The original image is very vibrant, but I couldn’t see past the color. The ethereal tone was lost, at least to me, with the bold assault on my senses. So, I simplified it. And then the words started forming…
It has been some time since I wrote a haiku. Hopefully, I haven’t forgot how to do it…
Dancing To Be Me
Not floating, dancing Not isolation, freedom Learning to be me
Dancing Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/1000s, f/4, ISO 100
As part of that learning, I’m over at the cafe again this morning. I decided to be part of the community as I write this post. Still on shaky ground, as it is so far out of my wheelhouse, but, I’m learning. Maybe learning isn’t exactly the right word. How about embracing this experience? Still probably learning… 🙂
My daughter came down for a visit this weekend. We had a good time. She had heard enough from me about the taqueria I tried a few weeks ago that she wanted to see what the hype was all about. Of course, we ate too much. I suggested we go for a walk at Flat Rock Park.
It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the warmth of the sun as we attempted to work off our lunch. As we walked, me sans camera, I was making mental notes of images I saw that I would need to return to capture. I did stop and grab a couple with my phone but nothing worth mentioning.
Sunday wasn’t as warm as Saturday but still a great day to be out and exploring. This time, the camera was definitely with me. It was early afternoon which means direct, harsh light but I knew I could use that light for a few of the images in my head. Light, shadows and texture. You’ll see, as soon as I process them.
When my daughter and I were leaving the park I had pointed out a view of the pond/lake(?) that I always tell myself I need to capture. So, this time I made sure I stopped the car. No excuses! Take the damn picture.
Alright, don’t get so worked up about it.
I still believe this view at sunrise would be better and now that I mentally recorded that the park opens at 6am, I’ll be back. Anyway, here it is…
Isolated – B&W Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/200s, 41mm, f/8, ISO 100
I also had this running through my head…
Isolated
Stoic in nature Isolated and alone Standing with resolve
Now, I’m a fan of B&W images and I think it works for this one. I couldn’t leave it alone though, I wanted to play a little more with it. I tweaked the color version with a blue fade process.
Isolated – Blue Fade Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/200s, 41mm, f/8, ISO 100
And for those of you that prefer a good color image…
Isolated – Color Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/200s, 41mm, f/8, ISO 100
You’ll have to let me know which image you prefer…
Go for a walk. The trail along the river will be good. Bring the camera, you know there will be plenty to photograph. Make it happen!
Alright, I’m going. Where’s the camera? Got it. Let’s go…
I walked the Mohawk River Trail and it took me a lot longer than normal. I was finding great subjects for the macro lens. I made it all the way to my normal turn-around when I captured the “keeper” image. The one!
Don’t get me wrong, I was happy with a lot of the images I was capturing but this one jump started my brain. The walk back along the trail was at a quicker pace than the first half. I was churning over a haiku to go along with the image.
I haven’t done that in a long time…
Caress
Whisper in her earVoid of empty promisesLove's gentle caress
Gentle Caress Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/400s, f/2.8, ISO 200
Another view of the sunset from Tuesday evening. I think Mother Nature didn’t want me to get too greedy. Three beautiful evenings in a row was enough because Wednesday she reminded me that rain was important. The glow of the sunlight on the reeds in Delta Lake State Park was the first thing to catch my eye when I walked onto the beach. I have a landscape view of this same scene which shows more of the reeds with their golden color but I preferred this version which focuses in closer to highlight the color of the reeds against the backdrop of the silhouetted, darker trees.
EuphoriaGolden sun highlights
Remnants of joyous summer
Euphoria shines
Golden Glow Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1/160s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200
As much as I stated in my previous post that there is still time left to summer, the signs of autumn are beginning to appear. I went for a walk yesterday morning along the trails in the Griffiss International Sculpture Park. It was a beautiful morning but in every direction I pointed my camera I noticed the changes. From the fading blooms of the flowers to the leaves starting their color metamorphosis.
I do love photographing flowers past their prime though, so the changes are an opportunity for me. My playground may be in flux but my focus is still clear. Photograph what I see, create what I feel…
GloriousLife fully enjoyed
Shining brightly for us all
Gloriously you
Until the End Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/2500s, f/2.8, ISO 200
I know summer isn’t over yet. Although this weekend is typically the “end of summer” at the beach in Delta Lake State Park. There usually is a big bonfire on Labor Day to celebrate the end of the swimming season. I’m not positive if there will be one this year. After this weekend the buoys outlining the swimming areas will be removed and the lifeguard chairs will be put away. The beach will be for sunset gazing only.
Obviously there is more summer to be enjoyed but the symbolic act of closing the beach does get the next season going (in my mind anyway). Maybe it is because I look forward to Autumn each year. Maybe in the past this weekend was the last free weekend for the kids as they head back to school next week. For me though, it is another weekend, but at least it is one with an extra day off.
Summer's Last Hurrah
Sunlight fades to grey
As the beach empties of fun
Summer's last hurrah
Summer’s Last Hurrah Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/160s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200
Something interesting happened yesterday. When I woke I found one of my images had been selected for Explore on flickr. This happens once in a while, either an algorithm or an individual selects an image to be highlighted in the Explore section on the flickr site. I’m not sure how the image is selected but when it happens it does draw extra attention. I won’t lie, it feels good when it happens, but it is not something I aim to achieve.
The interesting part for me is the image that was selected is from 2018. Which to me indicates an algorithm is at work when selecting for Explore. That’s OK. It doesn’t lessen the exposure of the image nor anyone’s enjoyment of it. What I like about it is based on the image selected, a dandelion! One of my “weed” images, ha! 🙂
The whole event did get me thinking about the image and that brought out the following…
Burdens of old thoughts
Memories, links in the chain
The past has a weight
Today, this moment
Realization emerges
A future revealed
Tomorrow shines bright
New journeys free the spirit
Stop your holding on
Holding On Olympus E-M1 Mark II, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/200s, 40mm, f/4, ISO 400
MLCreations Photography 