Mini Falls all in a Row

Posted by Mike on June 22, 2015

Taughannock Falls State Park

Mini Falls all in a Row
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/2s, 42mm, f/16, ISO 100

Photographer in the Making

Posted by Mike on June 21, 2015

Buttermilk Falls State Park

On my state park day a few weekends ago, my trip to Buttermilk Falls was especially enjoyable due to the amount of people I met. It was definitely a different type of trip for me. I was able to get a lot of photography done on my hike along the gorge trail but I also managed to meet a lot of people. I kept checking for the sign I must have been wearing because I was approached/engaged by more people than I usually am. Maybe it was me that changed and I was projecting a more open aura!

As I was setting up my tripod for this image I was watching this guy work the scene trying to get the shot he wanted. He apologized for stepping into my frame but I explained I was still composing and I was not in any hurry. He told me he was just starting out and made an excuse about not being at my level (probably due to all my gear). I explained how I was just out having fun too and that we all learn everyday. I told him to take his time and get all the shots he wanted. I couldn’t help myself and grabbed this image as he was getting his. He thanked me and we went our separate ways.

This new budding photographer was typical of the interactions I had this day. I also used quite a few iPhones for people to grab a picture they couldn’t get together without the classic one-arm selfie look. All in all it was a great hike.

Photographer in the Making
Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 0.8s, 12mm, f/20, ISO 100

Night Along the Rivers of America

Posted by Mike on June 20, 2015

Frontierland, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

I know I have a fascination with Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom. I typically spend a lot of my time in this area of the park. I enjoy exploring Tom Sawyer Island and always go for a ride on the Liberty Belle. I’m not sure if it is because I grew up on a farm and the “rural” feel of the area brings me back to my days playing in the creek or I just enjoy being able to find quiet spots away from the hustling crowds on their way to the rides.

Looking through my Disney posts I find I also enjoy getting pictures of Harper’s Mill and the Liberty Belle riverboat. There are plenty of locations for different and unique compositions. One of my toughest pictures has been getting both in one at night. I try every visit and rarely come home happy with my attempts. This last visit either my luck has improved or my skill with the camera has gotten better. I hate thinking it is the new camera but it might play a little role in helping me get this image. Typically I would bracket a night image like this in order to capture the range of light but I found with my D7100 I could process a single exposure and achieve the look I wanted.