OK, I have had a few days of wishing for the sun and reliving a few trips to Florida. Yesterday the temperatures reached a balmy 19 F so I thought it would be a good idea to visit Delta Lake. There were clouds from the coming winter storm approaching but I like a little drama in the sky. My first stop was at the entrance to get the view across the frozen pond. I decided to go hand-held as I didn’t feel like holding on to the cold tripod. There was plenty of light so I knew it wouldn’t be an issue.
The park added benches around this pond at the end of the season last year. I can’t resist using a bench as some foreground interest. Which bench would you sit in? The one on the side of the clear sky or the one with the orange dramatic clouds?
Pick a Side Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1/320s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 400
Along the trails of the sculpture garden are these red benches. I assume the bright red color is to allow them to stand out and be noticeable from a distance. Even though they are metal, they are actually quite comfortable to sit on. There are a couple of these benches on the hill above the Pagoda Pavilion. I have sat on them a few times and simply enjoyed the day. This one is interesting as it is tucked in among the trees and quite a few feet off the paved paths.
Even though this is a busy image, I liked the red bench having the orange book ends from the tree leaves. Late afternoon light casting long shadows didn’t hurt either. I thought to walk up to the bench, create a single impression in the snow on the seat and walk away leaving a single set of foot prints in the snow. Obviously I chose the the cleaner view…
Have a Seat Olympus Pen-F, M. Zuiko 17mm f/1.8, 1/80s, f/11, ISO 200
The sun was out! At first, I wasn’t sure what that bright thing in the sky actually was since I hadn’t seen it in such a long time. Once I got over my initial confusion, I decided I would go get a proper “sunset” at Delta Lake. I should have checked on the wind!
Dang! I thought I dressed appropriately but the wind cut through me with ease. I grabbed a few images then hid behind a group of trees while I waited for the sun to reach the horizon. I wanted to capture the colors reflected in the layer of ice which formed near the shore. Once I captured my view, I practically ran back to the car…
Frozen Dreams Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1/125s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200
It is probably because it is easily accessible, but I find myself at Bellamy Harbor Park quite often. I started the day on Friday at the park for the sunrise. The clouds and the colors where amazing. I tried a few different angles, even venturing out into the new rock island that grew after all the rain this summer but ended up sticking my camera in the opening of the gate blocking my favorite location. I really like the curve of the water as well as the clouds. I found the image I wanted.
Day Starts Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 0.3s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 100
Sunset came and my first thought was to capture the rising moon. It is the December full moon, or Cold Moon if you look in the Farmer’s Almanac. The name is from the Mohawk tribe of the Iroquois which seems fitting considering where I live. The sunset would be about an hour after the moon rises which would allow me to capture the moon before the sky turned too dark. I needed some time to find the composition I wanted. As I walked around this opposite view of Bellamy Harbor Park caught my eye. It would be a good companion for my morning image.
Day Ends Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1/100s, 20mm, f/11, ISO 200
I couldn’t resist using the water tower at the park again. With the brighter sky I felt I would have a good chance of showing more of the towers details as well as capture the details in the moon. I was even able to practice my patience as I needed to wait until the moon climbed higher in the sky. Using the long end of my 12-100mm lens I was able to isolate the tower and the moon against a beautiful blue sky. You can even see the old General Cable Corporation logon on the side of the water tower.
Cold Moon Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1/40s, 100mm, f/11, ISO 200
Overall, it was a great day! My plan was to go out on Saturday (today) morning to catch the moon as it was setting. I would be able to get some images at Delta Lake, but the snow moving in ended that plan. I’m thinking I might get one more chance on Sunday morning and if we do get some snow that might be a better image… 🙂
Another view of the sunset from Tuesday evening. I think Mother Nature didn’t want me to get too greedy. Three beautiful evenings in a row was enough because Wednesday she reminded me that rain was important. The glow of the sunlight on the reeds in Delta Lake State Park was the first thing to catch my eye when I walked onto the beach. I have a landscape view of this same scene which shows more of the reeds with their golden color but I preferred this version which focuses in closer to highlight the color of the reeds against the backdrop of the silhouetted, darker trees.
EuphoriaGolden sun highlights
Remnants of joyous summer
Euphoria shines
Golden Glow Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1/160s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 200
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