Happy New Year

Posted by Mike on January 1, 2026

Thoughts and Ramblings of a Chaotic Mind

Welcome to 2026. May the new year bring you fresh goals, steady focus and the momentum to make your ambitions real. Wishing you small joys, big laughs and unexpected delights.

I must confess, I started to write this post last night before the new year arrived. I was full of thoughts but no clear vision for what I wanted to say. I was stuck on trying to be clever and I couldn’t coalesce the mess into a post. I sat at the keyboard writing, deleting, and re-writing until eventually I trashed the post. I went back to my video game and let the thoughts simmer.

I had a good year. Photographically, it was a roller coaster ride. The middle months were inspiration free and I barely picked up the camera. But as the end of the year approached I found rejuvenation through my macro lens. I joined the Columbus Botanical Garden and found joy in exploring the gardens. A new gallery for the website was created as a result of a fascination when the flowers have moved past their prime. See Faded Glory.

Still not sure where I want to go with this… pressing on.

Early in the year I was happy to explore Flat Rock Park after the rains. The small waterfall area (a bit of a stretch, but we’ll go with it) was giving me NY state park vibes and for a few days I climbed all over this area. In the end I was able to capture an early favorite.

Water Slide Plus
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.5s, 28mm, f/16, ISO 100

In February I made my pilgrimage to Walt Disney World. I won’t repeat the thoughts I posted a few weeks ago. I can say the trip did help me with my photography though. There are quite a few images I like from that trip but what sticks with me now are three posts about light and finding inspiration.

It’s About the Light

Opaque Morning

Morning Walk

Spring brought me the flowers. I visited Callaway Gardens numerous times in the pursuit of the azaleas. I also discovered the tulips. My timing wasn’t the best and I did miss the peak for both areas. One of my favorites is again a couple flowers past their prime.

Together Forever
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/640s, f/5.6, ISO 400

One of my favorite areas around me is a small development called Old Town. You can buy a parcel and have your dream house built, or there are apartments and townhouses available. One of my most frequented restaurants is in this development. One evening on my way to dinner I brought my camera and explored the small park in Old Town. I finally found my azalea image as well as one of my favorite pics converted to art.

Glow
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/400s, 70mm, f/8, ISO 200

Simply
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/1250s, f/5.6, ISO 200

I barely picked up the camera for three months in the middle of the year. I’m not sure why and honestly can’t remember what I did instead of photography (although, my bet would be on video games). When I did pick the camera back up it was with gusto!

I was visiting the botanical garden once or twice a week. Some of the visits were for only an hour but it was good to explore, get out of the apartment and find the inspiration to create. I was extremely excite to find the water lilies. A good portion of one visit was focused on them but I think it paid off…

Lily of the Water
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/640s, f/6.3, ISO 100

I’m losing the mojo… this post is feeling forced. What is up with me? Previous years this type of review post was easy, although looking back, a little formulaic.

Let’s get the favorites out of the way…

You Had Me At Hello
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/1000s, f/3.5, ISO 100

They Light the Night
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 1800

I don’t want to forget a few of the posts…

Walktober

Unforgotten, Remembered, and Elevated

Yep, running out of steam. I’m going to end this here, incomplete as it is. Definitely not the post I was looking to create, but then again, I’m not sure what I wanted to create.

Closing with a few of the books I’m planning on reading (emphasis on planning).

The Soul of the Camera – David duChemin
Visual Poetry – Chris Orwig
The Minimalist Photographer – Steve Johnson (re-read)
Capturing Light – Michael Freeman
The Evocative Image and Square – Andrew S. Gibson (re-read)

And then there are the projects (he says loosely)…

Squared
In The Yard
The Little Things
Floral macros
Butterflies
Minimalism/Abstract

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support. Your comments and encouragement are always welcomed and appreciated. I value the friendships I have developed with a lot of my regular readers. Although we have not met in person, your presence in my life brings me a lot of joy. Thanks!

Happy New Year and best wishes for 2026!

Golf Anyone?

Posted by Mike on December 31, 2025

Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

OK, disc golf actually, but you get the idea.

When my daughter and I were walking through Flat Rock Park we ventured off road. Probably because something caught my eye and off I went in pursuit of the shiny. She had no choice but to follow (bwah ha ha). After the first image, I needed to collect the set (colors). I’m thinking there could be more of these pics… at least in my head. We’ll see what happens. No promises, y’all know how bad I am at follow through… 🙂

Blue 14
Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/800s, f/2.8, ISO 200

Red 14
Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/500s, f/2.8, ISO 200

White 15
Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/800s, f/5.6, ISO 200

Reflecting on these now I wish I had captured all three from the same hole. This proves I’m still rushing through the process. I get a thought or idea, run with it, but in my rush I don’t fully think of what I want to show. Oh well, next time.

P.S., I’ve spent some time trying to collect my thoughts for an end of the year post. I’m still processing the tangled mess of ideas swirling within my head. I’m also fighting the rabbit hole I usually fall into when I review what I have done previous years, which isn’t helping the process. Or, maybe it is, hard to tell once all the thoughts start fighting for attention.

Stay tuned…

The Little Things

Posted by Mike on December 30, 2025

Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

In the early afternoon I was contemplating being more active.

What is this?

Huh?

Where are you going with this? And seriously, contemplating? You were barely rubbing two thoughts together much less contemplating.

I’m writing?

Are you sure?

Yes… well, maybe?

If you’re unsure, imagine what your reader is thinking.

Huh?

Wow, you’re a smart one, aren’t you?

Hey!

Just commenting on your monosyllabic responses…

Just Dandy
Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/1000s, f/2.8, ISO 200

My daughter works the first weekend shift, which is Friday thru Sunday, 7am to 7pm. I’m not sure I could do the twelve hour shift but the plus side is your weekend is four days long. I gave her a call after lunch to see how she was doing since she had spent the holiday with her mom. She was getting ready to go for a walk around her apartment complex.

