Category Archives: water

Yellow, Green and Blue

Posted by Mike on

I found a new trail on the south side of the city yesterday. I didn’t investigate it via Google maps prior to grabbing the camera after dinner and heading out to explore. It wasn’t a very visual path for me. I kept hoping the next bend would reveal a clearing full of photographic possibilities but after 30 minutes of walking I had to turn around in order to get back before dark. Still, it was a good walk.

I decided I would use the new 35mm lens tonight as I wanted to see how using a prime lens changes how I capture pictures. Definitely a different approach required but I like it. It is a lot lighter than my Sigma, the camera barely feels like it is hanging from my neck. I need to be able to adjust my distance to my subject and some times that is not possible. These Black Eyed Susans were down next to the water. I could have changed lenses but that would have defeated my purpose.

Yellow, Green and Blue
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 35mm f/1.8, 1/50s, f4, ISO 800

Trenton Falls Overflow

Posted by Mike on

Overflow Big Look
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, (1/50, 1/13, 1/3s bracket), 28mm, f18, ISO 100


Overflow Detail
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, (1/50, 1/13, 1/3s bracket), 32mm, f18, ISO 100

Among the Rocks
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/400s, 38mm, f5.6, ISO 400

Toss the bread…

Posted by Mike on

Toss the bread, and slowly back away…
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-700mm f/2.8-4, 1/250s, 70mm, f5.6, ISO 400

A Morning along the Canal

Posted by Mike on

I decided today would be the day I get up early and search out a sunrise over the Utica Marsh.  My plan was a little short sighted since the walk to the marsh was definitely longer than I anticipated.  It did give me plenty of opportunities along the barge canal for pictures though so the day was not a total washout (even considering all the rain!).  I’ll know better next time to set my alarm about an hour earlier.

Calm Water Morning
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.0, 1/25s, 17mm, f8, ISO 400

Around half way to the marsh the trail has to cross a canal gate.  The gate isn’t related to a lock but more of a control point into a harbor of sorts off the canal.  I captured a few pictures leading up to the gate but the reverse view, into the sunrise, was definitely the keeper.  It was a little weird crossing the gate even though there was a walkway installed on top.  I was impressed with the construction.  It went for simplicity with large concrete counter weights to reduce the work any motor needed to perform.

Weighted Gate
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.0, 1/50s, 17mm, f8, ISO 400

At one point along the path there are three bridges that cross above, the north and south lanes of Routes 8 & 12, and the off ramp bridge to I790.  When I reached the point between the bridges the sun was finally above the horizon and once again I had a great show to capture.  This image ‘breaks’ all the ‘rules’, horizon is in the middle, subject is in the middle, etc., but as soon as I capture the first frame I knew this was the way the picture needed to be.  I generally don’t second guess my initial response, when I think about it, I tend to ruin the scene.

Reflected Light(pole)
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.0, 1/125s, 17mm, f8, ISO 400

All three pictures where processed using Lightroom 4.  Minor tweaks to tone, a little noise reduction and some sharpening.  I’m still learning all the possibilities with Lightroom 4 but it sure does make post processing images simple and straight forward.

Bending Reality

Posted by Mike on
From Landscapes

Bending Reality
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.0, 1/160s, 17mm, f5.6, ISO 400

While I was at the canal park last night I decided to try for another panoramic image.  I had watched a video by Gavin Hoey on Adorama TV on creating panoramic images and I was hoping the view of the canal would allow me to create what I wanted.  This image is a stitch of 9 portrait pictures taken from East to West between Mill St. and Erie Blvd East in Rome, NY.  I think next time I’ll back away just a little more to get the metal railing in the entire image.