Pratt’s Falls

Posted by Mike on July 8, 2013

I head to go to Syracuse yesterday morning but decided before I left that the return trip would be an adventure. After my first waterfall image a few years ago (well, at least since learning more about photography) I have been fascinated by them. Surprising, New York state has an abundance of waterfalls for me to explore. I found the NYFalls website about a year ago and have been trying to make my way to those close to me.

Pratt’s Falls is located just south of Syracuse within the Pratt’s Fall County Park in the town of Pompey. There is a nice trail leading down to an overlook spot at the base of the falls. With all the recent rain it did make for an interesting walk but ensured there would be good water flow over the falls. Due to the severity of the terrain in the gorge you have to stay on the trail which limits the possible views of the falls. I think a revisit during the colored leaves season is in order…

Start of the Fall
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/20s, 17mm, f/20, ISO 100

Pratt’s Falls
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/3s, 24mm, f/22, ISO 100

Divide the Light and Dark
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/6s, 50mm, f/22, ISO 100

Top Close-up
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/5s, 55mm, f/22, ISO 100

Bottom Close-up
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/5s, 55mm, f/22, ISO 100

Layers

Posted by Mike on July 7, 2013

Layers
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/40s, 50mm, f/16, ISO 100

Chasing Light

Posted by Mike on July 6, 2013

Chasing Light
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/100s, 32mm, f/8, ISO 100

Coming and Going

Posted by Mike on July 4, 2013

My intent the other night was to capture the clouds just after sunset. I setup at the side of the road to capture a few images. Not as exciting as I hoped. And then the first car passed my location. Ding! Idea forming. It was late, it took longer than normal.

I had to wait quite a few minutes to get cars going in both directions. I didn’t think my luck would allow two cars going opposite directions at the same time so I decided to capture one each way and blend the two images in PS Elements. Another few attempts and I finally settled in on a 13 second exposure (two of them). I needed that amount of time to get the complete light trails along the length of road in the frame.

I had fun, and isn’t that what it is suppose to be about?

Coming and Going
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 13s, 35mm, f/22, ISO 100

Dad’s Storm

Posted by Mike on July 2, 2013

We arrived at my dad’s house in the early afternoon this past Saturday. My nephew’s graduation party was on Sunday but due to the 4 hour drive I needed to get in a day early just to rest from the driving. Of course it is rare that the rest of the family doesn’t show up for a meal (I guess I should visit more often!) but the barbecue was in jeopardy due to the approaching storm. It was dancing all around us and eventually landed right as the food was coming off the grill.

I must confess that I am a sucker for a dark, moody sky when the sun is peaking through the clouds and illuminating the landscape. I was running inside every few minutes to grab the camera. Luckily, the family is use to me traipsing off in search of my next great(?) image…