Seeing how I told myself I was going to be more active, I asked if she wanted to go for a walk around Flat Rock Park. We are both about five minutes from the park (opposite directions) and agreed to meet in ten minutes. It was a sunny day but the temps were starting to cool off. Still, a walk would be good. A chance to chat and selfishly, I could play with the new lens.

Don’t worry, it works for her too. She gets to play the Pokemon Go on her phone. Apparently, there are a lot of opportunities to catch them all at the park. So, a win-win for us.

The new lens is a little challenging. I’m up to it though. I like the results when I get it right. I guess I’ll have to go for more walks to practice. That isn’t a bad thing. I missed these three amigos while we were walking. My daughter stopped to investigate and then pointed them out to me. See, you got the credit you wanted… 😉

Three Amigos
Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/160s, f/5.6, ISO 200

I have a few more images from the walk I am playing with, hopefully the vision will come together so I can share them with you. If not, well, the park is only five minutes away…

Velvety

Posted by Mike on December 29, 2025

In The Yard – ITY76

I probably should have avoided the web during the holiday sale season. As I looked more into photographer Anne Belmont (see To Aspire post), I found she had a discount code at Lensbaby. Combine that with a sale and I end up buying a lens. Now I am really looking forward to Spring and the possibilities for my floral macros.

I went with the Velvet 85mm lens. On the website it is listed as a portrait lens (which is what an 85mm lens is typically used for) but after seeing the images this lens can produce as a macro lens, I’m excited. It arrived on Saturday, late in the day, but I quickly attached it to my camera and ran outside. The little flower by my patio was still there, and even though I was losing the light I captured this image.

Velvety
Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/60s, f/5.6, ISO 1600

The lens is manual focus, which is OK with me, I won’t be in any hurry with my macros. It will force me to slow down, but that will help me to be more deliberate with my images. I still have most of this week off from work and I’m seriously considering a drive up to Atlanta to visit the botanical garden. I’m pretty sure they have buildings to explore…

Show Your Light

Posted by Mike on December 28, 2025

Squared – SQ202
Silent Sunday
Columbus Botanical Garden

Show Your Light
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/250s, f/5.6, ISO 100

Walk Around the Park

Posted by Mike on December 27, 2025

Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

Due to the holidays and lingering vacation days I needed to use by the end of the year, I have been off work since December 19th. I will not be back to work until January 2nd. After a week of being totally lazy, I thought it was time to go for a walk. It had nothing to do with the amount of food consumption over the holiday… I swear! 😉

Typically, midday light is considered harsh light and not preferred for photography. It really depends on the subject and objective. If your compositions include shadows (which help provide depth) the midday light can produce wonderful images. It is more about the photographer understanding the light.

This time I was going to walk the road that meanders through the park. The round trip is two miles, which I sorely need (I don’t move enough). The road is one way, going clockwise from the entrance. Most people walk in that direction, which really confuses me. I walked counter-clockwise so I could see the cars coming at me.

Come on, this way!

Take a Look, Swap a Book
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/60s, f/1.8, ISO 100

I’m always curious if these book swap boxes get used much. I didn’t open it to see what my options would be for a book. I have enough of my own I need to still read. Maybe I should bring a few over and contribute to the swap.

Stone Bridge
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/160s, f/8, ISO 100

If you can’t tell, I’m fascinated by this stone bridge. It was one of the first photographs I captured at the park when I moved to Georgia. I missed my opportunity for another autumn pic with the bridge but I do like this view. I will need to capture another one once we see more green in the spring.

Yellow Reflected
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/1250s, f/2.8, ISO 100

Another object I’m fascinated with at this park. I’m sure frequent readers are getting tired of seeing this one. Still, the yellow reflected in the water with the blue sky and green pines is pretty cool, right?

Holiday Styling
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/1000s, f/1.8, ISO 100

OK, this one was giving me a Charlie Brown Christmas vibe. You can’t pass by this and not capture an image. I thought about replacing the one red bulb that had fallen but it kind of makes a statement, so I left it. The background is very busy, I went with a shallow depth of field in an attempt to help highlight the subject.

Meander
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/125s, f/8, ISO 100

This one shows how to use the light to my advantage. The sun is coming in high from the left. Plenty of shadows on the trees to give the image definition. The road leads the eye toward the brighter trees in the distance. You probably wouldn’t guess this was captured in the middle of the day.

Time to Cook?
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/1600s, f/2.8, ISO 100

I keep feeling like there is image I want to create with these different sites throughout the park. Picnic tables and places to cook. A little sad that they appear to be neglected and rarely used. I do like the stone work though…

Stairs
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/400s, f/8, ISO 100

G10
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/500s, f/8, ISO 100

Behind the G10 site is a group of trees that I keep trying to capture. The trees are lifeless but the bare trunks attract my attention every visit. This time, I put in the effort to capture an image of what I’m seeing. I believe this one shows it best…

Texture
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/4000s, f/1.8, ISO 100

We are just about back to where we parked the car. Sitting on the edge of the rocks in an area that feels like an amphitheater I liked the defiance of this tree. No one is telling it it shouldn’t trying growing among the rocks.

Defiance
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/250s, f/8, ISO 100

It felt good to use the old leg muscles. Typically, I drive the car and park in the various locations, partly due to time constraint but that is only an excuse. From now on I need to park once and walk more. You are welcomed to join anytime.

Merry Christmas!

Posted by Mike on December 25, 2025

Walt Disney World

Looking through my images for a post for Christmas, I couldn’t help but come back to this post from 2020. I might be in a weird place with Disney right now, but I can’t deny they do a nice job with the holiday.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!