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

Chittenango Falls State Park

Let’s complete the trifecta during my state park day and quickly visit Chittenango Falls. As I was heading home I debated if I should visit this park. It was right in the middle of the afternoon. The clouds had cleared giving me a beautiful blue sky but I was worried about too much sun on the waterfall.

Well, as we know I can not resist this park. I’m not sure if it is because it is the first waterfall I photographed once I got my DSLR or that every time I visit I find something interesting. Maybe it is because the waterfall is constantly changing depending on the amount of water in the Chittenango Creek. Probably I just have a soft spot for the cascade style waterfall and want to see how the water is falling across the steps.

After the Rains
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/5s, 26mm, f/16, ISO 100

Taughannock Falls State Park

Last week I finally went up to Delta Lake with the intent of purchasing my NY State Empire Passport. This passport allows day entry into most of New York’s state parks. Even if I was only going to the park near me it is a great deal but I was determined to visit many more parks throughout the state this year so getting the pass was a push in the right direction. The motto this summer is ‘No Excuses!’.

With all that being said Saturday was lining up to be my state park day. I didn’t have to work, I didn’t need to get either of the kids anywhere, and the weather was going to be just what I wanted… not too hot, overcast in the morning, and not raining. I loaded up the car and headed out about 5:30am to make my way down to Ithaca, NY. I have probably mentioned in the past, Ithaca is a city of waterfalls. There is also quite a few state parks around the city and some I have not visited since 2013.

I was going to start my day at Taughannock Falls. This park has a 3/4 mile trail along the gorge ending at the iconic 215 foot high waterfall. On my previous visit I ignored the overlook area and went straight for the trail. This time I started at the overlook which provides a great view of the gorge and waterfall.

From Above
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1s, 70mm, f/16, ISO 100

The hiking trail along the gorge is my favorite part of this park. I do love the waterfall reward at the end of the trail but all the small waterfalls and interesting areas on the way are what I come to photography. All those images will have to wait for another post. Here is another of the waterfall from the end of the hiking trail. The overcast day and the previous nights rain help bring out the color of the foliage and moss on the gorge walls.

End of the Line
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.6s, 24mm, f/20, ISO 100

After I was done burning off my breakfast at Taughannock Falls I headed over to Buttermilk Falls State Park. The gorge trail at this park is fantastic! It is a challenging hike but also so full of image opportunities it takes me forever to walk it! And to end my day I stopped at Chittenango Falls State Park as I worked my way home. Almost a full 12 hours of exploring (and driving). I can tell already that I am going to feel it in my legs today, but that is a good thing. I’ll get more pictures of my adventure posted soon…