Category Archives: landscape

Think Big

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park

Well, maybe not big, but at the very least I was thinking. I’ve had this image in my head few a while. There is an area at Flat Rock Park where the rock formations are in a large semi-circle. Typically, this area is occupied by other visitors, i.e., kids climbing on the rocks, groups of people gathering near the tree in the center of this view, etc.

But, the sun rises behind the semi-circle. Last weekend I attempted to get this image but there was nothing but clouds in the sky. Yesterday the conditions seemed good looking out my apartment window so I grabbed the camera before heading out for my weekly grocery run. It was a good morning. Low 60’s, no wind and best of all, no one in my view. Oh, and the clouds were just right.

I played around this area for about 45 minutes. I tried different angles, different compositions and especially waiting for different colors in the sky. This is a 7 image panoramic view about 20 minutes before the actual sunrise. By the time the sun breaks the horizon there will be a lot more orange tinted light in the sky. The 7 images cover about 140 degrees of view which contributes to the changing color in the sky.

Typically I use the tag #SilentSunday for images I post at the start of the week, mostly because it allows me to be lazy. Today I wanted to share a little more about this one… wishing you the best for today.

Think Big
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 2s, 28mm, f/11, ISO 100
{7 image pano}

Make an Impression

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park

Uh!

What?

Feeling a little redundant.

Why?

Another image of the water at the park. Viewers are probably getting tired of these same ol’ scenes.

Do you like it?

Yes.

Then go for it.

Make an Impression
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.4s, 37mm, f/11, ISO 100

Oops… and a couple more

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park

It didn’t start off as the best day. Well, I had to go to work for one, but that isn’t what I meant. Weather was iffy. Until the sun works it way back to rising at a proper time being in the dark an extra hour in the morning is not ideal. But, the day turned it around by the time I decided to get off the couch.

It would have been easy to remain on my butt after dinner. I’m glad I didn’t.

As I’m sure you have figured out, I went to Flat Rock Park. Although it was a beautiful evening, the cooler temps, or maybe because it was a Monday, kept most people away. I had the area around the waterfall basically to myself. I explored…

I don’t remember this image happening. I assume it was during a switch from landscape to portrait orientation on the tripod. It was a nice surprise when I loaded the images into Lightroom. This is the first one I processed last night. I’m really liking it and I am thinking I need to create a few more like this…

Oops
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/8s, 28mm, f/11, ISO 100

I moved further upstream then I have explored before and was rewarded with this view. Yes, these are the same set of trees I have been including in most images at the park. They are such camera hogs, practically begging to be photographed.

Picturesque
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.5s, 30mm, f/16, ISO 100

What trip to the park would be complete without some flowing water. I’ll admit the recent rains helped, but the light on the trees (yes, those trees) is what really jumped out at me. Come on, admit it, you would have captured this view too… right?

Striking
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1s, 44mm, f/16, ISO 100

I suppose I should get ready for work. I know, I would rather be out with the camera too, but I do like my toys.

Later…

Market or Sweets

Posted by Mike on

Silent Sunday
Asia, Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Market or Sweets
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.5s, 24mm, f/8, ISO 6400

Flight Night

Posted by Mike on

Asia, Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Back in January, as my Disney trip was approaching, I received an email about park hours changing at the Animal Kingdom. I got very excited as this change was an extension of the park closing. Rather than close before sunset, the park was staying open well past. I quickly re-arrange my plans in order to visit the park on one of those nights. The park is magical when it is lit up at night and I didn’t want this opportunity to escape me.

As I was running around trying to capture all the views I had in my head I was stopped by this scene…

Flight Night
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/20s, 24mm, f/5.6, ISO 8000

It wasn’t on my list but damn… luckily, there were few people in this area of the park and I was able to get an unobstructed view. I have more night scenes to process from the Animal Kingdom so I’ll warn everyone now. 🙂

Isolated

Posted by Mike on

Haiku
Flat Rock Park

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…