My exploration of the Chattahoochee RiverWalk trail was good for more than getting me off the couch. I found a few locations that I’ll be returning to as the seasons change. One of them is this covered bridge.
The Bridge Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/40s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 100
I’m really looking forward to when the trees begin to fill out and the area feels more alive. As much as I love a “naked” tree, typically in silhouette, I think this view will only improve as the leaves appear. I know I’ll be exploring the river trails more this year.
Thoughts of Yesteryear Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/50s, 31mm, f/11, ISO 100
Oh, in case you didn’t notice, this is for another of those themes I’ve been talking about lately. You can probably guess, this is Bridge Wednesday. I really need to post a list so everyone can play along… 🙂
I’ve probably rambled on about this more than anyone cares to listen, but when I was starting this journey with photography Google’s social network, Google+ (G+) was beginning. This network played no small part in the growth of my photography. One of the aspects I enjoyed, and truly miss, was the theme days.
A page or two in my notebook (the one I’m writing in this year, to my surprise) are about using themes to help me see better. And a small part of me is hoping to get others to join me in posting using these themes. I haven’t worked it all out in my head, but… today was/is #TreeTuesday (I’ll forego the hash tag format here).
Shade Me Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/5, ISO 110
I can easily be complacent. Simple statement of fact. I point to the four year gap between selling the house and finally moving South. I want to do better.
The allure of my current video game was calling me after I fed the boys (my cats) their dinner. The “want to do better” thought was floating on the top of my mind. Thankfully, the lazy side of me didn’t win. I packed the camera and headed out. At the very least I would go to the park and do more exploring. The sunset would not be until 5:45pm, I had plenty of time.
The short conversation I had with one of my friends at work about the trails along the river popped into my head as I sat at the light. Straight to the park or make the turn to the right, and find the trailhead. I turned right.
I’ve known about the trail along the river since I moved to this area. I’ve walked a short section of it near Uptown Columbus. This time I was going to start at the very north end and walk downstream. You can see more info about the trail system here. I did grab a phone pic of the map.
I walked from mile marker 3.7 to marker 2.0. That small section there on the bottom left of the map. As you can see, I have more exploring to do. Added to my agenda for the year…
I had no idea what I would find along the trail. This was more of a scouting mission. A deposit on future possibilities. I met a few photographers on the trail and they provided me with some advice on the birds I could find. I only brought the 24-70mm lens but the next walk will be with the zoom lens.
I mentioned in the post on the Shine event at the botanical garden that I’m not a street photographer. But, there were a couple of opportunities to include people in my pics. I’m thinking I need more practice…
The Journey Begins Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/100s, 24mm, f/8, ISO 100
Golden Days Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/80s, 70mm, f/11, ISO 160
When my daughter and I were walking through Flat Rock Park we ventured off road. Probably because something caught my eye and off I went in pursuit of the shiny. She had no choice but to follow (bwah ha ha). After the first image, I needed to collect the set (colors). I’m thinking there could be more of these pics… at least in my head. We’ll see what happens. No promises, y’all know how bad I am at follow through… 🙂
Blue 14 Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/800s, f/2.8, ISO 200
Red 14 Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/500s, f/2.8, ISO 200
White 15 Nikon Z6 II, Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8, 1/800s, f/5.6, ISO 200
Reflecting on these now I wish I had captured all three from the same hole. This proves I’m still rushing through the process. I get a thought or idea, run with it, but in my rush I don’t fully think of what I want to show. Oh well, next time.
P.S., I’ve spent some time trying to collect my thoughts for an end of the year post. I’m still processing the tangled mess of ideas swirling within my head. I’m also fighting the rabbit hole I usually fall into when I review what I have done previous years, which isn’t helping the process. Or, maybe it is, hard to tell once all the thoughts start fighting for attention.
Due to the holidays and lingering vacation days I needed to use by the end of the year, I have been off work since December 19th. I will not be back to work until January 2nd. After a week of being totally lazy, I thought it was time to go for a walk. It had nothing to do with the amount of food consumption over the holiday… I swear! 😉
Typically, midday light is considered harsh light and not preferred for photography. It really depends on the subject and objective. If your compositions include shadows (which help provide depth) the midday light can produce wonderful images. It is more about the photographer understanding the light.
This time I was going to walk the road that meanders through the park. The round trip is two miles, which I sorely need (I don’t move enough). The road is one way, going clockwise from the entrance. Most people walk in that direction, which really confuses me. I walked counter-clockwise so I could see the cars coming at me.
Come on, this way!
Take a Look, Swap a Book Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/60s, f/1.8, ISO 100
I’m always curious if these book swap boxes get used much. I didn’t open it to see what my options would be for a book. I have enough of my own I need to still read. Maybe I should bring a few over and contribute to the swap.
