Tag Archives: landscape

Stormy Sunrise Over The Mohawk Valley

Posted by Mike on

Mohawk Valley

I did something yesterday morning that I have not done in a long time. I stopped for a picture. I had been watching the sunrise progress as I drove to work and near the last turn rather than go left to work I went right to the top of a hill to capture the sunrise over the Mohawk Valley. It might sound weird but I generally get to work around 5:30am (officially I do not have to be there until 7am) and I always feel that if I am not there early then I am late. Yesterday, I allowed myself to be “late” to work.

Stormy Sunrise Over The Mohawk Valley Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.8s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 100

Stormy Sunrise Over The Mohawk Valley
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.8s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 100

Peaceful Creek

Posted by Mike on

Oriskany Creek

Friday was another beautiful day here in Upstate NY. I don’t want to jinx us but we have been enjoying a string of beautiful days and I took full advantage of the one we had yesterday. Originally I had to take a half day off of work to help my daughter get to a meeting for her summer research position as well as her (what is now a second job!) scheduled shift at Price Chopper. There was a little mix-up with the times but everything worked out for the best. What it did allow is for me to go exploring on my way home before having to get her to work.

As much as I love the Autumn and the colors of the changing leaves, I think I love the new budding leaves in the Spring just as much. The new green leaves against the dark, winter worn limbs always looks great to me. Through in some water reflections and I will click the shutter release all day. The leaves hit that sweet spot on Friday so stopping at Oriskany Creek was now a must do as I worked my way home. Midday isn’t always the best time to capture a picture but I think this one turned out OK.

Peaceful Creek Nikon D7100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 1/13s, 66mm, f/16, ISO 100

Peaceful Creek
Nikon D7100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 1/13s, 66mm, f/16, ISO 100

Broken Road

Posted by Mike on

Walk Around the Block

I decided it was the perfect day yesterday to get off my butt and go for a walk around the block. I’m sure I’ve mentioned before that one lap around my block is four miles. I grabbed the camera, put on the walking shoes and headed out. I could not have wished for a better day. Temperature was around 75 degrees with a nice gentle breeze. I took my time and stopped often for pictures. What a great day! I also discovered that it isn’t what you see but how you see it…

Broken Road Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/1000s, 17mm, f/5.6, ISO 200

Broken Road
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/1000s, 17mm, f/5.6, ISO 200

Cloudy Sunset

Posted by Mike on

Delta Lake State Park

What a glorious evening! Last night the temperature, the wind, the approaching clouds and the sunset all combined to create a wonderful time at Delta Lake State Park. I knew driving home that I would be jumping right back out after dinner. It is still very early in the season so I practically had the park to myself. I brought home quite a collection of images from my short exploration. This wide-angle view of the lake is about 15 minutes before the actual sunset.

Cloudy Sunset Nikon D7100, Tokia 12-28mm f/4, 1/8s, 15mm, f/16, ISO 100

Cloudy Sunset
Nikon D7100, Tokia 12-28mm f/4, 1/8s, 15mm, f/16, ISO 100

Looking East

Posted by Mike on

Expedition Everest, Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Looking East Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/1250s, 85mm, f/5.6, ISO 400

Looking East
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/1250s, 85mm, f/5.6, ISO 400

Harper’s Mill

Posted by Mike on

Frontierland, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Generally, visitors to the Disney theme parks are in a rush to get to the next big attraction. I get that. Not everyone has my fanaticism about Disney nor does everyone have the opportunity to travel there like I do. When we first started going with the kids I was the same way. Drag everybody to the park at opening and don’t leave until you have seen it all. Time was short and there was a lot to do.

Since I have embraced this photography addiction (maybe passion would be better) I see the theme parks differently. I see the amazing detail that is prevalent throughout the parks. The hidden gems, the out-of-the-way nooks only discovered by those few slowing down to truly explore. Maybe it is also part of getting older (yes, I said it!) but I have learned some patience too. This probably comes from the fact that I know I will be back and if I skip something today it will be enjoyed next visit.

One of those exploring gems is Tom Sawyer’s Island in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom. You need to travel to the island by log raft but once you arrive there is a lot to discover. I have spent many an afternoon exploring the island and I know there is still more to find. I’m looking forward to embracing the inner child as I search for my next hidden treasure.

Here is a view of Harper’s Mill on the island from the dock across the Rivers of America…

Harper's Mill Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/250s, 58mm, f/8, ISO 200

Harper’s Mill
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/250s, 58mm, f/8, ISO 200

First of the Season – Pixley Falls

Posted by Mike on

Pixley Falls State Park

There was no way I was letting a beautiful Sunday afternoon go to waste. As soon as lunch was done I packed up the camera & tripod and headed toward Pixley Falls. I have been waiting all winter for the state parks to open. Granted I visited Delta Lake often enough over the winter but there are only a few parks open all year and I am ready to start exploring.

There is not much green in the landscape yet so the images are a little colorless but I tried to focus on the water and rocks best I could. There is one tributary stream that has more than its fair share of moss so I did manage to squeeze in a little green. Hoping the warmer weather is going to jump start the grass and leaves. I am planning on revisiting a few of my favorite parks this summer.  Of course, there are numerous parks I have not visited yet which necessitates even more trips this year.  🙂

But for now, here are a few images of the water falls that can be found at Pixley…

Pixley Falls - Main Falls Nikon D7100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 1/5s, 24mm, f/16, ISO 100

Pixley Falls – Main Falls
Nikon D7100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 1/5s, 24mm, f/16, ISO 100

Pixley Falls - Tributary 1 Nikon D7100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 0.5s, 24mm, f/16, ISO 100

Pixley Falls – Tributary 1
Nikon D7100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 0.5s, 24mm, f/16, ISO 100

Pixley Falls - Tributary 2 Nikon D7100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 1.6s, 24mm, f/16, ISO 100

Pixley Falls – Tributary 2
Nikon D7100, Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5, 1.6s, 24mm, f/16, ISO 100