Rome, NY

I had no plan. No destination.

But as I mentioned yesterday, the light could not be ignored.

The sun was rising and I was losing the morning blue hour.

Where? The easy answer was Bellamy Harbor. Fine, but not from the end by the control gates. Go to Mill Street and include the water tower. Easy and quick choice. Now, go!

I made it as far as turning down East Dominick Street and I had to stop. It felt like there was an image here. I really liked the street lights and the contrast with the color in the sky. I pulled into the lot next to the church. I tried from the sidewalk but the angle wasn’t working for me.

No cars around and a very wide area in the center of the street. I got everything ready and walked out. It was OK. I think the next image I attempt will be better. There is still something here to capture…

There was still Bellamy Harbor. The color in the sky was getting better so I hurried back to the car. I parked at the Mill Street end of the park and walked toward the canal. The elevation of the bridge allows for a great view of the East side of the park. I can include the pavilion, the Hamilton College boat house, and the water tower.

Look at that sky! Yes!

What’s next? I bet the view from the other side of the canal would be interesting if I can include the lights. I collapsed the tripod and walked across the bridge. The sky is quickly changing. Hurry up!

I get the reflection of the lights in the canal I wanted but damn, the color is fading fast.

I’m adamant with myself of not going to the other end of the harbor for my normal view. So? Where to next?

I pass the B-52 Memorial everyday on the way to work. The last few mornings the sunrise has been interesting and I told myself I should have the camera in the car. OK, go see what it looks like now.

There have been a few improvements over the years to the memorial. All good, but to me they are distracting elements for my image. I can make it work…

The light show is almost over. One more of this grand bird. I move to the left in an attempt to hide the spotlight under the right wing. I’m also hoping to get more of the color in the sky. Not good for the color as the plane hides the horizon but I do remove the annoying spotlight.

I think I came home with a few good images. It wasn’t planned and maybe that helped me. I had to adjust and think in the moment. I bet there are more morning images around Rome that I can capture. It won’t be this morning as last night’s rain is still coming down… maybe next weekend.