A quick visit to Delta Lake for the sunset. A few hours before this there were a few clouds in the sky which I would have loved for this image. Apparently, they found better sky to the west. The orange glow was not to be missed though…
The week was definitely a roller coaster ride as far as the weather was concerned. I can’t complain through when the final drop was a good one. Friday was another great day. Once again I was determined not to waste it by being a lump on the couch (well, any more than usual).
I was amazed at the number of cars in the parking lot at Delta Lake when I arrived for the sunset. Was I unaware of an event at the park? No, but a lot of people had the same idea as me.
Get out and enjoy the end of the day…
As I was on my way to the park the sun slid behind a few clouds and created a beautiful array of light streaking down from the sky. I might have pushed the pedal closer to the floor in an attempt to get to the park a little sooner. I was able to catch the very end of the show.
The clouds were moving in and the expected rain was approaching quickly. I walked the edge of the beach, weaving my way around all the people, looking for one more peek of the sun before the clouds fully dominated the sky.
The beach was crowded and noisy. I walked through the woods to the picnic area on the left. I was looking for a view through the trees but that didn’t materialize. I opted to climb down to the shore and grab a grand vista view of the lake with the clouds.
If you notice two objects in the water they appeared to be a couple of large branches from trees. After I snapped this image a few jet ski enthusiasts came flying past my location. I was a little worried about them hitting the floating debris. I have to admit though, they were quite loud, obnoxious and annoying, I might have thought it wouldn’t be a terribly bad thing if something caused them to not work any more…
Heading back to the beach I noticed a small opening in the clouds. I started looking for a view to highlight the color contrast between the clouds and the orange glow from the sun. I seem to fall back to using the trees on the point in my compositions.
My chances for one last peek of the sun were fading quickly. I was having difficulty deciding if what I was seeing in the clouds was rain or not. There were still a lot of people on the beach but I really did not want to get caught if it started to rain. If everyone else was going to be brave about the rain so could I.
I was determined to stay as the sky progressed from sunset into the blue hour but the more I looked at the clouds coming across the lake I was sure I would end up getting wet. One last image hoping to capture the rain in the clouds and then I would make my way back to the car.
Driving back home a few drops of rain hit the windshield. Did I make the right choice? It didn’t fully rain for quite a while after I got home. I bet if I stayed it would have rained sooner just to spite me… 🙂
One last word. I was processing these images this morning when I noticed the sky lighting up with the sunrise. Beautiful light, clouds to capture the colors and I swear I heard my name in the wind. Finishing this post early could wait. I threw the camera bag over my shoulder I drove off into the morning.
That adventure is for another post…
Come on!
Let’s find an image tonight.
Where?
Doesn’t matter where, they are everywhere…
Fine. Bellamy Harbor Park should give us plenty of opportunities. It will be like shooting landscapes in a gallery.
It was a calm evening with a few clouds in the sky. I like clouds. The light needs something to play off. I park at the lot next to the Mill Street bridge. Its a favorite location, especially at sunset. My first stop is on the bridge, aiming the camera west into the setting sun.
Not too bad. I like the appearance of a separate flow within the canal. First decision, keep crossing the bridge to get the park from across the canal or back to the park side to shoot down the canal hoping for something with the sun. I choose to stay on the park side of the canal.
Nice! Notice how the clouds form a pointer toward the sun. I’m also liking the reflection of the light in the calmer waters of the canal. Would this be better if I turn the camera? Let’s try one in portrait…
It’s OK. Not the image I was looking to capture. I do like the couple walking along the canal. They add a little to the story. The sun is about to poke below the clouds. Time to get ready for a sunburst. Shooting into the sun can produce challenges. I learned quite a few years ago how to make it work for me.
I switch the camera back to landscape orientation and change from aperture mode to manual mode. Adjust the exposure and wait. First image is straight into the sun. Plenty of flare and spots. No problem. Second image I place my finger over the sun. This removes the flare and spots. I can combine the two in Photoshop to create the image I want.
Now it is time to cross the bridge and see what the park looks like from the other side. I like the views of the park from across the canal. Plenty of space under the bridge to see the original park but also the new park across Mill Street.
Setting up low along the canal I can capture a sweeping view of the original Bellamy Park. I wish there wasn’t that big red floating structure in front of the boat house but I cannot complain about the colors or sky. Fantastic!
I only have to walk under the bridge to see the new addition to the park. A few years ago the city expanded the park adding a new pavilion. Last year Hamilton College built a facility for the rowing teams. I have yet to watch a race but it is definitely on my list for this year. I also like the view down the canal toward Utica…
Oh, wow! The sky is changing again. The sun has set and now I’m hoping the color will change as the sun reflects off the clouds. Time to get back across the bridge. The view from the bridge is one I cannot pass up. This is Bellamy Harbor…
The sky isn’t changing they way I hoped.
Be patient!
You always leave too early. How many times have you kicked yourself as you drive home? Hhhmmm? Too many.
Relax. Take a breath. Enjoy the view.
Oh wow! The lights came on.
Now, this is why you waited…
Well? Did you get any good images?
A few.
Being out there while the sun was setting was the experience.
Enjoy it.
Do it more often…
MLCreations Photography 