Maybe it is the mid-winter blues, although it hasn’t been much of a winter, but I have been perusing my images of Florida lately. Could be it is time for a trip, or anticipation for the one in May. Anyway, the lifeguard tower and the pier at Cocoa Beach from last June…
Lookout
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M, Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1/3s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 100
I have been on a run of monochrome images recently. I thought it was time for a little color. Mother Nature has not been helping in the color department as of late, so I turned to my stockpile of images from Walt Disney World. I couldn’t pass up this sunrise reflection of the Beach Club Resort.
Beach Club Reflections
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M, Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1.6s, 12mm, f/16, ISO 100
There was a sliver of light in the sky Sunday morning. The forecast didn’t look good for the rest of the day, but I wanted to capture colors. I wanted the sunrise. I drove to Bellamy Harbor in the hope I could capture both.
The light was changing fast as the clouds were fighting the rising sun. I could see it already, my normal view down the canal with the sun providing the color against the gathering clouds. It was going to be a good one.
This time of year the sun rises to the right of the Mill St. bridge as I look east down the Barge Canal. When I arrived at the harbor my first choice was to setup at the water’s edge near the pedestrian bridge over the Mohawk River. I would be looking straight into the sunrise and could include rocks with river debris as foreground elements.
First Choice
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S, 0.8s, 26mm, f/11, ISO 100
Not a terrible image but not the one I had in my head. Time to move to “my spot” next to the water control gates at the opening of the harbor.
Damn.
The city fixed the fence again. Not sure what my thought process is or why I think this way, but I have no issue going around the fence if someone else has made the opening. I refuse to do it myself. It is a small difference but I stick to it.
Now what?
There is still a view to capture. Keep working the area.
Maybe the view looking down the canal framed by tree branches and the over growth? It could work. I’m not a fan of obscuring the sky but at least give it a try. Placement of the camera is important for this one. Too low on the bank and all you get is the over growth. Too high and the branches from the tree invade the harbor view. There it is…
Framed View
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S, 0.8s, 38mm, f/11, ISO 100
Still not the one. The light is changing too. Closer to sunrise. Next option?
An elevated view? Same spot in the harbor as the first image but from the top of the bank. I’ll still be looking into the sunrise. The light will be centered.
Higher View
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S, 0.8s, 29mm, f/11, ISO 100
Almost. Is it getting darker? No, my eyes must be playing a trick on me. Any other thoughts for your sunrise?
Something with out the over growth in the foreground?
Wow! Look at that color. Definitely a view with more water to get the color reflection. From the pedestrian bridge? That could work.
Bridge View
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S, 0.8s, 26mm, f/11, ISO 100
Damn. It’s cold out this morning. Fingers are getting a little numb.
One more. Back to the water’s edge. Look at those colors.
Fire in the Sky
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S, 1/4s, 29mm, f/11, ISO 100
As you can probably tell, the last two images are my favorites. I didn’t know what I would find for an image but I stayed with it. I didn’t get the image in my head but I didn’t walk away. The light was constantly changing providing new and different opportunities..
Looking at the last two images, I wish I had used a neutral density (ND) filter. It would have slowed down my shutter and created smoother, silkier water. It could plus these images or maybe not. The option for me as I processed the captures would have been nice. Next time…
Don’t give up on a scene, especially if an obstacle prevents you from the planned image in your head. Don’t be tied to that vision, create a new one.
Passing By
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 5s, 15mm, f/11, ISO 100
The weather app indicated cloudy conditions but clearing for the day. Perfect for sunrise images. No wind either which had me thinking the canal would be calm and like a mirror. I was right. The colors in the sky reflected in the waters of the canal. A perfect morning (except for the friggin’ mosquitoes)…
Reflecting Bellamy 1
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1.6s, 28mm, f/11, ISO 100
Reflecting Bellamy 2
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 2s, 56mm, f/11, ISO 100
Reflecting Bellamy 3
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/6s, 27mm, f/11, ISO 100
Yesterday morning I changed up my sunrise destination. I typically have been going to Bellamy Harbor but thought it would be cool to go to the International Sculpture Garden on Griffiss Business Park. Frequent readers will know this park as my go to spot for macro photography as well as a place for a nice walk.
I did the same thing way back in 2019 and it was about time I showed the sculptures some sunrise love. There is a lot more going on at the park these days so finding a way to highlight a sculpture by itself is a little more difficult. I also spent to much time yesterday morning processing my sunrise image and didn’t arrive at the park with nearly enough time to explore all the lighted sculptures.
