Trenton Falls

Every year the trails along the gorge rim at Trenton Falls are open to the public for only two weekends. Typically once in the spring and then again in the fall. Every year I manage to miss the openings and my only chance to view and/or photograph the falls. This year the town of Trenton held an event on a Saturday in the middle of summer to educate people about the history of Trenton Falls. Luckily for me I had to take my daughter to a friends house close by the falls on the day of the event. Since I generally take the camera with me no matter were I go and had everything I needed to do some exploring.

Access to the falls is limited due to instability in the area and due to the fact it is privately owned. The one rim trail that is used during the open weekends allows viewing the various falls that make up Trenton Falls from limited outlooks. Just about every vantage point is from above. This really limits the photography. At least I can say I have finally been to the falls…

Sherman Falls Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/25s, 24mm, f/16, ISO 100

Sherman Falls
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/25s, 24mm, f/16, ISO 100

Lower High Falls Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/8s, 70mm, f/22, ISO 100

Lower High Falls
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/8s, 70mm, f/22, ISO 100

Upper High Falls Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/15s, 42mm, f/18, ISO 100

Upper High Falls
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/15s, 42mm, f/18, ISO 100

Skyline

It had been a looonnnggg time since my last visit to Niagara Falls. The opportunity to visit could not be overlooked when I was scheduled for a training class on the outskirts of Buffalo. I’m not sure which aspect of the area I was more intrigued by, the never explored state park or the change/growth of tourism in the area. Besides the falls, the biggest attraction 30 years ago was the Skylon Tower (or Marineland if you had kids!). Now there are casinos, entertainment attractions and huge hotels. I still like the parks though…

A view of the Canadian skyline from the American side of the gorge.

Niagara Falls Skyline Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, (1/6, 1/25, 1/100s bracket), 38mm, f/18, ISO 100

Niagara Falls Skyline
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, (1/6, 1/25, 1/100s bracket), 38mm, f/18, ISO 100

The Rage

The pre-show area of the American Falls in Niagara Falls State Park would have to be the rapids. The energy and raw power of the moving water was mesmerizing. It didn’t help to already have a fascination with water prior to visiting. I had to keep reminding myself to continue the walk to the observation deck, the sun was setting and I was loosing light. This is a section of the rapids about a 100 yards from the falls.

The Rage Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.4s, 28mm, f/18, ISO 100

The Rage
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.4s, 28mm, f/18, ISO 100

The Upper Falls

I finally have processed the last of the waterfall images from Letchworth State Park. The Upper Falls were a short walk from Middle Falls and although not as large in size they are visually impressive due to the sky high train bridge straddling the gorge right above them.

After capturing a few images I heard a low rumble as I was breaking down the tripod to walk to the very edge of Upper Falls. It had to be a train! I quickly got everything back in position and was rewarded with a very slow moving train across the bridge. I don’t think I could have timed it better if I tried.

Upper Falls Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/13s, 24mm, f/25, ISO 100

Upper Falls
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/13s, 24mm, f/25, ISO 100

The Crossing Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/13s, 28mm, f/25, ISO 100

The Crossing
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/13s, 28mm, f/25, ISO 100

It Points to the Fall... Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/30s, 17mm, f/22, ISO 100

It Points to the Fall…
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/30s, 17mm, f/22, ISO 100

Bellamy Harbor Park

I have a few regular haunts that are not too far from the house. Bellamy Harbor Park is in the south of Rome, NY along the Barge Canal where the Black River enters. Surprisingly I haven’t visited as much as usual this summer. The other night I stopped by and was greeted with plenty of photographic opportunities. Now I don’t know if there just happened to be more going on that night or I have learned to see more of them. 🙂

Bellamy Harbor Park Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/125, 55mm, f/11, ISO 400

Bellamy Harbor Park
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/125, 55mm, f/11, ISO 400

The Good Life Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/125s, 70mm, f/8, ISO 400

The Good Life
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/125s, 70mm, f/8, ISO 400

Just throw the #$@%^ bread! Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/1250s, 200mm, f/8, ISO 400

Just throw the #$@%^ bread!
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/1250s, 200mm, f/8, ISO 400