Category Archives: landscape

After the Rains

Posted by Mike on

Chittenango Falls State Park

Let’s complete the trifecta during my state park day and quickly visit Chittenango Falls. As I was heading home I debated if I should visit this park. It was right in the middle of the afternoon. The clouds had cleared giving me a beautiful blue sky but I was worried about too much sun on the waterfall.

Well, as we know I can not resist this park. I’m not sure if it is because it is the first waterfall I photographed once I got my DSLR or that every time I visit I find something interesting. Maybe it is because the waterfall is constantly changing depending on the amount of water in the Chittenango Creek. Probably I just have a soft spot for the cascade style waterfall and want to see how the water is falling across the steps.

After the Rains Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/5s, 26mm, f/16, ISO 100

After the Rains
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/5s, 26mm, f/16, ISO 100

Steps and Flow

Posted by Mike on

Buttermilk Falls State Park

The second visit on my state park day was to Buttermilk Falls. This park takes its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows down the steep valley side toward Cayuga Lake. Although the swimming hole and park near the falls are inviting, the gorge trail is my favorite as there are plenty of locations for interesting pictures. I have to admit that the trail does kick my butt every time. The hiking distance isn’t too bad, it is the elevation change and navigating the steps that I feel the next day.

Steps and Flow Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.4s, 17mm, f/20, ISO 100

Steps and Flow
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.4s, 17mm, f/20, ISO 100

State Park Day

Posted by Mike on

Taughannock Falls State Park

Last week I finally went up to Delta Lake with the intent of purchasing my NY State Empire Passport. This passport allows day entry into most of New York’s state parks. Even if I was only going to the park near me it is a great deal but I was determined to visit many more parks throughout the state this year so getting the pass was a push in the right direction. The motto this summer is ‘No Excuses!’.

With all that being said Saturday was lining up to be my state park day. I didn’t have to work, I didn’t need to get either of the kids anywhere, and the weather was going to be just what I wanted… not too hot, overcast in the morning, and not raining. I loaded up the car and headed out about 5:30am to make my way down to Ithaca, NY. I have probably mentioned in the past, Ithaca is a city of waterfalls. There is also quite a few state parks around the city and some I have not visited since 2013.

I was going to start my day at Taughannock Falls. This park has a 3/4 mile trail along the gorge ending at the iconic 215 foot high waterfall. On my previous visit I ignored the overlook area and went straight for the trail. This time I started at the overlook which provides a great view of the gorge and waterfall.

From Above Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1s, 70mm, f/16, ISO 100

From Above
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1s, 70mm, f/16, ISO 100

The hiking trail along the gorge is my favorite part of this park. I do love the waterfall reward at the end of the trail but all the small waterfalls and interesting areas on the way are what I come to photography. All those images will have to wait for another post. Here is another of the waterfall from the end of the hiking trail. The overcast day and the previous nights rain help bring out the color of the foliage and moss on the gorge walls.

End of the Line Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.6s, 24mm, f/20, ISO 100

End of the Line
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.6s, 24mm, f/20, ISO 100

After I was done burning off my breakfast at Taughannock Falls I headed over to Buttermilk Falls State Park. The gorge trail at this park is fantastic! It is a challenging hike but also so full of image opportunities it takes me forever to walk it! And to end my day I stopped at Chittenango Falls State Park as I worked my way home. Almost a full 12 hours of exploring (and driving). I can tell already that I am going to feel it in my legs today, but that is a good thing. I’ll get more pictures of my adventure posted soon…

Stormy Sunrise Over The Mohawk Valley

Posted by Mike on

Mohawk Valley

I did something yesterday morning that I have not done in a long time. I stopped for a picture. I had been watching the sunrise progress as I drove to work and near the last turn rather than go left to work I went right to the top of a hill to capture the sunrise over the Mohawk Valley. It might sound weird but I generally get to work around 5:30am (officially I do not have to be there until 7am) and I always feel that if I am not there early then I am late. Yesterday, I allowed myself to be “late” to work.

Stormy Sunrise Over The Mohawk Valley Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.8s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 100

Stormy Sunrise Over The Mohawk Valley
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.8s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 100

Sassagoula Steamboat Company

Posted by Mike on

Port Orleans – Riverside
Walt Disney World

Sassagoula Steamboat Company Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 30s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

Sassagoula Steamboat Company
Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 30s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

The Riverside Mill & Marketplace Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 30s, 28mm, f/16, ISO 200

The Riverside Mill & Marketplace
Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 30s, 28mm, f/16, ISO 200

Peaceful Creek

Posted by Mike on

Oriskany Creek

Friday was another beautiful day here in Upstate NY. I don’t want to jinx us but we have been enjoying a string of beautiful days and I took full advantage of the one we had yesterday. Originally I had to take a half day off of work to help my daughter get to a meeting for her summer research position as well as her (what is now a second job!) scheduled shift at Price Chopper. There was a little mix-up with the times but everything worked out for the best. What it did allow is for me to go exploring on my way home before having to get her to work.

As much as I love the Autumn and the colors of the changing leaves, I think I love the new budding leaves in the Spring just as much. The new green leaves against the dark, winter worn limbs always looks great to me. Through in some water reflections and I will click the shutter release all day. The leaves hit that sweet spot on Friday so stopping at Oriskany Creek was now a must do as I worked my way home. Midday isn’t always the best time to capture a picture but I think this one turned out OK.

Peaceful Creek Nikon D7100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 1/13s, 66mm, f/16, ISO 100

Peaceful Creek
Nikon D7100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 1/13s, 66mm, f/16, ISO 100

Broken Road

Posted by Mike on

Walk Around the Block

I decided it was the perfect day yesterday to get off my butt and go for a walk around the block. I’m sure I’ve mentioned before that one lap around my block is four miles. I grabbed the camera, put on the walking shoes and headed out. I could not have wished for a better day. Temperature was around 75 degrees with a nice gentle breeze. I took my time and stopped often for pictures. What a great day! I also discovered that it isn’t what you see but how you see it…

Broken Road Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/1000s, 17mm, f/5.6, ISO 200

Broken Road
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/1000s, 17mm, f/5.6, ISO 200

Cloudy Sunset

Posted by Mike on

Delta Lake State Park

What a glorious evening! Last night the temperature, the wind, the approaching clouds and the sunset all combined to create a wonderful time at Delta Lake State Park. I knew driving home that I would be jumping right back out after dinner. It is still very early in the season so I practically had the park to myself. I brought home quite a collection of images from my short exploration. This wide-angle view of the lake is about 15 minutes before the actual sunset.

Cloudy Sunset Nikon D7100, Tokia 12-28mm f/4, 1/8s, 15mm, f/16, ISO 100

Cloudy Sunset
Nikon D7100, Tokia 12-28mm f/4, 1/8s, 15mm, f/16, ISO 100