I have included the names of the artists for the sculpture in the caption below each image. You can read more about the sculpture garden at this link International Sculpture Garden, and find out more about the artists. I need to do this again real soon…
Persephone
Artist: Howard Kalish
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 2.5s, 43mm, f/11, ISO 100
Chimney
Artist: Tomasz Domanski
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 2.5s, 38mm, f/11, ISO 100
Lookout Landing
Artist: Jenny Polak
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1s, 43mm, f/11, ISO 100
I ended up being a lot more lazy on Saturday than I planned. Simple as that.
On Sunday I reversed what happened on Saturday. I started the morning at Bellamy Harbor Park for the sunrise. The fog had other plans but I adapted and incorporated the conditions into an image. I miss the trees that lined the canal walkway and provided shade for the benches but without them this view is more open.
Rest
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1.6s, 54mm, f/16, ISO 100
I doubled down around lunch and went for a walk along the Mohawk River Trail. I split the trail in half by parking at the Chestnut Street lot and explored in both directions. I couldn’t resist the black-eyed susans as soon as I spotted them.
If
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/320s, f/3.2, ISO 100
In for a penny, in for a pound. I made it a trifecta by ending the day at Delta Lake State Park. The sunset was going to be interrupted by the clouds on the horizon but I arrived early enough to capture the color before the sun completely hidden. The gulls were enjoying the beach and lake even more than the remaining people. I took a chance at capturing one in flight. I don’t think it turned out too bad…
Free
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/640s, 35mm, f/4, ISO 100
Wake up! We’re going on a hunt.
A hunt for what?
The morning light.
Really?
Yes, now get moving. The sun is easy but the early morning light is better. I don’t want to miss it.
There was rain in the forecast and I hoped there would be a few clouds in the sky. I guessed right! I parked near the Mill St. bridge at Bellamy Harbor as I wanted to explore as much as possible while the morning blue hour changed with the rising of the sun.
Come on! Let’s see what I found.
Light Up the Morning
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1.3s, 30mm, f/8, ISO 100
This section of the park is fantastic during the morning. The color in the sky contrasts wonderfully with the green grass and the glow from the lights adds some interesting patterns. You can see the weather front approaching from the southeast.
With the lights still on I wanted to get the image I missed the last time I was at the park in the morning. From the edge of the bridge over the canal, I can get the water tower against the morning sky with one of the lights in the foreground.
Nailed it!
Tower Lights
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 2.5s, 40mm, f/8, ISO 100
Time to head to the opposite end of the park before the clouds cover too much of the sky. I do love the view looking down the canal. Walk or drive? Don’t be lazy, there is plenty of time, walk!
Before I get to the other side I couldn’t resist this view of the park with the lights along the canal. The mood in this view is completely different. The color is all in the east and looking west is dominated by blues. The only offset is the yellow/orange glow from the lights. Plus, when have I ignored a good reflection.
Um, never!
Harbor Lights
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 3s, 43mm, f/9, ISO 100
I reach my favorite spot and start composing my image. Choices? The color is more to the left than I would like but I’m not a fan of what I would need to include in the view. I obviously want to keep the steel structure bridge (Mill St.) in the picture. Oh, and the lights again, of course. I want the reflection but not enjoying the bright orange buoy in the canal. If I do this view… maybe…
Not the best but it works for this morning…
Harbor Glow
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.5s, 38mm, f/11, ISO 100
OK. Those are the main images I wanted to capture. Now walk around and see what else catches your eye. You’re in no hurry to get back home. Enjoy this time of solitude.
Those damn reflections again. The canal is perfectly still. Not the best sky. Maybe a monochrome image would work. Whatever, click the shutter before something disturbs the water.
Right, got it…
Reflection of Mill St.
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.6s, 28mm, f/11, ISO 100
As you can see, I decided not to process this one as a monochrome image. I liked it, but the blues and greens in this one work for me. Who knows, maybe I will eventually convert it and post a different version.
Sunrise! But the sun is still behind the low clouds. Definitely changing the color in the sky. One more of the water tower? Isolate the tower and use the color as a backdrop. There. Nice!
General Cable Renewed
Nikon Z6 II, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/8s, 70mm, f/11, ISO 100
The rain eventually came and lasted most of the day. Not a problem. I had plenty of other things to occupy my time after this great start to the day.
So far, today is looking pretty good. Maybe I’ll head over to the sculpture garden for a walk…
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