Autumn Colors
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/60s, 38mm, f/11, ISO 100

Peaceful Morning

Posted by Mike on

Callaway Resort & Gardens

Finally! I have been living in Georgia for a month now, and today was the first day I ventured out with my camera. Granted, it took a couple of weeks before I retrieved my equipment from my daughter, but that excuse only accounts for a portion of the time. I could attribute the delay to wanting to get everything unpacked and put away, but again, that is a weak excuse. I was just being lazy…

Twenty miles north of me in Pine Mountain is Callaway Resort & Gardens. This is a 2500 acre escape with hiking & bike trails, golf, and adventures for every season. Currently, the Pumpkins at Callaway event is in full swing with a corn maze, a giant pumpkin garden along with activities and events for everyone. I’m probably going back this week to experience it.

I spent four hours exploring today and barely scratched the surface of the place. I walked a few trails, visited the butterfly house and the azalea bowl (sadly, not many blossoms right now). I missed the birds of prey show (next time) and decided not to rent a bike (again, next time). When I stopped at the information center on my way into the resort, the very nice lady explained that I could upgrade my day ticket to a membership if I decided I would be returning.

Yep, on my way out I stopped and bought a membership. It includes 4 guest tickets, and I can go once to the seasonal events (which happens about six times a year). Considering I only need to go three more times to get my membership cost back, it was a no brainer for me. Now, where is that bike shop… I think it is time to get my own… 🙂

This was the first view I came across this morning. It was the start of a great day…

Peaceful Morning
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/100s, 58mm, f/11, ISO 100