Category Archives: reflection

Peaceful Creek

Posted by Mike on

Oriskany Creek

Friday was another beautiful day here in Upstate NY. I don’t want to jinx us but we have been enjoying a string of beautiful days and I took full advantage of the one we had yesterday. Originally I had to take a half day off of work to help my daughter get to a meeting for her summer research position as well as her (what is now a second job!) scheduled shift at Price Chopper. There was a little mix-up with the times but everything worked out for the best. What it did allow is for me to go exploring on my way home before having to get her to work.

As much as I love the Autumn and the colors of the changing leaves, I think I love the new budding leaves in the Spring just as much. The new green leaves against the dark, winter worn limbs always looks great to me. Through in some water reflections and I will click the shutter release all day. The leaves hit that sweet spot on Friday so stopping at Oriskany Creek was now a must do as I worked my way home. Midday isn’t always the best time to capture a picture but I think this one turned out OK.

Peaceful Creek Nikon D7100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 1/13s, 66mm, f/16, ISO 100

Peaceful Creek
Nikon D7100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 1/13s, 66mm, f/16, ISO 100

Boardwalk at Night

Posted by Mike on

Boardwalk, Crescent Lake,
Walt Disney World

Even when I am on vacation I am an early riser. It does have its advantages. When I stay at one of the resorts around Crescent Lake (behind Epcot) I always go exploring before most people are even considering waking up. I might meet the occasional jogger or maintenance worker but for the most part I have the lake to myself.

This is a 6 image HDR panorama of the Boardwalk from the pavilion between the Boardwalk and Epcot. Normally I use Photomatix to combine the exposures but this time I tried the ‘Merge to HDR Pro’ in Photoshop. I have to admit that for this image I really like the results. I had plenty of control for the merge and it was a little easier to use. With both merged images still open in Photoshop I used the Photomerge function to create the panorama. There was a little more adjusting in Photoshop to get to this final image.

Boardwalk at Night Nikon D5100, Tokina 12-24mm f/4, {8, 15 & 30s brackets}, 28mm, f/11, ISO 100

Boardwalk at Night
Nikon D5100, Tokina 12-24mm f/4, {8, 15 & 30s brackets}, 28mm, f/11, ISO 100

Sunset Reflected

Posted by Mike on

Computer Chip Commercialization Center (Quad-C)
SUNY Polytech Institute Campus

Sunset Reflected Olympus E-P3, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/160s, 22mm, f/8, ISO 400

Sunset Reflected
Olympus E-P3, M. Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/160s, 22mm, f/8, ISO 400

Torii Gate Light Reflections

Posted by Mike on

Torii Gate, Japan Pavilion
Epcot, Walt Disney World

It is only a few days away from my planned (and then cancelled) fall trip to Walt Disney World. I am feeling a little home sick. LOL The autumn and Halloween time decorations, combined with the Food and Wine Festival, make this time of year my favorite time to visit. I had also planned on attending the Magic in Pixels – Pixelmania 2014 event but some required training for work interrupted my plans. It only delays the inevitable and allows me to save up for a more glorious spring trip. 😉

The Japan Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase is one of my favorite places to explore and photograph. The Imagineers went all in on this pavilion. There are numerous iconic features that draw my camera’s attention on every trip. The torii gate in the waters at the front of the pavilion has always been a challenge for me. I even make it more difficult be insisting on capturing it at night. I do like the light reflections though…

Torii Gate Light Reflections Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, {10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 80 & 106s bracket}, 17mm, f/16, ISO 400

Torii Gate Light Reflections
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, {10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 80 & 106s bracket}, 17mm, f/16, ISO 400

A Quiet Morning for Reflection

Posted by Mike on

Flame Tree Barbecue seating area
Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

One of the reasons I love going to Disney is for the exploration. There are the obvious attractions and experiences that Disney pushes at their guests but my greatest enjoyment comes from wandering around the parks and finding all the little details that enhance our experience. Most visitors will not make the time to actually see what has been built as they rush from one big event to the next. My initial visits were that way as I wasn’t sure if and when we would return. We dragged the kids through long days and tried to ‘see’ everything. What we missed were the quiet moments that become the memory makers.

I was in the Animal Kingdom last October for the early morning extra magic hour and wandered down to the seating area behind the Flame Tree Barbecue. This area has one of the best views of Expedition Everest but what I found was the detail and beauty built just so the guests have a nice place to eat lunch. I spent the whole hour in this area photographing the details. I don’t remember which attraction I rode first that day but I do remember how much fun I had exploring that morning.

Slow down and enjoy the little moments…

A Quiet Morning for Reflection Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, {1/4, 1/10 & 1/25s bracket}, 24mm, f/16, ISO 200

A Quiet Morning for Reflection
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, {1/4, 1/10 & 1/25s bracket}, 24mm, f/16, ISO 200

Technology and Nature

Posted by Mike on

Monorail Monday

Technology and Nature Nikon D5100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 1/320s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 250

Technology and Nature
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 1/320s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 250