Stone Bridge Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/160s, f/8, ISO 100
If you can’t tell, I’m fascinated by this stone bridge. It was one of the first photographs I captured at the park when I moved to Georgia. I missed my opportunity for another autumn pic with the bridge but I do like this view. I will need to capture another one once we see more green in the spring.
Yellow Reflected Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/1250s, f/2.8, ISO 100
Another object I’m fascinated with at this park. I’m sure frequent readers are getting tired of seeing this one. Still, the yellow reflected in the water with the blue sky and green pines is pretty cool, right?
Holiday Styling Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/1000s, f/1.8, ISO 100
OK, this one was giving me a Charlie Brown Christmas vibe. You can’t pass by this and not capture an image. I thought about replacing the one red bulb that had fallen but it kind of makes a statement, so I left it. The background is very busy, I went with a shallow depth of field in an attempt to help highlight the subject.
Meander Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/125s, f/8, ISO 100
This one shows how to use the light to my advantage. The sun is coming in high from the left. Plenty of shadows on the trees to give the image definition. The road leads the eye toward the brighter trees in the distance. You probably wouldn’t guess this was captured in the middle of the day.
Time to Cook? Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/1600s, f/2.8, ISO 100
I keep feeling like there is image I want to create with these different sites throughout the park. Picnic tables and places to cook. A little sad that they appear to be neglected and rarely used. I do like the stone work though…
Stairs Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/400s, f/8, ISO 100
G10 Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/500s, f/8, ISO 100
Behind the G10 site is a group of trees that I keep trying to capture. The trees are lifeless but the bare trunks attract my attention every visit. This time, I put in the effort to capture an image of what I’m seeing. I believe this one shows it best…
Texture Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/4000s, f/1.8, ISO 100
We are just about back to where we parked the car. Sitting on the edge of the rocks in an area that feels like an amphitheater I liked the defiance of this tree. No one is telling it it shouldn’t trying growing among the rocks.
Defiance Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/250s, f/8, ISO 100
It felt good to use the old leg muscles. Typically, I drive the car and park in the various locations, partly due to time constraint but that is only an excuse. From now on I need to park once and walk more. You are welcomed to join anytime.
I don’t know about you but I need to go for a walk after yesterday. Why are my eyes always bigger than my stomach? Anyway, come for a walk with me around the Azalea Bowl of Callaway Gardens. Don’t worry, although it is late autumn, there is always something to capture the attention of my camera.
After parking the car we walk through the small garden at the start of one of the trails. The sun is penetrating through the trees highlighting the late autumn plantings. If you want to soak it all in, have a seat next to me before we set off on our adventure.
Autumn Seat Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 1600
Ok, ready now? Good. Let’s go…
Although winter is fast approaching, the autumn colors are still holding on and giving us plenty to see. Don’t forget to look up. There are opportunities all around us.
Primary Colors Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/1000s, f/2.8, ISO 100
Sometimes, in my rush to get a sunrise, I forget I need to wait for the sun to climb higher in the sky and allow it to illuminate a scene. Earlier in the day these leaves would not stand out against the sky as well as they do. Direct light is better than the side light of the morning for these leaves.
Let’s keep walking down the trail toward the water. I’m thinking I’ll be able to find a reflection or two. Wait! What is that bright pink flashing at me. Wow, still a few azaleas fighting off the impending cold. I can’t pass up this opportunity. I don’t think anyone will be upset if we venture off the trail just a little.
Emphasize Me Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 140
Totally worth it!
Oh, wow! Most of the leaves have fallen but it looks like the yellows are being stubborn. I knew there would be a reflection for me. Good light, good color. OK, take my time. Work all the angles. We are not in a hurry. First a little back light, then some side light and then full on spotlight. That works…
Around Azalea Bowl #1 Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/80s, 31mm, f/8, ISO 100
Around Azalea Bowl #2 Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/80s, 29mm, f/8, ISO 100
Around Azalea Bowl #3 Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/80s, 36mm, f/8, ISO 100
I see a little more color along the trail up ahead. Shall we continue? Great! Oh cool, more azaleas and one very sedate bug. I think he wins the don’t blink contest.
Leave Me Be Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/200s, f/3.3, ISO 100
It isn’t much further. I see a few more images ahead of us. Come on, watch your step as we look up again…
Complementary Colors Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/2000s, f/2.8, ISO 100
Maybe because I’m of Swedish descent or maybe the complementary colors call to me, but I really like the yellow on blue. Don’t quit on me now, I see one last image I want to capture. Morning dew, back light and a soft focus. Yep, that is a good one.
Take my hand, I’ll put the camera in the bag and we’ll walk along the trail enjoying the sights…
Glow Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/3.5, ISO 110
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