Category Archives: reflection

Bok Tower Gardens

Posted by Mike on

Lake Wales, Florida

On my third day in Florida I went to Bok Tower Gardens which is about an hour South of Orlando. borrowing from Wikipedia…

Bok Tower Gardens is a 250-acre (100 ha) contemplative garden and bird sanctuary located atop Iron Mountain, north of Lake Wales, Florida, United States, created by Edward Bok in the 1920s. Formerly known as the Bok Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower, the gardens’ attractions include the Singing Tower and its 60-bell carillon, the Bok Exedra, the Pinewood Estate now known as El Retiro, the Pine Ridge Trail, and the Visitor Center.

Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark. The 205-foot (62 m) Singing Tower was built upon one of the highest points of peninsular Florida, estimated to be 295 feet (90 m) above sea level,[4] and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[3] The national significance of the gardens and its tower come from their associations with Edward W. Bok and his team of designers.[3] The adjacent Pinewood Estate is separately listed on the National Register as El Retiro.

The Singing Tower
Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/100s, 35mm, f/11, ISO 100

It is more impressive in-person. If you find yourself in central Florida with a day to spare, I highly recommend visiting these gardens. There are a lot of trails to explore and I passed quite a few fellow photographers. Based on the lenses attached to their cameras, most were at the gardens for birds and/or butterflies. I did meet an unexpected resident…

Unexpected
Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/200s, f/2.8, ISO 100

I was also very happy to find the azaleas were in bloom. I’m now very excited for these to bloom around Columbus.

Aza
Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/500s, f/3.2, ISO 100

Lea
Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/100s, f/5.6, ISO 100

My Backside
Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/800s, f/3, ISO 100

As I was exploring around the tower at the heart of these gardens I met another group of visitors. I had my zoom lens with me and quietly changed to it. The group was foraging through the grass but were on the move. I was able to get around and in front of their path. I’ll admit I got a little lucky…

What in the Sandhill…
Nikon Z f, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/250s, 300mm, f/6.3, ISO 100

Of course, I can’t pass up a good reflection…

Florida Upside Down
Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/500s, f/2.8, ISO 100

I was a good day. I will be going back to Bok Tower on a future visit to Florida.

Unexpected

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

My walk at Flat Rock Park on Sunday brought me an unexpected surprise. I didn’t anticipate the recent rains would have created enough water flowing down the rocks for a waterfall. I had the 28mm lens on the camera and the tripod was back in the car but by decreasing the aperture to f/16 I was able to get a 1/15th shutter speed. Not quite the silky smooth look I prefer but I’m not going to complain. I spent most of my time in this area exploring all the possibilities. How could I refuse the one with a reflection as well…

Unexpected
Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/15s, f/16, ISO 100

October Tranquility

Posted by Mike on

Callaway Resort & Gardens

If you are here, you probably know I love a good reflection in my images. I have been known to stop the car to capture a reflection. When I go to Callaway Gardens, there are plenty of opportunities for me. Add in some autumn color and I’m drinking the reflection Kool-Aid. I’m also fascinated by this walkway bridge in the Azalea Bowl area of the gardens. The close-up felt like it should be a painting so that is how I processed it…

Less Troubled Waters
Nikon Z6 II, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/80s, 70mm, f/11, ISO 110

October Tranquility
Nikon Z6 II, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/125s, 100mm, f/11, ISO 450

Morning Reflected

Posted by Mike on

Crescent Lake, Epcot Area, Walt Disney World

I’m home! As you have been warned, I am back in Walt Disney World. I left late Wednesday night and drove six hours in order to get to the resort bright and early. OK, I’ll admit I stopped after crossing the Florida state line and took an hour nap but driving down was definitely better than the fun that is air travel. Although, the last forty miles had me questioning my decision… 🙂

My room wouldn’t be ready for hours ,so I decided to grab a few sunrise images before heading to the bus for the Magic Kingdom. It was a great way to unwind after the drive. I could feel the tense muscles relaxing and my mind was getting into vacation mode.

Well, it is time to go walk around the lake and see what today’s sunrise will bring me…

Morning Reflected
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/10s, 24mm, f/8, ISO 100

Reflection Duo

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

OK, I’m definitely milking that one excursion to the park for a few good images. It was a good evening to be outside. We all know I love a good reflection in my photography and last Thursday was no exception. The group of trees visible at the top of the waterfall/slide image from few days ago remain the stars of these reflections.

This first image is a six image vertical panoramic. I could (and did) grab a vertically oriented view of this scene but I was wanting to pull in more of the reflection and/or the actual trees depending on where I focused at 24mm. By switch back to a landscape orientation and capturing enough images top to bottom I was able to use Lightroom to stitch them together into a nice vertical panoramic view.

Reflection Pano
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/40s, 24mm, f/8, ISO 100
{6 image vertical pano}

The rock structure which is a prominent feature of this park (hence the name) holds water in various pockets. I was running around looking for the best angle and interesting views for my next reflection. Not that I’m a fan of the graffiti, but it does add to the image. Plus, a reflection… I’m happy.

Peeking
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/30s, 33mm, f/8, ISO 100

Autumn Bridge

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

I’m still wondering why it took me so long to visit Flat Rock Park. It is five minutes from my apartment. It is a big park with a lot to see and has a lot of opportunities for me. I’m chalking it up to me being basically lazy… 🙂

Autumn Bridge
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/15s, 37mm, f/11, ISO 100

Autumn Reflected

Posted by Mike on

Silent Sunday
Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

Autumn Reflected
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/50s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 100

Autumn Colors

Posted by Mike on

Lower Falls Creek Lake, Callaway Resort & Gardens

Toward the end of my visit at Callaway Gardens I headed to the Azalea Bowl in the hope of finding some floral subjects. There was only a slim chance but I knew my consolation would be to walk around Lower Falls Creek Lake. I’m a sucker for a good reflection.

Autumn Colors
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/60s, 38mm, f/11, ISO 100