Tag Archives: landscape

Running Around Rome

Posted by Mike on

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…

East Dominick
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1.3s, 19mm, f/11, ISO 200

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!

Bellamy in the Morning
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 0.8s, 13mm, f/11, ISO 100

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.

From Across the Water
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 0.6s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 100

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…

G’morning Mohawk Valley
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/15s, 17mm, f/11, ISO 100

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.

The Mighty Mohawk Valley
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/15s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 100

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.

Exploring the Sunset

Posted by Mike on

Delta Lake State Park

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.

Arrival
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/160s, 19mm, f/11, ISO 200

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.

Seeker
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/100s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

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…

Moving In
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/80s, 17mm, f/11, ISO 200

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.

Hole in the Clouds
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/30s, 19mm, f/11, ISO 200

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.

Growing Darker
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/13s, 17mm, f/11, ISO 200

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.

Is That Rain?
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/6s, 17mm, f/11, ISO 200

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…

Pixley Falls Zoom

Posted by Mike on

Wordless Wednesday
Monochrome
Pixley Falls State Park

Pixley Falls 1
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 0.5s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 100
Pixley Falls 2
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 0.4s, 26mm, f/11, ISO 100
Pixley Falls 3
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 0.4s, 28mm, f/11, ISO 100

Another Walk

Posted by Mike on

Mohawk River Trail – Heading North

Late Sunday morning was the perfect time for another walk. This time when I left my apartment I headed North along the Mohawk River Trail from Olney’s Flower Shop. This section of the trail has not been paved yet (not positive if it will be) but it is a section that follows the old Black River Canal.

On the left of this image would be the Mohawk River and on the right is the remains of the canal. I know, you can’t really see those features but trust me, they are there… 🙂

The Path
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 60mm f/2.8, 1/125s, f/11, ISO 200

The subjects for my camera were not as plentiful along this section of the trail. I did find a great area which has been populated by daffodils. I’m not positive if the homeowner up along the boulevard created the area or if it naturally occurred from the large flower beds behind the house. Either way, it allowed me to grab a quick pic or two…

Daffodil
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 60mm f/2.8, 1/3200s, f/2.8, ISO 200

I have a few more images to share but I’m running out of time this morning. I’ll save those for another day…

Spring Falls

Posted by Mike on

Pixley Falls State Park
Monochrome

It wasn’t the big trip to Ithaca for another State Park day but it was a beautiful afternoon here in Central NY. The small park north of Rome is open all year so I didn’t have any worries I couldn’t get in. Considering it was a week day, I didn’t think there would be too many people I would have to work around. Pixley Falls packs quite a lot to explore into a small area. The namesake waterfall was my focus…

Spring Falls
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/4s, 13mm, f/11, ISO 100

Where Oh Where Did The Waterfall Go

Posted by Mike on

Chittenango Falls State Park

I think I forget this lesson at least once a year. If a park has a website check it out before you drive there. If I had followed that advice I might have saved myself a drive to Chittenango Falls. On the other hand I would have deprived myself of a beautiful afternoon.

I immediately found out the gorge trail was closed. I understand why. The amount of water flowing over the falls was epic. To say I wasn’t a little disappointed would be lying.

I get it. It is for my own safety. There was a lot of water. The roar was intense.

I walked in a direction of the park I have never visited. I was rewarded with a scene I did not know existed. I feel the water in this stream dries up during the summer. I will check it more often now that I know where to look.

Unknown View
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 0.8s, 34mm, f/11, ISO 100

It was a beautiful day. The park was not crowded. I’m already here, might as well explore. There are images to capture.

I stop at the overlook next to the top of the waterfall. Damn. That is a lot of water. And yet, I’m amazed that there are portions of trees clinging to the rocks. I wonder how long they can hold on before they end up at the base of the waterfall, or further downstream.

I head upstream.

The view of Chittenango Creek as it works its way toward the great plunge.

Bring it to the Fall
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/13s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

There are trails on the left side of the creek. There is only a partial trail on the right. I head right. The view at the turn in the creek should be worth a look. I’m hoping there isn’t so much water that I can’t get close enough with the camera.

Going Upstream
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/8s, 30mm, f/8, ISO 200

I wait here as there is a person with their dog currently standing at the spot I want. I’m in no hurry. The sounds of the water are relaxing. I should sit down. Soak it all in.

Oh look, they moved on. My turn.

There is a larger opening through the trees here. I can capture a wider view.

Bonus!

A couple showed up on the opposite side of the creek. They are out exploring as well. If I wait a few minutes I can include them in the image. I don’t normally include people but for this view they add scale. They don’t stand still. My shutter isn’t fast enough as I prefer to blur the water. Oh well, they will have to be slightly blurry…

Look at that view
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/6s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

Back toward the waterfall. I wonder how far I can go on the opposite side. I would still like to get a view of the falls to show the water. I stop on the bridge to get the opposite view to the one above. The last few feet of creek before it heads into the gorge.

Heading for a Fall
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/8s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

Most of the trail on the right side of the park is closed. Understandable. Again, disappointing, but I get it. So much for a grand view of the waterfall. I can still convey the power. I have to let go of the “iconic” view and find the image. Finish the story…

The top of the 167′ cascade waterfall. Can you hear the roar?

Going Over
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/10s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200
The Bridge Down Below
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/8s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 200

If you look closely at the second image you can see the pedestrian bridge over the creek below. I typically setup on the right side of that bridge to capture the view of the waterfall. Check out an iconic view when the water isn’t so powerful… Simple Beauty.

I took today off from work. My original plan was to drive to Ithaca and walk a few of the state parks. After my experience at Chittenango Falls I checked out the websites for the parks and found the trails I want to walk are not open yet. There is one park I could visit but I will wait until I can make a day of it.

I’ll still take the day off. I’m betting the views at Pixley Falls are worth a look. I’ll let you know…

Let’s find an image

Posted by Mike on

Bellamy Harbor Park

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.

First Look
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/100s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 200

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.

Down Low
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/100s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 200

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…

How about portrait
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/40s, 27mm, f/11, ISO 200

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.

Sunburst
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/40s, 22mm, f/11, ISO 200

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!

The Other Side
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/30s, 17mm, f/11, ISO 200

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…

Pavilion and Tower
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/20s, 19mm, f/11, ISO 200
Toward the East
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/20s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

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…

Grand View
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/20s, 21mm, f/11, ISO 200

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…

The One
Olympus E-M1 MK III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 0.3s, 29mm, f/16, ISO 200

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…